“I can give you the recipe, but I think you and Annie should come over to the house, and we can bake together. Ben, too, if you don’t think he’d get bored of all the baking and lady talk,” Peggy offered.
“He might, but he would certainly be unhappy if he missed having a treat,” Charity answered.
The three women laughed and continued chatting about the upcoming wedding.
Chapter 8
The talk with Pastor Elkins had gone well, and both children behaved as well as they did during Sunday services. Pastor Elkins didn’t feel the need to ask a lot of questions the way he did with young couples experiencing their first love. Charity’s widowhood and Jason’s thirty years of age were enough for the kindly pastor to skip that part of his counseling.
As they strolled back to Charity’s home, Jason said, “That was easier than I expected, and having the wedding at one o’clock was a good suggestion. We can hold the reception immediately after and feed everyone who attends a good lunch.”
“That might be the entire town. Do you think the hotel can accommodate the entire town?” Charity questioned.
“The Paradise is a first-class hotel and large enough for the entire town to wander in and out. I doubt people will come and stay for hours. Most of the men will come for food and leave. Couples will probably stay longer. You know how women love to fuss and talk.”
“And men don’t? What is it you men do in the saloon for hours? You sit and brag about your accomplishments and try to outdo each other with bigger and bigger tales of daring feats and experiences,” Charity insisted. “At least we women stay sober and don’t end up fighting over foolish things.”
Jason raised his hands in surrender. “You win. I suppose we all enjoy talking. We just have different interests.”
“Since you surrendered, I’ll invite you in for a cup of coffee and a piece of pie. The children are here with us, so I doubt my neighbors will try and spy on what we’re doing,” Charity offered with a mischievous grin on her face.
Jason didn’t need to be asked twice as he hurried in the house behind Charity and the children.
Annie was chattering away in her usual manner, and she informed Jason about several wedding plans. “Aunty Holly is making mama a new dress and a new dress for me. My new grandma is making flowers for me. We’re going to have a big cake and maybe cookies.”
Jason gave Charity a quizzical look. “Her grandma?”
“Yes, your mother. She said she will make satin roses for the wedding. Annie is very excited about getting dressed in a new dress with flowers to carry,” Charity explained.
“My mother hasn’t said a word to me about the plans. She said its women’s business and I need to wait for the wedding. She’s shared the ideas for the menu but nothing about your dress or the church decorations. I feel as if it’s someone else getting married,” Jason lamented.
“You will be surprised, and it’s bad luck for a groom to know what his bride is wearing before the wedding. I thought you and Ben were going to buy suits. That’s a big part of the wedding plans,” Charity answered.
“Aww, Mama, do I have to wear a suit?” Ben complained. “I like my shirts. Suits are for old men.”
Jason laughed. “Suits are for any man or young man who wants to look presentable. I wear them most of the time and find them comfortable. You and I will shop together and find you a suit you’ll enjoy wearing.”
“We will, just you and me?” Ben asked, excitedly.
“Of course, just you and me. We can’t let the women shop with us. Suits are men’s business.”
“Hear that, Mama? Me and Mister Jason are going to do men’s business,” Ben said with pride crossing his young face.
“I like being a girl. I like my dress,” Annie added.
Jason looked at Charity, sitting across the room with an amused smile on her face. He said, “You were right when you said life would be interesting.”
“This is just the beginning,” Charity assured. “My children can make each day an adventure.”
“So, tell me,” Jason said. “What plans besides clothing have you and my mother made?”
“Not many. She said she and your father are going to take care of the hotel arrangements for the reception. She did say since it will be an open celebration for the entire town, the hotel cook is going to make more foods that can be eaten easily as people walk around with plates in their hands instead of needing to sit down at a table for fear of spilling gravy or sauces all over the floor.”
“We can let them handle those arrangements. Have you spoken to the children about moving?”
“Moving?” Ben asked. “Who’s moving?”
Charity blew out a breath. “No, I haven’t, not yet, but it appears this is a good time to do that.”
Jason grimaced, “Sorry.”
“It’s all right. I had to do this at some point. Annie and Ben, when Mister Jason and I get married, we’re going to move into his house. His house is bigger than this one, and he has a very nice lady who works for him and likes to make cookies. Do you think it will be all right to move?” Charity asked the two wide-eyed children.
“Will I have my own room?” Ben asked.
“Can I bring my toys,” Annie asked.
“Yes, and yes. You will each have your own room and can bring anything along that you want as long as it’s all right with your mama.”
“Even Buggers?” Ben asked.
Charity giggled.
“Who’s Buggers?” Jason wondered aloud.
“He’s my toad. He lives in the creek
