Her wedding day arrived quicker than Caitlin had anticipated. Rachel waltzed in with a breakfast tray. "I can't eat, grandma. My stomach is doing triple and quadruple flips."
Rachel sat on the bed and patted Caitlin's hand. "It's just a formality. You and Garrett are already husband and wife, in the innermost part of your souls. Cherish this day, hold true to the memories and the words you speak." She dabbed at her eyes again.
"I need one of those handkerchiefs too," Caitlin said, tears running down her cheeks. "Thank you so much for not being scared to be my grandma. You came at a time when I needed a woman's love more than anything. Though I cherish your friendship, it means more to me to call you grandma."
"Enough," Rachel said after blowing her nose. They looked towards the closet door where Caitlin's wedding dress hung. "You will be as radiant as Emmaline."
"And you and my mother. We are all beautiful and special in our own ways."
She managed to eat a piece of plain toast and drink half a cup of chamomile tea. But her stomach refused to cooperate until Jen entered the room and dropped her makeup bag, spilling the contents. Caitlin laughed and all seemed right with the world. "Thank you, Jen, for your grand entrance. It's exactly what I needed."
"I planned it. Now, help me clean this up so we can get you ready to marry your man." Jen's hands refused to cooperate in brushing Caitlin's hair. She threw the brush across the room. "Why can't I do this?"
"Because your best friend is getting married in less than an hour. Relax." Rachel handed Jen the brush. "Start over."
Caitlin tried not to laugh, but she could not control it. "What?" they said raising their eyebrows at her.
"You are more nervous than me. Stop before I go crazy." Everyone laughed and relaxed.
Caitlin stepped into her wedding dress with pearl buttons and lace sheath over the white satin dress. Looking in the mirror she wondered if this was what Grandma Emmaline had envisioned when she designed the dress. The dress was full-length with a short train and short sleeves. "How do I look?" she asked.
"Radiant. Exquisite. Garrett will faint when he sees you," Jen said, wiping away tears.
They fastened the veil and Caitlin put on Emmaline's brooch. Her grandma Rachel handed her a box. A gold bracelet lay inside. "What is this?"