By Her Side Series
"My little angel."
"Daddy, you are making me cry," she spoke, wiping away swelling happy tears.
"Oh honey, I...I am sorry. They are hap...happy tears, right? Yes. Oh dear, now I am a mess."
Father and daughter laughed, grabbing tissue after tissue to wipe away the many tears.
He cleared his throat and said,
"There is something you need to know about your wedding gown. Your mother and I wanted to share its history with you on the day of your wedding."
"Okay," she spoke in hesitation.
"The gown you are wearing has been passed down the family tree on your mother's side for more than a century. The first bride to wear the gown was your great-great-grandmother, Maria Jane Coleman. She designed and made the dress herself, knowing the history it would unfold."
Maria turned to face the standing mirror and deeply focused on the dress she never knew had such an extensive history.
Off white ballgown. Large puffy shoulders. Thick long sleeves. Chest coverage as high as the middle of the neck. No train, but long veil. All satin (with exception of the veil having tulle fabric).
No trace of wear...ever. So how would she know?
One other question -
"Dad, am I named after..."
My name is Maria Jane, she thought to herself. She never knew. She only assumed the name was unique to her.
"Never..."
"Yes you are," he said, answering her question before she asked and finishing her realized thought before she could complete the word "never mind."
"Dad, why do you call me your angel?"
"Because of her. She has been loved dearly all this time and is a forever angel by every generation's side."
Knock, knock
"Come in," Maria called out one last time.
"It's time," said the wedding planner.
"Shall we?" he asked with raised arm.
On this day, so many loved ones were by her side. In spirit, Maria was not alone. Maria Jane Coleman stood by her side as she walked slowly down the long church aisle in a gown to pass on to a daughter she would one day have.
By Her Side Series
The End
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