He started crying before I took my first step.
Then the music began.
“At Last.”
Just like our original wedding.
Sophie took my arm.
“Ready, Mom?”
I laughed nervously.
“Not even a little.”
“Me neither.”
We walked together toward the water.
At the end of the aisle, she placed my hand in Mark’s.
He held it tightly.
“Hi, Lee.”
“Hi.”
He stared at my dress.
“You look…”
His voice failed.
I smiled.
“Sophie chose it.”
He laughed softly.
“Remind me to thank her.”
“I will.”
And we both understood the deeper meaning of those words.
—
Pastor Jim spoke for a few minutes.
Then he turned toward Mark.
“I understand you’ve written something you’d like to say.”
Mark reached into his jacket and removed several folded pages.
They were covered with his familiar handwriting.
His hands shook as he unfolded them.
He studied the words.
Then looked at me.
