CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
The Rehearsal
Friday afternoon arrived with clear skies and a gentle breeze.
The little country chapel sat quietly among towering oak trees, decorated with fresh flowers and white ribbons.
Luke stood near the front door, adjusting his tie for what felt like the tenth time.
Ryan walked over and grinned.
“If you keep messing with that tie, you’re going to wear it out before tomorrow.”
Luke laughed nervously.
“I can’t help it.”
“Nervous?”
“A little.”
Ryan smiled.
“Good.”
Luke looked at him.
“Good?”
“It means tomorrow matters.”
Luke nodded.
“I guess you’re right.”
? ? ?
Inside the chapel, Emily and the bridesmaids practiced walking down the aisle.
She caught a glimpse of Luke from across the room.
He smiled.
She smiled back.
Neither of them said a word.
They didn’t have to.
? ? ?
The wedding coordinator clapped her hands.
“All right, everyone. Let’s walk through this one more time.”
The rehearsal began.
Luke took his place at the front of the chapel.
One by one, family members practiced their entrances.
Everything went smoothly…
Until Oscar made his appearance.
The little dachshund proudly trotted down the aisle carrying the practice ring pillow.
Halfway to Luke, he spotted a young child holding a cracker.
Without hesitation, Oscar changed directions.
The entire chapel erupted in laughter.
Luke buried his face in his hands.
“I knew he’d do something.”
Emily laughed so hard she had to lean against her maid of honor.
Ryan shook his head.
“He’s committed to the snack.”
Eventually, Oscar remembered his important job and proudly carried the pillow the rest of the way.
Luke knelt down and scratched behind his ears.
“You almost had one job.”
Oscar wagged his tail proudly, completely convinced he had done everything perfectly.
? ? ?
Outside, Kira calmly greeted arriving guests, accepting gentle pats from everyone.
Meanwhile, Winston had stretched out beneath a large shade tree near the chapel entrance.
Several people stepped around him.
He didn’t move.
Luke’s mother chuckled.
“I’ve never seen a dog so dedicated to relaxing.”
Luke smiled.
“That’s Winston.”
? ? ?
After the rehearsal, everyone gathered in the fellowship hall for dinner.
There was barbecue, homemade macaroni salad, fresh rolls, and pie.
Ryan stood and tapped his glass.
“I’d like to say a few words.”
Luke smiled.
“This should be interesting.”
Ryan laughed.
“I’ll keep it short.”
He looked at Luke.
“When we were younger, I wasn’t always the brother I should’ve been.”
The room grew quiet.
“But I’m thankful life gave us another chance.”
Luke felt his throat tighten.
Ryan smiled.
“I’m proud of the man you’ve become.”
He turned toward Emily.
“And I’m thankful you’re part of this family.”
Emily smiled warmly.
“So am I.”
Luke stood and hugged his brother.
The room filled with applause.
? ? ?
As the evening came to an end, Luke and Emily found themselves outside beneath a sky full of stars.
Tradition said they shouldn’t see each other until the ceremony.
Emily smiled.
“I should probably head home.”
Luke nodded.
“I guess so.”
Neither of them moved.
Emily laughed.
“We’re terrible at saying goodbye.”
Luke smiled.
“Just one more night.”
She reached up and kissed his cheek.
“When I walk down that aisle tomorrow…”
Luke looked into her eyes.
“I’ll be waiting.”
“I know.”
She squeezed his hand one last time before climbing into her parents’ car.
Luke stood quietly as the taillights disappeared down the country road.
Tomorrow, they would stand before everyone they loved.
Tomorrow, they would promise forever.
But tonight…
He smiled to himself.
Tonight was simply one more chapter before the greatest day of their lives.