Page 519 of Conveniently Wed
After the final words from the preacher, Lorinda listened for footsteps on the wooden floor, but none came. Evidently, everyone chose to stay for the festivities.
“Let’s go out in the narthex.” Mrs. Oleson waited for her. “The sanctuary doors are closed. Mary will start playing the ‘Wedding March.’ It’s become popular with brides for the walk down the aisle.”
Lorinda had never heard about that or any of the other various and sundry things about weddings, and she wasn’t sure she would be able to walk down that aisle alone.
“I’m going to stand in for your father and accompany you.” Tears glistened in her dear friend’s eyes. “You feel like the daughter I never had.” Mrs. Oleson leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.
Lorinda took a deep breath and slowly released it.
At least someone besides her son loved her.
Franklin stood at the front of the church, his gaze trained on the double doors at the back of the sanctuary. Rusty stood beside him, to be his best man. He surely was a better man than the traitor who was supposed to serve the post in his wedding to Miriam. He tried to shake that horrible memory out of his head.
That was the past. This was for the future.
Mary Nelson took her place at the piano. Everything was quiet and the people sat still, except for most of the ladies battling the heat with their fans.
He took a deep breath and slowly let it out.
The first notes of music brought his attention back to the double doors. Two of the men slowly opened them, revealing a sight that took his breath away.
Lorinda was more beautiful than any woman he’d ever known in his life. Dressed in blue and white that enhanced all her physical charms, she looked as nervous as he felt.
When Mary played a section of the music louder, Mrs. Oleson walked down the aisle holding Lorinda’s arm. His bride carried a bouquet of mountain wildflowers. He’d always loved the summer blossoms, but her loveliness outshone them.
His throat felt dry, but his palms weren’t. He wanted to wipe them on his trousers, but he refrained. He couldn’t take his eyes from the vision of loveliness approaching him. How in the world would he keep his promise to her to not want a husband’s physical rights?
Her outward appearance wasn’t the only thing that drew him to her. Over the time she’d spent in his home, he knew she had a tender heart. She was a good mother, and her presencebrightened every room she entered. Her love for the Lord was contagious.
As the two women reached the front of the church, Franklin let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. He still couldn’t take his eyes off her.
His pastor and friend went through all the formalities of the ceremony. He asked who was giving the bride, and Franklin’s dear housekeeper placed Lorinda’s hand in his before settling on the front pew. Both of them answered the questions when Brian asked them. After speaking about the sanctity of marriage, the pastor asked if there were rings.
Rusty dropped the ring Franklin had bought for Lorinda into his hand, and Mrs. Oleson placed a golden circle beside it. He wondered where that came from. He’d have to ask her later. Right now, she was slipping Lorinda’s left glove from her hand.
Lorinda glanced up at him as he eased the ring on her trembling finger and repeated the words the pastor led him through. Then her gaze dropped to the jewels that adorned her hand.
When her time came to put the ring on his finger, she shook so hard, she couldn’t get it past his knuckle. He grasped her fingers with his other hand and helped her move it into place. A strange tingle shot up his arm.
Finally, the minister pronounced them husband and wife.
“What God has brought together, let no man put asunder.” Brian smiled at each of them. “You may now kiss your bride.”
Without a pause, Franklin reached for the bottom of the veil that stretched across her face. Gently, he peeled it back far enough to uncover her ripe cherry lips. He planned to barely touch them. As if they had a mind of their own, his lips settled against her soft mouth. Heat rushed through his body like a wildfire. He thrust his fingers into the silky curls to hold her even closer.
A kiss had never touched him with the depth that this one did. He wanted it to go on forever.
When Pastor Nelson uttered the last words, Lorinda expected Franklin to maybe drop a kiss on her forehead or cheek. She wasn’t prepared for the touch of his lips on hers. Never had she felt the strong emotions that rushed through her.
His fingers caressed her head, and her arms, of their own accord, slid around his waist. She barely noticed the tinkling sound of hairpins hitting the wooden floor. The racing thrum of her heartbeat almost obliterated it. Rock-hard muscles flexed under her fingertips. She lost herself in the amazement that flooded her. A new awakening shook her deep inside. She never wanted the kiss to end, but it must.If he doesn’t want our marriage to be real, why is he kissing me like this?Her whole body flooded with fire.
When she slowly moved back from her new husband, he let her go, and she felt bereft. Finally, she realized they were standing in front of the whole congregation. No one had moved, and every eye was on the two of them.
Since some of her curls now lay against her neck, she figured her hat must be askew as well. The heat of a blush raced up her neck and across her cheeks. How would she ever face everyone again after that intimate display?
Then some woman clapped her gloved hands. Soon everyone joined the applause, and some of the cowboys hooted and stomped their feet. Someone even whistled.
Mary Nelson started playing a lively tune as Franklin led Lorinda back up the aisle. When they reached the narthex, he stopped.
