Sean stood before the minister with Ned and Clay as his best men. Alice played softly as Lexy entered the great room with a beautiful bouquet in her hands. She walked up to Sean, then stood opposite of him. Aunt Eleanor came next with a bouquet that matched Lexy's. She stood next to Lexy.
Marita walked down the stairs as Isaac waited at the bottom for her. She smiled brightly when she reached him and hooked her arm under his.
"You look beautiful, baby girl" Isaac said.
"Thank you Pa Pa" Marita smiled as her tears started.
They slowly walked to the great room. When Sean saw his bride, it took his breath away.
Marita was beautiful. Her wedding gown was made with a soft, white cotton linen fabric that flowed gracefully down her body. The low neckline accentuated her breasts as it extended off her shoulder, where it met the long, sheer, organza sleeves. The sleeves were beautifully finished at the wrist with a three-inch linen cuff embroidered with tiny white flowers. The skirt was attached to the form-fitting bodice at the waist, where it flared slightly, but gracefully downward, stopping just above the white, linen covering of her shoes. The simple elegance of her gown was enhanced at the waist by a three-inch, white satin ribbon with matching embroidery.
She wore her hair brushed away from her forehead, back into a French roll. The ends of her hair formed a garden of delicate curls several inches back from her forehead, which also covered the top of the roll, while several thin strands of curls hung softly in front of her ears.
A variety of wildflowers in a rainbow of colors combined together with day lilies from the garden made up the simple bouquet she carried in her hands. The flowers rose prominently above the soft linen fabric, lined with organza that surrounded them, while several long, wide streamers from the delicate satin bow fell across her hands as they continued down the front of her dress.
Sean was so handsome. His smile was so beautiful. He made his black coat and pants with the cream colored vest and white shirt look good. Marita's heart skipped a beat.
As Isaac escorted Marita into the room, Sean and Marita stared into each other eyes. Marita's eyes were filled with tears and with each step she took, her tears increased and spilled over her eyelashes and down her cheeks. When they reached Sean, Isaac placed Marita's hand into Sean's then stepped to the side. After a minute of staring into each other's eyes, Sean and Marita turned to face the minister.
"We are gathered in the sight of God and angels, and in the presence of loved ones, to share with Sean and Marita their sacred union with one another. Marriage is a most honorable estate, created and instituted by God, signifying to us the mystical union, which also exists between Christ and the Church. May this marriage be adorned by true and abiding love.
Sean and Marita, life is given to each of us as individuals, and yet we must learn to live together. Love is given to us by our family and friends. We learn to love by being loved. Learning to love and living together is one of life's greatest challenges and is the shared goal of a married life.
But a husband and wife should not confuse love of worldly measures, for even if worldly success is found, only love will maintain a marriage. Mankind did not create love. God created love. The measure of true love is a love both freely given and freely accepted, just as God's love of us is unconditional and free.
Today truly is a glorious day the Lord has made. Today both of you are blessed with one of God's greatest gifts - the gift of abiding love and devotion between a man and a woman. All present here today - and those here in spirit - wish both of you all the joy, happiness and success the LORD has to offer.
As you travel through life together, I caution you to remember that the true measure of success, the true avenue to joy and peace, is to be found within the love the LORD JESUS has for you both. Out of his love for you, you can love each other unconditionally.
GOD's Word tells us that nothing is of more importance than love. We are told the beautiful truth: "God is Love". We are assured that "Love never fails". It is love, which brings you here today, the union of two spirits, two souls and two bodies. As your lives continue to interweave as one pattern, remember that it was love that brought you here today, it is love that will make this a glorious union, and it is love which will cause this union to endure.
Sean and Marita have written their own vows" the minister said.
Sean and Marita looked at one another. They were both surprised because they didn't know the other had written special vows.
Sean turned to Marita and spoke from his heart. "Marita, you are my friend, my best friend. You stole my heart a long time ago and you have taken good care of it. You are my first love, my only love. You are the only helper suitable for me. You've been by my side every step of the way and I love you for that. I will strive to be a husband you can love, respect and honor. What ever I have belongs to you. I will cherish you. I will honor you. I give you my all. I will lay down my life for you. I will be your protector and provider. I love you with all my heart." Sean vowed as he raised her hand to his lips.
"Marita" the minister said.
Marita's tears flowed afresh as she opened her mouth to speak. "Sean" she whispered, "you are my best friend and my heart has been yours forever.
You are my first and only love. Before my very eyes, you have grown up into a man of honor. I love your determination, your conviction to stand for what you believe in. You are proving to me today" she choked out. "That you believe in what we have because you are standing against what people expect of you and standing with me before these witnesses. I love you more than I could ever say" she said as her emotions, the love she felt for him, overwhelmed her. "I belong to you. I have always belonged to you. I will strive to be a wife you can love, honor and respect. Everything I have is yours. I will love you in words and in deeds. I will cherish you. I will honor you. I will keep your heart close to mine" Marita vowed.
"A marriage ceremony" the minister began as Sean and Marita turned back to face him. "Represents one of life's greatest commitments, but also is a declaration of love. I wish to read to you what Paul wrote of love in a letter to the Corinthians a long time ago. I believe this is a true model of love, and it is a model of love I would hope you both would pursue in your marriage:
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels - but do not have love, I am only sounding brass or tinkling cymbals. Though I have the gift of prophecy and understanding all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains - but do not have love, I am nothing. Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Love endures and is kind. Love is not envious or jealous. Love wants not itself, is not puffed up, does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not its own, it is not easily provoked, and thinks no evil. Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness - but in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails" the minister read.
"Wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace, signifying to all the uniting of this man and this woman in marriage. The rings please" the minister said.
Sean turned and Ned handed the ring to him. He turned back to Marita and took her left hand. "With this ring, I thee wed. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen" he said as he slid the simple gold band on Marita's finger.
Marita turned and handed her bouquet to Lexy and Lexy handed her the ring. She turned back to Sean and took his left hand. "With this ring, I thee wed. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen" Marita said as she slid the simple gold band on Sean's finger.
Sean and Marita then bent down on their knees and bow their heads as the minister placed his hands on their heads.
"Heavenly Father, our hearts are filled with great happiness on Sean and Marita's wedding day, as they come before You pledging their hearts and lives to one another. Grant that they may be ever true and loving, living together in such a way that will never bring shame or heartbreak into their marriage. Temper their hearts with kindness and understanding. Rid them of all pretense of jealousy. Help them to remember to be each other's sweetheart, helpmate, friend and guide, so that together they may meet the cares and problems of life more bravely. And with the passage of time, may the home they are creating today, truly be a place of love and harmony, where your spirit is ever present.
Bless this union, and walk beside Sean and Marita throughout all their lives together. We ask these things in the mighty name of JESUS the CHRIST. AMEN".
"Amen" Sean and Marita agreed.
They both stood.
"Sean and Marita would both like to read a scripture" the minister said.
Again, they were both surprised because they didn't know the other had chosen a scripture to read.
"Marita" the minister said.
"Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following thee: For whither thou
goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Where thou diest, I will die, and there I will be buried: the Lord do so to more, and me also, if ought but death part thee and me" Marita said as she looked into Sean's eyes.
Sean couldn't believe what he had just heard.
"Sean" the minister said.
"Entreat me not to leave thee" Marita began to cry, "or to return from following thee: For whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Where thou diest, I will die, and there I will be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me" Sean said as he looked into Marita's eyes.
They both stood with tears in their eyes as they realized that they were knitted even closer together than when they where first married. They couldn't believe they had both chosen the same scripture.
"You may kiss your bride" the minister announced.
A smile broke out of Sean's face. His bride. He could kiss his bride in front of everyone! He turned to her and pulled her into his arms.
"I love you" he smiled at her.
"I love you" she smiled and cried.
Their lips met in a soft and tender kiss. They were the only two in the world. They got lost in their kiss and neither one wanted it to end. When it seemed as if they wouldn't end the kiss, the minister cleared his throat. Sean continued to kiss his wife and was oblivious to the people around him. A few minutes later, he felt a hand on his shoulder and reluctantly lifted his lips from hers.
As they continued to stare into each other's eyes, the minister announced "I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Sean Patrick Logan".
Sean continued to hold on the Marita as the family gathered around to give their congratulations.
"Alright Sean" Ned teased, "let Marita go so we can give her a hug".
Sean smiled as he let Marita go and Ned embraced her. "Congratulations, again. You look beautiful."
"Thank you" Marita smiled and kissed him on the cheek.
"You sure you want to put up with him for the rest of your life" Clay said as he smiled at his big brother.
"I'm sure" Marita said laughing as she embraced Clay.
"Sean" Isaac said as he extended his hand. "Take care of my little girl" he told him again.
"You know I will Isaac" Sean said as he shook Isaac's hand.
Isaac turned to Marita. "I really hate to let you go" he said with emotion as he hugged her tight and kissed her forehead.
Marita just smiled as she embraced her father.
Hugs and kisses were passed around as the family engaged to joyous conversation.
Champaign was poured and a toast was made.
"To Marita and Sean" Ned raised his glass. "You remind me so much of Libby and myself when we got married. I pray that you will have as much happiness as we had. And I wish every good blessing on you. I love you both very much and I'm here for you and will stand by you."
Everyone raised their glasses. "Cheers"
The cake was brought into the great room and Sean and Marita cut pieces and fed one another. After everyone had their fill of cake, Ned presented Sean and Marita with Libby's wedding gift to them. He looked from Marita to Sean as he spoke.
"Your mother" he said with a lump in his throat and tears in his eyes "Gave this to me and told me to give it to you on your wedding day. It's her wedding gift to you".
Ned handed Sean an envelope with his name written on it and a folded piece of paper with a ribbon tied around it.
Sean teared up at the mention of his mother. He felt close to her as ran his fingers over his name, his name written by her hand. He wished that she could have been there to share this day with him and Marita. Marita knew that Sean longed for his mother at this moment so she gently rubbed her hand up and down his back to try and comfort him.
"Thanks, Pa" Sean said as he looked up at Ned with tears that threatened to spill over.
Sean opened the envelope and pulled out the letter.
Dear Sean
Marriage is holy and sacred and you have entered into a union that is second only to your union to CHRIST JESUS. I am overjoyed that you have found someone to love and commit the rest of your life to. My prayer is that you will have all of the love and happiness that your father and I have.
I also pray that the woman standing by your side is your friend, your best friend. Marriage will bring difficulties and you will need your friend at those times. Always remember why you fell in love with her and never let her forget why she fell in love with you.
Love her. Cherish her. Protect her. Defend her. Support her. Lay down your life for her.
Always remember
Love never fails
If GOD be for you, who can be against you
I love you son
Mother
Tears escaped as Sean folded the letter and put it back in its envelope. Marita gave him a hug and wiped his tears away before she placed a soft kiss on his cheek.
Sean handed Marita the letter then he untied the ribbon on the folded piece of paper. When he opened it, he saw that it was a deed to a piece of land. It was a piece of land on the edge of the Logan property. It was the 'perfect spot' that he had found and wanted to build his and Marita's house on.
"Ma gave us some land" Sean said, looking at Marita.
"I, uh, I wanted to give you two something" Ned said as he handed Sean another folded piece of paper.
Sean looked at his father and smiled as he took the piece of paper. He unfolded it and could not believe his eyes.
"Pa" Sean was amazed.
Marita looked at the piece of paper, then looked up at Ned. She was amazed also.
Ned had given them the deed to the tobacco land.
Ned felt uncomfortable under their stares. He ran his hand through his hair as he said, "I hope you will accept my gift".
"Thanks Pa" Sean said as he embraced his father.
"You're welcome, son" Ned said as he returned the embrace.
It was Isaac's turned to present his gift to them.
"Marita, Sean" Isaac said. "I'd like you to use this" he handed Marita an envelope "to start your life together."
Marita opened the envelope and it was a bank draft.
"That should be enough to start building your home" Isaac said.
"Thanks, Pa Pa" Marita said as she hugged his neck.
"Thanks, Isaac" Sean said when Marita had let go of him.
"I also wanted to give you this" Isaac said as he walked over to the table and the wrapped box that sat on it.
Marita walked over and unwrapped it. She smiled brightly when she saw her mother's beautiful china set. "Pa Pa" she smiled, surprised.
"I had to do a lot of saving to buy that for your mother" Isaac said as he remembered his beloved wife.
Marita kissed him on the cheek "Thank you".
The family spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening together. They shared a lite supper together before everyone said their good nights.
Sean and Marita left hand in hand. Both of them were looking forward to their second wedding night in their cabin.
To Be Continued...................
Marita walked down the stairs as Isaac waited at the bottom for her. She smiled brightly when she reached him and hooked her arm under his.
"You look beautiful, baby girl" Isaac said.
"Thank you Pa Pa" Marita smiled as her tears started.
They slowly walked to the great room. When Sean saw his bride, it took his breath away.
Marita was beautiful. Her wedding gown was made with a soft, white cotton linen fabric that flowed gracefully down her body. The low neckline accentuated her breasts as it extended off her shoulder, where it met the long, sheer, organza sleeves. The sleeves were beautifully finished at the wrist with a three-inch linen cuff embroidered with tiny white flowers. The skirt was attached to the form-fitting bodice at the waist, where it flared slightly, but gracefully downward, stopping just above the white, linen covering of her shoes. The simple elegance of her gown was enhanced at the waist by a three-inch, white satin ribbon with matching embroidery.
She wore her hair brushed away from her forehead, back into a French roll. The ends of her hair formed a garden of delicate curls several inches back from her forehead, which also covered the top of the roll, while several thin strands of curls hung softly in front of her ears.
A variety of wildflowers in a rainbow of colors combined together with day lilies from the garden made up the simple bouquet she carried in her hands. The flowers rose prominently above the soft linen fabric, lined with organza that surrounded them, while several long, wide streamers from the delicate satin bow fell across her hands as they continued down the front of her dress.
Sean was so handsome. His smile was so beautiful. He made his black coat and pants with the cream colored vest and white shirt look good. Marita's heart skipped a beat.
As Isaac escorted Marita into the room, Sean and Marita stared into each other eyes. Marita's eyes were filled with tears and with each step she took, her tears increased and spilled over her eyelashes and down her cheeks. When they reached Sean, Isaac placed Marita's hand into Sean's then stepped to the side. After a minute of staring into each other's eyes, Sean and Marita turned to face the minister.
"We are gathered in the sight of God and angels, and in the presence of loved ones, to share with Sean and Marita their sacred union with one another. Marriage is a most honorable estate, created and instituted by God, signifying to us the mystical union, which also exists between Christ and the Church. May this marriage be adorned by true and abiding love.
Sean and Marita, life is given to each of us as individuals, and yet we must learn to live together. Love is given to us by our family and friends. We learn to love by being loved. Learning to love and living together is one of life's greatest challenges and is the shared goal of a married life.
But a husband and wife should not confuse love of worldly measures, for even if worldly success is found, only love will maintain a marriage. Mankind did not create love. God created love. The measure of true love is a love both freely given and freely accepted, just as God's love of us is unconditional and free.
Today truly is a glorious day the Lord has made. Today both of you are blessed with one of God's greatest gifts - the gift of abiding love and devotion between a man and a woman. All present here today - and those here in spirit - wish both of you all the joy, happiness and success the LORD has to offer.
As you travel through life together, I caution you to remember that the true measure of success, the true avenue to joy and peace, is to be found within the love the LORD JESUS has for you both. Out of his love for you, you can love each other unconditionally.
GOD's Word tells us that nothing is of more importance than love. We are told the beautiful truth: "God is Love". We are assured that "Love never fails". It is love, which brings you here today, the union of two spirits, two souls and two bodies. As your lives continue to interweave as one pattern, remember that it was love that brought you here today, it is love that will make this a glorious union, and it is love which will cause this union to endure.
Sean and Marita have written their own vows" the minister said.
Sean and Marita looked at one another. They were both surprised because they didn't know the other had written special vows.
Sean turned to Marita and spoke from his heart. "Marita, you are my friend, my best friend. You stole my heart a long time ago and you have taken good care of it. You are my first love, my only love. You are the only helper suitable for me. You've been by my side every step of the way and I love you for that. I will strive to be a husband you can love, respect and honor. What ever I have belongs to you. I will cherish you. I will honor you. I give you my all. I will lay down my life for you. I will be your protector and provider. I love you with all my heart." Sean vowed as he raised her hand to his lips.
"Marita" the minister said.
Marita's tears flowed afresh as she opened her mouth to speak. "Sean" she whispered, "you are my best friend and my heart has been yours forever.
You are my first and only love. Before my very eyes, you have grown up into a man of honor. I love your determination, your conviction to stand for what you believe in. You are proving to me today" she choked out. "That you believe in what we have because you are standing against what people expect of you and standing with me before these witnesses. I love you more than I could ever say" she said as her emotions, the love she felt for him, overwhelmed her. "I belong to you. I have always belonged to you. I will strive to be a wife you can love, honor and respect. Everything I have is yours. I will love you in words and in deeds. I will cherish you. I will honor you. I will keep your heart close to mine" Marita vowed.
"A marriage ceremony" the minister began as Sean and Marita turned back to face him. "Represents one of life's greatest commitments, but also is a declaration of love. I wish to read to you what Paul wrote of love in a letter to the Corinthians a long time ago. I believe this is a true model of love, and it is a model of love I would hope you both would pursue in your marriage:
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels - but do not have love, I am only sounding brass or tinkling cymbals. Though I have the gift of prophecy and understanding all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains - but do not have love, I am nothing. Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Love endures and is kind. Love is not envious or jealous. Love wants not itself, is not puffed up, does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not its own, it is not easily provoked, and thinks no evil. Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness - but in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails" the minister read.
"Wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace, signifying to all the uniting of this man and this woman in marriage. The rings please" the minister said.
Sean turned and Ned handed the ring to him. He turned back to Marita and took her left hand. "With this ring, I thee wed. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen" he said as he slid the simple gold band on Marita's finger.
Marita turned and handed her bouquet to Lexy and Lexy handed her the ring. She turned back to Sean and took his left hand. "With this ring, I thee wed. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen" Marita said as she slid the simple gold band on Sean's finger.
Sean and Marita then bent down on their knees and bow their heads as the minister placed his hands on their heads.
"Heavenly Father, our hearts are filled with great happiness on Sean and Marita's wedding day, as they come before You pledging their hearts and lives to one another. Grant that they may be ever true and loving, living together in such a way that will never bring shame or heartbreak into their marriage. Temper their hearts with kindness and understanding. Rid them of all pretense of jealousy. Help them to remember to be each other's sweetheart, helpmate, friend and guide, so that together they may meet the cares and problems of life more bravely. And with the passage of time, may the home they are creating today, truly be a place of love and harmony, where your spirit is ever present.
Bless this union, and walk beside Sean and Marita throughout all their lives together. We ask these things in the mighty name of JESUS the CHRIST. AMEN".
"Amen" Sean and Marita agreed.
They both stood.
"Sean and Marita would both like to read a scripture" the minister said.
Again, they were both surprised because they didn't know the other had chosen a scripture to read.
"Marita" the minister said.
"Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following thee: For whither thou
goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Where thou diest, I will die, and there I will be buried: the Lord do so to more, and me also, if ought but death part thee and me" Marita said as she looked into Sean's eyes.
Sean couldn't believe what he had just heard.
"Sean" the minister said.
"Entreat me not to leave thee" Marita began to cry, "or to return from following thee: For whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Where thou diest, I will die, and there I will be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me" Sean said as he looked into Marita's eyes.
They both stood with tears in their eyes as they realized that they were knitted even closer together than when they where first married. They couldn't believe they had both chosen the same scripture.
"You may kiss your bride" the minister announced.
A smile broke out of Sean's face. His bride. He could kiss his bride in front of everyone! He turned to her and pulled her into his arms.
"I love you" he smiled at her.
"I love you" she smiled and cried.
Their lips met in a soft and tender kiss. They were the only two in the world. They got lost in their kiss and neither one wanted it to end. When it seemed as if they wouldn't end the kiss, the minister cleared his throat. Sean continued to kiss his wife and was oblivious to the people around him. A few minutes later, he felt a hand on his shoulder and reluctantly lifted his lips from hers.
As they continued to stare into each other's eyes, the minister announced "I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Sean Patrick Logan".
Sean continued to hold on the Marita as the family gathered around to give their congratulations.
"Alright Sean" Ned teased, "let Marita go so we can give her a hug".
Sean smiled as he let Marita go and Ned embraced her. "Congratulations, again. You look beautiful."
"Thank you" Marita smiled and kissed him on the cheek.
"You sure you want to put up with him for the rest of your life" Clay said as he smiled at his big brother.
"I'm sure" Marita said laughing as she embraced Clay.
"Sean" Isaac said as he extended his hand. "Take care of my little girl" he told him again.
"You know I will Isaac" Sean said as he shook Isaac's hand.
Isaac turned to Marita. "I really hate to let you go" he said with emotion as he hugged her tight and kissed her forehead.
Marita just smiled as she embraced her father.
Hugs and kisses were passed around as the family engaged to joyous conversation.
Champaign was poured and a toast was made.
"To Marita and Sean" Ned raised his glass. "You remind me so much of Libby and myself when we got married. I pray that you will have as much happiness as we had. And I wish every good blessing on you. I love you both very much and I'm here for you and will stand by you."
Everyone raised their glasses. "Cheers"
The cake was brought into the great room and Sean and Marita cut pieces and fed one another. After everyone had their fill of cake, Ned presented Sean and Marita with Libby's wedding gift to them. He looked from Marita to Sean as he spoke.
"Your mother" he said with a lump in his throat and tears in his eyes "Gave this to me and told me to give it to you on your wedding day. It's her wedding gift to you".
Ned handed Sean an envelope with his name written on it and a folded piece of paper with a ribbon tied around it.
Sean teared up at the mention of his mother. He felt close to her as ran his fingers over his name, his name written by her hand. He wished that she could have been there to share this day with him and Marita. Marita knew that Sean longed for his mother at this moment so she gently rubbed her hand up and down his back to try and comfort him.
"Thanks, Pa" Sean said as he looked up at Ned with tears that threatened to spill over.
Sean opened the envelope and pulled out the letter.
Dear Sean
Marriage is holy and sacred and you have entered into a union that is second only to your union to CHRIST JESUS. I am overjoyed that you have found someone to love and commit the rest of your life to. My prayer is that you will have all of the love and happiness that your father and I have.
I also pray that the woman standing by your side is your friend, your best friend. Marriage will bring difficulties and you will need your friend at those times. Always remember why you fell in love with her and never let her forget why she fell in love with you.
Love her. Cherish her. Protect her. Defend her. Support her. Lay down your life for her.
Always remember
Love never fails
If GOD be for you, who can be against you
I love you son
Mother
Tears escaped as Sean folded the letter and put it back in its envelope. Marita gave him a hug and wiped his tears away before she placed a soft kiss on his cheek.
Sean handed Marita the letter then he untied the ribbon on the folded piece of paper. When he opened it, he saw that it was a deed to a piece of land. It was a piece of land on the edge of the Logan property. It was the 'perfect spot' that he had found and wanted to build his and Marita's house on.
"Ma gave us some land" Sean said, looking at Marita.
"I, uh, I wanted to give you two something" Ned said as he handed Sean another folded piece of paper.
Sean looked at his father and smiled as he took the piece of paper. He unfolded it and could not believe his eyes.
"Pa" Sean was amazed.
Marita looked at the piece of paper, then looked up at Ned. She was amazed also.
Ned had given them the deed to the tobacco land.
Ned felt uncomfortable under their stares. He ran his hand through his hair as he said, "I hope you will accept my gift".
"Thanks Pa" Sean said as he embraced his father.
"You're welcome, son" Ned said as he returned the embrace.
It was Isaac's turned to present his gift to them.
"Marita, Sean" Isaac said. "I'd like you to use this" he handed Marita an envelope "to start your life together."
Marita opened the envelope and it was a bank draft.
"That should be enough to start building your home" Isaac said.
"Thanks, Pa Pa" Marita said as she hugged his neck.
"Thanks, Isaac" Sean said when Marita had let go of him.
"I also wanted to give you this" Isaac said as he walked over to the table and the wrapped box that sat on it.
Marita walked over and unwrapped it. She smiled brightly when she saw her mother's beautiful china set. "Pa Pa" she smiled, surprised.
"I had to do a lot of saving to buy that for your mother" Isaac said as he remembered his beloved wife.
Marita kissed him on the cheek "Thank you".
The family spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening together. They shared a lite supper together before everyone said their good nights.
Sean and Marita left hand in hand. Both of them were looking forward to their second wedding night in their cabin.
To Be Continued...................
