“I sure did. They were so wrapped up with making calf eyes at each other, they didn’t even notice me.” Ma gave them a wide grin.
Phoebe’s cheeks colored as Braxton cleared his throat. “Preacher Ewes,” he said, voice still rough, “if you’re willing… we’d like to be married today.”
The preacher’s eyes crinkled. “That’s why I’m here, son” he said with a wink. “I take it she said yes.”
Phoebe smiled. “You knew to come?”
Preacher Ewes took off his hat and twisted it in his hands a few times. “Braxton got me up bright and early this morning and told me he wanted to be married for Christmas. How could I refuse. Though Mrs. Ewes would like me home in time for Christmas dinner.”
Ma clapped her hands together. “Wonderful! I’ll fetch everyone!”
Before Phoebe could blink, the parlor was full. Braxton’s family gathered close, while ranch hands crowded politely near the walls. All of them wearing the same expression, as though they’d just realized they were about to witness a wedding and had decided, collectively, to stay put.
There was no fuss, no spectacle. Just Phoebe, Braxton, and Preacher Ewes before the simple Christmas tree. And, of course, the warmth of a house that had already started making room for Phoebe without being asked.
Braxton took Phoebe’s hands in his and she saw the love in his eyes. How did he hide it so well before? Or had she been too caught up in thinking she was the wrong bride for him, that she didn’t see it?
The vows were plain. Honest. Spoken like promises men and women kept because they chose to, not because they were forced.
When the preacher finished, Phoebe’s eyes lifted to Braxton’s and he exhaled, like he’d been holding his breath for a week.
“Braxton, you may kiss the bride,” Preacher Ewes said.
Braxton pulled her close and looked her over. “I’m sorry you don’t have a wedding dress…”
“I don’t need one.” She glanced at the Christmas tree, then at the dress he’d given her. She thought it fitting she wear it. “This is perfect.”
He smiled, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her. She didn’t know if he realized this was her first kiss, and it wasn’t long before she didn’t care. His lips were warm, the kiss powerful enough to make her knees go weak. Then it became more gentle, reverent, like he was thanking God.
When he pulled back, Phoebe’s smile trembled. “Well,” she murmured, voice bright with emotion. “That was… decisive.”
Braxton huffed a breath. “If I hesitate again, you have permission to hit me with a Christmas ornament.”
Phoebe laughed and it spread throughout the room as everyone joined in. The men began slapping Braxton on the back, congratulating him, while others gave Phoebe a light kiss on the cheek, and welcomed her.
Outside, snow fell steadily, covering the land in white. Inside, Phoebe realized she’d come home. She’d made a choice, a good one. Yes, life wasn’t going to be easy here. But she was loved, and cherished. “Thank you, Augusta, Margaret, and Josie,” she whispered. “Thank you for helping me find my courage.”
“What was that?” Braxton whispered in her ear.
She smiled. “I was just thanking the sisters. If it weren’t for them, I might not be here.”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “Then we’ll thank them proper and maybe send them a little gift, if not pay them a visit.”
“Oh, Braxton, could we?”
“Sure, darlin’, why not. And we’ll take Ma with us.”
She smiled at his mother who was on the other side of the parlor, speaking with Preacher Ewes. “They’d like that. I hope they’re getting along all right.”
“Of course they are,” Braxton said, holding her close. “Besides, Miss O’Malley will be returning in a couple of weeks. They’ll be fine.” He kissed her again, and all thoughts of the Sister’s Mail-Order Bride Company faded away as Phoebe’s heart filled with love.
Chapter Twenty
Epilogue
The Sister’s Mail-Order Bride Company, January 1886
“Come along, George,” Margaret said as she entered the office.
