by Barbara Goss
He smiled at her as she walked toward him. Her returning smile told him she wasn’t one bit nervous or afraid. She walked proudly and confidently. Her head was held high, her cheeks rosy, and her eyes sparkled with happiness. She stood beside him and he took her hand.
Rose and Quinn had been sitting in a pew a few rows back, talking, and now they walked up and stood beside them. Quinn put his hand on Gavin’s shoulder, and Rose squeezed Peggy’s hand.
Billy’s service nearly brought tears to his eyes, and he saw Peggy’s eyes begin to tear, too. It was a beautiful service. Then they repeated their vows, and while she said her part, tears ran down her face, and he knew she'd meant every single word. “I now pronounce you man and wife,” Billy said. “You may kiss the bride.”
And he did.
Afterward, Quinn hugged Peggy, and Rose hugged Gavin. Then Gavin swung back, grabbed Peggy, and swung her around. “What will we do until our train leaves at two?”
“Problem solved,” Pearl said. “I’ve a light repast ready at my house, and if you’ll all join us, we can keep them occupied until train time.” She winked.
They piled into two buggies—their buggy was so crowded, Peggy was forced to sit on Gavin’s lap, and she loved every minute of that ride home.
Peggy and Gavin were so busy kissing and touching, that they never noticed all the buggies parked in the yard until they stepped out of the vehicle.
Peggy gasped. “What going on, Mother?”
“Just a light repast with family.”
They walked in, and there, in the sitting room, sat Julia and Caleb, Violet and Miles, Ivy and Jonas, and Billy’s wife Anna.
They congratulated the newlyweds by hugging them. Peggy smiled at Gavin when Violet hugged him. He happened to be holding Peggy’s hand at the time, and he squeezed it tighter when Violet hugged him. She knew it was a signal to her that she was his only love.
The repast was anything but simple. Everyone had brought a dish. Before anyone ate, Billy blessed the food, and Quinn stood, holding up a glass of grape juice. “A toast to our newest family member and friend.” Everyone drank to the toast.
Quinn and Rose drove Peggy and Gavin to the train station. Gavin had never been so happy in his life. Just a year ago he was as low as any person could be, and now, with Jesus as his Lord and Savior, he was the happiest man alive. He made himself a pledge at that moment that he would always remember his marriage would always be: Peggy, God, and himself. It wouldn't be possible for a marriage like that to fail.
They waited on benches for the train to arrive, and when it did with a loud whistle and large puffs of smoke, Peggy and Gavin hugged Quinn and Rose and thanked them again.
“We’ll see you at six in the evening, seven days from now,” Gavin said.
“We’ll be here,” Quinn said. “Oh, I almost forgot to give you these.” He handed Gavin several envelopes.
“What are these?” Gavin asked.
“Wedding gifts from everyone.”
Gavin gave Quinn a brotherly hug and they boarded the train.
Peggy felt as if her feet didn’t touch the ground as she walked to board the train. She was Mrs. McKenzie. She loved the name, and the husband, and she wondered if they’d always be as happy as they were today.
It was a long train ride to Atchison, and they watched scenery for a while and then fell fast asleep in each other’s arms.
When they finally stepped off the train in Atchison, a man in a chauffeur’s uniform stepped up to them. “Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie?”
“Yes,” Gavin said.
“I’m to drive you to the cottage, compliments of Miles and Violet Croft, and Mr. Lebold. Step this way, please.”
Gavin and Peggy exchanged looks of surprise, and followed the man into a white carriage, the most luxurious carriage either had ever seen. The man jumped up onto the driver’s perch, and flicked the reins to get the four horses started.
Soon the carriage stopped before what Gavin thought must be a hotel, but when the man jumped down and grabbed their luggage, they followed him, and discovered this “cottage” was the Lebolds’ summer home.
Four servants lined up in the foyer, and as they passed through, each one introduced himself or herself, and told them their duties. They felt like royalty.
The housekeeper showed them from room to room, and then took them to their suite. A bedroom and sitting room like none Gavin had ever seen, with large windows overlooking a small bay on the Missouri river. The bed was large, and sat opposite the window so they could lie in bed and face the view.
The carpets were thick and luxurious. The housekeeper told them she’d have breakfast ready for them in the morning, and that the maids were bringing up water for their baths.
Gavin and Peggy simply nodded, stunned by it all.
Peggy thought she’d died at some point on the train, and was now in heaven. Two sturdy serving maids brought up bucket after bucket of hot water, and filled the two tubs, situated in a small alcove near the door, with hot water.
Did they realize they were newlyweds and couldn’t possible bathe together yet? After the servants had left, the housekeeper peeked in and said, “A maid will be up any minute with a light meal, and then no one will bother you until morning. There’s a pull cord by the bed, should you need anything. Goodnight.”
Another maid scurried in with a covered tray that she set on a table by the bed. She curtsied and left them.
Peggy felt dirty from the train ride and in need of a bath, and she was sure Gavin did too, but they both just stared at the tubs and wondered how they would do it. Finally Gavin said, “I’ll go in the sitting room while you bathe, and you can do the same for me, all right?”
“Yes!” Peggy said quickly. “I’d really love a bath. Thank you, Gavin.”
He kissed her briefly, and left for the sitting room.
Peggy wanted to recline in the bath forever, it felt that good, but she felt anxious about the rest of her wedding night. She also knew that Gavin was waiting for his bath, so she quickly washed, including her hair. When she was done, she stepped out and wrapped a large towel around her body while she searched her luggage for the delicate nightgown she’d purchased on the day Gavin was shot. She dried herself, slipped it on, shocked at how little the nightgown left to the imagination, and put her bathrobe over it. She grabbed another towel and a brush, and headed for the sitting room.
While Gavin bathed she dried her hair with the towel as best she could, and then brushed it. She had become a bit nervous. Her mother had told her what to expect, and she pretty much knew anyway, but the hurt part is what had her nervous. Even so, she was anxious to give herself to her husband.
When Gavin called her, she stepped into the room and saw that he, too, had on a robe.
Peggy felt herself blush.
“Are you hungry?” Gavin asked, lifting the cover of the tray.
Peggy saw all sorts of finger foods that they could enjoy without it being warm. She shook her head.
“Come here, then,” he said in an almost whisper. He held out his arms. She flew into them, and they hugged.
“Are you nervous?” he asked.
She nodded.
“We can take things slow. Let’s lie on the bed and look at the view. It’s dark out, but you can still see some lights from the passing boats, and people by the docks carrying lanterns.” Gavin turned the gas lamp off, and let the moonlight bathe the room.
Peggy got up onto the bed and lay there, stiffly, until he slid in beside her and took her into his arms. “Actually,” he said, “you’re all the scenery I need tonight.”
Married or not, she was nervous, and nearly jumped when he made a gentle move to untie her robe.
“You didn’t buy this beautiful nightgown to keep it covered, did you?” he said.
She again shook her head.
He pulled it off and stared at her. “Peggy, you're beautiful.”
Again, she felt herself blush.
He wiggled under the qu
ilt before removing his robe and Peggy knew he was wearing nothing, and she was stunned by the fact. Would she be able to go through with this?
“Come here, Mrs. McKenzie.”
She curled into him, still on top of the quilt. He kissed her passionately several times until she finally felt relaxed, and crawled beneath the quilt, and let him hold her close.
“I love you,” he said. “After I’m finished kissing you until my lips are sore, I’m going to make you mine.”
“I love your kisses,” Peggy answered, throwing her arms around him.
Gavin’s kisses and gentle caresses along with his tender words of love, made Peggy want him as much as he wanted her.
Afterwards, as they lay entwined on the bed, Gavin asked her if she wanted to have a bit to eat. She suddenly felt famished and she gobbled down a good portion of the food, as did Gavin.
“I didn’t know lovemaking made you so hungry,” she said. “Will we do this every day?”
“Only if you want to, sweetheart,” he said with a laugh.
“I think I do,” she laughed. She dipped her finger in the whipped cream that went with the strawberries, wiped it on his lips, and proceeded to kiss it off.
“Hmm,” Gavin said. “I thought you needed butter to do that.” He then picked up some whipped cream, smeared it on her lips and kissed it off.
After they were finished eating, she and Gavin put their clothes into the closets, as they’d be there a full week.
A full week of marital bliss! Peggy hugged Gavin. “I love being married.”
“Promise me you’ll say that every year on our anniversary,” he said.
“I plan to say it every day,” Peggy said.
EPILOGUE
A few weeks after the honeymoon, as Peggy and Gavin settled themselves into the Iverson home, and married life, Pearl told them it would now be called the McKenzie House, which brought a smile to Gavin’s face.
He still dreaded the long commute to work each day, and so, on a tip from Billy, he applied for a teaching job in each of the schools in Abilene. He had the degree and experience, and was hoping that, if an opening should occur, he’d be considered.
Peggy loved married life, and she was fairly sure Gavin did too, for he was always humming or whistling around the house. Timmy seemed to thrive at McKenzie House.
Flipping through the dresses in the closet for an appropriate outfit for their first family party, she finally chose a light pink dress. She no longer dreaded the family gatherings, but she didn’t exactly look forward to them either. She was no longer jealous of Violet, but still felt somewhat uncomfortable with her.
The occasion was Ivy’s birthday, and the party was in the Armstrong’s backyard. It was late August, the weather had been beautiful, and this day appeared to be perfect for an outdoor party.
She checked her appearance in the mirror and felt satisfied. She felt her stomach—could there be another McKenzie in there already? She prayed that there was. They’d sure been working hard at producing one. Peggy looked forward to her marital relations. In fact, she loved that part of her marriage, when they became as one. She wondered at often hearing older married women complaining about it as if it were a chore, but it was no chore when you had a husband like Gavin. Most of the time she was the aggressor, which well pleased Gavin.
When Pearl, Gavin, Peggy, and Timmy walked into the Armstrongs' backyard, they were warmly greeted. Jonas introduced Timmy to Alfie and Zoe, and the three ran off to play ball together.
Peggy was standing, watching the children play, when she felt two arms going around her neck from behind. Gavin pulled her to him and whispered in her ear, “I love you, Mrs. McKenzie.”
Peggy reached up and pressed his hands to pull them tighter around her. “Timmy seems to be blending right in,” she said. She noticed Violet and Miles approaching them. Gavin chose that time to kiss her cheek before loosening his hold on her.
It seemed that Gavin showered her with extra attention the whole day through, and while he often displayed his affection for her, today it was overly done. She knew what he was doing: he was purposely showing her, Violet, and everyone else, that she was his one and only love. He was reassuring her, and giving her the self-confidence she needed, which only made her love him more. The look in his eyes when he gazed at her told her how much he loved her. She knew she’d never doubt him again.
Gavin traveled back and forth from Abilene to Salina daily. By the time he arrived home it was dark, and he was exhausted. He also made the time to check in on Trina while he was in Salina, at least twice a week. For him to be so tired so soon after his recovery from a gunshot wound worried Peggy.
They’d had always made the time for prayer and family Bible studies each night, but with Gavin’s schedule, they whittled down the Bible studies to Sunday nights only. Gavin was too worn out.
Gavin’s exhaustion began to take a toll on their marital relations, as he seemed to be fast asleep before Peggy had a chance to get into bed. She’d simply kiss him and cuddle up with his sleeping form.
As winter approached, the situation became even worse, because Gavin was forced to stay overnight in Abilene. During one serious winter storm, he was gone for four days. Peggy prayed daily for a job to open up in Abilene. She missed her happy-go-lucky husband, and missed him even more when he had to stay in Salina overnight.
Just before Christmas, Gavin received word of an opening in Abilene, teaching at the elementary school. He interviewed and everyone prayed he’d get the position. Billy had the whole congregation praying.
Then a message came that Gavin had landed the job. He was to start on January first.
Peggy finally had her happy-go-lucky husband again, the house in Salina was sold, and their relationship bloomed again.
In early April, Peggy told Gavin that they had an important issue to discuss. She set him down in the sitting room while Timmy and Pearl were in the kitchen player checkers.
“What’s up?” he said with an expression that showed he was worried.
“I just think it’s time I told you that I love you—and that I’m fairly sure I’m increasing. Finally!” She smiled at him and saw the surprise dawning on his face.
“I don’t know what to say…” He faltered somewhat, then he picked her up, swung her around, thought better of it, and set her down gently. “I probably shouldn’t do that anymore, right?”
“I’m going to hire someone to help out around here so you can take it easy. We can easily afford someone.”
“I’d like that,” she said. “But why do you seem suddenly worried instead of happy?” she asked.
“Because,” he cringed somewhat, “my first wife never fully recovered from childbirth. I’m not sad—quite the opposite—I want a child with you, more than anything, but I want to do everything possible to make sure you stay healthy.” He hugged her close to him. “I want a child, but I want you even more.”
“I’ll accept the hired help. Mother is a big help with Timmy, so I’ll be fine.”
All during her pregnancy, Gavin fussed over Peggy. Truth be told, she rather enjoyed the added attention.
Gavin refused to allow Peggy to work at camp that summer, but he did allow her to come and share his tent. During the day he set a comfortable chair beneath a shade tree and gave her a book to read, and she felt properly pampered. At night he held her in his arms until they both fell asleep.
Two months later, Peggy presented Gavin with a healthy baby daughter. “What should we name her?” Peggy asked. The doctor had just handed her the baby wrapped in a blanket and Gavin touched the tuft of auburn hair.
“She’s beautiful, just like her mother,” Gavin said as he stroked her head. “I don’t know about her first name, but her middle name has to be Pearl.”
“I like that,” she said. “But we need a first name.”
“How about Margaret?” he said.
“But that’s my real name. Won’t it be confusing?”
“No,” he said.
“We’ll call her Maggie.”
“Margaret Pearl…Maggie.” She sounded the name out loud. “I like it!”
“There is a downside to this, sweetheart,” Gavin said with seriousness.
“What could that be?”
“You are no longer the only girl in my life—you’ll have to share me, now.”
Peggy smiled. “I’m sure you have enough love to go around. We’re bound to have more children, you know.”
“I have plenty of love to go around.” He kissed her forehead, and then Margaret Pearl’s forehead. “I now have two of the most beautiful females in Abilene to love.”
THE END
You’ve reached the end but still not through
Please be kind and leave a review.
https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraGossBooks/
Facebook Author Page please click “like” and you will get the latest book news.
http://barbaragossbooks.com/ Website.
***For information about Barbara Goss’s latest novels, author news and events, or to contact her, go to her website: http://www.barbaragossbooks.com click on Contact and fill out the form. You will only get an email when there is a new release or a sale.
I answer every message that I receive. I love hearing from readers.
OTHER BOOKS BY BARBARA GOSS:
Forbidden Legacy-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SENBQB2
Captured Heart-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SQAUU9M
Stolen Heritage-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T8QJKUS
Dangerous Illusions-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TMYVA72
Silent Love-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U3881BE
The Final Vow-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UXQO3Q8
The Kissing Bridge-Cassie's Story-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W5YACOI
Drawn from Darkness-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X32A7GY
