Chapter Twenty-Nine #2
Edith tried to smile, though a knot of nerves twisted in her stomach.
She turned to face the small, cracked mirror on the wall, her reflection staring back at her.
Her hair was pinned up neatly, a few loose curls framing her face, and her cheeks held the faintest flush of color.
There were no fine jewels or fancy adornments, just the quiet elegance of the simple blue dress.
But her nerves tightened with every breath.
Mary must have sensed her nerves, for she stepped closer, her voice taking on a comforting tone.
“I remember feeling just like this before my own wedding to Sam,” she said with a nostalgic smile.
“Nervous, wondering if everything was going to go right, if I was doing the right thing. But, oh, Edith, it was the best decision I ever made. Sam and I didn’t have much, just a small gathering, but none of that mattered.
What mattered was that we were together. ”
Edith looked up at Mary, the warmth in her voice easing some of the tension coiling in her chest. “I didn’t know you felt that way,” she said softly. “You and Sam seem so… settled.”
Mary laughed gently. “We’ve had years to get settled, but believe me, there were plenty of moments early on when I felt unsure. But that’s the beauty of it, Edith. You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. You and Daniel will grow into your life together, just like Sam and I did.”
“I hope I’m ready for this,” Edith whispered, more to herself than to Mary. “Hard to believe Daniel asked me to marry him just two days ago.”
Mary came to stand beside her, resting a hand on her shoulder.
“You’re more ready than you think,” she said, her voice soft but full of conviction.
“Marriage is a leap of faith, Edith. It’s about trustin’ in the journey, and trustin’ in the man beside you.
But more than that, it’s about trustin’ in God to guide you both. ”
Edith nodded, trying to steady the tremor in her hands. “I’ve never had much faith to lean on. My father… he never spoke of it. And with all the hardships I’ve seen, sometimes it’s hard to believe God’s really there. What if I’m not strong enough?”
Mary turned her gently, looking her straight in the eye. “Edith, the truth is, none of us are strong enough on our own. We all need something greater to hold onto, and that’s where faith comes in. It’s not about never doubting—it’s about trusting God, even when you don’t have all the answers.”
Edith looked down, her voice barely a whisper. “But what if I don’t know how?”
Mary’s face softened with understanding, her voice warm and steady.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out, Edith.
None of us do. Faith isn’t something that comes all at once.
It’s something you grow into, little by little, step by step.
But here’s the thing—God’s been with you through all the pain, even if you didn’t see it at the time.
He’s the one who led you to Daniel, who brought you to this place where you can build a new life.
He’s got a plan for you, even when it feels like the world’s gone dark. ”
Edith blinked back tears, her heart heavy with the weight of Mary’s words. “I’ve never thought of it like that before. I’ve always felt… lost. Alone.”
Mary squeezed her shoulder gently. “You’ve never been alone, Edith.
Not truly. God’s been with you in every step you’ve taken, through every trial and hardship.
And now, as you step into this new life with Daniel, you’re not walking that path by yourself anymore.
You’re not just leanin’ on him—you’re leanin’ on God, too.
And that’s where your real strength comes from. ”
Edith’s throat tightened, the emotions swirling inside her. “What if I fail, Mary? What if I can’t live up to what God has planned for me? What if I don’t deserve this?”
Mary’s eyes softened with compassion as she placed both hands on Edith’s shoulders.
“We all stumble, Edith. Every one of us falls short in one way or another. But God’s grace is bigger than our failings.
It’s not about what you deserve—it’s about the love and mercy He’s already given you.
Marriage is a reflection of that love, that grace.
You and Daniel, together, can lean on that love to see you through whatever comes. ”
“Can we pray now?” Edith asked softly, her voice still uncertain but filled with a quiet hope.
Mary nodded, her own eyes glistening with emotion. “Of course, we can.”
They bowed their heads together, Mary’s voice steady and calm as she spoke the words Edith had been yearning to hear.
“Lord, we ask You to bless Edith as she steps into this new chapter of her life. Guide her and Daniel as they walk this path together. Let them lean on Your strength when their own falters, and remind them that Your love is the foundation of all they do. Amen.”
Edith’s heart felt a little lighter as they lifted their heads, the warmth of Mary’s words wrapping around her like a blanket. She wasn’t alone in this. She had Daniel, she had Mary—and maybe, just maybe, she had the faith she needed to face whatever came next.