Confusion clouded Margaret’s thoughts, and she softly asked, “I thought… I didn’t know.”
Her father smiled gently, “In our culture, white symbolizes purity and new beginnings. You look beautiful.”
Relief flooded Margaret’s chest. She hadn’t been set up; she had been honored. Tears welled up, but they weren’t of frustration—they were of gratitude.
As the celebration continued, Margaret felt herself letting go of the past. When the reception quieted down, she found Anita and approached her. “I misjudged you about the dress,” Margaret admitted, tears filling her eyes. “I let my fears cloud my judgment. Thank you for making me feel included.”
Anita reached for her hand, smiling softly. “We both want what’s best for James. Maybe we can start over, build something new together.”
Margaret smiled through her tears. “I’d like that. I’d like that very much.”
In that moment, Margaret realized that this wedding wasn’t just a new beginning for James and Anita—it was a new chapter for all of them.
Surrounded by love, color, and joy, Margaret found herself embraced by something beautiful, something lasting.
