“Do you think she’ll be much longer, Sandy?”Jason tugged at the tie.
“We’re stuck in these fancy duds for thenight.Better accept it and look around.We’re being appreciated,”Sandy laughed.
“Jesse looks pretty cute in his tuxedo.He’sa good ring-bearer.”
“Yep.”
Then the music started.Lily and her fatherwalked up the aisle to the archway to Willie Nelson singingIWant to be with You Always.Jason poked Sandy, “God, she’sgorgeous!You’re such a lucky man.”
“Don’t I know it.”
Sandy was mesmerized.Lily was alreadystunning, but in her wedding gown, she was impossibly beautiful.People murmured as she and Sam joined Sandy and Jason at the altar.Sam gave both Sandy and Lily hugs, and then gave Lily’s hand toSandy.With a sweet look between them, Sandy and Lily faced theminister.
They recited vows they had written from theheart.It was all very moving and many in the audience were teary.Jesse stepped up with the rings looking very official.As soon asthey were pronounced ‘Husband and wife’, they were kissing.At thatmoment, instead of applause, the audience started hooting andhollering.It was a cowboy crowd, all right.
Sam and Jason brought up horses and theminister explained that they had wanted to ride together as theirfirst act as husband and wife.Sandy helped Lily on her horse.Thatwas difficult with the amount of satin and lace on hermulti-layered dress.Lily laughed at his clumsiness trying to getthe dress situated.Then he gracefully mounted his horse and saidto Jason, “Give us fifteen minutes and let Jesse ride down to us.We’re just going to the little stream about fifty yards down.”
“Gotcha, Sandy.”
As they walked the horses, Sandy glanced ather.
“You look so beautiful.Lovely dress.”Hissmile swept her face.“And how do you like the horse I got you fora wedding present?She’s a thoroughbred—a black beauty for ablack-haired beauty.”
“She’s pretty and minds well.Hopefully, youdon’t intend us to be alike in that regard.”She was laughing athim.
After they had stopped by the stream, theirhorses bent down to get a drink.Lily fished an envelope from somehidden pocket on her immense dress.
Sandy watched her.“Where did that come from?You must have all kinds of hidden compartments in that dress.”
Lily blushed and handed him the envelope.“This is my wedding gift to you, darling.”
He took out a black and white picture fromthe envelope and held it up for a good look.“Is this what I thinkit is?”
“…What do you think it is, husband ofmine?”
Sandy looked stunned and then incrediblypleased.“Are you… pregnant, Lily?”
“Yes, it was a very busy two nights in SanFrancisco that did the trick.What do you think?Sandy?Did youfall into a coma?”A few layers of satin moved in the breeze andshe smoothed them down.
He dismounted quickly and helped her downgently.Although the dress was hard to manage, he folded her intohis arms and hugged her.When he tilted her face up with a fingerto kiss her, tears were running down his face.
Lily wiped them away.“That was not theeffect I had in mind.Are you okay?”
“…Are you?Should be you riding?”He pattedher stomach.
“Doc said it was okay—just not galloping.Oh,and one more thing…” She paused for effect.
“There’s more?”
“Yes, the doctor said it’s a boy.”
“…Oh, Lily.And I bet his name is Colt.”Theyembraced until they heard the galloping sounds of a horse riding upto join them.Jesse rode up and stopped his horse by theirs.
Sandy lifted him out of the saddle and theybrought him into their embrace.
“Son, we have something to tell you,” Sandybegan.
“Daddy, can I ask a question first?”Hishigh-pitched voice piped up.
