Page 43 of Beyond Montana's Sky
When the elevator reached the bottom, and they stepped out to the sound of harp music played by Blythe Rockwell, Edith recognized the song as Bach’s “Sheep May Safely Graze.”
Maggie placed a hand to her stomach. “I’m not sure if I’ll ever get used to that little flip when the elevator stops. Not good when I’m already nervous. I’ll stick to the staircase from now on.”
“I remember my wedding day. I was definitely nervous—in a good way.”
“I can’t wait to become Caleb’s wife. Right now, I’m wondering why I allowed this…” Maggie waved a hand toward the lavishly decorated lobby. “The four of us could have just gone to the parsonage. I would have worn my mother’s pink dress, carried a bouquet picked from the garden….”
Guilt stabbed Edith. Caleb wasn’t the only one who’d pushed for an elaborate ceremony. “Just keep your eyes on your groom. He’s all that really matters. The rest—people and fancy details—are extraneous.”
Maggie’s wide smile bloomed. She tapped Edith’s arm and chuckled. “Says the woman who obsessed over those exact details.”
“I certainly did,” Edith said in a teasing tone. She waved a hand to indicate the lobby. “So far, every detail is perfect.”
Maggie let out a breath of obvious happiness. “Thepeoplegathering herealreadymake this day perfect. Edith, I couldn’t ask for a better sister and aunt for Charlotte.”
“I couldn’t ask for a better wife and daughter for my brother.” Tears misted Edith’s vision. “Now, enough of us being maudlin.” She rearranged Maggie’s veil, stooped to straighten the demi-train, and then joined arms again. They walked up the corridor to where Reverend Joshua and Delia Norton waited just before the lobby opened up.
Maggie had asked Joshua to escort her up the aisle and Delia, along with Edith, to be her attendants. The younger Norton minister was elegantly attired in the same fashion as Caleb and Ben in a full-dress tailcoat, white, double-breasted waistcoat, and gloves. He sported a white rose boutonniere in his lapel.
Once Reverend Joshua fulfilled his duty to the bride, he would step to Caleb’s side. The two men had mended their rift over Caleb and Edith’s treatment of Delia and Andre, and were now good friends.
Ben was also to stand with his uncle, and Edith couldn’t wait to see him in this important role.
Reverend Joshua smiled at Maggie and took her hand. “What a beautiful bride you make, my dear Maggie. The Lord’s blessings on you today and always.”
Delia was clad in gold and peach, which suited her better than the pink Edith wore, although her sleeves went to her elbow instead of Edith’s short puffs. In one hand, she held her bouquet, which matched Edith’s. With her fingers, she wiped tears from her eyes. “Look at me, already crying and making my gloves damp. Maggie, you look beautiful. I’m so happy for you. May you have all the love and joy in your marriage that you and Caleb deserve.”
“Oh, I hope we will.”
Delia sniffed and glanced up at her husband. “I don’t think a minister’s wife is supposed to cry at weddings.”
Reverend Joshua laughed. “Where did you get that idea? I happened to see my mother wiping her eyes duringourceremony and at a few other weddings, too.” He slipped an arm around Delia’s waist and pulled her to his side, his crystal blue eyes full of love. “Nor is the minister supposed to embrace his wife in public. I guess we’re a perfect match.”
Edith couldn’t help but agree.
Without letting go of his wife, Reverend Joshua turned back to Edith and Maggie. “I just ran into Seth and Trudy Flanigan.” He shook his head. “Would you believe yesterday Andre took Miss Collier to visit the Flanigans to see their book collection and one of his horses went lame? They ended up staying overnight. Seth and Trudy didn’t have room in their wagon to bring them along to the wedding. So, Andre and Miss Collier will remain at the farm until their horse heals.”
Delia chuckled. “Papa and Miss Collier alone with a bunch of books. An odd courtship, but I hope it works.”
Edith’s interest quickened. “Your father is courting our new librarian?”
“Well, I know he’s interested, and I suspect she is, too.”
Under her filmy veil, Maggie looked equally intrigued. “Well, if they’re missing my wedding, that’s thebestexcuse.”
“You’ll have to write me abouteverything,” Edith demanded, regretting not seeing that romance play out.
“Of course.” Delia pulled a handkerchief from a hidden pocket in the side of her dress and dabbed at her eyes. “There. Now I’m ready.”
The harp music changed to “Amazing Grace.”
Reverend Joshua released Delia and extended an elbow toward Maggie. “I believe the time has come.”
As Maggie took his arm, her smile was radiant.
Joshua guided her from the hall into the lobby.
Arm-in-arm, Edith and Delia followed.
