“I’m sure they will. It was very kind of you,” Katie answered as they made their way up the walk in front of Howard House.
Katie invited Alice in, and introductions were made all around. She left her soon to be mother-in-law in the capable hands of Miss Ethel and went to check on the babies. Miss Edie and Chet had purchased a home a block away, and Miss Edie promised to visit that afternoon to meet Alice and help with wedding plans.
~ * ~
Three days later
Katie woke before the sun surprised that she slept at all. The house was quiet. The babies were still asleep, and Rosie and Ivy had yet to peek into her room to see if she was awake. Katie slipped out of bed, checked the babies, and pulled on her robe. She needed coffee and padded down to the kitchen to prepare a pot.
Julia appeared in the kitchen before the coffee was ready.
“You certainly are up early this morning,” Katie greeted. “Didn’t you sleep well?”
“I did, but I should get used to waking early. Tonight, I move into your room and care for the babies when they cry in the middle of the night or early in the morning.”
“You know you do not have to do that job alone. The babies are still my responsibility, and while you may share their room, I’ll still be in the house. Remember, Benjamin strung that cord from my room, well, your room now, to the bedroom in the new wing. The babies wake, and you ring the bell. All I need to do is walk out into the hall and up the stairs,” Katie explained.
“I know, but I’m old enough to take care of them. I’m the oldest unmarried sister after you marry today,” Julia said proudly.
“You’re still just fifteen, enjoy being young, but I appreciate the offer of help.”
Julia beamed with pride. “Miss Ethel said we should have cinnamon buns for breakfast today. I’m going to make them. You should rest before your wedding.”
Just as Katie poured the coffee in her cup, she heard one of the babies cry. “The babies are crying,” Ivy and Rosie shouted together, and Katie was sure the entire house would be awake in moments.
Katie hurried upstairs to find Miss Ethel in her room. “I will care for Josie and Sophie this morning. Go take a bath and wash your hair. I bought some of that lavender soap you love. If the younger girls discover the soap, you will have to fight them for the use of the bathtub.”
“Thank you,” Katie said and kissed Miss Ethel on the cheek before hurrying to the bathing room.
Six hours later, a carriage arrived in front of the house. Mister Hunter alighted and walked to the door. “Daughter, your carriage awaits,” he said and bowed dramatically to the beautiful young woman standing in the parlor of Howard House. Her ivory gown fit her perfectly, and the three lace hearts she stitched to the bodice were the perfect touch to the softly ruffled gown. A short veil transformed her into a bride worthy of a picture in one of the magazines the Inn offered in their lobby.
Katie was so nervous she barely said a word on their drive to the church. She was honored that Mister Hunter offered to walk her down the aisle. Mister Hunter also arranged for a wagon to take Miss Ethel and all her sisters to the church. Miss Edie and Chet were already outside the door waiting along with Walt. Katie wondered if Miss Ethel would marry Walt one day soon.
“Are you ready, Katie?” Mr. Hunter asked as the music started.
Katie nodded and took his arm as he led her down the aisle. She saw Benjamin staring at her and kept her eyes locked on his. She felt an overpowering love for the man waiting at the altar. Mr. Hunter stopped their walk and Benjamin took Katie’s hand.
Pastor James cleared his throat. “Good afternoon everyone. We’re here today to unite these two happy people in the state of blissful marriage.”
A few snickers and giggles could be heard in the church.
“Hush,” Pastor James insisted and began to explain his views on marriage. Katie didn’t hear a word. All she could hear was her heart thumping in her chest and ears. Katie was positive she would faint. Pastor James repeated her name, and she looked at him.
“What?”
“Do you take this man to be your husband, Katie?”
“Oh, yes, I do. I’m sorry I didn’t hear you.”
Her younger sisters giggled, and Katie blushed red.
She was vaguely aware of Benjamin saying, “I do.”
“Then by the laws of God and the state of Oregon, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Benjamin pulled Katie close and kissed her soundly while she melted against him.
The church erupted in applause, and Benjamin took Katie’s hand and walked her back down the aisle.
They greeted their guests, and everyone was invited to a reception at the Inn. Mrs. Donlinson and several of the ladies from town prepared a beautiful luncheon complete with a wedding cake, and Michael had ordered champagne.
While the guests ate, laughed, and enjoyed the party, Michael pulled Benjamin aside and handed him a key. “This is for the third-floor suite. It’s yours and Katie’s for three days. Miss Edie and Miss Ethel will watch all the girls while you’re here. Mrs. Donlinson said she will personally make sure you get three meals each day delivered to your room in case
