Jared tossed a tan summer dress to the bed, and I scrambled to put it on, knowing better than anyone that Jared wasn’t mistaken about things like time. I pulled my hair into a messy ponytail, and then stood awkwardly while Jared opened the tin door. A line of villagers made their way to our casita, led by a frazzled-looking Beth. She held a white garment bag, and when her eyes met mine, her smile widened to its limit.

“Beth!” I said, rushing down the steps. Mud squished between my bare toes as I ran to her, enveloping her in my arms. Her auburn hair was damp, plastered to her forehead and cheeks. She was sweaty and red-faced, trying to catch her breath as Chad pulled the garment bag from her fingers.

“She wouldn’t let anyone else carry it,” he said, shaking his head. He held the bag out for Jared, but Beth quickly grabbed it back, smacking his hand away.

“Jared can’t see it!” she said. She held the long bag up, away from the mud, but behind her to protect it from Jared’s hands.

Jared was amused. “I won’t look, Beth. I’m going to take Chad to the chapel now. You two have the whole day.”

I shouldn’t have been surprised—Jared could arrange anything—but I was speechless. Beth and Chad had arrived just eight hours after us.

“How did you…?” I began.

Jared’s smile widened. “We’ve taken care of everything. I didn’t want you stressed.”

“We…?” I frowned, more confused.

“Mom is waiting for me at the chapel. See you there.” He grinned from ear to ear. I’d never seen him so happy. He leaned down to kiss my cheek, and then gestured for Chad to follow.

“You’ve maneuvered a motorcycle before?”

Chad paused. “Yeah. Why?”

“It’s a bit of a drive.” Jared patted Chad on the shoulder, encouraging him along. Poor Chad seemed totally out of his element. Even though the men weren’t that close, I had full confidence in my husband-to-be to make Chad feel at ease. That responsibility would serve as double duty to soothe Jared’s nerves.

“Wait ‘til you see this dress!” Beth squealed, pulling me inside. She hooked the bag onto a wooden lip above the closet, and then rubbed her sore shoulder. “It was a long, muddy walk.”

“It is,” I nodded. “Would you like me to get some ice for your shoulder?”

Beth’s eyes lit up again. She pulled down the zipper of the garment bag, turning to me.

I blinked in disbelief. “That’s the…um…”

Beth’s eyes were wild with excitement. “The dress from the magazine that you picked out two years ago? Yes!”

“But...how is it here? How did he….”