Diamonds for Her Hair

The brides bouquet had pussy willows in it. Picked from a neighbor's tree, they blended nicely with the baby's breath purchased from the florist for next to nothing. The pink satin bow, laced around the floral arrangement, were leftovers from her sister's bridesmaid dress that added a gentle touch. The wedding was being done on a mostly non existent budget so Ruthie was proud of what they were pulling together. The year was 1936 and what they lacked in money they more than made up for it in love. The wedding, despite her parents concerned objections, was moving forward and the perfect date had been picked. February 14th, Valentines Day. Ruthie couldn't think of a more romantic choosing and was thrilled that Willem had been the one to suggest it.

Her dress, ordered from the Montgomery Wards Catalog  and now hanging on the outside of the closet door to avoid wrinkles, had arrived last week. The veil which occupied her lap at present was a tedious affair that Ruthie had bravely decided to make herself. She massaged her thumb and arched her back a bit. Pushing the needle through the thick velvet trim was proving to be a test of her patience, if not her sewing skills. But the finished product, which she could see so clearly in her mind's eye, was going to be perfect. As long she could finish it in time.

The wedding was tomorrow evening. Ruthie looked at her bridal bouquet, poised artistically in a quart sized mason jar on her vanity. Tomorrow she would carry it in her arms as she walked down the aisle to meet the man she would soon call 'husband'. She shivered with delight, but truthfully a small part of her was a little bit terrified. The thought of her wedding night made her heart speed up and her stomach flip. She had some idea of what their wedding night would entail but truly she was counting on Willem to lead the way. She trusted he'd be as gentle as he'd been all through their courting.

She set the veil aside, slipping off the bed she'd shared with her sister for almost 15 years. She stood in front of the vanity, peering into the mirror. The wedding dress visible in the reflection, she smiled. Then she focused on her hair and pulled the long waves up to contemplate how she would wear it tomorrow. Up or down, either would work well with the veil.

A glance at the clock on her nightstand warned her that it was nearing supper time. Willem would be joining them and Ruthie knew her help was needed in the kitchen. Joining her mother and sister, she slipped an apron on. The table was already set and she could hear Papa in the mudroom, his low rumbling cough alerting all of them to his presence. She watched surreptitiously when Papa entered, for the look that would pass between him and Mama. While public displays of affection between her parents were rare, the strong vibes of love and respect were undeniable. For not the first time, Ruthie wondered if the concerns her parents had raised about her marriage to Willem were something she too should be worried about. She shook the thought off quickly. She loved Willem. He loved her. Yes, they were young, yes they'd only been courting a few months. But she was sure, with a certainty she couldn't explain, that this marriage would last every bit as long as her parents.

Dinner was lively as final plans for the wedding were discussed. Willem spoke with confidence about the ways he would provide for Ruthie, assuring her parents she would not want. Ruthie knew her face was flush with excitement and each time her eyes met Willem's across the table the butterflies would flip inside her again. After dinner, Willem lingered.  She knew Willem well enough to recognize his desire to alone with her. Although  her parents might frown, she pulled a jacket from the closet and followed her beloved out the door for some moments of privacy before he departed.

The night was mild for February and the sky twinkled bright with stars. Willem reached high and swept his arm through the velvet sky. Bringing a cupped hand close to Ruthie's hair he turned his hand as if sprinkling something in it.

 "Diamonds for your hair my love."

This was why she'd fallen in love with him. His ability to make her feel like a princess, his romantic gestures, his way with words. But it was the gentle hand that steadied her, the confidence of his stance, the protective look in his eyes whenever he glanced at her, that would carry them through life as husband and wife.

Standing on tiptoe to receive his kiss, Ruthie once again felt the assurance that their love was the real deal.