"This is Daniel Marsh," Casey said proudly, interlocking her arm over his.
Ben didn't look up to many men, but he had to lift his head to Daniel. Ben extended his hand to Daniel and was met with a firm grip.
"I am honoured to meet you, sir. I have heard so much about you," Daniel confirmed.
"And this is my mum," Casey announced proudly.
"Mrs Brekman, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I have heard so much about your patient wisdom and love. Casey talks about you two constantly." Daniel shot Casey a teasing glance.
"Well, they are awesome. I told you, Dan," Casey said coyly.
Casey leaned over to her father, while TJ and Dan were talking, her face beaming. "I think I am going to need my heart from your treasure chest, Daddy."
Ben smiled at Casey with a pang of remorse. He knew as soon as he saw Daniel, he would soon be unlocking Casey's heart.
*~*~*~*
Chapter 49
Dan became an ever increasing visitor to the Brekman home and Ben was pleased with how he respected TJ and himself and even more so, how he adored and honoured Casey. He was a divinity student at Dove and had passed his courses with honours too, planning to be a pastor.
The moment Ben was dreading finally came, when Dan asked to see him in a formal interview and without a moment's hesitation, Ben consented. Casey nervously paced in the kitchen, then hugged TJ for comfort, beside herself with nerves. But then the two men finally reappeared from the lounge room, while Casey's face was a mass of tension as she glanced from Ben to Dan.
Dan had a huge smile on his face as Ben whispered to Casey, "The treasure chest is open, honey."
Casey squealed excitedly and hugged her father then her mum.
Dan swept her up in a huge hug and then gently placed her back on the floor. However, he was confused at Ben's statement and threw Casey a questioning glance. "What treasure chest?!"
Casey patted his arm. "I'll explain later, honey."
*~*~*~*
The diamond ring sparkled on Casey's hand as she held it out for TJ to admire and give her approval. TJ pulled Casey into a hug and then Dan.
"It's your time to shine. Go with our blessing."
Life was beginning for Casey and Dan, but Ben had to come to terms with letting his daughter go.
*~*~*~*
The morning Ben dreaded finally arrived and Casey had butterflies. Hannah-Jean looked stunning in her bridesmaid's outfit; TJ was the most beautiful mother-of-the-bride a girl could hope for; and Ben, handsome in his suit, nervously fidgeted with his bowtie until TJ expertly tied it for him.
Dapper in his suit, Ben knocked at Casey's door.
"Come in, Daddy."
"Wow!" Ben remarked. "You’re beautiful, Casey."
Casey blushed. "You’re biased, Daddy."
Casey could see the tension behind her dad's expression and the pools swimming in his eyes. She stood up in her white satin dress and wrapped her arms around him.
"Please tell me how to say goodbye!" Ben whispered and held Casey tightly, while a big tear rolled down his cheek.
"Oh, Daddy, it's not goodbye. It's just another beginning for me, and for you and Mum. You’ll always be my hero and I will always be your loving and grateful daughter and we will see each other all the time. Now look what you have done... my makeup’s running down my face."
Ben hugged Casey again, amazed at how fast she’d grown into a remarkable, beautiful woman knowing this would be the last day she’d ever be Casey Brekman-Burns.
*~*~*~*
The white limousine slowly drew to a stop in front of the church. Casey stared at the front door and reached across for her father's hand.
"It's just nerves, Casey. Father has an open door waiting in front of you. The biggest step is always the first one," Ben coached.
"Thank you, Daddy. I will always love you," Casey offered, pulling her veil down over her face and drawing in a nervous breath. "Okay, it's show time."
A ripple of aww went through the audience as Casey began her walk down to Dan. The music they had chosen was familiar and as she saw Dan waiting for her at the altar, she had to check herself, to stop an urge to run down to her man.
As she arrived at Dan's side, she caught a momentary glimpse of TJ, beaming at her. She returned her smile, and her heart spilled over in appreciation to the woman who had nurtured her. The smile carried more than just a greeting and TJ read the full meaning in her daughter's teary and excited eyes.
Ben joined the couple's hands and then leaned forward and gently kissed Casey on her forehead through her veil. His eyes were swimming as he took his seat next to TJ.
As soon as they slipped the rings on each other's fingers, Casey knew Father God was watching and He was pleased. A new episode was about to begin and a new generation of service in the ways she had been taught.
*~*~*~*
The reception room sparkled with the delights of a fairy tale and people applauded as the couple arrived and took their seats. Casey's cheeks were red from the hectic pace the photographer had set and now, she needed to sit before the revelry of the reception began, but before they could catch their breaths and relax, Casey and Dan were mobbed by friends and well wishers.
*~*~*~*
At the official part of the reception, Dan stood to give a speech. "On behalf of my wife and I…"
Amid the obligatory chuckles, he thanked parents and well wishers and all those who had contributed and then handed the microphone to Casey.
Casey stood and took a breath; she knew this was going to be hard and took her time to compose her thoughts.
"Many of you who know my story, know that it wasn't an easy beginning. I stand here tonight because of five people. First and foremost, my Heavenly Father, who set in motion the most incredible story of redemption and love I never thought was possible. Secondly, a woman who has an incredible story of her own, a story that is still affecting lives to this day. Her story was not unlike my own, but because she let Father break her heart and rebuild it, I stand before you tonight the woman I am, because she was obedient, and loved a lost, empty, street-wise child, abused and destitute. Tonight I am full, thanks to Tabbie's unselfish love... my first Mum. Thirdly, my beautiful and selfless sister who took me into her enormous heart and shared her awesome parents with me. She once said she was my fan club manager, but sis, I think it is the other way around.”
Casey and Hannah-Jean locked eyes and tears welled up. Casey took her time and dabbed at her eyes with a napkin before the next tribute.
"Fourthly, the woman I have the highest respect and love for. She showed me the wisdom and love of a mother, I didn't think possible. She rubbed my back when I was sick and hugged me when I didn't understand. She demonstrated what a woman of God looked like and made it easy for me to follow her example. She is my mother and she will never know the extent of how much her love means to me. Words fail what the heart feels, but she knows. Thank you. I love you, Mum. Tabatha-Jean Brekman."
A loud applause thundered through the dining room as people wiped their eyes. Casey choked and tried to clear her vision with her napkin. Then stumbled as the emotion constricted her throat.
"F... fifthly, the man who has shown me what a true son of God is. He hugged me and held me tight when my nightmares haunted me and calmed my fear in his strong arms. He tickled and play fought with me and Hannah-Jean every morning when we ambushed him as he slept peacefully. He put himself between me and harm, and demonstrated a respect and love that has profoundly affected my life. His example has demonstrated to me what to look for in a man and how that man should treat me. He showed me what to look for and in Daniel, I recognised it immediately. My father has kept my heart safe, until I was ready to stand alone and give it wholeheartedly to my husband. Benjamin Brekman, my father, I can't express the love and respect I feel for you. You know you will always have a special place in my heart, no matter where Father in Heaven takes my path."
Casey dropped the microphone ont
o the table and ran down to the two people sitting in front of her with tears streaming down their faces. Ben and TJ engulfed Casey in their arms and they cried together. The crowd erupted into a standing ovation at Casey's speech and many eyes were running over, after the outpouring of incredible love they had just experienced.
*~*~*~*
A crowd of well wishers followed the bride and groom to the airport. Dan was taking Casey to a special honeymoon place but he wasn't letting her know where. Friends and relatives waved through the observation glass to the couple as they disappeared into their aircraft.
Positioned in their aircraft seats, Casey held Dan's hand tightly as the airliner climbed effortlessly into the night sky, while Dan's huge frame folded tightly into his seat.
This would be an uncomfortable ride for him.
*~*~*~*
Chapter 50
Casey peered through her window as the lights of the city below came into view. Every time an announcement was made on the aircraft, Dan covered Casey’s ears with his hands so she couldn't hear where they were. As they made their way off the plane, he blindfolded her and led her along. Soon they were through customs and the customs officers stared uneasily at Casey's blindfold, however they played along when Dan explained.
Finally boarding another small plane and within an hour, they landed again. Making their way into the terminal and with Casey still wearing her blindfold, a limousine waited to take them to their room for the night.
As the vehicle finally pulled up, Casey and Dan were greeted by a skinny young couple. They’d arrived outside an expensive looking motel, with the shores of a lake clearly illuminated in the brilliant moonlight and as Dan took the blindfold off Casey, she gazed around, disorientated. It had been a long day and Casey was feeling exhausted and confused. She glanced across at Dan with a questioning expression, but Dan just pointed to the sign adorning the front of the motel complex.
Hal's and Anita's, your luxury room awaits you. Welcome to Te Anau.
Casey's eyes were wide and her excited expression made the secrecy worth it. She squealed with delight and hugged her husband. "The Milford Track! We're following Bluey's journey!"
Dan nodded adoringly.
Casey squealed again, excitedly. "We're in New Zealand! I can't believe it!"
She was lost in a wonderland of romance and her man had given her the greatest gift she could ever hope for as a wedding present. To see the place that had become so central to her life and that had been the start of Hannah's and TJ's incredible walk with Bluey.
"I’ve arranged for a dinghy to take us to the head of the lake in the morning," Dan beamed.
"I hope you aren't going to leave the bung out," Casey laughed.
"That can be arranged."
"Don't you dare, Daniel Marsh," she chided. Casey sidled up to him and reached up to his neck and kissed him. "Thank you, honey. This means a lot to me."
*~*~*~*
By the time the dinghy had dropped the couple and their packs at the landing, an hour and a half had passed. It was summer and Casey had to imagine what it would’ve looked like fifty years ago, going into winter. There were lots of restrictions placed on visitors; and official signs made sure you were reminded of them. Fancy accommodation huts dotted along the gravelly track and walkers seemed to be everywhere. New and modern swing bridges made crossing the Clinton River easy. Casey couldn't believe there was even a sign telling walkers how to use the bridge safely. But still, the majesty and beauty surrounding them made it easy to appreciate Bluey's awe at being on the Milford Track walk.
Dan had booked them into a series of overnight huts, but the only downside, they had to share the accommodation with a group of unknown people. The oddity of Dan's huge frame and red hair coupled with Casey's warmth, soon made them all sorts of new friends.
On the second day of their adventure, Casey appeared solemn and silent as they struggled to ascend the Mackinnon Pass. The zigzag track would have been the same one Bluey had climbed and once they arrived at the top, she peered around the summit, searching for the place Hannah and TJ had been trapped. Remembering Tabbie’s voice and her description, Casey gasped and covered her mouth with her hands when she saw the spot where Hannah had fallen and the sheer drop, thousands of feet to the valley floor below.
"That’s incredible!" she exclaimed.
"Father had a plan, Casey," Dan offered.
Casey stood awed, peering cautiously over the mountain’s sheer wall to the valley floor far below. Dan sensed she needed to be alone and walked away, still keeping her in his sight.
"Let's do it again, Casey," a voice drifted over her.
Casey spun around to see what Dan was saying, but there didn’t appear to be anyone near her. She called to Dan, "What did you say?!"
"Huh?!" he yelled back.
"Never mind." She knew Dan was too far away to have said anything and she pondered the words.
Let's do it again, Casey.
There was a warmth in her heart and she realised Father was calling her. Suddenly, she knew what to do and a smile broke out across her face.
"What are you smiling at?" Dan suddenly appeared from behind her.
"I think Father has a plan," Casey beamed.
"He always has a plan," Dan responded. "Let's see if we can find the old hut!"
Hand in hand, Casey and Dan searched around the pass, looking for the hut where Hannah and Bluey's journey together had started.
A new, modern shelter with all the facilities stood proudly to one side and a wildlife ranger was on duty. The couple walked over to the hut and bought a cup of tea, then sat down on the wooden tables outside to muse together.
"How are you going, folks? Are you enjoying your walk?" a friendly voice broke in.
"Yes, very much," Dan replied, eyeing his uniform and taking in his name and ranger tag. "The old storm shelter hut… is that still around?" Dan probed.
"Yes, it is over behind this one, but it is locked up and isn't used anymore," the ranger elucidated.
Dan explained the story and asked if they might be able to have a look.
"Be back in a moment, folks," he replied, walking away toward the new shelter.
The ranger had been gone some time when Dan recognised the officer approaching with a key on a chain. When he arrived, he beckoned, "If you’ll follow me."
They strolled down a long track and before long came across an aging stone building. Casey's eyes began to mist over as she recognised the old porch, aptly described by Tabbie’s narration and then with great reverence and awe, entered the structure.
The old hearth was exactly where Tabbie had described and the big windows she imagined stacked high with snow. An old wooden table still sat in the middle of the room and the bunk beds still surrounded the walls at the back of the hut. Casey’s curiosity began to jostle her thoughts and pushed her on to examine the bunks, one at a time. Then confronted by the evidence, Casey silently gasped and covered her mouth when she came across one of the frames with a slat missing. Pools started to form in Casey’s eyes as she remembered Tabbie’s loving voice, narrating the incredible adventure to a young, troubled girl. The hut was exactly as Tabbie had described and Casey's emotions began to boil as she pictured Tabbie sitting in her wheelchair.
Dan was watching her from a corner of the old hut, but couldn’t share in the memories Casey was reliving. Instead, he dialled a number on his smartphone and made a deliberate connection, then with the device in his hand, he ambled over to his wife and interrupted the nostalgia, handing her his smartphone.
With an expression of awe, Casey peered up at him with an enquiring look, but silently took the phone. "Hello?"
Casey’s emotions burst as she shared the scene with TJ, describing it exactly as it was while both ladies cried together, remembering the profound rippling effect this one chapter had on so many lives. Casey's life would be so indelibly changed, decades into the future because Father brought two unselfish people together to love ea
ch other and to love Him, above all else.
The bonds of family and history.
Hearts connected across the miles and across time.
*~*~*~*
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