Page 578 of Conveniently Wed
He let out a yell that could be heard all around the ranch headquarters. The hands poured from the bunkhouse and surrounded them, all talking at once, expressing how happy they were seeing her home safe. Their enthusiasm warmed her almost as much as Franklin’s love did.
Mrs. Oleson came out on the porch, wiping her hands on her apron. “I’m so glad you’re home. We have a bath poured for you, Lorinda. And as soon as you finish, I have dinner ready for both of you.”
Thomas helped Lorinda down from the horse. Franklin dismounted.
“I’ll come out to take care of Major in just a few minutes, but you can have someone take him to the barn and unsaddle him.”
Thomas motioned Charlie over to take the horse. “As soon as she can get ready, Jake, you can accompany Mrs. Malone into town, then go tell the sheriff Mrs. Vine has been found.”
Franklin picked up Lorinda and carried her into the house, and she didn’t mind at all, even though all the ranch hands werestill milling around. He took her into her bedroom where the bathtub stood ready, surrounded by clean clothes, towels, and rose-scented soap.
When he left, Mrs. Oleson came in. “Is there any way I can help you, Lorinda?”
“I’ve been so cold I’ve wondered if I still will be able to nurse the boys.” She stared down into the clean water.
“I believe you will. I’ve heard of women who haven’t nursed for longer than the three days you’ve been gone who took it right up again. Let’s see how you feel after you are clean and warm.” The older woman gave Lorinda a big hug. “I’ll stay close-by, in case you need me. Just call out. I’ll be here.”
Lorinda undressed and slid slowly into the heat of the water. For a while, she just sat there and soaked in the warmth. Her muscles began to relax and the soreness melted away. She was afraid she’d go to sleep and slip underwater, so she sat up and washed every part of her body, especially her hair that felt as if it had a ton of dirt and debris in it. She wished Franklin hadn’t seen her so filthy, but it didn’t keep him from telling her how much he loved her. If only they’d talked about their feelings long ago. They had lost so much time to that silly marriage agreement.
Never again.
When she finished, she noticed that the dress laid out for her was one she hadn’t seen before. And it was made from thick wool. She wondered if someone made it for her while she was gone.
Franklin would be returning from the barn soon, and she had something to do before he got back. She hurried to dress, then went into the dressing room between the two bedrooms.
Lorinda picked up the fluffy pillow Franklin slept on and hugged it to her, breathing in his masculine, woodsy scent. Her warmer body reacted to the fragrance. Desire for her husbandswept through her, almost drowning her. She pulled the sheets off the single bed and stuffed them into the corner. She’d take them to the wash room later. When she heard the front door open, she rushed into her bedroom and placed the pillow on the bed next to hers. He would be surprised to find his bed unmade. Tonight would be their first night of truly being married in every sense of the word.
Thank you, Jesus.
December 24, 1894
Franklin, Lorinda, and Mrs. Oleson climbed into the back of their big sleigh with the babies, and Rusty took his place in the driver’s seat. Two wagons full of food and gifts had headed toward Breckenridge an hour ago. All the ranch hands accompanied the wagons.
Life had been so good this last month. After a wonderful Thanksgiving together at the ranch celebrating the rescue of Lorinda, the family decided to host a Christmas party after the Children’s Christmas Eve program tonight at church. They would set up the party in the school building, the same place where their wedding had been held.
The reason for the party was two-fold. One, as a form of thanks for all the people who had helped search for Lorinda and care for the babies while she was gone. Most all of them came from their church. Those who didn’t attend were sent invitations for themselves and their families. Franklin had a good time ordering cases of oranges from California. He found a way to order the white candy canes from a German candy maker in Ohio. So every member of every family would receive an orangeand a candy cane from the Vine family. He also bought small toys to give each child. He wanted everyone to have a good Christmas. He felt more blessed than ever before.
By the time they reached the schoolhouse, the ranch hands had all the tables set up for the food and a Christmas tree in one corner of the room. Lorinda and Mrs. Oleson set to work hanging all the candy canes on the tree while Franklin and Rusty tied the small toys to the limbs. That’s all the decorations the tree needed.
He didn’t want to use candles because of the large crowd with many children playing around, it would be fire hazard, and they’d had enough tragedies in this year to last a lifetime.
The oranges were put in bowls at the ends of the tables with a few scattered among the covered dishes. When the program was finished, they’d all come over here to the schoolhouse to enjoy the party.
Franklin had made arrangements with Pastor Nelson so Franklin could talk to the congregation at the party. After everyone was inside the building, the pastor called for attention. Then Franklin and Lorinda went to the front of the room and stood beside him.
Franklin was nervous, and he knew his wife was even more so. He held her close to his side with his arm around her waist. She was more beautiful than he’d ever seen her, even at their wedding. She had a glow about her that radiated deep happiness.
Franklin wanted to tell about their agreement and how he later came to believe it wasn’t God’s will. They needed to know to really pray about everything so they didn’t get caught in a situation like he and Lorinda had.
He took a deep breath and spoke with all the strength he could muster. When he was finished, their pastor once again had them repeat the vows they had spoken at the wedding. Thistime both of them meant every word. Even Lorinda spoke loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.
When he was finished, Reverend Brian Nelson said, “You may kiss the bride.”
Franklin hadn’t been expecting this, so he glanced down at his wife. Her smile was so sweet he couldn’t do anything but press his lips to hers. This kiss was a repeat of the one at the first wedding. This time it connected two hearts and two lives that pledged their marriage for a lifetime.
The party continued far into the night, with everyone enjoying the festivities. Many people approached Franklin and Lorinda, who continued to stand together, and expressed how much it meant to them to hear Franklin’s confession and recommitment to his wife. Some admitted how it changed their thinking about something in their lives they were striving with. So other lives were changed that night as well, which was a great blessing to Franklin.
Mrs. Oleson and the ranch hands shooed him and Lorinda out the door when the party was over. Their gift to them was cleaning up after the party and giving them some time alone. Even the babies slept quietly in orange crates sitting under the Christmas tree when they left.
