Two months later, three days before the wedding, the family sat together at supper. "Emma, I think it's your turn to ask the blessing." John said.

"Dear Lord, we thank you for the many blessings you've given us this year. You've been so good to us. We thank you. I thank you for this family and our dear friends. Most especially, I'm thankful for the blessed new soul that has been entrusted to Ben and I, a precious little life that we get to meet. Amen."

The room was silent.

"A baby?" Ben mouthed, looking at his wife. Emma beamed and nodded. "Emma!"


"Oh Emma, I'm so scared."

"Why?"

Mary Ellen took deep breaths as Emma zipped up her dress. "I don't know. I'm being silly. It's just, I'll have to walk down there in front of everybody, and-"

"Since when did you care what everyone thought? They aren't gonna analyse you on your wedding day anyway." Emma said, smiling at her sister.

After sharing a hug, Mary Ellen left the room and walked with John down the aisle. Before finding her seat where she could sit with Ben, Emma stood alone for a moment. She knew that Grandpa, Grandma and Curt were looking down on Mary Ellen. And Curt was smiling wide. He was proud of her.


The whole community gathered at the Walton House afterwards for refreshments. John and Olivia smiled and greeted everyone like the proud parents they were. Jason played his guitar for entertainment. Mary Ellen and Jonsey laughed and shared their first dance.

Emma looked up at the sight of a red car winding it's way up the lane. On second glance, she could make out John Boy.

Maybe this would be the perfect end to the summer.