by Danni Roan
“Well this should be interesting,” Prim grinned, winking and stepping out into the aisle to precede her friend to the front of the church.
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Brandon turned to look up the aisle and his heart nearly stopped as his eyes fell on Beth. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, and he wanted to pinch himself to make sure this wasn’t all a dream. He knew he wasn’t what most would consider handsome, but still, Beth had chosen him over so many in Needful. His heart was full as a tiny empty space seemed to fill with love for his bride.
Making her way to the front of the church Beth placed her hand in his, smiling at him shyly.
“All righty folks,” Orville said as he smoothed one hand over his best suit. “Let’s get this show started.”
The congregation chuckled and Brandon turned to the older man raising an eyebrow in surprise.
“Well you didn’t tell me how to get the whole shebang started,” Orville grumbled, lifting a small book. “Now we’re all gathered here to see Brandon and Beth get hitched,” Orville continued. “They done met up at the Hampton House a bit ago and over time have come to realized they was made for each other.” He gazed out across the congregation grinning at the nods of approval he was receiving.
“Get to the vows,” Brandon whispered.
“I like to see a young couple like this come together,” Orville continued, ignoring Brandon words. “At my age it does a heart good to see love, real love, blossom in this world. We need to remember to love more, forgive more, and find hope in the simple things in life. Today we’re going to join these two youn’uns in holy matrimony, so let’s begin.”
Beth bit her bottom lip trying not to laugh at the way Orville was conducting the wedding, but when her green eyes lighted on Brandon she didn’t care if she was standing up in an old flour sack instead of the lovely new dress she and her friends had made. All she knew was that as the vows were spoken, she was bonded to the man who completed her.
Perhaps life wouldn’t always be wonderful. Perhaps in the years ahead they would suffer hardships and loss, but she knew that as long as they each held tight to God’s hand and to each other, they would not be easily broken.
“Now that finishes my part of this here ceremony,” Orville said as the last vows were spoken. “At this point, I’m to tell the couple they can have that kiss we’ve all been waiting for.” He turned expectantly to Brandon and nodded. “Well go on son, kiss the girl.”
Brandon smiled that bright transforming smile that zipped to Beth’s heart like a bolt from the blue, and he leaned over placing his lips on hers. He didn’t know what the future held for either of them, but he knew one thing for sure: God had brought just what he needed to his new home and he would cherish her forever. Tomorrow would be the first day of the rest of their life, and he promised to revel in every moment. From the moment he carried her over the threshold of their recently built home, to the day he breathed his last breath in the mortal realm.
“I love you Elizabeth Beechen-Tippert,” he grinned stealing one more quick kiss. “I can’t wait to see what comes next for all of us right here in Needful, Texas.”
The End
Author’s Note:
The term Honky-tonk, though associated with the 20th century did in fact come into use before the 1900s. One of the earliest records of the word’s use was in 1889, still a bit early for my tale, but I have chosen for artistic reasons to include this word, as well as, jive, and jazzy, in this book just the same. The cadence and tone of these term fits well with the character of Brandon Tippert, aka, Preacher of Needful, Texas and I felt it was more important to ring true to the tune.
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Other Books by this Author:
Brides of Needful Texas
Daliah
Prim
Peri
From the Cattleman’s Daughters
Katie Isabella
FionaAlexis
Meg Mae
Cattleman’s Daughters Companions
Cathleen
The Redemption of Rachel
Sean’s Secret Heart
Mel
Sweet Annie
Joan
Tales from Biders Clump
Christmas Kringle
Quil’s Careful Cowboy
Bruno’s Belligerent Beauty
Tywyn’sTroubles
A Teaching Touch
Prissy’s Predicament
Lucinda’s Luck
Ferd’s Fair Favor
The Travels of Titus
Winter’s Worth
Strong Hearts: Open Spirits
Maggie’s ValleySadina’s Stocking
Celestre’s Song Beloved Beulah
Whispers in Wyoming
Love Letters & Home
Counting Kadence
Mercy’s Light
Failing Forward
Racing Destiny
Baby be Mine
The Ornamental Match Maker
Carousel Horse Christmas
Loose Goose Christmas
Pineapple Persuasion
July’s Jubilant Christmas Jumble
Shutter Shock Christmas in July
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Dear Reader,
Thank you for choosing to read my book. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. If you enjoyed the story, please feel free to leave a review wherever you purchased the book. Leaving a review will help me and prospective readers to know what you liked about this book. It is an opportunity for your voice to be heard and for you to tell others why the story is worth a read.
About the Author
Danni Roan, a native of western Pennsylvania, spent her childhood roaming the lush green mountains on horseback. She has always loved westerns and specifically western romance and is thrilled to be part of this exciting genre. She has lived and worked overseas with her husband and tries to incorporate the unique quality of the people she has met throughout the years into her books.
Danni currently lives in her thirty-six foot RV with her husband and is traveling the United States to see this beautiful country and experience its history first hand.
Danni and her ‘every-day-hero’ have one son who is attending college and finding his own way as his crazy parents experience the author life along with life on the road.
As a Christian Danni, believes strongly that God brings new challenges, and blessings into one’s life to help them grow and she hopes that her words were both and encouragement and inspiration to you.
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