Page 44 of The Baxters
Brooke was next, and like the others she hugged Kari. “I’m happy for you. Your wedding is already so beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Kari smiled at her older sister. “It helps… having your support, Brooke.”
Her sister smiled and then turned and walked down the aisle.
Finally the only bridesmaid left was Ashley—her maid of honor.
No matter what difficulties they’d shared, no matter how their faith and views didn’t align today the waythey had all the years they were growing up, Ashley remained Kari’s best friend.
She always would be.
“You did a beautiful job with the flowers.” Kari looked to the front of the church. “You really are the best artist, Ash.”
“Thanks.” Her sister’s eyes softened. She never broke eye contact. “All those seasons, summers and winters, talking late into the night. Dreaming about tomorrow.” Ashley’s eyes glistened with tears. “So many memories.” Her voice caught. “I can’t believe you’re getting married.”
“I know.” Kari felt tears sting the corners of her eyes. “I love you, Ash.”
“Love you, too.” She smiled. “You and Tim… it’s the right thing. I believe it.”
“Thank you.” There could be no greater gift for Kari than the support of her sisters. Especially Ashley. The fact that they all accepted Tim made this day even better. Her heart even more sure.
Ashley set off down the aisle and with all the bridesmaids gone, it was time for little Maddie. The child didn’t want to walk by herself, so her daddy—Peter—walked next to her while she scattered flower petals. The child was only two. She was utterly adorable in her flouncy white dress and patent leather shoes.
Then, inside the chapel, the music changed.
Kari had requested the traditional wedding march. Pachelbel’s “Canon in D Major.” As the familiar music played, Kari’s father took her side. “Okay, little girl.” He had tears in his eyes and one on his cheek as he held his elbow out to her. One last time. “I remember when you were three years old. We were at the zoo and you didn’t want to sit in the stroller. We were leaving the monkey exhibit and you looked up at me. ‘Daddy, hold my hand, please. I don’t want to take this walk without you.’?”
“I said that?” Kari positioned herself beside her dad.
“You did.” He smiled at her. “I told myself I’d remember that day forever, so that when it came time to walk you down the aisle I’d feel the way I did then.” He kissed her cheek. “Like I wouldn’t want you to take this walk without me.” He blinked back tears. “Kari, no father has ever been more blessed than me.”
“Dad.” Kari blinked a few times. “That’s the sweetest thing.”
“Okay.” He took a long breath and stared straight ahead. “Let’s do this. Hardest walk a dad will ever take.”
Kari hesitated. “Well…” She took his elbow. “I’ll say what I said when I was three. Hold my hand. Please, Daddy.”
So he did, and like that they were heading down the aisle and suddenly she saw him, at the front of the church. Her groom, her Tim. The one she loved. He wasstanding there dressed in a black tux with tails, his eyes locked on hers.
They were almost to the end of the aisle when her dad leaned closer. “He’s the one, Kari. Look at him.”
She could feel her father beaming beside her, feel the way he approved of this marriage. And of course. Because up ahead of her Tim wasn’t just smiling, looking at her like she was the only girl in the world.
He was wiping tears. Which could only mean one thing. Tim felt the same way she did.
Like this was the greatest day of his life.
ANOTHER DRAMA WASplaying out in the church that day, one that Elizabeth noticed from the moment Luke seated her in the front row. The drama between Ashley and Landon Blake.
As the guests turned to watch the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, Elizabeth could see Landon. He was four rows away, watching the back doors like everyone else.
But there was something different about the look in Landon’s eyes.
Elizabeth had known the boy since he and Ashley were kids. He had always been tough, a competitor on the sports fields and in the classroom. Everyone liked Landon Blake, and he had a smile for each person he met.
Still, as long as Elizabeth had known Landon, when he looked at Ashley his expression changed. Every time.Something dreamy filled his eyes and the depth of his soul was easy to see. That was how Landon looked now, waiting for Ashley to appear.
One bridesmaid at a time, Elizabeth could see Landon nod and smile the way most people did. But always his eyes returned quickly to the back of the church. Elizabeth tried not to be distracted by the situation. But clearly the young man had come to the wedding in hopes that he and Ashley might find the love they’d lost long ago.
