Rachel stepped back and gazed at the two brides. “Standing together, you look like peacocks. What beautiful brides you are. Adam and Riley are going to pass out when they see you walking toward them.”
Prudence laughed. “Oh, I hope not. Let’s hurry. I can hardly wait to marry Riley.”
Lydia linked her arm with Prudence’s. “I agree. We must get to the church. By the way, Sophie is spending a few days with the Callahans so you and Riley will have some time to yourselves.”
“I do love her, but I admit I want to be alone with him for a little while.”
Downstairs, Sam Drummond and Trenton Bradford waited for Cassandra.
Trenton helped his sister into the buggy.
She waved, “I’ll see you at the church.”
Señor Ramirez wore a broad smile and bowed. “Beautiful ladies, your ride awaits you.”
Mrs. Murphy wrung her hands. “You should let me stay here. I want everything to be perfect for the reception.”
Lydia patted her arm. “It will be. I insist you ladies attend. You are a part of my family.”
Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Greenbert, and Señora Ramirez exchanged happy glances and set out walking to the church.
Lydia glanced at her gardener with raised eyebrows.
He held up a hand in protest. “They would not let me arrange a ride for them. You have done well that they will attend.”
They drove to the parsonage where Angeline greeted them. “I’m so excited. Now all our Bride Brigade will be wed as will Lydia, to whom we owe so much. Come in and I’ll tell you when it’s time to go to the sanctuary. Your bouquets are there on the side table.”
Lorraine, who was Prudence’s matron of honor, and Rachel, who was Lydia’s, waited with them. Prudence’s hands were almost healed, but they were clammy. She hoped she didn’t stumble going up the aisle. They’d chosen to walk side-by-side instead of having a male give them away, which would have required walking one behind the other.
Angeline, balancing the toddler Matthew against her swollen abdomen, came inside. “They’re ready.”
Prudence picked up the flowers she suspected came from Lydia’s garden. Lydia followed suit. Pink roses, honeysuckle, purple and lavender larkspur, and greenery made the bouquet. She inhaled the fragrance, vowing to always associate these scents with her wedding.
With their matrons of honor holding up their skirts to protect them, they walked the short way to the church.
Thanks to Angeline’s inheritance, the church now had a piano. Although Sophie usually played for services, this was her son’s wedding. She sat on the second row. Beside her were Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Greenberg, a still pale Tillie Marks, and Señora Ramirez. Señor Ramirez sat on the pew’s end nearest the wall.
Jim Baxter, manager of the opera house, sat at the piano. At Angeline’s nod, he played Wagner’s Lohengrin. The music swelled through the church. Slowly, Lorraine and Rachel walked up the aisle. After they were five feet in front of her, Prudence and Lydia followed. People stood as the brides advanced.
The sanctuary pews were filled and people stood around the edges. Prudence had eyes only for Riley. His beautiful blue eyes radiated love as he watched her advance toward him.
On Grady’s other side, Adam stood gazing as if he’d seen an unbelievable sight. Indeed he had, for Lydia had never looked lovelier. Prudence supposed the two dresses together were shades found in peacocks, as Rachel had suggested.
At the front, each bride handed her flowers to her matron of honor. Prudence slipped her hand into Riley’s and saw Lydia do the same with Adam. Grady beamed from one couple to the other.
He raised his hands. “Thank you, Friends. Please be seated as we unite these two couples in holy matrimony.”
He delivered a short sermon before he read the vows. “A wedding is the ceremony that launches a couple’s life together. I’m always honored when I’m asked to be a part of that rite by officiating. Having a double wedding, as we are today, involving four of my good friends magnifies the blessing.”
Grady turned to face her and Riley. “Riley Alexander Gaston, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the Holy Estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her as long as you both shall live?”
Riley cleared his throat then rasped, “I will.”
Prudence Elsabeth Lynch, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the Holy Estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him as long as you both shall live?
“I will.” Prudence was surprised her voice came out a hoarse whisper.
Grady turned to the other couple and repeated the vows. When they had agreed, he smiled from one couple to the other. “I now pronounce you husband and wife and husband and wife. Grooms, you may each kiss your bride.”
Many in the audience gave cheers for Adam and Lydia.
Riley stared into Prudence’s eyes before he brushed his lips across hers.
Grady announced, “May I introduce Sheriff and Mrs. Adam Penders and Dr. and Mrs. Riley Gaston. The reception will follow at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Penders.”
Both couples hurried down the aisle. Riley lifted her into a buggy and they raced to the home that Lydia would now share with Adam.
“Riley, I’m so happy I’m surprised my feet actually touched the sanctuary floor.”
“We must have floated together, my beautiful love. When I saw you start down the aisle today, I almost sank to my knees in thanks. I promise to spend the rest of my days trying to earn your love.”
“Riley, I feel the same way about you. I’m eager for the reception to end so we can go to our home.”
“My dearest, promise me you’ll always love me.”
“How could I not, my handsome husband? You’re everything I ever hoped for, ever dreamed of having in my life. I’ll love you until the end of time.”
“And I will love you as long. I know bad things will arise, but we’ll have a wonderful life as long as we’re together.”
Epilogue
Four months later
Prudence adjusted a few jars on a shelf then surveyed her new domain. Riley had instructed the carpenters to add her office onto the house so that only the entryway separated their offices. She loved the arrangement.
Sophie peeked around the doorjamb. “Time to go.”
“What would I do without you, Sophie? Without your reminder I’d just endlessly enjoy my new rooms.”
Sophie chuckled. “I think my son would have something to say about that.”
Riley came in and put his arm around her. “What’s this? Are you and mother conspiring against me?”
She sent him a coquettish grin. “Could be.”
“I know you only married me so you could have her in the family.”
Nestling her head on his chest, she heard his strong heartbeat. “I’d hoped to keep it a secret from you, at least for the first fifty years.”
Sophie tut tutted but smiled. “You two can do that later. Now we have somewhere important to be.”
Reluctantly, Prudence stepped away from her husband. “I’m ready.”
“No, you’ll need a wrap. I’ll get your cape.” He dashed to the hall coat tree and held her cape for her. “Here you go, there’s a wind out there.”
“I’m pregnant, Dear, not consumptive.”
“You can’t be too careful.” He held the door for her and Sophie.
Prudence linked her arm with his. She glanced fondly at the new sign which hung near their gate.
Gaston Medical Offices
Just down the block was the two-story brick hospital where a crowd gathered. Although they’d had to buy a three homes and have them moved to have room for the hospital, she loved that it was nearby. Riley would never have to travel far to treat a patient
there.
She admired the formidable sandstone rock building. The appearance was one that would stand for many generations.
Two new families were now in Tarnation, men who’d come from Fort Worth as stone masons and decided to remain. A new lawyer had moved into Judge Hunter’s old office. Another family had come with the purpose of the father and two sons establishing a lumber mill.
Riley sent Prudence a loving glance. “You’ve used your treasure to help the community, my love. This is a lasting contribution that will benefit many.”
“I hope so. We’ll save the rest of our money until we see how much the school costs. With all the adoptions, we need one now.”
He watched Josephine and Michael approach. “To say nothing of the new babies soon to make their appearance.”
Josephine waddled up and pinched his arm. “Are you making fun of my huge size, Dr. Gaston?”
“Rejoicing, Mrs. Buchanan. Prudence and I were discussing the school now that one is needed. We were just saying that with so many adoptions, we need one right away.”
Michael rubbed his wife’s back. “You have that right. Elias and Ophelia’s three, Lydia and Adam’s four, Rachel and Zane’s two, Lorraine and Grant’s two. Grady and Angeline’s two. I believe we need a school right now. The church is really not adequate for classes.”
Riley nodded. “We have the land and Gallagher and Kozlov are working on the plans. Won’t be ready until next spring, though. Guess we’ll wait and have classes move from the church next year.”
Prudence said, “They’re building the teacher a small home with three bedrooms. We want our teacher to be permanent and having a home increases the likelihood.”
Lydia had overheard. Holding her adopted daughter Amy’s hand, she stood beside Prudence. “I agree. Can you imagine having to live at the hotel? Hardly a satisfactory life for a teacher.”
Prudence nodded. “Still better than in some communities where the teacher boards with different families.”
Adam put his arm around his wife. “You all right standing here?”
She rested her head on his shoulder. “Perfectly fine, thank you.”
Prudence leaned near her friend. “Am I correct in thinking you’re expecting?”
“Yes, and Adam thinks I’m going to break any second.”
“Riley, too. You’d think a doctor would know better.” She laughed lightly. “He says it’s different when his wife is the patient.”
Lydia joined in the laughter.
Michael said, “Appreciate you having this opening on Sunday afternoon so folks like me can come without closing up shop.”
Riley clapped him on the shoulder. “That’s the idea, Mayor.”
Michael walked up the hospital’s front steps and held up his hands for attention. “The citizens of Tarnation are grateful to Dr. and Mrs. Gaston for building this modern hospital. All the latest equipment is inside. They’ve even trained a nurse, Miss Tillie Marks, to assist them and she’ll give you tours today. Three other trained nurses are on their way from Fort Worth.
“As you complete your tour, you’ll find a stack of booklets titled Tarnation Remembers on a table by the exit. These are stories collected by Angeline and Grady McIntyre from many of our residents. Grant and Lorraine Pettigrew printed them and will stock them at the newspaper, where they will be for sale at a nominal cost. The copies today were donated by Gaston Medical Offices. Proceeds go to buy books for the school. Now, Prudence, Riley, if you’ll join me up here.”
Riley helped her up the steps as if she couldn’t climb six steps unaided.
“We had this plaque made to show our appreciation. We’ve named this Gaston Hospital instead of Tarnation Hospital as you suggested. We want future generations to know who built it. He pulled a cloth from the plaque installed on the front pillar.
Gaston Hospital
Donated by and named for
Prudence and Riley Gaston
Riley leaned toward her. “You’ve been very generous to share your inheritance with the town.”
“It’s our town, Riley. Our forever home.”
“I couldn’t be happier to agree, my love.”
Standing at the foot of the steps, Josephine looked down at the liquid pooling at her feet. “Oh, my. Dr. Gaston, you’d better get me to the delivery room.”
Michael rushed to her, swept his wife into his arms, and headed up the steps. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ve got you and everything will be all right.”
He glanced over his shoulder. “Well, what are you two doing standing there? My wife’s having a baby.”
Prudence slipped her hand into that of her husband. “This is what we planned, but maybe not today.”
“We’re together. That’s all that matters to me. Let’s go deliver the first baby in our new hospital, shall we?”
***
If you haven’t read the other books in the Bride Brigade Series, keep reading to the end for a peek at Angeline, Bride Brigade book two.
Dear Reader,
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Read Caroline’s western historical titles:
Mistletoe Mistake, sweet Christmas story set in Montana, re-releasing Oct 2017
Loving A Rancher Series for Montana Sky Kindle World:
Amanda’s Rancher, No. 1
The Rancher and the Shepherdess, No. 2
Murdoch’s Bride, No. 3
Bride’s Adventure, No. 4
Snare His Heart, No. 5
Patience, Bride of Washington, American Mail-Order Brides Series #42
Bride Brigade Series:
Josephine, Bride Brigade book 1
Angeline, Bride Brigade book 2
Cassandra, Bride Brigade book 3
Ophelia, Bride Brigade book 4
Rachel, Bride Brigade book 5
Lorraine, Bride Brigade book 6
Prudence, Bride Brigade book 7
The Surprise Brides: Jamie, released simultaneously with three other of The Surprise Bride books which are: Gideon by Cynthia Woolf, Caleb by Callie Hutton, and Ethan by Sylvia McDaniel, each book about one of the Fraser brothers of Angel Springs, Colorado
The Kincaid Series:
The Most Unsuitable Wife, Kincaids book one
The Most Unsuitable Husband, Kincaids book two
The Most Unsuitable Courtship, Kincaids book three
Gabe Kincaid, Kincaids book four
Stone Mountain (Texas) Series:
Brazos Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book one, Free
Buy the Audiobook here
High Stakes Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book two
Buy the Audiobook here
Bluebonnet Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book three
Tabitha’s Journey, a Stone Mountain Texas mail-order bride novella
Stone Mountain Reunion, a Stone Mountain Texas short story
Stone Mountain Christmas, a Stone Mountain Texas novella
Winter Bride, a Stone Mountain Texas romance<
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McClintocks:
The Texan’s Irish Bride, McClintocks book one, Free
O’Neill’s Texas Bride, McClintocks book two
McClintock’s Reluctant Bride, McClintock’s book three
Daniel coming Fall 2017
Save Your Heart For Me, a western romance adventure novella
Long Way Home, a sweet Civil War adventure romance novella.
Caroline’s Time Travel
Out Of The Blue, 1845 Irish lass comes forward to today
If you prefer contemporary western romance, you’ll enjoy interacting with kindred souls and authors by becoming a member of Contemporary Western Hearts Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=contemporary%20western%20hearts
Caroline’s Contemporary Titles
Angel For Christmas, sweet Christmas tale of second chances
Texas Caprock Tales:
Be My Guest, mildly sensual
Grant Me The Moon, sweet with mystery
Snowfires, sensual
Home Sweet Texas Home, Texas Home book one (sweet)
Caroline’s Mysteries:
Almost Home, a Link Dixon mystery
Death In The Garden, a Heather Cameron cozy mystery, Kindle only
Take Advantage of Bargain Boxed Sets:
Mail-Order Tangle: Linked books Mail-Order Promise by Caroline Clemmons and Mail-Order Ruckus by Jacquie Rogers, Kindle Only
The Kincaids, Books 1-4 in one set
About The Author
Caroline Clemmons is an Amazon bestselling and award winning author of historical and contemporary western romances. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel.
Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets. When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys family, reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, painting, and getting together with friends. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, WattPad, Shelfari, and Pinterest.
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