I am the rain
And you
Are the sunshine
We are
Similar
In that we both
Nurture
And encourage growth
You with your warmth
And me with
My tears
Our conversations
Are flowers
And together
We grow a garden

The glory of the bride is found
In the love of her groom
Her face is glowing brightly
As she walks into the room
The purity of her gown
Is the prudence of his choice
And her veil is the image
Of his kind, protecting voice
A blush is sitting gracefully
Upon her smiling cheek
Accentuated sweetly
By her gracious spirit, meek
The groom is standing tall and firm
Yet gentle is his hand
As he pledges his covenant
In front of all the land
His promise of sweet faithfulness

I held the flowing bouquet of woodland flowers in both my hands and walked down the aisle at a measured pace. Once I had reached my designated spot, I turned and met the eyes of—no, not my groom. Sheesh. I’m single. I have yet to find a man that is willing to put up with this much sarcasm on a daily basis. Not that I’m looking for a man. Anyways, back to my story. I looked up and met the smiling gaze of my baby sister. Caitlyn looked ethereal in her shimmering white gown, with a cathedral veil trailing yards behind her.

CHAPTER 28: BUSY DAYS

It all started out as a joke.
My best friend and her sister had just returned from a month-long excursion to the British Isles, and Amanda was telling me all about it. She mentioned a place in Northern Ireland where they could spend multiple nights in the same place, but explore a host of fascinating sights within walking distance in any direction.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “I want to take you there someday!”

Ana's phone started pulsing, alerting her that she had an incoming video call. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw who it was. She hit the green button and watched as her favorite face came into view. "Alex! I was just praying for you."
"Hey Babe. Is this a good time to talk?"
"Any time is a good time. I miss you so much."
"How is your sister doing?"
"She's better. She and Samuel will be discharged on Monday morning, and then I'll be able to fly back home on Wednesday after she's settled in."
Alex smiled. "How's the baby doing?"

I see a bride
She stands in white
Golden hair surrounds her face
I see a bride
Her richness found
In heart and hand
With love and grace
I see a bride
Her joy abounds
Her groom smiles brightly
His love is bound
For love binds easy
Yielded hearts
Such bondage welcome
Cheered by all
I see a bride
Her heart unfolding
Petals soft and pure and right
I see a bride
Her vows beginning
She stands tall
Tender
Bright
I see a bride
Her love unending

Removed for contest entry

Snippet 1

"Grandad, will you play with me?"

Duncan smiled at the little girl while he closed his book. His voice was chipper, as per usual.

"Of course! What do you want to play?"

She looked mischievous.

"Will you play dolls with me?"

He grinned.

"Of course, Sweetheart."

The minutes passed by quickly while Duncan spoke in a high voice, and dressed Only Hearts Club dolls many times over. The two were so engrossed in their play that they didn't hear the knock on the front door, or notice when the visitor let himself in.

"Hello."

"Oh. Hi. You look familiar...have we met before?"

"I don't think so. I've seen you around at this conference before. At least I'm pretty sure I have."

She tilted her head to one side.

"Ohhh that must be it. I've been here every year since they started this conference back in 2012."

"Cool! So have I. My name is Mark. Mark Barton."

He shook her hand.

"Melissa Grey. Nice to meet you!"

Smiles.

"Do you live near here? I live about three hours from here in a little community called Lake Victor."