Walker's Wedding

by Lori Copeland

“What if I said I’d rethought this, and I now concede that a child needs both parents?”

  “A fool would know that.” She picked up her valise and hailed a driver-for-hire. Walker trailed her out to the wagon and helped her onto the front seat. He stored the valise and then climbed into the rear of the conveyance.

  She pivoted in her seat to glare at him. He said, “There isn’t a train back until tomorrow.”

  After that the couple rode in silence. Sarah searched her mind for an explanation of her sudden appearance. What would she tell Papa? That he’d been right all along? That she should have accompanied him back to Boston months ago?

  When the wagon rolled into the courtyard, Abraham came to greet the newcomers, a smile breaking out when he recognized Sarah. “Sarah girl!”

  “Hi, Abe.” Sarah smiled as the old servant lifted her out of the wagon and set her on the ground.

  Holding her away from him, he examined her. “My, oh, my. Baby girl is surely fillin’ out.”

  Patting her burgeoning load, she sighed. “Aren’t I, though?”

  Walker jumped down from the wagon and paid the driver. Then he turned to Sarah and the servant. “Abe, I’m Walker McKay.”

  Grinning, the white-haired servant gazed up and down at the rancher. “So this is Mr. McKay. Well, now.”

  Sarah reached for her valise and started off toward the house. Walker caught up, taking the bag out of her hand despite her protests. “I am capable of carrying my own luggage.”

  “No wife of mine is carrying her luggage.”

  “I am not your wife. Not anymore.”

  Wadsy’s rotund bulk appeared in the doorway. “Oh, praise the Lord! Is that you, baby girl?”

  “It’s me, Wadsy!” Sarah gave the nanny a big hug before hurrying into the house.

  Walker tipped his hat. “Walker McKay, Wadsy. Nice to meet you.”

  Wadsy turned to watch his swift passage after Sarah. “Pleasure to meet ya, sir.”

  “Papa? I’m home!” Sarah announced as she breezed past the study.

  “Sarah Elaine? Is that you? What are you doing home?” He appeared in the study door as she climbed the stairs.

  “I live here, don’t I?” She walked down the hallway to her bedroom, with Walker in close pursuit.

  “Is that Mr. McKay with you?”

  “It is, sir,” Walker said. “We’ll be down in a minute. I’m trying to talk sense into your daughter.”

  “Well, good luck!” Lowell said, retreating back into the study.

  Sarah reached her bedroom and turned the doorknob. Walker’s hand blocked her. His breath was warm on her neck. “What if I said that I need you more than I’ve ever needed anything in my life? That life won’t be worth living if you’re not the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see every night? That I didn’t know what love was until you stepped into my life, and that I thank God that he knew better than I what I needed or wanted. You are my life, Sarah. And I love you more than words can say. If you walk out on me now, you’ll leave a hole in my heart I will never be able to fill.

  She shook her head.

  “I’ll take you to Ireland.”

  She turned to him, suddenly feeling helpless. He’d never once ever said that he needed her. Her eyes gave away her indecision, and he took full advantage.

  “I don’t just need you, I love you. I’ve been a fool.” He tilted her chin, kissing her lightly on the mouth. “I want what we first had, Sarah. I want it worse than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life. And so much more. Please say you’ll forgive me so we can get married again and start over. I’ve got sick cows, a bull down, a heifer in heat, fence to mend, a barn to rebuild, and planting before spring, sweetheart. I can’t be traipsing all over the country courting you.”

  “This is your idea of courting me?”

  “It’s my way of telling my woman that I love her.” His mouth closed over hers a second time as his arms went around her.

  Closing her eyes, she tasted him, so warm, so Walker. Other than the kisses at finding her unharmed at Caleb’s, it had been ages since his lips had sought hers. Even longer since she’d felt this sense of hope. Their mouths brushed and lingered.

  It was long minutes before she could bring herself to ask, “If I marry you again—if,” she emphasized. “Will the reverend officiate at a barbecue?”

  He grinned. “This time we’re doing it right.” His lips left hers to toy with the nape of her neck. “Your papa will be there to give you away, and Flo and Wadsy will both help you dress.” Their lips drifted back together. “I love you. Please say you’ll repeat our vows, Sarah McKay, and let’s put the past behind us.”

  He’d finally found the right words.

  “Of course I’ll marry you, Walker McKay. What took you so long to ask?”

  On the landing below, Wadsy, Lowell, and Abraham breathed a sigh of relief.

  Abe smiled. “Looks like you finally got yourself a son-in-law, sir.”

  Lowell nodded, grinning from ear to ear. “It does, Abe. A fine son-in-law. Maybe now we can all rest.”

  Epilogue

  On was a glorious Wyoming morning, Sarah silently thanked God for her bountiful blessings—far too many to list. Beside her, Walker handled the buggy reins as he drove home from church services. Reverend Baird’s sermon this morning had been on forgiveness.

  Now, that was a subject she and Walker knew a lot about.

  Not much had changed in the past two years, yet everything had. Abe had gone to be with the Lord and Papa and Wadsy had moved to Wyoming to help care for the children and be cared for themselves. Sarah turned to watch them in the backseat, trying to keep the twins out of trouble. S.H. and Flo still ran the ranch.

  “Lawsy me, I never heard such chatterin’ in all my born days,” the old nanny chided.

  “Just like their mama,” Papa added, drawing one of the two identical redhaired girls to his chest for a big Grandpa hug.

  “Land sakes, you’re sweet as honey,” Wadsy said to the child on her lap, “though I would appreciate a decent night’s sleep. Do these young’uns ever intend to sleep a full night through?”

  Sarah grinned at Walker. “We were hoping you could tell us, Wadsy.”

  “Maybe I could watch them for a few nights,” Papa suggested. “Take them off your hands for you.”

  “Mr. Livingston, these girls would run you to bits. You gotta remember your health!”

  “Wadsy, don’t start with me—”

  Sarah grinned at Walker. Leaning closer, she whispered, “I haven’t had the nerve to tell them we’re expecting again.”

  Winking, he grinned at her. “I don’t think they’ll mind.”

  “What you two a-whisperin’ ’bout up there?” Wadsy asked as Millie scrambled from her lap to the floor of the buggy. Molly extended her arms to the nanny, so Wadsy and Papa traded children.

  “Nothing much,” Sarah said over her shoulder. She turned to her husband and squeezed his arm. “Have I told you how much I love you today?”

  “I don’t mind hearing it again.”

  “I do—with all my heart.”

  His affectionate squeeze back told her all she needed to know. He was reserved around Wadsy and Papa, but he made up for it when they were alone.

  Sarah Elaine Livingston McKay’s dreams had all come true. She’d married the man of her dreams. The second wedding had been before God, in church, with baskets of flowers and family and friends in attendance. No barbecue permitted.

  Today, she was the mother of two perfect little redheaded girls who, as their father had feared, had indeed inherited their mother’s stubborn tendencies. S.H. and Flo were happy there were heirs to the Walker fortune, so there was little to fuss about at Spring Grass these days.

  Only Caleb concerned her now. She had long ago forgiven him, but Walker was still working on it. He had pressed charges against the banker, who was now serving a prison sentence for embezzlement and attempted murder. Sarah hoped he had learned his lesson
and would be released early for good behavior. Everyone needed forgiveness.

  All in all, Sarah was happier than she’d ever dreamed possible. If anyone were to ask, she’d still say it was best to seek God’s will for your life, though the road might not always be easy.

  That Sarah McKay knew from personal experience.

  Discussion Questions

  Which character in the book appealed to you the most? Why?

  How successfully does the author portray spiritual themes in this story? Did you find it thought-provoking, or was it just an entertaining read for you?

  When Sarah ran away from home, did you sympathize with her, or did you feel she should have tried to work things out with her father?

  On the train, what did you think of Lucy’s plight? What was your reaction to the girls’ decision to let Sarah pose as Walker’s mail-order bride?

  While not common in our modern American society, arranged marriages are still prevalent in some cultures. What do you think about such a custom? Was Walker wrong to have decided to go that route after Trudy’s betrayal?

  After learning the truth, Walker felt that Sarah had betrayed him as badly as Trudy had. Do you agree or disagree?

  After the initial shock of finding out that Sarah lied to him, do you think Walker should have forgiven her sooner, or was his anger and mistrust justified? How do you think you would have responded?

  Walker is fortunate to have friends in his life (Flo and S.H., especially) who love him enough to speak the truth to him and still support him in his pain. Are there people like that in your life? If not, is that something you would ask God for? Why or why not?

  Sarah realizes after the fire in the barn that Walker may never forgive her for her poor decision. Do you think God can make all things work to good for those who repent and try to follow Him?

  Caleb ends up in prison for his wrong decisions. Do you agree with Sarah that everyone deserves forgiveness, or are there some things between friends that cannot or should not be overlooked? Do you think your thoughts about this question influence how you give and receive forgiveness?

  About the Author

  Lori Copeland is the author of more than 90 titles, both historical and contemporary fiction. With more than 3 million copies of her books in print, she has developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She has been honored with the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books’ Best Seller Award. In 2000, Lori was inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.

  Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband, Lance, their three children, and five grandchildren.

  Other Books by Lori Copeland

  What are you going to do, McAllister? Put your life on hold forever and let a woman like Ragan slip through your fingers so you can pursue scum like Bledso?

  Johnny knew Bledso wasn’t worth a hair on Ragan’s head. Why couldn’t he let it go and just get on with his life?

  Convicted of a bank robbery he didn’t commit, drifter Johnny McAllister is sentenced to do time in a rehabilitation program in the home of Judge Proctor McMann, a gentle, wise soul who believes in second chances.

  Johnny’s aim is to be a model prisoner. He hopes to be released early to return to his life’s mission: to find and kill Dirk Bledso, the man who wiped out his family 16 years before. Johnny has planned for everything…except his encounter with Ragan Ramsey, the judge’s beautiful and kind housekeeper, and his involvement with the generous folks of Barren Flats.

  Can this would-be outlaw let go of his hate and anger and embrace something better—something he can’t yet see?

  A tender romance that shows how even the hard law of the West doesn’t stand a chance when God’s mercy, warm friendship, and true love come to reside in a lonely man’s heart.

  The corner of Cade’s eye caught a glimpse of a redheaded woman entering the drugstore. His quickening heartbeat caught him off guard. For a moment he thought it was Zoe. It wasn’t. He settled back in the saddle, grinning. Zoe Bradshaw. Now there was a woman not easily forgotten.

  Famous bounty hunter Cade Kolby is forced off the trail to decide the fate of his late sister’s orphaned children. He’s not only returning to his hometown and nieces and nephews but also to a fiery redhead he loved and left 15 years ago.

  The last person Zoe Bradshaw wants to see is Cade, but she does want to raise her best friend’s children as her own. So she tries to be polite, if cool, even as the attraction between them flares up again. Only this time, Zoe is determined not to let Cade get close to her heart.

  But the townsfolk have other ideas. They want to see the little orphans with a mother and a father, and they form a plan that includes the possibility of a kiss…

  A tender romance that shows how even the hard law of the West doesn’t stand a chance when God’s mercy, warm friendship, and true love come to reside in a lonely man’s heart.

  Other Good Harvest House Fiction

  by Lori Wick

  YELLOW ROSE TRILOGY

  Every Little Thing About You

  Former Texas Ranger Slater Rawlings is startled when he is arrested by Shotgun’s acting deputy, Miss Liberty Drake. Sparks fly as the cowboy’s and Liberty’s lives and faith intertwine. Love’s path is delightfully unpredictable in this heartwarming romance.

  A Texas Sky

  As Texas Ranger Dakota Rawlings escorts his boss’ niece, Darvi Wingate, to another town, he soon finds out that Darvi seems to attract trouble. But they also discover that they’re both believers…and falling for each other. When Darvi is kidnapped, she can’t imagine how God will rescue her—until Dakota appears!

  City Girl

  Nothing has prepared city girl Reagan Sullivan for the land of armadillos and tall Texans. When rancher Cash Rawlings comes into her life, Reagan is intrigued—but love and commitment are adventures this city girl has vowed never to embark on. Can Reagan come to terms with her fragile past?

  THE CALIFORNIANS

  Whatever Tomorrow Brings

  In the midst of grief and unfamiliar surroundings, Kaitlin, the Donovans’ oldest daughter, faces life in rugged California. Will she recognize God’s unexpected gift of love and accept His strength to face whatever tomorrow brings?

  As Time Goes By

  When Bobbie Bradford returns to Santa Rosa to consider a marriage proposal, Jeff Taylor regrets not apologizing to her years ago when he humiliated her. Can forgiveness and love grow as time goes by?

  Sean Donovan

  Sean Donovan is sentenced to hang. But the upstanding Charlotte Cooper saves him by agreeing to marry him. Can they both forget their past hurts in order to trust their future hope?

  Donovan’s Daughter

  When Marcail Donovan seeks shelter at the bachelor doctor’s house during a storm, the pretty schoolteacher is thrust into a scandal. The kind doctor can save her honor, but will it cost Marcail her dreams?

  ROCKY MOUNTAIN MEMORIES

  Where the Wild Rose Blooms

  Just as the spark of love ignites, tragedy strikes, leaving Jackie Fontaine with a secret so terrible she would rather lose Clay Taggart than share it with him. Can love shatter her stubborn pride?

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  When desperate circumstances drive Rebecca home to Travis Buchanan, she can see the change in the man she left behind. Is she more afraid to love—or to be loved?

  To Know Her by Name

  A mysterious woman and a dangerous masquerade are both part of this unusual story of love, intrigue, and faith. From Lori Wick, author of the bestselling Whispers of Moonlight.

  Promise Me Tomorrow

  Can Rusty Taggart convince Chase McCandles that his son desperately needs a father? Can Chase learn to trust God to help him demonstrate his love for Quintin—and for Rusty? A heartwarming story of love, trust, and family.

  About the Publisher

  To learn more about books by Lori Copeland or to read sample chapters, log on to our web
site:

  www.harvesthousepublishers.com

  HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS

  EUGENE, OREGON