Pastor James smiled at Miss Ethel and waited until she was seated before he spoke.
“Good afternoon, we have a bit of a surprise wedding here today. There have been several weddings lately, but this one touches the heart like no other. Miss Edie is here to marry after spending many years caring for others. Her heart is large and full, but she is making room for Silverpines newest resident, Chet Worthington. If everyone is ready, we’ll begin.”
The church quieted, and Miss Edie glowed with happiness and excitement.
“Edith Louise Howard, will you take this man, Chester Albert Worthington, to be your husband? Will you love, comfort, honor, keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
Miss Edie answered in a clear voice, “I do.”
Turning to Chet, Pastor James repeated the vows. Chet answered with a resounding “I do,” and Pastor James told Chet he could kiss his bride.
Miss Edie blushed and smiled as Chet leaned forward and placed a sweet kiss on her lips.
When Pastor James introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Chet Worthington, the church erupted in applause.
Chet held Edie’s hand as they walked out of the church and waited to greet all their well-wishers.
Miss Ethel walked out with Walt wondering if maybe Edie had the right idea after all. Time would tell.
Chapter Twenty-two
One week later
Katie, Benjamin, Ella Grace, and Michael waited on the train platform in the warm morning sunshine. Katie felt anxious hoping that when she met Benjamin’s parents that they would approve of her. Ella Grace was excited to see Michael’s mother again. Michael was looking forward to seeing Benjamin’s parents and his mother again but pleased his cantankerous father decided to remain behind in Gentle Falls. Benjamin was just nervous. He was getting married in three days.
When the train finally came to a screeching halt, Ella Grace was bouncing on her feet. As soon as she saw Lilian Karson step off the train, she rushed to her side and hugged the only woman she’d ever called ‘mother.’
“I’m so pleased you’re here,” Ella Grace said through the tears that flowed down her cheeks.
“I plan to stay until after the baby comes in spring if that’s all right with you and Michael.”
“Mother, you can stay forever,” Ella Grace insisted as she hugged her again.
Benjamin took Katie’s hand, and they walked to an attractive older couple standing on the platform near Ella Grace and Lillian.
“Mother, Father, I would like you to meet Katie Deidmann, my future wife. Katie, these are my parents, Alice and Morton Hunter.”
Katie held out her hand and said, “It’s very nice to meet you, Mister and Missus Hunter.”
“None of that,” announced Alice Hunter drawing Katie into a hug. “You’ll be our daughter in three days. You must call us mother and father.”
Too stunned to speak at the warm greeting after what Ella Grace experienced with her father-in-law, Katie smiled and nodded her head yes.
“Wonderful,” Mister Hunter exclaimed shaking Benjamin’s hand vigorously. “She’s a beautiful girl, Son.”
Michael did his best to move Ella Grace across the platform while she embraced her mother-in-law. “Come on, I want you to meet Benjamin’s parents.”
After introductions and a few more hugs, Michael told the Hunters that they would be his guests at the Inn and he’d have their luggage brought over. He hugged his mother and promised to have her trunks delivered to the house because he knew he’d never pry his wife and mother apart for long not even for lunch at the Inn. Clara would feed them, and he’d make sure the Hunters were well cared for at the Inn restaurant.
Benjamin’s mother stopped him and asked, “Where would you like the crates delivered?”
“Crates?”
“Of course. You don’t expect me to welcome a new daughter without a few gifts and family heirlooms, do you? Your grandmother would never forgive me, God rest her soul,” his mother explained.
“When your things are picked up, I’ll make sure the delivery driver drops the crates at Howard House where we’ll be living. Not exactly in the house, but in the new wing I’m adding to the orphanage. We’ll visit there later after you’ve rested.” Benjamin explained then hurried off to find the station manager and arrange for the delivery leaving Katie alone with his parents.
Mister Hunter looked around and said, “I heard about the tragedies that befell Silverpines. I can tell that much has been repaired and there is still a lot of work to do. If you or anyone needs some help, I am a master carpenter and taught Benjamin all he knows. I would be happy to offer any assistance needed.”
“Thank you, Mister umm Father,” Katie said and smiled. “I’m sure Benjamin knows if anything is needed in town.”
“Of course, he does,” his wife answered. “You men do what you need to do, Katie and I have a wedding to prepare for. I want to meet her guardians soon and offer my help.”
Alice Hunter slipped her arm through Katie’s, and they walked toward the large Victorian at the end of Adams Street. Katie pointed out the home and explained about the wing Benjamin built on the back.
“The inside isn’t finished because Benjamin wanted to marry sooner than planned after my experience with a troubled suitor. All the interior walls aren’t up, and we don’t have much of the furniture we ordered, but we’ll make do.”
“I’m sure you will, dear. My husband and I
