It wasn’t long before Pastor and Mrs. Jenkins showed up. They were over the moon with excitement for Addie’s big day.
“I have to say this is my first hospital wedding,” he told her. “When Isaac asked me to do this, I had never before considered performing such a ceremony.”
“But he quickly forgot about the oddity and said yes because it’s you,” Selma said, coming to give Addie a kiss on the cheek. “Just look at you! As pretty as a bride should be. Why, you fairly glow, and your bruises are fading nicely.”
Addie nodded. “I feel so happy. I cannot imagine being happier.”
“You can never tell what God has in mind,” Selma replied. “Pearl, did you arrange her hair?”
“I did.”
Selma nodded. “It’s quite lovely.”
“She brought this wedding gown too. It was hers,” Addie said.
“I see you had to open the sleeve for the cast, but it doesn’t detract at all.”
“Where’s your soon-to-be husband?” the pastor asked.
“I suppose he’ll be along any moment,” Addie said.
Two minutes later, Isaac strolled into the room as if he didn’t have a care in the world. He was dressed impeccably in a navy blue suit, white shirt, and blue striped tie. Behindhim were his sister and brother-in-law, and, to Addie’s utmost delight, his two nieces. Each of the girls was dressed in matching pink gowns with white collars and big bows that tied at the waist.
“Mina and Lena—what a surprise,” she said, smiling. “And aren’t you two pretty.”
Isaac stopped short, causing Elizabeth to run into him. “What in the world?” she said as her husband helped to right her.
Addie shifted her focus from the children to Isaac. His sister laughed and gave Addie a grin.
“He’s clearly been captivated by the bride,” Elizabeth said. “Although we’ve never met, let me compliment you, Addie. You look quite beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Addie replied, never taking her gaze off Isaac.
It was clear he approved. He just stared at her without saying a word, making Pastor Jenkins roar with laughter. “You’ve dumbfounded him, Addie. He’s purely stunned by just how pretty you are.”
Isaac stepped forward and held out his hand to Addie. She grasped it and drew him closer to kiss his hand.
“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, Addie.”
“She’s a real princess,” Mina said, holding out a bouquet of roses. “Mama let us pick these for you.”
Addie had no desire to let go of Isaac’s hand, but she didn’t want to be rude to the child. She took the offered flowers and lifted them to her face. The rich, sweet aroma was heavenly. “They’re so lovely and smell so good.”
Mina gave a twirl. “I knew they’d be just right.”
“Just right,” Lena parroted.
“And so they are. Thank you so much for thinking of me.”
“Sorry for being late,” Otis said, huffing and puffing as he came to join them. “I thought I might not get here at all. The trolley was terribly overcrowded.”
“Well, it doesn’t matter because you’re here now,” Pearl said. She dusted some lint from his suit coat and straightened his tie. “I believe we’re ready now.”
“Then let us join together in prayer,” Pastor Jenkins said, bowing his head.
The ceremony was short but covered all the important matters of pledging their lives together and promising to love each other. The press was allowed in after that and immediately began asking questions and taking a few photographs.
“How do you feel about having a hospital wedding, Mrs. Hanson?” the reporter asked.
