Page 23 of The Marshal's Bride
Sam turned and waited for her eyes to meet his. “I have already said my vows when I asked you to be mine. We will grow together to seek the Lord in everything we do. We will rely on each other for counsel and friendship. No one else will have the right to dictate how we navigate our future, and I’m excited about that.”
Justine swallowed hard, carefully thinking about what she would say. It was her turn to squeeze Sam’s fingers as she gave him a timid smile. “I cherish your friendship, Sam, and the relationship we are cultivating. I promise always to have cookies waiting for you and be the helpmate you deserve.”
His smile was breathtaking. Her cousin cleared his throat. After reading a passage from Psalms, he continued. “Do you, Justine Rose McGuthry, take Samuel Benjamin Davis to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and health, with Christ at the forefront of your marriage?”
“I do.”
“And, Samuel Davis, do you take this woman to be your helpmate, to honor and protect her to the best of your abilities, with Christ at the forefront of your marriage?”
“I do.” His eyes were smiling down at her, and he gently squeezed her fingers.
“Then, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
She felt the words ripple over her skin, worrying that he would not take the opportunity to kiss her. But her worry was for nothing. His large hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her close, the other cupped the back of her head.
Sam’s eyes were locked on hers while he lowered his head. Warm breath danced over her skin, her fingers tightening on his shirt. Every rational thought left her head as his mouth settled over hers with a demand she didn’t expect.
“Quack! Quack!” Hope’s shriek pierced the air, and Sam pulled away.How long had he been kissing her?“Quack!” Laughter erupted in the church.
“Come here, Hope,” Sam called, walking to the pew. Hannah was trying to wipe the wet cookie from Hope’s fingers. Hope lifted her arms and Sam leaned down, scooping her up and giving her cheeks a smattering of kisses. “I’m allowed to kiss your mama now, Hope, and I can kiss you too.”
Justine watched her daughter’s hands come up and settle on each side of Sam’s face. “Quack.” Then the little girl leaned forward, kissing his chin.
“She does love him,” her cousin chuckled, congratulating Justine, as Sam returned to grab her hand. “I present you, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Davis and their daughter, Hope.”
Applause and laughter filled the church as they made their way down the aisle as a family.
If Sam could preserve this moment, he would. He knew this moment was one he would never forget. He pulled Justine a little tighter and said a quick prayer of thanksgiving.
Thank you, Father, for your grace and bringing this woman into my life. Bless us going forward and protect us in whatever comes our way.
Everything was perfect. Hope had her head under his chin and was cuddled against his chest. Justine’s hand laid gracefully on his arm and the fingers of her other hand intertwined with his. His friends gathered around them, offering their congratulations and blessings for their new lives together. It didn’t matter that it was a marriage of convenience.
Sam knew that he had feelings for Justine, and he was convinced that she returned them. Friendship was good enough for now. Marriage was half the battle in this harsh land. Now that he wouldn’t have to worry about anyone else trying to marry her, he could work on wooing her slowly and perhaps they could have a marriage like Weston and Ingrid.
No… not like Weston and Ingrid.
He wanted a marriage like Sam and Justine. Right where they were supposed to be.
“I’ll take her and get her cleaned up for you,” Hannah volunteered. “She’ll probably go down for a nap soon. Why don’t you and Justine go have lunch and I’ll drop off this little Miss a bit later?”
“Are you sure?” Justine asked.
“It’s not a bother at all. We are going to go to the park after naps, so why don’t you meet us there?”
“Thank you. I’d like to have some time with my bride,” Sam said, passing Hope over to Hannah.
“Come on, Charity and Amy, let’s gather our things.” Hannah led her daughters back to the pews at the front of the church.
“Do you want to have lunch, or go to the banker’s first?” Sam asked.
“I’d like to—”
The door to the church slammed opened, letting light into the small sanctuary. Sam lifted his hand to block the light and see the shadow entering the church.
“Are you going to kill this man as well, Justine?” The shadow’s voice echoed through the room, effectively silencing the others who were chattering amongst themselves. The people parted, and the woman from the depot in Grand Platte glided into the church. “Well, what must you say for yourself?”
Justine’s hand tightened on his arm. He could feel her nails digging into his skin. “Marjorie, what happened to Jacob was an unfortunate accident, but I did not kill him. There were two separate inquiries into his death, and both said it was an accident.”
