by Sioux Dallas
The last week of June Aretha and Jordon were married in the St. Ignatius church and Ginger gave them a dream reception in the Fellowship Hall. They had purchased a house and five acres in Poison but would keep in touch.
Irene was floating with her happiness. She did look lovely in her turquoise gown and matching slippers. She carried a bouquet of pink baby rosebuds. Helen’s dress was a yellow with matching slippers and she carried a bouquet of white baby rosebuds with a yellow ribbon. Juanita was a princess in her lilac gown and matching slippers and carrying yellow baby rosebuse. Ginger’s gown was an ice blue with matching slippers. She carried a bouquet of a mixture of the flowers.
Aretha was lovely in a tea length white dress of satin with a matching coat and white heels. She carried a white Bible and three white gardenias. She glowed and Jordon forgot to answer the priest because he was looking at Aretha with such love in his eyes and paying no attention to what was going on.
Children were included in the July guest session and the hands had a ball teaching the eager four girls and two boys about the ranch and all they were supposed to learn. Jack was extra good with the children teaching them how to play a guitar, throw a rope and ride horses.
On Ginger’s birthday James came over and ask her to take a ride with him. They saddled War Shield and Dakota Joe and rode out to a spot along the river under some cottonwood trees.
“Ginger, just listen to me and then you can tell me what you think.”
James seemed nervous. “I’ve known you all your life and have felt that you’re like a little sister to me. These last few weeks I’ve come to recognize that I actually love you and admire you.” He held his open palm up when she looked as if she were going to speak. “I know this comes as a shock to you because we’ve been so nonchalant about our friendship. When I thought your life was in danger, my heart actually hurt and I recognized that I truly love you.” Her eyes grew wide with shock.
James reached into a pocket in his vest and brought out a small velvet box. “I would be the happiest man in the world if you’d accept this and wear it until we make more permanent plans. My mother is now in an assisted living facility and Marlene, my mother, and I have a promising relationship. She is bringing her husband and my half siblings for a visit this month. I find I need you desperately by my side.”
He opened the box and showed her a gold band with a diamond-shaped diamond with a circle of smaller diamonds. “If you don’t like it, we can go into Billings and you can choose one you do like. He dropped on one knee. “Please say you’ll be my wife. I love you with my whole heart.”
“I - I don’t know what to say. This is a surprise. To tell you the truth I wondered about the strange feeling I had when I thought you were going to marry Vicki. It dawned on me that it was jealousy and I cared a lot about you. Yes, we’ve known each other all our lives and there’ll be no surprises when we are married.” She laughed and held out her hand for James to slip the ring on her finger. He kissed her soundly and kept stealing little kisses until they had returned to the house. Ginger ran in to show Juanita, Helen and Irene. They were all dancing around and hugging and laughing. They finally joined hands and jumped up and down in a circle.
“I’m so happy for you Ginger -- and you, too, James.” Ginger looked up to see James had come in the back door. She smiled and went to him to be enveloped in a warm hug. Juanita placed an arm around them both and hugged them. “I would suggest a double wedding but that wouldn’t do.”
“Why not?” Ginger asked.
“You’re the owner of a big ranch and will soon join the two ranches to make the largest in the state. I’m just hired help. Your wedding should be bigger and more grand.” Juanita explained. Helen and Irene agreed.
“You’re never just hired help, Juanita. You’re the sister I’ve never had.”
James left because the women were excitedly chatting and making plans.
His heart was sad knowing that his grandparents would not be present.
Maybe Marlene would want to be included. They’d wait and see.
The August session went even better than the others and even the hands were satisfied. The people in this session felt they got extra for their money because they were present for the wedding of Juanita and Michael.
Ginger had hired people to come in and decorate the yard as an old fashioned setting. It looked as if it came from the early 1900s.
Juanita wore a white satin gown with a hoop under it. An apron overlay was made of lace and ruffles. The top was form fitting with tiny pleats leaving her shoulders bare. Short sleeves attached to the top were puffed on her upper arms and white gloves came to her elbows. She carried a white umbrella with ruffles around the edge. The bonnet had long white ribbons running down the back. Her white button shoes came well above her ankles and had a two inch heel.
Jordon had blue pants with narrow width legs and black boots. His coat split in the back and the end hit about the back of his thighs. He had a vest with a pocket watch and a white shirt pleated with ruffles down the front. He had a black top hat and black leather gloves.
The musicians had practiced and played songs of the early 1990s; “While Walking Through The Park One Day,” “I Want A Girl Just Like The Girl That Married Dear Old Dad” and others.
Two newspapers and a television crew were taking pictures. Ginger refused to allow them to photograph her and include a write-up on the troubles they’d had with the cult. “This is not my day, it belongs to the couple who are being married today. I’ll talk to you another time.”
The new couple had two weeks to go to Hawaii as a gift from James and Ginger.
Ginger had deeded ten acres beside and slightly behind Hank to Juanita and Jordon. The three of them had drawn up plans for a four bedroom, two and a half bath house with a dining room separate from the living room. The kitchen would have all the state of the art equipment. Fireplaces would be in the living room and in the master bedroom. Central heat and air condition would be used. Winter storms with electricity down were frequent so they had several lanterns and a supply of oil. A garage was built with a door leading into the kitchen and an area to stack wood for the fireplaces. A storage building was at the back.
The couple stayed in Juanita’s quarters in the main house until their house could be built. Then Helen and Irene moved into the suite.
Ginger and James had first decided to wait until the following year for their wedding but Juanita and Jordon talked them into having a Thanksgiving wedding even with the snow and cold.
Ginger was outside checking on the horses when she saw Jack riding toward her. She couldn’t decide what she was seeing but she was glad to see him. There seemed to be a light around Jack and the horse. He stopped and smiled at her. “Sorry I won’t be here for your wedding but I know you’re going to have a beautiful wedding and a wonderful life. Keep God in your hearts and in your home and you’ll be fine.” He rode off down the driveway.
Juanita came out to talk to Ginger and asked her why she was staring at the driveway looking so puzzled. “Jack just rode off down there after telling me good bye but I don’t see him in sight at all and he hasn’t had time to go that far. Why would he ride off anyway instead of taking a truck and trailer?”
Frank came out she told him about Jack’s mysterious disappearance. “I don’t know what you think you saw Ginger, but it wasn’t Jack. He left yesterday and left this note for you.”
She took the note and read. “Remember what I’ve said and remember that I am very fond of you. Read Hebrews 13:2 and you’ll know what I mean.”
Ginger hurried into the house and picked up her Bible to find the reference. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. She could hardly breathe. “I was right all the time.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Hank was humbled and so apologetic that Ginger began to feel annoyed at him. “Ginger, you just proved you’re smarter than the rest of us put together. I had no idea that yo
u would be as successful as you were. You have a huge profit and dozens of happy, satisfied people. Word of mouth is more valuable than all advertisements and you’ll have word of mouth approval from the way everyone gushed when they left here. Can you ever forgive me?”
“Hank, my darling friend, there’s nothing to forgive. I understood that you have lived here many years and had not attempted anything concerning a guest ranch. In fact,” she laughed, “I know how you felt about the dudes.”
“I got acquainted with some of your guests and look forward to seeing them next year. I promised some of the men I’d take them to a great fishing spot.”
She hugged him and left to take care of ranch business.
Francine had kept good, clear books and set up spreadsheets on the computer. She proved to be a people person and enjoyed the guests also.
Everyone seemed to like her and even consulted her with some of their questions and interests. She asked Ginger to remember her for next year.
The winter wheat was planted in September and the corn had been gathered to be ground for feed and some saved for cornmeal for cornbread.
The calves had proved to be a hit on the so called cattle drives and were now enjoying a time of rest.
In October Ginger, Juanita, Helen, Irene and Aretha seriously planned Ginger’s wedding. She and James would be married at the church and a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Ginger was astonished and touched because so many of the ranchers in the vicinity wanted to be part of her plans and to help.
Amy Davidson, Wanda Peterson, Lisa Swift and Belinda Mercer offered to be responsible for planning and getting food for the reception. Five women from the church volunteered to help.
Juanita, Helen, Ellen Barker and Glenda Morton were to be responsible for the decorations in the church and in the Hall.
Ginny Campbell and Aretha offered to work with Ginger on the clothing.
Ginger’s hands volunteered to furnish the music. As a surprise to the couple, Frank made arrangements for a white carriage pulled by matched white high-stepping horses to take Ginger to the church. Hank, choking to keep his tears back, was to walk down the aisle with her.
James had asked his foreman, Stephen Two Feathers, to be his best man.
Adam Whitefeather, Alan Barker, Raymond Saunders and Michael Rogers would be his groomsmen.
Ginger was drawn in different directions trying to select four bridesmaids. Too many of her friends expected to be chosen. Juanita would be her matron of honor but what would she do for the others? Irene, Helen, Francine and Jenny Pearson, a college friend, were finally chosen for the bridesmaids.
Ginger began to have doubts and be nervous about the coming nuptial.
Am I doing the right thing? James is so familiar and I’ve known him all my life. Can this be true love that will last as my grandparents’ and my parents’ did? Good grief, I’m sure there will be children in the future. Am I ready for that? Will I make a good wife and mother?
She thought and worried until she finally went to sleep.
James and Ginger talked and agreed to combine a Native American wedding and customs of those around her.
The Native American custom was for both bride and groom to wear white and be sung over by the shaman. They talked to the priest and he finally agreed to share the ceremony with Swift Deer. Robert Swift Deer would sing a blessing on them and sprinkle corn powder over them. The priest would give the accustomed ceremony.
All the hands gathered in their best suits, white shirt, string ties, polished boots and felt western hats to wave Ginger off in the white carriage. She was wrapped in white bear skins. Her dress was made of white deer hide. The top came up around her neck with a variety of polished jewels sewn around it. The sleeves were long with slits in them to show a tan leather skin underneath. The skirt was full with jewels and shells around the hem which brushed daintily on white deer-hide moccasins. She carried a white Bible and white lilies that had been flown in especially for her.
James wore white deer hide pants and a white tunic with white moccasins. He had a white headband with designs painted on it to show his strength and bravery. His best man and groomsmen would all wear the regulation tuxes.
Ginger told Juanita and the bridesmaids to wear what gown they preferred and to carry fall flowers. Mums, gold and peace roses-----.
The church was decorated with gold, rust and red colors of ribbons, candles and flowers. The Fellowship Hall had the same colors. Food was the usual items found at a wedding in addition to fry bread and skewers of elk meat.
Hank and Frank both walked Ginger down the aisle to the altar. The church organist played traditional songs for the wedding. When the shaman was blessing them and singing a blessing, Native American drummers supplied the background.
The priest asked, “Who gives this woman?”
Hank and Frank both answered, “We do and all her friends.”
The priest said, “If there is anyone present who objects to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
There was amused silence and then the congregation froze in horror.
A woman’s sharp voice spoke loudly, “I object. He was supposed to marry me.” She waved a pistol in the air and fired it three times. Among the screams and people ducking, Ginger’s cry went unnoticed for a few minutes. James looked when she slowly slipped to the floor and he saw the blood on her white dress. 9-1-1 was quickly called, but before they could get there, Ginger begged the priest to declare them man and wife.
He quickly did so and the necessary papers were signed.
Ginger was taken to the hospital to have a bullet removed from her shoulder. She went on her honeymoon trip to the Bahamas with a sling on her arm and pills that she had to take.
“Well, our wedding will be the talk of the town for many years to come,” James said.
“Just think how we can entertain our grandchildren with the story,” Ginger smiled as she leaned over to kiss him.
Ginger walked out on the balcony outside their room and looked up at the dark sky full of bright stars. “Jack, I wish you could have been here, but I have a feeling you might have been. I’ll never forget you and will love you to my dying day.”
Two years later, James Andrew Deerhunter joined the family. This is where you read, “and they lived happily ever after” and they did. James and Marlene became close and her entire family were drawn in James‘ family.
Her husband was angry for her and understood better than she thought he might. James sold the Leaning Tree Ranch and shared with Marlene. He and Ginger kept the hands, who wanted to stay, with them on the Majestic Equine Proudfoot Ranch.
James deposited and invested the majority of his money thinking of future children that they hoped to have.
Check their ads in case you want to attend their next guest session.
Some Extra Treats to Enjoy
from Sioux Dallas
Chili-Cheese Popcorn
1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
1/3 cup firmly packed powdered cheese
1 teaspoon garlic salt
Pinch of garlic cayenne pepper
6 cups fresh popped corn
Melt 2 full tablespoons butter or margarine, drizzle over the popped corn. Mix the dry ingredients together and sprinkle 1 ½ tablespoons of the mix over the corn and mix well.
German Hot Potato Salad
Peel and cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Bring to a boil until tender. Drain and set aside. In a double boiler, over low heat stir in 3 eggs beaten, 1 cup white sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ cup vinegar, 1 cup water. Cook stirring constantly until thick and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon mustard and ½ pint sour cream. Blend carefully and pour over potatoes and blend.
Serve hot. Some cooks cut boiled egg slices on top.
Waldorf Slaw
6 cups shredded cabbage
Small chunks of apple
½ cup raisins
½ cup English walnuts
1 cup Marzetti Slaw dressing (original or light)
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Toast
Toast bread to a golden brown. Spread a liberal layer of butter or margarine. Spread a thin layer of brown sugar (better than white for diabetics) Sprinkle with powdered cinnamon. Place in broiler or toaster oven for one minute. I place mine on a paper plate and put it in the microwave.
Fried Banana Pies
I used to make my own yeast bread until I discovered the cans of crescent rolls. Place flour on aluminum paper. Roll two crescents together to make one large rectangle. A banana makes two pies.
Slice the banana in half lengthwise. Lay one half on the bread. Place 1 tablespoon brown sugar on the banana. Optional to add crushed nuts. Bring bread around the banana and pinch it together.
Place in pan in oven at 350 degrees for 8 minutes or until bread is brown.
Author’s Note
Hello Dear Readers,
I’ve chosen St. Ignatius, Montana as the nearest town for the setting among many ranches. St. Ignatius sets on the Flathead Indian Reservation with Amish farmers around them who make wonderful neighbors.
The Flathead, Salish and Kootenal Indians are living a better life on this reservation than other Indians because their land is more productive for raising crops or grazing cattle and horses.
Tim Ryan, a country singer, is a resident of St. Ignatius and Diane Sands, a member of the House of Representatives was born here. It is a growing town filled with lovely people who practice the western motto: “keep your word and help your neighbor”. Who is their neighbor? Like the Good Samaritan, anyone who needs them.
Montana is called the Big Sky Country for obvious reasons. It’s also known as The Treasure State. There are big mountains, but around sixty percent of the state is on the Great Plains. There are Bison (buffalo), White-Tailed Deer, Elk, Big Horn Sheep, Pronghorn Antelope and Marmot which are large ground squirrels. Trout can be found in all waters except for the man-made lakes. The owners sometimes stock these with fish.
