Before the Altar

POV: Valerie

My mother adjusted the hem of the ivory silk gown, turning left and right in front of the three-way mirror. She smoothed her hands over the fitted bodice, letting out a nervous laugh that caught in her throat.

"Arthur swears this cut flatters me, but I have my doubts. I am not twenty-five anymore, and I certainly do not have the slim waist I used to have."

I stepped up onto the carpe