Things were looking up for Karen. Her babies were crawling around and old enough to laugh and play, she was away from the stress of her brother's life interfering with her own, and best of all, she was about to be married to Lorn Vaughn, who even her brother would probably approve of given how rich the man was; not that she cared about that part. He had made it clear that she was not worth his time and she was busy moving on with her life after being widowed for a year or so.

She was busy packing up the last of her belongings to be moved to the big house... she was leaving the furniture for the woman who took over the cottage and the cookware, and taking only things that she could decorate with or wear, for Lorn's house would be hers soon and it needed a woman's touch.

She had yet to look into the boxes filled with her new clothes, but they sat in a neat pile on her kitchen table. After she finished packing her afghans and quilts, she moved over to the table and pulled one box to her, opening it up to find the scarlet ballgown. A ballgown. It was still surreal that she would be wearing such things. She unfolded the gown and held it up to her. It was beautiful.

Then she picked another box... This time, it was her wedding garb. Her breath caught at the way the delicate and soft lace felt against her fingertips. It was the most beautiful thing she would ever wear! She was half tempted to try it on and look in the mirror, but she didn't want to do something to ruin the dress.

A happy sigh exited her mouth and she gave a twirl, "Oh, so beautiful."