He kissed her tenderly, then stood back. “Just promise me that we don’t have to wait too long for our wedding.”
“I don’t see why we should.”
“Maybe we could even have a double wedding with Rosie and Rob?”
Emma gave a light laugh. “Double weddings run in my family. My father and Lucille married the same place and time as Lucille’s daughter, Charlotte, wed Micah Hamilton.”
“Do you think we could talk Rosie and Rob into it?”
“Why ask me? Let’s go inside and see what they have to say about it.”
Colton didn’t even wait for Emma but bolted to the screen door. “Rosie!”
25
The Benton-Vogel weddings were held after church on the first of September. Rosie and Emma both wore new gowns of pale blue silk and looked very nearly like twins with their dark brown hair carefully pinned up in identical styles.
Colton had been anxious to get to this day and speak his vows. The moment he saw Emma walking down the aisle, he breathed a sigh of relief. This was really happening. He was really going to marry the woman of his dreams. Still, he couldn’t help but remember his younger brother’s wedding. The tragic outcome had certainly allowed for this day to be possible, but he missed Tommy. Missed his laughter and excitement. They had completely underestimated the young man, just as Emma had suggested. While in Dallas, Colton had managed to speak to the man who had advised Tommy on several investments. Listening to the man talk about his brother, Colton realized that they hadn’t known who Tommy really was, nor what he was capable of doing. Just as they hadn’t believed Rosie was able to be anything more than a child.
Now Rosie stood at the altar, a young woman talented inso many ways. When he thought of how they’d hidden her away as if ashamed of her, it grieved Colton. What might she have accomplished if someone had believed in her as a child? Of course, their father would have curtailed her education even if she hadn’t endured the circumstances of her birth. He felt women were only good for bearing children to give a man his much-needed heirs.
The ceremony itself took very little time. Colton slipped a beautifully etched gold band onto Emma’s finger while Rob did likewise with Rosie. The pastor pronounced the couples married and encouraged the grooms to kiss their brides. Colton didn’t need further urging. He pulled Emma into his arms and gave her a kiss that he hoped promised her everything his words had failed to say.
When he pulled back, he felt Emma stiffen. She turned to glance down the aisle and then back at him. Her expression was one of concern.
“There’s no one coming to hurt us,” Colton whispered. “The past is gone.”
She glanced sidewise again and then nodded. He heard her sigh. Colton took hold of her hand and gave it a squeeze.
“I’m so happy you shared this day with us,” Rosie said, coming over to give them both a hug. “Now we’re double sisters, Emma.”
“That we are, Rosie.” Emma hugged her, and then Colton did likewise.
Rob stepped up and gave Emma a hug. “Congratulations.”
“And likewise to you, Rob,” Emma replied.
Rob turned to Colton and stuck out his hand. “Now we’re truly family.”
“Then give me a hug.” Colton grabbed the younger man and embraced him. “Take good care of my sister.”
“I promise you, I will. She’s the love of my life.” Rob stepped back and took hold of Rosie. “Nothing ever felt quiteright before she came to Cheyenne. Now I feel like all the missing pieces are in place.”
Colton took hold of Emma again. “As do I. It took forever to find her, but now that I have, I don’t intend on ever letting her go.”
Many of the congregants came forward to congratulate the couples before Edward Vogel reminded them that there was to be a lawn luncheon and reception at their place. It was nearly one thirty before everyone sat to enjoy a meal together.
Not everyone from church came to the Vogels’, but there were still quite a few people who wanted to join in the festivities. Colton found the men of his Bible study and their wives were among those who gathered, as well as the folks from his boardinghouse. A lot of the people who came for the luncheon, however, were friends of Emma’s and her family. From here and there he heard stories about Emma’s antics when she was younger, but none of the stories were told in anger or hurt. Even Emma was able to laugh with most of the reminiscent partygoers.
By three o’clock, the party was still going strong, but Colton managed to get Emma away from the crowd. They made their way across the street to Emma’s house. Colton carried her across the threshold.
“Traditions have never been all that important to me,” Colton said, setting her down, “and I know they really aren’t that important to you, but I will only ever marry this one time, so I figured why not uphold some of the customs.”
Emma laughed. “I think traditions are becoming more important to me. Some things are just special.” She put her arms around him and placed her head against his chest.
“I know the party is still going on, but I wanted to show you something important,” Colton began. “Come, sit with me for a moment.”
Emma straightened and met his gaze. “Something more important than holding me?”
