Novella Sally Forth Part Six

July 7^th was Abbey’s day to come into the Church. Abbey chose the name Ruth, which seemed appropriate. Sally and Matt were the only family members there, the rest were “too busy” to come to Houston for the baptism and confirmation. But, the three, happy and content to be together, just enjoyed the day.

  

The whole family was invited to the wedding of Abbey and Matt. Abbey’s parents came, but no one else in her family did. The Tridentine Nuptial Mass presented one of the most beautiful beginnings of a life together any one could wish.

Sally felt that God had brought these two together for consolation in desolation. Abbey and Matt’s joy was contagious. Even John mentioned that he had never seen such a gorgeous bride and such a wonderful liturgy.

Massie and Duke put up with the Latin, mentioning several times during the day that they did not understand any of it, but it was “nice”.

The children loved it, being part of the party and processing in before Sally and Abbey. Fiona was in heaven, dressed in pink. She looked like a little rose.

The couple would spend their honeymoon in Ireland. Abbey’s ancestors had been Irish and Abbey had been named after some place in the Emerald Isle near Hoare Abbey---where her ancestors had lived. Her name was a family name. They would be gone for two weeks, settling in Houston, planning on a family in God’s time. They would have another Abbey.

Matt knew that his wife was full of surprises, and finding out that her ancestors were Catholic just added to his happiness.

Massie mentioned several times at the reception that even though Sally was older than Matt, that she had no prospects at this time. She was getting older, as well, Duke said.

Matt’s family was a bit mystified by the community of the parish. Bobbie noted that there was a feeling of family she had never experienced in a Catholic church before. Mary noted that everyone seemed friendly enough. But, Matt and Abbey knew where they belonged and rejoiced in their friends and extended family.

Before the end of the day, Sally felt strangely detached. During the reception, she had left the party and walked back to the church, just a block away. She entered the darkness and sat down. She wanted to be with her Bridegroom. She just sat in His Presence until Sean, who was looking for her, came to bring her back for the dance. Sally’s smile was so odd, so lovely, that even Sean sat down next to her for a while in silence. He had never noticed how beautiful his aunt was. He was content to sit with her until she was ready to go back to the reception. Yes, Aunt Sally was pretty today, he thought. He took her hand and they walked back in silence.