They’d arrived at the depot platform and Mack pulled Pansy down on the bench beside him.
“This spot changed my life twice. Even though I was very young, I still remember Ma ushering me and Fergus off the train and meeting Da, Angus and Seth for the first time. Da leaned over, held out his hand and said, ‘welcome home, son’.”
“You said twice. When was the other time?” Pansy whispered, probably already knowing, or hoping for a positive answer.
“When I first saw you standing on the platform. I knew that’s the reason I came here years ago, so I could meet you when you arrived in Clear Creek.”
“Mack, you don’t mean that.”
“Yes, I do. I told Cullen the minute after I saw you I wanted you for my future wife.”
“And he answered back about my looking like a moose because of my hat,” Pansy shook her head, apparently remembering that moment too.
“What! How’d you know that?” Mack felt his face redden with humiliation.
“I’m tall, so I can see over people. And I can also read lips.”
“Oh, don’t let Cullen off the hook for that remark.”
Pansy shrugged. “Cullen was just looking out for his big brother. He’s very loyal to all of you.”
“Yes, and we’ve always stood up for him. He had a rough life before he became a Reagan.”
Mack rubbed the top of Pansy’s hand while he chose his words. What he said next would define his future.
“We’re used to people saying us Reagan boys didn’t look alike, and Ma and Da lovingly taught us it didn’t matter because we were brothers forever.
“Fergus and I don’t even look alike, and we had the same parents. Fergus is slender compared to my monstrous bulk. I bet I weigh seventy more pounds than him. We don’t have the same jaw line, hair or eye color.”
Pansy squeezed his hand but didn’t say anything, waiting for him to continue.
“I don’t know if my father was five feet tall and my mother seven feet tall, or vice versa. I have no idea what my parents or grandparents looked like, and I won’t lie, it’s bothered me over the years.”
“But seeing you standing on the platform that day gave me a sense of clarity and peace about my future. If I had children with you, they might be tall, serene and beautiful, just like you, no matter my mysterious ancestors’ looks. Or, our children may look like neither of us due to a long-lost relative’s pug nose and black eyes. But together, we could all fit in, even if it was just within our own family, because we’d love and, teach respect for them, each other and others.”
“Thank you, Mack,” Pansy said, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m glad I met you on this platform too. I always felt too big and clumsy compared to other girls and women, but you’ve helped build my confidence and my self-esteem. I’d told myself I couldn’t have children, because, what if I had a daughter who looked like me?
“But with your patient help, I finally feel that if I have children, they will be perfect because I can proudly tell them so. They will be part of a family who would love and honor them no matter their appearance. Just like you love and honor me.”
Touched and encouraged by her words, Mack reached into his vest pocket and pulled out Pansy’s letter he’d snatched off her kitchen table.
“Time to decide our future, Doc.” Mack held out the letter to Pansy. “It may be hard to read here in the dim light, but what’s your decision? Are you going to stay in Clear Creek or move to Illinois, if you’ve been offered a job?”
Pansy didn’t reach for the letter but drew close to Mack’s face instead.
“My first choice would be if my favorite carpenter asked me to be his wife and mother to his children. I’d accept, providing I can still practice medicine in Clear Creek.”
Mack dropped off the bench and down on one knee so fast he grunted in pain. “Ouch! I might have to have my favorite doctor check out my bum knee after my proposal.”
Pansy smiled at his remark and let him pick up her hands.
“Doctor Pansy Flora Walline, I promise to be a loving and supporting husband of your profession, with or without children, since only God knows what’s in our future anyway. Would you do me the great honor of marrying me?”
Pansy’s beaming face warmed his heart and he knew he’d remember this moment forever.
“Yes, Mackenzie Reagan, I’d be proud to be your wife. I’m confident we can support each other and work together. How soon can we marry?”
Mack laughed before giving Pansy a long, happy kiss.
“How much do you want to bet our marriage ceremony is already half planned by my ma and my sisters-in-law?”
“Well, I’d like a little say in the details. But…oh my gosh!”
Pansy’s gaping mouth and wide stare caught Mack off guard.
“What? What’s wrong?”
“When I was over to check on Burdette Jenkins the other day, Mary and Burdette were working on a white wedding gown. I asked who it was for, and I thought Burdette said, ‘for you’ but then Mary had a coughing fit and I went to their kitchen for a glass of water for her. Mary had put away the dress by the time I returned with the glass.”
“Ah ha! The Clear Creek Women’s Society have planned our wedding. Let’s talk to Da and Ma about a date and Ma will tell us when we can have it, or in other words, when all the plans are in place.”
“And just what does that entail, since I haven’t been to a wedding in Clear Creek yet?”
“Da does the ceremony at the church, either right after Sunday service if the couple wants the whole congregation in attendance. Or he’ll do it another day if the couple wants it private or with a small attendance.
“Depending on the time of year, the reception used to be a potluck meal outside the church building. But once the Paulson Hotel was built, most receptions are held in their large party room.”
“What about cake and flowers? I’d like to have both for our wedding.”
“Millie Wilerson has baked the cakes for weddings for the past dozen years. Flowers are usually whatever is in bloom around town. In other words, Millie’s roses need time to grow more buds since I cut them all off earlier today.”
Pansy’s light laugh was enchanting. “What’s left to do?”
“Nothing but pack up my stuff to move back into your apartment after the ceremony. I’ve already bought your ring.”
Chapter 16
Mack tugged on the collar of his dress shirt with his finger, trying to let a little air under his collar. He was sweaty, nervous as heck, and couldn’t wait to start and end this ceremony. He was in a hurry to kiss Pansy and leave the crowded church.
His five brothers stood beside him knowing his fidgeting would be worth it in the end. Mack had teased Angus and Fergus about being nervous grooms, but they’d been very calm compared to him.
The church was packed with townspeople and country folk. Apparently, this was a wedding no one wanted to miss. When he and Pansy talked to his folks about a wedding date, they had suggested the ceremony after church service in two weeks’ time. His mother muttered something about giving a rose bush time to rebloom, but he didn’t care. He was ready for his and Pansy’s union.
Pansy’s attendants didn’t hold any flowers, so they must have saved them all for Pansy’s bouquet. Mack’s sisters-in-law, Daisy and Iris, who had become Pansy’s best friends—and staunch supporters—were first in line on the other side of his father. Holly Clancy and Iva Mae Shepard also stood there, but there wasn’t a fifth woman in line. Maybe that’s all Pansy asked to join her in front of the altar.
The back door of the church opened, and everyone turned in their seats to see the bride and her escort. Mack started chuckling as soon as he saw who was walking by Pansy. Dear old Dan Clancy was proudly walking down the aisle as Pansy’s escort. But Pansy, standing a foot taller than the older man, was holding on to Dan in a way to keep him from falling over.
Dan was Pansy’s first patient when she arrived in town, and Dan and E
dna doted on Pansy as if she was their granddaughter. Mack was proud how his family and friends had welcomed his doctor bride to Clear Creek.
His bride wore a white satin gown that flowed around her perfect figure. A white hairpiece and veil nestled in the top of her curled hair. He bet it was the dress Mary and Burdette had been working on the day Pansy stopped to visit, because Burdette carefully walked behind Pansy holding the end of the long veil.
A lump threatened to dislodge in Mack’s throat as Pansy and Dan stopped in front of him, and Burdette walked up the altar steps to stand beside Iva Mae. If it wasn’t for Pansy’s knowledge and care, the girl wouldn’t be walking on two legs today.
Pansy was the right woman to share his life with, even if he’d have to share her with others as the town’s doctor. He and Pansy had agreed that their vows to each other would include caring for each other and their community.
***
Oh gosh. Pansy was overwhelmed with the crowd in the church pews. Was everyone from the community here? Panic hit her stomach until Mr. Clancy patted her arm.
“Let’s go, Doctor Walline, soon to be Doctor Reagan. Your groom is waiting, and my left knee’s about to give out.”
Doctor Reagan? Yes, Pansy likes the sound of her new title, but for today she just wanted to be Mrs. Mackenzie Reagan.
Mack stood tall ahead of her, grinning at her with such excitement and passion. It eased the butterflies in Pansy’s stomach. She was so blessed to be marrying Mack and to become part of his growing family.
Pansy wished her father could have walked her down the aisle, but she felt peace along with her sadness. Her father made sure she was strong and independent, and luckily, Pansy had found the right, confident man to support her in her life’s work.
“Mack, please take Pansy’s hands and repeat after me,” Pastor Reagan instructed while giving each of them a serious look.
“Mack, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together with her in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto her as long as you both shall live?”
“I will,” Mack answered while staring intently in Pansy’ eyes.
Mack slid a wide gold band on her left ring finger and then squeezed her hand as he said, “Pansy, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
“Pansy, now it’s your turn to repeat the vows.
“Pansy, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together with him in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto him as long as you both shall live?”
Pansy squeezed the hands that could care for her forever, “Yes, I will.”
“Mack and Pansy, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows, the giving of this ring and the joining of your hands, I now declare you to be husband and wife.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance unto you, and give you peace.”
“Son, you may kiss your bride,” Pastor Reagan announced with pride.
***
Mack wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her tight against his chest. “Since first seeing you at the depot, I’ve waited forty-six days, seven hours and thirty-some minutes to do this,” Mack whispered before firmly kissing her for several seconds, until his brothers started hooting and clapping to pull them apart.
Pansy grinned at Mack as he walked her down the aisle to leave the church. Indeed, this great man patiently waited on her, and Pansy was so glad he did.
Mack was a true groom of honor…and Pansy was positive he’d love and care for her forever.
~*~*~*~
Next, read Jasper’s Wish. Here’s the description.
Jasper Kerns, a carpenter and furniture maker in Clear Creek, Kansas, is stunned when his friend, Holly Clancy, remembers a woman named Julip, back in Sweetwater Springs, Montana Territory, when Holly lived there a few years ago.
Jasper always wondered what happened to Julip Washburn, the girl sold at a slave auction with him when they were young. He went back to the Washburn Plantation after the War, but Julip had married and left the area.
Widow Julip Washburn Grover was entertaining men in a log cabin on the edge of Sweetwater Springs to keep her two young children from starving to death. She was close to starvation herself and was sure she’d died when her old friend Jasper Kerns stood in the cabin’s doorway instead of her next customer.
Julip marries Jasper for her children’s sake and moves to Clear Creek, Kansas. Love grows between the couple until a man from Julip’s past stops in town and reveals Julip’s sordid history.
Can the couple weather the embarrassment of Julip’s past, or will the truth tear their marriage apart?
Here’s the beginning of Jasper’s Wish.
Prologue
Spring 1887
Clear Creek, Kansas
"Julip? You say her name was Julip?" Jasper Kerns asked Holly Clancy as he sat in the Clancy Café while Holly finished refilling his cup of coffee.
"Yes. Like Tulip but with a J instead," Holly answered.
Jasper was talking about his new business and wanting to find someone who made rugs. Holly mentioned she once knew someone that loomed rugs and her name was Julip.
"I had never heard of that name until I lived in Sweetwater Springs," Holly sat the coffee pot down on the table and set herself down in a chair at Jasper's table.
"Sweetwater Springs...Kansas?" Jasper queried.
"No, it’s a little town in the Montana Territory, where I lived before I met Nolan. I worked in a café there, and Nolan helped me out when his train stopped because of a snow blizzard."
Jasper and Mack Reagan were having forenoon coffee, and talking about the business Jasper wanted to open in Clear Creek, Kansas. Since moving to Clear Creek after finding his sister, Iris Reagan in town, Jasper had been working with Mack constructing new buildings along Main Street. The city council project, funded by a rancher, Isaac Connely, planned to bring new businesses to town by having storefronts, with living quarters above them, ready to buy or rent.
Jasper enjoyed the construction work because that had been his occupation after the Civil War, rebuilding New Orleans, but now he was thinking about his future. Jasper approached Mr. Connely about renting one of the new Main Street buildings for his own use and living space.
Besides building projects with Mack, Jasper would make furniture and coffins in the back workshop and display them in the storefront. He thought the furniture would show better if there were rugs, lamps, pictures and the like arranged around the groups of furniture.
"How old was this woman? What'd she look like?" Jasper asked, but there was no way this Julip, living many states away from Louisiana, was his childhood friend.
"Julip is in her mid to late twenties. Coal black straight hair similar to my own, but skin more like yours than mine." Although Holly's father was a white man, Jasper guessed she favored her Comanche mother's looks.
"Think she was a mulatto, like me?" Jasper didn't openly talk about his heritage but Holly, being mixed blood, would honestly tell him.
"Probably. And the woman had a distinct Southern drawl, as if she was from the South, so that might be another hint at her heritage."
Jasper almost hated to ask but did. "Married? Children?" Jasper lost his wife and young son in a wagon accident two years ago.
Was he jealous that Julip might be happy with her own family now? Possibly, but he hoped that she ended up with a good life after their terrible times living in slavery.
"Widowed, with two young children. Julip’s husband died in the same mining accident as my father did. That happene
d in Morgan Crossing, which was a two days ride from Sweetwater Springs. Like me, she moved to get away from the rough men in Morgan's Crossing. The last I knew, she was living with an elderly widow lady."
What would Julip think of Jasper showing up on her doorstep? He had money in the bank so he could travel to the territory.
His sister, Iris, had given him five hundred dollars, half of her inheritance from their former master's estate in Louisville, Kentucky. Master Rudell Kerns had moved Iris' mother, June, a mulatto, into his plantation house and thought the infant she'd born in the house was his daughter.
Kerns had sold June’s husband, Johnny, and Jasper, their son, at a slave auction in New Orleans to get them away from his mistress.
Four-year-old Julip, from another plantation, was also sold at that same auction and her, Jasper, and his father were bought by the Washburn Plantation east of New Orleans. They'd gone from children clinging together at an auction to childhood friends.
"If you'd like, I could write Reverend Norton in Sweetwater Springs to see if Julip is still living there," Holly suggested.
Would Jasper like to know if this was his former friend? Sounds like she might have had some happiness like him before it was taken away.
The last time Jasper saw Julip she was fifteen, starting to blossom into a beautiful young woman. Her shiny straight hair was in a bun at the nape of her neck instead of braided pigtails.
"Yes, please write to see if it's my old friend. Her name before marriage would have been Julip Washburn."
He assumed she would have still used it until she married. She was given her last name when the Washburn Plantation bought her. Jasper's pa said to use the Kerns name when he became a free man, hoping it would help connect him with his mother or sister someday. And it had. By fluke, Jasper was working in Nebraska, heading west, looking for Iris when her future husband took a homestead photograph of the place he was working. Fate united Jasper and Iris. Could it do the same for him and Julip?
Mack's Care (Grooms With Honor Book 4) Page 11
