by Danni Roan
“Oh my!” Olive gazed at the young woman. “I’ve never seen the like.”
“Do you like it?” Amanda asked. “I bought it just before I left Virginia. It’s from France.”
“Mother?” Arabela gaped. “I think we are closed.”
“Excuse me?” Olive turned to her tallest daughter-in-law.
“We’re closed!” Arabela called, hurrying out to the dining hall. “Take your meals and leave, we have a wedding to attend.”
Ellen and Shi laughed as the patrons gathered their things and left the room.
“I’m putting on my Sunday best. Please wait for us,” Arabela chirped, her eyes bright as she gazed at Amanda stepping inside. “Ellen, send Jacob for the men. Today is going to be a day to remember.”
Olive blinked for several seconds then jumped into gear. “Give us twenty minutes,” she said, lifting her skirts and heading for the living quarters.
***
“You look lovely, dear.” Orville Hampton patted Amanda’s hand as they walked toward the church at the end of town. He’d donned his best suit after shutting down the sawmill for the rest of the day and urging his boys to put on their nice duds.
The whole family was turned out for the big event.
“Joseph, run on ahead and let Teddy know we’re on our way.” Olive urged her younger son.
“Thank you for this,” Amanda looked around at the family, missing her younger brothers terribly. What would they say about her big adventure now? She had answered the ad in the paper with a letter to Olive, and left soon afterward, leaving her mother in tears. Now, she was getting married, and the Hamptons being at her side eased some of her heartache and homesickness.
***
Teddy turned as Joseph walked through the door. Pastor Tippert offered him a kind smile.
“Looks like the Hamptons will be joining us.” The tall skinny preacher turned, grinning at Beth, his lovely young wife, as he brushed his unruly brown hair from his eyes.
“I’d say it’s a proper wedding,” Beth smiled back as Orville walked through the door with Amanda on his arm. The shimmering white confection of a dress she wore had layers of ruffles from the waist to the floor and gave the young woman an appearance of gliding down the aisle.
“Boy howdy, would you look at that,” Teddy beamed. He stood in his best suit, the one he’d come calling in, but felt like a country mouse in comparison to the elegance that floated his way.
“Are we ready?” Brandon Tippert grinned as Teddy stared at the vision in white that stood before him.
“Yes,” Amanda whispered, mesmerized by the glow in Teddy’s eyes. “Mr. Lewis?”
“Yes? Yes,” Teddy gave his head a shake and turned to the preacher as the Hamptons filled the front benches of the humble church.
Brandon cleared his throat, looking down at the little book in his hand, then paused, staring toward the back of the church where rugged men filtered through the door occupying the back rows.
“Welcome,” Brandon grinned, as more and more of the town’s folks walked through the doors to witness the wedding. “We are gathered here today, in the sight of God and many men,” he grinned as the rough crowd shuffled to seats, “to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”
Teddy squeezed Amanda’s small hand in his, oblivious to what was going on at the back of the church. From the moment Orville had placed her hand in his, he had eyes for nothing other than Amanda Antonia.
Preacher Tippert nudged his arm, prompting him to say the words a groom was to say then turned to Amanda, who repeated her vows in a firm voice.
“We will now exchange the rings,” Brandon said, looking at Teddy expectantly.
“I don’t got a ring,” Teddy blushed. “I’ll get you one soon, though,” he added, looking at Amanda, who pulled a glove from her hand, slipping a small signet from her finger.
“We can use this,” she smiled. It didn’t matter that Mr. Lewis had no ring for her. She was gaining a husband, companion, protector, and, hopefully, a friend.
Teddy’s face flushed again, but he nodded, saying the words the preacher told him to as he placed the ring on Amanda’s finger.
“By the powers vested in me by the great state of Texas and the almighty, I now pronounce you man and wife. What God has joined, let no man put asunder.”
Brandon smiled, brushing a lock of unruly dark curls from his forehead and looking at the bride and groom. “You may now kiss the bride.”
Teddy leaned in, pressing his lips to Amanda’s and feeling like he might take wing right there when Amanda placed a hand at his neck and kissed him back.
“I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Lewis!” Brandon shouted, breaking the magic of the kiss.
Teddy grinned, squeezing Amanda’s warm hand as he turned to walk back out as man and wife. The loud, riotous cheer that broke the reverence of the ceremony nearly made him take a step back. “Oh my.”
“Best, take that little woman out of here,” Orville leaned toward Teddy. “Head back to the Hampton House, and we’ll get you set for home.”
Teddy slipped Amanda’s hand into his left one and wrapped his right arm around her waist protectively as they dashed up the aisle and out the door to the whoops and hollers of the men of Needful, Texas.
Amanda cringed, ducking her head as strong hands tried to slap Teddy on the back in congratulations. Was the whole town mad? Didn’t they know that you threw rice at a newly-wed couple? Tears pricked at her eyes as Teddy hurried her toward the Hampton House, her long train dragging in the dust of the street, unheeded.
“That was some wedding,” Teddy beamed as they finally reached the door of the boardinghouse. “Now, let’s get you inside.” Strong arms swept Amanda off her feet as Teddy pushed the door open and carried her inside.
“You aren’t supposed to carry me over the threshold until we get home,” Amanda gasped, grabbing for his collar. “It’s for good luck.”
“That’s why I ain’t takin’ any chances,” Teddy grinned. “I’ll carry you over each one, so’s we start this marriage out right.”
The next hour was a whirlwind as an impromptu wedding supper was organized with what was already on offer at the Hampton House.
Amanda was whisked from person to person on Teddy’s arm while the Hampton men and women organized her things and had them loaded in a wagon.
The young woman was all but dizzy by the time she was handed up onto the hard bench seat of a buckboard wagon, her trunks and bags heaped high behind her.
“All set?” Teddy looked up, meeting her eyes as he stuffed the train of her now bedraggled gown under her feet. “It’s time to go home, Mrs. Lewis.”
Amanda’s eyes grew wide at the man’s words, and she started to shake as the reality of her rash decision struck home. She was a married woman. She had married a virtual stranger and was now headed to his humble abode as a wife.
Her mind drifted to the conversation she’d had with Ellen a short while ago and her knees went weak. How was she supposed to get through this night? Could she find the strength to give herself to the man who had just settled beside her?
Amanda flicked her eyes toward Mr. Lewis, studying his face as he grinned at her and set the team into motion.
“Just wait till Cap’n Dan finds out I got hitched,” the man beamed. “He’ll be tickled pink.”
Amanda folded her hands in her lap and lifted a prayer to heaven above. She had made her choice. Now, she had to live with it.
“Is that your horse?” she asked, her voice breaking as she glimpsed the black and white pinto tied to the back of the wagon.
“That’s Pepper,” Teddy said, his voice full of pride. “One of the best cow ponies ever to set foot in Texas.”
Amanda smiled, wondering if she might have a horse of her own at some point. She didn’t even know what Mr. Lewis’s situation was other than he worked for one of the biggest ranches in the area.
Silence engulfed the wagon as the team trotted toward the ranch,
and Teddy shifted, wondering if his new bride was having second thoughts.
“Amanda?” Teddy’s voice was gentle and pulled her from her thoughts. “You know it’s my duty to protect and care for you. If you don’t feel right about anything, you tell me.”
Amanda looked up, meeting his serious eyes. “Thank you, Mr. Lewis,” she smiled. “I believe I’m a little overwhelmed by everything, that’s all.”
“Teddy,” the young man said, squeezing her hand. “Call me, Teddy.”
Amanda felt her jaw go slack as his name seemed to wrap her in a strange sense of awe. “Teddy,” she tried, but the name stumbled on her tongue. “I’ve never used a man’s Christian name before. It feels strange.” For several moments she studied the man she had married pondering her discomfort with the diminutive of his name. “May I call you, Theo?”
Teddy straightened as his name tripped off her lips, the sound bringing with it a sense of responsibility and manliness. “I think I’d like that,” he agreed. “It has a nice ring.”
Amanda smiled, feeling more comfortable with the formality of Mr. Lewis’s name. Surely if she could get through this night, everything would fall into place come morning.
Teddy scooped his new bride out of the wagon as he pulled up to the little cabin he called home, and boldly carried her across the threshold. He liked the way the little woman felt in his arms, and he longed to kiss her again.
Stepping through the door of his private domain, he lowered his lips, kissing her softly. “Welcome home, Mrs. Lewis,” he grinned. “Your castle awaits.”
Amanda laughed despite the flutter of nerves in her belly. The place was no palace, but it seemed sturdy enough. Her eyes fell on the three-quarter bed by the fireplace and heat raced to her cheeks. “I think you can put me down now,” she whispered.
Teddy carefully lowered Amanda to the floor, her delicate white boots clicking on the hardwood. “I know it ain’t much,” he said, “but in time, we can add on. The cattle business is good, and Dan pays fair wages. I’ll fetch your things while you make yourself ta home.”
Amanda turned slowly, taking in the simple building. It had a fireplace, a bed, a small cupboard, a bureau, and one solitary window. A washbasin sat by the door and a bucket in the far corner. Primitive was the word she would have used to describe the cabin.
“What do you think?” Teddy asked, carrying a heavy trunk inside and placing it in a corner.
“You don’t have a kitchen?”
“No, but I can order a stove from the Sears and Roebuck catalog if you’d like. I take all of my meals at the big house, so I never considered the need for a kitchen or any such thing.” Teddy scratched his head under his hat then turned to retrieve another trunk from the wagon.
Amanda felt her shoulders sag as Theo’s words sank in. She wouldn’t have to cook, at least not yet. They could eat at the main house for a while. Perhaps the pretty Rosa would teach her to cook, and in time, she would be a proper country wife.
“How much did you bring with you?” Teddy asked, carrying another trunk into the cabin, his knees bent against the strain.
“Only what I thought I’d need,” Amanda replied. “I can send for the rest later.”
“The rest?” Teddy stood, rubbing his spine. “I didn’t know women needed so much.”
Amanda studied her shoes, uncertain of what to say. “I’m sure I can adjust to much less.”
Teddy felt like a heel, he hadn’t meant to make his young bride feel ashamed. He was genuinely shocked at the amount of baggage that had accompanied her.
“I didn’t mean nothin’ by it,” he said, stepping up and lifting her chin. “This is your home, and I want you to feel comfortable in it.”
Amanda met his eyes, suddenly hoping he would kiss her again, and that is exactly what he did.
The kiss seemed to linger on Amanda’s lips long after Theo left to retrieve another trunk. His gentle touch and warm embrace had been welcome, and she found herself relaxing as she moved around the small house, becoming familiar with her new home.
“That’s the last one,” Teddy finally said as he stacked the smallest trunk on a larger one. “I’ll fetch your bags and then take the wagon up to the barn. We can return it tomorrow when we go to church.”
“We’ll go back to town tomorrow?” Amanda blushed, wondering what the reception would be.
“Sure, Dan gives us as much of the Sabbath off as is possible on a big place like this. A few punchers don’t attend, and they’re happy to look after things while the rest of us go to town.”
Teddy walked back outside, hefting the last few bags and setting them by the door. He couldn’t believe he was finally married, and it was all he could do to stop his giddy heart from making him kiss Amanda senseless. He could tell she was nervous, and having been raised in a very proper way, he wondered what their wedding night would be like.
“You’ll just have to be patient,” he reminded himself as he climbed into the buckboard and drove to the barn.
“You’re back late,” Dan grinned as Teddy started to unhitch the team. “What’d you need a wagon for.” The rancher’s eyes flickered toward Teddy’s house as a grin spread across his rugged face.
“To bring my new bride home,” Teddy said, puffing out his chest.
“Bride!” Dan’s eyes grew wide. “You got hitched?”
“Yes.” Teddy crossed his arms over his chest, meeting Dan’s gaze. “She was willing to have me, and I wanted to keep her from the minute I saw her.”
Dan reached out a hand. “Congratulations, Teddy,” he drawled. “You bring your new bride to the house tomorrow, but be prepared for an earful from Rosa. She will not be well pleased to have missed another Needful wedding.”
Teddy nodded, hearing the truth in his boss’s words. “Maybe you can smooth the way for me,” he suggested.
“I’ll do what I can,” Dan agreed, thumping Teddy on the shoulder. “I think the next few days around here are going to be interesting. You plan on going to church tomorrow?”
“Yes, Amanda and I can return the wagon tomorrow.”
“And how exactly will your blushing bride get home again once you turn the wagon over?” Dan’s blue eyes twinkled merrily as he teased his young friend.
“I hadn’t thought of that. Do you reckon I’ll need to buy a wagon of my own?”
Dan shook his head. “She can ride back with Rosa and Christina,” Dan said. “I’ll ride in on my own.”
Teddy let a breath he had been holding out with a grin. “Thanks, Dan. I guess I wasn’t thinking ahead past the wedding.”
“It takes some time to adjust to married life,” Dan mused. “Be patient.”
“Daniel,” Rosa’s voice called from the front porch. “Christina is asking for you.”
A bright smile flashed across Dan’s face as he turned toward his house that had finally become a home. “I’m coming darlin’,” he drawled, giving Teddy a wink.
***
Amanda paced the small house, looking at the simple furnishings and rustic appointments. There was a door at both ends of the little house and she walked to the back peering out at the necessary set beside a stunted tree.
Teddy had been gone for what seemed ages, and she was already starting to fret, a thousand worries flashing through her brain in seconds. What if Theo changed his mind? What if he decided she wasn’t good wife material? He would be sorely disappointed in her skills as a wife once he got to know her.
The sound of humming caught Amanda’s attention and she hurried to the door to see her new husband traipsing toward her in the last light of the day.
“I was starting to worry,” she admitted. “You were gone for a long time.”
“I had to put the horses up, and then Dan stopped to congratulate us on our marriage.” He smiled, taking her arm and walking her back into the house.
Amanda relaxed at Theo’s gentle touch. “I’ll build us a fire,” he said, pushing the door closed. “Nights out here can grow cool even aft
er the heat of the day.”
Amanda gazed around the room once more. “Theo,” she started as Teddy moved to the fireplace, striking a match to the kindling laid in a neat pile. “Where am I to change?”
Teddy looked over his shoulder, his eyes running over the delicate dress his little wife wore. “Here, of course,” he replied.
“But there’s no privacy screen or room.”
Understanding hit Teddy and he nodded. “I’ll step outside if that will help,” he said. “Maybe in time…” he didn’t finish his sentence as the flame caught and he rose, catching the flash of embarrassment in her pale eyes.
