Page 22 of The Marshal's Bride
She let her emotions swirl through her brain, and finally a small smile broke at the corners of her mouth.
“I feel at peace when I’m with him. I know I’m protected, and I feel safe. I know he loves Hope.”
“Do you love him?”
“I’ve not known him long enough to love him. I certainly think I could make him an honorable wife. If God wants it to be a love match, then I’m willing to comply.”
The Reverend gave a little chuckle. “It’s apparent you’ve never seen one of Ingrid’s matches. She does everything in prayer. Just remember the order of the men in your life. God first, then your husband.”
“What does that have to do with the matches?”
“Just what I said. Ingrid will consult Weston about matters. Her potential matches, for example. Weston knows the men best. He works with the men, prays with them, and breaks bread with them. But once Ingrid is done talking to her husband, she takes it to God.”
“So, he truly supports her in her business?”
“Absolutely. If she remembers her marriage and her relationship with God first.”
She lifted a finger to her mouth and bit a fingernail. “Then I wonder…”
“Why she suggested Sam?”
“Because Sam is more like Weston than you realize.”
“How did…?” Justine sat down in an overstuffed chair.
“Word travels fast in a small town with nothing to talk about but each other. People are already looking forward to the café opening. Sam will give you the autonomy you need and the support you deserve.”
Justine tilted her head. “Shouldn’t you be saying that I’d be better off raising my children and not working at all?”
Reverend Billings fetched his worn Bible from his desk. “Times are changing, my dear. Your mother would be so proud of the woman you’ve become. I wish she was here to see you. If she was still alive, I know she’d be right next to you at the café, helping you out.” He held out his elbow. “I saw you brought half the town as witnesses, so how about we go and get you married to that fine young man?”
Ignoring his elbow, Justine threw her arms around her elderly cousin’s neck, and pulled him down to kiss his ruddy cheek. “There’s a reason you were my mother’s favorite cousin,” she laughed lightly. “I’m glad I came to Flat River.”
“Me too, my child. Me too.”
He escorted her outside, where Ranger was waiting to take her the rest of the way across the yard to the church. After handing her off to the cowboy, Reverend Billings entered the church through a side door.
“Are you ready, Justine?” Ranger’s voice broke through her thoughts and brought her back to the moment.
“I’m ready,” she smiled, placing her hand on his elbow. Flat River had brought her a family that God had prepared for her. It was still coming together, but they would all be stronger.
“Then let’s go put the marshal out of his misery,” he grinned.
The church bells chimed, signaling an event at the small chapel. Justine and Ranger entered the front of the church and walked towards the front of the sanctuary, past the pews filled with their friends.
Reverend Billings stood near the altar, and Justine’s breath caught as she watched Sam step up beside him. Whitney Hartman stood on his left, his eyes watching her as she approached. She glanced around to find Hope and found her daughter gnawing on a rusk toast in the second aisle, sitting on the pew next to Heath and Colton. She offered Heath the gummy biscuit and the little boy wrinkled his nose.
Once they reached the front of the church, Ranger placed her hand in Sam’s before taking a seat at the end of the pew, next to his wife and children.
“You look beautiful,” Sam whispered to her.
June and Hannah had dressed her in a pale blue dress with cream lace. Her hair was so tightly in curls against her scalp, her head hurt. But they managed to find little flowers to place in the center of each curl. Justine felt like a princess.
“You do too,” she whispered back and then laughed. He managed to get changed into a fresh pair of black pants, with a gold and black vest over a white shirt with a black string tie.
Reverend Billings cleared his throat and they turned to look at him.
“Marriage is a blessing from God. We are here to celebrate the joining of Justine and Samuel as they join their hearts and families in this sacred union. Is there anyone here that objects to this union?” Justine held her breath. When she felt Sam squeeze her fingers, she exhaled. “That’s good,” the reverend continued. “With these friends and family gathered in this room, do you have vows you want to share?”
