The dress and veil hung perfectly on Jorden’s slender frame. She couldn’t believe the reflection in the mirror. She touched her face and ran her fingers along the creamy white satin material. “This really is me.”

Darby affectionately squeezed Jorden’s shoulders. “My mother would be proud. This dress was always meant for you and Matt.” Darby placed one more hairpin in the veil to secure it. “It’s your day to shine and you will.” Emma Lynn straightened the train on the wedding gown with her eyes tearing up. Darby reached down and touched Emma Lynn’s forearm. “Come on, we all need a hug to celebrate this special day.” The bridesmaids encircled Jorden.

For the finishing touch, Madison handed Jorden her wedding bouquet. White roses and daises were interspersed with baby’s breath.

“How gorgeous!” Jorden grinned at Madison. “No catching this one—you’ve got Luke.”

At the same moment Nora barged into the dressing area. “Oh, Miss Marshall, how beautiful you look. I knew I was right about you and Matt.”

Jorden gave Nora a bear hug. “You sure were.”

“Oh no! I’m squashing your flowers. I better go before Mama catches me.” Everyone laughed as Nora bolted out the door. The organist began to play.

“Our cue,” Darby spoke up. “We need to begin the wedding procession.”

Emma Lynn blew Jorden a kiss.

Bobbette reached out to Jorden and pointed to the door. “Dad’s waiting in the hall.”

“Thanks.” Jorden nodded as her sister followed the others out.

Grant Marshall greeted his daughter with a huge embrace. “Honey, don’t cry. You’ll mess up your pretty face.” He reached down and kissed her forehead. “You know I couldn’t stay away.”

Jorden hugged her father back tightly—then her nerves exploded when she heard the organist begin the wedding march.

Her father smiled at her. “It’s your time.”

A huge smile lit up Jorden’s face. She grabbed her Father’s arm. “Let’s do this.”

Arm in arm they walked down the aisle toward Matt and the wedding party.

***

At the end of the reception, Jorden and Matt drove off in his white Dodge Dart with a Just Married sign attached to the bumper.

“Well, Mrs. Ulster—we did it!”

Jorden leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Yes we did!”

Epilogue

Epilogue

Years Later

Jorden looked up at the gathering and smiled. Matt was chasing Jamie, the one grandchild who was too quick for him.

“Come on, Dad, are you going to let my twelve year old beat you?” Their daughter yelled.

“Never!” Matt called out. “I’m still winning.”

Jamie stepped up his pace and quickly passed his grandfather. “Too bad, Pops, you don’t have it anymore. I’m faster!”

“Admit it, old man,” Jorden laughed.

“Not me. I’ll never slow down!” Matt circled back to Jorden and grabbed her. “I can still catch you.”