The hours tick by, and Tara can barely sleep. Before the sun kisses the ground, she heads to her mother's house to start getting ready while Janet feeds the kids breakfast. Nervous, Tara stands by the large window in the living room until she hears her mother's alarm go off. Surprised to see Tara, Olivia notices that something has Tara's attention.

"Good morning. Are you ready for today?" She asks, trying to get her daughter to turn away from the window.

"No," she replies, with her lips beginning to quiver.

Taking a cover draped over the couch, Olivia steps to see what Tara is staring at, "Ah, you've noticed the for sale sign."

"Did I miss it yesterday?"

"No. The real estate agent put it up about five minutes after you left. If you want, we can take a quick walk around to see if you like it." Knowing Tara is falling in love with the house on the corner across the street, Olivia offers.

That's all Tara needs to hear to make her way outside, walking with a quick pace to the beautifully built taupe Victorian house with dark blue shutters and a wrap-around porch with an enclosed weatherproof back deck. She's smitten with the house, but it's when she sees the price tag from the printout in the clear plastic box that shatters her heart.

"Damn! We can't afford to put almost three hundred grand into a home," she says to her mother when she walks over from her house, "Why do I get teased like this?"

"How much do you like it?" Olivia asks.

Looking up at the house with a feeling that it should belong to her, Tara takes her mother's hand to walk on the porch, "This is my home. I can see bringing the baby home here and CJ having fun in the backyard. Maybe I could convince Cory to get a dog because a home like this needs all the happiness it can give. But like I said, we can't afford this plus put back for college funds, emergencies, doctor appointments, vacations, and whatever else."

Olivia plays with an offer to test the waters, "What if I give you the down payment to help lower the payments. Your father made sure he left enough in savings with two life insurance policies to help with things like this."

All Tara does is shake her head no. She's never heard how much her father left them with his life insurance, but she knows her mother needs as much as possible to help with therapy and more since she's relying on a cane to walk, "No. Come on; I need to start getting ready to get married."

While Tara jumps into the shower, Olivia goes behind her back to contact the real estate agent to set up a time to walk through the house after the wedding. After she schedules the secret appointment, Olivia makes her way to her bedroom to prepare her dress and makeup. Olivia walks to the bathroom to see Tara applying her eye shadow when she's finished. That's when she begins to cry, knowing it's the final hours she has Tara to herself as her little girl.

Seeing her mother crying, Tara tries not to cry so it doesn't mess up her makeup, "Mom, don't cry, or I will too. What's wrong?"

"This is the last time you're going to be my little girl. You're so close to getting married, and you're already looking so beautiful."

Almost moved to tears, Tara drops the eye shadow to hug her mother, "I'll always be your girl, momma."

Not too far away, Cory and Rick wake up. They get a shower and then enjoy a bowl of frosted flakes before going for their suits as Cory tries to hurry to make it to the church. Rick walks next door to help Janet get the kids ready to focus on how she looks. The kids don't give them a hard time as they're excited to be part of another wedding, with Charlotte being the flower girl and Dawson being the ring bearer, but CJ feels all grown up being his dad's best little man.

Over at the church, the people who attend the early morning service are baffled by how the church looks. They're accustomed to weddings, but they're blown away after seeing how much effort Nia has put into the chapel.

"Good morning, my fellow brothers and sisters. This morning right after our late morning service, you're invited to take part in a wonderful event. My son's best friend, Cory Dubois, is getting married at last. It is a ceremony I am proud to do, and it would mean the world to Nia and myself and Cory and Tara with their families to have as many witnesses to share their special moment. Nia has gone above and beyond since this is the last wedding of the three best friends and our chance to give back to these young people something memorable," Grant announces at the podium with music softly playing.

While the early morning service kicks off before Nia takes the kids downstairs for Sunday School for the late morning service, the sensation within the church swells as anticipation to be part of the wedding fills with more passion as time grows closer. Cory sits in the back feeling more and more nervous since Grant is preaching the service about love, patience, and moving life away from the world and into the church.

It's not until Rick and Janet arrive with the kids that Cory begins to feel the slightest bit of relief. His palms are sweating something fierce, and his forehead beads with sweat. Janet is the one who walks in first to check on Cory, "How ya feelin'?"

"Like I'm about to piss my pants," Cory shares, then immediately slaps a hand over his mouth, "Oops, I did not mean to swear. But, oh man, I'm barely holding it together. Not even my medicine is helping. Am I going crazy?"

"Why do you feel like you're going crazy?" Janet asks.

"Because look at how well it went for you and Rick. There wasn't a single hiccup between Lloyd and Simon. Unlike all of you, Tara and I have the most history, but it feels like we're barely ready for what's about to happen."

With her arm around his shoulders, Janet tries to give insight into why the pressure cooker is on him and Tara, "Here's why I think it feels like that. For Lloyd and Simon, they've entered a new world that is now accepting of their love. But for Rick and me, it's a struggle to see through that pea soup fog because he's black, and I'm white, so we still get the odd looks. However, that's what drives us closer. He's not perfect, and neither am I. Although we made several bad mistakes, we lean on each other for the support and love we need. So did we rush? Oh heck, yes, we did but do either of us regret it? Nope. For you and Tara, though, it is different because of the history y'all got together. If nothing else, I know this about my girl; she loves you something fierce like a tornado in a trailer park loves destruction or like a wildfire eats the forest."

Able to laugh for a second, Cory interjects, "Great! So we're a deadly disaster waiting to happen."

"Nah! Y'all are the disaster that will happen, but do you know what happens when it's over? There's a new life that comes from it, and life rebuilds. That's y'alls life; ya wreck it and rebuild it."

The comparison hits Cory immediately, and it begins to calm him down. Once Janet is finished, Rick taps on the door and enters, "Hey beautiful, mind if I take control? Tara just pulled up, and she's being taken to the kitchen area to wait for things to begin."

"I'm on my way then; Cory, remember to breathe. You two have been written for each other, and only the author of that story could ever tear you apart. You have more love that spans the world than you know," Janet tells him before she makes her way to do the same for Tara.

So close but so far away, Cory and Tara begin to feel the tension fade away. Yet, they've not been left alone while services continue, "Cory, Rick, it's time," Nia calls out from the door.

When Cory stands in front of the congregation, he stands there with CJ behind him and Rick behind them. He stands there, continuing to breathe deep as CJ smiles with those in attendance, finding it cute that Cory chose his son for his best man. Janet and Lorraine take their positions on the other side, and everyone waits for the music to begin.

Right on time with Grant's signal, Nia pushes play, and the music sends the signal as every person in the church rises to their feet. After a hard gulp, Cory sees Tara and Olivia come into his sight as the butterflies begin to flutter in his stomach.

Tara slowly marches her way down the aisle in a Floral Boho Lace Wedding Dress with its natural beauty, and the modern wedding dress is Tara's dream wedding dress. The bold floral-inspired lace enhances the layers of misty tulle, litter mesh, and organza, adding a texture and dimension to the A-line silhouette. The beaded spaghetti straps bring a balance of the sweetheart neckline with the semi-sheer bodice that zips up underneath the fabric-covered buttons as the lace cascades down the entire length of the soft skirt.

When they stop in front of Grant, everyone can see Tara's free hand barely trembling.

"Who gives this woman away to be married to this man?" Grant begins.

"In honor of her late father, I, Olivia Rose, give this woman away to be married to this man."

As his hands raise to bring the Bible up to read, Grant replies, "Very well, all of you may be seated. Let us begin."

The congregation is seated along with Olivia as she takes tissues from a box sitting on the pew to wipe her eyes. Then, grant begins how he does every wedding he's officiated.

"If I may, I'd like to begin by opening to First Corinthians," he says before reading from the verse, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast; it is not proud. It does not dishonor others. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away."

The guests acknowledge with a collective "amen" before he continues.

"Is there anyone who objects to why these two shall be wed? If so, speak now or forever hold your peace," when no one objects, things progress, "Tara, I know you have something to say to cory before we get to the vows."

Tara speaks softly with their hands together, clearing her throat, "I promise to support you because that is what makes you rare and wonderful. I promise to encourage your desires, Cory. I promise to help shoulder every challenge because there is nothing we can't face as long as we stand together. I promise to be there through everything life throws at us. I won't abandon you but work with you as a part of a united team. Lastly, I promise to give you my best love and trust, and this is my promise in front of God to you."

"That was beautiful. Cory, what would you like to say?"

"Tara, I give you my heart. After everything we've been through, this is my promise; I will walk beside you, hand in hand, to face what life throws at us. We will live, learn, laugh, cry, feel success, and fall on our knees in defeat wherever our lives take us. But, the biggest thing is we will love our family more every day. Words can't express what you mean to me, but I know nothing can come between you as long as I get to look in your eyes. You're the missing half of my soul that God created to make me complete."

Again the church gives them an "amen" as Olivia, Janet, Lorraine, and Tara begin to cry. Grant knows this is the signal for him to move forward with the vows, "And now I will lead you both through your vows. Once these vows are exchanged, may they be binding and bless your union. Will the ring bearer please present the rings?"

Dawson walks over, holding the rings at full extension as Tara takes Cory's ring first.

"Repeat after me," Grant begins, "I, Tara Rose, take you, Cory Dubois, to be my husband, to share the good times and hard times side by side. I humbly give you my hand and my heart as I pledge my faith and love to you. Just as this ring I give you today is a circle without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. Now with this ring, I thee wed."

Tara slowly and clearly repeats the vows, then slides the ring on Cory's finger.

"Cory, please repeat after me," there's a pause as Grant waits for Cory to nod, "I, Cory Dubois, take you, Tara Rose, to be my wife, to share the good times and hard times side by side. I humbly give you my hand and my heart as I pledge my faith and love to you. Just as this ring I give you today is a circle without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. Now with this ring, I thee wed."

With the vows finished and the rings placed on their fingers, Grant closes the Bible to address the guests, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my sworn duty and distinct honor to present to you for the first time here today and always, Mr. and Mrs. Dubois. May God bless your union, and it lasts the rest of your lives into eternity."

As the music plays when Cory and Tara march down the aisle, the congregation gets to their feet, cheering the newlyweds. They make their way out to the Jeep to head off for a short stint in St. Paul since they agreed to put off a two-week honeymoon until the baby is born and use their one-year anniversary to save the money to make it a memorable one.

After the ceremony, the congregation departs, leaving Nia, Lorraine, Janet, Rick, and Grant to clean up the chapel. Lloyd and Simon agree to take the kids to eat at McDonald's and let them wear themselves out in the Playplace area. Olivia helps with what she can since she needs her cane to maintain weight on her recovering leg.

"Hey, Lorraine, I need to speak to you after we're done here. I need a ride back to my place for a meeting with someone very special. I have the kids' wedding gift, but I want you to see it first," Olivia says, leaving everyone in wonder.

"Yeah, that's not a problem. It shouldn't take us long to get things put away."

Nia doesn't hesitate to encourage them to go ahead and leave, "I have more than enough help to put things away. You're more than welcome to go handle what you need to do."

"Thanks, Nia, you're a life-saver," Olivia tells her with a noticeable pain on her face as she slowly walks away.

It doesn't take long for Lorraine to arrive with Olivia at the house, but when she gets out of the car, Lorraine notices that Olivia starts walking over to the house for sale to greet the lady standing on the porch.

"Hi, Olivia, I'm Sandra Lockhart. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Hello, this is my best friend and now my daughter's mother-in-law, Olivia Rose. I wanted her to see this place before we make a deal."

Olivia's breath is taken away by what was said, "You're giving the kids the down payment for this house?"

"No! I am using part of Wane's life insurance I've had put back to buy this house. Tara fell in love with it this morning. I was hoping you could go through it to check it out. You have the best taste in furniture and design, and I want your help to get it ready by the time our grandchild enters the world. So it's our hush-hush mission," Olivia informs with a wink and a smile.

Sandra walks Lorraine through the house. She's in awe of the hardwood floors in the kitchen and the recently remodeled open concept. The thick carpet on the steps going upstairs still has the freshly installed scent, but the size of the bedrooms on the second floor takes her breath away all over again.

"As you see, there are three bedrooms here, but the main bedroom with ensuite is on the first floor. There's a fully complete and furnished basement. If you'd like, one of the bedrooms can be made into a playroom for the kids. The previous owners knew things needed updating, so they had the house remodeled and slightly updated to get more bang for their buck. In my opinion, the price is fair, but it is firm. Every room has been painted. The kitchen was gutted with all new appliances. The porches were freshened up with new stain and lacquer coating to protect them against the weather. Is there anything you'd like to ask or know about the house?"

"I'm so overwhelmed. There's nothing I can think of right now. It's open and beautiful with a lot of sunlight. It's perfect!" Lorraine expresses as her mind struggles to catch up as she explores every room in the house several times before she joins Sandra and Olivia in the living room to close the deal.

Taking one of the metal chairs from a corner, Lorraine sits and listens to Olivia brag about how Cory and Tara will love the house.

"Our kids are going to be blown away. I know you have others interested, but I want it. My late husband made sure our daughter wouldn't have to sacrifice her dreams, and this house is her dream home. It reminds her of the fanciest houses from Little Rock. Plus, it's close enough to both me and Lorraine that it gives me peace of mind. So, what's the final price, and when can I drop the check off at your office?"

"Um. Yes, there's a lot of interest in this property, but I need to make sure you have the funds before we commit to anything. I can give you twenty-four hours to show proof of funds if you need it. The price does stand firm at two hundred eighty-nine thousand. As I told you and your friend here, there's been a lot of work done and redone in the house to make it perfect for whoever buys it. I want to take your word on the check, but we require a cashier's check for this amount.

Ready to prove that she has the funds necessary, Olivia takes out her phone to log into her bank account to show the amount in her savings account, "Like I said, my late husband, made sure he had enough to cover everything for my daughter and me. Wane took out two different million-dollar policies knowing dying on the road being a long-haul trucker. Is that enough proof for you?"

"More than enough; I'll place a pending marker on the realtor sign and wait for you to bring the cashier's check to my office," Sandra says, then ends the meeting with a handshake.

Lorraine walks back to her house and can't think of what to say until they're sharing a celebratory glass of white wine, "Remember, Cory or Tara, can't know what I did until the baby's born."

"I don't know what to say. But, Olivia, that's a lot of money, and why didn't you do that for Tara's first house?"

"She needed to learn what it meant to work for what she wants. Lorry, our kids are married and have a second baby on the way. Wane knew I'd wait until she settled down with the right guy before I'd blow anything on her. When I die, the kids get it all. The house and the money I have put back plus my life insurance. I'm leaving the grocery store for the grandbabies to run together. My gift to them is a dream home. You raised a great son. I have zero worries about their future; that's why I'm doing it. We'll play it off like someone else bought the house to let them feel the burn of missing out, but the day we welcome the baby, I'm handing them the deed."

Lorraine is brought to tears and hugs her best friend. They spend the rest of the day together with the kids. That night when Lorraine makes it home, she has CJ with her. She's going to drop him off at school and then take Olivia to the bank and the realtor's office to wrap up the deal hoping they can get it complete before Cory and Tara arrive home so it doesn't spoil the ultimate gift.

The morning goes off without a hitch. First, Olivia is taken to the bank to withdraw the amount needed to purchase the house, and within a matter of hours, she's handed the keys. Then, with the spare given to Lorraine, they go over how to pull off the surprise.

"Okay, since they work first shift, I can make my way to different stores and schedule deliveries only during that time. Once I have everything set up, we'll need to make sure they believe someone does live there. We need a dummy car to throw them off," Lorraine mentions, with Olivia thinking about that too.

"Damn, you're right. Okay, let's find a cheap car and park it there and inside the garage from time to time. Hell, winter beaters are everywhere and would work perfectly for the time being. Lorry, that's some good thinking."

As things fall into place, they pull off the first part of the scheme when Tara's heartbroken seeing a sold sign sitting on top of the realtor pole, "Ah fuck me runnin' backward. Someone stole my home from me before I could walk inside."

It takes everything to hold back the chuckling Olivia tries to hide. She sits back, allowing her daughter to feel tortured as the days go by and the baby grows. Lorraine keeps to her plan and uses early business hours to get the house set up in a way she believes Cory and Tara will love. To their luck, the newlyweds return to a busy schedule forgetting about the house as their lives continue to keep them occupied.