The Bregdan Chronicles

The sweeping historical saga that follows American history from 1859 thru ???

Dark Chaos

Preview

A Note From the Author

       There are times in the writing of history when we must use words we personally abhor.  The use of the word “nigger” in Storm Clouds Rolling In is one of those times.  Though I hate the word, its use is necessary to reveal and to challenge the prejudices of the time in order to bring change and healing.  Stay with me until the end – I think you will agree. 

       My great hope is that Storm Clouds Rolling In will both entertain and challenge you.  I hope you will learn as much as I did during the months of research it took to write this book.  Though I now live in the Pacific Northwest, I grew up in the South and lived for 11 years in Richmond, VA.  I spent countless hours exploring the plantations that still line the banks of the James River and became fascinated by the history.          But you know, it’s not the events that fascinate me so much – it’s the people.  That’s all history is, you know.  History is the story of people’s lives.  History reflects the consequences of their choice and actions – both good and bad.  History is what has given you the world you live in today – both good and bad. 

       This truth is why I named this series The Bregdan Chronicles.  Bregdan is a Gaelic term for weaving.  Braiding.  Every life that has been lived until today is a part of the woven braid of life.  It takes every person’s story to create history.  Your life will help determine the course of history.  You may think you don’t have much of an impact.  You do.  Every action you take will reflect in someone else’s life.  Someone else’s decisions.  Someone else’s future.  Both good and bad.  That is The Bregdan Principle…

Every life that has been lived until today is a part of the woven braid of life.  It takes every person’s story to create history.  Your life will help determine the course of history.  You may think you don’t have much of an impact.  You do.  Every action you take will reflect in someone else’s life.  Someone else’s decisions.  Someone else’s future.  Both good and bad.

       My great hope as you read this book, and all that will follow, is that you will acknowledge the power you have, every day, to change the world around you by your decisions and actions.  Then I will know the research & writing were all worthwhile.

       Oh, and I hope you enjoy every moment of it, and learn to love the characters as much as I do!

       I’m already being asked how many books will be in this series.  I guess that depends on how long I live!  My intention is to release 2 books a year, each covering 1 year of history – continuing to weave the lives of my characters into the times they lived.  I hate to end a good book as much as anyone – always feeling so sad that I have to leave the characters.  You shouldn’t have to be sad for a long time!

       4 books are already written and will all be released in Spring 2010.  If you like what you read, you’ll want to make sure you’re on our mailing list at www.BregdanChronicles.com.  I’ll let you know each time a new one comes out!

Sincerely,

Ginny Dye

Chapter 1

April 1863

The loud call of a mockingbird jolted Carrie Cromwell from a deep sleep.   Frowning, she struggled to push aside the thick gray fog swirling in her head.   A long breath helped to dissipate the lingering fear. The dream had held her tightly in its grasp.   Robert... dead and mangled on the battlefield...  She shuddered as the grim image threatened to pull her back in.   

Another shrill cry from the mockingbird made her heavy eyelids flutter open.  She sighed with relief when she saw the bright sunlight  filtering through her tall windows.  It was a dream - just a dream.   She forced her eyes open wide and threw back the covers.  The terror of her nightmare loosened its grip as the glow of morning chased away the darkness.  She reached for her thick robe, wrapped it tightly around her slender form, and stepped to the window. 

April had glided into the south, setting Richmond, Virginia free from the harsh grasp of 1863’s brutal winter.  Finally the rivers flowed freely, and the trees were budding and beginning to bloom.  Apple and crab apple trees spread their glimmering pink and white blossoms over the hills of the city.  The morning air was chill and crisp, but the brilliant sun suspended above the soft green trees promised a warm day.

Carrie smiled softly, her green eyes exploding with excitement, as the last remnant of her dream dissolved with the light and she remembered what day it was.  She had envisioned this day for so long - so often caught between a hope that wouldn’t die and a despair that wouldn’t diminish.  But it was here.  It was really here!  She and Robert Borden were to be married today.

A surge of wonder and delight coursed through her.  She held her arms wide and twirled around the room, laughing at the wonder of it all.  Finally, out of breath, she collapsed on the window seat and rested her head against the sill.  Impulsively she pushed back and flung open the window.  The cool air rushing into the room invigorated her.  She knew she should shut the window, conserving all the heat possible in the war impoverished capital city, but today she wanted nothing between her and the world she loved so much.   Carrie pulled her robe tighter and turned her face toward the east, letting the sun wash her with its brilliance. 

Married!  She was going to be married...

The shriek of the mockingbird was so close this time it startled her.  Pulling back from the sill, she watched as it’s shadowy form hopped on a branch,  then flew into a surrounding bush, only to give another sharp call.  Carrie frowned suddenly.  Was the bird trying to tell her something?  Were its persistent cries this morning a mocking of her happiness?  A warning it would be short-lived?   A reminder there was still a war going on and the return of spring was merely the signal for renewed fighting between the North and the South?

Carrie leaned against the sill once more and tried to push away the sudden heaviness seeking to invade her heart.  She scowled at the idea a silly bird could rob her of her earlier happiness.  Against all odds, after being missing for eight months, Robert had come home to her.  He had been seriously wounded in the Battle of Antietam, but had miraculously survived.  Someday she would be able to thank the black family who had saved his life and helped to change his heart. 

“Good morning, Carrie.”

Carrie started as a cheerful voice rose to greet her.  She leaned further out the window to grin at her best friend.  “What in the world are you doing back home, Janie?  I thought you had to work at the hospital today?”

“Dr. Wild took pity on me.  He knew it was driving me mad not to be here helping you get ready for the big event.”  Janie pushed aside her soft brown hair, her blue eyes sparkling in the sun.  “The truth is, I just don’t want to miss out on one particle of happy doings in this town.  Heaven knows, there are few enough of them.  I like to get near happiness any time I can.”  She disappeared under the overhang of the porch.  “I’ll be right up.”

Carrie took one last breath of fresh air and reached up to shut the window.  Then she stopped.  The sun exploded onto the row of daffodils bordering the walk to her father’s house, and for just a moment the beauty transported her back to the plantation.  Her eyes glistened with tears as she gazed east, suddenly able, in her heart, to see beyond the treetops and far down the river. 

“Cromwell Plantation would be a beautiful place for your wedding.”  Janie’s voice broke into her thoughts as she entered the room.

Carrie smiled, not turning from the window.  Her heart overflowed with gratefulness.  She could remember with startling clarity the day she had saved Janie from an attack by a drunken soldier.  They had been inseparable since then.  “How did you know what I was thinking?” 

Janie put a hand on her shoulder and shrugged.  “I’ve only been to your family’s plantation once, but its beauty, even in the winter, took my breath away.  I can only imagine how glorious it must be in the spring.  I know how much you love and miss it.  It would only make sense your heart would long for it now.”

“It almost feels like a physical ache,” Carrie admitted with a catch in her voice. “I have so much to be thankful for...”

“And yet there is so much to wish for,” Janie finished.

“I feel horribly selfish,” Carrie cried.  “I have Robert home safely.  I have you for my best friend.  My father is alive and we,ll thanks to his job with the Government.  I have wonderful, fulfilling work at the hospital.  So many people are suffering so many horrible things.  I am nothing but an ingrate.”

“Nonsense,” Janie stated firmly.  “Yes, you have much to be thankful for.  You’ve also been through a trying eight months.  Robert has been home less than a week.”  She smoothed Carrie’s long, wavy, black hair away from her face.  “You have a zest for life and a capacity for caring that not many people have.  This is one of the most special days of your life.  You are wishing you could share it with Rose, Moses, and Aunt Abby.  You must be thinking about your mother - wishing she had lived long enough to see it.”

Carrie whirled away from the window and grabbed Janie in a fierce hug.  “Only you would understand all the contradictory feelings raging inside of me.  Thank you for making them seem all right.”

Janie returned her hug, then pulled away.  “I’m going downstairs to take care of a few things.  Take as much time as you need.  Life has been a complete whirlwind since Robert returned.  You’ve had hardly any time to even feel the wonder of the last week.”

“Sometimes l long for my special place down by the river on the plantation,” Carrie mused.   “That’s where I would go when I needed time to think and process all that was going on.  You’re right.  I’ve had hardly any time to feel what has been happening.  I just seem to roll from one thing to the next.”

“Well, this is one thing you’re not going to roll through,” Janie replied firmly.  Everything at the hospital is running smoothly.   I don’t want you to come downstairs until you’ve had all the time you need alone.  Do you understand me?” she demanded.

“Yes m’am,” Carrie replied meekly, lowering her eyes.

Janie laughed loudly.  “And that may be the only show of submission any of us ever see!” 

Carrie laughed along with her, then sobered.  “Getting married is a little scary,” she said, then hesitated.

Janie waited quietly for a long moment.  “You’re scared of losing your dreams,” she said finally.

Carrie saw no reason to deny it.  As usual, her friend knew what she was thinking.  She simply nodded.  

“You love Robert.  He loves you.  By the time this war is over, all of our dreams are going to have been battered and thrown around.  All any of us will be able to do is work to put life back into them.  We can either do it alone, or with someone else.  You will have someone who loves and respects you.  You’re not giving up your dreams, Carrie.  You’re adding a husband who can help you make them come true.”

“You’re right,” Carrie said gratefully.

“But...”  Janie prompted.

“I didn’t say but,”  Carrie protested.   Janie’s only reply was silence.  She turned to stare out the window.  “I love him so much,” she murmured.  “I know he supports my dream to be a doctor.  And I support his dream to be a farmer.  I guess I just don’t see how both those dreams can come true at the same time.”

Janie eased up beside her.  “You don’t always have to see the whole picture.”  She paused.  “Isn’t that what you always tell me?  That you wouldn’t have any reason to trust God if you could see the whole picture?”

Carrie nodded as the tightness in her heart began to ease.  “You’re right,” she admitted ruefully.  “It’s easy to say something.  It’s harder to live it.  You’d think after waiting eight months - wondering if Robert was dead or alive - would have taught me something.”

“Or just made you so tired you’re looking for a reprieve,” Janie said dryly.

Carrie laughed loudly and spun away from the window, suddenly full of her earlier wonder.  “Thank you for giving me so much space to be human,” she cried. 

Janie watched her for a moment, then evidently satisfied with what she saw, headed for the door.  “I’ll send May up with your breakfast.”

“No,” Carrie responded.  “I’ll be down in a few minutes.  Is my father still here?  I’d like to have some time with him this morning.”

“He was in the parlor when I came up.  He told me he was hoping the Governor could do without him today.  Something about it not being every day his daughter gets married.”   Janie grinned impishly and closed the door.

It took Carrie only a few minutes to dress.  She gazed at the simple white gown hanging on the door of her wardrobe, then reached for one of the few dresses not yet sacrificed to the cause of the Confederacy.  She didn’t miss her once huge wardrobe - it had always seemed an extravagant burden - but she wished she had more than her hospital garb today.  Pushing useless wishing from her mind, she slipped into a dark blue dress, then quickly braided her rebellious hair and pinned it firmly into a bun.  For just a moment she allowed herself to imagine Robert unpinning it - smiling as he watched it tumble down her back. 

“Behave,” she scolded her image in the mirror.  “That is hardly proper thinking for a respectable Southern lady.”  Then she grinned.  She had never made any pretense of being a respectable Southern lady.  Why should she start now? 

Suddenly her mind flew back to the day she had met Robert.   Much to her mother’s dismay, she had almost been late for dinner, caught in a violent rainstorm while riding her gray Thoroughbred, Granite.  It had been Rose who had worked miracles and made sure she was dressed and ready for their guest.  The smile faded from her face, and her lips quivered as the ache for her closest friend filled her heart.  How long would they be separated by the war?   The days when Rose had been her slave seemed like they belonged to another life.   Now Rose, and her husband Moses, were free.  The last Carrie knew, Rose was in Philadelphia, and Moses was serving as a Union spy.  The aching in her heart was accentuated by the agony of so much unknown.   Nothing but unanswerable questions. 

And memories.  Carrie managed a smile as the gentle reminder resonated in her heart.   There were so many wonderful memories.  Memories she would hold and cherish for the rest of her life.  Memories of times and experiences that had created much of who she was as a person.  

“I hear I have a daughter who wants to have breakfast with me,” a strong voice boomed from the hallway.

Carrie leaped up, ran to the door, and flung the door open.  “I’m so glad you’re still home,” she said warmly.

“I told Governor Letcher he would just have to handle any crisis without me today,” Thomas Cromwell said sternly.  “Except when I was sick with smallpox this past winter, I haven’t missed a single day at the Capitol since this war started.”  His voice softened.  “I think my daughter getting married is ample reason.”  He wrapped his arm around her.  “In fact, I can’t think of a better reason.”

Carrie leaned against his strong body.   “I love you,” she said simply as she gazed into his handsome face  ringed by shining silver hair -  a result of the last three years of stress.   The loss of his wife and the reality of war had aged him yet it had also deepened him.  Their relationship, close from the time she was just a child, had become even more cemented as they met life’s pressures together.

“And I love you, Carrie Cromwell,” Thomas replied.  “I won’t be able to say that much longer, you know.  After today you will be Carrie Borden.”

“Carrie Borden,” she murmured.  “Has a nice ring to it don’t you think?”

They were laughing when they entered the dining room.  Carrie was disappointed to see two of her father’s boarders seated with Janie at the table, then immediately chided herself for her selfishness.  The boarders’ financial contribution was crucial in this difficult time.  Besides, the city was simply too crowded; every home had to be willing to expand to bursting.  it wasn’t fair to expect all the boarders to disappear just because it was her wedding day.   “Good morning,” she said graciously.

“Good morning,” Drew Cummings responded, glancing up briefly from the paper he was perusing.

“Good morning,” James Botler said shortly, then turned immediately to her father.  “Mr. Cromwell, I’m so glad you’re here this morning.”  He stopped short, his round face flushed.  “But do you really think this is any time to be away from the Capitol?”

Carrie saw her father shoot James a warning glance, but it didn’t stem his flow of words. 

“Surely you realize how critical the situation is becoming!” James exclaimed.

“Oh, keep your shirt on,” Drew responded calmly.  “Every spring it’s the same.  Some Union army is coming to take Richmond.  They even tried it this winter at Fredericksburg.  Haven’t you learned General Lee is capable of protecting this city?”  He turned to Thomas.  “Have you seen everyone down by the river?  I walked through some of the markets yesterday.  The prices they are charging for fresh fish is absolutely ludicrous.  Half the town seems to have taken fishing poles and nets down to the water.  They’re not going to take any more price gouging.”

“Price gouging!”  James snorted.  “Who cares what fish costs if we lose our Capital?  I’ve heard that the new Union general, Hooker, has over 125,000 men sitting on the other side of the Rappahannock.”

Carrie listened with a sinking heart.  Of course, she knew of the buildup of the troops – was aware the Union army had been sitting just forty miles from Richmond almost all winter.   The Union army, severely demoralized after their stunning loss at Fredericksburg under General Burnside, had been rebuilding and regrouping under the leadership of General Hooker.  It wasn’t news to her, it just wasn’t anything she wanted to hear right now. 

Thomas cut into James hot words.  “I think Drew is right.  General Lee is quite a capable commander.”

Carrie shot a quick look at her father.  His voice carried none of the confidence his words did. 

“You can’t possibly think General Lee can defeat an army twice his size,” James protested.  “Why, we’re going to have another Antietam on our hands.  No one really claimed that to be a southern loss, but losing 20,000 men is not my idea of a victory.  The South can’t stand many more battles like that.  And from what I can tell, Lee doesn’t have nearly the same strength in his defensive position that he held at Fredericksburg.”

Carrie felt the bile rise in her throat at the mention of Antietam.  The horror of the last eight months - imagining Robert dead or horribly wounded when he had been declared missing in action at Antietam - was still fresh in her memory.  What if she had regained him only to lose him to another Union bullet?

“What I think,” Thomas said sharply, “is that this is no time for such talk.  In case you have forgotten, Mr. Botler, my daughter is getting married today.”

James scowled.  “She won’t be the first to become a soldier’s widow.  Pretending the situation isn’t critical doesn’t change the reality,” he said harshly.

Carrie had heard enough.   She put her hand on her father’s arm to stop his angry barrage of words.  Fighting to keep the anger and fear from her voice, she turned to James.  “There is not a person in this room who can change the reality of this horrible war, Mr. Botler.  There is also not a person in this room who cannot benefit from closing out the darkness for a while and letting what little good there is in this mess to become a more present reality.  It’s called grasping for whatever good there is in a bad situation.  It’s called hope.  It’s the only thing any of us have to hang on to.”  She took a deep breath.  “I realize my getting married today doesn’t change the fact Hooker may cross the river tomorrow.  But for just one day, I want the good things in my life to overrule the bad.  Is that such a horrible thing?”

James flushed and lowered his eyes.  “I’m sorry, Miss Cromwell.  I guess I’m just worried.”

“All of us are worried,” Janie chimed in.  “But I’ve heard a lot of the people in Richmond talking.  The last year has toughened them.  They made it through last summer when McClellan tried to take the city.  They have endured one of the hardest winters anyone can imagine.  Now it’s spring.  They have chosen hope.  They are going to live their lives as if the city might not fall in the next few days.  There is nothing any of us here can do.  It’s up to General Lee and his men.  We will deal with whatever consequences come.  In the meantime, we are going to live our lives.”

James nodded slowly.  “I won’t bother you with anymore of my talk,” he promised.  “I have a job to do.  I guess I’ll go do it.” He shoved his chair back from the table and reached for his hat on the nearby hat rack.  “Congratulations, Miss Cromwell,” he said sincerely.  “I hope you have a wonderful day.”   He moved toward the door, then stopped.  “I truly do apologize.  It’s just that I find myself feeling sick inside when I think of the North coming down here and conquering us.  I can’t help but be angry.”  Nodding briefly, he crammed his hat on his head and strode out.

There was silence until James had exited the room. 

“I’m sorry, Carrie,” Thomas said.  “I didn’t want anything to happen to spoil your day.” 

“It’s all right,” Carrie smiled.  “Today, I have Robert.  Today, we’re going to get married.  For just one day I’m not going to worry about tomorrow.”

Carrie fidgeted restlessly as Janie arranged her hair.  She lapsed into stillness, then seconds later shifted her weight again.

“I declare, Carrie Cromwell, if you don’t sit still it’s going to look as if a flock of birds made a nest in your hair!”  Janie finally burst out in exasperation.

Carrie sighed heavily and settled down again.  “Are you almost done?” she said impatiently.  “I’m sorry,” she apologized immediately.  “I’ve never been known for my patience,” she said ruefully, then smiled brilliantly.  “Can you believe it?  I’m really marrying Robert today.”

Janie nodded calmly.  “Your Captain should be arriving any minute.”  She pushed down on Carrie’s shoulders firmly.  “Two minutes and I’ll be done with this.  Can you possibly sit still for just two more minutes?”

“I suppose,” Carrie said meekly, then let her thoughts take her mind off  her enforced confinement.  Robert had been promoted from Lieutenant to Captain as soon as he had reported back to his unit.   She couldn’t care less about his military status - she simply wanted him alive.  His rank of Captain would only make him more valuable to the Confederate war cause.  She squirmed suddenly and peeked up at Janie.  “You don’t think they’ll make him fight in this new battle, do you?  He’s only been home a week.  Surely he’s not strong enough for that.”  She knew her voice sounded pathetically hopeful.

Janie paused, then tried to sound reassuring.  “I’m sure they can do without one Captain long enough for you to have some time together.”

Carrie knew Janie didn’t believe what she was saying, but she decided not to press it.  She may have only illusions to make her happy, but she was going to live in them until reality forced her to do otherwise. 

Janie stuck in the last pin, then glided over to the wardrobe and lifted the white dress off the hanger.  “Is the bride ready for her gown?”

Carrie rose in one fluid movement and raised her arms obediently.  “Have you ever thought about applying for a job as a servant?”  she teased.  “You seem to have a natural affinity for it.”

Janie stuck out her tongue.  “Unless Emancipation truly takes place, I just don’t think it would pay well enough.  I would have too many slaves to compete with.”

Carrie laughed along with her, then sobered.  “Oh, Janie, this war just has to free the slaves.   What if things are still the same when this horrible war is over?”

Janie shook her head firmly.  “Not one word about the war,” she said sternly.  “This is your wedding day.  The war will still be here tomorrow.  For today you’re just a beautiful bride about to be married to a dashing man.”  She settled the dress over Carrie’s head, buttoned it into place, then took a step back.  “Even with such a simple gown, you are absolutely lovely,” she said with deep admiration.

Carrie spun to gaze into the mirror above her dresser.   “Father wanted to buy a much more elaborate gown, but I wouldn’t let him.  I think it’s criminal to spend gobs of money on a wedding dress when so many people are starving.”  She twirled as she looked at herself critically.  The dress was very plain, but she had to admit it was becoming.  The lines hugged her slender waistline, then fell outward in graceful folds.  “I wish mother was here,” she said softly.

“She would be very proud of you,” Janie reached over to tuck in a final errant strand of hair. 

Carrie stared into the mirror for a moment, then moved away to stand by the window.  A warm breeze filled the room with the fragrant perfume of spring flowers, swirling the light blue curtains into a graceful dance.  Once again Carrie felt her heart fly over the treetops to Cromwell Plantation.  “Mother used to talk about the day I got married.  She had plans to make it the social event of the season.  There was nothing she liked more than large parties attended by the right people,” she said affectionately.  “It used to drive me crazy because I just didn’t care about things like that, but before Mother died we had learned to accept each other.   I miss her,” she said wistfully.  She scowled and swung around to give Janie a fierce hug.  “Absolutely no more sad thoughts.  I have Robert, and Father, and wonderful friends like you.  My life is incredibly rich.”  Humming a catchy tune, she pulled Janie into a wild dance around the room, determined to chase the goblins of sadness from her mind.  Soon their laughter filled the room and cascaded through the house. 

Janie finally pulled away, gasping to catch her breath.  “You’re going to be a mess,” she accused between gulps of air. 

“Pooh,” Carrie scoffed.  “You put enough pins in my head to secure it in the midst of a gale.”

Suddenly a knock sounded at the door.  “Is anyone else invited to your party?” a deep voice called.

Janie flew to the door and swung it open.  “Your daughter is all ready, Mr. Cromwell.  I’ll see you downstairs.”

“Most of the guests are here,” Thomas responded, not taking his eyes off Carrie.  “Pastor Anthony and Robert should be here any minute.”

“I’ll make sure everything is taken care of,” Janie said reassuringly, then shut the door. 

Thomas turned to Carrie.  “You look absolutely beautiful,” he said in a strained voice.  He walked closer.  “Just as pretty as your mother was on our wedding day.”

Carrie’s eyes welled with tears at the look of tenderness on his face.  “I wish she could be here.”

“I have a feeling she knows what is happening,” Thomas replied softly.  “And I’m sure she would approve.”

Carrie moved closer and wrapped her arms around her father.  “Can you believe it’s actually happening?  That I’m going to be married?”

“I wasn’t sure you’d ever find a man good enough for you.”

“Good enough - or one who could put up with my stubbornness?”  Carrie teased.

“That was something I took into consideration,” Thomas admitted with a playful smile.  Then he sobered.  “Robert Borden is getting the most wonderful girl in the world.  Strong-willed, tender, loving, intelligent...”

“You make me sound perfect!”  Carrie laughed.  “I’m afraid Robert knows the truth already.  It’s too late to trick him.”

“I know exactly what Robert thinks of you, Carrie.  If he didn’t love you as much as I do, I wouldn’t let him marry you,” Thomas said firmly.  “He loves you the way I loved your mother.  That kind of love can weather a lot of storms and make your life very rich.”

“I’m incredibly rich,” Carrie said, wrapping her arms around him tenderly.  “I have you and I have Robert.”  Unbidden, images of Rose, Moses and Aunt Abby flashed in her mind but she pushed them away resolutely.  Someday she would be able to share with them the happiness of this moment.  For now she would simply live it as fully as she could. 

Suddenly she stepped back and stared at her father.  “Why are you standing with one arm behind your back?” she asked suddenly.  He pulled his arm around and held his hidden treasure out to her.  Carrie reached forward slowly and took the magnolia blossom he was cradling in his strong hand. 

“It’s the first one of the season,” Thomas said.  “Your mother used to tell me how she was going to fill the house with magnolia blossoms when you got married.”

“I remember,” Carrie whispered, caressing the milky white bloom with her fingers.  Then, fighting tears, she lifted the blossom and inhaled deeply.  “So fragrant,” she murmured, burying her face in the single flower.

“I couldn’t fill the house, but I’ve been watching that bud for the last few days, hoping it would bloom in time.  I went out on the porch this morning and found it lifting its head toward the sun.” 

Carrie smiled.  “I think it’s a sign.  Magnolias have always been my favorite flower.  Rose and I used to pretend each bloom stood for one of our dreams.  We would wait for them to bloom, then wish on them.”   She gazed at the flower, remembering.

“And what is your wish today?”  Thomas asked.

“That Robert and I will have a long life of happiness together,” Carrie replied instantly.  She cupped the bloom, lifted it to her face, and kissed it gently.   “That is my magnolia dream for today.”

Just then a knock sounded at the door.   “Pastor Anthony and Robert are here,” Janie called.  “I think all the guests are, too.”

“I was just getting ready to come down,” Thomas called, kissing Carrie warmly on her cheek.  “I’ll be waiting downstairs for you.”

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