Love Everlasting (26 page)

“Well, given all that Mr. Welby's admitted to,” the police
chief said as his men led Welby away, “you won't have any more trouble from him. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to see to a proper reception at the armory for Mr. Welby.”

Aunt Miriam came to Abriannna and took hold of her hand. “Are you all right, my dear?”

She managed to nod. “I'm just relieved it's all over.”

“What should we do with all those folks in the church?” Jay asked.

Aunt Miriam considered this a moment. “It seems a pity to have them all assembled for a wedding and not have one. Then, too, there's the wedding breakfast. Mr. Welby has paid a great deal of money, and it would be most sinful to waste all that food.” She looked at Wade and Abrianna. “Perhaps you two should marry. I know the judge will be happy to supply the proper papers.”

“No.” Wade shook his head. “I wouldn't expect Abrianna to do that.”

“Sister makes a good point,” Aunt Poisie interjected. “You could forego the church and marry at the house. The skies are clear, and the gardens are still quite lovely. You could marry there or in the ballroom where the wedding breakfast is awaiting.”

“I think it would be great irony,” Aunt Selma added. “Just think of it. Mr. Welby's money will pay for your wedding.”

Aunt Miriam fixed them with a hint of amusement. “Don't let pride stand in your way. You've already seen where that gets a soul. I think it would be the perfect way to put the ugliness of this ordeal behind us.”

Wade looked at Abrianna. “What do you want?”

She smiled. Suddenly nothing else mattered as much as becoming his wife. “You, of course.” She looked to Flora and her
aunts. “I won't go another day without him. Take me home, where we can rid me of these ghastly attachments.”

“You heard the lady.” Wade lifted Abrianna in his arms. He frowned and shifted her with a groan. “You must be wearing ninety pounds of material.”

“At least.” She felt sorry for him. “So why don't you let me go?”

He shook his head, his gaze never leaving hers. “Never.”

M
ost of those in attendance at the church had eagerly followed the family to the Madison Bridal School for the wedding of Wade Ackerman and Abrianna Cunningham. Since the wedding was to take place here, it was qute a simple matter to arrange for the chairs to be moved to the garden for all of the guests. People seemed at ease and much happier than they had at he church.

With Priam Welby in custody, the people felt compelled to speak their minds. Abrianna had this on Flora's assurance. It seemed no one actually liked Priam Welby, and most were ready to testify against him if the opportunity arose.

“Ready?” her father asked.

Abrianna put her hand to her hair one final time. Only moments ago she had worked with Flora to rearrange flowers in her hair instead of the tiara and veil. “Do I look all right?”

He grinned in pride. “You look perfect.”

They began the short walk along the garden's cobblestoned path. Abrianna had rid herself of what she came to call “The Welby Appurtenances.” Instead, she wore the gown she'd helped to design and make for her wedding to Wade, the one Welby deemed far too plain, the one she now deemed her something
new. She traded the beautiful pearl-encrusted heels Welby had insisted on for a pair of simple white satin slippers that Lenore loaned her. It was her something borrowed.

For something old and blue, Abrianna pinned Aunt Miriam's sapphire broach to the bodice of the gown. The broach had been a gift to Abrianna on her eighteenth birthday. She seldom wore it, but today seemed the perfect opportunity. She wore no additional jewelry, nor would she, until Wade slipped on the emerald and diamond ring that once belonged to his grandmother. Abrianna had taken the ring off when Welby forced his hand, but now she would receive it back for good.

Abrianna tightened her grip on her father's arm. He smiled down at her in a reassuring manner. After all she'd been through that morning, Abrianna hadn't thought she'd be nervous to walk the aisle to Wade. But she was. Her old concerns came back to haunt her.

Am I really ready for
this?

Lenore, despite her well-rounded figure, walked just before them and turned with a smile when she reached the front where Wade and Kolbein waited with the judge.

Abrianna's father stopped short of giving her over to Wade. He kissed her cheek. “I love you, Daughter.”

“I love you, Papa.” Tears welled in her eyes. He looked at her in surprise. Abrianna smiled. “I've wanted to call you that for a while now. Do you mind?”

His eyes moistened. “Not at all. I'm honored.”

As she was handed over to Wade, Abrianna couldn't help but shift her attention. Wade's brown eyes seemed to stare right through to her soul. Goodness, but this man could evoke such a whirlwind of emotion and thought. She trembled at the realization that soon they would be man and wife. She would belong
to Wade Ackerman, body and soul. The thought caused her momentary panic. Her earlier misgivings came back to haunt her.

What if I fail at this
? I've not gained the skills my aunts tried to
teach me. I know so very little about running a
household or being a wife.
She bit her lip. Wade gave her a smile and turned to face the judge as he began the ceremony.

The judge cleared his voice. “Dearly beloved . . .”

Still Abrianna's doubts continued.
I suppose
this is my moment of no turning back. Not that
I want to. I love Wade, and he loves me.
I know I'm meant to be his wife, but
I feel so inadequate. I've made so many mistakes,
and I'm so headstrong. It won't be at
all easy to put aside my will and be obedient.
I've never been good with obedience, yet now I'
m making a vow to obey. Oh, Lord, help me.

Abrianna felt her knees weaken. She couldn't help but notice the look of love in Wade's expression. He didn't seem at all nervous. How was that fair? How was it that he could stand there and be as calm as could be? She drew a deep breath. There was no need to get up in arms about it. Thankfully one of them had their wits about them.

“Will you, Abrianna, have Wade . . .”

Her mind whirled in a dozen directions at once. What if this turned out to be a bad idea? What if Welby's money somehow tainted the ceremony?

Oh, I'm being so ridiculous
, Abrianna berated herself
. I'm marrying my best friend, and God
's blessing is greater than any curse given by Priam
Welby.

The judge cleared his voice and leaned forward. “You need to say, ‘I do.'”

Abrianna startled. Realizing she hadn't been paying attention, she nodded. “I do.”

She looked to Wade and then back to the judge. “Sorry.”

The judge continued. Wade squeezed her hand, and Abrianna felt her tension fade just a bit. He had so much patience when it came to dealing with her. How like him to put aside all of her mistakes and poor judgments and devote the rest of his life to her. God knew she had pushed him to the limit more than once, yet Wade continued to accept her—to love her, flaws and all. A rush of tears came unbidden, and Abrianna fought to keep her emotions in check. She didn't deserve the love Wade offered her, but she intended to take it and be as worthy of it as possible.

The ceremony concluded with Wade securing the ring on her finger and pledging her his all. “You may kiss your bride,” the judge said with a fatherly smile of approval.

Wade took her face in his hands. “I've wanted to do this all day.” He kissed her with great tenderness, and Abrianna felt a surge of wonder rush over her. They were really and truly married and would spend the rest of their lives together. The marvel of it all made her head spin. Or maybe it was the kiss.

The wedding attendees surprised Abrianna by applauding. For a moment she and Wade pulled apart and gazed out at the people. Wade chuckled and put his arm around Abrianna's waist. “It would seem they approve,” he whispered in her ear.

“I feel as though we're on the stage and have just completed Act I. Who ever heard of applauding at a wedding? Goodness, is this to become the new tradition?” She felt her cheeks grow hot.

Aunt Miriam was the first to come to their side. She kissed Abrianna on the cheek and then did the same for Wade. “I couldn't be more pleased.”

“Nor could I,” Aunt Selma declared and embraced Abrianna and then Wade. “You two make the most beautiful couple. I don't think I've ever seen two people better suited to each other.”

Aunt Poisie wasn't to be left out. “I am happier than I have been in years. You two are meant for each other.” Her eyes seemed to sparkle with the joy she clearly felt. “I could only be happier had my beloved Jonathan been in attendance. God rest his soul.”

“Amen,” Aunt Miriam and Selma murmured.

Poisie shrugged. “But we shan't contemplate our sorrows. This is your day, and though it started on a most disparaging note, it has been redeemed. What man meant for evil, God meant for good.”

“Indeed,” Abrianna's father declared. He stepped forward to join them with Eloise on his arm. “I never thought I'd live to see this day.” His eyes met Abrianna's. “Your mama would have been real proud.”

Abrianna felt a momentary ache in her heart at the mention of her mother. She had reflected on her the night before, wondering if she would have had any sage advice to offer Abrianna. Again, doubts began to creep in. Lenore had told Abrianna that her mother had gone on and on about the proper duties of a wife to her husband and household the night before her marriage to Kolbein. Having grown up in a bridal school, Abrianna felt certain she should already know these things, but for the life of her she couldn't remember much at all. Perhaps it was the gravity of her ordeal with Welby, or maybe it had something to do with her never paying serious attention to her aunts' instruction. Whatever the reason, Abrianna could only pray that God's mercy would extend to bridal etiquette and wifely instruction.

She gave a heavy sigh. “I don't even remember how he takes his coffee.”

“What did you say, dear?” Aunt Selma asked.

It was only then that Abrianna realized she'd spoken aloud.
She looked at Wade, fearful he had heard, but he seemed completely oblivious in his conversation with Poisie. She turned her attention back to her aunt. “It wasn't important.”

Abrianna and Wade very quickly found themselves unable to move as the rest of the congregation surrounded them to offer their best wishes. Abrianna wanted nothing more than to sit down and contemplate all that she had faced that day, perhaps even talk it out with Wade, but there was no time. As soon as the guests moved away, Aunt Miriam directed Abrianna and Wade to take the back stairs up to the ballroom. “We will direct the guests up the main stairs momentarily. I've arranged for the chairs to be moved back upstairs, and once everyone is assembled we can begin the breakfast.” She left them without waiting for a reply.

Abrianna sighed. The day was nowhere near to being over.

“I'd like to think that was a sigh of happiness, but I'm pretty sure it's more along the lines of exhaustion,” Wade said, his expression one of sympathy.

“It has been an extremely fatiguing day. I must say I never figured to be wed to you like this.” Her brow furrowed. “Not that I'm unhappy, mind you. I just think it most unusual. I barely slept last night. I was terrified that I'd never get Welby to admit to his wrongdoings. Then at the church I was almost certain that I would lose my nerve and make a mess of everything. Then there was Aunt Poisie and the hammer. Goodness, did you ever imagine she could do something like that? I might have expected it from Aunt Selma or Aunt Miriam. Both of them have been active in the discipline of students and dealt with strong-willed husbands, but Poisie's demeanor has always been more timid and—” She couldn't finish her thought because Wade pulled her into his arms and kissed her again. This time the kiss was more passionate and held the promise of more to come.

“There. I thought that might quiet you.” Wade let go his hold. “You think too much.”

Abrianna looked at him for a moment and nodded. “You are right on that account. I am sorry. I'm afraid it's just one more of my flaws you will have to bear up under. You know full well that I am given over to contemplating matters in great detail.”

“So much so that you very nearly missed completing your vows.”

“I am sorry for that, too. I'm afraid I can hardly think clearly, and when my mind is like this, I do tend to ramble on and on. You know that, as well.”

“I do know that. And that is why I'm prepared to kiss you into silence as much as possible.” He chuckled and took hold of her hand. “Of course, I also enjoy listening to you and hearing your thoughts on the world at large. Right now, however, I believe our wedding guests are waiting to toast us.”

“I wish we could just be done with all of these formalities. I'd much rather skip the nonsense and just get on with . . . well . . .” She fell silent, realizing that Wade might take her comment to mean that she was overly desirous to get him alone. She bit her lower lip and dared to raise her eyes to his.

“Well? You were saying?” His arched brow and grin were enough to leave Abrianna feeling mortified and more nervous than before. She felt her face grow hot.

Shaking her head, she drew in a deep breath and wished the ground might open and swallow her up. “I think I've sufficiently put my foot in my mouth. No need to continue.”

He roared with laughter and pulled her along with him through the back door of the house. They made their way up the two flights of stairs and finally reached the crowded ballroom. Aunt Selma quickly came to their side and guided them to the head table.

Abrianna slipped into a seat beside Lenore and sighed. “I am completely exhausted. Goodness, but I've never known a more demanding day. It would surely have been easier to help re-lay the streets of Seattle.”

Lenore smiled and reached over to take hold of Abrianna's hand. “But not as rewarding. I'm so happy for you and Wade. The baby is, too. He's not stopped doing somersaults since you said, ‘I do.'”

“Do you suppose he really knows what's going on? Goodness, but now you have me referring to the baby as he.”

“My guess is that he feels my joy,” Lenore replied. “That is enough to please him, I'm sure. I can hardly believe this day has finally come. It seems just yesterday you were attending me at my wedding, and now I've been able to do the same for you. We are no longer schoolgirls, but wives.”

“And soon you will be a mother,” Abrianna said, smiling.

“And you might well be one soon yourself. Wouldn't that be amazing if you found yourself with child right away?”