An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series) (15 page)

“I’ll tell them now.”

“Is he here?” asked Elizabeth, her gaze straying to the men. “I don’t see him.”

“No, he’s not here.” Hannah turned towards the church. “Go inside, boys! You shouldn’t see the bride yet.”

Nathan, who wore a wide-brimmed hat, said something to the men, who began to file into the building. It was then that I saw Pastor Bailey, my stepfather, standing there. Nathan and Jack approached; their expressions were sober.

“You look lovely, Mary,” said Jack. “I’m not sure what you’re expecting today, my dear, but…your fiancé hasn’t arrived yet.”

“I’m aware of that.” Tears threatened again. “I…was hoping…”

“Let’s wait a few minutes,” said Clarissa. “Maybe he’ll come. Have everyone seated, and then we’ll pray for the best.”

Megan, who held Joshua, said, “It’s a shame things didn’t go better. I’m pulling for you, Mary. He’ll come soon. He wouldn’t desert you like this, if it could be avoided.”

Jane, who had Rosalind in her arms, drew near. “Try not to cry. I know you want to.”

I hugged her, my arms going around Rosalind as well. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Well, if he doesn’t arrive, we’re gettin’ the men together for a trip into the mountains,” said Nathan. “I suspect the weather’s delayed him or somethin’ happened. We’ll get to the bottom of it.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Elizabeth. “That is very kind of you.”

“Think nothin’ of it.” His grin revealed deep lines around his eyes. “Them mountains are dangerous on good days. We’ve just had a storm, but I’m sure the snow’s worse up there.”

“It’s cold now,” said Susanna. “Let’s go in and wait.”

With a heavy heart, I approached the steps, my feet crunching over gravel. I wore a jacket and a shawl over that, as the air was frigid, but I hardly felt it. While my family had gathered, sitting in the first few pews, I lingered by the doors, standing with Fanny and Elizabeth, while Megan and Jane had taken the babies to the crying room. Rosalind needed to be fed. Jack had tossed wood into a stove, which was slowly heating the interior, yet blankets had been passed around to ward off the chill. We loitered for minutes, listening to the echo of talking. Restless toddlers began to fuss; Louisa and Paulina letting their little ones run around. Long, tedious minutes passed, yet nothing remained unchanged, because my fiancé was nowhere to be seen.

Mrs. Hoffman approached, her smile fixed. “Well, then. What a fine day for a wedding. All we need is the groom.”

“I’m not sure what to do,” said Hannah. “I suppose we could retire to Paulina’s house for the reception, but I do want to give it a few more minutes.”

Pastor Bailey had been outside with Mr. Hoffman; the older man walked with a cane now. They stood within the doors, their expressions sympathetic. I felt an intense need for privacy at that moment, not wanting to be looked upon with pity.

“Excuse me. I’ll…be right back.”

“Shall I go with you?” asked Elizabeth.

“No, I’m fine. I need some air.”

I stood on the front step of the church, staring out at the street, which teemed with wagons and carriages. It was Saturday after all, and commerce continued unabated. In those long, awful moments, I reflected on the journey that had brought me here, remembering clearly the many instances of disappointment I had felt over the years. I wasn’t one to dwell on loss, but I now felt it acutely. The death of my parents had been a blow, throwing my life into chaos and displacing my family. We had been handed off to strangers who hadn’t wanted us, my uncle being incapable of dealing with five rambunctious children. It was an unpleasant feeling not being cared about and worrying that we would never have a place to call our own.

The thought that Brandon might be injured or worse left me horribly worried. I wanted to drop to my knees and scream with anguish, but I knew in my heart he was alive.

It’s only a delay, Mary. He’s hale and well, but he misjudged how long it would take to return. You mustn’t think the worst has happened. He loves you. He hasn’t changed his mind
.

Something wet hit my eye, the semi-frozen drop of a snowflake. Gray clouds had moved in, the temperature dropping further, while my cheeks stung with cold. I breathed through my nose, to avoid the frigid air entering my lungs. It was time to go inside and tell everyone that the wedding would be postponed. I could not avoid this inevitability any longer, my heart filling with dread. Family would risk their lives and set out to find Mr. Carlyle now. He had been caught in the weather or worse; otherwise, he would have been here.

I was about to turn for the door, when the sound of a carriage caught my attention. A stagecoach approached, and I blinked through a haze of snowflakes. Excitement suddenly replaced anxiety, as I wished this were Brandon’s conveyance. Before the coachman had come to a complete stop, the door flung open, and a man jumped to the ground, his dark coat flying out behind him.

“Brandon!” I screamed with delight, not caring that he shouldn’t see me before the ceremony.

“Mary!”

Joy, unlike anything I had ever felt before shot through me, and, despite the bitter cold, I raced across the yard and flung myself into his arms. “We thought the worst!”

“I’m so sorry. We were trapped in a storm. It delayed me for a day. Is everyone still inside?”

“Yes.”

He held my face, his eyes shining. “I thought maybe you’d all gone home. We rode through the night to get here.”

“You must be exhausted.”

His grin was enormous. “I am, but I was eager not to be late. I didn’t want to let you down, my love. I promised to marry you, and so I shall.”

“I worried you’d met with trouble. Anything can happen in the mountains, especially at this time of year.”

“I’m fine. A little frozen, but fine.”

“Then shall we go in?”

“Yes, but not together. I’ll go first. We’ve already broken tradition, but it’s all my fault.”

My happiness at his sudden appearance had yet to wane. I’d wound my arms around his neck, pressing myself to him. “I don't care about any of it. I’m just so relieved you’re well.”

He squeezed me, holding me close. “This was the homecoming I was hoping for.”

“Oh, Brandon.”

His lips were on my neck. “Was my sister kind to you? If I hear otherwise, I’ll be very unhappy.”

“We’ve become friends, believe it or not. I adore her.”

Surprise lit his eyes. “That’s a shock.”

“It is,” I giggled. “She’s asked that I call her Beth.”

“That’s something,” he murmured.

“Will there be a wedding today or not?” asked a voice behind us.

I turned to see Mrs. Hoffman standing on the steps. “He’s just returned!”

“So I see. It’s good of you to join us, young man. We were worried something untoward had happened to you.”

“I was delayed. I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.”

“Now, it’s not fitting for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony.”

“I know,” I said. “That was my fault.”

Her chin lifted a notch, but humor shone in her eyes. “You should untangle your hands from around his neck and come inside, my dear. There will be time enough to do that later.”

Brandon’s mouth was near my ear. “Try to behave yourself, Mary.” His tone was teasing. “Be a good girl and go inside before you catch your death. I’ll join you in a moment.” Happiness left me with nothing to say, but the smile on my face was firmly affixed. He pushed me gently. “Go on. I’m looking forward to seeing you walk down the aisle, but I really should be at the end of it first.” He glanced at Mrs. Hoffman. “Do I have any groomsmen?”

“As many as you like, sir.”

“Excellent.”

As I joined the others in the church, waiting by the doors, Brandon made his entrance, breezing into the building to a chorus of happy murmurings. The look of relief on Elizabeth’s face was precious; her eyes gleaming with unshed tears. What had been a horrible start to the day, had transformed into a joyous occasion, as we all took our places, and the woman behind the piano began to play The Wedding March. I held a bouquet of wintry flowers with fragrant evergreens mixed within, while all eyes were upon me, waiting for my slow advance towards the pulpit. My sisters were my bride’s maids, while my younger brothers had offered to stand up for Brandon. Our worry had been transformed into something joyous, as everyone smiled with relief.

When I came to stand next to Brandon, he gazed upon me, smiling warmly. I’d been chilled to the bone, but now I radiated heat. He’d traveled all night, his hair was slightly askew, and tiredness lingered around his eyes, but none of that mattered at the moment.

Pastor Bailey winked. “I’m glad you could attend, sir.”

“I’m sorry I kept you all waiting.”

“Shall we begin then?”

“Yes, please.”

My stepfather beamed. “Welcome everyone. Now that the delay is over, we can get on with the ceremony. I’ve a young couple here who are most eager to wed.”

As he spoke, I glanced at Brandon, who, despite his exhaustion, seemed focused and attentive; the look in his eyes revealed adoration. He hadn’t seen my hair designed in this way before, with thick curls around my face, nor had I ever worn anything as fine as the dress I had on. I held his hands, elated that the ceremony did not have to be postponed. We’d had a close call today, but our prayers had been answered, and he was here with me.

While Jack spoke, I listened until I was asked to repeat my vows, effectively giving myself to a man I had met less than three weeks ago. The theory that a lengthy engagement was the safest course of action had not been lost on me, but none of the marriages I had seen in Denver City had been done in this manner. It wasn’t as feasible here, as people typically married for necessity or out of an unwillingness to wait. The latter pertained to Brandon and I, and our joining was not only convenient, but mutually desired.

After I had pledged myself to my new husband, he withdrew a ring from an inner pocket, sliding it upon my finger. I gasped when I saw it, seeing a three-stone setting of deep blue sapphires surrounded by small diamonds. So shocked by the offering, I stared dumbfounded, not quite believing such a beautiful piece of jewelry was my own.

“I now pronounce you man and wife,” said Jack, who winked at me. “Congratulations. You’ve made your mother and I proud, my dear. I hope you two will be very happy in your marriage. With any luck, your new husband will learn not to keep you waiting too often.” He shook Brandon’s hand. “Welcome to the family.”

“I shall do whatever I can to make it up to her, Pastor Bailey. I didn’t mean to be the cause of distress, especially on this important day.”

I’d hardly pried my eyes from the ring, feeling a combination of elation and joy all mixed in with an absurd need to cry. The happiness I felt nearly overwhelmed me. “He’s forgiven.”

“Ah, saved by jewelry.” Jack patted Brandon on the shoulder. “Good show, my man. She’ll hardly remember waiting now.”

“I bought it in Georgetown off the owner of a mine there, as part of our negotiations. It belonged to his late wife’s mother.”

“It’s so beautiful.”

“It’s a bit loose. We’ll have it adjusted after the honeymoon.”

My head snapped to attention. “Honeymoon?”

“I thought we’d take a little trip to Golden, where I can mix business and pleasure, if you’re agreeable.”

“Just the two of us?”

“Of course. I don’t wish to be away from Rosalind longer than a few days. I’ve already missed her terribly this week.” He drew me to him, his lips brushing my cheek. “I do want to kiss the bride, but I’ll wait until later,” he whispered.

A tingle ran down my spine. “I want to kiss my husband. I was so worried about you. I hope you never frighten me like that again.”

“I’m sorry, my love.”

Knowing that everyone was watching us, I stepped away from him, leaving an inch or so between us. “I hope you’re not too tired for the reception.”

“I’ve not had food since yesterday. I’ll go wherever they’ll feed me.”

“We should leave right this minute then,” I laughed. I glanced at Fanny, who stood nearby, while Jane held Rosalind. “Let’s not linger. Poor Brandon’s fair to starved. He needs supper.”

Fanny hugged me. “Congratulations, Mary. You make a lovely couple. I want to have a better look at that ring later. It’s dreadfully pretty.”

My sisters embraced me. “You’re the loveliest bride I’ve ever seen,” gushed Susanna. “I want a rich husband too. Does Brandon have a younger brother?”

Fanny gasped, shocked at the impertinence of the sixteen-year-old. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that, you little imp.”

She pouted prettily. “I’ve seen what’s available in this town, Fanny, and I’m most displeased. I would like a handsome and rich husband like Mary. I do prefer to travel by stagecoach. Wagons give me splinters.”

My new husband threw his head back, roaring with laughter. The members of my family had begun to file out of the church, waiting to throw rice outside, but Susanna had our undivided attention.

“I have to apologize, sir,” said Fanny. “I have virtually no control over what comes out of her mouth, although a good rinse with some soap may be necessary.”

“She’s charming,” he said. “It’s not offensive in the least. She’s a young woman who knows her own mind. I wish you luck in your search for a suitable husband, my dear. I’m sorry I don’t have a younger brother. I’d gladly introduce you, if I did.”

Susanna crossed her arms over her chest. “That’s too bad.”

He laughed again, “She’s quite determined. Should I pity the man she sets her sights on or will he be lucky?”

I grasped his arm. “Let’s not ponder it at the moment. It’s two years before Fanny will allow her to marry. I can only hope that time will result in greater maturity.”

“Now she looks down her nose at me, because she’s married.”

“Oh, stop it, girls!” admonished Fanny. “This is Mary’s special day, and I won’t have any arguing. Is that clear?”

“I suppose.”

“Come, my dear,” said Brandon. “Let’s not keep everyone waiting. I’ve already done enough of that.”

I linked my arm through his. “I’m ready.”

His grin was endearing. “So am I.”