He kissed her. “Let’s go. We have a wedding to attend.”
He helped her on Pansy, and together they rode into town. A few people lined the street and cheered as they rode into town.
The sheriff came out and pointed to the church at the far end. “We’re ready for you.”
Mrs. Gray stopped him. “Sheriff Hardy! If that isn’t just like a man.” She took Pansy’s reins. “Dear, you come with me. A few of the ladies in town got together and have a surprise. And sheriff, you take that young man and get him cleaned up. I know you two are ready to be married, but you want something beautiful and special to remember. Oh, and I have a room ready for you at the boarding house after a town celebration.”
Ben hugged Rose and looked into her eyes. “You don’t mind?”
“No. It’s like a dream come true.”
She followed Mrs. Gray. “I hope you’re not upset about me running off?”
“Oh, no my dear. I wasn’t surprised. I could see it in your eyes. You weren’t about to let that Rand go off and leave you here. And now I see why. You and Ben have love written all over you two.” She grinned and hummed a happy tune on the way back to the boarding house.
Opening the door, Rose saw two more ladies waiting. “We have a warm bath drawn for you. And then we got together and went through our things to find a dress and wedding veil. Hope you don’t mind. We guessed and thought you looked like Mrs. Sayers size. We used her wedding dress. I brought my veil. And Mrs. Gray’s son is out collecting flowers for your bouquet.”
“Thank you all. That’s so kind.” Rose wondered if they knew of her background, they would do the same.
Mrs. Gray squeezed her in a bear hug. “We want you to be happy on this your special day. Yesterday doesn’t matter. Tomorrow is uncertain. But today is your day, and the day we will celebrate.”
“Thank you all.”
Rose couldn’t believe how good that bath felt. She hadn’t realized how badly she’d needed it and wondered how Ben could be so pleased to see her in such a messy state. Finished, she dried off and put on some of the sweet-smelling perfume one of the ladies had brought for her. Not too overpowering, but with such a pleasant aroma. Ben would be pleased.
The dress fit perfectly. She’d never had anything so fine. And then Mrs. Gray brought the veil.
“Oh, my dear. You look so lovely.” Mrs. Gray fingered some of Rose’s hair, taming it to sit just so and brought the veil down. She hollered out the door. “Stacy, run and see if they are through with the groom yet.”
Rose herd the boy’s large feet clomp down the boardwalk. She took Mrs. Gray’s hand. “Thank you all so much for making this such a special day.”
“Oh, it gives us something fun to do. It’s not every day you can help two young folks get a good start on their lives together. Where will you live?”
Rose admired the dress. “We have a ranch near Duston. Ben has built me the loveliest cabin. I hope you’ll come and visit sometime.”
“You can count on it. Oh, here comes Stacy. I think they are ready.”
Rose waited downstairs in the boarding house. Mrs. Gray stood at the door as excited as if it were her day. Rose wondered what had happened to the woman’s husband, but quickly put the question out of her mind. She didn’t want any dark thoughts to ruin this moment.
She prayed. Her heart beating with joy. “Thank you, Lord. I never dreamed I could be so happy.”
Heavy footsteps that could only belong to Stacy James clomped onto the porch. Mrs. Gray giggled and waved her over. “They’re ready. I hear the church bells ringing.”
On shaky legs, Rose stood and walked as gracefully as possible to the front door. She looked out and saw that it would be a long walk to the church. She swallowed. “I can’t believe this is happening. I waited so long.”
Mrs. Gray hugged her. “I’ll keep you and your young man in my prayers.”
Together they walked along the sidewalk. Rose’s heart beat so hard she wondered if Mrs. Gray could hear it.
A line of men and women stood outside the church waiting and cheering. The sun was bright and the breeze gentle. The day was perfect.
The sheriff came to her and held out his arm. “Can I walk you down the aisle?”
“Please.”
And then she was walking toward Ben. Toward the love of her life. She felt as if she were walking on air. Now all that was in front of her was joy and peace.
She knew there would be hard times, but together, she and Ben would work through them.
Finally, the sheriff put her hand in Ben’s.
The preacher smiled at them. “We are gathered here to witness the wedding of Ben and Rose. We are thankful that nothing and no one is going to stop this ceremony. Ben, do you promise to take this woman as your wife. To love her and cherish her. To think of her first before your own needs and feelings?”
Ben smiled at her. “I do.”
“Rose, do you promise to love this man. Nurture and care for him. Respect and honor him?”
“I do, with all my heart.”
The preacher put his hand over theirs. “I pronounce you from this day forward as husband and wife. That what the Lord has put together, let no man try to tear apart. That all of us who witness this event pledge to work together with Rose and Ben to honor their marriage.” He put a hand on each of their heads. “In Jesus Holy Name, I pray that your hearts be bound to one another, and you be blessed coming in and going out from this day forth. Go in Peace.”
Ben kissed her gently. His love mingling with hers. Rose smiled at him. “We’re married.”
He grinned back. “I’ve never been happier.”
The pastor put a hand on their shoulders and moved them to face the congregation. “May I introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Anderson.”
The rest of the day went in a blur. Everyone in town congratulated them and wished them well. A money tree blossomed with the sweet blessings from the townspeople. Finally, the food was gone, and most of the guests.
Ben took her hand. “I think it’s time for us to go.”
She blushed and let him lead her to the boarding house.
Once inside, Rose saw that it had been decorated for the occasion. She couldn’t believe people that didn’t even know her had been so kind. A nagging thought threatened her joy. What if they found out what she’d been before. Would they still be so kind to her and Ben? She glanced at Ben. What was he thinking? Was he wondering of all the men she’d had before?
Ben led her up the stairs to their room. “They really made it nice for us.”
Rose nodded. Her voice suddenly gone as fear threatened to ruin their night.
Ben opened the door and then picked her up to carry her over the threshold. Laughing, he kissed her. “I’ll do this when we get home too.”
He set her down.
“Ben, do you love me?”
He smiled tenderly at her. “With all that I am or ever will be.” He kissed her. Then he led her to the bed. “Rose, this is our first day. Don’t even think of before this moment. This is the day of our creation. We’re pure in the sight of God. You have nothing to fear or feel shame about.”
Tenderly, he kissed away all her fears and misgivings. She was home with him.
Chapter 12
Rand walked away. He couldn’t see straight because his mind was reliving that day two years ago when he missed the outlaw and Susanna had died because of it. He kept going. Not knowing where or caring.
That Rose was alive and getting married was some consolation, but why hadn’t he been able to save his own wife? Why? He stared at his gun and then made his way to the saloon.
No happy faces and well-wishers for Ben and Rose. Just others like him. Soured on life and drowning their sorrows in whiskey.
How long he’d stared at the glass of whiskey, he wasn’t sure. Then the sheriff came up beside him and gently shoved the glass from him. “Troubled by old memories?”
Rand stared at him. “Yes.”
The sheriff clapped a hand on his shoulder. “There comes a day when it’s time to move forward.”
Rand stared at him.
The sheriff nodded. “You helped Ben and Rose. Now, maybe it’s time to help yourself. That job as deputy is open. I’d be honored if you accepted the offer.”
Rand shook his head. “No, I have a rose garden to tend to.”
The sheriff did a surprised shake of his head. “All right. The offer stands if you reconsider. By the way, you missed a good wedding.”
Cheers erupted from the church.
The sheriff cuffed him on the shoulder. “I’d say they’re having a good time. You might want to go and congratulate them.”
Rand shook his head. “No, no I don’t think so. I don’t need to drag the dark clouds that blacken my life into their special day.”
“Well, I’m going back. If you change your mind, you know you’re welcome.”
“Thanks, Dale. I think I’ll head on back to Duston. I’d like to be alone if you don’t mind. Tell Rose and Ben I wish them well, and maybe I’ll see them when they get back to Duston.”
“Will do.” The sheriff stopped and gave him a concerned look. “Rand, take care of yourself. It’s time to live again. I didn’t know your wife, but I’m sure she’d agree.”
Rand stared at the sheriff, trying to take in the words and decipher if they could be true. “Maybe.” It was the best thing he could come up with. It was all the hope he’d allow for himself.
More cheers and laughter came from the church, making up his mind for him. Rand walked back to the livery, watered Black Jack, and galloped out of town.
***
Rose awoke to the sun peeking in between the curtains. She sat up and looked at Ben. She traced her finger down his forehead over his nose and lips. He didn’t waken. She ran her fingers along his muscled arms and down to his fingers.
Holding his hand, she squeezed. “Ben. We’re going home today. Let’s go.”
He moaned.
She kissed his lips. “Ben. I want to go home.”
His eyes remained closed.
Rose pouted and was about to pinch his side when he exploded awake, grabbed her in a bear hug, and wrestled her under the bedcovers. “So, you’re ready to go home? Is that right?”
She laughed and nodded. “Yes, I am. I can’t wait to set up our house. To cook for you. To be your wife.”
He smothered her with a kiss. “I think you’ve been my wife the last two days.”
She blushed.
“All right. It is time to go home. I have a ranch to take care of. Although, I’m missing my cattle.”
Rose frowned. “What will we do?”
He tapped her nose. “We will be fine. I have money saved up. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about that or anything. Your job is to make me happy.”
“Oh, I hope that won’t be an impossible task.” She leaped out of bed and out of his reach. “What is your first wish?”
He put his hands behind his head and rested on his pillow. “Let me see. I think I’d like my beautiful bride right here beside me.” He patted her side of the bed.
She shook her head and put on her skirt. “I want to get to our home.”
Ben pouted. “What happened to you only wanted to make me happy?”
“It’s still there.” She raised her hands, letting her skirt drop and jumped into bed with her husband. “I love you, darling.”
Ben embraced her and kissed her. “You really want to leave now?”
She nodded.
“Let’s go, then.” He got up and grinned. Except for needing a shirt, he was already dressed.
She gasped. “When did you—”
“I got up a couple of hours ago. I didn’t want to wake you, so I went down and bought provisions. The horses are saddled. By the way, Rand left a note that Pansy is yours. A wedding gift.”
She smiled. “That was kind of him. I hope that means he’s going to join the land of the living, now.”
Ben kissed the top of her head. “I think you helped him. He’ll still need time to grieve though. I know I would.”
Rose frowned. “He’s so unhappy. What do you think he will do?”
Buttoning his shirt, Ben shook his head. “That’s up to him. I know what I’m going to do.”
She grinned. “What?”
“Take care of my bride and enjoy our ride back to our cabin.” He embraced her and held her head to his chest. “We’ll sleep out under the stars and count each one as a blessing. Then we’ll get back to our home and live happily ever after.”
“I like that, husband.” She kissed him. Her heart so full of a love that she’d often thought out of her reach. “I can’t wait to count those stars.”
***
Watch For Book 2 in the Rand Ketcham Series ~ Quest for Iris
Afterword
Thank you for taking time to read Lawfully Saved. I truly hope you enjoyed the journey by Ben and Rose along with my Rand Ketcham my retired bounty hunter, matchmaker, and gardener. Be sure to check out Book 2 of the Rand Ketcham Series ~ Quest for Iris. (For more information see below)
If you enjoyed the story, please consider telling your friends and posting a short review. It doesn’t have to be much, just a simple rating and a few kind words. As always, your thoughts and opinions are always appreciated.
Blessings,
Patricia PacJac Carroll
Now, check out the rest of The Lawkeepers Lineup. > https://www.amazon.com/The-Lawkeepers/e/B079MNY47R
We have contemporary and historical for your reading pleasure.
Next in line is a contemporary Lawfully Redeemed releasing June 5th and available for preorder.
Suspect or man of her dreams?
Dani Higgins was looking for adventure when she joined the K-9 unit, but she never expected her first case to leave her stranded in the snow and pinned under a tree. Nor did she expect to develop feelings for the handsome stranger who cares for her. Will she be able to forget her past and give love another chance?
Calvin Phillips just wanted his brother to turn from drugs, but somehow he ended up smack dab in the middle of a police investigation when he rescued Dani from hypothermia. Will he be able to convince her he's innocent? Even more importantly, will he be able to open his heart and tell her how much he cares? Or will the fact that she's after his brother doom their relationship before it has a chance to start?
***
Author Bio
Patricia PacJac Carroll ~ I am a writer, Christian first, and blessed beyond my imagination. I live in the Dallas-Ft Worth area of Texas with my wonderful treasure of a husband, my spoiled dog, Jacs, and my awesome son, Josh. Plus a horse, cows, ducks and chickens. Did I say I was blessed?
The PacJac is from my initials and my husbands. I wouldn't be able to write if it weren't for him. I love adventure and the open road. The stories of the western era have always been a favorite of mine. I enjoy writing, and my goal is to write stories readers will enjoy with the idea of making my readers happy.
If you enjoyed Rand Ketcham, you’ll enjoy him in:
Quest for Iris
Quest for Iris
Preview of
Book 1 ~ Rand Ketcham Series: Bounty Hunter, Matchmaker ~ Gardner
Quest for Iris
Chapter 1
Rand Ketcham took his time getting back to his house. Not home anymore, that had gone when Susanna had died. He did smile as he thought of Rose and Ben and how happy they’d been. It was good to know there was still life, beauty, and joy in the world even if he was on the outside of it all.
Finally, he topped the hill and gazed at his house and the garden next to it. By the growth of the roses and tomatoes there must have been a few showers. Funny how Texas rain could fall in one place and just ten feet over miss the ground completely.
He needed supplies so a trip to town would be wise before he entered the empty shell of a home. “Let’s go, Black Jack.” He urged the horse to a lope. Tired of jerky and
tack, he stopped at Carol’s Diner. He was ready for a good steak.
Carol met him at the door. “Rand, there’s someone in town to see you.”
He could see by the lines around her mouth that it wasn’t good news.
She grabbed his arm and sat him down. “What can I get you? Better eat a good dinner.” She glanced at the door and then shook her head. “Ben, did you find him?”
Rand nodded. “Rose and Ben are together and married.”
“Oh, I am so relieved.” She looked up and put her hands together as if in prayer.
Not in the mood to talk about God or prayer, Rand tapped a fork on the table to get her attention. “Water and the biggest steak you have.”
Carol smiled, nodded, and started to walk off but stopped so abruptly her calico skirt swung as if she were dancing. “Rand, it’s Susanna’s mother. She’s at the boarding house.”
His appetite fell through the floor as his stomach took on a sick feeling. He hadn’t seen her parents since that last Christmas they’d visited Susanna. Her mother and father had made it clear they had come to see their daughter. They hadn’t even come to the funeral. “Better make it a small steak.”
“Sure, Rand. I thought you should know.”
“Just Mrs. Whitson?”
Carol nodded. “She’s by herself. I don’t know what she wants, but she doesn’t look angry if that’s any help. She asked about you. If you were still around.” Carol looked at him with a face full of pity. “She had a yellow rose with her.”
Rand stared at the glass of water and willed it to be whiskey. The Lord had turned water to wine. But then, it wasn’t likely that the Lord would be doing things for him. Although, He had found Ben for Rose.
Rand held up his glass of water and toasted. He was grateful for that. God had listened to one prayer. It did give him pleasure to think how they were together and happy. That was at least something.
Lawfully Saved: Inspirational Christian Historical Page 9
