In Times Gone by

by Tracie Peterson

  CHAPTER

  26

  It was a glorious summer day. The kind that closed up shops, sent everyone outdoors, and put smiles on the faces of young and old alike. It was a perfect day for a picnic in the park, a swim at the Sutro Baths . . . or a wedding.

  Kenzie couldn’t deny the butterflies in her stomach. She tried her best not to think of how nearly a year ago she’d been preparing for an entirely different wedding, one that had ended in pain and humiliation. She knew Micah would never do to her what Arthur had done, but she couldn’t help feeling a little overwhelmed by the memories. She supposed it didn’t help that she’d gotten word only yesterday that Arthur was now engaged to some East Coast socialite whose family money went all the way back to Europe. The news set her on edge, because once again Arthur Morgan was getting away with all the wrongdoing he’d orchestrated, and no doubt this new woman was being manipulated just as she had been. It wasn’t right that money should allow him to do as he pleased without consequences.

  She forced the thought from her mind and helped Judith readjust Camri’s hat. There was no sense in fretting over what might have been, nor despising what was. God would eventually exact justice, and that was worse than anything Kenzie could dream up.

  “Are you girls ready?” Mr. Coulter asked. He peered into the room where Kenzie and the others had been making their final adjustments.

  “Camri’s hat was a bit heavy on the side,” Kenzie explained, “but we’ve secured it now.”

  He stepped into the room with Kenzie’s father directly behind him. Both men were quite handsome in their black double-breasted suits.

  “You’re all absolutely radiant,” Joseph Gifford declared. “I’m sure there have never been three more beautiful brides. And what hats!”

  Kenzie laughed. Her own hat had been created from a foundation of white woven straw with a wide brim and high crown. It had been covered in feathers, lace, and silver tulle, all of which had been skillfully arranged like a masterpiece of art. Camri’s millinery delight was also based on woven straw, but hers was a more natural color. The width of the brim was as wide as her shoulders and intricately piled on one side with ribbon, beading, and silk flowers. Judith’s was a little simpler yet still quite stunning. The base of her hat was a rigid platform of dark blue that peaked out from pale blue tulle and lace. The hat was higher than it was wide, and beautiful ostrich feathers had been painted silver and carefully placed to draw the eye ever upward. As a final detail, small white roses had been added throughout the creation.

  Mr. Coulter stepped over to his daughter and kissed her cheek. “You are stunning, my dear. I shall be honored to walk you to your groom.”

  Kenzie’s father nodded. “As will I.”

  For the first time, they realized that Judith had no one to walk with her. Kenzie saw Judith bite her lower lip and quickly lower her gaze. Kenzie knew her friend would never acknowledge her situation.

  “I have a marvelous idea,” Kenzie said, reaching for Judith’s hand. “I will walk on my father’s left, and you may walk on his right. Then Camri’s father will walk on your right and Camri will be on his right. We will face the altar as we have faced life here in San Francisco: united.”

  “I think that’s marvelous,” Mr. Coulter declared. “I’m sure I have never been on the arm of three more beautiful young ladies, and I will very much enjoy playing my part.”

  Her own father gave her a smile and nodded. “As will I.”

  Judith, Camri, and Kenzie exchanged a glance and smiled. They truly had become sisters. Theirs was a bond that wouldn’t easily be broken.

  The walk from the warehouse to the place near the shore where the others waited wasn’t long. It was strange that for all its industrialization and commercial surroundings, the warehouse grounds had the feel of an isolated park. Some of the old men who’d stayed with them had been out early that morning, arranging tables and chairs. Mrs. Lake had created an arbor of sorts using bleached white sheets, ribbon, and flowers, with the bay as a backdrop. It was here that Pastor Fisher waited with the grooms.

  Kenzie saw Micah standing with Caleb and Patrick and smiled. He didn’t seem the least bit nervous or concerned. Standing ramrod straight in his cutaway coat, he appeared to be doing nothing more important than waiting for a cable car, yet he’d never been more handsome. Just seeing him made her feel weak in the knees. Their eyes met, and Kenzie felt her heart skip a beat. The look in his eyes left her little doubt that he loved her—that he would always love her.

  Camri felt her father’s firm hold on her arm and was grateful. She’d never felt so nervous, almost to the point of being overcome. The day had been full of emotions for her, some expected and others not so much. On one hand, she felt like she was finally completing a long journey, one that had taken her a lifetime to travel. One that led to a conclusion she’d never even considered. On the other hand, Camri knew this was the beginning of an entirely new adventure.

  She saw Patrick try to casually run a finger under his collar and immediately felt sorry for him. He looked so miserable in his wedding clothes. He was a man of movement and hard work. Suits and ties didn’t leave him with the comfort or ability to do either one. She had told him last night how much it meant to her that he was willing to wear the wedding clothes Caleb had given him, but that she would happily marry him even if he showed up in his work attire. He had teased her by saying he just might. Now, as their eyes met, she could see that the love he held for her would have gone through far worse . . . and had.

  She thought about Ophelia, Patrick’s younger sister who had died last year from consumption. Ophelia had known they belonged together almost from their very first encounter. She had bequeathed Camri their family Bible, no doubt anticipating that it would remain in the family. Camri had thought her mistaken, but her doubts didn’t last long. Patrick had proven to her over and over that he was not only worthy of her love, but that without it, she would never be complete. Glancing heavenward, Camri breathed a prayer.

  Lord, we’re going to need Your help to make this marriage work. We’re both headstrong and opinionated and are far too easily given to arguing. Especially me. I know I need your guidance to be a good wife, and I know Patrick will need patience to deal with me from time to time. Help us both, Lord. Help us keep our eyes on You so that when we’re put out with each other, we remember who has the answers.

  She looked at Patrick again and found him grinning as if he had heard her prayer aloud. She smiled. Their life together was sure to be interesting.

  Judith trembled on the arms of her friends’ fathers. She was grateful for their support, knowing that she might never have been able to manage even the short walk to the altar without it. Her stomach was churning furiously, but Caleb’s steady, approving gaze made her keep putting one foot in front of the other. She had come a long way from that dusty, broken-down ranch in Colorado. A long way from the isolation and loneliness she had known most of her life.

  I’m marrying the only man I’ve ever loved. The man I’ve loved since I first set eyes upon him.

  She wondered what her mother and father might have thought of Caleb. Her birth parents had never had a chance to know her, but Judith liked to think they would have approved of Caleb. Even Grandmother had liked him, after a fashion.

  Judith smiled at the memory of the feisty old woman she’d known for such a short time. Grandmother Whitley would have chosen a man of high finance and social regard for her granddaughter, but Judith had made it clear that such arrangements weren’t acceptable. Grandmother Whitley had marveled at Judith’s strength of will—a strength Judith hadn’t even known she’d possessed. A strength that she felt had come in part from Caleb’s encouragement and support—and, of course, God’s help.

  Issues of faith had seemed relatively unimportant when she’d been a child. Now, however, she felt that God was a very real presence in her life. Not just some faceless deity people spoke of in reverence or in cursing, but a real and active force in t
he world. A father and guardian who loved her more than any human father could.

  The short walk to the altar ended, and before she knew it, Judith was handed off to Caleb, while Kenzie was paired with Micah, and Camri went to Patrick. Judith looked up to find Caleb’s brown eyes shining with love. A delicious shiver ran down her spine as he touched the hollow of her back and turned her to face Pastor Fisher. She was getting married!

  “Dearly beloved,” Pastor Fisher began, “we are gathered here today to join Micah and Kenzie, Caleb and Judith, and Camrianne and Patrick in holy matrimony.” He paused and chuckled. “While I presided over the marriage of my other children, I’ve never married three couples at once. This is truly a first for me and such a blessing. I’ve had the privilege of knowing all six people individually and am proud to call them friends. They have shown great love for each other, for their community, and for the Lord, and I see no reason they should not be joined together. However, if anyone else has thoughts against them, let them speak now or forever be silent on the matter.”

  No one breathed a word, and Pastor Fisher gave a nod. “Then let us continue.”

  The ceremony itself was short and simple, despite there being three couples rather than one. Each of the six people repeated their vows to their fiancé, pledging their life and love, then Pastor Fisher offered a prayer and instructed each groom to kiss his bride.

  Those who had come to observe the strange little wedding cheered as if they were attending a baseball game rather than a solemn ceremony. Their response made Patrick laugh heartily, which only served to make them cheer the more.

  Kenzie felt the breeze pick up and tug at her hat. She reached up to hold the brim, drawing Micah’s hand along with hers. He turned to see what the problem was, then grinned.

  “Shall I tie it on with some rope?” he asked.

  “We may have to,” she replied, doing her best to secure the hat.

  “Or we could just rid ourselves of it all together,” he teased.

  “Not until after the photographs are taken,” Camri said, coming up behind them. “And let’s hurry. I fear Patrick will start shedding his clothes at any moment.”

  “Oh dear.” Kenzie put her hand to her neck as if shocked. “The journalist for The Call would no doubt put that on the front page.” She nodded toward the man who’d come at the insistence of the newspaper’s owner after hearing about the triple wedding. “Then we’d none of us ever be invited to any important social events.”

  “What a pity that would be,” Camri said, laughing, and hurried to catch up with her husband.

  “Well, just remember, we need those socialites to help fund Solid Rock,” Micah said.

  Kenzie looked at him and shrugged. “God will provide, as you are always reminding me.” She reached up and smoothed his collar. “Are you ready to have your photograph taken, Dr. Fisher?”

  “Only if you are. Is your hat secure, Mrs. Fisher?”

  She nodded. “I believe so. It feels secure.” She smiled, feeling truly happy. “I feel secure.”

  He touched her cheek. “You’ll always be so with me. I’ll see to it, Kenzie. Even when we’re old and gray.”

  “Are you two coming for the photograph?” Caleb asked, leaning toward Micah. He pulled Judith along with him. “Camri said we need to hurry. Apparently Patrick is about to pass out from wearing a suit.”

  Epilogue

  SAN FRANCISCO—CHRISTMAS, 1908

  The sanctuary was packed to full capacity for the Christmas service, making it necessary for everyone to squeeze together as closely as possible. Kenzie’s parents sat in the aisle next to Micah. Kenzie found herself tightly wedged between her husband and Caleb, but the joy she felt could not be dimmed by the crowded pew. She shifted the sleeping bundle in her arms and smiled at the way the baby momentarily pursed his lips. Their son was just a month old, yet already he had a strong personality that matched the red hair he’d inherited from his mother.

  They’d named him for their fathers, both of whom were Joseph. Joseph Micah Fisher had already become the delight of both sides of the family.

  A cry of protest from farther down the pew left little doubt that Camri and Patrick’s baby girl was awake. Little Ophelia Murdock had been born only two days before Kenzie’s son. Micah had delivered them both. But perhaps even more exciting was that the week before either Camri or Kenzie had given birth, Judith and Caleb had become parents to twins. A boy and a girl, whom they had named after his grandfather and her grandmother. James and Ann. Both now slept in the arms of their mother and father.

  It had been a surprise to learn that all three women would have babies at the same time, and even more of a shock that Judith would give birth to twins. Micah had explained that because she herself was a twin, the odds were much greater that she would have two babies rather than one, but still it amazed them all. Judith had later laughingly said that she had to have two—one of each sex—so that they could marry little Ophelia Murdock and Joseph Fisher.

  The congregation sang “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” and then Pastor Fisher took to the pulpit to dismiss them. “This Christmas has come with many changes both to our city and our congregation. We have seen wrongs made right in the conviction of those responsible for taking unfair advantage of our city. We have seen rebuilding and restoration that has brought this once crippled town out of the ashes and into the grace and beauty she was once known for. There is still a great deal to do, but with God’s help, we will see it through.”

  He paused and smiled at the row where Kenzie and the others sat. “We have been blessed as God has enlarged our congregation. Enlarged it so much, in fact, that we are raising a new church building to accommodate everyone. God has already provided the funds we will need for the new building, and our own Patrick Murdock’s construction company will tend to our needs.”

  There were murmured amens throughout the crowded sanctuary. Kenzie knew that money she and Micah had donated, as well as funds from Caleb and Patrick’s families, had gone a long way toward meeting the need. However, she knew others in the congregation had given just as freely. This was a collection of people who gave without reservation. They had been deeply moved by the earthquake and fire and the need to help one another, and would no doubt go on giving in the future.

  “We look to 1909 with tremendous hope in our hearts, as well as joy. The Lord has provided in great abundance—given more than we could ever ask or imagine—and so I encourage each of you to do the same. Remember those in prison. Remember those in poverty. Remember those who are lost and alone. Our Lord and Savior came that we might have life in abundance, so I encourage each of you to share that life with your fellow man. Now, please stand for the final benediction.”

  Upon conclusion, the sanctuary filled with music as the organist played “Joy to the World.” Kenzie thought she might break into tears. Her joy was indeed great, and with the babe in her arms, Christmas held a new wonder for her.

  “You look radiant, my dear,” her mother said as she came to kiss Kenzie on the cheek.

  “Doesn’t she though?” Micah commented with a grin.

  “How could I not?” Kenzie looked down at her son. “I cannot imagine being any happier.”

  “Well, I know I couldn’t be,” Caleb said, holding both babies while Judith pulled on her wool coat. “I have a beautiful wife and two incredible children. Added to that, Ruef has been sentenced to fourteen years in San Quentin, and this city will finally be free of corruption.”

  “Oh, I don’t know that I’d be goin’ that far,” Patrick said as he and Camri joined them. “Corruption is bound to be with us till the good Lord returns to set things right.”

  “I’m sure you’re right, Patrick,” Caleb agreed, “but I’d like to think that, for now, we are much better off than we were.”

  “For sure, I believe ye on that account.” Patrick smiled. “But now I’m thinkin’ we’ve a grand feast awaitin’ us at Solid Rock. I’m not usually one for rushin’ right out of churc
h, but since a good many of these folks plan to join us there, couldn’t we be savin’ our visitin’ till later?”

  “Especially since we skipped breakfast,” Camri said, jostling Ophelia in her arms. “I’m half-famished myself.”

  “Then let’s go,” Caleb said with a smile. “Let’s go make merry and enjoy the bounty the Lord has provided.”

  They headed from the church to their waiting cars. Kenzie let Micah take the baby while she arranged herself in the automobile. She looked up with a nod when she was ready, and Micah deposited little Joseph in her arms. A blustery wind whipped up, and Kenzie quickly wrapped a wool blanket around them both.

  Micah got the car started, but before he followed the others from the church, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small jewelry box. “I wanted to give you this while we were alone. I have a feeling this will be the only time today that it might happen.”

  She opened the box. Inside was a beautiful heart-shaped gold locket. Mindful of the baby, she opened the locket and found a photo of Micah on one side and one of Joseph on the other. Her eyes filled with tears. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Not half so lovely as you, but a token of my love and a reminder of what matters.”

  She held it close to her heart. “I used to dream of such things, and now they’ve come true. Thank you, Micah. Thank you for pursuing me and not giving up.”

  He chuckled and put the car in gear. “A wise man never gives up on love—especially when there’s a feisty redhead involved.”

  Kenzie laughed and tucked the necklace back into the box. She slipped the gift inside her coat, then noticed that Joseph was watching her. His intense blue-eyed gaze made her smile. She touched the corner of his lip. “I suppose you’ll be a persistent charmer just like your father.”

  “Of course he’ll be a charmer,” Micah declared. “I’ll teach him everything I know.”

  Joseph’s lip curled upward.