“Then, by the authority given to me by this church and the Great State of Kansas, I now pronounce you men and wives. Gentlemen, you may kiss your brides!” he declared jovially. “Congratulations to you all.”
The congregation rose as the happy couples walked from the church arm in arm. Best wishes and congratulations were offered by most of the town’s folk. Emma Whittaker got everyone’s attention during kisses, handshakes, and backslaps.
“We’d like everyone to join us for the reception. I know some of you women won’t take kindly to the celebration being held at The Duchess, but I’m asking you to put your feelings aside just for this one day. Today I got two new daughters and the first of what I hope are many grandchildren, and I’m might proud. The Duchess is Callie Mae’s and Morgan’s home.”
“Until our house gets finished,” Morgan called out with a laugh.
“So please come and join us. We’ve got plenty of eats and punch for the ladies. I’m sure Miss O’Shea will sing us some songs, and Buford Smith has a hog roasting on a spit behind the saloon right now. Then he’ll come on in with his fiddle. It’s sure to be a fine get-together. Even Reverend Simms is going to join us, isn’t that right?” she asked.
“Yes, it sure is. I don’t see any harm in the community getting together to celebrate three marriages in one day. Tomorrow is Sunday, so if any of you need to repent perhaps you can throw a little something extra in the collection plate,” he teased.
Gentle laughter tittered around the church steps as they made their way through the crowd.
Matthew helpedLaurie and the boys into the wagon. She wanted to stop off at home and freshen up.
“I’m sorry I didn’t have a ring, darlin’” he apologized a bit sadly. “Guess I never expected you to say yes. I’ll get you one as soon as I’m able.”
“A ring isn’t important, Matt,” she replied, blushing. “When you kissed me like that, I knew I’d be a fool to say no. I never imagined a kiss could feel so…”
“So what?”
“So…enjoyable.”
Matt laughed. “Honey, I plan to show you there’s a whole lot more to enjoy when you’re loved by your husband. And I do love you, Laurie Whittaker, more than you know.”
“I love you too, Matt. I’m sorry it took me so long to realize it.”
“No regrets, Laurie. Today we start our lives as man and wife, and I couldn’t be prouder,” he insisted, pulling up in front of the café. “You go on and take your time. The boys and I will wait for you here.”
Getting down, Matt came around and lifted her from the seat.
“What about tonight, Matt? We’ll have the boys, and well, there won’t be much privacy.”
“Ma’s already offered to take them out to the farm with her. I imagine they’ll enjoy a few days exploring, and fishing and such.”
“Yes, I reckon so,” she agreed with a sigh of relief. “I’ll be back soon.” On tiptoes, she rose to kiss his cheek before hurrying away. As soon as she was out of earshot, he turned to Jonah.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“It was brave of you to stand up in the church and say your piece.”
“Didn’t have much choice,” he replied, grinning. “We figured a wedding was the perfect place to help Ma come to her senses. Women always get weepy and start fanning themselves and such at weddings.”
“You’re a pretty smart fellow. I wish I’d thought of it,” Matt admitted.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be around to help you out,” Jonah assured him with a pat on the back.
Grinning, Matt leaned against the wagon and smiled.
Marilee and Meaddanced the first dance, and despite the crowd, they only had eyes for each other. The others joined in and someone pushed more tables back so the guests could have a turn around the floor. Much later, Micah and Cara took the opportunity to steal away and take a walk along the boardwalk.
“Looks like everything is falling into place,” he remarked. “Are you ready to go home?”
“I am,” she admitted, resting her head on his shoulder. “Although, I think I’ll miss this place, as strange as that might sound. The friends I’ve made and the loyalty they display for one another make our lives seem a little…well, shallow, doesn’t it?”
“I agree. We live a very private, isolated life. I think we should make time to get more involved in our community, besides only writing a check when asked to. Possibly, doing a bit of volunteer work would be a good thing.”
