The Secret Promise

Chapter Twenty-Five

"Well, when's the wedding?" Mr. Warner asked when they returned to her house and told him the news.

"Oh, we haven't even talked about that," Allie said.

"I was hoping by the end of summer," Lucas replied as if he'd already had everything planned out for months.

"End of summer, like September?" her pa asked.

"That's....six months!" Allie said, counting on her fingers.

"Oh, you want to get married sooner?" Lucas asked with a half smile.

"Very funny!"

He chuckled. "If you need more time-,"

"No, I think six months is plenty."

"Alright then," her pa said with a smile. "Guess we'll have to call in some help since Susan's not living in town anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"I think you should take your pattern down to Mrs. Leonard's dress shop and have her make whatever you need."

"Pa, I can make my own dresses!" she said, worried more about the cost than anything.

"Yes, you can. But you could also let her make you a few."

"Thank you, Pa." she smiled, hugging him.

"You're welcome, sweetheart. And Lucas!"

"Yes sir."

"I expect you to take good care of my daughter. She's very precious to me and I need to know she'll be safe."

"She will be. I promise you, sir."

Her father shook his hand then. "Congratulations."

"Thank you, Mr. Warner."

Susan had come and spent the night at Allie's house, while Arthur spent the night over at Lucas'. "I can't believe you're getting married tomorrow."

"Any words of wisdom?" Allie asked.

"Oh, I don't know about that!" Susan laughed. "I guess, just have fun. Don't be afraid to let him touch you,"

Allie raised an eyebrow and her eyes grew wide. "Susan!" she laughed.

 Susan laughed. "Being married has it's perks and can be a lot of fun. But you have to relax and don't be afraid to laugh."

"I will be sure to remember that," Allie smiled as she blushed.

Susan let out a sigh. "Would you have ever thought this is how things would work out?"

"No. Never!" Allie replied as they continued packing her belongings into the chests near the door.

The next morning, Susan helped her pin her hair and put on her dress. They were quiet as Allie's pa drove them to the church in town. The ceremony was at eleven o'clock and there was a potluck reception afterwards.

Allie's dress was white with a flounced skirt, soft, slightly puffed sleeves and a fitted bodice. She wore a pair of wrist length gloves and a soft lace veil that Susan had worn for her own wedding.

"You look so beautiful," Susan wiped away a tear and quickly hugged her before getting herself and the flower girl ready to walk down the aisle.

"Everyone's here and your groom awaits," her pa said, gently tapping on the door of the small room. "Are you ready?"

"I'm ready, Pa." she said, taking a deep breath.

He folded her hand over his elbow and led her out the door, walking around to the front of the church. Two young boys they knew from town were waiting to open the double doors for her as soon as she told them she was ready.