Epilogue
The wedding took place on the first Saturday in June. Because both the bride and groom had very busy schedules, the ceremony was a simple one. It was held beside the lake at Mia’s parents’ vacation home on a warm, clear afternoon, attended by her family and closest friends, Connor’s study group and a few old friends of his.
Mia wore her mother’s fitted sheath wedding dress and carried a bouquet of red roses. Connor wore a dark suit. Natalie served as maid of honor, Duncan Hayes stood as his son’s best man and Alexis was an adorable flower girl in a lace-trimmed white dress with a flowing red ribbon. Following the ceremony, the guests dined at tables set up on the lawn, serenaded by music from hidden outdoor speakers.
As far as Mia was concerned, it was the most beautiful wedding ever.
“You look so happy,” her mother said with tears in her eyes after the vows were exchanged.
Mia laughed and looked at her husband, who was dancing across the grass with his laughing daughter held high in his arms. “Why wouldn’t I be happy? I just married my best friend.”
Gazing at her own best friend and husband of more than thirty years, who looked healthy and content as he chatted with their guests, her mother sighed contentedly. Following the direction of her mom’s attention, Mia smiled, so grateful that her father had been there to walk with her to where Connor and the officiate had waited.
“Mia.” Alexis looked her way, beckoning eagerly. “Come dance with us.”
Connor looked her way, too, his smile loving, his handsome face more relaxed than she had seen him in a long time. “Yes, Mia. Come dance with us.”
Laughing, Mia kissed her mom’s soft cheek, then hurried happily across the lawn to join her husband and the little girl who had made their lives so complete.