Cindy laid aside her fan and stepped in front of Mina.
An elderly woman handed a bouquet to each of them. “Here are the flowers several of us contributed.”
Cindy hugged her. “Mrs. Davenport, you are so kind. Thank you for remembering.”
Tears gathered in Mina’s eyes. “Thank you so much for these lovely blooms.” She blinked to keep the tears from spilling from the many kindnesses shown her since she’d arrived in Palo Pinto. So much had happened—could she have been here only four days?
She laid her hand on Mr. Jenkins’ arm. “Thank you for agreeing to escort me up the aisle. I can’t tell you how very much I appreciate it.”
He inclined his head in a slight nod. “I’m honored, my dear.”
Mrs. Patrick played the piano with gusto. Cindy glided slowly a few steps in front of Mina and Mr. Jenkins. Bert watched Cindy with such love in his eyes.
Austin smiled at Mina and she offered a tremulous smile in return. Although he didn’t love her, seeing that he was pleased gave her a boost. She didn’t have to lean on Mr. Jenkins after all.
Soon the ceremony was over and the preacher announced, “I present Mr. and Mrs. Austin Wright.”
Bert announced, “Folks, my wife and I are hosting a reception at our home and you’re all invited. Just give us a few minutes to get there.”
Austin took Mina’s hand and they hurried down the aisle and out to the street. Austin helped her into the buggy.
Bert helped Cindy onto the seat then hopped in and grabbed the reins. “Hope you don’t mind sharing on the way to our house. You’ll have it to yourselves later on the way to the ranch.”
As they rode along, they passed a wagon containing odd equipment.
Austin turned back to look at the wagon. “Did you see that, Bert? Ferguson has a monitor to use at the supposed mine site.”
“I saw. Forget it for today, Austin. Sheriff Cornelius will be at the reception. I’ll have a word with him.”
He turned to face forward. “You’re right. I can’t let those two idiots spoil this important day.” Austin took Mina’s hand and laced their fingers.
She leaned his way. “What’s a monitor?”
“It pumps water from a creek or wherever through a nozzle that shoots the water with a high pressure. They use it in mining to wash away the sand and get to the ore.”
“But in this case, there is no ore, right?”
“Right. They’ll use one or several chemicals that will be fatal to anything that drinks the water. I’d better not talk about it anymore today, Mina. I get so riled up I’ll say crazy things.”
She wished he would tell her more but she didn’t say so. Besides, they arrived at the Kennedy home and had to hurry inside.
Mrs. Brown beamed at them. “Let me be the first to offer congratulations and wishes for a long and happy marriage.”
Mina hugged the housekeeper. “You’re so kind. I wish you’d been there but everything here looks wonderful.”
Cindy guided Mina to a spot in the entryway and Austin followed. “You two stand here to greet people. Bert and I will start here but soon leave to circulate among the attendees and help Mrs. Brown.”
The first guests arrived and were followed by a steady stream of people. Mina smiled until she was certain her face had frozen that way.
Austin put his arm around her. “Here are the men who work on the ranch. This is Spuds Young. He’s been our cook and housekeeper.”
Mina kissed the man’s cheek. “I hope you’ll be patient with me, Mr. Young. I’ve never been on a ranch before and I’ll need guidance.” He looked about forty, much younger than she’d expected him to be.
Spuds’ face turned red. “Be my pleasure. I’m sure glad you and Austin got hitched. And just call me Spuds.”
Austin shook hands with the next man. “This is Dusty McDonald. He’s worked with me longest of the men.”
Dusty had sandy-brown hair and a mischievous grin. “We got those trunks full of anvils into the house for you.”
“Thank you, Dusty. You never know—I may set up shop as a blacksmith.”
He laughed as he walked ahead.
The next man in line was a colored man who appeared uncomfortable. He wiped his hands on his britches before he shook hands. “I’m Buck Hayes.”
“I’m so glad you men came to the ceremony. It means a lot to Austin that you were there—and to me, too.”
Buck smiled and inclined his head briefly. “I’m glad we were invited. That was a right nice wedding.”
Austin waited until Buck had stepped ahead before he introduced the next man in line. “This is Chico Diaz.”
Chico leaned over and kissed her hand. “Es muy bueno you and Austin have married, Señora Wright.”
“I look forward to getting to know each of you—and to learning to speak Spanish. Thank you for coming.”
She and Austin stayed in place for another ten minutes or so.
He turned to her. “I think all the people who are coming are here, don’t you?”
“And, I was too excited to have much for breakfast and lunch. Now I’m starving. Shall we get something to eat and then mingle?”
“I see Bert talking to the sheriff.” Austin stared at the two who stood with Mr. Jenkins and a couple of other men whose names she couldn’t remember.
She gently pushed against his arm. “Go ahead and see what they’re saying. I’ll get a plate of goodies then drift around the room.”
His expression was a mixture of gratitude and anxiety. “Sure you don’t mind?”
She appreciated his asking. “It’s undoubtedly our future being discussed. How could I mind?”
He leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “You’re a treasure.”
Cindy sidled up to Mina at the refreshment table.
