Iris hugged her. “That’s so kind of you, Ruby. And to find the time with Nancy out of town, I cannot thank you enough.”
“Not a problem at all. I loved doing it. In fact, I might create a few centerpieces for Christmas and place them here on the front shelf, a specialty item for sale in the store.”
“That’s an excellent idea, Auntie.” Amanda rubbed her arm. “Gives you a bit of extra pocket money to spend for the holidays. And not just for gifts for others. You should splurge a bit on yourself as well.”
“Christmas is a month away. I have plenty of time to work on this. But your wedding is in two days.” Ruby waved Iris back behind the screen. “Out of that dress so we can check that off your list.”
Iris peeked around the screen, feigning innocence. “I’m supposed to have a list?”
Amanda, who everyone considered the queen of list making, gasped and her face paled.
Iris burst into laughter. “I’m just teasing you. I have lists to keep track of my lists.”
“Don’t do that. You almost gave me heart failure.” Amanda wagged a finger at Iris and then chuckled. “I suppose having you as a sister-in-law will never be boring.”
“I just wish we’d be living closer. Where will I buy my dresses now?” she called from behind the screen as she took off her wedding gown and donned her navy day dress.
Ruby gasped. “Are you serious? You’re going to Chicago. There must be dozens of dressmakers there.”
“But they won’t be Amanda,” Iris lamented, handing her wedding dress to Ruby.
“That’s so nice of you to say, but my brother will ensure you have dresses enough. And I’m hoping you’ll require some loose-fitting ones in the not too distant future, when my niece or nephew is on the way.” Amanda crossed her fingers, playfully.
“Cart before horse. Let’s get this wedding over first,” Iris reminded her and turned to Ruby. “Take very good care of that dress, please. I’ll pick it up tomorrow when Mrs. Carter can bring me in her buggy.”
The front door opened and closed and Iris turned to welcome the newest patron. She gasped when she spotted Daniel. Ruby uttered a very unladylike yelp and ducked behind the screen, keeping Iris’s wedding dress a secret from the groom.
“What are you doing here?” Iris exclaimed. “You shouldn’t be out of bed!”
Daniel slowly made his way across the floor. “I needed to talk to you and Doc wasn’t having it. So I snuck out and found you anyway.”
“You walked all the way here from Doc’s? Are you trying to kill yourself?” Amanda scolded him.
Iris figured her groom had taken leave of his senses. “Have you decided death is preferable over marrying me? Because walking all over town in your condition will guarantee you’ll be six feet underground in no time.”
“Ladies, ladies! Pa dropped by for a visit and helped me escape. He’s driving me around in the ranch buggy.”
“I have a word or two for your co-conspirator,” Amanda said, charging out the front door.
“Oh, no. Pa’s in for a dressing down now,” Daniel whispered. “Hope he doesn’t high-tail it for home when he spots her coming his way. I’ll never make it back to Doc’s on foot.”
“You should have thought of that when you went against Doc’s orders.” Iris grasped his arm. “Let’s go. You’re returning to Doc’s this minute.”
“I need the exercise. I’m walking down an aisle in two days,” Daniel complained.
“You’ll be—”
“Fine.” Daniel finished her thought but not the version she intended. “We need to talk.”
“Here.” Aunt Ruby carried a ladderback chair up to the front counter and waved her nephew into it. “I’ve got stock to sort out in the back, so I’ll provide some privacy for you. Iris, let me know if a customer comes in, please.” She hurried down the center of the store and disappeared behind the curtained area.
Daniel gently lowered himself onto the chair, relief evident on his face. Iris wondered how he would manage a wedding and reception in two days’ time. At least, his father had talked him out of an evening of dancing. Iris recalled the embarrassing moment she’d declared ‘I want him in bed by eight o’clock’. Daniel’s family enjoyed a hearty laugh at her expense, but she’d made her point that Daniel’s health took priority over their celebrations.
Iris settled onto the other chair and straightened her skirts. “What’s so important you felt the need to find me?”
“When we learned I’d been accepted for employment with the Pinkerton Agency, you offered to move to Chicago with me. Now that you’ve had some time to think about this, I need assurance you’re still in agreement.”
Iris gasped. “Of course, I’m going with you. You’ll be my husband.”
“We could cancel the wedding, if you’re having second thoughts.”
“Never. I love you too much to even consider such a thing.” Iris reached for his hand. “I’m marrying you. I’m moving to Chicago with you. We’ll be together forever. It’s what I want more than anything, even teaching.”
Daniel met her eyes. “You’re sure?”
“Couldn’t be more certain.” Iris smiled and took his hands, squeezing them as if she’d never let go. “Besides, the Pinkerton Agency hires women. Perhaps I should consider becoming an agent also.”
Daniel’s jaw dropped. “Absolutely not! One detective in the family is plenty enough.”
Iris burst into laughter, seeing his disgruntled expression. She would never attempt to upstage the realization of his lifelong dream, and she intended to support him in any way necessary. Being his wife. Bearing his children. Waiting patiently for his return while he completed his out-of-town assignments. She couldn’t ask for a better life for herself. Together, they would raise a family worthy of the name McLennon.
Provided they survived the stress of this wedding!
Chapter 34
Iris stood in front of the cheval mirror in her bedroom at Mrs. Carter’s home, surrounded by her soon-to-be sisters-in-law, Lily and Amanda, and her bridesmaid, Barbara Nelson. Barbara was delighted to serve as her attendant, while Sawyer agreed to stand up with Daniel. Iris had gotten to know Carl Robertson during the time when attempting to solve the bank robbery and later when she’d enlisted his counsel on the matter of her relationship with Daniel. The gracious fellow had agreed to walk her down the aisle, and she couldn’t be happier with her choice for stand-in father of the bride.
“You couldn’t look more beautiful,” Amanda gushed, fussing with a fold in the skirt. “With your pretty hazel eyes and blonde hair, this gown is absolutely perfect for you.”
“And I’m a tad jealous of that slim figure.” Lily’s hand patted her belly.
Amanda smiled. “She told me last week.”
Iris gasped. “Are you with child?”
“That she is. I’ll be an auntie!” Amanda crowed.
Lily chuckled. “I’m only a couple months along, but I want a daughter so badly, I can taste it.”
Iris gasped. “Don’t let Jackson hear you. I’d bet anything he’s hoping for a son.” Wasn’t that what every man wanted? She hoped to present Daniel with a little boy that looked just like him one day.
“Either way, I’ll be an auntie,” Amanda declared.
“If you had twins, you both might get your wish,” Iris suggested, smiling.
“My word!” Lily exclaimed. “Bite your tongue. One baby at a time, please.”
“Mrs. Sheridan would help with the babies. Twins would be fun!” Amanda reasoned.
“I’m guessing at my dates.” Lily shook her head. “We’ll see come late June or early July.”
Amanda fussed with the short veil and adjusted the pearl-encrusted combs she’d lent Iris. “Well, my garden sisters, we need to hurry or we’ll be late arriving at the church.”
“What do you mean ‘garden sisters’?” Lily inquired.
Amanda straightened. “Come on, ladies. Lily? Iris? Maybe I should call you my flower sisters ins
tead.”
Iris chuckled. “Our names being flowers hadn’t occurred to me. But she’s right. I wonder if your other brothers will marry someone named Rose or Daisy?”
“Or… Fern?” Barbara added. “Could that be considered a flower?”
“Close enough. Maybe Violet?” Amanda suggested, grinning. “Simon has always been head over heels in love with our neighbor’s daughter. This could be interesting.”
“Or a complete coincidence.” Iris reached for the lovely bouquet Ruby had created for her. “I’m ready.”
The four of them headed downstairs where Mrs. Carter waited. “Are we off?” she inquired, smiling.
“Yes, we are.” Amanda helped Iris outside, ensuring the skirt wasn’t soiled in last night’s newly fallen snow.
All five ladies settled into Mrs. Carter’s buggy. Before Iris could catch her breath, they’d arrived at the church.
The moment they entered the vestibule, they slipped out of their coats and Ray Cochrane took the garments to hang on a nearby rack. “You look lovely,” he offered, seeing Iris.
“Thank you,” she whispered, as the butterflies in her stomach danced with wild abandon.
Nancy Cameron dashed toward them. “Ladies, it’s so good to see you again.”
“You’re home!” Amanda hugged her employee tightly. “You missed all the fun with selecting Iris’s dress.”
“I remember that gown. You look so beautiful, Iris. But my absence couldn’t be helped.” Nancy smiled and held up her left hand where a gold band circled her ring finger.
Amanda gasped. “You’re married?”
Nancy nodded, her eyes welling. “We didn’t want any fuss, so Harold and I traveled to Butte for a small ceremony and celebration. Just Harold and Victoria and myself. We arrived home early yesterday and we’re all moved into my house. Victoria is delighted to have a new father.”
“Congratulations! I’m so happy for all of you.” Iris smiled, recalling Mrs. Landers’s concern that Harold had absconded with funds from the bank and then skipped town. She would share that incident with Nancy later and they could enjoy a good laugh. “So, Mrs. Watson, please take your seat so I can become Mrs. McLennon.”
“Gladly. Just wanted to say hi before the busy day got underway.” Nancy squeezed her hand. “You look stunning, my dear.”
“Thank you. Would Amanda allow anything less?” Iris teased.
“Of course not. I’ll talk to you again later. I should have told you already, but we have something important to share with you.”
“That’s all right, Nancy. It can wait.”
Nancy hurried inside to take a seat with her new husband.
Iris turned and smiled at Carl Robertson who wandered over to her side. “I’m ready for duty, ma’am,” he drawled.
Barbara started down the aisle after Lily seated herself with Jackson and Amanda settled beside one of her brothers in the family pew up front. Mrs. Carter sat beside Doc and Sue Bennett. Iris took a deep breath and wrapped her hand around Carl’s proffered elbow. “I’m ready, too.”
Iris stepped farther into the church where almost every pew was occupied by a citizen of Milestone. What had happened to their small, private wedding? Of course, the church was a public facility and anyone could attend the ceremony. But there would only be family and a few select friends at the hotel for their wedding meal.
She slowly made her way toward her groom standing up front with Reverend Fitzpatrick and Sawyer. Daniel’s gaze followed her up the aisle, and a broad grin appeared on his face when Carl kissed her cheek and took a step back. She recalled Daniel’s story about Carl teasing him about marrying her himself if Daniel didn’t. Iris turned to Carl and mouthed a silent ‘thank you’. He took his seat beside AJ in the front pew.
Iris faced the reverend who stood clasping his Bible in both hands.
“Welcome, everyone. We are gathered today…” the reverend began.
Iris gazed into Daniel’s eyes and Reverend Fitzpatrick’s words no longer penetrated her consciousness. Her groom looked more handsome than ever in his dark suit, white shirt and tie, but his outfit seemed incomplete without the familiar black Stetson on his head. He stood tall, not appearing the least worse for wear, having been shot two weeks ago. He winked at her and she felt herself blush. Had the reverend witnessed his prank?
She returned her attention to the ceremony and answered ‘I will’ and ‘I do’ in all the correct places.
“Daniel, you may kiss your bride,” Reverend Fitzpatrick declared.
Iris’s breath caught in anticipation. Daniel’s hands gently touched her cheeks as he gazed into her eyes. “I love you,” he whispered. And a moment later their lips joined in their first kiss as a married couple. Iris relished the warmth of his lips on hers; she would remember this moment for the rest of her days.
“I love you, too,” she replied when their lips broke contact, gazing into his eyes and never wanting this moment to end.
Daniel kissed her again, causing Iris to experience a moment of light-headedness at the realization they were husband and wife. When his lips left hers, she opened her eyes and smiled at her groom.
Sawyer leaned toward Daniel and whispered, “Save some of that for tonight.”
Iris felt her face flame while Daniel chuckled.
“May I present to you Mr. And Mrs. Daniel McLennon,” Reverend Fitzpatrick announced.
“Let’s get this celebration started,” Daniel whispered, taking her hand in his and slowly walking her down the aisle toward the door.
Iris heard their attendants following behind. They paused in the vestibule to don their coats, and then everyone exited into the cool afternoon air.
“Oh my goodness!” she exclaimed when she spotted the ornate carriage pulled by an identical pair of gray horses wearing jangling harness, arriving to transport them. She met her groom’s eyes. “I didn’t expect this.”
“Doc has forbidden me to walk to the hotel, so Pa arranged to rent Ray Cochrane’s carriage,” Daniel explained as he helped his bride onto the rear passenger seat.
“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. McLennon,” Ray called from the driver’s bench.
“Thank you,” Iris replied, smiling. She hadn’t noticed Ray wasn’t in the church during the ceremony. Of course, she wouldn’t have noticed if President Grover Cleveland had stepped inside either.
“Thanks, Ray.” Daniel placed one hand on his bandaged wound and grimaced slightly as he slowly climbed up to join her. When he carefully settled on the seat, he blew out his breath.
“Are you all right?” she asked, concerned for his stitches.
“I’m fine.” Daniel reached for her hand and kissed her fingers. “No fussing, please.”
Iris shook her head. “A wife is entitled to fuss.”
Daniel laughed. “You’re taking your new title of wife seriously.”
“Of course, I am. In sickness and in health, remember.”
Daniel waved at Ray and the rig moved forward, heading toward the Milestone Hotel where their wedding meal awaited. AJ had arranged closure of the dining room for the private family dinner, which was quickly becoming a family tradition. Iris relaxed against the back of the carriage seat, relieved the ceremony was complete. The wedding meal should be a pleasant event, and a welcome culmination to the day.
Chapter 35
After the brief ride, Daniel and Iris arrived at the hotel, and they entered through the front doors. People milled about chatting and laughing. Two young ladies took their coats and hats and hung them in a nearby cloakroom.
Richard Green, the photographer and owner of the local newspaper, Milestone Weekly Gazette, greeted them and escorted them to a special room. Being that this was the first time she’d ever had her photograph taken, Iris never would have imagined photography such a complicated bother. Setting the camera on a tripod and adjusting a black cloth which Richard frequently disappeared beneath. He posed them taking meticulous care; Daniel was seated on an intricately carved chair wit
h his feet planted on the floor and hands on his lap, and Iris stood to the left with her right hand resting on her new husband’s shoulder. Iris’s face hurt from smiling all day, and thankfully, Richard insisted they present a sober expression for their photograph. After much ado adjusting this and fiddling with that, he took their wedding picture. Despite the time involved, the photograph would serve as a lifelong keepsake and a happy reminder of their special occasion, something to show their grandchildren one day. Finally, Mr. Green assured them he’d gotten a wonderful picture and he instructed them to join their guests.
Iris gasped the moment they entered the hotel dining room. Mrs. Sheridan had enlisted Amanda and Lily to help with the decorations but Iris hadn’t expected such an elaborate transformation. The normally drab room had been brought to life with lit candles and white linen tablecloths covering every table. Swags of white gauzy material hung on the wall behind the front table reserved for the groom, bride, and their two attendants. Colorful dried flowers and evergreen sprigs in mason jars served as centerpieces. White china, tarnish-free silver cutlery, and sparkling glasses awaited use for what she knew would be a delicious meal. Farley Johnson and his cook never disappointed. A piano player tickled the ivories in the far corner of the room while the guests drifted inside, arriving in twos and threes.
Soon, the bride and groom were inundated with folks extending their best wishes. Lily accompanied Jackson and they offered their congratulations. Daniel shook hands with his father and three younger brothers. They, in turn, lined up to kiss Iris’s cheek, each of them delighted to welcome her to the family. Iris found it difficult to speak, never having experienced such a warm acceptance from anyone. And these people now considered her family.
Mrs. Sheridan stepped up to them on the arm of the Double M Ranch’s cook whom Iris remembered being introduced to as Sourdough Sammy. Apparently, he’d worked as cook for Michael Miller from the beginning of the Double M. She hadn’t a clue to his surname, so she called him Sammy when she accepted his congratulations.
A Reinvented Lady (Sons Of A Gun Book 2) Page 20
