The ceremony itself was short and simple, despite there being three couples rather than one. Each of the six people repeated their vows to their fiancé, pledging their life and love, then Pastor Fisher offered a prayer and instructed each groom to kiss his bride.
Those who had come to observe the strange little wedding cheered as if they were attending a baseball game rather than a solemn ceremony. Their response made Patrick laugh heartily, which only served to make them cheer the more.
Kenzie felt the breeze pick up and tug at her hat. She reached up to hold the brim, drawing Micah’s hand along with hers. He turned to see what the problem was, then grinned.
“Shall I tie it on with some rope?” he asked.
“We may have to,” she replied, doing her best to secure the hat.
“Or we could just rid ourselves of it all together,” he teased.
“Not until after the photographs are taken,” Camri said, coming up behind them. “And let’s hurry. I fear Patrick will start shedding his clothes at any moment.”
“Oh dear.” Kenzie put her hand to her neck as if shocked. “The journalist forThe Callwould no doubt put that on the front page.” She nodded toward the man who’d come at the insistence of the newspaper’s owner after hearing about the triple wedding. “Then we’d none of us ever be invited to any important social events.”
“What a pity that would be,” Camri said, laughing, and hurried to catch up with her husband.
“Well, just remember, we need those socialites to help fund Solid Rock,” Micah said.
Kenzie looked at him and shrugged. “God will provide, as you are always reminding me.” She reached up and smoothed his collar. “Are you ready to have your photograph taken, Dr. Fisher?”
“Only if you are. Is your hat secure, Mrs. Fisher?”
She nodded. “I believe so. It feels secure.” She smiled, feeling truly happy. “I feel secure.”
He touched her cheek. “You’ll always be so with me. I’ll see to it, Kenzie. Even when we’re old and gray.”
“Are you two coming for the photograph?” Caleb asked, leaning toward Micah. He pulled Judith along with him. “Camri said we need to hurry. Apparently Patrick is about to pass out from wearing a suit.”
Epilogue
SANFRANCISCO—CHRISTMAS, 1908
The sanctuary was packed to full capacity for the Christmas service, making it necessary for everyone to squeeze together as closely as possible. Kenzie’s parents sat in the aisle next to Micah. Kenzie found herself tightly wedged between her husband and Caleb, but the joy she felt could not be dimmed by the crowded pew. She shifted the sleeping bundle in her arms and smiled at the way the baby momentarily pursed his lips. Their son was just a month old, yet already he had a strong personality that matched the red hair he’d inherited from his mother.
They’d named him for their fathers, both of whom were Joseph. Joseph Micah Fisher had already become the delight of both sides of the family.
A cry of protest from farther down the pew left little doubt that Camri and Patrick’s baby girl was awake. Little Ophelia Murdock had been born only two days before Kenzie’s son. Micah had delivered them both. But perhaps even more exciting was that the week before either Camri or Kenzie had given birth, Judith and Caleb had become parents to twins. A boy and a girl, whom they had named after his grandfather and her grandmother. James and Ann. Both now slept in the arms of their mother and father.
It had been a surprise to learn that all three women would have babies at the same time, and even more of a shock that Judith would give birth to twins. Micah had explained that because she herself was a twin, the odds were much greater that she would have two babies rather than one, but still it amazed them all. Judith had later laughingly said that she had to have two—one of each sex—so that they could marry little Ophelia Murdock and Joseph Fisher.
The congregation sang “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” and then Pastor Fisher took to the pulpit to dismiss them. “This Christmas has come with many changes both to our city and our congregation. We have seen wrongs made right in the conviction of those responsible for taking unfair advantage of our city. We have seen rebuilding and restoration that has brought this once crippled town out of the ashes and into the grace and beauty she was once known for. There is still a great deal to do, but with God’s help, we will see it through.”
He paused and smiled at the row where Kenzie and the others sat. “We have been blessed as God has enlarged our congregation. Enlarged it so much, in fact, that we are raising a new church building to accommodate everyone. God has already provided the funds we will need for the new building, and our own Patrick Murdock’s construction company will tend to our needs.”
There were murmuredamens throughout the crowded sanctuary. Kenzie knew that money she and Micah had donated, as well as funds from Caleb and Patrick’s families, had gone a long way toward meeting the need. However, she knew others in the congregation had given just as freely. This was a collection of people who gave without reservation. They had been deeply moved by the earthquake and fire and the need to help one another, and would no doubt go on giving in the future.
“We look to 1909 with tremendous hope in our hearts, as well as joy. The Lord has provided in great abundance—given more than we could ever ask or imagine—and so I encourage each of you to do the same. Remember those in prison. Remember those in poverty. Remember those who are lost and alone. Our Lord and Savior came that we might have life in abundance, so I encourage each of you to share that life with your fellow man. Now, please stand for the final benediction.”
Upon conclusion, the sanctuary filled with music as the organist played “Joy to the World.” Kenzie thought she might break into tears. Her joy was indeed great, and with the babe in her arms, Christmas held a new wonder for her.
“You look radiant, my dear,” her mother said as she came to kiss Kenzie on the cheek.
“Doesn’t she though?” Micah commented with a grin.
“How could I not?” Kenzie looked down at her son. “I cannot imagine being any happier.”
“Well, I know I couldn’t be,” Caleb said, holding both babies while Judith pulled on her wool coat. “I have a beautiful wife and two incredible children. Added to that, Ruef has been sentenced to fourteen years in San Quentin, and this city will finally be free of corruption.”
