“You don’t say.” Jesse scrubbed his chin with his palms. “And you can prove that?”
“Well... of course.” The man swallowed hard again.
Suddenly, the door opened, slamming against the wall as Cal practically dragged the other prisoner out. He shoved him into the cell and locked it before turning to Jesse.
“We’ve got to go. Now!”
“What’s wrong?”
“I’ll explain on the way.”
* * * *
SUMMER’S HEART WASbreaking as her pa walked her down the aisle. Poor Pa could hardly stand by himself, and when she reached Adam, who stood by the minister, Ma quickly moved Pa to a chair to sit.
Fighting back tears, she stared at the minister. A good crowd had gathered for her wedding, which should make her happy, but it didn’t. Jesse wasn’t here. Then again, she feared that seeing him today would make her change her mind about marrying Adam.Thatcouldn’t happen.
“Adam Fairbanks,” the minister began, “please take Summer Bennett’s right hand in yours.”
She felt like a wet rag, just going along with what others wanted her to do instead of what she wanted. Sadly, there was no other choice.
As the minister continued with the ceremony, Summer blinked to fight away the tears. She must be brave, but she was failing miserably. However, she mustn’t show everyone how utterly unhappy she was at this moment. She was a mail-order bride, arranged by the Westward Home and Hearts Matrimonial Agency that was established by Milly Crenshaw twenty-five years ago. Everything was legal. Summer wasn’t the first mail-order bride from this agency, and she certainly wouldn’t be the last.
“Adam Fairbanks, repeat after me,” the minister said. “I, Adam, take thee Summer, to be my wedded wife.”
Her hand trembled as Adam said the vows. Hopefully, he thought she was just nervous.
The minister looked at Summer. “Miss Bennett, repeat after me. I, Summer, take thee, Adam...”
She did as was told, even though her voice cracked several times, and she had to clear her throat. When the minister was finished, he faced the congregation. Summer didn’t even know everything she had said. But it didn’t matter. She didn’t mean any of it.
“Now,” the minister said louder. “If there is anyone who knows why these two should not be sealed in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
Summer closed her eyes. Would someone protest? Why did she want Jesse to rush into the church at this moment, declaring his love? In fact, she could almost hear his voice... Wait. No, shedidhear his voice.
She spun around, looking at the men hurrying through the double doors of the church. Jesse was in the lead while Cal followed behind closely.
“I protest,” Jesse said in a loud voice.
Gasps ricocheted around the congregation, but Summer’s singing heart was louder. The trembling shooting through her body now was happiness.
“What is the meaning of this?” Adam snapped, stepping in front of Summer.
“I’ll tell you what the meanin’ of this is.” Jesse pulled out a pair of handcuffs from his coat jacket and slapped them on Adam’s wrists. “You are under arrest for kidnappin’ and tradin’ women into slavery.”
Shock weakened Summer’s limbs, and she stumbled. Thankfully, Rosie was at her side, keeping her upright.
“Sheriff?” Ma said, walking toward them. “What is going on?”
Cal yanked Adam away from the minister, shoving him down the aisle. “Mr. Adam Fairbanks isn’t the upstandin’ citizen he has led us to believe.”
Jesse’s gaze locked on Summer. There was so much tenderness and love written on his face that her heart threatened to jump from her chest.
“I’m sorry that we ruined your weddin’,” he said, coming up to her. “But I couldn’t have you marryin’ a criminal.”
She placed a shaky hand on his chest, peering deeply into his eyes. “Is that the only reason you’re sorry for ruining the wedding?”
Slowly, his grin widened. “No.” He took hold of her hands, brought them to his mouth, and kissed her knuckles. “I’m in love with you, Summer. And I would be the happiest man on earth if you married me instead.”
