July 4, 1893
On the evening of Independence Day, Almanzo had Laura and her family over for fireworks. He showed Laura and her family the renovations he made to his home.
"Manly, your home is beautiful." Laura smiled.
"Our home, Beth. In 5 weeks, it will be your home too."
Laura smiled and kissed her soon-to-be groom. She could not wait to being her married life with this wonderful loving and kind man.
August 11, 1893
It was the day of Laura and Almanzo's wedding. The day had come at last!
After all the other women had left, it was just Laura and Carrie in the room.
Laura heard a sniffle. She looked at Carrie. She caught Carrie dry her eyes.
"Are you okay Carrie?"
"I think it's the flowers."
"You've always loved the smell of sunflowers. They're your favorite flower."
"Yours too." Carrie said.
Laura smiled and nodded.
"I'm gonna miss you so much!" Carrie cried.
Laura hugged her. "I'm gonna miss you too. But remember, Almanzo and I are only gonna be in Mankato for the weekend. We'll be back on Monday. And even then, I might not be living at home, but Almanzo and I will be only 4 miles away."
Carrie smiled and hugged Laura. "I love you Laura."
"I love you Carrie."
Carrie stepped out of the room to stand at the back of the church with her sisters.
Charles came in. "You look beautiful Half Pint."
Laura smiled. "Thank you Pa."
"I can't believe my little Half Pint is getting married today." Charles choked up.
Laura got a catch in her throat, seeing her father emotional. She hugged him.
"Time to go." Pa whispered.
Laura smiled and nodded.
James and Cassandra led the procession, followed by Albert and Carrie, then Adam and Jenny. Royal and Mary came next. Everyone stood up at the direction of Reverend Alden.
Almanzo lost his breath for a second, captivated by the beauty of his bride.
Laura looked like an angel, walking down the aisle.
"You may be seated." Reverend Alden said, and the congregation was seated.
"Who gives this woman in marriage?"
"Her mother and I and all her siblings do." Charles smiled.
The congregation laughed.
Charles kissed Laura's cheek.
Almanzo took Laura's hand.
After the vows and rings were exchanged, Laura looked at Almanzo and smiled.
"Seeing that Almanzo and Laura have come together before this company and before our Father in Heaven, pledging their love and devotion to each other and doing so by the exchanging of rings, I therefore pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no man separate." Reverend Alden smiled. He looked at Almanzo. "Almanzo, you may kiss your bride."
Laura and Almanzo kissed as all their friends and family clapped.
After the reception, Laura and Almanzo left to go to Mankato for the weekend.
It was a wonderful start for Laura and Almanzo's marriage. They could not wait to see how the Lord would work in their lives!