Two weeks later most of the early planning had been finished. Invitations had been ordered, colours chosen and Cait had found the perfect dress. It was snow white, in a simple style, the skirt made up of several layers of chiffon. Cait had decided to forgo a veil in favour of a crown of blue and white miniature roses.
With the preliminary planning done, Cait and Howie were free to make the trip to see Cait's family and tell them about the upcoming wedding.
"Oh, Howie. Don't forget to pack a few sweaters. It's more than likely snowing in Salmon Arm." Cait called from the bathroom where she was gathering toiletries. Howie was in his room packing for the trip.
"Okay." He called back, turning to his dresser and taking out two sweaters, one burgundy, and one grey and placing them carefully into his suitcase.
Cait re-entered the room carrying her hair products. She placed them all in a large ziplock bag and tucked it securely into her suitcase.
"There, that's everything, except toothbrushes and stuff."
Howie smiled, then wrapped his arms around her. "Are you happy to be going home for a while?"
"I'm happy to be seeing my family. It's been so long since I've seen them." Cait answered, leaning back against his chest. "But you know the expression 'Home is where the heart is'? So, for me, home is wherever you are." She turned in his arms to look up into his deep brown eyes.
"And my home is wherever you are." Howie whispered. "I love you."
"I love you, too." Cait said softly as Howie's lips came down on hers, gentle and sweet.
The next morning they flew out of Orlando International Airport on an Air Canada flight headed for Vancouver, where they would catch a WestJet flight to Kelowna.
After two long, tiring flights they arrived at Kelowna International Airport. After collecting their baggage they made their way to the rental agency located in the airport to rent a car to make the hour and a half drive to Salmon Arm.
While they were waiting in line, Howie glanced out the window. There were big downy flakes of snow falling lightly outside.
"I do hope you intend to drive, sweetie." He said, not liking the look of the snow. "I don't know how to drive in snow."
Cait grinned. "Yes, Howard, I'm going to drive. Snow doesn't bother me." She peeked out the window. "It's not even bad out. This is nothing compared to what it could be."
"Well, it looks bad to me. I definitely wouldn't want to see what you consider bad."
Twenty minutes later they were on the road, Cait driving easily along 97 B. Howie gazed out the window of the Toyota Tercel they'd rented, taking in the snowy scenery.
"It's really pretty here." Howie mused, looking out over the chilly water of Kalamalka Lake. "We should have a place here, so we're close to your family, too."
Cait smiled at him, love shining in her eyes and gently squeezed his hand.
