by Jenna Brandt
“I wouldn’t say that. You looked absolutely breathtaking in that dress,” Becca sweetly corrected.
“Either way, this one looks fantastic on you, Becca. I can’t believe it was at the Yuma dress shop because another bride’s wedding got canceled,” Julia said with a smile.
“It was meant to be,” Matilda gushed, as she touched the edge of the long, lace sleeve. “This is the one you were always meant to wear.”
“I hear the organ starting; that’s our cue to make our entrance. Are you ready to walk down the aisle to Garrett?” Julia asked as she handed Becca her bouquet.
“Yes, more than anything, I can’t wait to be his wife.”
Her bridesmaids inspected each other’s baby blue dresses before taking their turns down the aisle. June was the first to walk, followed by Matilda, and finally Julia, who was her Matron of Honor. Ben carried the ring pillow down the aisle with Sally, one of the local little girls. She was the apple of Ben’s eye and happily clung to his arm as she spread flowers along the aisle from her wicker basket.
Becca stepped forward and paused just over the threshold. Everyone turned to look at her. As she glided down the aisle, their guests rose to their feet. At the end, Garrett welcomed her with a wide grin and tears in his eyes. Becca noted that he looked handsome in his black, tailored suit, which was one of his first purchases with his newly acquired inheritance.
Garrett reached out and took her hands in his, then leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
“You need to hold off on that for a few more minutes,” Pastor Murphy reminded with a chuckle. “You’ll have plenty of time to kiss her later.”
The assembled guests laughed along with the pastor, but after a few moments, everyone settled down and the ceremony began.
“Marriage is an important and joyous occasion. Its unity is a binding covenant, signifying that two people choose to be together until death parts them. Becca and Garrett, remember that your future happiness is dependent upon you both considering each other first, giving freely your patience, kindness, and love, and remembering to be considerate and faithful. It’s each of your duties to cleave unto each other, remaining undivided, to cherish and comfort each other.
“Now, it is time for the vows. Garrett, repeat after me. I, Garrett, take you, Becca, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.”
Garrett repeated the words, followed by Becca, the weight of the words clear.
“Next, it’s time for the exchanging of the rings, as a symbol of the lifelong commitment and unconditional love which you have promised to each other.”
Ben stepped forward and handed the rings to Garrett and Becca. He looked as proud as a peacock, but as soon as he relinquished the rings, Sally stepped forward and grabbed his arm, saying, “Someday this will be us.”
The guests laughed a second time, but this time Garrett and Becca joined in. Daniel stood up and grabbed the children, having them come take seats by him on the front pew on the groom’s side.
“Never a dull moment around here,” Pastor Murphy joked. “But now it’s time to get back to the job at hand. Garrett, please place the ring on Becca’s finger, and repeat after me. I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness. With this ring, I thee wed.”
Garrett and Becca repeated the promise, finishing up the final component of the ceremony.
“Becca and Garrett, having witnessed your vows before God and all who are assembled here, by the authority invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Pastor Murphy continued. “You may now kiss your bride.”
Garrett angled toward Becca, letting his lips touch hers in a kind, gentle kiss that reminded her of all the reasons she loved him.
“It is my pleasure to introduce to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Casner.”
The happy newlyweds turned to their guests, waving to everyone as they stood to their feet, clapping and cheering. They rushed down the aisle and out through the doors.
“I’m so happy that we’re married,” Becca cried out with joy. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too,” he said, pulling her in for another kiss. He leaned back and shook his head. “I need to stop kissing you or we’re never going to make it to the park in time to greet our guests for the reception.”
“I just want to spend some time alone with you. Do we really have to go?” Becca complained, her lip coming out in a small pout.
“It’s only going to be for a little bit. Soon, we’ll be able to have as much time to ourselves as we like.”
They hurried over to the area that was already set up with tables, food, and an area to dance by the river. The band was playing music as they took their spots at the front of the reception area.
A half hour passed with them greeting all their guests. By the end of it, they were both tired. The night wasn’t over yet, and they were ushered through all of the traditions, including the cake cutting and bouquet toss. Finally, it was time for them to dance for the first time as husband and wife.
Garrett gathered Becca into his embrace, wrapping his arms around her as they swayed to the music. “I don’t know how it’s possible, but you get more beautiful every time I look at you.”
“You don’t have to charm me anymore; you already got me down the aisle,” she teased.
“It’s not that; I mean it. I can’t help but fall more in love with you every moment I’m with you. Today is the best day of my life, and it’s because you agreed to be mine for the rest of our lives.”
“A decision I will be glad for just as long.”
As Garrett spun her around the dance area one more time before the song ended, Becca marveled at how blessed she was to be married to the man she loved. It nearly didn’t happen, but through a lot of prayer and determination, they found their way back to each other. Now, they would never be apart again.
Sneak Peak of Discreetly Matched
May, 1883
Little Ridge, Arizona
Julia Bennett couldn’t believe the words spilling from her father’s lips. They sounded completely foreign, as if they were meant for someone else. How was she to understand that the life she had planned with the man she adored was no longer an option?
Though her father was trying to explain what happened, all that kept resonating in her head was the horrid new truth: Timothy was dead. She would never see his face again. She would never walk down the aisle and promise in front of family and friends to share her life with him. How was she supposed to accept a life that didn’t include Timothy?
“This can’t be right,” Julia stated in denial as she shook her head, making her blonde curls bounce on top of her head. “I was set to see Timothy this evening. We’re going to the theater.”
“Yes, dear, but his carriage’s wheel came off as he was leaving a business meeting,” her father stated as he tried to suppress a cough. Leaning back in his opulently overstuffed, upholstered chair, he blinked several times before finishing. “There was nothing that could be done.”
She squeezed her blue eyes shut and pressed her hands together in her lap. When she opened them again, she would realize all of this was a terrible nightmare. Timothy would be alive, she would be relieved, and ready to be his wife in two weeks, just like they planned.
“Is she comprehending what you’re telling her, Martin?” Julia heard her Aunt Claire ask beside her. “She appears catatonic. Should we call for the doctor?”
“No, no, we need to handle this matter discreetly,” her father stated firmly. “We don’t want any potential suitors to hear gossip that she’s mentally fragile.”
Potential suitors? What was he talking about? Julia would never marry anyone now that Timothy was dead. She would rather die an old spinster than be with anyone besides the man she loved.
“Can I be excused? I feel ill,” Julia whispered,
wishing to flee the floral-decorated parlor and find refuge in her suite of rooms. She couldn’t stand hearing her father and aunt so coldly discuss her bleak new future.
The pounding in her head had increased to a point she thought she might pass out, but she didn’t care. Blackness would be a welcome relief instead of the overwhelming despair she felt.
Without waiting for dismissal, Julia stood up from the sofa, gathered the skirts of her dress, and rushed from the room. She hurried up the stairs, barely able to see through the blinding tears. All she wanted to do was sink into the piles of blankets on her bed and never re-emerge. Nothing made sense, and she had no idea what she was going to do, now that her life was over.
Edwin Clarke couldn’t believe his good fortune. The cards in his hand ensured he was going to have a profitable night; a grateful turn from his previous nights at the exclusive casino. The amount of money he had lost over the past couple of years would have bankrupted most men. Lucky for Ed, he was the heir to a massive ranch.
Money had been of little consequence to him most of his life. He viewed it as a means to gratify passing whims rather than to provide necessities of life.
“Gentlemen, tonight, luck is on my side,” Ed stated as he proudly placed his trio of queens and two nines on the table. “Full house, queens over nines.”
Several grunts sounded around the table from the other men as Ed reached out to collect his winnings. Before he could rake them in though, a hand snaked out to stop him.
Ed’s eyes met those of fellow rancher’s son, Bill Hensley. The man’s smug smile instantly made Ed realize he had been mistaken about his hand being the best at the table.
“Not so fast, Ed, I believe my four jacks beat your full house.”
Ed suppressed the growl and string of curse words he wished to utter, knowing it would only show how irritated he was by the other man beating him. Instead, he retracted his hand and made a flicking motion with it. “Trifle winning, anyhow.”
“Is it though?” the Bill probed. “From the whisperings I’ve heard, you could use any windfall you could get your hands on, considering your family’s financial situation.”
“What are you talking about?” Ed asked, his brows furrowing together in confusion.
“Bill, don’t repeat such baseless gossip,” the other elderly man at the table rebuked with a frown. “Let me reassure you, that Ed’s father has just as solid a bank account as he does a reputation.”
“I’m sure you know much better than me,” Bill conceded with a nod. “I’ve been across the country at university until recently. Pardon my indiscretion of repeating misinformation.”
Ed debated about questioning the other man about what he had heard exactly, but decided it would be better to drop the subject. He didn’t want the other man to know he had struck a nerve with him. Maintaining a neutral reaction was more important than finding out what was being said about his family. There were plenty of private investigators that could get the information if he wanted.
Deciding he had enough of the other man’s company, not to mention his pocket money was spent for the night, Ed stood from the table. He picked up his coat and hat. “Thank you for the company tonight, but I need to be going. I have a busy morning ahead of me.”
The young man chuckled as he rolled his eyes. “I highly doubt that, Ed. Everyone knows your aim is to do as little as possible when it comes to anything of true substance.”
Ed’s grip on his hat tightened, as he shifted his weight to his good leg. Though he was tempted to take a swing at the other man for such a disrespectful comment, the last time Ed had gotten into a brawl landed him with the knife wound that gave him his permanent limp—a decidedly embarrassing deficit he didn’t wish to make worse.
“Your ignorance on the matter is quite clear, Bill. Though it’s not surprising since you haven’t been around to learn what it takes to run your family’s ranch.” The other man’s eyes grew round with shock, and then quickly restricted to slits of anger. Before he could react further, Ed added, “But why would you understand the life of rancher’s son when you would rather spend your time chasing women across the country while pretending to go to school? That leaves little room for what truly matters.”
Not waiting for a rebuttal, Ed turned on his heel and headed out of the saloon.
Several minutes later, he entered his family’s sprawling ranch house and made his way through the foyer, past the parlor, and made his way to the library. He planned to read a book while drinking a generous portion of his father’s top-notch whiskey to unwind before bed.
He was on his third drink when he heard his father’s familiar voice boom from the doorway, “I thought I might find you in here, Ed. I wanted to make sure you were rested for tomorrow.”
Ed peeked up from the edge of his book, then returned his attention to the fascinating tale about thieves in London during the turn of the century. “You’ve been vague about the urgent matter you need me to deal with. Would you care to share your plans with me?”
“Perhaps, it’s time I explain to you that our family’s in a bind,” his father stated with a concerned tone.
Ed placed the book down and sat up straight in his chair, giving his full attention to his father. It wasn’t often that he heard the elderly man sound worried. “What’s the matter, Father?”
“It appears the family financial resources have been depleted.”
“And how has that happened? You’re one of the richest men in the county, with thousands of acres for heaven’s sake. Between mother’s inheritance and the income from the ranch, we should have plenty.”
“One would think so,” his father stated, looking away from his son as red tinged his cheeks. “Though most ranchers don’t have to provide for a woman with as expensive tastes as your mother.”
There was the truth: Ed’s mother was the culprit behind their lack of money. Of course, the frivolous woman was to blame. Her father did none of them a service by spoiling her, causing her to think it was normal to spend exorbitant amounts on anything she fancied. She’d even passed the trait on to Ed, and he’d never thought twice about it until now.
“I’m sorry to hear we’re in such dire financial circumstances, but I’m not sure how I can fix the problem,” Ed confessed. “Other than learning how to manage the ranch, I haven’t the faintest idea how to generate additional income.”
“Leave that to me, my son,” his father said as he patted Ed on the back. “I have just the way you can help the family. That’s why we’re having the meeting tomorrow morning.”
Ed crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes, not liking the mischievous twinkle he saw in his father’s eyes.
“What exactly does this meeting concern?” Ed probed.
“We’re going to find you a wife—a rich wife that’s going to solve all our problems,” his father declared with a giant grin.
“What are you talking about? I have no desire to get married at the age of merely twenty-two,” Ed stated in frustration. “I want to enjoy my life a little longer before I end up tied down by a nagging wife.”
“It’s your job to provide an heir to carry on the family name. You’re my only son—it’s your job to make sure our legacy lives on and nothing happens to our ranch. You were always going to get married. You’re just going to do it a little sooner than you had hoped,” his father pointed out. “Besides, not all women are nags. You could end up with an heiress that’s actually pleasant.”
“I highly doubt that,” Ed countered, knowing they were both thinking of his mother.
His father had been put in the same position; required to marry a wealthy wife in order to maintain the family ranch. His grandfather has over leveraged the land, and forced his father to marry his mother. His father had complained to Ed about it on more than one occasion. His mother fit the requirements, but it was not a love match. It seemed Ed would meet the same fate.
“I’m aware of my responsibilities, but I’m not even sure how I would go about fin
ding the type of woman we would need. How does a man accomplish such a task? I couldn’t just put out a mail order bride advert. Heiresses don’t reply to such things. I also have no desire to spend all my time at social events.”
The idea of going to an endless parade of dinners and dances was not something Ed found appealing. He was beginning to think, however, the meeting tomorrow was to get him ready for such an endeavor.
“Like I told you, I have it all figured out. Tomorrow morning you will be meeting with Claire Roberts, the premier matchmaker in all of Arizona.”
“A matchmaker?” Ed shouted in astonishment. “Do you really think I’m so desperate that I’d need to lower myself to go to one of those?”
“Don’t be put off by the idea, or dismiss it without thinking it through, my son. Time is crucial. We need to secure you a wife before word gets out about our financial status. Though the bank has assured me they will keep it quiet, it won’t be long before the information comes to light.”
Suddenly, the comments by Bill came to mind, and Ed realized his father was right. There were already whispers about their situation. If Ed was going to save his family, he would need to accept what his father was telling him to do.
“As you wish, Father. I’ll meet with this matchmaker, and hope that her reputation is well-earned.”
Sneak Peak of Mail Order Misfit
Dakota Territory, 1885
The sprawling Great Plains of North America continued to pass by through the window of the train. The steep, flat-topped hills, better known as buttes, dominated the landscape of the James River Valley. Soon Cara McGregor would be arriving in the town of Mitchell, where her whole life would change forever.
She read the letter from her future husband another time, still trying to accept that she was traveling out West to meet the man willing to marry her. James Cassidy sounded like a good man, a man she could find contentment with, since love wasn’t in the cards for her.
