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Doyle held Olive’s arm as they made their way across the cafeteria/dance floor to where Mertie and Garnet were chatting with a few of the older folks in the assisted care facility.

“We were hoping that Pastor Calvin would have a replacement who could do the preaching every Sunday. He has said that it’s just a little bit much for him, but there is no one who is willing to come and minister to us. It’s not like they get a very big offering.” An older lady, her white hair smoothed down into a bob that framed her face, leaned heavily on her walker as she spoke to Pastor Garnet.

Doyle stood back, his arm around Olive. They were finally almost on the way home. He had been waiting for what felt like forever to get her to a place where she could lie down and rest.

“While I can’t do it on Sunday morning, obviously, I can definitely take a morning and come and give a lesson. It might be the same message I deliver on Sunday morning, but—”

“We’d appreciate that. In fact, we’d all love that. None of us are going to church in Raspberry Ridge, and so it would be a treat to be able to hear your message.”

“I would appreciate having you take over the reins here. Even people who are at the end of their life still need spiritual guidance and exhortation from God’s word. It helps with every stage of life, including the end.”

“Speak for yourself, pastor. I’ve got plenty of good years left. I’d say I’m just in the middle of my journey,” the woman said, shifting on her walker as she spoke.

Doyle bit back a smile. The woman was feisty and fun, and he could just imagine the merry chase that she led her husband around on, had she been married. There was no ring on her finger at the moment. Although, a woman like that, he would be surprised if she didn’t find a husband among the assisted living members.

He hoped he went into his old age like that, determined to stay alive, and not living just with his beating heart and working lungs, but by being engaged with the people around him. Living life that way.

They finished their conversation with Pastor Garnet agreeing to visit the nursing home on Thursday mornings.

“Oh, Mertie. It was a beautiful wedding. Just so perfect. And you are a gorgeous bride,” Olive said as she stepped forward, embracing her sister.

“I’m so glad you could come. I’m sorry that I didn’t realize how exhausted you were. I would never have dragged you off to Bible study yesterday had I realized.”

Olive held her hand up. “No. I wanted to go. You know how it is, you don’t want to be sidelined. You want to be in the thick of it. It is hard to admit that maybe you should take a break once in a while.”

“Do me a favor, and let Doyle take care of you. He’s been pampering you all day, and it’s been adorable to watch, but you really should go home and get some real rest.” Mertie’s eyes shone, but the care she had for her sister was obvious.

“That’s where we’re heading, but I didn’t want to do that without congratulating both of you.” Olive stood back and included Pastor Garnet in her words that time.

“Thank you. I have to agree with your assessment. Mertie made a beautiful bride. And the wedding that she put together was the best one I’ve ever been to. Of course, that might have something to do with me being the groom and getting the most beautiful woman in the room as my bride.”

“Garnet,” Mertie said.

“I’m not sure I’ve ever heard you say anything in that tone of voice before,” Olive said, smiling at her sister. “I can hardly contain my happiness for you. You guys make the most adorable couple, and I wish you all the best.”

“Thank you. You take it easy so you can come to your other sister’s wedding next Friday. Lots of changes for your family.” Garnet spoke, but above his words, there was a concern in his eyes for his new sister-in-law that Doyle appreciated.

“I’ll try to make sure she gets rested up and is there with bells on. My goal will be that she doesn’t pass out in the middle of the ceremony again.”

“I waited until the end,” Olive said to him, batting her lashes, and if he were going to say, he would say that she was flirting with him.

He wanted to call her on it, but instead he said, “I suppose you’re right. You did have good timing. I’m sure the happy couple appreciates it.”

They all laughed a little, and then Olive allowed him to take her by the waist with one arm, carrying the car seat in the other, as they made their way out of the cafeteria and out of the assisted living facility. Home. That’s where they were going. Finally.