“I love you,” he whispered, his voice made gravelly by emotion.
“I love you too.” She kissed him.
Brody retreated a step. Her brows rose and question marks filled her eyes.
“Any more of that and I won't be able to wait for the 'I do's',” he explained.
She had the nerve to laugh.
“Not funny,” he said. “My need is that great. I've never wanted you more than at this moment.”
Her smile faded, and she moved close to him, her hand caressing his face. “Oh, Brody, you aren't the only one eager for this wedding to end.”
He kissed his finger and pressed it to her lips.
Without warning, he swooped her into his arms and carried her outside where a white horse with a braided mane waited. He lifted her onto the sidesaddle, slid his hand down her arm, and took the reins to lead the mare.
With her skirts spread over the horse's white rump and down over her legs, she appeared like a queen ready to greet the people of her realm.
He started slowly, leading the mare, but his pace picked up along the way until by the time they had climbed half the hill, he and the horse were running, Ophelia's laughter trailing behind them.
“Brody, you're crazy,” she called out.
“Crazy for you,” he replied.
“Oh, dear. Look. Others are coming up the hill as well. Surely they aren't going where we are.”
He didn't stop. He glanced at the people, some walking, some in buggies, and kept going. “They've heard about the wedding and don't want to miss out.”
“But, we wanted a small ceremony with only Owen, Hester and Marzda. I wanted Eliza and Dom here, but I don't see them. Remember, if the children do come, all they know is that their father had an accident at the mine and fell to his death.”
“I won't forget.” Over his shoulder, he said, “As for the other folks coming uninvited, you know as well as I do that we don't get everything we want in life. We simply have to accept what is and roll with the punches.”
“Well, while we're rolling, let's hurry a tad faster and try to beat them there.
With a grin, he stopped, swung up behind her, and put the horse to a gallop. Moments later, they caught sight of three people waiting for them in a small stand of quaking aspens; Owen, with his Bible, Hester, and Marzda holding a bouquet of wildflowers tied with a long lavender ribbon. They waved and Ophelia waved back.
They reached the spot they'd chosen for their wedding barely ahead of the first of their uninvited guests. The quakies formed a semi-circle around a large flat-topped boulder. Through the trees, they had a three-sixty view of the mountain with Wildcat Ridge at the bottom of the draw on one side and Black Bear River zig-zagging through a broad meadow on the other. Marzda handed Ophelia her bouquet and received a kiss for her effort. Owen shook Brody's hand and Hester hugged Ophelia.
In the distance, a train's horn broke the silence, reminding Brody how heartbroken Ophelia was that her children weren't here. She suspected they hadn't received the wire telling their news soon enough or she would have heard from them. Brody had tried to console her, all the while hoping Eliza and Dominic would still show up. They'd missed their father's funeral as well.
Garnet and her husband, Adam, arrived a moment later. “You didn't think you were going to cheat us out of this event, did you?” Garnet asked.
“We didn't mean to exclude anyone,” Ophelia said, taking Brody's hand. “We just wanted a small ceremony.”
“Too late for that.” Adam helped Garnet down from their buggy.
Brody watched, storing a mental note inside his brain to buy a buggy for Ophelia. He had many plans for things he wanted to do for her. A good house, nice furnishings, and children. He hoped they could have at least one child. They had Marzda and he adored her, but he wanted an offspring of his own. A son, maybe.
As if reading his mind, Ophelia asked the Bennetts, “Where are the children?”
“One of Olive's daughters volunteered to watch everyone's children at the schoolground so they can play on the swings and slide,” Garnet said.
“How kind of her.” Ophelia barely had time to hug Garnet before Priscilla and Braxton Gamble arrived. Rosemary and her husband, Riley came next, then Thalia and Dinky Moon, Buster and Thad King, Gwyneth and Aedan Murphy, Jo and Riley Banks, Grace and Ben Sloan, Clare and Quinn Bates, Justine Ditzler, Olive Muckelrath, Dr. and Mrs. Spense, the Tweedies and Hazelanne and Brice MacAndrews. More arrived later, but Owen refused to wait before beginning the ceremony.
A stir at the back of the crowd caused those at the front to turn to see who was pushing their way through.
“Ophelia,” Hester whispered. “I think those people are trying to get your attention.”
After a single glance, Ophelia gasped and raced to meet the two men and one woman trying to reach her. Curious, Brody followed.
“Eliza! Dom! Edmund,” Ophelia cried.
The three late-comers encircled her in a group hug. For a second, Brody felt left out, forgotten. He reminded himself that Ophelia hadn't seen her children in several weeks. How selfish to feel jealous of her family?
“Hello, Mother,” Eliza said, hugging her, when they broke apart.
“You made it.” Ophelia braced her daughter's face with her hands and kissed the girl's forehead. Grinning, she patted Eliza's rounded tummy.
“Don't let us interrupt the ceremony, Mother,” Dominic said. “We can talk afterward.”
“Yes.” Ophelia twisted and met Brody's gaze. She held out a hand to him, which he accepted. “This is Brody.”
Laughter filled her voice as she continued, “He's your new step-father, or will be in a few minutes.”
“We're very glad to meet you, sir.” Dominic offered his hand.
After the two men shook, Dominic said, “Go and complete your wedding. We aren't going anywhere.”
Brody gazed down at his bride-to-be who radiated joy and eagerness. Taking her hand, he led her back to Owen.
“Ophelia's children,” he said by way of an explanation.
“How wonderful they could be here,” Owen said. “Shall we begin?”
“Yes, please,” Ophelia and Brody said at the same time.
Marzda handed Ophelia the wildflowers she'd picked, and Owen opened his Bible and spoke in a clear, resonant voice, “Few couples realize the severity of marriage before they take their vows. We who are older learned the hard way, same as we learned to walk and talk. But, along the way, we also learned the value of a good marriage, the wisdom needed to make a wise choice in mates, and that even the best marriages sometimes encounter a bumpy road.”
He cleared his throat. “I've known Brody Duvall for many years, Ophelia Corrigan for far less time, yet I know these two people belong together. They knew it as well twenty years ago when they first met, but life played a foul trick on them, causing them to waste a lot of time.”
Owen wiped at his eyes as if caught up with emotion. “Today, we are here to unite Brody and Ophelia once and for all, knowing they will savor every day they have together. They may argue but they'll always resolve their differences before another day begins. They will each give, and each receive, share and share alike.”
Hester, standing to the side with Marzda, began to sob.
Sending her an understanding smile, Owen said, “I know Brody and Ophelia will always remember the significance of this day. I pray that nothing ever comes between them, wasting more of their precious time. May they meet every goal, fulfill every dream, enjoy good health to the end of their days and never want for anything important.”
The crowd murmured, “Amen.”
Owen began the service, the audience silent and solemn.
Brody, feeling so full he feared he might burst, squeezed Ophelia's hands as they gazed into each other's eyes and repeated their vows, their lips smiling, their hearts at peace.
At last, Owen pronounced them man and wife. Brody swept her into his arms and demonstrated his love with his kiss.
Laug
hing when they finally broke apart to the Hoorahs and applause of those in attendance—which seemed to be the entire town—they turned and waved to their friends and Ophelia's family.
Waving for her children to come forward, Ophelia said, “Come on, Edmund, and you too, Brody. Family hug. Marzda. Where's Marzda?”
“Here.”
Ophelia pulled the girl over and did her best to hug them all at the same time while tears rained down her face.
“Don't cry, Mother,” Dominic said, handing her his handkerchief.
She took it and wiped her eyes. “You have helped to make the happiest day of my life, even more special than it already was. Thank you for coming.”
“Of course,” Eliza said. “We didn't get the wire until yesterday. Fortunately, we managed to board the train in time to reach here.”
Dominic said, “I got my wire two weeks ago, jumped right on a train and reached Salt Lake City last night.”
“I'm glad you were able to make it,” Brody said, standing beside Ophelia. “I've heard a lot about you and Eliza. It's nice to finally meet you. If we'd known you would be here, we would have postponed our honeymoon up at Angel Springs.”
“We wouldn't have wanted you to do that, sir. I don't know about Eliza, but I need to get right back to seminary, anyway.”
“Edmund must return to work as well,” Eliza added.
Brody kissed her hand, told her she looked like her mother, and shook Edmund's hand. “Your mother will be eager to visit once the little one arrives.”
“Yes, indeed,” Ophelia agreed.
Eliza grinned. “We have a few more months to go for that.”
“Eliza, Dom, before you go, there's someone else you must meet.” Ophelia pulled Marzda up beside her. “This is Marzda. She will soon be your adopted sister.”
“A sister!” Eliza cried. “I always wanted a sister.”
“Me too,” Dominic joked. “Well, in all honesty, I'd hoped for a brother, but a sister is almost as good. Welcome to the family, Marzda.”
The young people hugged each other. Eliza introduced her husband and the subject turned to the date when her child would join the world.
“I hope I'll get to babysit,” Marzda said.
“Well, we don't live very close,” Eliza said, “but if you make it to Salt Lake City, or maybe the next time we visit Wildcat Ridge, we'll be glad to let you take care of the baby.”
Dominic stepped over to Brody who had been watching the reunion with a broad smile. The day was complete now. He and Ophelia had everything they could want.
“I've heard wonderful things about all of you,” Brody told his new step-son. “I'm grateful for how well you've taken care of Ophelia.”
“She's a very special woman, my mother,” Dominic said, casting a proud glance her way.
“I can't argue that.” Brody also looked to his new wife, and his heart swelled inside him. A wife and children in the same day. What could be better?
Having Ophelia for his wife, that was the ultimate gift.
Later, after the celebration had moved to the hotel and calmed down a little, Brody cornered Ophelia and lured her into his old room.
“Are you happy?” he asked.
“Oh, Brody.” Her eyes were red from all the tears she'd shed that evening. “I didn't know it was possible to be this happy.”
“You've been crying.”
“Tears of joy. My children are here. Do you like them?”
“If I didn't, I wouldn't admit it,” he said. “But, as it happens, I like them very much. Dom is a well-brought up young man I believe will go far in life. Eliza is a sweetheart and her husband polite, friendly and very protective of her. That's a good sign.”
“Yes. I can't wait for the baby to be born. Do you think we could go to Salt Lake City to visit when it comes?”
“Of course. I'll look forward to it.”
Silence fell as they exchanged a long glance. Brody drew her into his arms and kissed her. “I wish everyone would go home so I could have you alone.”
“I know. Me too. Do you have any idea how much I love you?” she said. “I'd run away with you now, if it wasn't for the children. I haven't seen enough of them yet.”
“If what you feel for me is half as strong as my emotions for you, it would be overwhelming. I'll be grateful for it all my life, and happy to share you with your family.”
“Thank you.” A dreamy look came into her eyes. “All our lives. I wonder how much time that will encompass? I hope it's very lengthy. Even if I reach one hundred, it will be too soon to part from you.”
“They'll have to bury us together,” he said. “Because I'll still be holding your hand, and I'll never let go.”
“I hope not.” Going up on tiptoes, she kissed him. “We're going to have a wonderful life.”
“The best ever.”
About the Author
Charlene likes to say she began her fiction career in the third grade when she told the class, during Show and Tell, that a black widow spider came down from the garage roof and bit her (non-existent) little sister to death.
After two years of college as a fine arts major, she moved to Utah, planning to wow the world with her watercolor landscapes—until her sister introduced her to romance novels. After that, instead of creating pictures with a paint brush, she's done it with words. She also designs book covers.
Originally published by Kensington in the ‘90s, Charlene is now an Indie author. Her books are all western historical romance, except for one unpublished contemporary fantasy. It’s a frog princess story about a man napping beside a pond. He awakens when a frog jumps on his chest. The frog kisses him. Suddenly, he has a naked medieval princess sprawled over him. Charlene has a vivid imagination and a romantic soul.
Please excuse her now. A husky whisper is coming from a dusty, shadowed corner of her office. Someone long, lanky and lascivious lurks there, beckoning to her. She has no intention of playing coy.
Visit Charlene on Social Media
Website
https://charleneraddon.com
Sign up for Charlene’s newsletter.
Book Cover Site
https://silversagebookcovers.com.
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/charleneb.b.raddon
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Charlene-Raddon/e/B000APG1P8
Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/
author/show/1232154.Charlene_Raddon
Twitter
https://twitter.com/craddon
Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/charlene-raddon
Upcoming Releases
The following are the books of The Widows of Wildcat Ridge in order of their release:
Book 1 Priscilla, by Charlene Raddon
Book 2 Blessing, by Caroline Clemmons
Book 3 Nissa, by Zina Abbott
Book 4 Gwyneth by Christine Sterling
Book 5 Dulcina, by Linda Carroll-Bradd
Book 6 Josephine, by Kit Morgan
Book 7 Thalia, by Charlene Raddon
Book 8 Eleanora, by Pam Crooks
Book 9 Garnet, by Caroline Clemmons
Book 10 Grace, by Tracy Garrett
Book 11 Rosemary, by Kristy McCaffrey
Book 12 Clair, by Kit Morgan
Book 13 Cadence, by Charlene Raddon
Book 14 Diantha, by Zina Abbott
Book 15 Hazelann, by Linda Carroll-Bradd
Book 16 Ophelia, by Charlene Raddon
Other Books by Charlene Raddon
Steamy:
Forever Mine
Tender Touch
Taming Jenna
To Have and To Hold
The Scent of Roses
Sensual:
Maisy's Gamble
Sweet:
A Ride Through Time
Sierra's Tumble
Ride for a Bride
Priscilla, The Widows of Wildcat Ridge #1
Thalia, The Widows
of Wildcat Ridge #7
Cadence, The Widows of Wildcat Ridge #13
Short Stories:
Christmas Seduction
The Reckoning (from The Posse)
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Tweleve
Chapter Thirteen
Epilogue
About the Author
Visit Charlene on Social Media
Upcoming Releases
Other Books by Charlene Raddon
Ophelia Page 16
