A mere three days later, the Bailey’s household was abuzz with excitement before the sun even peeked over the horizon. Christmas morning had arrived at last. Tom and Logan sat in the living room, chatting with Hodges and Peterson. Charley and Carter sat on the rug near the fireplace, playing with their dog and enjoying a special piece of candy their grandmother had brought for them. Meanwhile, Janie, Sara, and her mother all shuffled about in the kitchen preparing a feast for that afternoon.
Though a cold wind rattled the windows, the house was warm and inviting. The scent of a roast cooking over the fire filled the air while laughter and chatter carried through the house.
By the time lunchtime neared, Janie was plating the roast while Sara scooped out big helpings of mashed potatoes. Mother pulled a pan of fresh, hot rolls from the oven, placing one on every plate. Before Janie had even announced that the food was ready, the men were gathering around the table, drawn in by the mouth-watering aroma.
Tom stood at the head of the table, offering thanks for their meal and the opportunity to enjoy it together as a family. As everyone sat down, the room again filled with cheerful chatter.
Charley and Carter each eagerly dug into their meal, knowing that such an occasion was sure to be followed by dessert. Sara had to laugh at their enthusiasm. Seeing Tom and their mother enjoying conversation over a meal once again brought a smile to Sara’s face. After four long years, Mother could have both of her children together again.
Following a much-enjoyed meal, Logan caught Sara by the hand. “There is something I want to show you,” he said, drawing her toward the door.
Sara followed, pulling on her heavy coat and scarf. Seeing that everyone was caught up in conversation, they knew that their momentary absence wouldn’t be missed. Stepping out into the cold, Logan led Sara across the yard and toward the back portion of the property. Off in the distance, Sara could make out the form of a cabin that had not been there before. She looked to Logan.
“You’ll see once we get there,” he grinned.
She matched his smile. “Alright.”
“This is my new house,” he informed as they finally reached the door. “It’s my way of confirming to myself and the family that I’ve settled for good.”
Sara beamed, knowing how much that would mean to them all. “It’s lovely,” she said, admiring the craftmanship in the hand-carved woodwork.
“Come on in. I want you to see all of it.”
Logan led her through the door, where a burst of warm air welcomed them. A fire was crackling in the fireplace, casting a glow around the room. Lovely blue gingham curtains hung over the windows, each tied back with a string. A charming kitchen sat off to one side with a table in the middle of it.
Sara walked around, admiring the work that he’d put into his new home. When she turned around to compliment him, she gasped. Logan was behind her and had dropped to one knee.
“I’ve built all of this with you in mind. And it will all be yours if you’ll make me the happiest man in the world. Sara, will you marry me?”
Sara’s eyes began to fill with tears. “Of course, I will!” she whispered. “Nothing in the world could make me happier!”
A smile spread over Logan’s face as he rose and swept Sara up in his arms. He twirled her around once before placing her feet back on the floor and kissing her.
“I love you, my darling!” she exclaimed, sliding her arms around his neck and holding him close.
“And I love you,” he said, gazing into her eyes. “And when you’re ready, we have a whole household of people who will be overjoyed to hear our news.”
“Yes, with all of the ups and downs they’ve been through along with us, they should know right away.”
Logan kissed her on the cheek before taking her hand in his own. “Lead the way, my love,” he said, stepping toward the door.
Hand-in-hand, they crossed the yard. Through the windows, Sara could see her mother stooped down to play with Charley and Carter. Tom and Janie were sitting on the couch, holding hands. Her heart overflowed, knowing the future that now awaited her. Exchanging one last smile, they started into the house to share the news of their engagement.
Epilogue
One week after Christmas, Sara stood in a small side room of the chapel in Oakmede. She gently pulled the long sleeves of her gown over her arms, embracing the joy of her childhood dreams of wearing such a dress coming true.
Her mother shuffled around behind her, helping her button up the back of her gown. She ran her fingers over the satin and lace, reminiscing about having worn a similar dress on her own wedding day so many years ago. Now, seeing her daughter in it brought joy to her heart.
“You make a stunning bride, my dear, as I always knew that you would.” Mother turned Sara to face her, cupping her chin in her hands. “I’m so thankful that you’ve found a man like Logan.”
“Thank you,” Sara smiled, giving her mother a hug. “It’s truly a dream come true.” She peered out the window as more guests arrived. Rich, green garlands and bright red ribbons of Christmas still adorned the windowsill, standing in brilliant contrast to the snow-covered road outside.
Sara watched as James and Genevieve locked up the inn across the street. It seemed as though all of Oakmede was closing down for the celebrations of the day. The blacksmith and his wife made their way down the snowy path, hand-in-hand.
“We’d best hurry along though,” Mother urged. “It’s nearly eight-thirty.” She ushered Sara back to a stool where she could reach her hair. She began pinning her daughter’s strawberry blonde locks into delicate loops, forming a soft bun while leaving a few gentle wisps free to frame Sara’s face. “One final touch and you’ll be ready to meet your groom!” Mother collected a lace veil from a nearby counter, fixing it in place with hairpins.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Mrs. Bailey opened the door and peeked out. “Yes? Are they ready for her?”
“Almost,” Janie answered. “Logan is speaking with the preacher now. The boys are anxious to see their aunt as a bride.”
“Oh, send them in!” Sara called, peeking out from behind her mother. “They’re simply adorable in their finest clothes!”
Janie nodded and sent the boys in. They rushed to Sara, hugging her as she welcomed them into her arms.
“What handsome boys! You both look so grown up!”
Charley beamed with pride, showing her his nicest jacket and tie. Tom then appeared at the door, calling to the boys.
“Alright, you two, we are ready for you,” he urged, leading them out into the chapel.
Logan had already taken his place at the front of the building, awaiting his bride. With a nod of approval from the preacher, Tom joined the men and motioned for the boys to lead the wedding party down the aisle.
Sara peeked out, waiting for her moment. Her eyes widened as she viewed the crowded room. Most of the town had shown up to celebrate the wedding of their deputy. And even in the short amount of time that Sara had spent in Oakmede, she’d made so many friends. She quickly spotted Genevieve and James sitting in the front row.
The crowd watched, with smiles filling the room as Charley and Carter made their way to their father and uncle. They smiled and waved to the people that they knew the best, making sure to slow near Genevieve.
“Do you like my suit?” Charley whispered.
Genevieve nodded and leaned forward. “You look so grown up!” she whispered.
Tom urged the boys to join him, while Janie made her way down the aisle behind them.
“Are you ready, my dear?” Sara’s mother asked, taking her by the hand.
Sara nodded. “I’m ready. I’ve never wanted anything more than to become Logan’s bride.”
“And I’ve awaited this very day for years. I’m so happy to be able to share it with you,” she smiled. Together, mother and daughter stepped out into the chapel, slowly passing between two rows of guest-lined pews.
Though all eyes were on Sara, her own gaze re
sted on her groom’s loving smile. His eyes held a joy such as she’d not yet seen in them, causing Sara’s heart to patter more quickly. Soft whispers of admiration could just be heard as she passed each bench until the women reached the front of the room. There, Logan stepped forward, welcoming his bride. Mrs. Bailey proudly placed her daughter’s hand in Logan’s, cupping them together before taking her seat next to Genevieve.
Logan clasped Sara’s hand in his own, pausing for a moment as he observed her beauty. In her eyes, he saw so much more than a lovely face. He saw her passion for life and fervor for justice. He saw a strength that he felt surpassed even his own. Yet her smile was soft and filled with grace.
The preacher soon stepped forward, inviting the congregation to sit. “This chapel has witnessed the union of many wonderful couples, but I dare say there has not been one so dear to the community as the man and woman who stand before us today.”
Nods of agreement filled the room as the preacher began the ceremony. He read a short passage before leading Logan and Sara through their vows. Upon the preacher’s instruction, Logan brought forth a small gold band, slipping it over Sara’s finger and cupping her hand between his own.
“Having witnessed these vows of faithfulness, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Logan, you may kiss your bride!”
A broad smile swept across Logan’s face as he took Sara into his arms. The room filled with cheers as he kissed her deeply, and with a passion she’d not expected. Finally pulling away, Sara’s face had grown rosy.
Logan chuckled as he took her hand, proudly leading her back up the aisle and out of the chapel. Family and friends followed closely behind, parading over to the inn, where Genevieve and Janie had made arrangements for a celebration.
It wasn’t long before a fiddle’s tune filled the air, and Charley and Carter danced around inside the inn lobby. Sara and Logan were ushered further into the restaurant where tables had been moved aside to make room for the proper reception of the newlyweds.
Tom soon stepped forward, clearing the crowded floor and making room for the bride and groom. “The first dance of the day should belong to you,” he said with a wink.
Logan nodded his thanks and led his bride out onto the floor. He took Sara in his arms, and they began to sway. Gazing deeply into her eyes, he felt a peace sweep over him. At that moment, as a soft song played, nothing else in the world mattered.
“I love you,” he whispered. “And I hope that I can make this life everything that you could want. I promise you that I’ll try my best to.”
“Being here with you, I already have everything I could want,” she smiled. “I love you, my darling.”
Long before they wanted, their special song ended, and other couples joined them on the dancefloor. A livelier song picked up, and soon couples were swirling around the room in a big circle. Charley and Carter laughed, darting in and out of the middle of it all. Tom and Janie joined the excitement, falling into step next to Logan and Sara.
With music and laughter, dancing and food aplenty, Oakmede celebrated the union of their deputy sheriff and his bride. The festivities lasted late into the evening, and it was well past supper time when the last guest bid them goodnight.
By the time they all loaded into the wagon to return home, Charley and Carter had long since fallen asleep on the bench of one of the tables. Tom and Janie gently scooped them up, bedding them down in the wagon. Together, they made their way back to the ranch, where Logan welcomed his bride home for the joyous first time.
He led her through their front door before wrapping her in his arms and kissing her deeply. She could feel her heart pounding as her knees went weak.
“Welcome home, my love,” he whispered lingering with her in his arms.
Logan and Sara took a few days to enjoy settling in with one another before turning their attention to matters in Baltimore. With Sara now living in Kansas, she could not bear the thought of her mother returning east alone.
When she went to speak with Tom about it, she was relieved to learn that he’d already addressed the matter. Sara and Tom went for a short walk around the property, wishing to discuss things privately.
“I wouldn’t dream of letting her leave now,” Tom assured his sister. “Mother is happily settled in the guest quarters, with every intention of staying.”
Sara beamed. “Thank you, Tom! That’s the only thing that was left weighing on my mind. There will be details that need to be tied up, but we can tend to those.”
“Yes, something will have to be done about the house. And of course, all of her belongings are still there. These last couple of months before the spring cattle drive will be busy, and I’ll need to remain here. But I can help with travel expenses if you and Logan can help Mother settle her business in Baltimore.”
“It’s agreed, then,” Sara smiled and gave her brother a hug. “We will travel back in the next week before returning to Oakmede for good.”
Later that week, Logan, Sara, and her mother were all boarding a train yet again. However, there was a much lighter air about it all this time. There was no longer any heartache or uncertainties waiting at the destination. Sara marveled at the joy that the man she traveled with was now her husband. Things had taken such an unexpected, but wonderful, turn for the best.
The countryside flying past the train windows was much changed from the first time Sara had sat inside a train carriage. What was once green and full of life was now barren and awaiting new life to come in the spring. And oh, what a spring it would be!
The culmination of all the work done on the ranch would come in the form of a cattle drive, finally setting Tom and Janie back on their feet. Sara and Logan would just be settling into their new home, and Mother would be experiencing life on the frontier with her children and grandchildren.
Upon their arrival in Baltimore, Mrs. Bailey quickly set about packing her belongings and arranging for their house to be put up for sale. Sara and Logan helped where they could, but found themselves with a few welcome days of relaxation. Mother urged Sara and Logan to go and enjoy themselves while they had the chance. There would be work aplenty waiting for them in Kansas.
It had been years since Logan had returned east, and he welcomed the opportunity to experience the big city one more time. He’d all but forgotten the feeling of having anything you could want at your fingertips. Together, they decided to do a little shopping and take home a few treasures for the family.
On the morning that they hoped to set off for Oakmede, breakfast was served early to enable chores to be completed. Mrs. Bailey scarcely sat down, insisting that she could have her meal on the train. Sara’s protests did no good, so instead, she and Logan sat down to enjoy their coffee.
Though they would likely not be passing this way again, there was a sense of completion about selling the house. It wasn’t the emotional chore that Sara had expected, but rather a happy step toward a bright future. Sara had collected the few keepsakes she wished to carry along with her. Everything else would be slowly pieced out and sold.
Once Mrs. Bailey was finished in the kitchen, Logan looked to Sara. “If you don’t mind, there is something I would like to do while your mother tends to the house arrangements,” he said, taking a long sip of his coffee.
“Of course I don’t mind, but you seem suddenly solemn,” Sara commented. “Is everything alright?”
“Yes, nothing to worry about,” he assured her, taking her hand. “But I have one last wish before we leave Baltimore behind us…gaining some long-overdue closure.”
Sara’s heart skipped and she nodded, knowing what he meant. Once all the breakfast dishes had been cleaned, Logan hitched Mother’s wagon. Together, the three of them set off for the Jenkins’ home, dropping Mrs. Bailey off to sort out the details of selling the house. Knowing that she’d be busy for at least a couple of hours, Logan clacked the reins and continued down North Street.
Partners in Justice and Love: A Historical Western Romance Book Page 27
