by Marcia Ware
Maggie could hear the music begin Pachabel’s Canon in D. She had created a special arrangement of the song, and combined it with a song she’d known since childhood, “Seek Ye First,” to create a beautiful counter melody. As the choruses combined, Maggie knew that the mothers were being seated.
In her mind’s eye, she could see Joe standing at the base of the stage steps with Declan and the other groomsmen. She could see him nervous and excited. She chuckled at the thought of Matty squirming in discomfort at having to wear his little tuxedo.
She stood and finally looked at herself in full. Chantilly lace with a sweetheart neckline covered the bodice, with intricate beadwork. The skirt was cream colored silk with matching lace and beadwork at the bottom. Her train attached, she raised her chin to accentuate the pearls that rested beautifully around her neck.
“Eat your heart out, Kate Middleton,” she said to herself, smiling.
“Alright honey, it’s time to…” Dexter paused, overcome with delight. The sight of his daughter in her full regalia stopped him mid-sentence. He cleared his throat. “You look absolutely stunning,” he said.
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“You ready?”
“Yep,” she said. “Let’s go.”
The occasion called for a grand entrance. One that could only be made from the rarely opened doors that led to Fourth Street. As Dexter and Maggie waited for the musical cue, the gathered crowd outside began to cheer for their new hometown heroine.
Feeling regal, Maggie turned and waved to the multitude, whose adoration now reached near fever pitch.
“Okay,” Dexter said. “Here we go.”
As the doors opened slowly, the entire auditorium stood upon seeing Maggie and her father make their way down the aisle. Joe adjusted his tie just as he caught sight of his bride. The joy and wonder in his face were undeniable. Even before Maggie and Dexter found their way to the bottom of the platform stairs, there was hardly a dry eye in the house.
There would be many things about that day of which Maggie would need to be reminded: for a bride to remember every detail of her special day was a rare thing. But this moment she would hold in her heart forever. Joe’s adoration. Matty remaining miraculously well-behaved. The glow that came from the faces of Gwen and Mary Margaret. The pride of her parents. And the chill that rose from her fingertips to her soul the moment Joe took her hand.
But the deepest thrill she would know was her final, precious moment with Grace, a moment that only she and her parents would ever know or discuss in life. The blessing and approval she received from that time at Grace’s grave might have, in reality, only been in her imagination; but it reminded Maggie of the unconditional love that was born between the two women. A love that Maggie would carry throughout her marriage to Joe. A love that she would share with her new family as a mother. A love that she would infuse into her music for the rest of her days.
It was a love that truly brought everything in her life full circle.
About the Author
With a resume that includes appearances at Carnegie Hall, The House of Blues in Chicago, the Grand Ol’ Opry, five European and three Australian concert tours, Marcia Ware’s musical background is as varied as it is colorful. In addition to her own celebrated solo work, she has provided background vocals for artists such as Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, Peter Frampton, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Gospel greats Bill and Gloria Gaither and the legendary Chaka Khan. She has also been a featured vocalist with the famed Funk Brothers of Motown.
An aspiring actress, she has appeared in several episodes of the third season of the ABC drama, Nashville playing…surprise, surprise…a background singer.
Marcia counts first among her many passions her relationship with her Savior; as well as time spent with her family and her amazing boyfriend, songwriting, travel, harmonizing with the radio, good food, endless games of Candy Crush on her Smartphone, Daniel Day-Lewis movies and Ohio State Buckeyes football.
Full Circle is Marcia’s first literary effort. She resides in Franklin, TN.
Also available from:
Marcia Ware
Maggie’s Song - Full Circle, Volume 1
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