"It's all my pleasure, dear. You have helped an old woman feel young again. Let's go."
"By the way," Caitlin whispered, "You look beautiful."
"What, this old thing?" Rachel said, laughing about her pale lavender floor length gown with jacket.
As they walked down the aisle, Caitlin focused on Garrett's youthful expression. Today they would join as man and wife without a single doubt or hesitation surrounding them.
At the altar Rachel hugged Garrett and said, "Take care of my granddaughter."
"I will." He kissed Rachel on the cheek and waited for her to give him Caitlin's hand. Caitlin hugged her grandma and then stood beside Garrett. He smiled through tears.
They held hands as the minister welcomed everyone and talked about marriage. "Garrett and Caitlin have written their own vows. When you are ready."
Garrett cleared his throat while facing Caitlin. "My dear sweet Caitlin, Like dewdrops on the morning grass, like horses grazing in a pasture, your love is ever glowing and peaceful. Our days will be filled with laughter, hugs, and kisses. Some days may be filled with tears, but on those days I will hold you until the tears have dried. We are best friends, business partners, and now partners in love. Thank you for making me the happiest man on earth. I hope our love is as strong and steadfast as Emmaline and Marshall's. You are a wonderful woman who has brought more meaning into my life than I ever imagined possible. I love you, Caitlin Chadwick."
Caitlin squeezed Garrett's hand. Would this man ever stop surprising her by his words? She hoped not.
"I never imagined this day would ever come," she said. "Though it is bittersweet in that granddaddy is not here, I know that he and Grandma are watching from above. They loved you and I know they are welcoming you into the family with open arms.
"Thank you for filling my life with laughter, hugs, and kisses. On those days when we shed tears, we will comfort one another until the tears have dried. I know those days will be few and far between as a love like ours comes once in a lifetime.
"Thank you for sharing your lifetime with mine. I love you, Garrett Winston."
They exchanged rings and the preacher announced them husband and wife. Everyone cheered and Caitlin looked towards the heavens. There in a mist, seen only to her, she saw Grandma Emmaline, Granddaddy, and her mother and father. Happy tears filled her eyes as she saw her family together for the first time in years. "Please take care of each other. I have Garrett now and my grandma Rachel. Our happiness will last forever. Thank you for watching over us. Visit from time to time. I miss you very much, but I am the happiest I have ever been. Thank you for sharing in this remarkable day." She blew a kiss to the heavens then joined Garrett in celebrating with their friends and neighbors.