“This is my wife, Esther.”
Jedediah tipped his hat at her. “Nice to meet you. This is my wife, Ruth.”
They spent moments exchanging pleasantries. She didn’t feel as awkward as she had thought she would. Family. That’s what they all were to one another. They had always wished they were sisters and now they really were. Happiness overwhelmed her. After all these years, she finally had a family. It might have taken a while to get here, but she wouldn’t trade any of the journey for anything.
Ruth looked happier than Esther had ever seen before. She’d always been a joyful person, but now when Esther looked at her in this short time of reunion, the joy seemed to pour from her. Esther hadn’t stopped smiling. The two girls would never feel unloved again. It was one of the worst feelings in the world and no one should ever experience the pain.
Obadiah explained to his brother and Ruth what had happened to James and Simon. How they had worked together and targeted her because of the loan they took out to help a friend. The one selfish act had turned into a dangerous one, almost costing them their lives.
Jedediah didn’t say a word. He nodded a few times, his arms folded as he listened. Ruth, clutched the baby closer, with a solemn face and pain so evident on her features. She hated anyone to be in pain or hurt.
“Where are they now?”
“James is in the river where he deserves.”
Jediah ran a hand down his face, muttering a prayer. Unlike Obadiah, he was a quiet man and didn’t seem to get angry as fast. They looked alike and yet were opposite on all levels. When their Ma died, it hurt Obadiah in a way Esther could understand. That feeling of being abandoned. Would he always have this quick temper?
“God says vengeance is mine. Obadiah, you can’t go around killing people.”
“I didn’t.”
You said he’s in a river.”
Sparks flared in her husband’s eyes. He walked off, not saying a word to any of them. Kicking the dirt as he went. She ran after him, calling apologies over her shoulder. Ruth gave her a sympathetic smile and her brother-in-law headed in his brother’s direction. Like it was nothing unusual for him to deal with his sibling in this fashion.
Esther placed her hands on her husband’s shoulder trying to stop him. He jerked away until he saw it was her. He stopped. She stood in front of him so he had to look at her. When she pressed her palm against his cheek, he leaned into her touch. “Talk to him. Stop running.”
“Why? He always thinks the worst of me. I did want James to die. It wasn’t a secret.”
“I know you’ve changed. I see it in your eyes and in the way you act.”
“I’m an outlaw and always will be.”
Esther jabbed a finger in his chest. The way he thought of himself wasn’t who he was anymore. She’d do everything she could in order to show him this. To show him what a good man he’d become. The one who protected her. Who had helped her learn the ropes of his job out in the woods. The man who loved her so deeply and the sweet caring man hiding deep inside the hard exterior. “No. That’s the old you.”
Closing his eyes, he growled low in his chest, and brought his lips to hers. His kiss was gentle and sweet. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. Each touch, each look made her feel happy, carefree, and so loved. She almost forgot the other two people still stood nearby.
“You can’t run forever. God sees everything.”
“Jedediah, I didn’t kill him for revenge. He had Esther. I had no choice”
They then explained what had happened and how it all happened so fast. For once, Obadiah stayed calm and explained his side without running away in anger. She loved him even more. Strong. Dependable man. She never wanted this moment to end. Her family. She smiled hugging each of them as they went to their homes. After church on Sunday, they’d have dinner at his brother’s house. Soon.
***
They came to their home. On the edge of the woods, not far from Jedediah and Ruth’s home. The log cabin was small and simple, their first home together. She couldn’t wait to make it a home for them…her family. He lifted her in his arms and carried her over the threshold of the cabin. She let out a giggle.
He kissed her hard on the lips, shutting the door behind them with his foot. Peace and quiet. No one else around. They’d not had much privacy before and she’d always be grateful for their time together in woods on the expedition as she learned about him. Frightened and not sure of herself, but the time they spent together showed her how strong she really could be.
After the bear attack, they had grown closer. The scariest day of her life turned into a love for both of them.
“You know I love you, right?”
“Yes.” She did hesitate to answer him. No needing to think. She felt it deep in her soul.
He let her down, turning her around in his arms, and kissing her again. Obadiah backed her into the bedroom. “Let me show you, every day for the rest of our lives. She kissed him back with all the love she had for him inside of her.
The heartache of many years had turned into happiness and love.
THE END!
I hope you have enjoyed A Bride for
