by Jenna Kernan
He stroked her cheek and she felt her heart stop. What was he talking about?
“You want to stay in the Yukon.”
He nodded. “There’s nothing I want or need that I can’t find right here.”
It was her fondest desire to remain in the northern territory, and to have Jack at her side would make the adventure so much sweeter.
“We could make a life here, Lil. You and me. What do you say?”
“I say yes!” She hugged him.
He cradled Lily against his strong body, leaning her back, taking her lips with his in a kiss filled with love and promise.
Nala barked, startling them both. Lily drew back as her black Newfoundland licked Jack across the muddy dark stubble of his cheek.
Lily laughed. “I think she approves.”
Jack grabbed Nala and hugged her, too. The three of them sat in the mud together and Lily thought she had never been so happy.
Jack made an attempt to stand, but swayed. Lily was there helping him as she had been from the start. He looped a hand about her shoulders and stretched, drawing a breath of air and then grinned down at her.
“We’ll have a grand life, Lily, one full of adventure just like your mother wanted for you. And one that will make us both proud, because it will be ours.”
“But Jack, what about your mother and sister?”
“We’ll see they get what they need, help them all we can, just the same as we will your family. Soon as we get on our feet again.”
“I’ll help you, Jack.”
He nodded, then swallowed, as if something blocked his throat. “Yes, I know you will, just as you always have. I should have seen that a long time ago. That day I met you on the beach was the luckiest of my life.”
She patted his chest with her open hand. “You didn’t think so at the time.”
“Because I didn’t understand then that you were the only partner for me.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes, Lily. Partners forever and always.”
Epilogue
One month after the collapse, Commissioner Ogilvie of the North-West Mounted Police completed his investigation, finding Jack blameless and commending him on the rescue of the miners. Anderson was cited and agreed to pay damages for the deaths at his claim.
The mine owners using Jack’s engine were allowed to recommence operations and the general consensus was that the steam greatly aided the miners and was less dangerous than setting fires in the shafts.
Lily had left the stage to prepare for her wedding and on a cold November day she stood on a crate in the back of St. Mary’s Church as Amos Luritz finished the hem of her wedding dress.
The tailor had missed the last ferry out to help with the rescue. Lily meant to see he was aboard the first boat come spring.
She fussed with the scalloped lace trim at her throat, admiring the sheen of ivory satin bodice as Mr. Luritz finished attaching the last of the pearl buttons that lay straight as her spine.
A knock sounded at the door. “They’re ready, Miss Lily.”
“Yes, coming.”
Amos bit the thread and stepped back, clasping his hands and smiling with delight.
“You remind me of my Tessa. Such a beauty. May you have all the happiness we’ve shared.”
He offered his hand and Lily stepped down. “Thank you, Amos.”
“You’ll excuse me for being a nosy yenta, but who is walking you down the aisle?”
Lily lowered her head a moment, then gathered herself up, not wanting to spoil her happiness with even a moment’s thought of the father who had never been there.
“I’m afraid I am walking alone.”
“Well, I’ve never been in a church before, Miss Lily, but if you’d grant a man his wish, I’d be honored to escort you to your husband. Such a blessing.”
Her heart twisted and she was afraid she might cry.
She extended her hand. “Oh, Amos, I’d be very grateful.”
He lifted his elbow and she clasped it. When they reached the door she turned and snapped her fingers. Nala, sleeping beside the stove, startled awake, stretched and trotted to her side.
Mr. Luritz reached in his pocket, retrieving the remnant of lace and the tiny blue satin pillow which held two perfect golden rings cast from nuggets from Jack’s claim.
He stooped and tied the lace about Nala’s neck. “Such a ring bearer I’ve never seen.”
Lily scratched behind her dog’s velvety ears. “It wouldn’t feel right not to have her here with us.”
Amos patted Nala’s wide black head and stood, opened the door and offered his elbow once more.
She nodded to Bat Samuelson, who cracked his knuckles and began to play a fast, upbeat version of “Ta-Ra-Ra Boom-De-Ay.” The tinny chords drowned out the sound of ice hitting the windows behind her. It had been a struggle to get the piano across the street from the Forks with the ice and snow now freezing the ruts in place until the thaw, but Lily had managed it. Everyone stood and turned to look as she paused in the entrance. The assemblage, mostly men, removed their hats and pressed them to their best clothing, smiling at her.
“Go on, girl,” Lily said to Nala.
Her dog glanced back and then preceded them, stopping only once to sniff one of the pews. Amos clasped Lily’s hand at his elbow and lifted his chin, setting them in motion. As she began her journey down the aisle, the piano player switched to “Oh, Promise Me.”
The miners, obviously unaccustomed to weddings, whistled and applauded as she passed. Two men even waved. She blew them a kiss.
The little church glowed with candlelight, shining bright as a new penny. Pine boughs tied with white ribbon decorated the altar before which the minister waited, Bible in hand.
There to her right, stood Jack. He wore a black suit and a gleaming white shirt, a thin black tie with a gold nugget tie tack big enough to choke a cat. His thick hair was combed, parted and slicked back; she imagined he might have looked like this back in that world he had left for her.
Amos took Lily’s hand and placed it in Jack’s.
“You be good to this one,” he said. “She’s got a golden heart.”
Jack nodded and guided her to his side.
“Dearly beloved,” began the priest.
Lily knew that she would remember this day for the rest of her life.
“May I have the rings?” asked the priest.
“Nala,” said Lily.
Her dog stood still and elegant as a greyhound as the priest untied the ribbon and freed the rings.
Jack accepted hers and took her hand in his. Lily held her breath as he slipped it onto her finger. Then it was her turn to glide the golden circle onto Jack’s hand.
The priest finished with the words that joined them together and said, “You may kiss your bride.”
The congregation roared their approval, hats flew into the air and Nala began to howl. But Lily did not hear it, for she was in Jack’s arms, right where she belonged and she was certain that their adventures together had only just begun.
ISBN: 978-1-4592-1238-1
GOLD RUSH GROOM
Copyright © 2011 by Jeannette H. Monaco
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