For the Love of Annie

by Sabrah Huff Agee

  She hid a smile behind her hand as the clerk set the tray on the small table by the bed.

  "Will there be anything else, Sheriff? Miss Markham?"

  Cooper fished a coin from his pocket and flipped it to the clerk. "No, Clarence, that will be all. Thank you."

  Cooper sat with Mary Louise until she'd eaten most of the meal. Then he set the tray outside and turned at the doorway to speak to her. "If you're sure you're all right, I'm going home."

  "Must you?"

  "Yeah," he replied, his voice husky. "I know what will happen if I stay."

  Her face flamed. "Cooper, please!"

  He pretended seriousness. "Come on, Mary Louise, surely you can wait two days before having your way with me?"

  "Cooper!"

  "I can't help it if I'm old fashioned. In spite of what you're suggesting, I think we should wait until we're married."

  "Old fashioned!" Mary Louise sputtered. "You? I seem to remember your behavior as being anything but old fashioned while you were visiting Belle Rive."

  "You made me agree to live like a monk after we married, so that meant the only time we could make love was before the wedding. I had a lot to do before we tied the knot."

  "Cooper!" She laughed. "You're incorrigible!"

  He blew her a kiss. "But you like me anyway, don't you?"

  She smiled then. "Yes, I like you just the way you are."

  "Sleep well, Weezie, and dream of me. I'll come back first thing in the morning and over breakfast I'll tell you about the wedding arrangements."

  Cooper was whistling when he left the hotel that night. It wasn't until he was nearly home that he remembered Weezie had never told him what she'd wanted to talk with him about.

  MARY LOUISE gaped at Cooper over the breakfast table. "We're getting married where?"

  Cooper shrugged. "I know it's a bit unconventional, Weezie, but— "

  "A bit unconventional? I'd call getting married in a train station a little more than a bit unconventional. How can we get married with all the passengers wandering about and the train blowing through like a fire breathing dragon?" Her voice had risen slightly and the other diners looked in their direction.

  "If we have the ceremony before noon, the trains won't be a problem. There is only one train scheduled to come through Hollisburg before noon, and it arrives at 8:30. The next scheduled train isn't 'till two in the afternoon."

  "Let's hope all the trains are on schedule," she muttered drily.

  "They will be, I've never known any of them to be a minute late."

  "But a train station, Cooper? Why on earth did you choose a train station for our wedding?"

  Cooper shrugged. "It is where we met," he said, as if that explained everything. "And besides, it was the only place I could think of that would be large enough to hold all the wedding guests."

  "All what wedding guests? At last count, we've invited sixteen guests, and three of them are in the wedding party."

  Cooper leaned forward. "I know, but I invited some other folks since the last count. Believe it or not, I happen to have friends of my own."

  Mary Louise chewed her lip. "Of course you have friends. I never meant to imply otherwise, I'm sorry, Cooper. But when I asked who you wanted to invite, you only mentioned Lizzie and your deputies. I'm the one who included your brother."

  "That was when we were going to be married at Belle Rive. When we decided to get married here, I had to invite more people."

  Mary Louise sighed. "Yes, I suppose that's true. So, who else did you invite?"

  "Everybody."

  "What do you mean, everybody?"

  "I mean everybody in Hollis County."

  Mary Louise's mouth dropped open. "You invited everybody in this whole county to our wedding? Cooper, have you lost your mind?"

  Cooper looked around and grinned uneasily at the ogling diners. "You're shouting Mary Louise," he said under his breath. "And I didn't have any choice. I had to do it. I'm the sheriff and I couldn't just invite some people and not invite the others. You seem to have forgotten that I'm an elected official. It wouldn't be wise to offend any voters when I'm up for re— election next year. Besides, they won't all come."

  Mary Louise closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands. Cooper watched in dismay as her shoulders began to quake and muffled sobs reached his ears.

  "Aw, don't cry, Sweetheart. Jeez, if I'd known it was going to upset you this much, I'd never..." He reached for his handkerchief and leaned over the table. "I'm sorry, Mary Louise, I'll call the whole thing off and we'll get married wherever and however you want. Just stop crying, okay?" He drew her hands from her face. "Weezie, Please, I..." Cooper stared in astonishment. "Are you laughing? You are laughing! Does this mean you're not upset about the site of the wedding?"

  She shook her head. "Oh, Cooper," she said, gasping for breath. "Of course I'm not upset. I just realized that life with you is never going to be boring. In fact, I believe it will be utterly fascinating. I can hardly wait to tell Papa and Erik that I'm getting married in a train station and that an entire county will be there to witness it."

  Cooper ran his fingers through his hair. "How do you think Angus will take it?"

  "Knowing my father as I do, he'll love the idea. Papa has always delighted in anything the least bit unconventional."

  Chapter 21

  WHEN COOPER chose the squatty, red— brick train station for the site of his wedding, he knew it would take some real magic to turn it into something suitable for his bride. With this in mind, he called upon the local experts: The Hollisburg Ladies' Sewing Circle. There, in his most charming manner, Cooper explained what he wanted to do, and requested the ladies' assistance in decorating the old depot.

  Excited by any challenge, especially one which involved matters of the heart, the Ladies Sewing Circle set themselves to the task of transforming the austere depot into a wedding chapel. They began by scrubbing and waxing the worn, wooden floor till it glowed. Next, they laid carpets (taken directly from the floors of six of the ladies' homes) end to end across the floor of the cavernous room, and lined pews (borrowed from all three local churches) in rows on either side. They strung the walls and ceiling of the old building with thick garlands of holly and ivy, and they strategically placed large urns containing huge boughs of cedar and pine, and bunches of glossy, green magnolia leaves. (The latter produced good natured complaints that the dense forest outside town was all but bare after the invasion of the Sewing Circle.)

  In addition to the greenery, several local residents generously stripped their camellia bushes of all the large, pink and white blossoms and donated them to the cause. The women hung boxwood wreaths trimmed with satin ribbons in each of the train station's sixteen floor— to— ceiling windows, and nestled in each of the circles of greenery were slim, white tapers. And as a final touch, Rosemary Lolley insisted on moving the large pump organ from her parlor to the depot— for what was a wedding without music? In the end, the Ladies' Sewing Circle's combined talent and ingenuity were amazing. Standing back and admiring their handiwork, one of the women was heard to murmur proudly, "Now, who says you can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear?"

  COOPER stood before his mirror and fumbled with his cravat. "I hate these things," he muttered to his reflection. "Don't know why a man has to get all gussied up just to— "

  "Coop?"

  Cooper turned around and stared in surprise at the man in the doorway, a man who could pass for an older version of himself. "Max? Max is that really you?"

  Lucas Maxwell Matthews grinned. "Yep, it's really me, Little Brother. Lizzie told me it was all right to come on back."

  Cooper strode across the room and gathered his older brother into a bear hug. "Of course it's all right! Jeez, this is such a surprise! I can't believe you're really here."

  Max looked contrite. "Well, I behaved like an ass the first time you married. I figured since I was being given a second chance, I'd try to behave like a brother ought to this time. Th
anks for inviting me, Cooper."

  Cooper grinned wryly. "Actually, it was Mary Louise's idea to invite you. I didn't think you'd come." Then he laughed. "But I'm awfully glad that you did. Gosh, it's good to see you."

  "I...I was sorry to hear about Marietta. You know I didn't really have anything against her, I just didn't think you should have married her, that's all, and— "

  "That's water under the bridge, Max, no sense rehashing it. Have you seen my daughter?"

  "No, not yet. I've heard about her though. Lizzie's monthly letters kept me abreast of things over the years. She told me about Annie."

  "I never knew Lizzie wrote to you."

  "I know. That's my doing, I asked her not to tell you. I was afraid you'd discourage it. We didn't exactly part on the best of terms."

  Cooper nodded. "I remember. And you're right, I probably would have discouraged her. I'm glad she kept your secret." He smiled. "Have you met my bride?"

  "No, but I met your bride's father when I checked into the hotel. He's quite a character, isn't he?"

  "Yes, Angus is a great fellow. I'm lucky he's going to be my father— in— law."

  "So how did you manage to meet someone from Memphis? Lizzie hasn't told me much at all about her or how you two met."

  Cooper grinned and shook his head. "It's a long story, Max, and would take too long to tell. Sometime, when all this is over, I'll tell you all about it."

  Maxwell reached into his breast pocket. "That reminds me, I came here to give you a wedding present."

  "You didn't have to— "

  "Yes, I did, and for a lot of reasons." He handed an envelope to Cooper. "Go on, open it."

  Cooper opened the envelope and withdrew what appeared to be a legal document. After glancing at it, he lifted his gaze to his brother. "This is the deed to Rose Hill. B— But that's yours, Max. You're the oldest son and Papa— "

  "It should be yours, Cooper. You're the one who stayed in Hollis County and made your home here, not I. I've made a good life for myself in Chessville. Believe it or not, I recently discovered gold on my place."

  "Gold!"

  Max laughed. "Yeah. But that's not the main source of my income, I own several sawmills." He hooked his thumbs in his waistcoat. "You are looking at a very wealthy man, Little Brother."

  "Well, I'll just be damned. I'm proud for you, Max."

  "Thanks. And I'm glad I can give you Rose Hill. I think you and your new bride can make a good life in the old home place. I know how much you always loved it."

  "I do love it, and so will Mary Louise once I show it to her. I don't know how to thank you."

  "You just did." He moved toward the door. "I'd better be going so that you can finish dressing."

  "Max, before you go..."

  Max looked back at him. "Yes?"

  "I...I'd be pleased if you'd stand up with me at my wedding. Will you be my best man?"

  Max's face broke into a huge grin. "I'd be pleased and honored, Little Brother."

  Cooper grinned broadly. "Good. You're first official duty as Best Man is to tie this damned cravat."

  JUST AS Mary Louise slipped on her mother's satin wedding gown she heard a knock at her door. She strode quickly across the room. "That had better not be you, Cooper Matthews. You know it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding."

  "I promise, I'm not Cooper," came a decidedly feminine voice.

  "Starr?" Mary Louise threw open the door. "Starr, how lovely to see you! Please, come in."

  Starr gave Mary Louise a quick hug. "I won't stay but a moment," she said. "I know you've got lots to do to get ready for the wedding."

  "You are coming, aren't you?"

  Starr smiled wistfully. "No, honey, I won't be attending your wedding."

  "Don't tell me you didn't get an invitation. I specifically asked that one be sent— "

  "I got the invitation and I appreciate your thinking of me. But, honey, you don't want the likes of me there."

  "Of course I want you there. You're my friend, and— "

  "I am your friend. That's why I'm staying away." She held up a hand when Mary Louise started to protest. "Look, I haven't got time to argue with you. I just came by so I could give you a wedding present." She held up a large, exquisitely wrapped box. "I hope you like it."

  Mary Louise took the box and quickly untied the satin ribbon. Then she lifted off the lid and looked inside. "Oh, Starr," she breathed. "How beautiful." Setting the box on the bed, Mary Louise lifted out a negligee of the finest white silk. She looked at Starr. "I've never seen anything like it."

  "There's a gown, too," Starr said, grinning.

  Mary Louise hugged her friend. "I'll treasure it always. Thank you so much."

  "You're as welcome as the sunshine." Starr said. Then she shrugged. "Well, I'd better get out of here so you can get dressed."

  Mary Louise walked with her to the door. "Are you sure you won't come to the wedding, Starr? Both Cooper and I would love to have you there."

  "I know you mean that, and it's enough. Just being invited was a thrill. Not too many folks would invite a Madam to their wedding." She patted Mary Louise's hand. "You're getting a good man, Honey." Then she winked. "And he ain't doin' so bad, himself."

  "You'll come and see us, won't you? When we're settled?"

  "Of course I will. Just try to keep me away."

  STANDING just outside the doorway to the depot, Angus cast a worried glance at his daughter. "Are you all right, Dear? You look a little flushed."

  "I'm fine, Papa, really. Sarah says it's probably just nerves— after all, I am about to be married."

  Angus smiled. "You're a beautiful bride, Weezie— just as your mother was at our wedding. I wish Astrid could see you dressed in her gown. She'd be so proud."

  Mary Louise squeezed her father's hand. "I'm sure that wherever she is, she can see me." Then she smiled at him as the pump organ wheezed out the first notes of the wedding march. "It's time, Papa."

  Cooper, flanked by Judge Dearman on his right and Max on his left, looked expectantly at the back of the building. Then he smiled proudly as Annie, dressed in a long gown of pale pink Swiss batiste and carrying a basket of camellia petals, walked slowly down the makeshift aisle. She brought chuckles from the otherwise solemn crowd when she recognized several of the wedding guests and stopped to say hello.

  Annie forgot to strew the petals along the bridal path as she'd been instructed. However, midway down the aisle, she paused, looked at the basket and then at the floor. The guests' chuckles turned to laughter when she abruptly turned the basket upside down and dumped its entire contents in a heap in the middle of the aisle. Having done that, Annie looked at Cooper for direction. Smiling, he held out his hand to her and she ran the rest of the way down the aisle to take her place beside her grinning father.

  Behind Annie came Dr. Sarah Nichols in a gown of pink satin. The lovely doctor was radiant as she caught Cooper's gaze and winked at him.

  "Who is that?" Max murmured without taking his gaze off the lovely attendant.

  "Doctor Sarah Nichols," Cooper replied, grateful the organ music drowned out their voices. "I'll introduce you later."

  Then Mary Louise and Angus stepped into view. The guests' soft oohs and ahhs wafted through the room and Cooper thought his heart would burst with pride. My God, he thought, this beautiful, smart, funny, and extremely sensuous woman is actually going to be my wife! He smiled at Angus when the older gentleman gave Cooper his daughter's hand. "Thanks, Angus," he whispered.

  Angus grinned and whispered in reply, "My pleasure, son."

  Finally, Mary Louise and Cooper stepped before the Judge. "Dearly Beloved," the Judge intoned. "We are gathered here in the sight of God and these witnesses to join this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony— "

  "Wait," Cooper interrupted. He looked down to find Annie struggling to squeeze between him and Mary Louise.

  Judge Dearman paused and looked from Cooper to Mary Louise. "Is there a problem
?"

  "One moment, please," Cooper said and he leaned over to whisper to Mary Louise. She smiled and nodded and then watched as Cooper lifted Annie into his arms. "Mary Louise and I want Annie to be a part of the ceremony," he explained, shifting Annie to his right arm and taking Mary Louise's hand with his left. "Now, Judge Dearman, let's get this show on the road."

  FORTUNATELY, the winter day was sunny and warm, for the ladies of the sewing circle had long since decided that the reception would be held on the wooden platform outside the station house. Tables made from long planks resting on saw horses flanked each end of the platform. These makeshift tables became quite elegant once they were covered with white damask cloths and overlaid with panels of lace.

  The mayor's wife had baked the wedding cake, a beautiful three— tiered concoction covered in butter— cream icing and adorned with sugar rose buds and, at Cooper insistence, candied violets. The rest of the wedding fare was provided by the Hotel Victoria.

  Mary Louise had been standing in the receiving line for only fifteen minutes when she seemed to stagger and Cooper grasped her elbow. "Weezie?"

  She smiled up at him. "I felt a little dizzy for a moment. I'm all right, now."

  Cooper narrowed his eyes. "You don't look all right. Maybe you should sit down."

  Still smiling, Mary Louise said under her breath, "Cooper, I know you said that not everyone in the county would come, but it appears most of them have. Just look at the people still waiting in line to wish us well. We can't just walk off and pretend they don't matter, they're our guests."

  "We can if you're not feeling well. Besides, nobody expects you to shake hands with the whole damned county."

  "You're the one who invited the whole damned county to our wedding," she murmured as she turned to the next person in line. "How do you do, Mrs. Loller. Cooper tells me that you provided the organ and music for our wedding. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness."

  The line seemed to move at a snail's pace. Cooper was about to insist that Mary Louise take a break when she suddenly sagged against him. "Cooper," she murmured before falling into a swoon.