“Only when I’m right,” he kicks his horse into a trot, and she follows with a soft laugh.
Chapter 35
“Hurry up, Mama!” Lucas grumbles and itches at his new suit.
Kristin steps into the room and smiles at her son. “Mama you look like a princess,” he gasps.
Kristin’s dark hair is curled in the latest fashion and pulled up. Her bustled, light blue, corseted gown is her best dress. “You look handsome, Lucas.”
Felicia walks in with Savannah and both women smile. “You look stunning,” Savannah says.
Felicia sniffs and walks over to Kristin, “I’d like you to have these,” she offers up a small velvet box. Resting inside sits a pair of pearl earrings.
“Oh, I couldn’t, Felicia!” she gasps.
“You can and you will. Eli’s father gave them to me on our wedding day, and now, I’m giving them to you. I’m so happy you found each other again.”
“Felicia,” Kristin sniffs, “I’ve never stopped loving him.”
“I know sweetie, now let’s get you married!”
“I’m hungry,” Lucas shouts.
“Shall we get this wedding started then?” Savannah asks with a giggle.
Nothing could be more beautiful than a spring wedding in a flower garden. The early morning dew makes the flowers glisten as if painted just for today. Eli didn’t want to wait a moment longer to make Kristin his, and when she walks toward him, his smile rivals the sun.
Savannah walks behind the couple in a soft pink gown that compliments her fair complexion. Dayton only has eyes for her and the joy that radiates from her.
It’s an intimate wedding, and the vows touch everyone in attendance.
The preacher covers their joined hands to pray.
“The couple would like to recite their own vows,” the preacher says.
Eli smiles at her and begins.
“Kristin, I give my life to you and Lucas, and all that life entails;
To take the good with the bad,
To live with you through trials and triumphs,
To live with you in the commitment of faith,
I offer the security of hope and the joy of love.
Eli, I give my life to you, my heart to you and my future.
I take you to be my husband and father to my son.
I will respect and honor you always, and in all ways.”
Savannah glances at Dayton and is surprised to find him staring at her. She smiles, and all the noise fades away.
“You may kiss the bride,” the Preacher says.
Savannah jumps, shocked that she missed the rest of the vows and blushes when Dayton grins.
A cheer erupts when Eli grabs Kristin and kisses her passionately.
News spread quickly of Fred’s arrest and of Eli’s wedding to Kristin. The wagons came, surprising those in attendance.
“What’s a wedding without a celebration after?” Felicia says. “I hope you don’t mind but I invited a few friends.”
Neighbors bring food, some bring gifts, music, dancing, and laughter. One of the barns has been cleared, and tables set up, leaving space for a dance floor. Felicia introduces Savannah to friends and neighbors and insists she dance.
Savannah retreats to the back corner of the barn to watch, feigning exhaustion. Dayton is busy greeting Eli’s friends and Savannah notices that most of them are women. Frowning she turns away and watches Lucas dance with his mother.
“Remember your promise, Savannah?” Eli says from behind her.
Savannah smiles, “I remember, Eli. I’m very happy for you and Kristin.”
“Thank you. Will you dance with me?” He holds out an arm, and she smiles.
“Of course.” They laugh when Lucas spins with his Mom on the dance floor.
“You shouldn’t be hiding in a corner,” he glances at her. “Where’s Kentucky?’
“Dayton is occupied,” she sniffs as Eli glances around.
Dayton is standing in a corner surrounded by four young ladies and their mothers. He throws Eli a silent plea for help.
“I almost feel sorry for him,” Eli chuckles.
“Why? He’s in his element,” she grumbles.
“Don’t be childish. What man crosses the country to help a woman in need? You should consider him a gift from our Father,” he glances at Kristin and realizes how many similarities they have in common. “Don’t waste years, like I did.”
Savannah glances at him in surprise. “He hasn’t taken his eyes off you,” Eli softens his tone at her confused look. “Maybe he needs someone to save him this time?”
Eli walks her back to her corner when the song ends. “Thank you, Miss Ward.” He returns to Kristin and scoops Lucas up with a gleeful scream.
Just as she’s about to make her way to Dayton, a male voice interrupts her musing.
“Excuse me, may I have this dance?” Savannah glances up in surprise and nods. Etiquette demands that she not refuse, and she finds that she doesn’t want to. She dances with four more young men, spinning swirling and laughing, while Dayton watches.
His anger grows more with each passing dance. Can’t they tell she needs to rest? Another woman approaches and nudges her daughter towards him. Inwardly Dayton groans as she presents her.
Savannah throws her hands up before anyone else can ask her to dance. “No more gentlemen, I need to replenish.” Two young stable workers rush to the punch bowl and Savannah seizes the opportunity to hurry to Dayton. Marching up behind him she hears the lady suggest a dance. Before he can respond, Savannah interrupts.
“Mr. Patrick promised me the next dance.”
Dayton smiles in relief and turns to look at her. “Indeed. Ladies, please excuse me.”
He guides her to the floor with her hand on his arm. “What took you so long?” he snaps and pulls her onto the dance floor.
Savannah laughs and ignores the glare of the ladies left behind. “Poor baby, were you being feeling trapped?”
