“Whit and Jack are leaving now” Emily stated as she glanced out her old bedroom window towards the front of the Whittaker house. The old family car was now making its way down the driveway. “I have to say Whit looked pretty good in his suit. Not as good as Jack” she teased, “but good.”
“Oh Emmy, will you stop spying and help me with this veil, please? For some reason, I can’t seem to get the hair comb to stay” Jenny asked, sitting in front of a bedroom vanity, trying to attach her veil to her red hair.
“Of course, and I wasn’t spying,” Emily replied as she walked toward Jenny.
“Mm-hmm” Jenny sarcastically responded.
Jenny handed the veil to Emily. “As the maid of honor, it’s my duty to make sure the bride and groom don’t see each other before the wedding.”
“You do know that tradition started because in arranged marriages the bride and groom couldn’t see or meet each other until the actual wedding ceremony right?” Jenny teased as Emmy began to place the lace embroidered veil in her updo.
“Really?” Emmy’s brow furrowed, “And here I was thinking it was to ensure a long happy marriage. That’s actually quite depressing.”
“Seems like Jack has brought out the hopeless romantic side of you huh?” Jenny teased with a wink.
A rosy blush tinted Emmy’s cheeks. “Jack is pretty swoon-worthy. When I’m around him I feel so happy and nervous. My heart can’t help but skip a beat. I’m sure it’s the same with you and Whit.” Emmy leaned against a wall and chuckled to herself. “It’s weird but since I’ve been with him I see the whole world differently. It’s kinda funny when you think about it. I used to be the one teasing overly affectionate couples and now Jack and I are just like them.” She walked back over to Jenny. “But enough about me, you’re the one getting married today,” Emily said as she finished fluffing out the veil and stepped back to take in the sight. “There, your veil’s in place now.”
Jenny glanced over her shoulder toward Emmy. “Thank you, Em.”
“Of course. Anything for one of my very best friends on her big day”
Jenny stood up from the stool and made her way to the floor-length mirror located in the corner of the room, and looked at her reflection. She happily sighed. Her dress was a beautiful a-line with cap sleeves. The bottom hem, the hems of both sleeves, and the sweetheart neckline were outlined and embroidered with lace and white rosettes. The rosettes were decorated with clear and white and blue rhinestones. Her shoes were white Crawford peep-toe pumps with a large bow spanning the top of each shoe. Jenny’s hair was made up in a romantic French twist and her grandmother’s lace veil was placed softly in her hair. A pair of sapphire teardrop earrings from her mother and a stunning diamond alternating bolo bracelet from Emmy completed her look.
Emmy walked around to Jen’s right and stood breathlessly there trying to comprehend how beautiful Jenny was at that moment.
“Oh, Jenny. You are so beautiful.”
Jenny turned from the mirror toward her dear friend and smiled. “Thank you so much, Emmy. And so do you. The color of your dress brings out your beautiful blue eyes.”
“Thank you, Jen. That’s so sweet of you to say.”
Jenny reached out and took Emmy’s hands and then squealed with joy. “Oh Emmy, I’m so happy.”
“You don’t even have to say anything. Your smile says it all.”
“I’ve been looking forward to this day for what seems like forever and yet I still can’t believe I’m getting married today to the love of my life.”
“I’m so happy for you Jenny, you deserve this.”
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am for you being here with me. For helping me plan my wedding. For helping me decide on a wedding dress.”
“Out of the thousands you tried on,” Emily added.
“That might be a bit of an exaggeration don’t you think?”
“Hmm…maybe just a little bit” she conceded.
Both women laughed.
“Truly though. Thank you for agreeing to stand up with me today. I’m so thankful I met John, not just because he’s the love of my life but also because I never would have known you if I never met him. You are the sister I never had. I couldn’t imagine my life without you, Emily Capello.”
“And I couldn’t imagine myself without you, Guinevere Morrow soon to be Whittaker.”
The two women embraced and then slowly broke apart.
“Though I have a feeling it won’t be Emily Capello for much longer,” Jenny remarked.
“Jen…..”
“Emmy your birthday’s next week. If that’s not the perfect time to propose I don’t know when is. I’ve seen you and Jack together. The way you look at each other. It’s so obvious how in love you are. You just talked about how happy he makes you.”
“Yes, Jack and I love each other very much.”
“And?”
“And that’s it.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“Well, that’s the only one I can give you right now. Besides, we’d best hurry and get to the church. I wouldn’t want you to be late for your own wedding.”
There came a knock at the door.
“Jen, honey.” Jenny’s mother called “Your Dad and I were wondering if you’re ready now. We’re dying to see you in your dress.”
“Yes. Jenny’s all ready Mrs. Morrow.”
Susannah turned the doorknob and she and her husband Jerry entered the room. The two parents took in the sight of their daughter standing elegantly in front of them.
Tears welled up in each of their eyes and Susannah brought her hand to her heart.
“Oh, baby girl,” Jerry exclaimed as he walked over to Jenny and took her hand, “You look stunning.”
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“Come here.” Jerry held out his arms to his daughter and the two of them embraced. Jerry tenderly kissed Jenny’s forehead and the two of them parted.
Susannah walked toward Jenny and smiled, bittersweet tears streaming down her face.
“Sweetheart, you are so pretty.”
“Thank you, Mom.”
“I-I knew that eventually you’d grow up and get married but it seems just like yesterday that you were born.”
“Oh, Mom, I’ll always be your little girl.”
“I know sweetheart, I know. From the time you were born your father and I prayed that you would meet a wonderful God-fearing man who would cherish and love you as much as we do, and you did. And while I’m a little sad that you’re all grown up I couldn’t—we couldn’t be more happy and grateful that you’re getting married to such an amazing man.”
“Thanks, mom.”
Mother and daughter embraced each other in a heartwarming hug.
“And you look lovely as well Emily,” Susannah said.
“Yes, you certainly do,” Jerry replied.
“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Morrow. You both look wonderful as well.”
“Thank you.” They each responded in succession.
Just then the door opened and a young woman with curly dark hair entered the room “If you’re all ready my parents have the cars all set to go to the church.”
“Yes, we are,” Susannah replied.
“I must say my diamond chandelier earrings look stunning on you Sis,” Emmy remarked.
“Why thank you, Emmy,” Henrietta replied, then turned toward Jenny. “Perks of having a big sister. You get to borrow her jewelry.”
“The keyword is ‘borrow’ Hen, so make sure to not forget that important detail” Emmy playfully responded.
“Don’t worry Emmy. I’ll make sure to remember.”
“I’m sure you will.” Emmy lightly chuckled. She then turned to face Jenny and took her hand. “Well, time for you and Whit to tie the knot,” she said with a huge smile on her face, excited that the moment her friend had looked forward to for so long was finally here.
Adventures in Odyssey Revelations 