“He’s the spittin’ image of his ma.How could anyone not love him?Now, let’s get you dressed before you go gettin’ sick on me again or gettin’ cold feet and runnin’ off like you did before.I ain’t never gonna forgive you for that.That fellow was torn up when I saw him.”
Elizabeth hugged the big black woman.“I love you, Sally.And I’m not going to run off.Just think, soon you’ll have two babies to tend.”
“I'll be lookin’ forward to a new baby.But probably goin’ to have to convince all those people that attended your weddin’ last time.”
Sally helpedElizabeth dress in her lovely gown.The bodice had an off-the-shoulders top made with delicate Brussels lace.The long satin skirt fell to the floor.The prettiest part was around the hemline.The seamstresses had embroidered pink roses connected by snowy pearls.She would wear a simple wreath of roses around her head to hold her veil, and carry a single pink rose in honor of her mother.
Elizabeth had forgotten how lovely the gown actually was.As she gave herself a final look in the mirror, Dawson rushed in, dressed as a miniature Jonathan.
“You’re pretty,” Dawson told her.“Look at me.”
“You are very handsome.”She bent down and gave him a kiss.“You be a good boy in church.And do everything that Jonathan and Uncle Adam tell you.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Dawson said.He kissed her again and ran out of the room.
Elizabeth sighed as she stood.“He’s growing up too fast.”
“They all grow up too fast, Miz Elizabeth.”
“It’s such a pretty day, Sally.I’m going to walk to the chapel.”
“Well, ifen you goin’ to walk, I’m comin’ too so you don’t go messin’ up that pretty gown.”
They waited a half hour until they were sure everyone was at the church, then Sally and Elizabeth headed toward the chapel with Sally holding the back of Elizabeth’s gown so it wouldn’t get dirty.“Hear the birds singing, Sally.”
“Birds are always singin’, Miz Elizabeth.”
“But today is special.The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, the air smells wonderful.”Elizabeth sighed.“I think I’m in love.”
Sally chuckled.“In love or just plum crazy.”
They climbed the steps of the beautiful gray stone chapel that sat in a grove of pecan trees.Wildflowers surrounded the church on all sides and provided a colorful array.
She went into the small room to wait.The room brought back many memories, some not so good.Had she made a mistake the first time?She would never know.
This was it.Now or never, she thought.She said a small prayer that her legs would support her during the walk down the aisle.The closer the time drew near, the more nervous she became.So much so that the thought of running crossed her mind.
Jonathan knewit was his imagination, but it seemed that everyone’s gaze was on him.
They were probably wondering—would she or wouldn’t she?And the closer the time got, the more apprehensive he became.Surely Elizabeth wouldn’t run out on him again.She couldn’t possibly make him look like a fool twice.He glanced to the back of the church.Wasn’t it time for her to appear?
Adam leaned over to Jonathan.“She will show this time.”
“How can you be so sure?”Jonathan asked.
“Because we have some insurance this time.”Adam looked down at Dawson.“We have Dawson.”
Dawson glanced up at Jonathan and smiled.He was tugging on the neck of his shirt Jonathan bent down and loosened the collar for the child.
Jonathan let out a slow breath, feeling much better.Elizabeth Trent would never run out on her child.
The music began.The doorway was empty.
The congregation turned in their seats and looked to the back of the church.Suddenly, Elizabeth was in the doorway and walking toward him.
She was beautiful.A vision in white.And she was here.She hadn’t run.She was actually coming down the aisle.Was that a sigh of relief he heard from the priest?Jonathan smiled.
And then, as if in a dream, Elizabeth was beside him, holding his hand.
