Winifred adjusted Becca’s veil, and Becca hugged her tightly. “I wish Mama and Papa were here to see me marry, but I thank God every day that you came to stay with us after Mama died. I have no idea what I would have done without your help. If I married at all, it would’ve been in a pair of trousers and not this lovely gown.”
Winifred laughed. “We certainly couldn’t have that now, could we? It is I who was blessed to help raise you. Not marrying young and having my own child left a hole in my life that you filled. I love you as much as if I bore you, Rebecca.”
Rebecca whispered, “You’re married now and not that old. You may have your own child yet.”
Winifred blushed deeply and whispered back, “If it’s God’s will then I’ll be blessed with a child, but I am already blessed to have found Otis and that Ambrose is out of my life for good.”
Rachel popped her head in the room. “Are you ready? If so, I’ll start the music.”
Becca nodded trying to get her knees to stop shaking. Miranda, Molly, and Sarah found their seats and Winifred found her way to the front to stand across from Adam and Trey. When the music started, all heads turned toward the back of the church.
Becca, dressed in white satin covered in lace and white beads, strolled toward the front of the church. When she saw Adam, her legs found their strength, and she was able to walk without worry of falling. Adam, on the other hand, took one look at Becca and nearly fell over. She was more beautiful than anyone he’d ever seen or thought about. When she reached the front of the church, Adam held out his hand. She took it, and they stood facing Pastor Reynolds.
The pastor began. “Welcome everyone. We’re gathered here this afternoon to witness the joining of two hearts. Adam and Rebecca stand here before us to vow their love and support for each other from now until eternity.”
Rachel played a soft hymn on the piano, and the congregation settled down and turned their attention to the front of the church.
Pastor Reynolds spoke, “Do you Adam Robert Greiner take Rebecca Anne Broadmoor to be your wife and vow to have and to hold her only unto you from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until death parts you?”
Adam smiled and answered with a resounding, “I do.”
Pastor Reynolds repeated the vows for Rebecca. She bit her lip and dropped Adam’s hand. She whispered to Pastor Reynolds, “I can’t.”
Adam paled. “Rebecca, what’s wrong?” He stammered.
Rebecca leaned closer to Adam and whispered, “He said ‘obey.’ He didn’t say you have to obey me. Why do I have to obey you?”
Adam spun and glared at his mother. “Is this your doing? I know you refused to say obey when you married Pa, but Ma this is my wedding.” Miranda dropped her head to hide her smile.
Alberta Willoughby jumped to her feet and shouted, “Good for you, Rebecca. Stand up for what we all believe. We don’t have to bend to our husband’s iron rule any longer.”
Morton grabbed his wife’s arm and hollered, “Sit down and shut up woman.” She yanked her arm away from him, pushed her way out of the pew, and sat in the back of the church.
Miranda blushed when everyone looked at her as if she were to blame for Rebecca’s decision. All she did was tell her the story of her own wedding day.
Roy stifled a laugh knowing his son was marrying a woman just as good but just as mule-headed as his mother.
Pastor Reynolds cleared his throat. “Do you want to reconsider, Rebecca?”
“Not if I have to say ‘obey.’” She stared right into the pastor’s eyes. He shook his head.
Adam pleaded, “Becca, please don’t do this.”
She dropped her head for a moment and then raised it to look into his eyes. “I’m sorry, Adam. I can’t say it.”
Rebecca took a step toward the congregation, “Judge Magarey, do you insist on a bride saying obey in a wedding ceremony?”
The judge stood and glanced at Pastor Reynolds for understanding. “No Miss Rebecca, I don’t but don’t you want to get married in church.”
“Yes, your honor, but I have my convictions. Would you be so kind as to marry Adam and me outside in the meadow if he’ll still have me.” She turned and looked at Adam.
Adam looked at Becca then at Pastor Reynolds and shrugged, “I suppose that’s fine with me as long as we still get married.”
Pastor Reynolds cleared his throat, “I believe I could leave out the word obey from your vows, Rebecca. I would prefer you marry here in God’s house.”
Rebecca reached for Adam’s hand and answered, “Let’s get married.”
Rebecca repeated her vows without the word ‘obey,’ and when Adam kissed her, she knew she would never feel happier or more loved.
They took a seat in the first pew and watched as Winifred and Otis repeated their wedding vows. Winifred’s eyes glowed with happiness and Becca thanked God for bringing both of them a man who would love them for exactly who they were. Becca tried not to giggle when Pastor Reynolds skipped the word “obey” in Winifred’s vows, too.
The newly married couple enjoyed every moment of their reception from the first dance to the chocolate cake. Becca believed the entire town attended and her arms were tired from returning hugs from the kind ladies in town. The sun set and the clear sky filled with more stars than Becca could count when Adam whispered, “Well, Mrs. Greiner, are you ready to go home?”
“Home? Yes, I am more than ready to go home, Mr. Greiner.”
Adam counted his blessings and Becca knew that coming to Gentle Falls was the best decision she ever made.
The End
Author’s note: I mention Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee and Cream City brick. Trinity is on the National Registry of Historical Places. It was built in 1878 and served the Milwaukee community well. The building is beyond beautiful. Sadly, in May 2018, the church was gutted by a fire. Since I am adding this the day it happened, I have no idea when or if it will be rebuilt. From the pictures on the news, it appears all that is left are the walls made from the Cream City brick. A very sad moment.
Will Mrs. Brutherington find a perfect groom for Grace? What about the other hearts in Gentle Falls? Is love in the air and does the town have a bit of charm to heal broken hearts? Look for Grace’s Heart—Summer/Fall of 2018.
Thank you for reading my book out of the many available to you. I hope you enjoyed it as much I enjoyed writing it. If you have a chance, please leave a review on Amazon. I would appreciate it more than I can say. Reviews are the best way to let authors know if you enjoyed their books.
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