Laura couldn’t help but chuckle again. It was such a happy day. “Yes, Marybeth just delivered a healthy baby boy. They’re both resting well.” She moved closer and gazed down at the tiny woman holding her firstborn.
Melody looked up in wonder. “I told Marybeth we were having boys.”
“Yes, you did,” Granny agreed. “And you were obviously right. But none of us was expecting your baby to be this size. He must be at least ten pounds.”
“I’m guessing maybe even eleven or twelve.” Laura gently touched his cheek. “It is a wonder, what with you being so tiny.”
Granny nodded. “I was worried for a moment, but you know Melody. That girl is determined to do whatever she puts her mind to.”
Melody was so lost in examining her son that she didn’t even seem to hear. Granny nudged Laura. “I’m gonna have to put in a few stitches. Have you had experience with that?”
“No, but I’m happy to learn.”
Will brought Etta home, then drove Laura back to the house. They stood at the front door, still in awe of all that had happened that evening.
“Thank you for helping us. I wish I could invite you in, but it’s just me now. Everyone has gone home except Curtis. He lives in the carriage house, of course.”
“I don’t like you being all alone.”
“I hadn’t realized it until just now. Last night Etta stayed,and I was still so overwhelmed with all that had happened I didn’t even think of it. It’s hard to believe my father is dead.”
“I know.” Will touched her cheek. “It’ll be hard for a long time. At least it’s been that way for me.”
“I suppose I could ask Rosey to stay here at night.” Laura found it impossible to think clearly with him rubbing his thumb along her jawline.
“That would be good for at least a few days,” he said, taking Laura into his arms. “Look, I know so much has happened, but I was hoping you might have an answer to my proposal.”
“I think you already know the answer.”
“I think we should marry right away ... if that’s all right with you.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Yes. Yes, I will marry you right away and go to the reservation and help you in whatever way I can. I was feeling sorry for myself that my father never loved me, but although he never cared, God has always been there and has always provided the love I longed for. Now He’s given me you as well. I don’t want to think about the past and what I didn’t have. Instead, I want to focus on the here and now and all that God has given to bless me.”
“I’m so glad to hear you say that. I feel the same way. In fact, I told myself the same thing. I don’t want to think about the past and the things I’ve lost. I just want to keep my attention on what God has for me right now, and that’s you.” He bent down until their lips were just inches apart. “May I kiss you?”
Laura nodded, and Will pressed his lips to hers.
Epilogue
On April thirtieth, Laura and Will were joined together in holy matrimony. It was a beautiful Friday evening, and since the weather had been so nice, they decided to hold the affair outside in a new park area the city was working to put together. It wasn’t all that much to look at, but they had cultivated an area of grass that, due to the warm spring, was already coming in nicely.
Laura’s father had been dead less than three weeks, but she had no regret in marrying Will so quickly. Her father had been laid to rest without a funeral. Laura knew he would have been appalled to be so quietly disregarded, but she felt the sooner they were able to forget the man, the better. Will helped her to arrange it all with the undertaker, who sent a brief note when everything was completed.
She only thought of her father once that day, and it was when the pastor asked who was giving the bride in marriage. Laura had forgotten about that part of the ceremony. It had never dawned on her to arrange for that, but Will hadn’t forgotten.
To Laura’s pleasant surprise, a chorus of voices sounded from behind her. “We do,” they said in unison.
She turned to find Granny and Jed Taylor, Faith and Gerald Cooper, Marybeth and Edward and their children, Melody and Charlie Decker and their new babe, and Etta Duffy all standing together. They gave her broad smiles, and Laura couldn’t help but giggle. Their love made her happier than she’d ever been.
The ceremony continued, and Laura found herself swept up in the vows she made to Will. She had no idea what their future would hold, but it was sure to never lack adventure.
“Will you promise to love this man, Wilson Allen Porter, for the rest of your life?” their pastor asked.
She smiled. “I didn’t know your middle name was Allen,” she whispered, then spoke louder. “I will.”
Will chuckled, and when it was his turn to pledge his life, he leaned close. “I only recently learned your middle name is Elizabeth.” He looked up at the pastor and gave a nod. “I will.”
“Then by the powers vested in me, I declare that you are husband and wife. Wilson, you may kiss your bride.”
