“Oh that will be nice. We might even fill the church again.”
“Mrs. Atkins do you have time for Rebecca and me to do a little shopping?”
“I was going to talk to Mary for a little bit, so go ahead.”
Charles grabbed Rebecca by the hand and said, “Come help me look for something.”
“Okay, but what are we looking for?”
“You’ll see,” Charles said, “now come on.” He took her hand and led her down the street.
He had seen a small jewelry shop and it was there he was headed. “I’m William Johnson, the proprietor of this store. May I help you today?”
“I am Charles Wilson, and we’re looking for an engagement ring and a wedding band for my fiancé, Rebecca.”
“Yes, I have some. Let me open the safe and I’ll be glad to show you.” He brought a small tray with some rings with small stones.”
“These won’t do. Do you have any nicer than these?”
“Well yes, but they’re more expensive,” said the store owner.
“Let's make this easier. Bring out the nicest rings you have and we’ll see if they will do.”
The jeweler came back with a small tray and said, “These are the finest I have. Most folks around here don’t want to spend this much for a ring.”
“Well, this is a mighty special girl and I want her to have the best ring available.”
“I assure you, you will not find finer rings than these without going to Dallas and maybe not even then.”
“Rebecca, do you see any of these you would like?”
“Charles, this one is beautiful and I do like it.”
“Are you sure?” asked Charles.
“Absolutely. This is the one I want it.”
“Sir, we’ll take this and the band that goes with it.”
“You’ll take both?”
“Yes, I have a line of credit with my bank in Atlanta and your bank has said they will honor it, so if we can check the fit, I’ll go to the bank and get your money. Honey, give me your hand.” He took the ring from the jeweler and slid it on Rebecca’s finger. It fit perfectly. “I’ll be back shortly, sir.” He returned in ten minutes, paid the jeweler, then he and Rebecca walked from the jeweler’s back to the preacher’s house.
When they went in, Rebecca walked up to her mother, held out her hand, and said, “Look Ma, Charles bought me an engagement ring.”
“Oh, it is exquisite dear. I guess he’s really serious.”
“Indeed I am Mrs. Atkins, Indeed I am.”
Later back at the ranch…
Rebecca and her mother went into her mother’s bedroom. “I think you will fit into my wedding gown, Becky. Would you like to try it on?”
“Yes, I really would.” Her mother went into a closet and came out with two boxes that were yellowed with age. She placed the boxes on the bed and carefully removed a wedding gown that was made of a pale green silk and satin.
“Your eyes are green like mine and this color will be great for you. It would be a little tight on me but I think it will fit you. If you like it, we may have to replace the thread in places. What do you think?”
“I would love to be married in your wedding dress. Let’s try it.”
Rebecca took off the dress she was wearing and her mother pulled the gown over her head. It fit in the waist and underarms perfectly. The length was also good. Her mother began to fasten the buttons in the back. One came off but it would be easily replaced. “You may have to lace your corset a little tighter than you have it now, but it fits. Take a look.”
Rebecca stood in front of the floor mirror and looked at herself from all sides. Sarah said, “I was a little larger in the bosom than you are but I’d had two babies. My mother used to say, “What nature has forgotten, we can stuff with cotton. Here let me put the veil on.” She placed the veil on Rebecca’s head.
Looking in the mirror, Rebecca adjusted the veil slightly, then twisted and turned to look from various angles. “I think it’s beautiful, Ma. What do you think?”
“I think you would make sackcloth look beautiful, Becky. You are an extremely attractive young woman.”
“It’s funny how I never see myself that way. If I am, I owe it to you. Pa must have dropped his jaw when he saw you wearing this.”
Sarah said, “Mary told me he looked stunned. I think it is really nice you will be leaving for Washington after the wedding. I hate to see you go, but a new couple needs privacy and you surely would not have that here. It would be kind of awkward to stay here anyway. The drawing room you had when you arrived sounds as if it would be roomy enough for the two of you. I’ll have one of the boys take care of Bandit for you.”
“Oh, Ma, I’m ashamed to say I had forgotten Bandit completely. We can take our things to the depot before the wedding and not have to worry about them. Maybe we could pay one of the clerks to watch Bandit until our train comes. He has to be in the baggage car anyway. I’m going to call them to see what we can arrange.”
“Honey, make sure Charles knows about the plans. If you talk to him about it, he will at least think he’s been a party to the decisions.”
“Mother, you are a sneaky devious woman,” Rebecca said
“Funny you should say that. Charles said the same thing when I suggested something to him.”
“And what did you suggest to him?”
“Never you mind dear,” Sarah said.
“Mother, this is embarrassing, but I am going to ask it anyway. I know Charles had some experience with Cynthia since she had moved in with him before we met, but I don’t. What was the first time like?”
“Of course, I was married once before your Pa and I got married, but it was a wonderful experience the first time, even with the pain. You will experience some pain when he first…..”
CHAPTER 17: THE WEDDING AND RETURN TO WASHINGTON
Sunday came. The sky was cloudless. Not even a wisp could be seen. Nothing but a deep blue color could be seen. Their things had been placed in the carriage. The crate was out and awaiting Bandit. Sarah had put the boxes with the wedding dress and veil in the carriage. They would be using two carriages today, due to the extra clothes that were being taken.
Thomas, the smaller of Rebecca’s two brothers had let Charles borrow an evening coat for the wedding. It had been ironed and neatly folded until needed.
The two carriages had left ten minutes apart to allow the dust to settle before the other one came along. Rebecca, her mother and her father were in the first of the two carriages. Charles, Josh and his family were in the second carriage. Thomas lived closer to the church and would use his own carriage. The trip in was uneventful.
The Atkins family filled their pew. Charles and Rebecca sat beside each other. They were holding hands. The preacher began the service with a prayer. Then a hymn was sung, accompanied by the preacher’s wife, Mary on the organ. The preacher then began the weekly announcements, the last of which concerned events following the service.
“Thirty five years ago, I had the privilege of joining together in Holy Matrimony, two of our congregants, Sarah Bartlett and Trace Atkins. Today, I have the great honor and privilege of doing the same for their daughter, Rebecca, and Charles Wilson, of Atlanta, Georgia. The ceremony will be in the sanctuary 30 minutes after the conclusion of these services. One hour after the wedding, a reception will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the Cimmaron Hotel. The congregation is invited to both events. Due to the afternoon events, I will attempt to keep my message brief.” There was a ripple of laughter throughout the sanctuary. “I said attempt to keep my message brief.” Another wave of laughter ensued. “Following the reception, the bride and groom will travel to Washington DC, where they will make their home.”
True to his word, the preacher did keep his message brief. Well, anyway, briefer than usual. As the closing prayer began, Sarah and her mother quietly left the sanctuary for the anteroom where their clothing had been placed. With Josh guarding the door, they began changing. Sarah
first and then Rebecca with Sarah’s help.
Thomas was acting as Charles’s best man and one of Josh’s sons was ring bearer. Thomas’s daughter was the flower girl. They had been well rehearsed on the roles the day before at their grandparents’ home.
The first notes of the wedding march rang out. On the arm of her father, Rebecca began the slow procession toward the altar. She was radiant, a truly beautiful woman, smiling as she walked along behind the flower girl. When Charles caught his first glimpse of her, his jaw dropped. She was a vision and a dream come true. He stood there, gaping. She smiled at him, for him only. He would not have believed her smile could have been improved upon but it was.
The congregation, most of whom hadn’t seen Becky in years smiled at her as she passed. Her mother’s smile held all of the love a mother can have in a daughter and the satisfaction of the job of parenting well done.
Trace had a somber look on his face. He was happy for Rebecca, but soon, she would not belong to him. The thought made him sad. He placed her hand in Charles’s and returned to his seat beside his wife.
The vows were taken, the wedding band was placed on Rebecca’s finger and the preacher pronounced them man and wife. He gave Charles permission to kiss his bride. He asked them to turn to the congregation and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wilson.”
The recessional music began, Charles and Rebecca moved slowly back down the aisle and out of the church. Rebecca’s brothers both gave Charles a hearty handshake and kissed their sister. As they shook hands with Charles, both admonished him he had better take good care of their sister. Trace did and said the same. Sarah hugged and kissed the both of them.
The wedding was over.
* * *
Charles had returned his borrowed coat to Thomas and donned the clothes he would be wearing during the return to the District. Rebecca and Sarah changed clothes in a room provided by the hotel, then returned to the reception.
Many of the congregation attended the reception. No one noticed when the bride and groom slipped quietly out, accompanied by the Atkins family and headed for the depot.
The whistle of the incoming train went unnoticed by all except the immediate family. Charles checked with the station manager and found that Bandit along with their luggage had been safely stowed aboard the train. The items that would be needed during the trip had been placed in their drawing room.
The party was standing around hugging and talking when the call of “All Aboard” came. Final kisses and handshakes were exchanged. Last goodbyes were said and the newly married couple went aboard the train.
There was a whistle, a large blast of steam, the big steel wheels churned and the train began slowly moving out of the station. As it passed, the Atkins family was able to get a last glimpse of their daughter and sister and the new member of their family.
* * *
As the train moved out, taking them home, Charles turned and said, “Mrs. Wilson, I am now going to kiss you soundly.”
“I would like that Mr. Wilson.” They were sitting on a seat that would later be turned into their bridal bed. Charles took her into his arms and kissed her softly, and then with more fervor. Rebecca, with her arms entwined about his neck returned the kiss. Her lips parted, allowing him entry. His tongue probed the interior of her mouth. When it touched her tongue Rebecca felt an involuntary shudder throughout. The kiss deepened. Rebecca moaned as Charles placed a hand on her breast. The heat from his hand burned through the fabric. She put her hand atop his and squeezed lightly.
Charles pulled away and said, “Come with me.”
Rebecca followed as he led her to the day seats in the Pullman car. He said, “Please sit here, I’ll be right back.” He went away and came back about ten minutes later. Wordlessly, he took Rebecca’s hand and led her back to their compartment. When they entered, she saw the bed had been made.
He hung the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door and latched it. “You naughty boy,” she said. She flung her arms about his neck and kissed him, retaining control of the intensity of the kiss.
She pulled away. “Can you help me with this?” she shyly asked. She turned away and raised her arms to hold them out of his way as he unbuttoned the buttons on her dress. Next, she asked him to remove her camisole, still holding her arms high. She then undid the ties to her corset and let it fall. Holding her arms high again, she asked him to help with the chemise. Now that her breasts were uncovered, he reached out and cupped one in his hand. Rebecca trembled.
“Are you cold, Honey?” a solicitous Charles asked.
“Oh no, far from it.” She pushed her pantalets down and stepped out of them. She was now standing in front of him, completely naked. No man had ever seen her this way.
“You want to help me?” he asked.
“Gladly,” came the response.
She slowly removed his clothes, surprised when his manhood sprang free and swung back and forth. He pulled her to him, her breasts burning holes in his chest with their fiery touch. They kissed, touching each other top to bottom.
They lay back on the bed, Rebecca on her back and Charles on his side. Charles took a breast in hand and began massaging it, the nipple rising to a firm peak. She felt a moistness between her legs that felt as if it was a flowing stream. Charles kissed her neck, then chest and then took her nipple in his mouth. This set him tingling all over. He moved his hand down slowly past her belly button, down to the silky hair that guarded the entrance to her vault.
“Honey, I’m going to use my finger to widen you so it won’t hurt so much.”
She didn’t say anything, still nearly breathless from his suckling her breasts. “If it gets much better than this, I won’t be able to stand it,” she thought to herself.
She gasped when he slid a finger into her tunnel. As he moved it around, she felt a powerful force take over her body, writhing and turning on the bed, moaning audibly. Then he put another finger in, stretching and moving. She felt the force coming again; the thrusting and writhing began anew.
Charles positioned himself atop her and entered slowly. She began moaning louder, as he pushed downward. There was a sharp pain that passed quickly. Charles was now moving in and out. She felt herself moving with him as she caught the rhythm. The powerful urge overtook her once again and she thrust her hips upward as Charles moved faster. He groaned and she could feel the pumping as he emptied himself in her.
They lay still. Charles was still on top, but propping himself up with his arms to relieve some of the weight on her. “Did I hurt you badly, darling?” he asked.
“No, it was wonderful. I can’t believe how I felt. Something took over my body and I… I can’t describe it. I love you, Charles. With all my heart and being I love you.”
“For all of that,” Charles said. “I love you more.”
“You couldn’t,” she said.
This was the first of many times they made love as they continued through what was now night time. They found the true meaning of the expression, “The night is made for love.” Several times.
EPILOGUE
After the long, dusty, and tiring trip, the happy, newly married couple arrived back in Washington.
It had been a long journey, in which they did very little sight seeing, since they were busy becoming familiar with each other.
Charles hired a carriage, freed Bandit from his cage, and loaded the luggage into the rear of the carriage. During the trip, they had mutually agreed they would live in Rebecca’s home since it was larger than Charles’s house and they planned to lease his to someone. It was here they headed.
* * *
Rebecca went to work at Rawson and Eggers on the first of the month. She assumed her role as litigator with excitement and dedication. After three years with the firm, she would be offered a partnership, an offer she would quickly accept.
Charles sent out resumés to many of the large firms in the district. He received several replies and accepted an offer with a
firm that specialized in corporate law. Over the ensuing years he enjoyed much success and eventually made partner.
Fourteen months after their return, Rebecca joyfully discovered she was pregnant. Her dream of motherhood was realized when she delivered Charles Trace Wilson. Her mother and father had traveled to Washington to be there for the blessed event.
Young Charles turned out to be an excellent student and eventually entered Georgetown Law School.
In 1919, Rebecca was appointed to be a federal judge of the U.S. Court Of
Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit (Washington, DC) by President Woodrow Wilson. Seven months after he appointed Rebecca as judge, he suffered a massive stroke while campaigning for the adoption of the Versailles Treaty.
In 1930, Charles died of cancer at the age of 55. After Charles’s death, Rebecca retired and returned to her beloved Cimmaron to be near her father and mother who were both nearing 90 yeas of age.
Rebecca Atkins: Attorney At Love (Lonely Cowboy Series) Page 9
