Page 62 of Whisk Me Away
As the evening wore on and the festivities continued, I felt a sense of wonder at the love and support that surrounded us. This was just the beginning of our journey together. Still, I knew that with God at the center, Karis by my side, and our family and friends cheering us on, there was nothing we couldn't overcome. This was where I was meant to be—surrounded by love and family, and standing beside the woman who had captured my heart.
EPILOGUE
KARIS
Seven Months Later
The lace fabric beneath my fingers was rough as I slid my hand across my stomach. I was standing in front of a floor-length mirror, staring at the most beautiful dress I'd ever seen. The bodice of the dress is a delicate, white lace. It had a sweetheart neckline with off-the-shoulder lace straps. The A-line silhouette fit me perfectly and the bottom of the dress stretched out into a semi-cathedral length train. The one thought that replayed over and over in my mind as I stared at myself was how much I thought my mom would have loved this wedding dress.
My eyes well as I fought to keep the tears at bay. Mia, who did my makeup, will kill me if I started crying and messed up her beautiful handiwork.
Two warm hands wrapped around my shoulders as my dad's face appeared in the mirror behind me. He must have been feeling the same way I was, because I could see a hint of sorrow in his eyes.
"Your mother would have loved to see you in this dress. You look absolutely stunning, Pumpkin,” Dad leaned in and gently kissed my cheek.
"Thanks, Dad. I wish she could have been here. I wish she could have witnessed me falling in love with the most amazing man." I was losing the battle to keep the tears from streaming down my face. Mia was just going to have to touch me up. It was impossible to not cry as my dad stood behind me with the sweetest look on his face.
"I have something for you," Dad said as he removed one hand and reached into his pocket to pull out an envelope.
I spun around, facing him as he extended the envelope toward me. My breath hitched as I noticed my name was written in Mom's handwriting on the front.
"Dad, what is this?" My voice shook as I regarded my dad.
"Your mother wrote you this letter before she passed away and told me to wait to give it to you until today," Dad said as a tear rolled down his cheek.
"Today? What—what do you mean?" I couldn’t wrap my mind around what my dad was telling me right now.
"I'll let you read it, then everything will make sense,” Dad placed the envelope in my hands before kissing my cheek and leaving the room.
I gathered my dress with one hand and carried the envelope over to the plush white chair in the corner. Sitting there with the envelope in my lap, I take a few minutes to stare at it. Mom wrote me a letter before she passed, and Dad was just now giving it to me? I didn't understand why he'd wait until today. I took a deep breath before blowing it out and opening the envelope.
The tears began rolling down my face faster than I could wipe them as I read the letter my mother left me.
My Dearest Karis,
As I sit here in this hospital bed, surrounded by the beeping machines and sterile white walls, my heart overflows with love and pride for the incredible woman you've become. I wish I could find the words to express just how much you mean to me, but I fear they would fall short of capturing the depth of my emotions.
From the moment you came into this world, you filled my life with joy and purpose. Watching you grow and flourish over the years has been the greatest blessing a mother could ask for. I have marveled at your strength, kindness, and steadfast determination to chase your dreams. You have faced challenges with grace and courage, and you have emerged even stronger each time.
As I lie here, my thoughts often drift to the future, to the path that lies ahead for you. I want you to know that I have always prayed for your happiness and well-being, especially concerning matters of the heart. I have prayed for the man who would one day capture your heart, stand by your side through thick and thin, and cherish you for the incredible person you are.
And now, as I look at the way Brant looks at you, I see all those prayers answered and more. His love for you shines in his eyes, and I can see the depth of his devotion in every glance, every touch. He is everything I could have hoped for in a son-in-law, and I am filled with gratitude that you have found someone who loves and respects you so deeply.
But beyond my prayers for your future, I want you to know how incredibly proud I am of the woman you have become. You have grown into a kind, compassionate, and fiercely independent woman, and I know you will continue to make a difference wherever life takes you. Never doubt the strength and resilience that lies within you, my darling. You are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to, and I will always be here cheering you on every step of the way.
As I write these words, my heart aches at the thought of all the moments I will miss in the years to come. You and your sister are my greatest joys and biggest blessings, and I thank God every day for the gift of being your mother.
I love you more than words can say, my sweet Karis. Never forget that, no matter where life may lead you.
With all my love,
Mom
By the end of the letter, I could barely see through my tears and was sobbing uncontrollably. I hadn't realized how Brant felt about me from so early on, yet Mom saw it. It was comforting to know that she was able to see a small part of what we have now. I missed her so much.
A gentle hand grasped my shoulder. I hadn't heard the door open and didn't realize my bridesmaids were standing around me with kind smiles. I looked up to see Eden standing at my side with her hand on my shoulder. I rose to my feet and pulled my sister into a hug.
"Mom would be so proud of you," Eden whispered.