Father, please... I don’t even know what to pray. Help us not to fear. Help us to be strong and courageous. Show us what You would have us do to stop the evil and hatred that keep growing.
She blinked as warm tears escaped the corners of her eyes. The world had become something she didn’t recognize. But she could stand firm. Like Daniel in the Old Testament.
She prayed others would rise up.
It only took a few.
epilogue
London—Sunday, December 25, 1938
The small chapel was decorated for the season with green boughs and beautiful candles. Rick stood at the front with the reverend as Melanie practically skipped around the room lighting each candle. He could relate to her jubilee on this day. It was hard enough to keep his own feet still. Or from grinning like a fool.
As soon as all the candles were lit, Mel disappeared through a door. A woman with a violin appeared next and walked toward them. She took her place in the corner behind Rick and began to play Beethoven’sOde to Joy.
Melanie reappeared with a small bouquet of flowers from the hothouse and took the ten or so steps to the front.
And then... there she was.
Chaisley.
His bride.
Dressed in a beautiful white gown. Simple. Elegant. Perfectly Chaisley.
Dr. Grafton took her arm and the two of them walked to the front of the small chapel.
The violinist finished the piece.
Rick couldn’t take his eyes off the woman God had so graciously given him.
“I can feel you staring at me.” Chaisley’s soft giggle made him blink.
“Ahem.” The reverend cleared his throat. “We are gathered here today in the presence of God to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”
Dr. Grafton placed Chaisley’s hands into Rick’s.
His mouth went dry as his heart picked up its pace. Was he supposed to say something here?
The sparkle in Chaisley’s eyes calmed him. Why was he so nervous? Keep breathing.Nice and slow. Not too fast.
The message was short, and Rick couldn’t even remember what was said, but it must have been good. Then they each were instructed to repeat after the reverend to say the vows.
Vows that, up to this point, Rick had heard at numerous weddings and thought for sure he could say in his sleep. Vows he had longed to say to Chaisley. But nerves abounded on this special day, and he found his heart in his throat.
His voice cracked, and his mouth felt like it was filled with sand. “...’til death do us part.” Whew. He made it through without too much of a stumble.
Chaisley squeezed his hands. She appeared as calm as she always did right before a concert. How did she do it?
“You may now kiss your bride, Mr. Zimmerman.” The reverend’s voice had changed from serious to chipper.
Rick glanced at him out of the corner of his eye.
“That’s your cue, young man.” The older man winked.
Melanie, Dr. Grafton, Celestia, and the violinist laughed softly.
But they all disappeared as he pulled Chaisley into his arms. His lips met hers in a sweet promise of their vows. He tugged her closer. A perfect fit.
