This Time(46)

"It's beautiful, Burke, simply beautiful," Belle repeated. "Thank you."

"I could afford something a little nicer this time around." Burke peered into her sparkling eyes and beaming face. "So, will you marry me?"

"Yes. With or without this ring, I'll marry you."

He pulled her to him and kissed her with all the love and commitment his heart contained.





Chapter Twenty-one





On Christmas Eve, a delicate snow fell, blanketing the small town of Haskell in a world of white. A steady stream of cars headed west toward Community Church, cutting across the planes like a river of light.

The church charmed the arriving guest with the enchanting glow of a hundred candles and the cultured sound of a string quartet.

In the small dressing room off the foyer, Belle readied herself, nervously chatting with Meg and Gates. Mary Beth bustled around, touching up Belle's make-up and spraying her hair into place one last time.

"You look beautiful," Gates said.

"Mercy, I'm gonna cry," Mary Beth said, reaching for a tissue.

Belle glanced in the mirror, her reflection so different from the first time she waited in this room and anticipated the walk down the aisle to her groom. Her once bouffant hair was now short and stylish. Her big, ornate dress with puffy sleeves and thousands of beads had been replaced with her mother's simple, elegant, white silk and organza gown.

She faced the room. "I hope Burke thinks so."

"You're going to take his breath away," Mary Beth said. Gates and Meg softly agreed.

"How are you doing, Meg?" Belle asked, walking over to where her friend sat, dressed in a burgundy gown, her round belly apparent underneath.

"I'm fine," she said smiling, squeezing Belle's gloved hand.

"Just don't go into labor during the ceremony," Gates said. "We've waited too long for this."

She patted her belly. "Baby Belle and I have an understanding."

Belle grimaced at her friend. "So, you are seriously naming her after me? I thought you were kidding."

Meg answered tenderly. "Stan and I talked about if for a long time. If she grows up to be half the woman you are, we will have done well."

Mary Beth stood to leave, straightening her a-line skirt and fluffy her red curls. "Come on, ya'll, let's leave the blushing bride alone for a few minutes. Give her some quiet."

Meg and Gates kissed the bride on the cheek and stepped out of the room with Mary Beth.

Softly, Belle began to pray, her heart full of love and thanksgiving for her Lord. The events of the last few months astounded her. First, Burke's surprising but impassioned proposal while they huddled together in the Haymakers' bleachers, then the night in the chapel.

For the wedding and reception, they'd invited close family and friends, wanting the evening to be intimate and simple. Since it was Christmas Eve, the reception would be brief so that Pastor Mike and the rest of the guests could attend services celebrating the birth of the Savior.

After Christmas and the honeymoon, a large elaborate reception would take place at the Tulsa Racquet Club. The guest list included most of the town, Hollywood and sports celebrities Burke had become acquainted with through the years, his former teammates and a large press corp. Though Belle looked forward to the gala event, she could not imagine anything more wonderful than the joy she felt right now, waiting in the small, quaint room to marry the man she'd always loved.

But even more than the joy of marrying Burke, she continually sensed the Lord's redeeming love and amazing grace toward her. And, as they planned the wedding, it seemed as though He'd gone before and prepared the time and place before they even asked.

A light knock echoed from the door. "Can I come in?"

"Yeah, Daddy, come on in."

Her father stepped in, his face glowing, such a different face than the last time he had walked through that door. "Meg and Gates are about to walk down the aisle."

"And Burke?"

Duke cleared his throat. "I stood here before and delivered the worst news of your life. Today, I can tell ya that man is as anxious as any groom I ever saw. Checkin' his watch every two seconds to see if it's time yet."

She beamed. "This time feels different, doesn't it?"

Duke nodded. "The first go 'round was all pomp and circumstance, running around, doin' all the traditions. It felt forced in some ways."

She agreed. "This time feels easy and graceful. The Lord is so good, Daddy. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined I'd have a day like this. It's perfect."

"That's cause ya left the choosing to Him. You put your hope in His love and plan for ya. I reckon he turned them ashes into something very beautiful," Duke said with a wink.

"Yes, He did. Beauty for my ashes, joy for my mourning."

Her father checked his watch and held out his elbow for Belle. "Let's go get ya married."

They walked into the quiet, candlelit foyer. Anticipation filled the air. Belle squeezed Duke's arm. "I'm nervous."

"Ah, kitten, e'vry one of these folks loves ya. No need to be nervous."

Through a narrow, rectangular window on the sanctuary door she could see Meg and Gates standing at the altar, facing the back, waiting for her to enter.