The drive to Polson passed quickly. When they reached the hospital, Isabel and Frank were waiting for them in the main lobby.
“Matt’s upstairs in the rehabilitation area,” Isabel said, gesturing toward the elevators.
“Have Kathleen and Patrick arrived?” Susan asked.
Frank nodded as they walked across the lobby. “They got here a few minutes ago. We told them to go upstairs while we wait for you.”
The rehabilitation wing was surprisingly quiet for mid-afternoon. A nurse directed them toward a room at the end of the corridor. Frank knocked twice before opening the door.
Matt sat in a wheelchair near the window, wearing a charcoal suit with a crisp white shirt and burgundy tie. His hair was combed back, and his recently trimmed beard gave him a distinguished appearance. But it was his eyes that made Susan wonder what was going on. They sparkled with barely contained emotion.
Stephanie stood beside her dad’s wheelchair, beaming with pride. Carol from the shelter was there too, along with Amy and her family, all dressed more formally than you would for a hospital visit.
Susan looked across at Kathleen and Patrick. “What’s happening?” she asked.
Before anyone could reply, hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway. Pastor John appeared in the doorway, slightly disheveled and apologetic.
“I’m really sorry,” he said, catching his breath. “I was on the other side of Polson and there’s road construction near Jette. The detour added thirty minutes to my journey.”
Susan’s eyes widened. If Pastor John was here…. She turned to study Matt more carefully, noticing the details she’d originally overlooked. He’d attached a small rose to the lapel of his jacket, and he looked more nervous than she’d ever seen him.
“You’re getting married,” she whispered, wonder coloring her voice. “Today. Right now.”
Matt smiled. “Lynda and I decided that we’ve waited long enough.” He gestured toward the door they’d just come through. “The hospital chapel is along the corridor and to the right. Lynda’s waiting in a room just off to the side. She wanted to see you, Kathleen, and Isabel before the ceremony.”
Susan looked at Paul.
“You go,” he said. “I’ll wait for you in the chapel with Frank and Patrick.”
Susan’s heart hammered with unexpected emotion as she made her way to the chapel with her friends. “Did you know about this?” she asked Isabel and Kathleen.
Kathleen shook her head. “I didn’t have a clue. What about you, Izzy?”
“Me neither. Although, I was a little suspicious when Lynda stopped talking about marrying Matt. I thought they must have postponed the wedding until he’s fully recovered.”
The chapel was a lovely room. A large stained-glass window shone soft amber, red, and yellow light across the wooden floor. Someone had added white bows to the back of the aisle chairs, and a colorful flower arrangement sat at the front of the chapel.
Isabel ran her hand along the top of one of the wooden chairs. “This is nicer than I thought it would be.”
Kathleen nodded. “I imagine a lot of heartfelt prayers are said here.”
Susan nodded. Over the years, she’d seen her fair share of hospital chapels. And each time, she’d been relieved to have somewhere safe, peaceful, and quiet to sit and reflect on what was happening to someone she cared about.
Isabel walked across the room. “Lynda must be through here.”
They stepped inside the small room and found Lynda standing in front of a full-length mirror.
The wedding gown she’d bought in Bozeman looked just as incredible as it had all those weeks ago. From the soft V neckline to the flowing skirt, Lynda looked like a radiant bride.
Susan sighed. “You’re beautiful, Lynda.”
“Stunning,” Kathleen agreed, her own voice thick with emotion.
Isabel simply pulled Lynda into a fierce embrace. “I’m so happy for you and Matt.”
Lynda eyes were brimming with unshed tears. “I know this is a surprise,” she began, her voice quavering slightly. “But Matt and I decided we didn’t want to wait for a perfect moment in the distant future to get married. He’s fought so hard to recover, and I refuse to postpone our lives together for another day.”
She picked up three bouquets that were sitting on a nearby table. The winter roses, evergreen sprigs, and delicate white flowers were gorgeous.
