Joy Takes Flight (2 page)

Kate sat on a chair, her bouquet in her lap. How could Paul do this to her? Tears slid down her cheeks. They'd talked and talked about their future and dreamed of what could be. She sniffled into a handkerchief. Now none of it mattered.
He just couldn't do it.
Kate's heart squeezed painfully. She doubted it would ever mend.

Helen and Sassa had gone to speak to the guests. Kate couldn't bear to do it. Muriel knelt beside her and rested a hand on her arm. “Don't give up hope.”

“If he wants to be here and can't make it, then something terrible has happened. Maybe someone should call the hospital.”

Muriel looked stricken, but she smiled and managed to speak calmly. “I'm sure there's an explanation. One day, when you look back on your wedding, you two will laugh about this.”

Kate compressed her lips. “What explanation can there be?” She knew. Love was just too great a risk. Whatever secret he'd left behind in San Francisco still had ahold of him. If only he would tell her, maybe she could help.

Sassa's laughter echoed from the church entrance. Kate stood, hope stirring. Was it Paul? Was he here? She headed for the door, but before she could grasp the knob, the door swung open.

“Katharine!” her mother said, swooping in and catching her daughter in her arms. She held her tightly. “I'm so sorry we're late. We almost didn't make it.”

“Mom! What are you doing here?” Kate hugged her mother, joy and surprise bubbling up inside.

“That wonderful husband, almost husband, of yours insisted we come. He paid our passage. He wanted it to be a surprise, but not like this. The weather kept us in Seward for two days. We were supposed to surprise you at the rehearsal dinner.” She stepped back and gazed at her daughter. “Oh my goodness. You are a picture of beauty. Absolutely stunning.”

“There's my Katie girl,” Kate heard her father say. He walked in, wearing a broad smile. “You surprised?”

Tears of joy streaming down her cheeks, Kate stepped into her father's embrace. “I had no idea.” Kate wanted to run to Paul and throw herself into his arms. He truly was the most wonderful man. And he loved her. He loved her!

Sassa, Helen, and Muriel all stood watching, their eyes shimmering. “You knew. All this time you knew!” Kate exclaimed.

“Paul made us vow to keep the secret,” Helen said. “I nearly told you. It was so hard to watch you suffer.” She smiled sheepishly. “But now he's here and he's ready to get married.”

Everyone, except for Joan and Kate, filed out of the room. “I'm a mess,” Kate said.

“All you need is a little touch-up.” Joan tidied Kate's hair a bit and her veil. Kate applied fresh lipstick and freshened her makeup, then stood back and looked in the mirror. “Do I look all right?”

“I've never seen a prettier bride.” Joan hugged her daughter, then looking at herself in the mirror, said, “I'm a sight.” She took off her coat and smoothed her dress. “I changed on the train so I'd be dressed appropriately, but my hair is a mess.” Kate handed her the brush and watched while her mother smartened up her hair.

“I still can't believe you're here. Now everything is perfect.”

Joan turned and looked at her. “Perfect.” She rested her hands on Kate's arms. “This is the wedding God meant for you, sweetheart. Paul's the man the Lord chose.” She smiled gently. “You're both blessed. You'll be a good wife, I have no doubt.”

“I don't know much about being a wife. I need to learn to cook.” Kate giggled.

“I doubt Paul cares much about any of that.” Joan gave Kate a kiss on the cheek. “I'd better go in. I love you, Katharine.” With one more hug, she left the room.

Kate stood in front of the mirror and stared at herself. Her life was about to change forever. She pressed a hand against her stomach. “It's time for me to become Mrs. Paul Anderson.”

M
uriel opened the dressing room door and peeked in. “It's time.”

Kate's heartbeat picked up. Holding her bouquet, she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

Muriel stepped in. Circling an arm around Kate's shoulders, she said, “You ready?”

Kate glanced down at the quaking bouquet in her hands. “I guess.” She laughed.

“We better go. Your father's waiting. He's actually pacing.” She tucked an arm into Kate's and the two walked out of the room.

The sounds of a hymn being played on a piano drifted through the church. All of a sudden, Kate didn't feel ready for this and wished the short hallway were longer. Everything seemed to be happening too fast.
You're being silly. You've been waiting and praying for this day.

She'd given up on Alaska, on flying, and on Paul. When she'd moved back to Yakima, Washington, she was certain her adventure was over. She'd decided to live an ordinary life—work in a store, be a clerk or . . . something commonplace. Maybe one day get married and have a family.

And then everything had changed. She'd returned to Rimrock Lake and an encounter with God had given her back her life. She remembered looking out over the lake, the whisper of wind in the pines and the presence of her friend Alison. Years before, Alison had died there in a plane Kate had been flying. But on the day Kate had returned, when she gazed at the lake, it felt as if her friend had spoken to her straight from heaven. Kate knew she had to return to Alaska. Her eyes teared at the memory and she felt washed anew in forgiveness and hope. If only Alison were here. She'd be so happy for Kate.

Maybe Alison is here. Maybe God gives people glimpses of the special days.
She smiled at the idea.

Helen stood in the sanctuary doorway with Grace, one of Sidney's nieces who'd agreed to be the flower girl. The youngster twirled, and the skirt of her frilly pink frock stood straight out. Flower petals flew out of her wicker basket.

Helen placed a hand on the little girl's shoulder. “That's enough, Grace. You don't want to fall.” She picked up the petals and dropped them into the basket.

Helen spotted Kate and smiled. “Oh my, you look lovely!” She captured Kate in a quick embrace, then moved to the sanctuary entrance and nodded at a pianist, who immediately changed from a hymn to the melodic tune of Bach's “Arioso.”

Prickles of excitement moved up Kate's arms. This was it.

With a pat to Grace's bottom, Helen sent the child down the aisle. The little girl walked slowly, just as she'd been taught, and tossed flower petals along the way. Muriel stepped to the entrance, holding her small bouquet of asters and daisies in front of her. When Grace was halfway down the aisle, Muriel stepped out and gracefully walked toward the front of the church.

Kate's father approached his daughter. Eyes brimming, his salt-and-pepper hair looking slightly disheveled, he stood in front of his daughter.

She tamed a cowlick in his hair. “There—you look perfect.”

“I got ready in a hurry.” He chuckled, then reached out and gently took hold of Kate's arms. “It seems like yesterday you were my little Katie romping about the farm and begging me for rides in the plane.” His voice broke. “And now . . . you're all grown up—a gifted and intelligent young woman.” His smile was tremulous. “I'm so proud of you.”

Kate hugged him. “Thank you, Daddy. But I'm me only because of you and Mom. You're the best. I love you both so much.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I'm so thankful you're here.”

Her father linked Kate's arm with his and he led her to the doorway. They stood side by side and waited until Muriel had made her way to the front of the church.

Kate's gaze moved to Paul. He stood at the front with his neighbor and friend, Patrick.
Lord, thank you for Paul.
The quiet notes of “I Love You Truly” filled the sanctuary and the guests stood. The music swelled and so did Kate's nerves. When her eyes met Paul's, her stomach did a little flip. His look was ardent.

Unable to hold his gaze, she glanced at her bouquet trembling in her hands. She was about to become Mrs. Paul Anderson.

“You ready, Katie?” her father asked, giving her arm a squeeze.

She took a deep breath, gave a nod, and then stepped into the sanctuary beside her father. Everyone's eyes were on her, but all she could see was Paul. Dressed in a gray wool worsted suit with a burgundy tie, he'd never looked more handsome. His shoulders seemed broader and his dark looks more captivating.

Paul's gaze followed her as she walked down the aisle. A smile played at his lips. Love was in his eyes. This was just how she had imagined it would be.

The words of the song played through Kate's mind. They were part of the reason she'd chosen it. When she was with Paul, life's sorrows, its doubts and fears, faded. When he held her hand, she could feel his strength and she felt stronger. Together, they would face life's challenges. And they'd never be alone.

The music stopped. Father and daughter stood before Reverend Stephens. Kate liked the minister. He'd always been kind and seemed to genuinely care for the people in the community. Although she missed a lot of Sundays because of work, when she did make services, his messages were always uplifting and enlightening.

He smiled and quietly asked Kate, “You ready?”

She glanced at Paul, then with a deep sigh of release, said, “Yes. For a very long time.”

The reverend chuckled, then cleared his throat and looked about the sanctuary. Kate glanced at the front row on the groom's side and felt a prick of sadness. None of his family was here. He hadn't invited them. She still didn't know what terrible thing from his past plagued him and kept him estranged from his family. Maybe she'd never know.

“Dearly beloved,” began Reverend Stephens. “We are gathered here in the sight of God—and in the face of this company—to join together this man and this woman.”

Kate looked at Paul. He was staring at her, his eyes filled with devotion. Kate's heart skipped a beat. He smiled and she wished the reverend would hurry so they could begin their new life.

The minister seemed to talk for an awfully long time before he finally asked, “Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?”

“Her mother and I do,” said Kate's father. He turned to her and dropped a kiss on her cheek. “We love you, Katie.” He placed her hand in Paul's, and then walked to the front pew and sat beside Kate's mother. Dabbing at tears, Joan leaned against him. He took her hand.

Kate's heart warmed. She and Paul would be like that. They'd grow old together and their love would become stronger.

“Please step forward,” Reverend Stephens said.

Clutching Paul's hand, her legs trembling, Kate took two steps toward the minister. Paul's hand was strong and calloused. She could feel his depth of character and the strength built of hard work. She was proud of him. She felt a gentle squeeze and answered back with one of her own.

As the pastor spoke about what it meant to be husband and wife, how they were to honor and respect one another, and to be a help to the other, Kate tried to listen. She knew it was important, but all she could think about was the tall, broad-shouldered man beside her and how good his hand felt in hers. She forced herself to keep her eyes on the minister, but she wanted to look at Paul. She could feel his pulse, strong and steady—his matched hers, as though they were already one.

She envisioned what life would be like for them. They'd stand together against the world, work together, make love whenever they liked, and they'd raise a family. She hoped their children looked like him. She loved his dark hair and eyes and his stalwart nature. She'd never liked how tall she was. At five foot ten, she towered over most other women. She hoped that if they had a daughter, she'd be a more suitable height.

She considered what their life would look like. She knew there would be troubles, but she was certain that together she and Paul could work them out. And he'd always stand by her.

In everything?
The words flung themselves through her mind. Would he be able to support her job? She'd be away a lot, and every moment in the air held danger. He'd said he supported her, but once married he might change his mind. And what if he did?

Kate didn't know the answer and she didn't want to think about it, not today. In a few minutes she'd be Paul's wife—that's all that mattered.

“Face one another,” the minister instructed. He smiled down on them. Kate felt a pang of guilt. She hadn't heard anything he'd said.

“Do you, Paul Anderson, take Kate Evans to be your wife—to live together after God's ordinance—in the holy state of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?”

Paul didn't answer right away. Instead he seemed to breathe in Kate's presence and the momentous occasion. And then in his deep steady voice, he said, “I will.”

Kate felt her legs grow weak. He meant it. He was hers for all time.

Reverend Stephens turned to Kate and repeated the vows. Kate gazed at Paul, her heart swelling with devotion. “I will.”

After the exchange of rings, Kate and Paul held one another's hands, delighting in the moment and in one another.

“Be one in heart and in mind,” the minister said.

We are. Always and forever
, Kate thought, wanting to hurry the minister along. She wanted to be Paul's wife.

“Inasmuch as Paul and Kate have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith—”

“I love you,” Kate whispered. Oh how she wanted to kiss him. She didn't hear anything else the reverend said—all she knew was that Paul was her husband, or would be if only the minster would hurry and make the pronouncement. And then she heard the words she'd been waiting for.

“By the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Relief and joy spilled over Kate. And all of a sudden she didn't know what to do.

“Paul, you may kiss your bride.”

There was a twitter of laughter and then Paul took a step closer to Kate, pulled her into his arms, and their lips met. His lips captured hers. Unaware of onlookers, Paul and Kate sealed their vows with a kiss that left Kate weak. Paul folded her in his arms, and Kate didn't want the moment to end.

Clapping and cheers of congratulations erupted from the guests. Reluctantly, Kate and Paul parted and faced the room, their hands clasped.

Paul leaned toward her and whispered, “I love you, Katie. You can't know how much.”

“I know,” she said.

All of a sudden the sound of the recessional blasted its way into their brand-new union. They walked down the aisle and into the foyer. Paul immediately scooped Kate into his arms and twirled her around. And then he laughed and pulled her close. “I was beginning to think it would never end. All I wanted was to kiss those luscious lips of yours.”

Kate felt herself blush, but before she could say anything, he held her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly. “I promise to take care of you always, Katie.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “And I'll love you forever.” She caught a glimpse of her wedding ring—the symbol of their eternal commitment to one another.

Sassa and Patrick walked out of the sanctuary.

“Fine job, there, Paul,” Patrick said, clapping Paul on the back. “You two make a striking couple. And Kate, it will be an honor to have you as a neighbor.”

“Thank you, Patrick. I'm looking forward to being there more.”

“You're not living in the cabin?” he asked.

“Well . . .” She glanced at Paul, feeling uneasy. “Not right away. I have a house here in town and the airport is here in town. It'll be easier if I stay in Anchorage part of the time.”

“We're trying to decide just what to do about that,” Paul said, his voice slightly stiff.

Kate knew he wanted her out on the homestead all of the time, but it didn't make sense, so they'd agreed on a compromise, which meant she'd be staying in both places. “Sometimes Paul will be in town too. That way we can go to church together more often.” She glanced at him. “We'll work it out,” she said, her confidence fading slightly.

Muriel stepped into the foyer. “Oh Kate! It was perfect!” She hugged Kate and then Paul.

People filed out of the doorway. They greeted and congratulated Paul and Kate, and when everyone had offered their good wishes, Patrick said, “Come on. We've got a party to get to. This way.” He headed toward the reception hall.

The evening felt like a dream to Kate. There was music, dancing, good food, toasts, and lots of well-wishes. Kate danced with Paul. They'd never danced before and she was surprised at how good he was. She felt as if she were gliding across the floor.

When it was time for them to leave, the single women gathered and Kate threw her bouquet. Lily caught it and her cheeks flushed pink. There were shouts of jubilation. Kate said a silent prayer that Lily would meet the right man. She and little Teddy needed someone to share their lives with.

Finally, in a flurry of congratulation and a shower of confetti, Kate and Paul ran for their car. Paul opened the door for Kate and she slid in, then he hurried around to the driver's side and climbed behind the wheel.

He leaned across the seat and kissed his bride. “So, how does it feel to be Mrs. Anderson?”

“Good,” she said. “The name suits me.” She put her arm around his neck and pulled him closer. “Kate Anderson.” She giggled. “I like the sound of it.”