“Thanks,” he smiled. “Would you like something to drink or do you want to dance?”
“I haven’t danced in so long. I may step on your feet.”
“As long as you apologize, I’m good.” Curt teased her, hoping to gauge her reactions.
“Oh, well in that case,” Kayla chuckled, pressing her foot down on his and teasingly saying, “Excuse me. I’m sorry.”
“Let’s dance Miss Anderson,” Curt smiled. They danced and danced, until Kayla finally said she needed a break.
“I’m worn out,” she laughed.
“Really? I couldn’t tell,” Curt said, sitting down beside her. After a moment he asked. “Would you like some punch?”
“I’d love some. I’m parched.”
“Sit tight then Kayla. I’ll take care of you.”
***
Smiling Kayla realized it was true. Since asking permission to court her after Thanksgiving, she’d never been in need. Curt seemed to anticipate her needs and see to them just as she was starting to mention them. Sometimes she didn’t even get that far, before he took care of whatever it was she needed.
“Thank you,” she said, taking the cup from him. “This has been an amazing and magical night.”
“I’m glad,” Curt said. “Could it get any more magical?”
“Oh I don’t know,” Kayla said, her green eyes shining. “For my first Texas Christmas, it’s been pretty fabulous so far.”
“I bet I could make it better.”
“You can’t tell me my present early, not that I’m saying you should buy me something.”
“Too late, but you still have to tell me whether or not you think I could make this night better than it’s been so far.”
“Knowing you, I would imagine you could find some way to improve upon the town’s festivities.”
Kayla watched as Curt slid out of his seat and bent down on one knee in front of her. It was when he took a small, velvet covered box from his pocket though that her eyes filled with tears. “I know that this year has been filled with immense loss, moments of doubt, highs and lows for you Kayla. I know that it’s had more than its fair share of disappointments as well. I do believe though that God brought you to me for more than I initially realized and I thank Him daily for being wiser than I. If you’ll let me I’d like to spend my life knowing you. If you’ll have me I’ll do everything in my power, which is sadly limited by being human, to keep you as happy as I can. Will you marry me Kayla Lynnette Anderson?”
“You win,” Kayla said as her tears spilled over her lashes. She slid down next to Curt and hugged him, her tears of joy soaking into his jacket. “Yes Curt. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
“When?”
“Any day you’d like,” Kayla laughed.
“I know it’s super short notice, but what do you think about the day after Christmas? The church will still be decorated, which would save us time and money.
“That sounds perfect!” Kayla exclaimed. She looked down at her hand as Curt slid the tiny diamond on it. “Oh Curt, it’s gorgeous.”
“I’m glad you like it,” he said, obvious relief on his face.
“Did you worry that I’d say no?”
“Well not particularly but the thought did occur to me.” Her laughter rang out as she threw her arms around him. She pressed her lips quickly to his cheek before she leapt up.
“Will you dance with me one more time?”
“Of course,” Curt said, leading her out to the dance floor.
***
Christmas came and went with ease. As dawn crept in on December 26th, 1890, however, Curt was already up. Coffee in hand, as usual, he sipped the warm beverage as the sun spread across the morning sky. In just over four hours he’d watch Kayla walk down the aisle to become Mrs. Curt Aaron Langley. He could hardly wait to bring her home, to a home that would be as much hers as it was his. He couldn’t wait until the things she did were because she loved him as his wife.
“You ready?” Pecos asked, a grin on his face.
“As I’ll ever be,” Curt said. Standing he slapped his friend and foreman on the back. “Did you feel this way when you took Sadie as your wife?”
“Yes. I think it’s the destiny of every groom to feel this way before he finally becomes a husband. It’s the vestiges of singlehood falling away as you take on sharing your life with a woman.”
“Well thank God I won’t always feel this way.”
“No, you won’t. There is a certain joy that comes in knowing that a woman loves you enough to spend her life with you. That doesn’t make it easy my friend. However, I think the tradeoff is more than worth it.”
“So I don’t seem desperate or crazy?”
“No. I knew that you were simply waiting for the woman God meant you to have as your wife. You may not have realized it that way, but I always knew.”
“And you didn’t feel it prudent to say anything?”
“Would it have changed your perception of reality?”
“No,” Curt admitted with a reluctant grin.
“That is why I didn’t say anything. If I may say something now though?”
“Certainly. My best man can say anything he’d like.”
“When Kayla came to the ranch I saw you change right before my eyes. For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve always been serious and tightly wound, as if you couldn’t really relax. When she came you let it all go. She is good for you Curt and God will bless not only this day as you become husband and wife, but He will bless your marriage every day as long as you remember to give it and all you have to Him.”
“Thank you Pecos,” Curt said. Climbing onto the wagon, he smiled. “Let’s go get me hitched my friend.”
***
Kayla stood in the pastor’s living room looking into a full length oval mirror. Two weeks hadn’t given her much time, but she’d managed to put together a beautiful dress that symbolized the purity she’d held onto. Tears came to her eyes several times as she thought of her parents, who’d have loved to be here. They would have loved Curt simply because she did.
“I miss you mom and dad. I’m so grateful for Curt. He’s truly God’s biggest blessing in my life. God brought me to him when I was in desperate need and out of it I’m gaining a husband. I can’t believe I’m going to be a wife in a few minutes. Wish me luck and a great life. I’ll see you again someday.”
Kayla turned when a knock came to the door. “Are you ready sweetheart?”
“I’m ready,” Kayla smiled. “Is it okay to count today as part of the best Christmas I’ve ever had?”
“I would,” Sadie said, a smile on her face. “I still look forward to every year when Pecos and I celebrate our marriage. I’ve got to tell you, I was blessed by God with the absolute best man, but Curt’s not a bad second place.”
Kayla laughed and gave her new friend a tight hug. “Thank you for being here today. Thank you for standing with me.”
“Absolutely. I’ve known Curt what seems like forever now. There’s no way I’m missing this wedding. Not to mention God brought me a sister in Christ to fellowship and share my heart with. That is nearly as much of a blessing as it is being a wife and mother.”
“I think that must be scary, becoming a mother.”
“When you first suspect you’re pregnant it’s a whole rush of emotions and when the baby comes it’s overwhelming at first. By the time the second babe comes though it’s like riding a bike. I’ll tell you about having three kids in about six months.”
“You’re having a baby!” Kayla squealed.
“Sh,” Sadie laughed. “We just found out this morning.”
“How did you know?”
“I’m having the same sort of symptoms now as I had with my previous two.”
“And the baby’s okay?”
“So far so good,” Sadie smiled. “Now enough about me, let’s get you to the church to meet your fella.”
***
Curt stood nervously wringing his hands as the
organist began playing the “Wedding March.” The doors to the church opened and Kayla stepped in looking like a man’s dream. Her white gown sported long sleeves that gathered at her wrist. The neck was high and gathered at the back in a row of pretty beads.
Her beautiful, platinum blonde hair was done up in a bunch of small curls with wisps of it trailing down her back and over her shoulders. She’d left her face plain, the way Curt loved it most, and the only jewelry she wore was the ring he’d put on her finger himself. As she drew near, Curt felt everything in his life shift into place and the nervousness vanished.
“You look phenomenal,” Curt whispered.
“Thank you.”
“Shall we pray?” the reverend said.
Heavenly Father, we witnesses are gathered here on this beautiful day to participate in the union of Curtis Aaron Langley and Kayla Lynnette Anderson as one before you. We pray that you would bless their marriage from this day forward. We thank you that you will give them opportunities to build their relationship with you and each other. Bless their journey and bring them evermore closer to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Curt and Kayla both repeated “Amen,” after their pastor and then the ceremony really got under way. Having written their own vows, both Curt and Kayla shared their hearts with one another in a sweet moment they would forever remember.
“I vow to follow the admonishments of Proverbs 31 and 1 Corinthians 13. To love you in spite of your faults. To love you patiently and in kindness encourage you in your walk with God…” Kayla said.
“I vow to love you as Christ loves the church and as I love my own self….” Curt read on. They exchanged wedding bands as well, repeating the words the pastor said. Then he concluded the ceremony.
“Now, as these two have vowed to join their lives together if there is anyone who can show just cause why they should not be wed, let him speak now or forever hold his peace.” The moment of waiting passed and the pastor moved on. “Having vowed before God and this cloud of witnesses your eternal commitment to matrimony, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Curt, you may now kiss your bride.”
Curt took Kayla’s hands and smiled as he pulled her closer. Looking into her beautifully green eyes, he pressed his lips gently to hers for the briefest of moments. “May I now present for the first time in history, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Aaron Langley.”
Curt and Kayla walked out of the church and Kayla was helped up into the covered wagon that Curt had brought out for today. Once she was settled, Curt joined her, covering her lap with a thick, winter, lap blanket. “Are you warm enough?”
“Nothing could chill me today,” Kayla beamed. Smiling, she grabbed Curt’s suit jacket and pulled him to her, pressing her lips warmly to his. “Drive us home Mr. Langley.”
“Absolutely Mrs. Langley.”
Epilogue
Kayla Langley learned through firsthand experience that Sadie had been spot on. A year after becoming Mrs. Curt Langley she gave birth to a handsome little boy they named Albert Aaron after his grandfathers and his father. He was the spitting image of Curt, except for his beautiful green eyes, which he took from his mother.
“He’s darling,” Sadie said when she stopped by to see Kayla one afternoon.
“He is the pinnacle of the love we share,” Kayla smiled. “I never knew I could have so much love in my heart and survive. So many different loves as well.”
“I know what you mean,” Sadie smiled, holding her little one on her lap. “This little munchkin is so unlike her brother and sister. Barely twenty-two months and she already has her own personality, a beautiful combination of myself and Pecos.”
“Did you find it difficult to adjust everything with your first one?”
“Not really,” Sadie smiled. “For me it was not calling the doctor out every time Pecos sneezed. If he even looked weird I wanted to have the doctor visit. Big Pecos showed me how to trust that God had everything under control. I learned to lean on God through my husband. I think that’s the true testament to a strong, God-centered marriage. That our weaknesses become strengths as we allow God to use our spouse to help us.”
Sadie stayed through the afternoon and helped Kayla with dinner. “Will you and Pecos stay and eat with us?”
“Not tonight,” Sadie smiled. “Your little one will fall asleep and trust me at four months, you and Curt need some alone time together. Don’t forget, my friend that being a mother doesn’t negate the fact that you’re a wife as well.”
“I’m not sure I know the meaning of the word right now,” Kayla laughed, exhaustion coating the sound.
“Trust me, you will. It will get easier and you’ll once again find the longing for your husband undeniable.”
“How do you and Pecos manage it with three children?”
“The jump was difficult, especially because Pecos and Rachel are so much older already, but we learned as all parents inevitably do, to take things one day at a time. Eventually it all irons out and life becomes a routine that everyone can live with.”
“I sure hope so,” Kayla chuckled. “Alright my friend. I will strive to remember that I am both a mother and a wife. You do me a favor and enjoy both your husband and your kids as well.”
“I plan to,” Sadie laughed. “We’ll see you next weekend for supper. Maybe I can cook this time.”
***
Curt came in later that afternoon to get washed up for supper. “Was that Sadie I saw leaving earlier?”
“Yes,” Kayla elaborated. “She came by to visit and see how I was doing adjusting to life after Albert’s arrival.”
“That was sweet of her.”
“Truly,” Kayla smiled. “She admonished me to remember that I am equally a wife and mother.”
“What does that mean?”
“I just think she wanted me to remember that being a mother doesn’t mean I’m not a wife. That I should remember you, as well as, Albert.”
“You do remember me, don’t you?”
“Maybe not in the areas I need to, although I do try.”
“Albert’s only four months old, surely intimacy can wait.”
“Sadie has a point,” Kayla said, bringing a spoon of spaghetti sauce over so he could taste it.
“Fabulous,” Curt said. “And what would her point be?”
“That being parents doesn’t negate that we’re married, that we’re spouses who are supposed to love each other.”
“So holding off on intimacy is a symbol of not loving each other?”
“I’m not saying that,” Kayla said, her frustration growing. “I’m just saying that it’d be nice to spend some time with you that doesn’t revolve around the ranch and Albert and everything else. To just sit with you and enjoy a cup of coffee, even if we never say a word to each other.”
“I’m sorry Kayla,” Curt sighed. “I promised to be honest and upfront with you and I haven’t been. The truth is, I’m terrified to touch you. I’m scared that we’re not ready, that you still need to heal. I’m scared of getting pregnant too soon after Albert. I’m afraid that I’ll fail him and you.”
“When did the man that I love become so fearful?” Kayla asked, coming over to him. Pressing a hand to his cheek she brought his beautiful baby blues to her face. “I love you Curtis Aaron Langley, no matter what life throws at us. I don’t care if we have two babies of twenty. I don’t care if we have this ranch or a two-bedroom shack. As long as I have you, Albert and God, I’m happy and I’m home.”
“I don’t deserve you Kayla. But I swear I’m trying to be worthy of you.”
“Oh hush,” Kayla scolded him. “You are worthy of me. If you weren’t we wouldn’t be happily married with a beautiful little boy and a life that fulfills us.”
“Once again you’re absolutely right,” Curt chuckled. He brought Kayla into his arms and pressed a tender kiss to her hair. As they walked into the kitchen to start supper, Kayla thought about her ticket to Texas. She thanked God again, that she’d only asked for a one way ticket. It was
all she’d needed.
*****
THE END.
Western Love
Mail Order Bride
CHRISTIAN MICHAEL
Chapter One: Run-ins
California, 1885
Constance Lowell allowed her father to help her from the carriage, lifting her skirts to keep them from the mud that lay along the roadways.
“Be careful pumpkin,” Mr. Robert Lowell said as he held his daughter’s arm to save her from slipping. “If you ruin that dress your mother will have my hide for certain.”
“I’ll be careful, papa.”
“Good,” he smiled. “So Rupert, tell us more about this clothing company.”
“Yes, sir,” Rupert Merchant said with a solemn nod of his head. “The Bethel Clothing Company was founded on a street corner during the Great California Gold Rush. With no more to work with than rags, the owner’s wife would sew them into worthwhile breeches for men to purchase at half the cost of buy them brand new. As time went on, she garnered enough sales to purchase new material. Still, she kept her prices low and business poured in. By the time the gold rush lost interest, Mr. and Mrs. Smitz had built up enough revenue to purchase this here building and the acreage that surrounds it. It’s in the process of being passed down to their son Jameson, but as he’s away in college, there’s no telling when the transition will actually happen.”
“Can we take a more detailed tour of the facility?” Constance asked, her green eyes clearly interested in how a clothing company ran from the inside.
“Absolutely, Miss Lowell.”
She followed her father inside and gasped at the intense heat inside the building. Almost immediately it became harder to breathe and she started to sweat. She brought out her fan and began fanning herself as she scanned the workers. For the most part they looked worn thin, their bodies adapted to the life of hard labor. But when her eyes fell on a child who couldn’t have been more than seven, pushing around a car to collect garments in, Constance felt an unspeakable rage rush through her. She marched up to the foreman, taking leave of her father and demanded. “Does Mr. Smitz condone letting children labor in a sweat shop like this?”
[2016] Widowed and Pregnant Page 8
