Testing His Patience Page 18

  With a rush of joy, Gil slid the ring onto her slender finger. “Patience, I love you no matter what.”

  “Gil, I love you no matter what.”

  Epilogue

  Gracie’s spring wedding day had come. Patience stood at the front of the familiar sactuary between the other bridal attendants. To Patience’s right, Annie, Gracie’s sister, the matron of honor, was closest to the bride. To Patience’s left was Connie, Gracie’s best friend. As usual, Patience felt like a blond Amazon among her dark-haired, petite cousins and Connie who was a pretty brunette. Gracie’s dress was elegant white satin without any fussy frills. Patience, Connie and Annie wore pale mint green dresses, also in satin.

  The fragrance of lilies wafted through the church. Tomorrow would be Easter and the church was adorned for that holy celebration. The pastor was leading Gracie and Jack through their vows—“…for better for worse…”

  Patience blinked back tears. The familiar church in Uncle Mike’s neighborhood was crowded with friends and relatives. Gil and Darby had driven north with her for the wedding. She was staying at Uncle Mike’s, and the groom’s mother had taken in Gil and Darby.

  Unfortunately, Martina’s prediction that she wouldn’t be attending Gracie’s wedding had come true. Martina was back in prison, serving her sentence. Patience had visited her the week after she’d been returned to prison and they were writing to each other. Lord, you’ll have to take charge of my mother. I still hope she’ll turn her life over to you. But that has to be her decision. I can’t make it for her.

  Patience listened to Gracie repeating her vows, and then Connie moved to a pulpit to one side and read the love passage from First Corinthians, Chapter Thirteen, “‘Love is patient. Love is kind…”’ Connie’s sweet voice gave each phrase special meaning.

  Patience was now secure in Gil and Darby’s love. And Gracie was marrying the man she’d loved for years. Patience said a prayer that Connie would also find a man who would appreciate her. That’s up to you, of course, Father. But Connie deserves someone special.

  After closing the Bible, Connie walked back to her place beside Patience. The pastor began blessing the new couple. Patience prayed along with him, wishing her cousin and her husband a long, joy-filled life together.

  “Amen. I now wish to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lassater,” the minister announced proudly. The wedding party turned to face the congregation. The organ boomed out the postlude and after Annie had arranged the bridal train, Gracie and Jack started down the steps.

  Patience brushed away a happy tear. Life had finally come together for her—in God’s timing. Her life might not be perfect, but soon she would be gaining a husband and a son. She would reap what she always longed for—a family of her very own.

  On the bride’s side of the church, Darby stood up and waved to Patience. She waved back. Gil beamed at her and her heart fluttered with excitement and happiness. Thank you, Father. I’m sorry I doubted Your power to turn our ashes into joy.

  ISBN: 978-1-4592-0722-6

  TESTING HIS PATIENCE

  Copyright © 2004 by Lyn Cote

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  *Sisters of the Heart