Girls Day Out

A lot of the planning was in place by now and Ann could breathe a little more but she also wanted to have a girl's day to let her friends know how thankful she was and to have fun with everyone. So at supper she surprised everyone with the news of her ideas. She asked them if they'd be okay with having a beautiful picnic with her to celebrate all their hard work so far and afterwards go to the beauty salon to have a fun-filled afternoon too. They all smiled of course that's a lovely idea. The girls were laughing out loud and told her we've never been there before. It's going to be a lot of fun, I promise. She planned on having a light breakfast picnic by the river before going to the beauty salon in town and the day before the ceremony would be perfect for everyone. In the meantime Henry was busy planning his suit and Sam was happy to be the best man. He was going to let Ann know his list of guests too. It was probably going to take a whole day to address all of their invites. She heard word from the store's owner that they were ready to be picked up. Tomorrow she'd go get them and start sending them to all their friends and family. The next morning Henry told Ann before she left that he had a surprise. She smiled and said okay Henry. He took her to the barn where he and Sam were working on an archway for the wedding. She saw what he was talking about and just busted in happy tears. It's so beautiful Henry! I can only imagine how lovely the addition will be. The couple had but a month now before the wedding and still had a lot more to do. When she got back from town she'd have to have her menu to prepare for too. The amount of guests that were coming was going to need a caterer. So when she did get home she asked Kate if she knew of anyone that could help for the wedding. Kate said her aunt had a small catering business and probably be exactly what she wanted. Ann said that's wonderful Kate, thank you. The food wouldn't be to hard to figure out because she thought fingersnacks, cold salads, and a bunch of smoked hams would be served on the special day. The week passed and the girls would need to see how the finished dresses looked. Ann was happy to see such hard work completed and the seamstress did a fantastic job. Now that all of the dresses were finished it was really a relief to her. Now all she had to focus on was the music and flowers. Alot of people were going to be there and she started feeling nervous but in a good way. The flower garden welded so many flowers and it be easy for her to create bouquets. She wanted to match the archway with the same kind of flowers. The next day Kate would ask Ann about making the bouquets and she said it'd be neat to have flowers from the garden since there was plenty to use. It was only a week away before the wedding and everything was pretty much ready. Ann had a caterer, dresses sewn, and flowers decided on They'd just have to be picked a day or so before the wedding ceremony but at the same time was looking forward to sharing a day with all of the girls. She had Kate help her to prepare the baskets and got the girls to bed early so the two could plan out tomorrow. Ann, Kate, and the girls woke the next morning with lots of smiles. They all met in the parlor to get ready for their day. Just a perfect start to the day having breakfast by the river was very tranquil for everyone. Kate spreaded the blanket out and Ann took out the food from the basket. Fresh orange slices with raspberries were starters then we enjoyed buttering the soft loaf of bread. It was a very peaceful morning and everyone wouldn't be forgetting this moment ever. Kate and the girls were happy for her Ann was happy to have such good people as her friends. Ann told everybody how great everything was today and how it'd been spending time with all of them. The women both started to pack the basket back up so they could all continue the day. Kate drove everyone into town in her husband's car. It was time for haircuts, braiding, or whatever else would the girls needed done, preparing for the big day tomorrow ahead The two girls were easy they both wanted a hair cut and style with wash. Ann and Kate had their fingernails manicured then painted. Along with hair dressing necessary for a beautiful day tomorrow. Three hours would pass and it was time for a break then finish up after the timeout Kate laid her book down that she'd been reading while there was a towel on her head while her hair dried. About fifteen minutes went by and they were being finishing up at the salon. It all seemed perfect to celebrate the day. Soon Ann couldn't wait now. It would be the best day ever to hold. Henry was just as thankful he could finally give his wife what she deserves. The morning came and Ann felt like she'd never forget it ever, thanks to everyone. She looked out of her window and could see rows of chairs with a decorated archway inside the center of it all. Their pastor from the little community church would perform the ceremony of the couple. Ann thought it was very nice of him to stop by and offer his service. Down the hallway, Henry was getting ready too. He'd be the first of the two to be seen. Henry would wait at the altar till Ann walked the journey to combine each other. Both Ann's and Henry's family were all there. The good thing also about today was that everyone could meet. A lot of laughing and carrying on was going on till the music started. Everyone rose when Ann appeared her father would be the one to walk alongside her till reaching Henry at the altar. The two held hands when the preacher began telling of pretty much a fairytale life and it was exactly the type of relationship she had with Henry. Both looked at each other while he started explaining vows and we agreed to his blessings. The I Dos came and the ceremony was ending with both Ann and Henry saying, I do. Everyone clapped at the end and started saying congratulations to the couple. Music played once again as guests began dancing after the wedding couple's first waltz. It was a perfect day for Ann now that she had her dreams come true because of Henry. Everyone enjoyed the music, food, and ceremony today. Ann talked with her mother for a while and thanked her for always supporting the two of them. Her mother was just happy to see her daughter this successful in love. It was also time for a dance with her father he told Ann how proud that he was of her and hoped that all of the future be prosperous. She hugged him then thanked her father. Just as Henry walked up and politely asked if he could have the next dance? Ann smiled then told Henry of course darling. So the day was wonderful, right Ann? Yes Henry I definitely agree with you on that. The guests continued to talk, laugh, and enjoy a beautiful day for the following hours no one wanted the day to end but some people had responsibilities and needed to take care of them too. Some started to say goodbye and their sincerest congratulations. Yet Ann still had one thing she needed to do and that was to throw her bouquet to all the single women. As the girls lined up you heard nothing but giggles from the women. Ann turned around away from facing the women then threw the flowers up in the air. The girls all reached out to catch them but only one caught the bouquet. So Ann had a wonderful birthday and wedding today. The couple enjoyed not only the ceremony but the whole day. Even the special speeches from the families were nice. Maybe even one day she'd bare a daughter to help have a joyous day like this one for herself yet one day who knows what's next.. To be continued - I hope that you all have enjoyed the first few chapters. -C.S. ©2024