An Unexpected Mother (The Colorado Brides Series Book 4) (16 page)

“Well, it felt like it.”

“You make a handsome couple. I approve heartily. Jack’s a good man.”

“Thank you. That’s sweet of you to say.”

When it was time to go, I stood by my husband-to-be, gazing up at him. “You’ll be at the church tomorrow, won’t you?”

“Yes, my dear.”

“Are you sad your family won’t be able to attend?”

“They know all about you. I’ve sent dozens of letters, with more on the way.”

He had written many to me as well, despite the fact that we saw each other every day. I had quite a collection now, and I read them over and over. “Have you asked my brothers-in-law to be your groomsmen?”

“Yes, they’ll stand up for me, and I’m honored to have them.”

“They’re happy to have you too.”

A sparkle lit his eye. “I’ll try my best to fit in, although I might have to start wearing denim and imbibe whiskey.”

“Oh, Jack.”

“And visit the saloon several times a week.”

He was teasing. “They don’t do that anymore, well, not all the time anyway.”

“My bachelor party’s tonight. We’re going to—how does Nathan put it—bend an elbow?”

“No, Jack.”

“Or maybe we’ll get half seas over and fight like Kilkenny cats.”

Nathan’s vocabulary was rather colorful. “I think that’s correct.”

He touched my face. “I wish it were tomorrow noon already.”

“So do I. We’ve waited this long. What’s a few more hours?”

“I’d take you in my arms right now, but those rascals are keeping a sharp eye on us.” He nodded towards Paulina’s front porch, where Nathan, Samuel, and Matthias sat on the steps. Father stood behind them, waiting for Jack to leave. “Not one second of privacy,” he muttered.

“They mean well.”

“They’re doing this on purpose. They know how difficult it’s been. They seem to enjoy watching others suffer.”

“Oh, goodness. Be thankful you didn’t have to wait a year. Most engagements are a year.”

“Dear Lord, no. That would kill me.”

“Well then, make sure you’re at the church tomorrow.”

“Yes, dear.”

“You sound like my father.”

“Yes, my love. Is that better?”

“It is.” A thought popped into my head. “Will we have a honeymoon?”

His grin was enormous. “I appreciate your line of thinking.”

“Stop that! We’ve never discussed it.”

“How about my apartment? We go in and close the door, and they can come get us in a week.”

“Oh, gracious. That long? What will we eat?”

“I’ll have food delivered. I don’t care, as long as I’m alone with you.”

I couldn’t argue with this plan. It sounded perfect.

“Then do you approve or would you rather go to the mountains? Matthias will lend us his cabin, if we want it.”

“No. Let’s stay in town. I’ve had enough of the wilderness for a while.”

“It’s all settled then. That was easy.” He waved to the men on the porch, who had taken it upon themselves to serve as my chaperones. “See you tomorrow.”

“Have a safe trip back to Denver City,” said Samuel.

“Thank you, I will.” He glanced at me. “I’ll see you soon.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

He thrust a foot into the stirrup, throwing a leg over. The horse trotted forward, the darkly colored tail swishing back and forth. I stood there, until he was out of sight, reluctantly returning to the house. My hands were on my hips. “You should all be ashamed. Not one minute of privacy? Not one?”

Father chortled, “You’ll be together soon enough. What’re a few more hours?”

“I should uninvite each and every one of you. You don’t deserve to be at my wedding.”

“Aw, come on,” drawled Nathan. “Don’t be like that, darlin’. Tomorrow we’ll be in our best bib and tucker, shined up and ready for your nuptials. You won’t even remember this.”

Samuel smiled sympathetically. “If it’s any consolation, your sister drove me crazy all the way from Independence Missouri to Fort Laramie.”

“It took some convincin’ to get Louisa to marry me,” said Matthias.

Nathan scratched his chin. “I waited a mighty long time for Hannah too. A coupla months, as I recall.”

“I’m not listening to anymore of this.” I brushed past them, heading for the door. There was female laughter inside and children shouting in the backyard. The brunch had ended, but the celebration continued. “Good evening, men.”

They tipped their hats. “Evenin’.”

“My dear,” father offered his arm, “I’ll escort you in.”

“Thank you.”

Finding a pastor so soon was an unexpected joy. Jack had sent off numerous letters to nearby cities requesting aid, but none had responded yet. We had gotten lucky today; the long wait would soon be over. I was eager to have my own home, as we had found a house behind the mercantile that had several rooms, although it wasn’t entirely finished yet. It had belonged to a miner and his family, but they had left Denver City for California. These lodgings were intended to be temporary. We wanted to build on land, and we had put in for a grant, which would be approved shortly by the mining district. My parents had begun the construction on their house as well. All the pieces were falling together rather nicely.

Once we had arrived at the house that evening, Hannah pulled me aside, whispering, “I should tell you what to expect on your wedding night.” Her smile was mischievous.

“Oh, for pity’s sakes. That’s not necessary.”

“Of course it is,” she giggled.

I elbowed her. “I’m sure we’ll figure it out on our own, but thank you for your concern.”

She picked Letty up; the toddler had a messy face. She had eaten something with chocolate, and it was all over her mouth. “Are you nervous?”

“Not about that.”

“Then what?”

“I feel elated. This is completely different than my first marriage. I’m about to come out of my skin, I’m so happy. He’s perfect for me. I do adore him so.”

“That’s how I felt when I married Nathan. I miss Frank, though. I won’t lie.” She lowered her voice. “Life is puzzling sometimes. I thought I’d be a preacher’s wife, not a farmer’s wife. I loved Frank with all my heart, but I love Nathan too. Paulina never expected to get married so soon, and Louisa was going to be an old maid. It’s quite clear that God had other plans for us.”

“I wasn’t supposed to be with Jason. I’m dreadfully sorry he passed away, but none of that was my doing. Now I have his sister’s children to mind, and I shall do my best where they’re concerned.”

“They’ve accepted you, Fanny. They’re lovely children.” She whispered, “Now Louisa’s.” She rolled her eyes. “Oh, goodness. What a handful.”

“They certainly are that,” I laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Mother appeared then.

“Oh, nothing,” giggled Hannah. “Nothing at all.”

Chapter Sixteen

“I now pronounce you man and wife,” said Pastor Collins.

Those were the most wonderful words I had ever heard in my entire life. I stood before Jack, who wore a black sack coat with a waistcoat beneath and white shirt and necktie. His dark hair had been combed back, and he had shaved. I’d worn cream-colored lace; the dress was adorned with wide flounces and pagoda sleeves trimmed in lace.

My husband’s eyes glimmered with appreciation, his mouth lifting in a smile. “Wife.”

“I suppose I am now.”

He sported a gold wedding band; the metal gleamed on his finger. I held a bouquet of purple and yellow wildflowers. My bridesmaids were Jane, Mary, and Susanna, the girls looking lovely in pastel-colored dresses and matching bonnets. My family occupied the first rows of pews, while friends and well-wishers sat further back. Jack took my gloved hand in his, smiling, while gazing at me.

“Congratulations,” said Jane. “I hope my wedding is as nice.”

“I’m sure it will be…once you’ve secured yourself a fiancé.” She had spoken with Wesley Hornsby at brunch yesterday, giving him all of her particular attention.

“We shall see.”

“Thank you, Pastor Collins,” said Jack. “We’re grateful that you were able to perform the ceremony.”

“It was my pleasure.” He beamed. “I’m glad I could help you folks out. You make a handsome couple.”

“Thank you, sir,” I murmured. Others waited to offer their congratulations; the eagerness in their expressions augmented my happiness.

Mother embraced me. “All my girls are married now. Congratulations, my love.”

“Thank you.”

Hannah took my hand, squeezing my fingers. “You look beautiful, Fanny.”

“Thank you.”

“Congratulations,” said Nathan. “You look as fine as cream gravy, if you don’t mind me sayin’ so.”

“Oh, Nathan. I’ll never get tired of your silly sayings.”

“Give your father a hug.” He drew me into his arms. “I’ve never been prouder than today. You’ve made a wise choice, and I know you’ll be happy with Jack.”

“I think you’re right about that.”

Paulina had tears in her eyes. “I would’ve given anything to wear white for my big day. I’m jealous.”

“I’m sure you were beautiful.”

“She was,” agreed Samuel. “And still is.”

Louisa said, “You’ve made us proud, Fanny. That man needed a good wife, and now he has one.” She glanced at Jack. “Welcome to the family.”

“I’m honored you let me in.” His smile drifted over me. “I’m grateful you came to town and turned my life upside down.”

“I didn’t mean to.”

“It was perfect.”

“Now you’re just humoring me.”

“I adore you, Fanny, even when you’re yelling at me.”

“Oh, Jack.” He clasped my hand tightly; his expression of joy warmed my heart.

The reception was at Adaline Ross’s house above the bank. Her husband owned the building, and they were friends of the family. The town doctor, Samuel Caldwell, and his wife, Rhoda, attended, as did several important people from the mining district and the mayor, John Moore. We were inundated with congratulations, cake, and wine, which flowed freely. The children had gone outside to play, their shouts and laughter drifting in through the open windows.

Today had been the realization of a dream. I had embarked on this adventure hoping that I would find my future out west. My family had taken a leap of faith, following their hearts to the untamed wilderness known as the Colorado Territory. Hannah had been the first to leave New York, traveling by train and then wagon. She had been the trailblazer, beginning our migration to parts unknown. Whatever the future held for us from this day forward had yet to be revealed, but, as I gazed around the room at family and friends, I knew we would prosper—we already had.

“My dear,” whispered Jack. “We should make our exit, don’t you think?”

A tingle went down my spine. “I suppose.”

Hannah winked. “I guess you’ll be going then.”

“I think—yes.”

“I understand.” She drew near, murmuring, “I know he wants to be with you. The poor man’s about to burst at the seams.”

“Oh, stop that!”

“Have a marvelous time,” she giggled.

“You’ll come back, won’t you, Fanny?” asked Peter.

I bent to speak to him. “Yes, of course. Your grandmother and grandfather will look after you for a few days.”

“The cake sure was good,” said Connor. “Can I have more?”

“I’ll cut him another slice,” offered Paulina.

“Thank you.” Jack’s hand was on my back, applying pressure, as he desperately wanted to steer me towards the door.

“I’m sure we won’t see her again for days,” said Louisa.

“You’re all incorrigible,” I giggled.

We wouldn’t have to go far to begin our honeymoon, as Jack’s apartment was across the street. After bidding everyone farewell, we approached the door, finding a dimly lit hallway. Jack’s hand grasped mine, while we hurried down the stairs. It was dark outside now. The streets were filled with drunken miners, and there was fight in front of the saloon. Men had gathered to watch, while two men threw punches.

“Oh, goodness,” I exclaimed. “Is it like this every night?”

“Mostly. This part of town is rowdy.”

The bakery was locked, but Jack had the key. “We’ve a desperate need for law and order. It’s slow coming.”

“Is it safe living here?”

“Yes, for now. Once our house is finished, things will be nice and quiet.”

We were in the stairwell, heading for his floor. “Where is Lola?”

“I’ve given her several days off.”

“I see.”

He unlocked his door, throwing it open. “Come here.”

“Oh!” I was in his arms, my feet dangling before me.

“It’s tradition to carry the bride across the threshold.”

“By all means,” I giggled.

The room was dark, although a window was open, and the sounds of male shouts could be heard. We stood in the parlor, while he lowered me to the floor. I clung to him, my arms around his neck. His lips were on mine, coaxing a response, which I was eager to give. My bonnet fell away, while he struggled to undo dozens of tiny buttons on my dress.