by Linda Bridey
“No thanks needed,” Joey said. “Nothing would’ve kept us away, especially since I’m the best man.”
Skip smiled. “That’s because you helped me get engaged. I owed you.”
“Nah,” Joey said. “I was happy to do it.”
Sawyer had released Skip, who had started rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet. This time Skip’s older brother, Jethro, forced him to stand still.
“You’re making me sea sick,” he complained.
Skip smiled. “I should have had Renee sneak me in some whiskey. A shot of that would’ve settled me down.”
Jethro grinned. “Yeah. You can always count on little sis to get around rules.”
Matt Mackenzie, the pastor, entered the room.
“It’s time!” Skip almost shouted. “It’s time for me to marry the woman of my dreams!”
Matt put a hand to his chest. “Skippy, don’t give me a heart attack before I perform the ceremony.”
Runner pressed his hands down on Skip’s shoulders. “Don’t bounce or I’ll knock out another one of your teeth!”
Skip laughed and Matt couldn’t ever remember seeing a groom so wound up before. “We better go out there before you go completely around the bend,” Matt said, grinning.
“Yeah,” Skip agreed. “Let’s get to it!”
They all laughed at him and began leaving the room. Matt noticed that Runner avoided looking at him and he knew that the young man was worried about what Matt thought of him. Matt made a mental note to talk to Runner privately sometime that week.
Skip had to work hard to keep from running and he had to work equally as hard not to bounce as they stood waiting by the altar. He closed his eyes and willed himself still, again lifting a prayer of thanks up to the heavens.
*****
“I can’t thank you enough for giving me away, Raven,” Peanut said.
Raven smiled down at her. “It’s my pleasure.”
“And I’m so grateful to you for rescuing us and taking us along on your spirit journey. If you hadn’t we’d be dead and I wouldn’t have met Skip,” she said.
“And if it weren’t for all of you, we wouldn’t have found Runner so soon. We were all destined to meet,” Raven said.
“I believe that, too,” Peanut responded.
Jaylyn echoed Peanuts sentiments. “You’re all such special people and coming here with you was the best decision we ever made.”
“It’s good to see you both happy,” Raven said. “There’s more happiness ahead, too.” Looking at Jaylyn, he said, “Perhaps with a cousin of mine.”
Jaylyn blushed a little. “I don’t know about that.” Much more had occurred between her and Eric than she wanted to tell anyone, even her sister.
“Don’t rule it out and don’t give up. His heart is still bitter, but be patient,” Raven said.
Peanut giggled. “If I can get past Skip’s shyness, you can get past some bitterness.”
“Your sister is a wise woman, Jaylyn,” Raven said.
Peanut’s bridesmaids, Renee, Devon, and Snow Song, agreed.
Renee said, “I’ll give you some tips on how to lure him in. You’ll have him eating out of your palm in no time.”
Snow Song laughed. “Listen to her. She knows what she’s talking about.”
Raven chuckled. “Yes, you know how to get people to do what you want them to.”
“Well, I do have a way with people,” Renee said. “Which will come in handy for helping Timmy get elected.”
Snow Song said, “You’re really determined about that.”
Renee nodded. “Mainly because I believe in him and I know how much good he’ll do for people. He wants that so much and I love him so much that I’ll do everything I can to help him.”
Peanut said, “That’s the way I feel about Skip.”
The wedding march began playing and Raven said, “We better go.”
They left the dressing room that had been built especially for weddings so the women had a place to get ready. They were met by Jasmine and Hunter Night Sky.
“We’re ready,” Jasmine said with a nod. “We’ll do a good job. We’re experienced now.”
Hunter said, “Yep. I won’t lose the rings.”
“Thank you so much,” Peanut said. “I’m so glad you’re helping us out today.”
“It’s our pleasure,” Hunter said gallantly.
He and his sister paused at the entrance of the sanctuary and then started down the aisle. They were so stately about it that it drew chuckles from the guests. Bobby and Emily bit back laughter over the manly way Hunter gave the rings to Joey and shook his hand.
Joey had to press his foot down on Skip’s to keep the groom from bouncing up and down. Skip began sweating from the effort of remaining still as he watched Devon, Snow Song, and Renee take their places at the altar. When Jaylyn came down the aisle, she glanced at Eric before joining the other two women.
Skip saw Peanut and Joey felt his foot vibrate under his. She looked enchanting in her cream-colored, off-the-shoulder dress. The waistline had been raised so that the skirt covered her growing midsection fairly well. In Skip’s eyes, she was perfect and made even more so by the little life she carried inside her.
“Easy, Skip,” Joey whispered as Skip grew even antsier.
Peanut’s gaze met Skip’s and she held it the whole time she walked beside Raven. Skip held himself in check as Matt began the service.
“Who gives this woman to be married?” he asked.
Raven replied, “This Red Wind is given by myself and Wakan Tanka.”
Matt hadn’t been expecting that response, but he smiled as Raven handed Peanut over to Skip. Peanut felt his hands tremble, but the excited light in his eyes told her that Skip wasn’t nervous in the least. She bit the inside of her lip to keep from giggling.
When he said her full name, Skip couldn’t help smiling.
“Stop that!” Peanut protested. “I hate my name and you’re laughing about it.”
“I was just smiling.”
Peanut giggled. “Yeah, because you know I hate it.”
“Maybe a little.”
Matt stepped in, a big smile on his face. “Ok, you two. How about we finish the service and then you can argue about it?”
The bride and groom grinned but fell silent, allowing Matt to continue. As he placed Peanut’s ring on her finger, Skip remembered doing the same thing by a pond on a hot summer night when he’d asked Peanut to marry him. And now they were getting married, making his dreams come true.
Peanut slid his ring on and felt the magic of the occasion rise in her heart. Skip had become everything to her: best friend, protector, provider, and a father to her children. Despite his anger issues, she felt safe in his hands and she had faith in him. Looking in his eyes, she knew that she’d found her soulmate.
Matt said, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Skip took Peanut in his arms and even though he blushed, he kissed her soundly. As they did, Reckless felt a familiar shiver run through him and he heard Brown Stag speak into his ear.
It is good, the spirit guide said.
Reckless looked over at Runner and from the wink that Runner gave him, he knew that his cousin had also heard Brown Stag.
As the wedding guests cheered for the happy couple and pictures were taken, Skip and Peanut could hardly take their eyes off one another. Sawyer finished up their pictures and they left for the reception.
Switch and Will had decorated the Keller’s Model T and the newlyweds waved as they drove away from the church, grinning and laughing as everyone teased them.
Switch and Hope watched wistfully.
“How did they grow up so fast?” Hope asked.
“I have no idea. One to go,” Switch said, looking over at Jethro. “I’m so proud of Jethro, but I wish he didn’t live so far away.”
“Me, too, but he’ll be back for Christmas,” Hope said. “In the meantime, we have a granddaughter to sp
oil and in January we’ll have a grandson, according to Brown Stag.”
Switch frowned. Skip had told him what Brown Stag had said about their heritage. Skip wanted to go see Jay, but Switch was against the idea. However, there wasn’t anything he could do about it since Skip was an adult.
Even though he didn’t want to see his father, Switch couldn’t help but be curious about what information Jay might give them. Was there Lakota somewhere along their lineage? He didn’t know, but it didn’t matter right then. Putting that out of his mind, he and Hope left for the reception.
*****
The Kellers fell into a happy routine as fall came on. Hope and Switch were thrilled that Skip and Peanut had decided to live with them indefinitely. They adored Annie and awaited the birth of their next grandchild with great anticipation. Annie loved them, too, and flourished under all of the love and attention that was showered on her.
Skip saw Mike twice a week, working hard on controlling his anger. One tool he used when he found his temper rising was to tongue the empty place where his molar used to be. It was a reminder of what losing control had almost cost him.
He worked hard at his job, taking on more responsibility by doing some editing and breaking into writing advertisements. They gave him a raise and he insisted on paying his parents rent and contributing to buying food. Hope and Switch reluctantly agreed, but kept the rent low.
There were some days when Peanut thought she was dreaming because she’d found such a wonderful man and family. She realized that she would’ve never been this happy with Claude and was grateful for the way things had worked out. Skip might be different in some ways, but Peanut wouldn’t change anything about him.
They grew closer every day, their hearts and spirits twining together tightly. Gone was her shy guy, and Skip’s toe-curling lovemaking was addicting. He made her feel cherished every day and never left the house for work without kissing her and Annie and telling them that he loved them. The couple had been brought together by outside forces and rejoiced in the intense joy those events had brought about. They would be eternally grateful to a certain spirit guide who enjoyed matchmaking.
*****
Fall was a busy time for the inhabitants of Dawson. Art continued to chip away at Hailey’s defenses, determined to completely capture her heart and secure their future. With Joe’s help, he worked on a creative way to skirt around the problem of the miscegenation laws that hindered him and Hailey from marrying.
Although Runner’s situation wasn’t blatantly talked about, it wasn’t avoided, either. It would be hard, but he was done running. He faced the opposition with courage and he relied on his loved ones for support. He was an avid student and followed all of Reckless’ and Mike’s instructions to the letter, wanting to excel as a medicine man.
Reckless completely reconciled in his heart the shift in his relationship with Owl. They had always been close, but they were even more so now. Wolf and Clover had started calling Owl Grandfather, but Bear was still resistant to the idea.
Owl and Hannah’s children harbored no ill will about the situation and adapted easily to the idea that Reckless was their big brother. It didn’t really change their relationship except to strengthen their bond further.
Against Mike’s wishes, Reckless had resumed his diving and suffered no ill effects from it. Reckless told Mike that it was because Wakan Tanka was happy that he once again was making his daily sacrifice and that he was still under the great deity’s protection. After he’d survived his heart attack, his third brush with death, no one could deny that he was right.
Yes, there were many shifts in spirits that year, brought about by a Lakota chief spirit guide who watched over his tribe, guiding and helping them through difficult times. As Brown Stag looked on with pride at his descendants and the people who had become his friends even though they were separated by the veil of death, he watched them face their hurdles with fortitude and love and thought, it is good.
The End
******
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Linda’s other books
For Dawson Chronicles series books, click on a link below
Mistletoe Mayhem (Dawson Chronicles Book 1)
After the Storm (Dawson Chronicles Book 2)
For Echo Canyon Brides series books, click on a link below
Montana Rescue (Echo Canyon Brides Book 1)
Montana Bargain (Echo Canyon Brides: Book 2)
Montana Adventure (Echo Canyon Brides: Book 3)
Montana Luck (Echo Canyon Brides Book 4)
Montana Fire (Echo Canyon Brides Book 5)
Montana Hearts (Echo Canyon Brides Book 6)
Montana Christmas (Echo Canyon Brides Book 7)
Montana Orphan (Echo Canyon Brides Book 8)
Montana Surprise (Echo Canyon Brides Book 9)
Montana Miracle (Echo Canyon Brides Book 10)
For Westward series books, click on a link below
Westward Winds (Montana Mail Order brides Book 1) FREE BOOK
Westward Dance (Montana Mail Order brides Book 2)
Westward Bound (Montana Mail Order brides Book 3)
Westward Destiny (Montana Mail Order brides Book 4)
Westward Fortune (Montana Mail Order brides Book 5)
Westward Justice (Montana Mail Order brides Book 6)
Westward Dreams (Montana Mail Order brides Book 7)
Westward Holiday (Montana Mail Order brides Book 8)
Westward Sunrise (Montana Mail Order brides Book 9)
Westward Moon (Montana Mail Order brides Book 10)
Westward Christmas (Montana Mail Order brides Book 11)
Westward Visions (Montana Mail Order brides Book 12)
Westward Secrets (Montana Mail Order brides Book 13)
Westward Changes (Montana Mail Order brides Book 14)
Westward Heartbeat (Montana Mail Order brides Book 15)
Westward Joy (Montana Mail Order brides Book 16)
Westward Courage (Montana Mail Order brides Book 17)
Westward Spirit (Montana Mail Order brides Book 18)
Westward Fate (Montana Mail Order brides Book 19)
Westward Hope (Montana Mail Order brides Book 20)
Westward Wild (Montana Mail Order brides Book 21)
Westward Sight (Montana Mail Order brides Book 22)
Westward Horizons (Montana Mail Order brides Book 23)
Other Authors Recommended Books
Get these books for FREE!
Westward Winds (Montana Mail Order Brides) by Linda Bridey
Blinded By Love (Brides of the West) by Leah Wyett
Silver Heart (Mail Order Bride) by Amelia Rose
Mending Fences (Texas Heat) by Amelia Rose
Learning to Love (E-Mail Order Bride) by Amelia Rose
Violet’s Mail Order Husband (Montana Brides: Book 1) by Kate Whitsby
Paid books
A Bargain For A Bride (Montana Passion: Book 1) by Amelia Rose
Mail Order Bride: The Journey by Leah Wyett
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chap
ter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Epilogue
Connect With Linda
Linda’s other books
Cast of Characters
Copyright
Cast of Characters
Tim Dwyer-son of Joe and Lacey Dwyer
Renee Keller-Switch and Hope Keller’s daughter
Switch and Hope Keller
Skip Keller-Renee’s younger brother
Jethro Keller-Renee’s older brother
Sawyer Samuels-owns the Shutter Shoppe
Devon Samuels-Sawyer’s wife
Dr. Marcus Samuels-Head doctor at Dawson Community Hospital
Dr. Mike Samuels-Marcus’ nephew
Chief Black Fox
Raven Dwyer and Zoe Dwyer-Hailey and Dusty’s parents
Dusty Dwyer-Raven’s son
Hailey Dwyer-Raven’s daughter
Joe and Lacey Dwyer
Joey and Snow Song Dwyer
Kyle Dwyer-Son of Joe and Lacey Dwyer
Art Perrone-Kyle’s buddy from the war
Minx-Reckless’ sister
Emily Night Sky-Joe and Lacey’s daughter
Jasmine Night Sky-Bobby and Emily’s daughter
Hunter Night Sky-Jasmine’s younger brother
Brown Otter-Black Fox’s son-in-law
Matt “Mac” Mackenzie
Randy Cooper-son of Chester and Letty Cooper
Randall and Edwina Cranston
Cora Ambrose-Joe and Lacey’s cook and friend
Jake Henderson
Andy Henderson-Jake’s son
Mitch Taylor
Shawn Taylor
Dash-Skip’s draft mule
Copyright
© 2016 by Linda Bridey
