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here, I just had to come over and introduce myself because you are, by far, one of the prettiest girls I have ever seen,” Shelby said, and she meant it. “Your dress is gorgeous, too.”
    A blush as rosy and pure as the girl’s dress warmed her cheeks.
    â€œBut, hmm . . .” Shelby continued, tapping her finger to her lips in consideration. “I wonder if there’s missing something.”
    Kate’s expression changed to curiosity as she watched Shelby pull a pale-pink rose from her bouquet.
    â€œMay I?” Shelby asked, holding the rose out toward the child’s side-swept braid.
    Kate nodded, her eyes on the flower in Shelby’s hand.
    Shelby proceeded to break away the excess stem from the flower and tuck the rose into Kate’s braided hair.
    â€œMaybe a few more?” Shelby suggested.
    â€œOkay . . .” Kate’s face lit up in a smile.
    â€œThere,” Shelby said, standing up to admire her work. Kate had a nosegay of bridal flowers tucked all along her braid, and a wide, gap-toothed smile that was even lovelier. “It’s perfect.”
    â€œBapa!” Kate burst out joyfully when they were joined by Mr. Carlson.
    â€œWell, Kate, don’t you look like a princess?” her grandfather said, and handed her a glass of lemonade. “As do you, Shelby. Congratulations. We couldn’t be happier for you and your husband.”
    â€œThank you, Mr. Carlson,” Shelby replied, standing up and adjusting her dress. “I’m so glad you were able to bring Kate. She’s welcome here anytime.”
    Shelby was happier seeing Kate’s newfound smile than she had been speaking with all of the Mrs. Forsyths in the room.
    â€œSo, young lady, how ’bout you and I cool off with these drinks and then get back out there on the dance floor?” Mr. Carlson asked his granddaughter, before congratulating Shelby again and then walking away with Kate’s hand held in his.
    Shelby smiled to herself, remembering the similar moments she had shared in this same barn with her own grandfather. She found herself looking toward the open barn doors, imaging that at any moment, he would enter the reception and ask her to dance.
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    As the evening wore on, the dancers grew tired and one by one guests began to say good night and taper off. Those who remained in the later hours were still laughing, raising glasses, and whirling about the dance floor.
    Ryan’s parents continued to circulate among the guests, seeming to enjoy themselves. Ginny held center court in a clutch of her closest friends, talking animatedly with her hands while one of the women uncorked another bottle of wine to share. And after the fiasco that took place just before the ceremony, Jackie and her male friend had been polite and drew very little attention to themselves.
    Ryan and Shelby embraced each other on a quiet corner of the dance floor as they swayed to the music. The music seemed to fade away. Voices hushed. In Ryan’s arms, Shelby imagined it was just the two of them. One of his hands rested on the small of her back while the other clasped her right hand and held it close to his heart. Feeling the warmth of his cheek against hers, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Ryan lowered his head, kissed her lightly, and whispered, “Thank you for saying ‘yes.’”
    â€œThank you for asking.”
    â€œSo, Mrs. Chambers . . .”
    â€œI like the sound of that,” Shelby said, running her fingers slowly across his jawline until she touched his lips. “Say it again.”
    â€œMrs. Chambers—I have something for you.”
    â€œYou do?”
    He released her from his arms just long enough to slip his hand into the vest pocket of his suit coat and withdraw a thin, blue satin ribbon.
    â€œWhat is it?” she asked, smiling in anticipation.
    When Ryan extended his hand, there was a solitary key dangling back and forth from the end of