Pastor's Prize (Culpepper Cowboys Book 15)

by Kirsten Osbourne

  Rikki looked at Ben. “Have you emailed the parents to let them know there won’t be a rehearsal tomorrow after all?”

  Ben nodded. “I did. I’m not leaving that to chance. Mrs. Pfaffenbach is concerned I’m taking my Christmas pageant duties too lightly, and that her Timmy might need a more experienced, dedicated director to bring out his true talent.”

  Rikki giggled. Timmy Pfaffenbach was the worst actor of all the children, and he couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. He had been given the job of the third wise man, who had no lines at all. “Well, you know Mrs. Pfaffenbach is always right about Timmy.”

  “Are you taking tomorrow off work too, Rikki?” Grace asked as they got into the vehicle.

  Rikki shook her head. “No, I’m not planning on it. If I could get off an hour or two early, that would help though.”

  “Are you getting married in the church? Or at Linda’s?” Grace asked.

  Rikki had no idea. “I let Ben handle that.”

  Ben grinned. “I was happy to have something to do while they discussed all the other details of the wedding. We’re getting married at Linda’s. It’s smaller and will be more private, and I think Rikki will feel more comfortable there.”

  “I will. Thank you.” Rikki was constantly surprised at how thoughtful Ben was about her fears. She hadn’t had a panic attack in over a week, and that was a record. She wanted to shout it from the rooftops, but she knew that no one would understand.

  “Okay, so we’re looking at how many guests?” Grace asked.

  Ben answered for them. “I was thinking about twenty. Will that be enough people to watch Corinne dance down the aisle?”

  “Oh, sure,” Grace said. “An audience of one or five thousand. That girl has the right attitude about it all. She’s going to perform for whoever is willing to watch her.”

  Rikki grinned. The girl had danced around the bakery enough that she knew Grace was telling the truth. “What else do we need to do to get ready?”

  Grace shrugged. “I think you’re set. You’ve got the pastor, a flower girl, and a preacher. What more do you need?”

  “A matron of honor might be nice. Would you be willing?” Rikki asked.

  “I’d love to! I still have the dress I wore for my twin’s wedding, so I’ll wear that.”

  “Sounds good to me.” Rikki didn’t care what anyone wore as long as they were decently covered.

  “Are you going to live in town? Or at the ranch?” Grace asked.

  “We haven’t really talked about it,” Rikki said with a frown. She turned to Ben who was in the backseat. “I have a two-bedroom apartment over Jesse and Valerie’s garage. It’s more than big enough for both of us. Do you want to live there? Or your place?”

  “My place is no bigger than a postage stamp. It sounds like your place is the winner.”

  Rikki smiled. “I love my little apartment, but I’ve been afraid to live there without Jesse and Valerie. I won’t be afraid if you’re around.” She was so thrilled that her fears were getting easier. She didn’t know what she’d do without him. He was becoming her rock.

  “Sounds good. I don’t have a ton of stuff, but I’ll pack up what I do have and get it moved over after the wedding.” He loved saying the word wedding. When he used it, he thought of Rikki, and it felt like his heart was full. In just over twenty-four hours, she was going to be his wife, and he couldn’t wait.

  “Thanks for handling the wedding cake so fast,” Rikki said.

  Grace laughed. “You know I keep one mostly decorated in the freezer. I just had to add little pink roses, and I was done.”

  “Why pink?” Rikki asked.

  “I’m not sure. I look at you and I think pink.” She turned onto the highway that would take them into Culpepper. “Did you remember to hug Valerie for me?”

  “I wouldn’t forget. I even hugged Buttercup for you.”

  “She let you see Buttercup? Really?” Grace’s voice was full of envy.

  Rikki laughed, knowing that Grace was a huge fan of the show. It was how she’d gotten the job at the bakery. “I even got to ride her.”

  “Okay, walk me through everything. Do you have pictures of yourself on the set?”

  Rikki nodded. “I’ll show you when we get to Linda’s.”

  “You’re the best!”

  9

  Rikki was in her room at Linda’s house the following day, trying to get her breathing under control when Corinne danced her way into the room. “I’m wearing my favorite flower girl dress!” Corinne announced. “The pink one used to be my favorite, but it got too small, and then it didn’t look good with my butterfly wings, so I had to get this one. It’s lavender. Do you like lavender?”

  Rikki smiled, thrilled for the diversion. “I love lavender. You look beautiful, Corinne. I’m glad you found a dress that looks so good with your wings.”

  Corinne did a little spin. “That’s how I go down the aisle. It’s the only way I do it, so don’t worry when I start spinning.”

  Patience popped her head into the room, looking Rikki over. “Do you need help getting ready?”

  Rikki shook her head. “I don’t think so. How do I look?” She stood up from the foot of the bed where she’d been sitting. She was wearing a white suit she’d found one day while shopping that she’d thought she might wear to church, but she’d realized how impractical white was and wondered why she’d ever purchased it.

  Patience studied her carefully. “I think you need just a little more lipstick, because we all know Pastor Benjamin is going to smudge it.”

  “Cuz he’s going to kiss her, isn’t he, Mama?”

  “Yes, he is. It’s part of the wedding ceremony.”

  Rikki hurried to the mirror and put her lipstick on. “Is he already out there?”

  “Yes, he’s pacing back and forth. I think he’s worried that you’re going to get scared and run.”

  Rikki laughed. “The thought had occurred to me.”

  “If you ask me, and I know you didn’t, you should run toward that man. You’ve been happier since you started dating him than I’ve ever seen you. He’s really good for you.

  “He is good for me.” Rikki took a deep breath. “I’m being silly. I’m in love with him, and he’s just what I need in every way.”

  “Do you want me to go out and tell Brother Anthony it’s time?”

  “Don’t we need to wait until everyone gets here?” Rikki asked, confused.

  “Everyone’s been here. We were supposed to get started fifteen minutes ago.”

  Rikki looked at the clock in surprise. “I’ve been sitting back here ready for an hour just staring at the wall.”

  “I should have checked on you sooner. I’m sorry!”

  “No, I should have come out.” Rikki sighed. “I’m not so good at this getting married thing.”

  “Nonsense. Brides are supposed to be late.”

  “Just not so late they freak their groom out, right?”

  “No one knew if we should come check on you, so we waited. That was our mistake. Corinne finally said it was her job as your flower girl.” Patience shrugged. “Grace probably should have done it as the matron of honor.”

  “I’m surprised Felicity didn’t do it. She’s pushier than the rest of you.”

  Patience laughed. “She’s not pushy. She’s just…special.”

  “Mama!” Corinne tugged on Patience’s dress.

  Patience looked down at Corinne. “Yes?”

  “People are waiting to see me dance down the aisle with my flowers!”

  “They sure are. I’ll start the music.” Patience hurried from the room, pulling Corinne along with her.

  Rikki took a deep breath and stepped out into the hall. She would be the center of attention, which was hard, but she’d be married to Ben when it was done, and that was so worth it.

  She heard music start, and then there was soft laughter. Grace hurried toward her. “I’m sorry! I didn’t know you were ready! I should have checked on you.”<
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  Rikki grabbed Grace in a hug, kissing her cheek. “Thank you for being here for me. I should have let you know when I was ready.”

  “We’re good?”

  “Of course, we’re good!” Rikki gave her friend a nudge. “And you’re up!”

  Grace grinned and walked down the hall to the living room where the wedding was taking place. Rikki watched her go and waited a minute before following.

  As she walked, she felt the panic rise up within her, and after she turned the corner to walk into the living room, it became almost overwhelming. And then she saw Ben standing in front of Brother Anthony, his eyes filled with love. She walked to him and stood beside him, not looking at anyone else. If she could just concentrate on him, she could get through it.

  Brother Anthony gave a small cough to clear his throat before beginning. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Now I know we’re all happy for them that they’ve decided to tie the knot and all, but I have to make it clear how I feel about all these fast weddings in Culpepper. There’s only been one ‘long engagement’ since those Quinlan women showed up in town and turned it on its ear. And that engagement was barely enough time to let the ink dry on the marriage license! I ask you, what is in the water that two people can’t give a pastor enough time to think about what he’s going to say at a wedding after they get engaged? There is something wrong with this town, and it’s a mighty wrong! We must fix this trend and return to a normal place, where people can wait three days after they get engaged to get married!”

  Rikki looked at the amused look on Ben’s face and did her best not to giggle. Brides weren’t supposed to giggle in the middle of their wedding ceremonies, were they?

  Brother Anthony looked out at the small crowd of people gathered there for the wedding. “Now, Lovie. I know what you’re going to say. This isn’t the time or place, but you always tell me it isn’t the time or place! You never give me my soapbox to stand on, but this time, I’m just taking it! You hear me?”

  “I hear ya, Tony! I guess this is as good a time as any since it’s your assistant pastor up there getting married, and he can’t very well run away from you!”

  “All right then, now that I’ve said my piece, let’s get you two hitched. Ben, do you promise to love, honor, and cherish your bride? ’Til death do you part? In sickness and health and all the other stuff you go through when you’re married?”

  Ben looked down into Rikki’s eyes, stroking her cheek with one hand. “I do.”

  “And do you—the young lady with a man’s name—do you take this man to be your husband? Love, honoring, and respecting him through sickness and health, rich and poor forever and ever amen?”

  Rikki nodded before she answered. “I do. I really, really do!”

  “Then I now pronounce you man and wife. Go ahead and kiss her so we can all watch and stuff.”

  Ben pulled her to him by the hand he held, lowering his head to kiss her softly. “I was afraid you’d run.”

  “I am kind of a flight risk, but I can’t imagine not marrying you, so where would I go?”

  He hugged her tightly, and then they turned to face everyone. He felt Rikki shudder beside him, and he slipped his arm around her waist. “I’m here, and you’re going to be fine,” he whispered softly.

  “I am. I really am.”

  Felicity, who had been Facetiming the whole thing with Valerie, wiped away a tear. “They’re married!” she squealed.

  Rikki looked at Ben, still needing to keep her eyes on him and not on the people watching her. “I think people are happy for us.”

  “I know I am,” he said with a grin.

  Linda stood up then. “Okay, we’re going to have some cake, and then we’re going to kick these newlyweds out of my house. I think Rikki needs to be able to get out of here before we all make her as crazy as we are!”

  Ben led Rikki over to the cake, which was on the counter, separating the kitchen from the dining area. “We can cut the cake and go.”

  “Perfect,” she whispered. “I have all my stuff packed.”

  Together they cut the cake and fed each other a bite. Brother Anthony stood watching them. “Good job getting it into each other’s mouths. That whole smearing the cake all over each other’s faces is just plain silly.”

  Ben nodded. “It is silly. And now we’re running away from here.”

  “What’s your hurry? Stay a while.” Brother Anthony smiled, his eyes dancing with laughter. “I needed to talk to you about Sunday’s sermon anyway.”

  Ben groaned inwardly. “Tomorrow. I’m getting my bride out of here.” He knew Rikki wouldn’t do well if asked to stay there much longer. Too many people were watching them, and it wasn’t good for her at all. He took her hand and led her toward the hallway, knowing her things would be there. “Let’s go!”

  She smiled. “Are we leaving in one car or both?”

  He groaned. “Hadn’t thought about that. Why don’t we take your car, and you can drop me off here on your way to work in the morning. I’m assuming you need to work.”

  “Yeah, I do. I’ve taken too much time off this week already.”

  She opened the door to her room, and he grabbed two suitcases. “Does this have everything you need for tonight? We can get the rest of your stuff when no one is around.”

  She grabbed a shoulder bag. “That’s the bag I need. Let’s take all three.”

  He nodded, not caring how much she wanted to take as long as she had what she needed. “We’re heading to your apartment at Valerie’s?”

  “Yes, please. Did you pack clothes?”

  “Of course, I did. I didn’t want to have to run home after the wedding to get them.” He let her precede him out of the room, and stopped almost immediately as she hugged Linda, who was waiting for them.

  “Thank you for letting me stay here, and being my surrogate mom for a while. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

  “You’re stronger than you think you are. You’d have done fine without me.” Linda swiped a tear from her eye. “I’m proud of you. You’ve grown so much, and Ben is the right man for you. Be happy.”

  Rikki sniffled as she wiped her own tear away. “It’s not like I won’t be around anymore! I’ll still come see you.”

  “But it won’t be the same, and you know it. It hasn’t been the same since you started seeing Ben. You’ve been busier and more involved with life. And that’s so very good for you.” With one last hug, Linda smiled. “Now go and be happy.”

  “I will.” Rikki looked over Linda’s shoulder to see Roy standing there listening. She walked to the older man and hugged him. “Your turn next!”

  Roy grinned. “We’ll see.”

  Rikki hurried toward the door, hoping no one else would try to stop them. She appreciated that everyone had come to her wedding, but she couldn’t deal with that many people, so she needed to get out and soon.

  She rushed out to the car, feeling the cold wind biting against her skin. Why didn’t I bring a coat? I have everything in the world but a coat! Too late. I’m not going back into that house with all those people for all the tea in China.

  She got into the car and started it, turning the heat on high and feeling the cold blast of air. Shivering, she rubbed her arms.

  Ben got into the passenger seat, noticed her shivering, and immediately got out and took off his suit jacket, handing it to her. “Do you want me to go back in for your coat?”

  She shook her head adamantly. “If you go back in, people will think they can come out and talk to me, and that’s the last thing I want. I need to get away.”

  “Put my jacket on then, and you’ll warm up a little.”

  She slipped her arms into the sleeves and was amazed at how dwarfed she felt. She was struck again at how huge Ben was compared to her. “Thank you.” She loved to feel the warmth from his skin and smell him on the coat. “Okay, off to Rikki’s place.”

  As she drove, she
explained about the garage apartment. “Valerie and Jesse bought this place, and immediately started building the apartment for me. They wanted me to have a safe haven if I ever decided I couldn’t stand being in Iowa, and they knew I was close. So, when Valerie talked me into moving here, which didn’t take long, I had this beautiful, brand new apartment. I only stayed there for a few weeks, because I wasn’t comfortable being there without Jesse and Valerie. I heard all these weird noises and freaked out regularly. So, Felicity invited me to move in with Linda, and I’ve been there ever since. I’ve gone back to Valerie’s whenever she and Jesse were in town, but that was the only time.”

  “I’m excited to see it. You’ve said great things about it.” He frowned for a moment. “You know that on a pastor’s salary, we’ll never really see the kind of wealth your sister has.”

  Rikki laughed. “I wouldn’t know what to do with the kind of money she has.”

  “You really don’t mind?”

  “Not at all. If I want money, I can find a way to earn it. Maybe I’ll go back to school.”

  “Really? Are you thinking about that?”

  Rikki shrugged. “I never intended to drop out. I could finish my undergrad with online courses. I don’t know though. I kind of like working at the bakery. Would it bother you if I went back to school? Or if I didn’t?”

  “I don’t love you for your education or lack thereof. I love you for who you are. I don’t care what you do for a living.”

  “What about kids?”

  He looked over at her. “What about them?”

  “Do you want them?”

  “Not tomorrow, but sure, eventually they’d be nice.”

  She nodded. “Valerie said we need to have six, but I talked her down to three.”

  “Is it okay if I don’t even ask?”

  “Sure.” She pulled into the driveway of the freestanding apartment on their land. The bottom floor was a two-car garage, and the upper was her place. As she pulled up, she realized her nerves were about to get the better of her, so she stayed sitting in the car for a moment after turning off the engine. “I haven’t been here in a couple of weeks, so you’ll have to forgive the dust and lack of food.”