-1Sarah
I am nervous. This morning seems to be lasting for decades. I wonder, will anything go wrong? I know not many people approve of my choice. I mean, he was a newsie after all. But since when does that matter? Even David toyed with being a newsie while Papa's arm healed. But now he has a respectable job. He is a workman for the motion films. Frivolous, some say. The movies will never go beyond the nickelodeon. But he believes that some day, movies will be big!
I'm just talking to distract myself. After all these months of preparation, it's finally here. I was thrilled when he requested permission from Papa to court me. Always a gentleman, he would give me small gifts such as letters or flowers.
My wedding is to be unpretentious. Unlike a high-society wedding, with hundreds in attendance, I have only my family and our friends. I wonder what the cake shall look like. Mama offered to make it for us. She is so talented in the kitchen. I hope someday I will be able to provide the same elegance for our children.
I smooth my simple linen wedding gown and look at my cousin. She is my only bridesmaid, the maid of honor. She smiles encouragingly and then continues her knitting. I hear the faint strains of music begin. It's almost time for us to go out. I'm getting married! How did I get into this?
"Maria, quickly. Am I forgetting anything?" She laughs lightly.
"Something old?"
"Mama wore this dress when she was married to Papa."
"Something new?" I lightly touch the thin strand of pearls around my neck as my answer.
"He gave them to me," I say with a quiet reminiscence. Maria continues the age-old rhyme.
"Something borrowed?"
"You loaned me these shoes," I reply, pointing my toe out toward her.
"Something blue?" I run my fingers along the sash holding my hair up.
"Right here."
"And a silver sixpence in her shoe?" I giggle like a schoolgirl and pull off my left heel to reveal the required coin.
"The bridal bouquet?"
"We even added orange blossoms. Perhaps it will bring the luck of having many children." A knock resounded at the door.
"Sarah?" Papa called. "It's time, child." I walk through the entrance and take a hold of my father's waiting arm. "My beautiful baby girl. You're all grown up!" His voice sounds like he's holding back tears. I lean my head on his shoulder as Maria walks ahead of us. She looks so pretty, walking down the aisle with her counterpart. A neighbor's daughter is our flower girl. She performs wonderfully, throwing her petals with elegance. And then it is my turn.
The chords resound as the wedding march is played. Papa escorts me down the church aisle. A lump catches in my throat as we glide toward the alter. My groom stands, facing the priest. He turns and catches my eye. I can see his approval, and his love. He hasn't seen me in my wedding gown. As superstitious as I, he believed it would bring bad luck.
My finger feels bare. I have worn the engagement ring almost constantly since the moment he placed it on my left hand. But I know it won't feel naked for long. The marriage is so close, I can almost taste it. Then, I will wear a wedding band on my finger, connected to my husband forever.
Papa releases me for the final time, giving me over to a new man. He whispers to him, "Take good care of her. It's a precious package I'm delivering to you." He nods, and lifts his arm for me to grasp. It is his turn to whisper as he addresses me on the remaining walk to the front of the church.
"Are you ready, Sarah Jacobs?" I smile.
"Forever, Kid Blink Gilbreth. Forever."