Charity’s nerves didn’t settle once they were in the church’s small anteroom. She didn’t think she could feel more nervous, but as the minutes ticked away, so did what little calm she held onto.
A light tap at the door caused Charity to jump.
“Calm down and breathe,” Holly told her. “It’s only Joseph. It’s time for Peggy and me to find our seats. Have Annie walk ahead of you and Joseph and remember to breathe.”
Charity just nodded.
Joseph held the door for Peggy, and Holly then closed it behind him and whispered, “Are you ready? You look beautiful, Charity. I’m ready to escort you down the aisle. Jason is a fortunate man, and if he ever proves not to be the man I think he is, you come to me, little sister.”
“I don’t believe that will ever be a concern,” Charity answered as Annie tugged at her hand, saying, “Come on, Mama, we have to get married.”
Charity smiled at her daughter, took her brother’s arm, and allowed him to escort her when they heard the music begin. Charity was grateful for his support since she thought her knees might give out at any moment.
When they reached the front of the church, Annie ran to stand next to Holly, and Joseph whispered to Jason before he relinquished Charity’s arm. “Be good to her.”
“I will,” Jason answered and took Charity’s arm.
Until that moment, Jason hadn’t given in to his nervousness but seeing his beautiful soon-to-be bride, his brother, Drew, standing next to him grinning, and much of the town’s people in the church behind him gave him a moment of apprehension.
Pastor Elkins cleared his throat. “Good afternoon, everyone. We’re here today to usher these two happy people into the state of harmonious matrimony.”
“And me and Ben too,” Annie informed the surprised pastor.
A few snickers and giggles could be heard in the church.
“None of that,” Pastor Elkins instructed his congregation. “This is a solemn moment.” He then began his explanation of marriage, and what it meant to the couple and the family they would or already have.
Charity didn’t hear a word. Her heart pounding in her chest and ears drowned out the sounds in the small church. Charity was sure she would faint. She was vaguely aware of Jason, saying “I do” before Pastor Elkins repeated her name, and she looked at him.
“What?”
“Do you take this man to be your husband, Charity?”
“Oh, yes, I do. I’m sorry. I’m not sorry I’m saying I do, I’m sorry I didn’t hear you.”
The church erupted in laughter, and Charity blushed.
“Then, by the laws of God and the territory of Wyoming, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Jason pulled Charity close and kissed her soundly while she melted against him.
The church erupted in cheer and applause, and Jason took Charity’s hand and walked her back down the aisle.
~ * ~
Jason and Charity walked into The Paradise Hotel, and the beauty took Charity’s breath away.
“This is lovely,” Charity said to Jason as she looked at the white bunting covering several walls, red paper hearts trimmed with white paper lace hanging from the ceiling and the large crystal chandelier, and vases of colorful flowers. The center staircase was also adorned with red hearts and flowers. “Where did they get fresh flowers?”
Jason shook his head. “I’m not certain, but I’ve heard they can be ordered from a Cheyenne shop that acquires them from Texas and California.”
As the townsfolk began entering the hotel, Jason guided Charity into the dining room, where the center of attraction was a three-tier wedding cake. Several tables were set around the edges of the dining room and held platters of meats, rolls, salads, vegetables, fruit, and several crystal punch bowls offering lemonade and fruit punch.
After greeting most of their friends from town, Jason and Charity picked up plates and enjoyed the meal prepared by the hotel. Peggy and Holly had tended to the children, which involved more cookies than vegetables, but Charity didn’t say a word. Today was a day for celebration and a bit of excess.
Jason heard the music start from the back-dining area and whispered into Charity’s ear, “Come on, wife. I want to dance with you.”
“All right, husband,” Charity answered and held his hand as they strolled to find the music.
Jason slipped his arm around Charity’s waist and swept her out onto the dance floor. After several dances, Charity said, “I think my feet need a rest, and I would enjoy some lemonade.”
Several chairs had been placed around the edge of the room, and Jason led Charity to one and said he’d be right back with something for her to drink.
Annie and Ben saw Charity sitting alone and ran up to their mother.
Ben said, “Are you having fun, Mama? I am. Aunt Holly said Annie and I can sleep at her and Uncle Joseph’s house tonight, and he’ll make us pancakes for breakfast. Will you miss us?”
“Of course, I will, my darlings. You be good for Holly and Joseph, and I will see you tomorrow. We’ll move into our new house then and I will be home with you every day.”
“It’ll be fun if you’re home every day,” Ben told his mother.
“Maybe I should speak to your aunt and uncle before you leave. They should come in here and dance and enjoy the reception,” Charity said.
“Aunty Holly can’t,” Annie stated.
“What can’t she do?” Charity asked.
“Dance. Unca Joseph said no,” Annie informed her mother quite emphatically.
“What on earth is wrong with my brother. He loves to dance.”
“Don’t know, but I don’t think the baby likes to dance.”
“What baby?”
