Emma frowned as she studied her reflection. “It looks a lot like my hair at the end of the day after it’s come undone. Just shorter.”
Rebecca appeared in the mirror’s reflection carrying several rags. “We’ve got time to wet and roll those portions. As thin as those strands are, it won’t take long for them to dry.”
Lois bit her lip and watched Rebecca work. She reached for her comb. “I believe we should also pull a longer section from the back and curl it as well.”
Carefully she pulled several lengths from behind her ear. Lois smiled. “Don’t worry. I won’t cut it.” She quickly moistened and wrapped the strands in paper. “Don’t you dare look. Wait until we take it down.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Emma joked.
A soft tap on the door followed by an announcement of room service interrupted her thoughts. “Rebecca’s eyes brightened. “I feel like a princess having lunch served like this. I’m so thankful y’all are here with me to enjoy my special day.”
Chapter 22
November 2,1884
Dear God,
My cousins are both adorable and annoying. How is that possible
A knock on the door startled Scotty from his sleep. His mother’s worried face appeared. She placed a cold hand to his forehead, then smiled. “I’ve been in here several times, and you’ve been sleeping like a baby. There’s a pot of chicken and dumplings ready. I thought you might be hungry. You missed breakfast.”
“Thanks, Ma.” Scotty winced as he sat up. His shoulder seemed to be gaining some of its feeling back, and he was uncomfortable. “Can’t believe I slept this long. I wanted to ride over and see Emma this morning.”
“Do you need any help?” His mother’s eyebrows drew together.
“I’m fine, Ma. Just sore. I’ll take it from here.”
“Suit yourself. Your pa should be home for lunch soon, so if you’re going to join us, shake a leg.”
He forced a smile. “Got it. If you leave, I’ll get dressed.”
With a good-natured laugh, she closed the door.
Lowering his feet to the floor a little too quickly, Scotty sucked in a breath. He had arrived on the last train too late to call on Emma. When he appeared at the door of his parents’ house, the mix of relief and concern on his father’s face was as expected. But he wasn’t prepared for his mother’s tears.
After she had gone to bed, he filled his father in on the full details of the mission’s success. They had talked well into the night, and he finally admitted his desire to pursue another vocation. His father asked the same question in different ways until Scotty became frustrated.
“Pa, you are interrogating me the same as you would a horse thief. I’ve wanted to talk to you about this since I quit the Rangers. When you offered me the job as deputy, I knew I would enjoy working with you and thought I could be content. But I’m not. I haven’t told you before now because I didn’t want to disappoint you.”
His father stared at him before finally patting his knee. “I’m just surprised. Since you were a kid, all I’ve ever heard you talk about was your desire to be in law enforcement. I thought you and I shared the same dream.”
Scotty felt sick. This was exactly the way he thought his father would react. He took in a deep breath and waited.
Rubbing his jaw, his father met his gaze. “Even though I am saddened we won’t be working together anymore, I want you to pursue your own dreams. If you choose to raise and train horses, then do it. You won’t hear an argument out of me.” His father hugged him clumsily. “By the way, you have never disappointed me a day in your life.” His voice cracked. “I’m proud to call you son.”
Pulling on his pants, Scotty hurriedly dressed, thankful he had a clean shirt. He rubbed at the several days’ growth of beard. I need to take time and shave before I go visit Emma. At this rate, it will be supper time before I get there.
***
Taking his empty bowl to the sink, Scotty kissed his mother’s head. “Thanks for lunch. I’m going to hustle over to see Emma, then I’ll be back to change for the wedding.”
Scotty lifted his hat for a moment, enjoying the cool autumn breeze as he hurried his horse toward Emma’s house. For the past several days, she had consumed his thoughts. Hopefully, she had forgiven him for not attending the picnic.
He patted his vest pocket and felt for the small box he placed there. This should make up for missing her birthday. At least I hope it will.
When he retrieved his watch from the jeweler in St. Joseph, he once again was drawn to the display case. The watchmaker spent more than an hour with him as he pondered the selection.
Without understanding why, he found himself telling his life story to the man. Starting with how he fell in love with his childhood antagonist, his best friend’s little sister.
“This sweetheart of yours, what are her interests? How does she like to spend her time?” the owner of the shop asked.
“Emma is happiest when she’s with her family. She loves to garden and enjoys being outdoors.” Scotty rubbed his chin as the watchmaker took a display on black velvet out of the glass case and laid it before him.
“These are called clover designs.” He pointed to the stones in various colors, some three leaf and others four. “Or perhaps you may like our daisy design, which is a single pearl surrounded by a circle of petite diamonds?”
A ring? Scotty cleared his throat. “I’d like to take a closer look at the pearl,” he heard himself say. He placed the ring on the tip of his finger. The pearl reminded him of Emma, simple and beautiful.
For a moment memories flooded him of a freckled-faced girl. “When Emma was younger, she liked making necklaces from daisies.” Frowning, he said, “the petit diamonds are tiny, but they definitely catch the light.”
Daniel joined him at the counter. “I’m not even sure I know what a daisy looks like, but it’s real nice. The question is—are you ready to take the next step?”
Scotty met his friend’s eyes. It was a good question. Was he ready? He loved Emma; there was no doubt about it. He wanted to marry her. “I can’t help but wonder if she’ll have me,” he said.
Daniel’s eyes twinkled. “Emma’s been in love with you since she was knee-high to a toad. But she’ll be so shocked you picked her out something special, she’s sure to say yes.”
As he turned his horse toward Emma’s family’s ranch, he prayed she would. His mother had told him that Molly’s twins had arrived along with a house full of company. He decided to enter the courtyard between Sam’s house and the garden, hoping to find Emma there.
As he tied up his horse, Sadie and Grace ran from the barn straight into the garden. Scotty rubbed his chin. Usually, when he arrived, the girls ran toward him not away. Maybe I’d better go see what this is about.
His boots crunched as he stepped between rows of cabbage. His mouth twitched when he heard a whispered voice come from the girls’ teepee bean trellis. “Scotty, over here.”
He bent down and entered their hideout. “What are you girls doing? Playing hide and seek?”
Sadie pulled on her lip. “Sort of.”
Grace clutched her pet chicken. “We’re in a heap of trouble. We’ve made a mess, and Pa is going to give us a whippin’ for sure.”
Scotty’s mouth twitched. “I doubt that. Your pa’s not one to give out spankings, is he?”
Grace shook her head. “No, but if he was going to do it, today would be the day.”
Scotty chuckled. “Why don’t you girls tell me what happened.”
Chapter 23
November 3, 1884
Dear God,
Molly said I could either help in the kitchen when I get home from school or watch the girls while she cooked. I think I will enjoy having the girls live with us…
Hurrying home to change clothes for the wedding, Scotty stomped his boots several times, then took his bandana and dusted his pants before opening the front door.
The rustling of his mother’s ruffled skirt
mingled with her quick step across the polished wood floors, kept him from unbuttoning his shirt. Wearing her best dress in royal blue, she placed her hand over her mouth. “Goodness, what happened to you?”
Calling over his shoulder as he hurried to his room, “Sadie and Grace happened. It’s a long story. I’ll tell you later.” Scotty kicked off his boots and quickly changed. He grimaced as he tied his string tie and eased his wounded arm into his jacket. Satisfied, he grabbed the ring box and headed for church.
Letting out a deep breath, he slid into the back row just as the pianist began to play. Sadie and Grace walked down the aisle in perfect time throwing flowers and looking like angels in pink. His jaw dropped as Emma entered. A vision in a dress the color of a purple-heart plum, she glided down the aisle, her long, sandy-blonde hair curled along the nape of her neck.
He stood with the congregation as the bride entered with her father, but his eyes remained on Emma. She seemed unaware of her own beauty. Her focus the same for as many years as he could remember--devotion to her best friend. When Emma loved someone or something, she was steadfast. She took the bridal bouquet confidently from Rebecca’s shaky hands, and Scotty was almost certain he glimpsed an encouraging wink.
As the ceremony ended, Scotty felt his own eyes fill unexpectedly. He was a fortunate man who’d been given a second chance. He patted his jacket pocket and waited as the bridal party made their exit.
His mother whispered, “I believe her father has a photographer waiting at the hotel to take pictures. It will be some time before the actual banquet begins.”
Scotty rubbed the back of his neck. “She wasn’t at the house when I arrived. So, she doesn’t even know I’m in town.”
“It will be a nice surprise for her.” His mother took his arm.
His father appeared. “How about walking your mother over to the hotel while I make a quick round through town. I want to make sure everything is buttoned up tight. The entire town seems to be here at the wedding.”
“Don’t be silly. You two go on ahead. I’ll walk over with Lois and meet you there.” His mother said.
The town was still and quiet except for the click clunk of their heavy boots as Sheriff and Deputy made their rounds. “This is what I’m going to miss once you hire my replacement.” Scotty stopped and checked the lock on the door of the diner. “I enjoy spending time with you.”
Sheriff Scott stopped and placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. “We’ll just have to plan our visits, be more intentional.”
“I’d like that.” Scotty patted his father’s arm.
His father’s eyes misted. “Let’s get back to work so we can get to this shindig. I have a hankering for some good barbeque.”
They made quick work of ensuring the safekeeping of the town, then entered the hotel’s banquet hall. Silver chafing dishes lined the banquet tables, filling the room with delicious aromas. Multiple rectangular tables covered in white fabric and candles formed a U shape to make room for a dance floor.
A pianist accompanied by a violinist played softly as people mingled in small groups, waiting for the bride and groom to appear.
After passing his hat to the attendant, Scotty said. “You were correct. The entire town is here. I’m going to leave you to locate Ma. I want to find Emma.”
Scanning the room, he noticed a group of bachelors focused on a young women. Scotty stepped closer; it was so similar to the scene more than a year ago when he returned to town. A slightly older and more confident Emma was the center attraction.
Careful not to jar his shoulder, he maneuvered his way toward the group. As he stepped closer, his eyes met her large brown ones. Her mouth formed a perfect circle before breaking out into a full grin. Moments later they were almost toe to toe.
Taking her hand to his lips, he whispered. “I missed you.”
“I’ve been worried sick.” Emma’s mouth quivered as she looked away.
“There were some unavoidable delays.” With a finger, he gently turned her chin to face him. “I talked to my pa.”
Emma smiled and reached her hand toward his arm but stopped midair. “You’re hurt. What happened?”
“It’s just a little scratch. I promise I’ll tell you everything later.” He reached for her hand. “Right now I’d like to ask you something.”
Kneeling he reached into his pocket and opened the ring box. “Emma Elizabeth Brady, I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Please say you will do me the honor of being my wife.”
Both hands flew to her cheeks. She nodded and whispered, “Yes.”
Scotty stood and placed the ring on her finger amongst the town’s applause and cheers. Several voices called out, “kiss her.” He needed no additional prodding.
Chapter 24
November 29, 1888
Dear God,
Today is Thanksgiving. I am surrounded by friends and family and will marry the man of my dreams. I am so grateful for your provisions.
Three weeks later, Thanksgiving Day in Carrie Town, Texas
Standing at her bedroom window, Emma gazed out into the courtyard between her garden and the barn. Her father and Sam were rearranging tables as Grandma Tennie followed behind, covering them in checkered oilcloths. Molly’s youngest sister, Maggie, came behind Grandma Tennie, arranging greenery, pumpkins, and squash into beautiful decorative centerpieces.
Her mouth twitched as Molly’s and Rebecca’s father worked together grilling the meat on an open pit. Close by, Seth was setting up an area for horseshoes. The twins, still in overalls and hair rolled in papers, chased Rebecca’s brothers, followed by two shepherd puppies and their pet chicken.
The weather was perfect, and she couldn’t be happier. Her friends and family were joining together for Thanksgiving and her wedding to Scotty.
Emma twirled in front of the full-length mirror. The skirt on her two-piece silk dress made a soft swish. She ran her hand across the smooth tone-on-tone ivory-striped skirt and admired the coordinating ivory print of a floral design on the bodice and overskirt.
Rebecca appeared next to her wearing a complementary sage-colored day dress. “You look beautiful, Emma.” Rebecca rearranged the curls framing her face. “Molly wants to be here when you put on the veil. She and Lois will be up in a few minutes.”
Rebecca bit her lip. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
“What’s the matter?” Emma turned and took both of Rebecca’s hands.
Rebecca opened her mouth, then shut it again. “I just need to come out and say it. Papa bought you a present.”
Rebecca stepped into the hall and retrieved a large box. “I’ve honestly been afraid to look.”
Emma took the package and felt the weight of the present. Her voice squeaked. “Is it boots?”
“Yes.” Rebecca placed her hands on her cheeks. “Since our relationship is still so new, I struggled with how to talk to him about it. He was so excited, so I didn’t try to dissuade him.”
“Maybe it won’t be too bad,” Emma said.
Rebecca pulled her dress up to expose the pointy-toed, pull-on boots, made of a hand-tooled dark brown leather designed by her father for her wedding. The tips of the shoes were plain, then exploded into a design of colorful orange blossoms with decorative stitching above the base of the boot. “I wore mine to offer support.”
Forcing a smile, Emma untied the bow on the box and lifted the paper, exposing a similar style of pointy-toed, pull-on boots in light brown leather. The tips of the shoes had no decorative stitching. However, a beautiful chain of daisies adorned the side. “Oh, how sweet. I love them.”
“Thank goodness.” Rebecca rested her hand on Emma’s arm. “The way he has been teasing you, I was afraid the design was going to be four-leaf clovers and horseshoes.”
***
“My knees are knocking.” Emma looked into her father’s eyes.
Pausing, he lifted her veil. “There’s still time to run. Just say the word, and we’ll leave.”
>
Emma giggled. “Thanks, Pa. I haven’t changed my mind. I’m just nervous.”
Nodding, he slowly repositioned her veil. “Your mama would have been so pleased with the woman you’ve become. I’m mighty proud myself.”
Emma’s lips quivered, “Thanks, Pa. I love you.”
“I love you more.” Offering his arm, he said, “But if we’re going to do this, I guess it’s time.”
They stepped into the courtyard. The morning sun extended light and warmth. Friends and family were sitting on hay bales covered in checkered cloth. Scotty’s friend Daniel stood ready and offered a wide grin before placing his bow against his violin. The melody of the strings played as Sadie and Grace wearing matching pink dresses went forward tossing rose petals from their baskets, followed closely by Rebecca who took her place as matron of honor.
Her heart swelled as the bow changed pace and broke into the wedding march. As if in a dream, Emma glided with her father toward Scotty. He looked strong and handsome in his string tie and Sunday suit, standing next to his best friend and her brother, Seth.
Pastor Nelson extended a welcome and a prayer. “We are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the presence of this company to witness the union of Micah Brian Scott and Emma Elizabeth Brady in Christian marriage. May our Heavenly Father look down upon this event with His smile of approval. May the Lord Jesus Christ be present and add His blessing. May the Holy Spirit attend and seal these vows in love. For marriage is a gift given by God to promote social order and to increase human happiness.”
Emma swallowed and took a deep breath. Comforted by the weight of her father’s hand, she tried to focus on the pastor’s voice. “…God noticed that man did not have any one like him, so He put Adam in a deep sleep and removed a rib from his side and created woman to be a helper and a companion for him. In the act of creation, God didn’t take the woman from man’s head, so that she would rule over him, nor did God take a bone from Adam’s feet so that he would trample upon her. Marriage is a partnership, but with an ordained order from God that leads to the fulfilling of both husband and wife.
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