The rehearsal was scheduled for five in the small church just a few blocks from the big Victorian house. Dinner would be at the Bullock Hotel immediately following the rehearsal.

By four o’clock Maggie was a nervous wreck.

“All this over a rehearsal?” Hannah said, trying hard to contain a laugh. “I can’t wait until tomorrow. You’ll probably be a basket case. Instead of walking in front of you, Karla and I might have to walk behind, in case you collapse on the way down the aisle.”

“Not at all,” Maggie said, giving a dainty but superior sniff. “Don’t forget, I’ll have Mitch’s brother Adam to walk me down the aisle.” She no sooner had the words out, when she burst out laughing. “And believe me, friend, Adam’s big enough to handle delicate little ol’ me.”

“Shall we be off?” Hannah asked.

“I suppose we’d better,” Maggie agreed.

Giggling like two teenagers, they clattered down the stairs and out of the building to Hannah’s rented SUV.

The streets had been cleared of snow and the short jaunt to the church took only minutes. That parking lot, also cleared, already contained several vehicles.

“It looks like we’re the last to arrive,” Maggie said, her voice quavery with tension.

“Yes, it does,” Hannah agreed, tossing her friend an exasperated look. “And will you calm down, for pity’s sake? It is only the rehearsal.”

“I know…but…”

“No buts.” She pushed open the door. “Let’s go and get this show on the road, so we can get to dinner.” She grinned at Maggie, hoping to ease her nerves. “I’m starving.”

The rehearsal went off without a hitch…for everyone except Hannah. She was fine at the beginning. Maggie introduced her to more of Mitch’s family including his brother Adam. Hannah had immediately liked him.

Adam was just as tall and handsome as his brothers, a little older, but pleasant and charming. His eyes, unlike Justin’s, were warm, friendly. So she was feeling good, relaxed, until she began leading the procession. The sight of Justin, standing beside Mitch at the end of the aisle, had the strangest effect on her.