“She knelt in front of him so they were face to face and kissed him one more time. “Yes, Emmett Riley. I’ll marry you.”
The next four days were a whirlwind for Caroline as she made preparations for the wedding. Most of the things she needed for her wardrobe were in her trunk, so they only needed to purchase a few things at the general store, including some silk flowers for the ceremony since fresh ones were in short supply. They asked Lottie and Caleb to stand with them in the church. There would only be a handful of guests—mostly the women she’d met in the knitting group and their families. Emmett had also invited his cousins from St. Paul, which was the reason for having a Friday wedding. If it were up to Caroline, they would have married much sooner, but she knew how important is was for Emmett to have some of his family in attendance. Caroline wished her parents could be in attendance, but she knew her mama wouldn’t want to travel all the way to Minnesota. She had been clear in her recent letter she still wasn’t keen on her marrying a stranger. However, Caroline hoped she would agree to meet her husband one day and approve of him.
Caroline and Emmett planned to spend one night at the Birch Street Hotel before traveling south by train until reaching St. Louis, Missouri. After spending a few days there as part of their honeymoon, they’d travel the remainder of the journey to the Ozarks by coach.
Caroline could hardly wait for their new life together to start while she looked at the two dresses she had hung out and pressed to be free of wrinkles. One was an ivory gown with blue ribbon accents and the second, a blush gown with red lace embellishments on the sleeves, collar and bustle. In the end, she chose the second dress, paired with matching gloves, reasoning it would look lovely against the autumn leaves when they emerged from the church as husband and wife.
Lottie lent Caroline one of her shorter veils for the ceremony and Mrs. Milton let her borrow a pair of ruby earrings and matching hair comb, adding the perfect touch to the ensemble. Caroline also picked out a bouquet of red roses with baby’s breath for the special day.
As they made their way to the Lutheran Church in a covered buggy, Caroline looked out the window, admiring the autumn colors painting the trees and sidewalks in front of the charming houses in town. She could hardly hold in her excitement, remembering the next day she would be traveling south toward Missouri. She wagered the scenery on the train and on the coach to the Ozark Mountains would be even more lovely, especially with her new husband by her side.
When the buggy stopped in front of the small church, Caroline’s heart overflowed with joy. Her wedding day was everything she dreamed it would be so far and soon would come the best part of all—the moment she walked toward her handsome groom and they shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
Emmett was a bundle of nerves waiting for his bride to enter the double doors at the back of the small church. He felt grateful his cousins, Joshua and Amy, had come with their family. Other than that, almost everyone else present were strangers to him.
When the music started, Lottie and Caleb Brooks came down the aisle first. Then Caroline appeared, seeming to be an angel floating on a cloud in her dress. When she reached the front of the church and placed her delicate hand in his, the apprehension from before melted away. The other people in the room watching them no longer existed—only his lovely bride.
They repeated their vows and Emmett meant every word while gazing into her sapphire eyes. Then came time for the exchange of rings. While placing the simple golden band next to the ruby engagement ring, he didn’t take the promises they made to each other lightly. From that day forward they would be one flesh.
When the preacher pronounced them husband and wife, Emmett couldn’t resist dipping his lovely new bride and kissing her as their guests cheered. It was the happiest moment of his life.
Chapter Nine
“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.”
Proverbs 31:10 NKJV
Caroline awakened with a smile on her face, seeing a folded letter on the next pillow surrounded by red flower petals in the shape of a heart. She sat up and unfolded the letter as butterflies flitted around in her stomach. Upon seeing the words, My Dearest Wife, at the top, she giggled like a school girl. Was it really true? She was married to a wonderful man named Emmett Riley? She looked down at the ruby engagement ring, now accompanied by her wedding band, confirming it was true. However, it all still felt like a wonderful dream she would awaken from any moment. After composing herself, she read the letter.
My Dearest Wife,
You looked so beautiful and peaceful this morning I hated the thought of waking you. Do not fret though. I have gone downstairs to the restaurant and will return shortly with breakfast for two. See you in a few minutes.
Your Loving Husband,
Emmett
Caroline felt butterflies in her stomach again after reading Emmett’s brief letter. When she first considered contacting the bridal agency, she had resigned herself to the notion they would be friends first. There would be several months or even years before they would learn to love each other. However, for her and Emmett, there had been an intense attraction from the start. He was handsome—that couldn’t be denied—but he was also a gentleman through and through, with values and deep-rooted faith. Also, for not believing he was the marrying kind, he sure did know how to sweep a girl off her feet!
Caroline blushed, remembering the previous evening. After dinner they had gone for a long walk by the river at sunset, sharing sweet kisses and embraces without caring who saw them. When they returned to the hotel room, he’d carried her over the threshold, like a proper groom. After entering, she had gasped with delight, seeing the entire room decorated with red flower petals. For as long as she lived, she would never forget their first evening as husband and wife. He had made it very special.
Hearing the door handle jiggle, she dashed off to the powder room in a panic. Her hair had to look atrocious and she hadn’t powdered her face yet. Caroline heard Emmett enter and call for her. “I’ll be just a moment,” she answered back while attempting to work the tangles out of her hair. After finishing, she looked around for her toiletry satchel to no avail. It must have still been packed away in her portmanteau.
Caroline cracked the door open a few inches and peeked out, seeing her new husband with his back to her, covering the small round table in their room with a tablecloth. She attempted to tip-toe across the room without him taking notice, but it was no use. He turned and spotted her right away.
“Good morning, my lovely wife.”
She looked down and covered half her face while reaching for her portmanteau. “Morning, she mumbled. I’ll be right out after powdering my face.”
He extended his hand with a light chuckle. “Caroline, come here.” She obeyed and took his hand, but neglected to look up until he lifted her chin with his finger. “You don’t have to do that for my sake. You are beautiful just the way you are.”
Her lips curved into a smile as she blushed while gazing into his loving green eyes. “Thank you. I suppose you caught me in a brief moment of vanity.”
He caressed her cheek and grinned. “Oh, my lovely Caroline. You could never be vain, even if you tried.” He wrapped her in his arms, kissing her in such a way all her thoughts of finding her toiletry satchel drifted away.
When they both leaned back to take a breath, she eyed the table set with fine china and silverware. It had a large tray of food in the center and pitchers of juice and coffee. “Oh, you do spoil me, my husband!”
He chuckled while releasing her and crossed the room to lift the silver cover off the tray. There were a variety of pastries, fruit, eggs, bacon and toast, among other breakfast foods. There were also two small containers of sugar and cream. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I ordered a bit of everything.”
She placed her hands on her hips and grinned at him. “You are amazing, Emmett Riley. How did you manage to carry all this up here?”
“Very carefully.�
� They shared a chuckle before he added, “No, I can’t take all the credit. There’s a rolling cart outside the door. One of the hotel attendants helped me carry it all up here.”
She chuckled softly while he pulled out her chair for her to sit. Then he pushed it back in. “Thank you, Emmett. You have made everything so special for me. I am blessed to have you as my husband.”
“And I’m blessed to have such a beautiful wife, inside and out.” He took her hand after sitting across from her. “Shall we pray over the food?”
She nodded. “Yes, please do. I’m starving.”
Breakfast and a short Bible study afterwards had been wonderful. Caroline found herself wishing they could stay in Pelican Rapids for at least the weekend and spend time relaxing after all the flurry of wedding planning. However, she knew Emmett’s family had waited long enough for their return. They would already be adding on a two-day excursion in St. Louis.
Since their train departed at noon, they arrived at the depot around eleven, leaving time to say farewell to her family and friends she’d made in Pelican Rapids. Emmett’s cousins were at the depot as well. They would be traveling with them as far south as St. Paul and then they would part ways.
“Thank you for everything. You and Caleb were such a blessing to me while I stayed here,” Caroline whispered and hugged Lottie close, careful not to squish the little one who had started to make their presence known. “You send me a letter when the baby arrives.”
Her cousin smiled and wiped away a few tears. “I will. You let me know when you have any announcements as well.” She gave her a playful wink and Caroline giggled through tears.
“I will. No more shopping sprees for baby clothes now.”
They both laughed and then Caroline released her before saying bye to Caleb and watching the two men shake hands. Then she said bye to Miss Dash. She saved the last farewell for Ella Milton. “I’ll never forget what you did to bring us together.”
Ella smiled and gave her a shrug. “It was God’s work. He just helped show me you two would be a perfect match.”
“Well, keep listening to Him. He has done great things through you and I’m sure He will again.
Ella nodded. “Now you two take care.” She handed her two paper sacks. “Minnie made you a few sandwiches and some of her famous tarts.”
She took the lunches with a smile of gratitude. “Thank you, Ella. We appreciate it and will keep in touch.”
The older woman’s blue eyes sparkled. “I’ll hold you to that. Prayers for a safe journey.”
Soon the whistle blew, signaling it was time for departure. After a final wave, she and Emmett boarded the train and found seats next to his cousins. Within a few minutes, the train pulled away from the depot and Caroline waved to Lottie until she disappeared from sight. Soon after, the entire town of Pelican Rapids drifted from her view. Caroline couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. She buried her face in Emmett’s shirt.
He held her close, kissing the top of her head. “I’m sorry you have to give up your dream of living in Pelican Rapids.”
She quieted and dried her tears before looking up at him. “It was my dream, yes, but this is the life God had planned for us all along. Becoming husband and wife and moving to our home in Missouri is even better than any dream could ever be.”
He smiled and nodded before kissing her forehead and pulling her close again. “Yes, it certainly is.”
Chapter Ten
“Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.”
Song of Solomon 8:7 NLT
After parting from his cousin and his family in St. Paul, Emmett and Caroline traveled alone through parts of Wisconsin and Illinois before reaching St. Louis, Missouri. Once there, they enjoyed a mini honeymoon—staying at a fancy hotel, attending a show at the theater and enjoying a romantic dinner on a riverboat. They’d hated to leave so soon, enjoying their alone time in the city, but his family eagerly awaited him at home. They boarded the train from St. Louis to Rolla Missouri where the train route stopped.
Caroline fell asleep beside him with her head resting on his shoulder as they bumped along a dusty road on a coach headed southwest to his Ozark home. He wondered what his mother would think of his new bride. Emmett had taken the time to write to her about his marriage a day after their engagement and hoped she had received the letter by now. He didn’t want her and the children to be blindsided when he showed up at home with a young lady on his arm. As the countryside rolled by, Emmett put all anxious thoughts aside and rested his head against his bride’s, reasoning his mother had no reason not to love her new daughter-in-law. Caroline was sweet, funny and kind—not to mention beautiful. Everything would work out fine between them.
As they continued traveling along, he felt his eyes growing heavy and soon he had dosed off next to his wife, having sweet dreams of his home in Niangua.
Caroline startled awake, not quite sure of her surroundings. She pulled back the nearby curtain, seeing the rugged countryside pass by and then it all came back to her. They were on the coach headed for the Ozarks. The landscape had changed since she last looked, with more hills, cliffs and trees in the distance. It was a good sign they were growing closer to Emmett’s home, yet something worried her. They were traveling faster than before—too fast.
She nudged Emmett who slept beside her on the seat. “Wake up, sweetheart. Something’s gone amiss.”
His eyes flew open as the coach shuddered and jerked. He pounded on the side of the coach. “Drivers, what’s going on?” After there was no answer, he stood and looked outside the curtain toward the front of the coach, shouting the same thing over again. One of the drivers responded, but Caroline couldn’t quite make out what he said. However, when Emmett sat back down with his face white as a ghost, she knew it wasn’t good.
“What is it? What did he say?”
“He said we should remain inside the coach and stay down. There are bandits pursuing us.”
She gasped. “Oh, God, please help us.”
Emmett rummaged through the leather satchel at his feet, taking out the contents before pulling up a false bottom. He then produced a small revolver and started loading it with bullets.”
She braced herself against the seat and bit her lip as the coach jolted and shook again. “Emmett, what are you doing?”
He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “Caroline, listen to me. I pray we don’t have to use this, but if it comes down to it, do you know how?” After she nodded, he seemed to relax a little. “Good.” A moment later, shots rang out from behind them, causing Caroline to scream. He pushed her down on the floor of the coach, using his body to shield her. Then when it was quieter again, he kissed her cheek and started to rise.
She peeked up at him as terror gripped her heart. “What are you doing?”
He cocked the revolver and moved to pull the curtain away from the window. “I have to step out for a minute and see if the drivers are all right. If they don’t have control of the horses we could be in grave danger. Please, stay down.”
“Be careful!” she shouted before putting her head down and huddling as close to the floorboards as she could. More shots fired—some sounding so close she guessed they were from Emmett’s gun.
“I shot one in the leg,” Emmett said a few minutes later after climbing back through the window and slumping down beside her. “He fell off his horse, but there are still two of them behind us. I’m not sure how much longer the drivers can hold them off.”
She craned her neck to look at him, but noticed his breathing was unsteady and his face had taken on a pallor shade. “Emmett?” She sat up beside him as the coach continued to rattle in a violent manner. “Are you all right?”
He nodded and slowly turned his head to meet her gaze. “Caroline, I want you to know I love you. This marriage happened fast, but I cannot deny my feelings for you.”
She smiled with trembling
lips while moving closer to him. “I love you, too.”
He smiled back and placed the revolver in her hand. “I need you to take this now. Don’t be afraid.” He grimaced, holding one hand over his right side, under the flap of his coat.
Her heart sunk as she moved the leather fabric aside, revealing a dark red stain on his shirt. “Emmett! Were you shot?”
He shushed her gently and ran his free hand over her curls. “Yes. It’s not as bad as it seems, but I’m going to need your help.”
She nodded. “Of course. I’ll do anything.”
He blinked hard, like staying alert was an effort. “Find one of the shirts in my bag and tear it into strips. You’ll need to wrap them around my waist and tie a knot over the wound. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” she answered as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her hands trembled the entire time, but she managed to do as he asked and helped him lie down on the floorboards, in spite of the coach bumping up and down.
They began to slow down, but the noise outside grew louder. The bandits were shouting in triumph. One more shot rang out, sounding like it came from a rifle in front of them and then silence.
“The drivers have run out of bullets,” Emmett murmured, his words slurring together. “Caroline, you must defend yourself if they come close. I might not be able to help by then.”
She nodded, choking down a sob. “Stay awake, Emmett.”
“Have courage, my wife. God is with us.”
The coach slowed to a stop and she heard the drivers jump down from the seat, speaking to each other in low voices. Perhaps they had more guns hidden somewhere to defend the coach—she could only hope and pray. “Emmett?” She whispered. “I think they’re coming. Can you hear me?”
When he didn’t answer her, Caroline opened her handbag as a last resort. She fumbled around, until feeling a thick envelope. She tucked it into her belt and then gripped the gun again.
Caroline's Quilt (Brides 0f Pelican Rapids Book 2) Page 5
