TJM46

The site of the church was breathtaking. Clusters of white roses with purple ribbon tied around them were attached to the ends of the pews. The scent of them was wafting though the air.   Linda walked
around the church with a clipboard, making sure everything was perfect. She knew Ginger wouldn't sit comfortably through the ceremony unless every detail was checked & double-checked. Linda breathed a sigh of relief after going over the list one last time, everything was going as scheduled. Linda caught a glimpse of her reflection in one of the church windows. She was still a very trim, attractive woman but there seemed to be a permanent sadness to what were once sparkling blue eyes. Linda smoothed the front of the jacket & skirt on her bright blue suit & turned to join Ginger, who was in with a nervous Samantha.

"Sam, you look so beautiful!," gushed Ginger.

Gina had done an amazing job getting the dress to fit her perfectly. Sam admired it in the mirror. The satin bodice hugged her body in the most flattering fashion. Most of the wedding dresses Sam had looked at were too ornate for her simple style & tastes. She tried to explain to Ginger that she wanted something elegant but simple just like her mother wore. Sam admitted to Ginger that she used to look at the only photograph of her mother in her wedding dress every night before she went to bed, then she would drift off dreaming about her own wedding she hoped to have someday. Ginger asked Sam if she still had the dress & the photo. Walking over to the mantle, Sam gently picked up a black & white photograph in a beautiful pewter frame. "The dress is upstairs in my mother's hope chest, but Ginger, it isn't in the best shape." Sam had tried to explain. "Well, I happen to know the best seamstress in the western world. I am not promising anything but let's see what we can do." A few weeks later, Gina called her over to the dressmaker's shop Charlie had set up for her in the loft of their garage. Sam came out of the fitting room minutes later crying. "Samantha, something wrong with the dress?" Gina inquired. Sam shook her head. "Everything is not okay-fine," Gina said.   Sam finally found her voice. "How did know what my measurements were to get it to fit me so well?" Gina smiled, "I made no adjustments, only repairs so far. This was the size your mother wore." Sam shook her head. "My mother had a beautiful, shapely body & mine is well unshapely & boyish." Gina wondered how a woman as beautiful as Samantha just couldn't see it. She grabbed at the fabric around Sam's waist. "I need to take in an inch around the middle but no where else. I 'spect your mother would be very proud you want to wear her dress."

"Gina, is a miracle worker, that is for sure," Sam said turning to look at the back of the dress. Ginger had spent all morning getting Sam's hair to pile on top of her head to match the photo of her mother. Sam asked all of the ladies, Ginger, Gina, Judy, Linda, Emma, Susan, Becky & Anne, along with her aunt Alice to join her for a prayer for her mother before the ceremony were to begin.

Sam's friends came from all over to celebrate her big day. Her best friend, Denise, was going to be her maid of honor. Karen, Niki, Tracy & Jennifer, all dressed in dark purple satin dresses were her bridesmaids. After a bit of arm-twisting, Sam convinced her friend Linda to sing a song at the reception. Linda had a wonderful singing voice oddly enough paired with the most awful case of stage fright.

Denise handed Samantha her bouquet of fresh lilacs & white roses tied with a purple satin ribbon. Denise whispered to Sam, "I love you so much, Sami Jo! Tommy is a very lucky guy."

The music began to play, signaling the couples to walk down the aisle. First went Jennifer & Tommy's friend Jake. Next were Tracy & Shawn. Followed by Niki & Steve. Then Karen & Casey. A very proud Jeff Metcalf escorted Denise. Here comes the bride began to play as all the guests arose. Sam was shaking as she held onto her father's arm.