Bronnah stared at the grave in seeming shock, but how could she tell them it was with relief. She was glad Eve couldn't hurt anyone else. "Chase, could you help me with the horses? I need to check their shoes, and I'm afraid that isn't my forte," Dr. Higgins asks.
“Of course,” he glanced at Bronnah before he leaves, and she gives him a smile of encouragement.
Anna takes charge clapping her hands immediately after the men leave. “Alright girls, keep them busy until we’re gone.” The two girls squeal and run outside. “You know what to do. Are you ready, Bronnah?”
“Yes.” They run upstairs. Bronnah begins stripping out of her dinner dress and washes quickly in a bowl of water. Next, she checks her hair and sighs thankful that it was done before dinner. Anna rushed inside carrying a gown and Bronnah gasps.
"I hope you don't mind, but I asked around, and a parishioner at our church was to be married and well… her betrothed ran off. She offered to sell this, and I snapped it up. What do you think?"
"I couldn't possibly," but even as she speaks, she is running a hand over the ivory satin hooped skirt. "Anna, it's gorgeous!"
"I know!" Anna squeals, "It an off the shoulder gown but the shoulders are covered in beautiful lace and look at the back," she spins the dress, and Bronnah's hands tremble. Tiny satin covered buttons line the back of the dress to the bottom of the skirt. "Don't break my heart, Bronnah. Wear it."
"Truly? I should say no, but I don't want too." Bronnah laughs when Anna squeals and helps her dress quickly. "It fits perfectly!" Bronnah stares in the mirror and is stunned. Her hair is up off her shoulders, and the corset makes her waist look tiny. She runs a hand over the lace sleeves and stares at Anna.
“What do you think?”
“Oh, my.” Anna covers her mouth with her hand, “I think it was made for you, Bronnah you look stunning. We need to go.”
“How will we get past the men?”
“No worries, my girls have it covered. Thankfully, the church is only five minutes up the road,” she laughs as they load into the carriage out front.
Bronnah presses a hand to her stomach as they pull up in front of the church. It's glowing with candles, and the Pastor meets them at the door to help them down.
“Ladies, you look lovely. It’s getting cold, come inside and warm up by the fire.”
The church is lit by candles, and the popping and crackling of the fireplace adds to the intimate feel. "Now then. I expect your fiancé to arrive shortly. I sent my wife over with our wagon to collect them." He takes Bronnah's hands and squeezes gently. "I hope you don't mind, but we have a few more guests who wanted to attend." Outside the sound of wagons and horses, followed by laughter and voice ring out.
“I don’t understand…” Bronnah starts to say, but she stops short when families begin entering. Bronnah recognizes some of them from the train crash, those she nursed or helped pull from the water. Some still recovering, bandaged, battered and bruised, but all smiling when they greet her.
They file in quickly, guided by Anna and take seats. Those that can stand, line the walls of the church and Bronnah struggles not to cry. Tremors shake her body as the Pastor whispers to her, "God's plan is always flawless."
Bronnah nods but doesn’t trust herself to speak. Dr. Higgins and his daughters are the first to enter the church. Chase is confused, until he steps inside the crowded building and he sees Bronnah.
Bronnah is waiting for him with love gleaming in her exquisite eyes. Unshed tears form, and he marches up the aisle to join her.
“How could any man be this blessed?” He asked hoarsely and cups her face. “Are you sure, Bronnah-mine?” A single tear breaks free and rolls down her cheek as she speaks.
"From this moment on Chase Rivers, my hand is yours ta hold, and my heart is forever yours ta keep if you wish it."
Chase kneels at her feet and takes her hand. “In the presence of God and these witnesses Bronnah O’Dalaigh, I promise to be a loving, faithful and loyal husband to you.”
"I think that's a yes," the pastor teases. Laughter floats around the room, and Bronnah pulls him to his feet, and he walks her to the altar.
"Let's begin." He places Bronnah's hands in Chase's, and she traces them gently. Scarred and still healing they are a reminder of how far he has gone to protect her.
“Do you Chase Rivers, take Bronnah O’Dalaigh to be your wife,
To be her constant friend, her partner in life?
To love her without reservation, to honor and respect her, protect her from harm,
Comfort her in times of distress and to grow with her in mind and spirit?”
“I will,” Chase replies and pulls a box out of his pocket. Inside is a simple gold band. He slips it on Bronnah’s finger and wipes away her tears with his thumbs.
“Do you Bronnah O’Dalaigh, take Chase Rivers to be your husband,
To be his constant friend and partner in life?
To love without reservation, to honor and respect him, protect him from harm,
Comfort him in times of distress and to grow with him in mind and spirit?”
“I will,” Bronnah answers with a smile.
“In accordance with God’s holy ordinance, I proclaim you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.” Cheers and laughter ripple through the room as Chase claims his right.
“Life with
