Page 56 of Marrying Emma

Chrissy laughed then. “I think not. Consider this a Chrissy original.” She stepped back then and observed her little sister from head to toe. “Oh, Em. You look beautiful.”

The first time Emma spotted this dress, she knew it would be perfect. It was special—fancy even—with an off-shoulder neckline, white fabric that fell over her form perfectly, and long sleeves made out of lace. It was perfect for a February wedding. “Do you think Marty will like it?”

“Are you kidding? Though I suspect not nearly as much as he likes the person wearing it.” Chrissy winked.

Pink dusted Emma’s cheeks. She pointed at Chrissy’s blue, floor-length bridesmaid gown. “You look pretty, too, big sister.”

“Why, thank you.” Chrissy attempted a curtsey that had them both laughing.

A knock at the door drew Chrissy across the room to answer it. She ushered Mom in followed by Wyatt who was carrying Zachary in his arms. The baby complained when Wyatt didn’t immediately set him down on the floor. At six months old, Zachary was at that stage where he wanted to explore, but wasn’t quite able to do so on his own.

“Oh, Em. Look at you.” Mom’s eyes misted as she took Emma’s hands and studied her. “The dress is lovely.”

“It really is,” Wyatt agreed. He exchanged a tender look with Chrissy before turning his attention on Mom. “You sure you want to handle this little monster during the ceremony?”

“Are you kidding?” Mom took Zachary from him. “I’ve got skills.” She lifted the boy and smiled into his cherub face. “You ready to watch your auntie get married?”

Wyatt hitched a thumb at the door behind him. “They’re about ready for you.”

Emma turned to catch one last glimpse of herself in the mirror. “Okay. I think I’m good.” She smiled at Wyatt. “Thanks again for agreeing to walk me down the aisle today.”

“Are you kidding? It’s my pleasure.” He held an arm out. “Shall we?”

“Let’s.”

Once they reached the hallway outside of the sanctuary, Mom went in with Zachary in her arms.

Emma took a deep breath. She should be nervous, right? Weren’t women supposed to get nervous on their wedding day? Other than hoping she didn’t trip over her own two feet going down the aisle, there wasn’t a single doubt in her mind.

The music began, letting them know it was time to start the ceremony.

Chrissy handed a gorgeous bouquet of white flowers to Emma before going through the double doors.

Moments later, her hand through Wyatt’s arm, Emma stepped into the sanctuary. There weren’t a lot of guests, and that was fine with Emma.

Mom sat next to Dale with Zachary in her arms and happy tears in her eyes.

Marty’s parents sat on the other side of the aisle. She’d met both of them a few months ago and they’d accepted her into the family immediately.

There were a few of his other relatives along with some friends.

But it was the end of the aisle that interested Emma the most. Marty stood in a black suit, his gaze tangling with hers as she slowly drew closer. Caleb stood at his side, a grin on his face.

Trace Warren, pastor of what Emma now considered her home church, gave her a welcoming smile. Wyatt kissed her on the cheek before going to sit next to Dale.

Emma handed her bouquet to Chrissy nearby, placed her hand in Marty’s, and together they turned to face the pastor.

“We’ve gathered together in the presence of our Heavenly Father, family, and friends to unite this couple in holy matrimony…”

Throughout the ceremony, the love in Marty’s eyes grounded Emma. When they both had uttered, “I do,” Pastor Warren said, “I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Martin Reed. You may kiss the bride.”

Marty slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. He smiled as he leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss that had her toes curling and knees growing weak. A whistle along with applause made their way through the bubble of bliss that surrounded them.

Marty held her and turned, waving to the people that mattered most to them.

After pictures were taken and paperwork signed, they moved to the small room adjacent to the kitchen for a reception.

They’d talked about the menu at length and opted for simple and fun. A variety of popular food was available, including Hawaiian pizza.

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