Once the prayer was completed, the congregation took their seats and Dr. Scott continued. Charlie’s father handed her over to his son and took his seat alongside his wife. Melody thought they were a lovely couple. Both had welcomed her into the family with such affection that she couldn’t help loving them in return.
“Friends and family, we are gathered here today to join Charles Decker and Melody Doyle in holy matrimony,” Dr. Scott began.
It seemed to only take a moment for them to pledge their lives to one another, and then Charlie was slipping a ring onto her finger.
She was surprised by the ring. They hadn’t discussed it at all, and yet Charlie had produced the most beautiful piece, a gold band with a large diamond surrounded by smaller emeralds.
“With this ring, I thee wed,” he said, and then leaned forward to whisper, “I thought the emeralds would remindyou of Ireland and your father. I know he’s smiling down on us today.”
Tears pooled in her eyes. She felt her da’s presence too. Whether it was just her desire to have him there or if he truly was looking down on them, she wasn’t sure. Either way, she knew he would always be a part of their lives.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Charlie offered her a chaste and gentle kiss before Dr. Scott turned them to face the congregation. “Let us pray.
“Father, we bring to You Charlie and Melody. They have married according to the laws of the land and the spirit of Your Word. May they be blessed and happy. May they serve You all the days of their lives and know Your peace upon their household. In Jesus’s name, amen.”
Melody and Charlie rode in a small horse-drawn carriage for the drive to their new house. The driver had said nothing to them as they took their seats. He saw them settled, then tipped his hat to them. Soon the horse was in motion to the cheers of the Methodist congregation.
Charlie put his arm around Melody, and she snuggled against him, feeling a great sense of satisfaction.
“I hope you like the surprise my father and mother arranged.”
“Another surprise?” she asked, leaning away just a little to see his face. There was hardly enough light to make out anything but his outline. She lay back against him once more. “I think they’ve done more than enough.”
“They have, but they’re taking such joy in it that I could hardly say no. I wish you had heard my father as he helped me plan out the school.”
“How wonderful that he wants to be a part of it.”
“Wonderful and shocking all at the same time,” Charlie replied. “I still can’t get over the change in him. Only God could have done such a work.”
The driver arrived at their house. Someone had gone ahead of them to light lamps. The soft glow emanating from the windows was most welcoming.
Charlie gallantly carried her from the carriage to the front door. With little trouble, he opened the door and carried her inside.
Melody gasped at the scene. The place had been completely changed since she’d seen it last. Someone had papered the entryway and completely furnished it with a receiving table and artwork on the walls.
“This is ... Why, it’s ... stunning.”
“You can thank Mother for it. She hired an army of people to decorate it in a fashionable way that she thought would suit our needs. She’s made the local merchants quite happy with the inventory she demanded.” He put Melody down and drew her into the front sitting room. “She somehow knew you liked shades of blue and did this room up accordingly. What do you think?”
Looking around the room at the lovely powder-blue upholstery on the sofa and chairs, as well as the darker blue patterned draperies and white sheers, Melody couldn’t have been more pleased.
“I will be exploring this house for days—maybe weeks. It’s beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as you are.” He turned her to face him. “When I saw you in that dress, it took my breath away. In fact, every time I see you it’s like seeing you for the first time.”
She smiled up in adoration. “I still can’t believe you’re mine. What a precious gift from God.”
“I was thinking much the same.” He pulled her close and ran his hand gently down the side of her face. “I love you, and with all I have, I will endeavor to be a good husband to you and the best friend you could want.”
“Oh, Charlie. You will always be my best friend and dearest love.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, and Charlie tightened his hold on her for a long and very satisfying kiss.
Epilogue
NOVEMBER1868
“Mr. Decker, I need help with my arithmetic,” a redheaded boy declared, coming to Charlie’s desk.
Charlie was glad that Melody had already taken the rest of the class into the other room for lunch. “What seems to be the trouble, Isaac?” he asked the ten-year-old.
