“That surprises me,” Marlon said. “I don’t think I’ve seen anyone more prepared for marriage.”
Lance looked at him. “I don’t understand why you’d say that. I don’t make tons of money. I don’t even have my own home.”
“Son, there are countless men with a big bankroll and a large home who aren’t prepared to be husbands,” Marlon said. “You love the Lord. You have the heart of a servant. You’re prepared for marriage the way Jesus intended.”
Lance thought about that as Marlon joined him at the window.
“Do you think everything will be done in time?” the older man asked. “I’m beginning to wonder.”
Lance chuckled lightly. “I started wondering days ago. They were able to do minor things while Kendra was here, but most of it had to wait until she was gone.” He did a slow shrug. “I don’t know. The good thing is the wedding’s not until five o’clock.”
Marlon got orange juice from the refrigerator. “And between now and five o’clock, we’ve got how many SWAT teams descending on the place?”
“I know,” Lance said. “I’m sorry it’s gotten out of hand.”
“No, no, it’s great.” Marlon gestured toward him. “Orange juice?”
“Sure,” Lance said. “Thanks.”
“There’s something very special happening here today.” He poured Lance a glass and passed it to him. “I’m grateful I’m able to see it.”
Lance wondered if Kendra’s first planned wedding went through his head, the one he wasn’t invited to.
“Join me for a minute at the table, Lance,” Marlon said. “I’d like to talk to you about something.”
Lance followed and sat across from him.
“There’s so much going on today to prepare for the wedding,” Marlon said. “I’m not sure if you’ve planned for after the wedding—specifically, moving your things into one room.”
Lance let his head fall into his hand. “I knew I was forgetting something.” He looked at Marlon. “You’re right. I need to move Kendra’s things downstairs. One more thing for the to-do list today.”
“Actually, I’m offering another alternative,” Marlon said. “I want you to take my room.”
“I can’t do that,” Lance said. “That’s your room, the one you and your wife shared for decades. There’s no way we could move in there.”
“I’ve given it a lot of thought,” Marlon said, “and it makes sense. It gives you two added privacy as a married couple.”
“Sir, we have plenty of privacy downstairs. That’ll be just fine.”
“Also,” Marlon said, “the master bedroom is the only room with its own bathroom. Kendra needs that more than anyone.”
Lance nodded. “It would be beneficial for Kendra, but I don’t think it’s a big enough deal to move you out of your space. There’s a full bathroom downstairs.”
“Okay,” Marlon said. “I was going to wait to tell you and Kendra together, but since that wasn’t enough to convince you . . .” His expression was kind. “I’m moving.”
“I didn’t realize that,” Lance said. “Are you headed overseas again?”
“No, nothing like that,” Marlon said. “I want to be near my children, all three of them. I’ve decided to buy a duplex in the neighborhood. I’m working with my Realtor on it. But in the interim, I’ll move into the lower level, and you and Kendra will take the master.” He eyed him. “And that’s my final say on the matter.”
Lance sat back in the chair, thinking. “It’s too much. Everything about this day is too much. I don’t even know what to make of it.”
“The truth is, Lance . . .” Marlon took his time. “There will be difficult days ahead. I know this firsthand. So when God gives a day like today, just live in it. It’s a marker you can look back on to remind you that God is faithful and that He’s with you every step of the way.”
Lance let the words settle. “And today is a mighty big marker.” He downed his juice and stood, his mind on his bride. “I’m praying this will be the most special day Kendra has ever known.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
KENDRA HAD AWAKENED FEELING AS SHE’D PRAYED TO FEEL—pain-free enough to get out of bed and insert herself into the day. She’d learned to function with aches, spasms, stiffness, fatigue, and the like. As long as it stayed short of debilitating, she was determined to make the most of this day.
She’d been able to eat, too, a just-right breakfast of oatmeal and bananas, with the just-right company of Cyd and Molly. It was actually kind of nice not knowing what was going on at the house, because it meant she didn’t have to stress. Her part was easy—get dressed at Cyd’s and arrive in time for the wedding . . . and she had hours before she needed to do even that.
Cyd’s doorbell rang, and she popped up. They’d been in the family room talking honeymoons, imagining where she and Lance could go if a window opened up between the end of chemo and surgery. She didn’t think it likely, but on a wedding day it was fun to dream.
“Hi, we’re looking for Kendra Woods,” a woman’s voice said.
The house was so quiet that they could hear from the family room. Kendra turned to Molly, mouthing, “What’s that about?”
“Sure, she’s in here,” Cyd said.
Two women and a gentleman came into the family room with Cyd, carrying garment bags, duffel bags, and tote bags.
“You’re Kendra Woods?” one of the women asked.
“Yes,” Kendra said. “How can I help you?”
“I’m Roxie,” she said, then, pointing left, “and this is Stella and Rudy.” She looked back at Kendra. “We’re here to help you get ready for your wedding.”
Kendra frowned a little. “Excuse me?”
“Well,” she said, looking at the others, “we understand you were going to keep things simple, wear the ivory-colored dress you got from the mall . . . but we wanted to give you the dress you’ve always deep-down wanted, but maybe weren’t bold enough to wear.”
Kendra glanced at Cyd and Molly. Was she on some reality show, being recorded right now?
“I am so confused,” she said. “How on earth would you know what dress I’ve always wanted to wear? I don’t even know what dress I’ve always wanted to wear.”
The three of them glanced at one another again.
“How about we let you see it?” Roxie shrugged. “Who knows? You may not like it at all.”
They put down all of their bags, draping a couple of garment bags on the sofa. Stella lifted the biggest garment bag while Roxie pulled down the zipper. Kendra, Molly, and Cyd had their eyes glued to the bag, wondering what would come out.
“Wow.” Kendra let down the recliner and got up.
“No, no,” Roxie said. “Stay there. We’ll bring it to you.”
Kendra sat back, staring. “I’ve never seen anything like that. It’s absolutely gorgeous.”
“The gown is satin with a chiffon overlay,” Roxie said. “A-line silhouette, bodice slightly beaded and ruched, sheer long sleeves to hide the bruising on your arms . . .”
Kendra touched it lightly as she spoke. “And it’s such a deep, rich purple . . .”
“It’s sooo gorgeous,” Molly said.
“It’s so romantic looking,” Cyd said. “You just want to stare at it.”
Kendra looked at Roxie. “But how did you know?”
“Your photo blog.”
Kendra tilted her head, more curious. “I don’t understand.”
“You posted a picture you’d taken at the botanical gardens,” Roxie said, “of a beautiful cluster of purple-and raspberry-colored flowers. You wrote that it was your favorite color combo and you’d always dreamed—”
“Of making them my wedding colors—with a purple wedding dress. I would’ve never had the courage though.”
Roxie smiled. “Is anything stopping you now?”
“It better not be,” Molly said.
Kendra’s brows bunched. “But hold it. Let’s go back ten steps. Why were you even on my
blog? Why are you here with the dress and whatever else? Who are you?”
Roxie laid the dress across the love seat. “I have a good friend, Eva, who’s a wedding planner, one of the best in the area, and she attends Living Word Church. She said Lance asked her what he needed to do to plan a simple wedding that was two weeks away.” Roxie laughed. “Eva thought he was joking. Then she learned the circumstances, and that woman was suddenly on a mission.”
Kendra turned to Cyd. “Did you know about all this?”
“Once the ball started rolling,” Cyd said.
“Eva called everybody she knew who was remotely associated with the industry to see who could help. I was one of the first people she called because she wanted to know if I could make a dress.”
“You made this?” Kendra asked.
Roxie nodded. “I really hope you like it.”
“I love it,” Kendra said. “But how’d you know my measurements?”
“Believe it or not,” Roxie said, “Lance put us in touch with your former maid of honor, who put us in touch with the bridal salon you went to in DC.”
Kendra blank-stared. “Y’all were serious.”
Roxie gestured to her associates. “Stella is here to do your makeup and headpiece, and Rudy’s got his camera, ready to capture this entire process.”
Kendra took a second look at him. “You’re not Rudy Lehigh, are you?” At his nod, she grew wide-eyed. “I follow your blog! I’ve learned so much from you.”
He had a rugged smile. “Eva saw that you hat-tipped me in one of your captions . . . When she told me about you, I had to be here.”
Kendra pondered all of it. “I can’t believe someone cared enough to want to do this, and that you all cared enough to respond. I could never thank you in any way that would seem adequate.”
“I think I speak for all of us,” Roxie said. “Being able to witness you saying ‘I do’ will be all the thanks we need.”
The limousine rounded the bend toward Kendra’s home at exactly four forty-five, with an excited Kendra, Molly, Cyd, and Brooklyn inside. Cars lined both sides of the street as far as Kendra could see.
“Didn’t we say we were having a small, intimate wedding?” Kendra asked, staring out the window. “Umm . . . is that a news truck?”
“Where?” Molly moved to Kendra’s side and followed her gaze. “NBC local is here?”
“I see a lot of Living Word people getting out of cars and heading to your house,” Cyd said.
“They’re probably friends of Lance,” Kendra said.
“Or they’re crashing because they heard the story. Hey, that reminds me”—Molly laughed—“I was set to crash your first wedding.”
“And now look where we are,” Kendra said. “You’re my only attendant, looking absolutely fabulous in raspberry, I might add.”
“I am so dying my hair this color.” Molly fluffed her hair, which looked tame without spikes or a faux hawk. “But I’m glad it’s jet black right now.” She smiled. “Anything else might’ve clashed.”
“Roxie did an awesome job with these dresses,” Cyd said. “Brooklyn’s is about the most adorable flower-girl dress I’ve seen.”
Brooklyn ran her hands over her full skirt. “And it’s my favorite color—purple!”
“You’re rocking that headpiece too,” Molly said. “It’s like a scarf and veil in one.”
“What touched me the most,” Kendra said, “is that they were so creative about accommodating my needs.”
The limo slowed to a stop in front of Kendra’s home.
Kendra gasped, looking out the window again. “Look at the walkway.”
Both sides were lined with shepherd hooks holding glass jars filled with bouquets of purple- and raspberry-colored flowers.
The limo door opened, and a woman leaned inside.
“Kendra, I’m finally meeting you,” she said. Petite with a cute, short haircut and stylish pantsuit, she had a walkie-talkie in hand. “I’m Eva, and I’ve been doing a little work with your wedding.”
Kendra shook her hand. “More than a little,” she said. “Thank you so much. You’re a wonder woman. I’m amazed by what you’ve done.”
“Let me tell you,” Eva said, “there was no way Lance could’ve told me your story, and I not do this. It was like the Lord shook my heart and said, ‘Eva, give this couple a dream wedding.’ ” She leaned in, her eyes big. “And then He did all the work. Oh my, the doors He opened to get this done.” Eva pulled a tissue from her pocket. “No smudging your makeup, young lady,” she said, dabbing the outer corners of Kendra’s eyes.
“I’m just . . . overwhelmed,” Kendra said.
“You can’t be overwhelmed yet,” Eva said. “The party’s just beginning.”
Molly was laughing. “I like her.”
Eva introduced herself to the others and then spoke to someone in her walkie-talkie.
“This is what will happen,” Eva said. “Your dad’s coming to get you, to escort you inside . . .”
Kendra smiled at that. She’d asked her dad a few days ago if he would escort her down the aisle, and he’d answered with tears in his eyes.
Eva continued, “The bridal party will walk through the house and out the back door, where you’ll see a pathway that will be your aisle. Molly will go first, then we’ll tell Brooklyn when to go. And then, Kendra, you’ll walk the aisle with your dad to the trellis.” She winked. “And guess who’s waiting for you there?”
Someone squawked from Eva’s walkie-talkie.
“Where’s Jody?” Eva spoke back. “Hello? The ceremony’s about to begin. Yes, they’re here in the limo, just pulled up.”
The front door opened, and two women rushed out to the limo with beautiful bouquets of dark purple, lavender, and raspberry, one for Kendra and a smaller version for Molly.
Kendra lifted it to her nose. “Oh, I need my camera. This is too gorgeous.”
“Don’t worry.” Eva smiled. “Rudy will get a thousand shots of it.”
“And here’s the flower-girl basket.” One of the women handed a basket with purple, lavender, and raspberry petals to Brooklyn. “Sprinkle these as you walk down the aisle.”
Brooklyn grinned. “Then can I pick them back up and keep them?”
“You are too cute,” Eva said. She turned to Kendra. “How are you feeling? I want to make sure I keep checking with you. Weddings can be grueling, and we want this to be as comfortable as it can be for you.”
Kendra exhaled. “I’m really good.”
As they waited, Kendra took a moment with her thoughts, gazing at the bouquet. The day had already been incredible—and thank God she’d had time for a nap—but she hadn’t seen Lance. She hadn’t even talked to him. Being away from him for twenty-four hours made her realize how crazy in love she was with this man. She couldn’t wait to lay her eyes on him.
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
LANCE STOOD UNDER THE CUSTOM-MADE TRELLIS IN A BLACK tuxedo, looking past the rows of white chairs filled with guests, awaiting his bride. He’d never anticipated a moment like this in his life. He never knew marriage could loom so large in his heart and mind, that the thought of a woman becoming his wife could so fill him. But not just any woman. This woman. As beautifully as everything had come together, his mind wasn’t on the new landscaping or the canopy of lights. It was on Kendra.
Pastor Lyles watched him from a couple feet over. “How are you doing, son?”
“You already know,” Lance said. “Anxious.”
The pastor smiled. “I thank God for you.”
Lance quirked a brow at him.
“The first time I saw you, you were hard, cold, and lost. Now I look at you . . .” Pastor Lyles nodded, as if holding back emotion. “I thank God for you,” he said again.
“Don’t get me started up here, Pastor,” Lance said. “I’m having a hard enough time as it is.”
“Here they come,” Trey said, standing next to him. “There’s Molly.”
Music had been streamin
g through a speaker system set up for the wedding—with easy approval from surrounding neighbors. But as Molly came up the aisle, the song changed to “I Can Only Imagine”—and for Lance, emotion swirled all the more. Thinking of seeing Jesus face-to-face and what that would be like, and that Kendra might see Him sooner than he wanted to imagine . . . he almost lost it. Still, the song’s beauty and imagery, today of all days, was captivating.
Molly walked slowly up the pathway and took her place at the front, and Brooklyn started down at the top of the second verse, to a chorus of “Awww.” She was beaming and adorable as ever, dotting the pathway with pretty petals. Ellen stood on the aisle near the back, raising a tissue to her face.
Brooklyn sprinkled the last of her petals and stood in front of Molly. The guests stood and turned to the back. Lance’s gaze was already there, waiting.
As the chorus built and the singer belted, “Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel . . . ,” Kendra appeared. He’d had no idea what she’d be wearing, but royal purple couldn’t have been more stunningly suited. She looked like a queen. As she made her way toward him, her gaze was fixed on his. Lance let the tears roll.
Kendra’s pace with her dad was slow, but it seemed a purposeful slow, not a painful slow. Cyd had assured him she was feeling okay today, but he was relieved to see for himself.
Kendra and her dad came near as the song closed—“I can only imagine, when all I would do, is forever . . . forever worship You . . .”
Something clicked in Lance’s heart, and he pondered it even as Pastor Lyles began his opening remarks. No matter what happened this side of eternity, he and Kendra would both worship the Lord forever. And there would be no sickness.
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” Pastor Lyles was saying.
“I do,” Marlon said, “with the firm belief that Cynthia would love and support this union just as much as I.”
Marlon sat down, and Lance moved closer, facing his bride. Kendra passed her bouquet to Molly and slipped her hands inside Lance’s.
“Lance and Kendra,” Pastor Lyles continued, “you stand before us very aware that marriage is not to be entered into lightly, but reverently. It is a covenant before God, a union to which heaven itself bears witness. As children of God, redeemed through Jesus Christ, your marriage is a reflection of Him—of unconditional love, of selflessness. Of sacrifice. But I know you know this”—he looked into their eyes, as if speaking to them only—“because your very union is an illustration to all of us of love and sacrifice.”
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