Yes, but I knew from his letters he had staff.
But no personal maid! You are lucky the housekeeper is willing to help you!
She shook her head to clear her thoughts as she followed Mrs. Suarez upstairs.
To her utter surprise and delight, a hip bath had been set up, with a sweetly scented soap. A young girl, maybe 14 or 15 was standing by to assist.
“This Maria, my oldest. She your lady maid.”
“How do you do, Maria? Mucho gusto.”
“I am speak English!” Maria beamed at her. Well, I was right that I’m one who’ll be managed, but they are all so nice and helpful!
Easing her travel-weary body into the tub she gave in to the sensation of being pampered as the dust and dirt of the trip were scrubbed off and her hair washed. She worried about the delay wet hair would cause.
“No worry, dry fast. Make special style for wedding. Need hair wet to start.”
Sra. Suarez had been speaking the truth about how quickly things dried in the heat! She felt gentle hands tugging, twisting and braiding as an elaborate coronet was created to support her mother’s veil. Mrs. Ortega, who had brought up a fed and cleaned Camellia, now sleeping peacefully in the cradle set in the corner of the room, had helped her sister create the corona of hair she now wore.
It seemed no time at all before she was standing in front of the mirror having her gown buttoned as she retrieved her mother’s pearls from the bag she’d kept sewn into her bustle. As the ladies oohed and aahed at the beautiful picture she made, a soft knock at the door made them start.
“Is Miguel. I have un regalito from el señor.”
Maria opened the door but a crack and accepted the package from her brother, then brought it to Megan. In the box Ted had sent up were a pair of pearl and yellow diamond earrings which matched her new ring and now made a set with the necklace. Enclosed was a brief note:
My father gave these to my mother on their wedding day. I know she’d be pleased for you to wear them.
Despite the earlier ups and downs, today was becoming a fairy tale. She thought her face must break from all the smiling she’d been doing.
Feet buttoned into heeled slippers, veil pinned atop her hair, gloves eased into and buttoned—she was a fairy tale princess and ready to wed her prince.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN – With This Ring
Father Rubio stood with his back to the fireplace. Ted was next to him, watching as Megan came into the parlor. He stepped forward and held out his hand which she grasped tightly as he turned and they faced the priest. Miguel was standing near Ted, and Sra. Suarez had come up next to Megan and reached for the bouquet of delicate, white, desert poppies Sra. Ortega had presented to Megan just before they descended the stairs. Camellia was also in attendance, in Maria’s arms; the party was all assembled.
“It is my pleasure to bring together in holy matrimony a couple that has traveled far to be together. The wedding ceremony is a blessed sacrament from God. I see your hands are already joined together so let us begin.”
The beautiful words of the traditional vows were spoken and they declared their faithfulness to each other and to God. Looking fervently into each other’s eyes, each decided this was indeed the person the letters had brought to light.
Megan had moved Ted’s pledge to her, the yellow diamond ring, to her right hand before coming downstairs, Megan now received the consecrated gold band on her left ring finger, that from which the blood flowed directly to her heart. Ted bent and kissed her ringed finger before transferring his mother’s ring next to her new wedding band.
“I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss your bride, my son!”
Their hands had remained clasped nearly throughout the ceremony but now Ted lifted his left hand and softly touched her face. They gazed deeply into each other’s eyes and he gently tilted her chin up as he bent down to kiss her for the first time upon her lips. He could feel them tremble beneath his as his mouth claimed hers. Her own hand had crept up and her fingers were curved around the back of his neck, teasing the hair above his collar. A warmth seeped through him as he lifted his head to look at her, blinking, surprised at his physical reaction to her touch. Her own eyelids fluttered and her cheeks had colored prettily as a soft smile beamed up at him.
Padre Rubio cleared his throat just a bit to recapture their attention, his face beaming its pleasure. He gestured for them to face their guests as he announced, “It is my pleasure to introduce to you Señor y Señora Bristol.”
~~~
The wedding feast was merry and Megan was introduced to chiles rellenos, salsa verde, and a number of other amazing new foods. Everyone enjoyed a good laugh at the bride as she turned red and grabbed for her wine glass when one of the dishes proved a bit too spicy for her, but her own delight in herself for being so bold as to try all these new things had her laughing along and quite pleased to feel the warmth and inclusion from all in her new home.
Miguel and Maria provided translations for Ted as the conversation flowed in both languages. Ted grew progressively less self-conscious about using the Spanish words he’d already learned, although he was teased about his pronunciation. Hearing Megan’s accent improve, the more she spoke, he made a concerted effort to listen to the way the sounds were made, and when the wedding
