He’s a Father to the fatherless.
I thought of the Scripture Nevaeh had sent me. Did that include motherless as well? Though I didn’t know where my dad was either. Both of my parents had checked out of the parenthood department.
“What kind of wedding would you want?” Dr. Collier asked.
Great question. WhatdidI want? I mulled over the question and instantly knew. “Something simple. Something with my family and closest friends. I don’t need to invite tons of people or go all out on décor. Just knowing I’d be marrying the person God sent me would be enough.”
“Aww, Dr. Kennedy, you’re a romantic at heart.” She nudged me with her shoulder, then froze. “I’m so sorry. I did it out of habit. I know you’re my superior and...” She gulped. “I’m sorry,” she squeaked.
“It’s okay, Dr. Collier.” I huffed out a laugh. “I never thought of myself as a romantic, but I think you might be right.” I pointed to her phone. “And the idea of wearing my sister’s wedding dress would mean the world to me.”
Sympathy crossed her face. “I can imagine your sister would be happy to be connected with you on that special day in that way.”
“I think she would too.” My throat felt raw, but my heart was full.
Now all I wanted to do was rush home and try on Ellynn’s wedding dress. Would it fit me?
Dr. Collier and I parted ways, but my mind constantly went back to the dress hanging in the back of my closet. This felt like a sign from God. Had Chris woken up and had a similar thought? I stopped in the corridor and pulled out my phone.
Erykah
Thinking of you.
Chris
You beat me to the punch. I just opened our thread to text you the same thing.
Erykah
Now I can get through the rest of the day knowing you’re thinking of me.
Chris
I won’t stop.
Erykah
??
“Dr. Kennedy, I’ve been looking for you.”
I looked up at the sound of my boss’s voice. “Everything okay, sir?”
“Yes, yes, just fine.” Dr. Cook studied me. “Uh, I have something in my possession I wondered if you had use for.”
“What’s that?” I straightened.
“My dad’s wedding ring. Something kept telling me this should be yours.” He winced. “I’m not trying to get into your business. I try to be professional but also as personable as possible, so please don’t take this the wrong way. And if you have no use for it, I completely understand.”
I bit my lip. Every time God showed me He saw me, He heard me, overwhelming gratitude consumed me. How could the God of the universe care enough for me when my own parents never had?Maybe that’s why His love is such a balm.
“May I see it?”
“Yes.” Relief smoothed his brow. He dug through his pocket, pulled out a little black box, and passed it to me.
With a flip of a lid, I stared at the simple wedding band inside. The silver band had a cross in the center and two anchors hanging from it. It was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.
“I love it,” I whispered.
