The assembly of people made their way along the path through the trees. Some were dressed formally, but a few were also dressed quite casually as they walked alone, in pairs or small groups. Massive sequoia trees towered over the area, and sunlight from the blue skies broke through in scattered shafts as it filtered from nature's canopy hundreds of feet in the air.

Bob exited his rental car and followed behind the group. His attire straddled the two extremes he saw ahead of him - a casual suit that spoke both comfort and a passing homage to formality. He allowed himself a pair of black athletic shoes that matched his dark glasses, just in case the trail got a little rough, but it was paved and no more challenging than a city sidewalk. At least one outside of San Francisco, that is. Up ahead, he could see the venue as the path gave way to an open area that had chairs lined up and facing a slightly raised mound. The people seemed to be waiting here, milling about and chatting. He glanced at his watch and saw that things must be running late - not unusual for a wedding.

He wandered off to one side and stood staring out through the trees; he could make out the drop to a valley below but the sight was spectacular. A deep breath confirmed that those air fresheners they put in cars were a cheap imitation of the real thing. It was a beautiful day.

"Mr. Harris?" a voice asked behind him. He turned and looked at a younger man that was dressed in a tuxedo.

They had never met, but he had seen his face many times. He stuck out his hand. "Call me Bob. Denny, if I'm not mistaken?"

"Yeah. Thanks for coming. We really appreciate it. I know you weren't sure if you'd come but I know Charlotte will be thrilled."

Bob turned back to the vista. "It's a beautiful place. As much time as I spent in California, and I never came here."

"We love this place. Charlotte and I used to come up here before we moved. It never gets old." Both men stared at the scenery. "I better get going. Thanks for all that you've done for her."

"One thing, Denny," Bob said as he swallowed and steadied himself at the railing. "She said that she's told you everything, but I haven't told her everything - so I'll tell you. You will never love her MORE than I do, but you can love her JUST as much and I hope you do. And the important thing is, you can make her happier than I ever could and that's the most important thing in the world." Bob turned back to Denny and asked "Can you do that for me?" He didn't care that a tear was running down his cheek.

"I'll try my best, Bob."

"That's all I ask," he said as he shook hands again. "Whether you ever tell Charlotte what I just told you is up to you. I think you should, but it's up to you to pick the right time. Now you better get up there. If Charlotte beats you then you KNOW you're late," he added with a smile.

"Right." Denny hurried toward the front of the group, who were now getting to their seats. There was a sound of a bell from the front and everyone stood. Bob stayed back, leaning against a tree. He didn't look up as Charlotte made her way down the aisle toward the front. Once at the front, the wedding commenced. It was a beautiful service, short and reverent, touching on the love of God, nature, and each other.

At the conclusion, there was a cheer after the Reverend announced the couple, and Charlotte and Denny strode back along the aisle towards the rear, beaming. Glancing over, Charlotte caught a glimpse of Bob and froze in her tracks with a gasp before running over to him and embracing him, her gown wrapping around both. "Oh Bob, I couldn't stand it if you didn't come," she said crying.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said as he savored the hug. It was only the second time they had ever hugged, the first being when they left Japan. The other hundreds of times it had only been in his dreams. "Thanks for not having it on the top of Mr. Shasta." He pulled away, as much as he didn't want to. "Now your wedding present is running a little late. I searched all over for a Bible devotional that ties in with nature and hiking, but came up with nothing."

"Thank you for trying, anyway."

"Oh, I managed. I just had to hire someone to write one after you set the date. It should be coming from the printers in the next week or two. I'll send you the second copy."

"Not the first?"

"No, I'm keeping that one for myself. I can't hike along with you two in the flesh, but I can hike along in spirit."

The End