A Modern Day Persuasion (27 page)

Looking in the full length mirror, Anne viewed the exquisite gown with its flowy train and sheer lace veil that covered her face. Although Anne’s mother’s dress incorporated simple lines, it radiated elegance and class. It meant so much to be able to include the memory of her mom on this day. As Anne fingered the small, precious Bible which had also belonged to Emma, she silently thanked God for all her blessings.

Inside the Bible was Rick’s letter, used as a bookmarker for the passage in First Corinthians 13, the section Anne planned on reading to Rick during their vows. It read:

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Hearing a knock at the door, Anne turned to see a moisteyed Carol peeking inside. “Dear, it’s time,” she said with a motherly smile.

Once Carol had personally witnessed the love and dedication the couple shared for each other, she embraced their engagement wholeheartedly. Yet Carol’s happiness was dimmed with the regret at being partially responsible for having separated them in the past. Anne, however, was quick to reassure her friend that everything happens for a reason, adding she and Rick had needed the time apart to truly be ready for the plans God had in store for them. These words helped to ease her godmother’s mind, and when Anne asked
Carol to stand in her mother’s place by lighting the unity candle alongside Rick’s sister during the ceremony, she wept with joy. It was an honor Carol did not take lightly.

With one final look in the mirror, Anne walked with her godmother to the church’s foyer where Mr. Elliot was waiting anxiously. Walter’s breath caught at the sight of his daughter dressed in white.

“Anne, you look beautiful,” her father choked out with emotion. “You remind me so of your mother.”

Anne was touched by this rare display of affection, and felt her eyes begin to glisten. Taking her dad’s arm, Anne kissed him softly on the cheek while Walter wiped away a stray tear at the corner of his eye.

Carol gave Anne a final hug just before taking the usher’s arm to disappear behind the closed doors. Anne moved forward, and as she did so could hear the music she and Rick selected for their wedding. The next song to play would be “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole, knowing it was her cue to enter.

As the romantic tune began to sound, the double doors opened, and the crowd stood in respect of the approaching bride. Anne shared a special smile with her father before Walter began to proudly escort her down the aisle to the man who would soon be her husband, the man she loved with all her heart…

Epilogue

Safely inside the back seat of their chauffeured car, the newlyweds stole a kiss as the driver began to pull away from the church and all its fanfare. Anne turned to wave at her family and friends, grateful for their attendance. She continued to wave as the limo neared the end of the drive, at which point Rick took his wife’s hand to hold it gently.

Gazing tenderly into her eyes Rick spoke softly, “Well, Mrs. Wentworth,” causing Anne to smile at hearing her new name, “You’ve quite outdone yourself today, my lady…” Anne’s pulse quickened as Rick leaned in and kissed her neck, moving his lips up to her ear and whispering, “…by making me the happiest man in the world.”

With their eyes locked in mutual admiration, Anne placed her hand tenderly on Rick’s cheek, stroking his chin softly. “…and I, the luckiest woman,” she answered, sealing their love with a kiss.