trying times

"I keep crying tears of joy. I guess that's what you're put here for. To change these tears of pain to tears of happiness."

Catherine dashed down a few more quick sips of champagne before following the rest of the girls out of the dressing room. Her hands were shaking and a part of her thought she wasn't going to make it the thirty feet to the alter doors.

Then she saw a silhouette of herself in the stained glass windows in the hallway. Light was pouring in from the outside, reminding her of how beautiful this day was. A light that illuminated the hallway beyond its regular muted lighting. She looked perfect in that silhouette.

Catherine's mind eased a little and she began to really take in the moment. This was her wedding day. A day she never imagined to come. Catherine had never been the girl who dreamed about having a family. She simply had not seen herself with a husband or kids, and frankly never wanted the responsibility. That is until Jeff.

It wasn't one of those immediate things. She hadn't looked into Jeff's eyes and knew he was the one. But it was unexpected. Catherine had long ago given up the dating game, opting instead to fill her life with career and family and friends. She was content, but now she realized never fully happy.

Jeff had been like the sunlight. Pouring into her and lighting up the dimness of her heart. It was a feeling she found she could never properly explain, but it was amazing and so real.

So here Catherine was. Her wedding day. And as she finally reached her father and took his hand, she felt calm. One little peek through the small window in the altar door had allowed her to see Jeff and she was sure. Sure that she loved him and sure that she was ready for a life of happiness.