Small golden lights strung between the ancient oak trees shimmered like fallen stars, the cousins were still roaring with laughter near the carriage house, and the final guests had only just left, praising the family for giving everyone such a flawless, picture-perfect wedding.
Grace had spent years waiting for this exact day.
Caleb was her only son, her deepest pride and joy, the brilliant young man who had thrived in civil engineering on a full academic scholarship, earned a respected position at a major infrastructure company outside Richmond, and always carried himself with a serious, hardworking, deeply respectful manner.
When he first brought Katherine home to meet the family two years earlier, Grace had felt deep inside that life was finally granting her the daughter she had never been able to have.
Katherine had not entered the house trying to impress anyone with dramatic gestures.
She came wearing a plain cotton blouse, a shy and honest smile, and hands that immediately reached to help with whatever work needed doing.
While Grace’s judgmental sisters-in-law whispered sharp opinions about Katherine’s modest background, the young woman simply rolled up her sleeves and started washing the dinner dishes without being asked.
