There were two aisles defined by the spaces for walking on either side of the very middle row of grapes. On Beecher’s side, about thirty yards back, stood Audrey. Her hair was up, except for the curling tendrils that framed her face, and she wore a gown of pure silk and her grandmother’s Victorian lace veil. Mr. Dupree was with her, short and balding, but distinguished in his tuxedo. He patted the tiny manicured hand that was slipped through his arm.
On the other side of the row of grapes, facing Will, Ellie stood with her mother. Katherine had never looked more beautiful than she did today, Ellie thought, and her heart swelled with pride. Katherine looked like a swan in her white chiffon—the epitome of gracefulness. Because of her love, and Opa’s, Ellie had made it to this day. She didn’t leave anything important behind in New York, except perhaps the enigmatic Andrew McMurray. But that was another story, for another time. What really mattered were the people around her here—at home—and the memories she had of Opa, whom she’d see again in heaven.
Ellie wore a beaded satin gown with scalloped neckline and an impossibly long train. In her hands she carried Opa’s handkerchief, and the diary of her great-great-grandmother Elise. She didn’t believe in ghosts. But in her spirit she sensed they were both smiling on this day. What an amazing surprise it had been to receive, as a wedding gift from Will’s mother, a bundle of old letters and papers wrapped in brown paper and still tied together with string. Along with a check for five hundred dollars “to go toward the wedding,” there was a note that said: Thought you might enjoy putting together this puzzle of family history. Apparently she’d found it in a recent move to Florida. Will’s mother regretted she could not attend the wedding.
As McKenna sang a cappella, Ellie nodded to Audrey. Simultaneously, they walked down their respective aisles, Audrey stepping lightly while she clung to Mr. Dupree’s arm, and Ellie and Katherine moving slowly, holding hands. The brides were given away. Sam said a few beautiful words, none of which Ellie would remember. She meant her vows. They all did. Will slipped a simple gold band onto her finger to complement her great-great-grandmother’s ruby solitaire, now a valuable antique. But what Ellie was waiting for was the kiss.
* * * * *
William Daniel Howitt
1700 Wabansia, Chicago, Illinois
28 September 1887
Dear Mr. Howitt,
Thank you for your heartfelt condolences at the loss of my father. I regret he was not able to make your acquaintance, as your friendship will always remain very dear to me.
I hope you are well. I will not be able to write to you again as my family’s circumstances have been greatly altered since the death of my father. I pray you will forgive me.
I am enclosing your gift of the ruby solitaire, though I treasure the gesture, and your kindness, more than you can ever know. I trust such a rare piece of jewelry will return to you safely and that, in years to come, you may find a perfect home for it as God wills.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Elise Falkenberg Heinrichs
15 May 1891
Dear Daniel,
Congratulations on receiving your Doctorate of Theology. My little sister Ann and I are most proud and rejoice with you in your new post at the college.
Your old chum,
Theodore Proctor
Bishop, Chicago Diocese
20 September 1892
Chicago Tribune
Society Page
Dr. William (Daniel) Howitt of the University of Chicago, and wife, Ann, daughter of meat-packing magnate Paul Proctor, welcome twin boys, Branson Peter and Paul David.
25 July 1893
Chicago Tribune
Obituaries
Ann Proctor Howitt and infant daughter, Elise. Complications of childbirth. Services at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Saturday noon.
7 April 1910
Dearest Father,
In these hills of my namesake I have come alive both as an artist and a human being. I wish you could see the hill people the way I do, for it is among them that I have found my true beloved. I am staying in a cabin owned by her parents, Old Matt and Aunt Mollie, who have extended such warm country hospitality to me that I feel almost as if they are family.
I plan to paint my darling and bring her portrait home so you can see how beautiful she is. But like these hills, her beauty goes so much deeper than the surface. I hope I am able to capture that with my brush.
Your loving Son,
Branson
25 October 1915
Father,
Out of respect, I have tried to follow your plan for me, but I see now I was wrong. I cannot stay in the old country studying dead artists anymore when my heart is in Missouri with my love. I know you will disown me, and I am sorry it has to be this way, but you leave me with no alternative. I pray you may someday have a change of heart, but, until then, good-bye, Father.
I love you.
Branson
2 March 1926
Dear Doc Howard,
I wanted to thank you for all you have done for me. Young Matt and I are so excited about going to Chicago to college. What a grand adventure! We know it is your letter of recommendation that got us accepted, and on full scholarships, no less! We cannot wait to bring what we learn back to Branson to benefit the land and lives of the people we hold so dear.
Even more importantly, however, I must thank you for your spiritual guidance in my life. It is no exaggeration to say that through you, as the Shepherd of the Hills I love so much, I have learned to trust in the true Shepherd of our Souls. For it is through your kindness, and your personal story of redemption and restoration with your son, God rest his soul, and of course your enduring friendship with my in-laws, that I have understood the love of Jesus. I thank the Lord every day that He brought you back to Branson. He truly does work all things together for good, doesn’t He—in His time. May He continue to bless you as you feed and care for His sheep!
Your daughter in the faith,
Sammy Lane Matthews
P.S. Congratulations on your new cabin and property on the lake! I plan to ride my horse over there for a visit soon.
Author’s Note
Love Finds You in Branson, Missouri, is particularly close to my heart because I live not far from Branson. Researching and writing the novel brought back many good memories of childhood vacations there with my family. Also, the landscape is much like my home, and I love the mountains, rivers, and wildlife that surround the town.
Although I started with an outline or map for this story, like most of my travels, the map didn’t last long. My characters seemed to have unexpected places they needed to go, so I jumped on board for the ride! From Missouri to New York to Germany and back again, it was a beautiful journey for me, affirming the truth that God’s love really can find you—wherever you are.
The main themes of Love Finds You in Branson, Missouri—God’s lavish grace and a family’s love—are the themes of my life. I feel very blessed to share them with you. If you’d like to share your journey with me, drop me an e-mail at [email protected], or check out my profile on Facebook.
About the Author
Gwen Ford Faulkenberry lives and writes in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. She is married to Stone, and they have three children—Grace, Harper, and Adelaide. In addition to mothering and writing, Gwen teaches English at Arkansas Tech University—Ozark Campus. She is the author of Love Finds You in Romeo, Colorado, and three devotional books—A Beautiful Life, A Beautiful Day, and Jesus, Be Near Me.
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Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio
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Love Finds You in Pendleton, Oregon
by Melody Carlson
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Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico
by Lena Nelson Dooley
ISBN: 978-1-935416-74-6
Love Finds You in Lahaina, Hawaii
by Bodie Thoene
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Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington
by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss
ISBN: 978-1-60936-000-9
Love Finds You in Calico, California
by Elizabeth Ludwig
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Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio
by Serena B. Miller
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Love Finds You in Deadwood, South Dakota
by Tracey Cross
ISBN: 978-1-60936-003-0
Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho
by Janelle Mowery
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Love Finds You in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
by Sandra D. Bricker
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Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe
by Irene Brand and Anita Higman
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Love Finds You in Hope, Kansas
by Pamela Griffin
ISBN: 978-1-60936-007-8
Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho
by Angela Ruth
ISBN: 978-1-60936-008-5
Love Finds You in Camelot, Tennessee
by Janice Hanna
ISBN: 978-1-935416-65-4
Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona
by Miralee Ferrell
ISBN: 978-1-60936-104-4
Love Finds You in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
by Melody Carlson
ISBN: 978-1-60936-110-5
Love Finds You in Prince Edward Island, Canada
by Susan Page Davis
ISBN: 978-1-60936-109-9
Love Finds You in Groom, Texas
by Janice Hanna
ISBN: 978-1-60936-006-1
Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa
by Melanie Dobson
ISBN: 978-1-60936-135-8
Love Finds You in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
by Annalisa Daughety
ISBN: 978-1-60936-212-6
Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming
by Miralee Ferrell
ISBN: 978-1-60936-277-5
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Love Finds You on Christmas Morning
by Debby Mayne and Trish Perry
ISBN: 978-1-60936-193-8
Love Finds You in Nazareth, Pennsylvania
by Melanie Dobson
ISBN: 978-1-60936-194-5
Love Finds You in Sunset Beach, Hawaii
by Robin Jones Gunn
ISBN: 978-1-60936-028-3
Love Finds You in Branson, Missouri Page 25
