by Linda Bridey
Every July, Dawson hosted a rodeo, which was now popular all over the state and even into South Dakota. The Lakota tribe and many of their family and friends put on a show during the rodeo and were a great attraction.
The tribe played with gusto and, due to the camp’s location, their music traveled far. Some people who heard the drums began dancing around to the beat, laughing and letting out war whoops as they celebrated with their tribe from afar. Many people had come to feel possessive about the tribe and visited the camp often, joining in weddings and enjoying nightly gatherings around the fires. Therefore, it only seemed fitting for them to join in the victory dance, especially since six of the Lakota had either been drafted into the military or had volunteered with the Red Cross, proving their loyalty to their country.
Around seven o’clock, the crowd began to disperse. Even though they were ecstatic, there was still work to be done, children to care for, and businesses to close up. However, as they went about their lives that evening, there was joy in everyone’s hearts and great anticipation to see their loved ones again.
*****
Dear Family,
I’m coming home! I’m not sure if we’ll be home before January or not, though. When I say we, I mean me and Art Perrone, the fellow I told you about in my last letter home. I convinced him to come with me since his mama said that there’s not much for him to go home to in Louisiana. So be prepared to have another ranch hand or find some other job for him, Daddy. He’ll need the work and he’s as proud as any other man about pulling his own weight.
Guess who else I ran into over here? Our very own Hailey! She’s been working as an ambulance driver for the Red Cross division where I was brought after I got hurt. Don’t panic! I took some shrapnel to the back from a shell, but I’m all right. Thank God I was off to the side of it and I didn’t get hurt nearly as bad as I could have. All of your praying worked.
They got it all out and stitched me up. I’ll be fine by the time I get home, so please don’t worry. Art got shot in the foot, but he’s coming along well, too. You should have seen the two of us trying to help each other get to the ambulance when it arrived. It was sort of like the blind leading the blind.
Jr., I’m sorry I’m not going to be there for your wedding, but don’t you dare postpone it! You marry your girl and be happy. I’ll celebrate with you when I get home. If you’re not married when I get home, I’m going to hurt you. Understand? Hailey says the same to Snow Song. You picked a good woman and I know the two of you will do just fine even though you’re young. We’ll be with you in spirit on Thanksgiving, so raise a toast to us and we’ll feel it all the way here.
Wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving for us and give them all our love. I’ll close for now, but I’ll write you as soon as I know when we’re shipping out.
All my love,
Sergeant Kyle R. Dwyer
Joey finished reading Kyle’s letter aloud and wiped away a tear from his cheek. He and Snow Song sat on one of the sofas in the sunroom at the estate. “I can’t believe they’re comin’ home. I can’t believe that he met up with your sister. I’m so proud of him for getting that promotion.”
Snow Song brushed away a few tears of her own. “Me, neither. It’s all so wonderful.”
Joey noticed that her response was a little lackluster and he put an arm around her. “What’s the matter?”
She said, “Since you won’t be drafted now, we don’t have to get married.”
His eyes widened. “Don’t you want to marry me?”
“Yes, but I don’t want you to feel like you still have to,” she said.
He made her look into his eyes. “Snow Song, I love you and I want to marry you. I can’t tell you how excited I am about it. It’s only three days until our wedding. Please don’t back out now.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to regret it.” Her beautiful brown eyes showed her fear.
Joey took her face in his hands and touched his forehead to hers. “I will never regret marrying you. I’ve loved you for too long and I want to marry you so much.”
Reassured, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close for a kiss. When it ended, they smiled at each other.
“Let’s go tell your folks about Kyle running into Hailey,” Joey said. “I’m sure that’ll make them feel good.”
“Good idea.”
They put on their coats and headed out the front door, walking down past the barns to the trail that led down to the Lakota camp.
*****
On Thanksgiving Day, the Dwyer estate was swarmed with guests and Joe loved it. He was the consummate host and was in his element as he moved among his friends, family, and business associates. Lacey had perfected her role as hostess over the years and the couple was very attentive to their guests’ every need.
They couldn’t believe their little boy was getting married that day. It seemed strange that their oldest and youngest children would be married before their middle ones. Joey had greeted guests for a while, too, before going to get dressed closer to the appointed time for the ceremony. After making another circuit with the crowd gathered, Joe and Lacey excused themselves to go see him.
He was finishing tying his tie when they went into his room. Tim was already dressed and sat on the bed.
Joe frowned at him. “Don’t lounge like that, Timmy. You’ll wrinkle your tuxedo that way. You don’t want to stand up there in front of everyone with a wrinkled suit.”
Tim rolled his eyes and stood up. “Ok, Daddy. Sometimes it’s a pain in the neck being the mayor’s son. You always expect us to look perfect.”
Joe smiled. “Only at social functions and especially at your brother’s wedding.” He straightened Tim’s jacket and smoothed the lapels.
The boys were used to this treatment and knew that it was pointless to try to stop him. Tim waited for Joe to be done, smiling the whole time. “You just can’t help yourself, can you?”
“Shut up,” Joe said, looking him over.
With his dark brown hair and brown eyes, Tim looked just like Lacey. Kyle had inherited Joe’s hazel eyes, but had gotten his dark brown hair and smile from Lacey.
“There. You’re perfect now,” Joe said, finally satisfied.
Lacey said, “Don’t feel bad, boys. He’ll do the same thing with everyone else, the girls included.”
Joe laughed because it was true. He’d come from a wealthy family and his mother, whom he’d adored, had taught him all about women’s and men’s clothing. She used to take him on shopping trips with her and her friends because they’d wanted a male opinion on their clothing. He’d learned what worked for different body types, coloring, and how to accentuate the positive attributes of a person’s figure. His mother’s friends had thought Joe was adorable and had lavished him with attention, which Joe had thoroughly enjoyed.
He’d always preferred to dress in suits, wearing them sometimes even when he was working with horses. People made fun of him for it sometimes, but it was mostly in jest. Lacey was more relaxed about her children’s appearances, but Joe was fussy and had always insisted that they wear nice clothes for school and church when they’d first started attending once a month. They now went at least twice a month, and lately they’d gone every Sunday.
Once he was done with Tim, Joe turned to Joey. I’m proud of him for honoring his commitment to Snow Song. Look at that gleam in his eye! He’s been excited about marrying her ever since he proposed. It’s easy to see how much in love they are. That’s how I still feel about Lacey, so I understand. He’s not a boy anymore. He’s got to finish school and all, but he’s really a man now. He’s still gonna listen to me, though. All right, Joe. Enough of that.
Joey stood still while his father readjusted the tie he’d just done up and went over his tuxedo. He was as amused as Tim, but it didn’t irritate him. It was just one of the many ways Joe showed his love for people, and he loved no one more than his wife and children. It also reminded Joey of the way that Joe groomed a hors
e. No one was pickier about grooming than Joe, who never rushed through the job.
He remembered when Joe had started teaching him how to brush horses and pick their hooves out. A memory popped up unbidden and made him laugh aloud.
“I know I’m picky,” Joe said. “I can’t help it. You’re gettin’ married today and you only do that once. Well, you’re supposed to only do it once.”
“That’s not what I’m laughing at. I was just remembering the first time you let me pick out a hoof on my own,” Joey said.
“You couldn’t have been more than eight and you kept begging me to let you,” Joe said. “You kept sayin’, ‘I can do it, Daddy. I swear I can.’ You were so damn cute. You all were.”
Joey grinned. “That horse kept leaning on me, but I wouldn’t give up. I was gonna finish that horse’s hooves if it killed me.”
“I thought it was gonna,” Joe said. “Your face was beet-red from the weight that stupid horse was puttin’ on you, but you never complained until you were done and scolded him for it. The problem was that you shoulda scolded him while he was doing it.”
Lacey laughed. “But you didn’t tell him that did you?”
“No, because it was just so funny watching him turn red every time he went to clean one.”
They laughed together and then Joe pronounced Joey’s appearance perfect. “There. Now you’re ready for your bride.” Joe’s eyes misted over.
Tim said, “Don’t do that, Daddy. You’ll get Mama started.”
Lacey said, “That’s right. Knock it off, Joe.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Joey’s expression turned a little bashful. “Do you fellas mind if I have a word with Mama?”
Tim and Joe acquiesced without complaint and stepped out of the room.
“I know that the groom normally asks his father for marriage advice, but I’d like to hear what matters most to you as a wife. That’s not something Daddy would know,” Joey said. “I want to be a good husband.”
Lacey smiled up at him, remembering when she’d had to look down at him. The years had gone too fast. “Well, it’s simple. If there’s one thing Joe’s good at, it’s loving people. That’s what makes a wife happiest—knowing that her husband loves her more than anything. Your father never makes me wonder if he does or not. And if you love Snow Song like that, you’ll do anything to make her happy and she’ll do the same for you.
“You’ll have a wonderful marriage like ours if what makes you the happiest is making your mate happy. I’m not saying you won’t squabble or have hard times, but as long as that love is still there, you’ll work through whatever comes,” Lacey said.
Joey smiled. “I do love her more than anything, Mama. I know everyone was mad at us, but I’m not sorry about anything that happened. I’ve loved her for a long time and I want to be with her.”
“You’re right; we were furious with you,” Lacey said. “But with everything that happened and the war and all, there was no sense in staying angry. We’re very lucky to be gaining a daughter like Snow Song. We love her and I’m very happy for you.”
“Thanks, Mama.”
“You’re welcome. Besides, I can’t stay mad at you kids for very long.”
Joey hugged her. “I’m glad. I love you, Mama. Thanks for the advice.”
“You’re welcome, honey,” she said. “It’s almost time to start. We’ll let you know when to come out.”
“Ok,” he said, smiling as she closed the door behind her.
It was soon opened by Skip and Sawyer.
“Wow! Look at you,” Skip said. “You’re like a younger version of Joe. Sort of like you traveled through time. Wouldn’t that be great if you could do that? You could wait until you were old and knew all of the things you were supposed to fix and then go back and fix them. You know, like when you broke stuff as a kid that would get you in trouble? Or the right answers on a test! Hey, Mrs. Samuels says that school will start back up on Monday since the flu is starting to die out now. That means we’ll be playing football again, too. I’ll bet Mr. Dwyer is really glad you got your hair cut, huh?”
Joey laughed. “All that and you didn’t even take a breath. I guess that’s good about school. We’ll be back from our honeymoon on Sunday night, so I guess we’ll go on Monday. It’ll be fun being up at our cabin all alone.”
Sawyer shook his head. “I can’t believe you’re getting married and going on a honeymoon before me.”
Joey said, “Well, if you’d hurry up and ask Devon to marry you, you wouldn’t be that far behind me. You know you belong together.”
“It’s under advisement. I don’t want to rush anything,” Sawyer said. “We’re doing great right now and that’s the way I want it to stay.”
“Ok, but don’t wait forever,” Joey said. “That’s all I’m gonna say about that. You boys look good. Did Daddy fuss over you?”
“Not yet, but I’m sure he will,” Sawyer said.
“I wish you were standing up with me,” Joey said to him.
“I will be, just not up in front of everyone. I don’t want to sit in a chair up there and my shoulder won’t tolerate standing up there on crutches for that long,” Sawyer said.
“I understand. But I got my best man Skippy here,” Joe said, clapping him on the back. “And Tim, too. I wish Kyle was here, but I know he’s thinking about us.”
“That’s right,” Skip agreed.
The door opened and Matt smiled in at them. “Well, don’t you three look handsome? I’m ready for you, gentlemen.”
Joey grinned. “C’mon, fellas. It’s time for me to get hitched to the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”
As they followed Matt to the huge drawing room where the ceremony would take place, Skip asked, “Aren’t you nervous?”
“Oh, yeah,” Joey said. “I don’t want to mess up my lines.”
“Vows, Joey. It’s not a play,” Skip said, chuckling.
“I still gotta say them and I don’t want to make a mistake,” Joey said.
Sawyer said, “Just take your time and you’ll be fine. You’ve seen enough weddings to know how it goes.”
Matt said, “It’s a little different when you’re the one getting married, though. I remember what that was like, but you’ll be just fine, Joey. Just follow my lead.”
“Thanks, Pastor Mac. I appreciate everything,” Joey said.
“You’re welcome,” Matt said as they lined up at the altar.
Tim joined them. “Ready, little brother?”
Joey nodded as he looked around at the wedding guests. All of the chairs were filled and people stood wherever there was room. He smiled at a lot of them as they waited for his bride.
*****
Zoe stifled her tears as best she could. Her baby was getting married and, being an emotional person, it was difficult not to cry. Snow Song was her father all over again in looks except for her slightly lighter skin tone. She was strong-willed and daring much like him, too. Watching Snow Song smooth her white satin dress that was adorned with colorful beads and fringes on the tight sleeves, she couldn’t believe how beautiful her daughter was.
Her short, coal black hair was shiny and her luminescent eyes needed no makeup to enhance them. Her straight, pretty nose was set above full lips that curved sweetly when she smiled. The dangling blue and white feather earrings she wore accentuated her long, graceful neck and her dress showcased her svelte figure.
Snow Song saw tears in her mother’s eyes and flapped her hands a little. “Ma! Stop it! You’re making me cry!”
“I can’t help it. I was just thinking about the day you were born. I can’t believe it’s been almost eighteen years ago. Beth said your grandfather paced and paced during the delivery. It’s so funny how wound up he gets whenever a baby is born,” Zoe said, laughing.
“I know. I can’t believe that he stayed with Beth while Jonathan and Bianca were being born,” Snow Song said.
Zoe giggled. “I wish you could have seen his face when he came out of
their bedroom holding Jonathan. I thought he was going to pass out. Poor Beth. Jonathan was a big baby. So was Bianca. I know what that’s like and you might, too.”
“Don’t say that! Oh, God! I’m so nervous. I don’t want to cough or hiccup or do anything stupid during the ceremony. Pa better not let me trip or I’ll kill him. Of course, I’m not wearing high heels or anything. I shouldn’t trip in these slippers. I’m glad I’m not clumsy like you are.”
“Hey! That’s not nice,” Zoe said.
But it was true. Raven was forever having to save her from tripping or falling. He also caught things that she dropped before they hit the floor. It was like watching the two of them do a strange sort of dance.
“Poor Dusty,” Snow Song said. “It’s too bad you passed that on to him.”
Zoe said, “You shouldn’t make fun of your mother like that.”
Snow Song hugged her. “You know how much I love you. I’m so glad that you’re my mother. You’ve always been so loving and fun.”
Zoe embraced her tightly. “And I’ll still be those things to you. I can’t believe you won’t be living at home anymore. It’ll be so empty now with your brother and sister gone. Of course, it won’t be too long until they’re home, thank God.”
“I’m so excited for them to get home. I wish they could be here today,” Snow Song said. “I miss them so much.”
“Me, too, but we’re going to have a wonderful day and they’re here in spirit,” Zoe said, trying not to give in to her sadness over their absence. This was Snow Song’s special day and she didn’t want it marred by any sadness.
“You’re right.”
Her matron of honor and cousin, Kiya, came into the empty bedroom in the Dwyer mansion, followed by her bridesmaid, Devon. She’d felt it only right to include Joey’s sister in the ceremony. They looked beautiful in their turquoise blue dresses that matched some of the beads on Snow Song’s dress.
“They’re ready for us,” Kiya said. “Are you ready?”
Snow Song looked into her vibrant blue eyes. “No, but yes.”
Kiya smiled at her. “Don’t be nervous. I’m so happy for you. And jealous.”
