The Grace That Brings Us Home

Chapter 1 The First List Three days after Caleb Walker proposed, Hannah Bennett found herself comparing the price of chair covers with the cost of a washing machine. The washing machine seemed more useful. Unfortunately, the wedding brochure did not offer one as an alternative. She closed it as Caleb arrived at her grandmother's house carrying a notebook and a bag of oranges. "Mum sent those," he said. "She says engaged people still need fruit." Evelyn accepted the bag and left them at the kitchen table. Hannah showed him the brochure. "Apparently the chairs need clothes." He studied the photograph. "They look adequately covered already." She laughed, relieved. Then they opened the notebook where, on the night of their engagement, she had written their first agreement: We will plan a wedding we can afford, and make time to prepare for the life after it. They began with what mattered. A church service. Their families. Friends who had supported them. Food enough to welcome people without spending money they needed for a home. Next came the figures. They chose an amount they could save without borrowing or using Caleb's business reserve. Evelyn's gift would help, but they agreed not to spend it until she confirmed what she comfortably wanted to give. The first guest list was too long. The second was still too long. "Are we inviting people because we want them there," Hannah asked, "or because explaining a small wedding feels difficult?" "Some of both." They put a question mark beside several names rather than making tired decisions. For the date, they chose a Saturday in late summer, subject to the church and the people essential to the day. Hannah would have school holidays. Caleb could schedule work around it without pretending the workshop could close indefinitely. Before leaving, he took her hand across the table. "Are you enjoying being engaged?" She looked from the notebook to the ring. "Yes. I would enjoy it more without the chair covers." He crossed them off. It was the first wedding decision they made without needing another conversation