Kimber and Mark stayed in South Carolina for a couple of months
more to make sure her parents had a proper staff and felt comfortable. Leaving
her home for the last time as a single woman was hard but she realized she had
so much to look forward to with Mark. Mark hired a beautiful carriage to carry
them from the docks to Hazelwood, she was anxious to see her new home. As they
rounded the corner to the drive she couldn't help but gasp, it made Magnolia
look like a dollhouse. Lush green hills gave way to what could best be decribed
as a manor. "This is absolutely stunning" Kimber said and noticed
Mark's reaction for the first time which took her breathe away. He stared at the
building like it was a long lost friend and tears ran down his face. He stepped
from the couch and took a deep breathe, a fresh set of tears starting. "I
walked away from here 3 years ago never knowing if I'd be here again. To know
that it's mine and I'll never have to leave it..." and he sunk to the
ground. Kimber sat behind him rocking him as he wept. It was such a relief that
words didn't have to be spoken, she knew he needed this. After a few minutes he
looked up and pulled her into his arms, "I love you so much. What do you
think of your new home?" She ran her fingers over his face as if memorizing
everything about the way he looked at that moment. "It's everything you
said and more. Thank you for loving me enough to wait for me. You are the best
thing that ever happened to me. I love you." and she kissed him.
August 1866
Ten minutes from now the ceremony making her Mrs. Marcus Feehily would
begin and she was completely at ease. Not one question in her mind this was
meant to be forever. She glanced around the room at the women who had become
like sisters to her- Erica, Bria, Kimmy, and Sherry had all come to be her
bridesmaids. Just as she knew Mark would be there for her so would her friends.
She had her hair in a loose french twist with flowers laced through and soft
curls framing her face, a vision of loveliness. Her dress was a simple cream
gown that made her look as if she was a Celtic myth cometo life. "Stop
fussing, you're gorgeous. It's time." Kimmy said giving her a last minute
hug. "I'm not fussing." she said quietly as they walked towards the
main lawn facing the ocean. She had to stop short at the beauty and surrealness
of it all but regained her center, Mark had caught her eye. He seemed so calm
and secure as he stood waiting for her in the morning air. Mark thought he might
faint when he saw her. The fact she was to be his bride still amazed him, how
blessed could a man be to get everything he'd ever wanted? When Kimber and her
father finally reached him and he took her hand it all clicked. He had come
home.