As the four of them exited the bridal room, the corridor leading to the tiny chapel was awash with soft light filtering in from the large window behind the altar.
Lila couldn’t help but smile.
The day ahead was not just a celebration of Reva’s union with Kellen, but a tribute to the journey they had shared—a journey marked with laughter, support, and the unbreakable bond of friendship.
2
“Inow pronounce you husband and wife.” Pastor Pete gave a triumphant smile. “Kellen, you may now kiss your bride.”
Kellen’s grin rivaled Pete’s as he drew Reva into an embrace and sealed their promises with a kiss.
Little Lucan could be still no longer. He wrangled free of Aunt Mo’s arms and scrambled from the front row to join the happy couple. “Me some. Me kiss!”
Laughter rang out as Kellen scooped the little boy into his arms and planted a kiss on one cheek while Reva brushed her lips against his other side. Lucan squealed with delight.
Pastor Pete closed his Bible. With a wide smile, he announced, “We’ll see everyone at Thunder Mountain’s new Community Center for the reception.”
The guests filtered out of the tiny chapel, including Lila and her daughter. “That was beautiful, wasn’t it Mom?”
Lila responded with a gentle nod. “Yes, it really was.”
Camille swung her purse and smiled. “Especially when Pastor Pete quoted Dory inFinding Nemo. ‘When I look at you, I can feel it. I look at you, and I’m home.’”
Settling into her car, Lila reflected on her daughter’s sentimentality and affection for the popular Disney movie. When she was little, she’d watched the film over and over, worried that the rambunctious orange fish would never find its way back. Every time the ending credits would roll, she’d turn and say, “Again, Mommy. Play it again.”
A wave of introspection washed over Lila. She looked over in the direction of the passenger seat. Despite being single all these years, she had Camille. Her daughter was her heart’s home.
Minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of the new Community Center.
The center was Reva’s latest crowning achievement. She and the rest of the city team had worked diligently for months on the plans and construction. Even when Reva’s office flooded and had to be rebuilt, she never missed a beat and brought the project in on time. It was only fitting that the first event to be held would be Reva’s wedding reception.
Inside, Oma Griffith, Betty Dunning, and Dorothy Vaughn were busy guiding everyone into the multi-purpose hall. The large space was decorated with pastel balloons and crepe paper streamers, an instant indication that Reva had turned over the décor to these ladies known as the Knit Wits—a group of much-loved town women who fashioned baby booties, lap blankets, and even dog coats made with multi-colored yarn…all made with love with sales proceeds donated to a benevolence fund maintained down at the bank to help neighbors in need.
Tables cloaked in elegant linens graced the southern wall, each one brimming with an array of potluck dishes, demonstrating Reva’s thoughtful decision to set aside her refined tastes in favor of fostering a sense of community inclusion on her special day.
The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, laughter, and the soft hum of heartfelt conversations as the townsfolk of Thunder Mountain gathered to celebrate Reva and Kellen’s wedding.
Pastor Pete, having led the ceremony earlier, stood by his wife, Annie. “Wasn’t it just beautiful, Annie? Reva and Kellen, side by side, it’s a match blessed from above,” he remarked, his voice filled with emotion.
Annie, her eyes sparkling with happiness, squeezed his hand. “I agree, Pete. Truly a day of love.”
Nearby, Fleet Southcott, the town sheriff, shared a hearty laugh with Wooster Cavendish, the town banker, and his wife, Nicola, who had a penchant for gossip. Nicola leaned to Dot Montgomery. “You didn’t hear it from me, but Kellen has planned the most extravagant honeymoon. A trip to Maui! Can you imagine? Reva has no idea. She thinks they’re going to Sun Valley, Idaho!”
Dot’s eyes widened. “You don’t say!”
Nicola smugly nodded. “Oh, yes. Apparently, a couple who stayed out at Charlie Grace’s Teton Trails Guest Ranch when it first opened will be hosting them at one of the guest houses at their pineapple plantation. And they are going to a big luau that is run by the lady’s best friend.” Her hand went to her chest. “I would die to take that trip.”
Reva, radiant in her wedding dress, was a vision of happiness as she moved through the room, her new husband at her side. Her friends, Charlie Grace, Lila, and Capri formed a tight-knit circle around them, each one taking turns to embrace the couple.
“Oh, Reva, it’s been such a magical day,” Capri said, her eyes misty.
Charlie Grace chimed in. “We’re so happy for you two. Kellen, you better take good care of our girl.”
Kellen grinned. “I promise, nothing but the best for her.”
Verna Billingsley, Reva’s secretary, approached clumsily, nearly tripping over her own feet, a stack of napkins tumbling from her grasp. “Reva, I’m so happy for you,” she stammered as she caught herself before falling.
Reva hugged her tightly. “Thank you, Verna. Today wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
