"What's wrong?" Jen asked, her wide black eyes looking Caitlin over for scratches or bite marks.
"Nothing, except I miss his gruff voice and that large hand that always patted me on the back." Her voice broke with each word.
"Oh," Jen said, putting her arm around Caitlin's shoulder. Caitlin rested her head on her best friend. "I'm sorry we missed the funeral. Jeffrey and I tried to get a flight back, but we had no luck."
"It's okay. You were on your honeymoon. Granddaddy would not have wanted you to cut it short. Please tell me all about it."
"Are you sure?" Jen eyed Caitlin quizzically.
"Yes. I need to hear happy stories, but if it's from some travel brochure, forget it." Caitlin winked.
Jen threw her arms around her best friend and squeezed. "I love you." As Jen talked, Caitlin looked at her best friend and envied the love written in her eyes and the deep dark tan that highlighted her Cherokee heritage.
Time flew when these two got together. Before long the laughter calmed, the tears dried, and the tongues tired just like the sun, which was now winding its way behind the Blue Ridge. "I almost forgot," Jen said. "Emmaline's veil is in the car." Jen strolled to the car while Caitlin bit her lower lip.
She had forgotten about the veil and all that went with it. It seemed a lifetime ago that Jen had married, though it was one month ago. Laughter and music mixed in the jubilant air while every one danced and celebrated love. The last time I danced with granddaddy.It still did not seem possible that he was no longer here. Jen handed her the veil to which Caitlin returned to reality. "Thanks," she mumbled as she delicately held the lace piece as if it were an antique china doll.
"I'm heading back to Richmond in the morning," Jen said, giving her a hug. "Do not hesitate to call me for anything at anytime. I mean it. Don't be a stranger, either." "I may be back before long."
"Don't make promises you don't intend to keep. Love you."
"Love you too." As Caitlin looked at the veil resting in her hands, reality struck like a lightning bolt. In that flash she realized that all hopes of dancing with her granddaddy on her wedding day had vanished. She trudged inside, the weight of the veil slowing her down. The steps leading upstairs reminded her of the Grand Tetons.