Ma Ingalls China Doll:

Chapter 3:

The day of Grace's birthday and wedding is approaching and preparations being made. Laura Wilder, Grace's sister is going to be the maidan of honor, Patrick Dow, Nathan's father the best man and Sarah Webb, Sylvia's little girl, the flower girl. Friday May 22nd the day before the wedding they are having pie and ice cream to celebrate Grace's 18th birthday. Grace notices the China Doll isn't on the mantle, and askes, ''Ma the China Doll is missing?"

Ma replies, "No worries, I know where it is.''

Finishing the pie and ice cream they head off to bed early that evening for it's a busy day tomorrow.

The next morning Saturday May 23rd 1885, they go to Nellie's restaurant for breakfast and after they eat Mrs. Olsen says, "We have a room upstairs for you to get ready your dress is there now."

Grace, "Oh, Thank you!"

As Grace is putting on her dress, Grace and Caroline hug as Caroline says, "My baby girl is getting married! and is 18 now!" Caroline has a little tear in her eye then says, "It's time to take you over to the church to your waiting groom."

Grace smiles as they head over.

Inside the Church Nathan Dow is at the altar waiting and sees Grace walk in and whispers to Patrick his father, "My beautiful bride!"

Charles is at the back of the church to walk her down the aisle, they walk slowly down to her groom with Sarah Webb behind them tossing flower petals on the floor. Charles says, ''Happy birthday sweetie, we are so proud of you!"

They are now at the front of the church and Rev. Alden asks, "Who gives this young lady away to this young man?"

Charles answers, "Her mother and I do." He then hands her over to Nathan.

Rev. Alden, "Nathan Dow, do you take Grace Ingalls to be your lawful wedded wife?"

Nathan, "I DO!"

Rev. Alden, "Grace Ingalls do you take Nathan Dow to be your lawful wedded husband?"

Grace, "I DO!"

Rev. Alden, "By the power invested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride.''

They kiss and the crowd stands applauding. They all give the bride and groom their congratulations than Charles and Caroline says, "Harriet and Hester Sue has cake and ice cream over at the restaurant."

Having cake and ice cream at the restaurant, Ma brings Grace a present nicely wrapped and says, "Grace it is your 18th birthday and your wedding day. Charles and I are proud of you! Happy Birthday and may you and Nathan be happy together!"

Grace opens it and it's the China Doll and Grace has a big smile and hugging her Ma saying, "I will cherish it, when we have kids of our own and our youngest turns 18 it will be handed down. Meanwhile, I will put it on our mantel."

Nathan and Grace do put it on the Mantel of their lovely home, and live happily ever after.

The End