“Don’t worry,” Morgan laughed. “I’ll make sure you’re safely on your way before I leave and when you come back, we’ll be waiting for you. You’ll be so full of information and you won’t be able to tell anyone. Then you’ll know what I’ve been going through.”
“We’ll have each other to talk to,” Mead pointed out.
“I plan on being very busy starting tonight,” Morgan replied with a wink. “Oh man, I can’t wait.”
“That good huh?”
“You have no idea.”
“Hey, what are you going to tell Callie Mae about all this?”
“That’s the one thing I haven’t figured out yet, but don’t worry. I’ll think of something.”
Fancy played Mendelsohn’s wedding march as Callie Mae came down the stairs of Emma’s home on Matthew’s arm with Missy ahead of her. Friends and family gathered round as Morgan swore to love, honor, and cherish his bride. Callie Mae promised to love, honor, and obey, but Morgan figured she’d have a little problem with the last vow. He smiled when she repeated the word, thinking of all the ways he would help her keep that promise and how much fun they would have while he did.
Mead sat beside him, confined to a wheelchair he might never get out of if he hadn’t agreed to Morgan’s plan. That would have been hard for Morgan to bear. The choices he’d made in coming here brought him a happiness that was bittersweet. He had a family he loved, friends, and a purpose to his life he hadn’t had in a long time. The woman by his side was one he’d give his life for, her love for him a treasure he never thought he’d possess.
When Reverend Simms finally told him to kiss his bride, Morgan lifted her veil and saw the tears on her cheeks. Brushing them gently away with his thumbs, he nearly choked up himself as he bent his head and kissed her with all the love in his heart.
Following a lovely dinner, complete with wedding cake, Morgan made the announcement.
“You all know Callie Mae and I are heading back east for our wedding trip. We’ve decided to go to Maryland. There’s a medical school there, well a university that’s supposed to be one of the best in the world. Mead, we’d like you to accompany us.”
“What?” Mead said, pretending to be surprised.
“We want you to go with us to John Hopkins. They’ll know what to do for you better than anyone. I’m sure they want to establish themselves as a modern medical facility. There’s a chance they will be able to help you. While you’re being treated, Callie Mae and I will explore the area and I’m sure we’ll have a wonderful time. What do you think?”
“I don’t know what to say,” Mead stammered. “It’s not every day a man goes along on his brother’s honeymoon.”
The guests tittered but Doctor Brubaker spoke up. “Go with them, Mead. I’ve done everything I can for you and I’ve heard of this university. It’s supposed to be top of the line and in a beautiful area. I encourage you to accept your brother’s offer.”
“It’s a wonderful idea, Mead,” Callie Mae added, taking his hand. “Please say you’ll come.”
“Okay, I’ll come,” he laughed. “How can I resist such a heartfelt invitation?”
The guest clapped, impressed by Morgan’s selflessness.
“Good, we leave Tuesday morning, early.”
Lilly patted Mead’s shoulder, hopeful for the first time since his injury. She hugged both Morgan and Callie Mae as she departed. “Thank you,” she whispered tearfully before hurrying away.
Matthew helped Laurie collect her children and piled them all in the wagon for the ride back to town. Ty lifted Annalise, Fancy, and Marilee into the wagon and followed on his horse. The Duchess was closed until Callie Mae and Morgan returned from their honeymoon and found a manager, but the girls would continue to live there. Lilly and Laurie would keep a careful eye on them.
Doc Brubaker assisted Jane into his carriage and followed the caravan headed back to town.
Standing on the porch in her finest dress, Emma put her arm around Callie Mae as she waved the guests off.
“I couldn’t be any prouder of you two than I am this moment,” she said, smiling.
Morgan kissed her cheek. “Callie Mae, why don’t you go and get out of that dress? I know it’s heavy and Ma will help you. I want to talk to Mead for a bit.”
“All right,” Callie Mae said, smiling shyly. “Will you be long?”
Morgan laughed and winked.
“Heck no, we have to get started on those grand babies I promised Ma,” he teased.
Emma slapped his arm, blushed, and ushered Callie Mae inside.
