April 1936

Peggy was nervous. Standing outside the chapel, holding a bouquet of spring flowers, she heard the organ playing from the other side of the doors. Her knees shook and hands shook- whether from fear or excitement, she couldn't say.

"Oh, darling, you're beautiful. I knew you would be," Mother said. "Everyone in there is going to fall in love with you the moment they see you."

"Thanks, Mother." The two women kissed each other on the cheeks. Mother pulled away and dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.

"Oh, my baby. You're all grown up. Good luck." Mother squeezed her hand and then slipped into the chapel. Dad came over and took Peggy's arm in his.

"You are beautiful. I'm so proud of you."

Peggy stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. "Thanks, Daddy."

The music swelled, announcing it was time for her to make her entrance.

"Ready?" Dad asked.

"Ready."

The doors opened and Peggy stepped through. Everyone stood and all eyes were on her. And she knew from their faces that she was a vision in her pale pink dress and old Sunday hat.

It was well into the reception when Andrew came up to her and pulled her aside.

"Peggy," he said, sounding disappointed. "I thought you were going to get yourself a nice dress."

"I got myself some new shoes," she said, lifting her dress enough to show off a sensible pair of grey heels. "Seven dollars and fifty cents. Practical and pretty."

"Sure, but, what did you do with the rest of the money?" Andy asked.

"Well, I spent some on the wedding, put some away for me and Freddy and the rest I put in your college fund."

"But Peggy!" Andrew protested.

"Oh, and I got something else for you, wait here."

"Peggy, wait!" Andy called, but Peggy was already gone. She hurried up the stairs to the chapel and went to the pew in the very back. She grabbed Andrew's present and then went back downstairs to him.

"Here," she said proudly, holding up the instrument. "I found it in the pawn shop in Fargo for less than ten dollars." She handed it to Andrew, who looked at it dumbfounded. "I know it's not anywhere near as nice as the one you had, but it's still something to practise on. Do you like it?"

Andrew's mouth hung open for a moment, but he quickly snapped out from his surprise and smiled. "I do. You're the best sister ever. And that's actually saying something since I have five others to choose from."

Peggy laughed and hugged him. "I love you, Andy."

Andy squeezed her tightly. "I love you too, Peggy." They broke apart. "You know, I think lunch is almost over and I bet Freddy's waiting to get out of here."

"You're probably right. Thanks for everything, Andy." She squeezed his hand. Then she left her brother to go in search of her husband.

It wasn't until many years later that Andrew confessed to Peggy that she had bought him a French horn and not a trumpet.