“That might have compelled her to blame God.”
“I suppose for a time you could say she did. But she told me that she came to feel at peace with Frank’s death and God’s timing through her Scripture reading. She knew that faithrequired her to trust, even when it didn’t make sense. I can only imagine the celebration when Mama and Papa joined their boys in glory. I do hope that Grandfather is there with them now.” She glanced heavenward and smiled. “I somehow have peace that he is there.”
Roman put his hand on her cheek. “I can’t help but feel you are right. And perhaps he and my father have already embraced, and the past is set aside in the presence of our Savior.”
Tears came to her eyes. “Oh, wouldn’t that be glorious?” It was truly all she hoped for.
23
“You make the perfect bride, my dear,” Sarah Knickerbacker declared, stepping back. She and Mary Deeters had helped Judith with all the finishing touches.
Mary led Judith to the cheval mirror. “Just look for yourself.”
Judith studied her reflection for a moment. The gown of pale blue taffeta had two fringed tiers over the skirt that angled down to a point. The fringe on the skirt and bodice was done in a darker blue. The top of the gown appeared as a snug jacket with fitted sleeves. The bottom and the vee’d trim from the shoulders to the basque waist were fringed. It was exactly the fashion Judith had wanted. Simple yet elegant. A gown she could wear for other special occasions.
She turned to glimpse the bustle and then centered her gaze on the mass of brown curls pinned up in a very attractive fashion.
“Mary, you did a lovely job with my hair. Thank you both for all you’ve done to help me today.”
“It was our pleasure,” Mary said, looking to Sarah. She nodded most enthusiastically.
“I’m so happy.” Judith pressed her hands to her heart. “This is just as I had hoped for.”
“You make a beautiful bride, and Roman will be completely captivated,” Sarah declared.
“He’s already quite daffy when it comes to her.” Mary chuckled. “I’ve never seen a man so in love.”
Judith felt her cheeks flush. Roman had been most attentive, and she knew the love he felt for her matched her own for him.
“It’s time we join the others and get this wedding started,” Sarah said, heading for the door. “I’m so excited for you both and quite happy you chose our home in which to start your lives together.”
Mary handed Judith a bouquet of flowers. “I’m still so touched that you asked me to stand up with you.”
Judith gave Mary a hug. “You’ve been a dear friend to me since I arrived.”
“Well, perhaps not that long. I was quite concerned when you first showed up. I wasn’t at all sure why you were here or what you were after. I’m sorry to say, I was very suspicious of your plans.”
Laughing, Judith gave one last look in the mirror. “I knew you were. I wanted so much to say or do something to put you at ease. I had no idea of how Grandfather had treated you and the others. I don’t blame you at all for being apprehensive.”
“Your character and devotion to God quickly proved themselves. It was humbling to watch you in action and realize just how wrong I’d been about you. I hope you’ll forgive me my doubt.”
“No need for forgiveness. It was wise to be cautious.” Judith drew in a deep breath and let it out.
Mary wiped away a tear. “I’m so glad God brought you to Minnesota and to our family in particular. I know you and Roman are going to be so very happy.”
“I’m still amazed at how it all happened. Back in Philadelphia,I often thought of the fundraiser where I’d met the elusive Dr. Turner. For years I had considered how I might get in touch with him, but then I chided myself. I figured if he wanted to know me better, he would surely have done something. So I told myself I was too old for such notions of romance and falling in love.”
“You’re never too old.” They embraced once more, and then Mary opened the door of the room. “It’s time.”
Judith followed her out to the parlor, where the rest of the wedding party waited. Roman smiled as Dr. John Lester, his best man, gave him a nudge.
“Ah, our radiant bride. Come right over here and join hands with your groom,” the reverend instructed.
Judith crossed the room as Roman held out his hand. She took hold of him and felt her heart beat faster with happiness. She thought of Alden and her parents and wondered if they, along with her brothers and grandfather, were smiling down from heaven. She liked to think they might know what was happening.
Reverend Knickerbacker led them through their vows. Judith pledged her life and love to Roman and let her tears fall. The very idea of spending the rest of her days with this handsome, kindhearted man was an unexpected answer to prayer. After losing her husband, she had accepted that she might well spend the rest of her life alone, but God had blessed her with Roman.
Judith prayed for God’s protection and wisdom, knowing that the journey they were on would no doubt be fraught with many obstacles over the years. By the time they were instructed to kiss, Judith was ready to leave off with ceremonies and begin the dream.
