The Double Wedding Ring

by Clare O'Donohue

  We went back to her dad, and the three of us stood in a circle, holding hands.

  “What’s this about?” Jesse wanted to know.

  “There’s a quilting superstition, or a tradition, I don’t remember which. Anyway, if you wrap a newly made quilt around the one you want to marry, you’ll be hitched within a year.” As I spoke, I unfolded the quilt and wrapped it around Jesse and Allie.

  Jesse looked at me, tears in his eyes. “You’re really sure?”

  “It’s a double wedding ring quilt. If that isn’t a hint, I don’t know what to tell you.” I laughed.

  “Are you going to marry us?” Allie asked.

  “If that’s what you want.”

  Jesse put his arm around my waist and drew me close. “It’s the only thing I want,” he said.

  As Allie ran off to yell the news of our engagement to the crowd, Jesse and I wrapped ourselves tightly in the quilt. For a moment anyway, we were completely alone. Until I heard Maggie say something about designing a wedding quilt for me, and my mom mention a honeymoon in Europe. Everyone came rushing toward us offering congratulations, hugs, and kisses.

  Maybe you don’t need a quilt to feel surrounded by love.

  But it helps.