Page 74 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
She smoothed the beautiful dark blue fabric and slowly turned full circle and stopped, coning face to face with Andy.
He closed the distance between them and pulled her into his arm. “You’re beautiful, my darling wife.” His warm breath brushed her upturned face.
As usual, when he kissed her, everything else disappeared. Joy flooded her heart. Never before had she known that her insides could smile but there was no other way of describing her reaction.
Her eyes remained closed when he lifted his head and he chuckled. “Don’t look so tempting or we’re not going to make it to the ceremony.”
The chuckle that rumbled up her throat informed him of her delighted amusement. “We better be on our way.” She clung to his arm as they left their bedroom and crossed the yard to Riley and Olivia’s house.
There had been some discussion about where to hold the ceremony but Olivia’s offer to play the piano for the service had made them agree to meet there and then go back to Andy’s larger house for a time of celebration.
A glance around the room revealed that they were the last to arrive. Heat crept up Della’s neck at the knowing grin on Luke’s face.
Ma stood by the others, looking fine in her sedate gray dress—also new. Thanks to Andy’s generosity. She’d eagerly agreed to join Della at the ranch.
“I’ve really no desire to marry again,” she’d confessed.
“Then why did you agree to be a mail-order bride?” Della shook her head, surprised and hurt at the admission.
“So you would feel free to travel.” She’d noticed Della’s expression and patted her hand. “I promised your father that I would never stand in the way of your desire to travel. I knew you wouldn’t leave me in Toledo under those circumstances. Marriage seemed like a reasonable alternative.”
The shudder that shook Della rattled her teeth. “We were both so wrong.”
Ma’s amused chuckle made Della’s eyes widen. “My dear daughter, we were acting out of unselfish motives. But praise God, He used our mistakes to accomplish His plan.”
Remembering how often Della’s father had expressed that thought, they’d squeezed each other’s hands and smiled in memory of the man.
Ma immediately loved the ranch, the people, and her role in the house. The Shannon family had welcomed Della’s mother warmly. Mrs. Bennet had welcomed her help in the kitchen. Had let her take control of many tasks.
Now it was time for the next chapter in this family.
Della and Andy moved to Mrs. Epp’s side.
Preacher Ingram stood by the piano. “Shall we begin?”
Olivia struck some chords and the groom moved forward. Wally accompanied him. They turned to watch the bride walk from one of the bedrooms to join them.
The smile between the bride and groom brought a sting of tears to Della’s eyes. How sweet to see the love between them.
The music stopped. Pastor Ingram began.
“Do you Alfred Black take Iris Bennet to be your wife?”
Adoration filled Alfred’s eyes as he repeated his vows.
Mrs. Bennet’s eyes glistened with tears as she spoke hers. Though she was now Mrs. Black.
Mrs. B and Ma had prepared a meal fit for royalty. They feasted on roast beef and fried chicken, mounds of mashed potatoes, turnips, green beans, and red beet pickles. Ma had asked for the favor of making a cake to celebrate the occasion. With Honor assisting her, Ma brought out a three-tiered cake. Honor followed with a similar one.
Della’s eyebrows went up in confusion.
Once the cakes were placed in the center of the table, Riley stepped forward. “Mr. and Mrs. Black, we are honored to share this special day with you.”
The pair stood behind one cake.
Looking rather pleased with himself, Riley continued, “Andy and Della, we weren’t able to celebrate your wedding with you.” Several chuckled. “So we’ve all agreed, including the present bride and groom, that we’d like to do so now. Come and join me.”
Andy caught Della’s hand and drew her forward. He whispered in her ear, “Do you mind?”
