Page 20 of A Letter to Carolina
Nate could feel his heart swell with joy at her acceptance. He leaned in, his lips brushing her hair. “I wish I could kiss you right now.”
She gave his hand a squeeze. “Me too. It will be soon.”
They waited until the church was nearly empty before he led her out the end of the pew, and up to the foyer where Reverend Billings and his wife were chatting with Doc Mueller.
“Nathaniel!” Reverend Billings greeted, his voice echoing off the walls. “Doc told me he is officially retired, and you have taken over. How are things in the new doctor’s office?”
“Things have been going well, Reverend. Our community is healthy, and I pray I can offer the level of care everyone is used to. Do you have a moment?”
“Of course. How can I help you, son?”
“Let me apologize for my lack of manners first. Aunt Cleo would be so embarrassed. This is Miss Carolina Andrews. Carolina, let me introduce you to Reverend and Mrs. Billings. We hoped you would wed us this afternoon.”
“This is rather unexpected.” The Reverend was not judging. Nate could clearly see a twinkle in his eyes. “When did you arrive in town, Miss Andrews?”
“Two days ago. I’ve not been here very long.”
“My engagement can’t be as shocking as when you married Georgia and Simon.”
Clapping a hand on Nate’s shoulder, Rev. Billings laughed in agreement, guiding Nate and Carolina back into the sanctuary.
Mrs. Billings followed behind. “I see you’ve brought your own witnesses,” she said, directing the Pickett family and Doc Mueller back towards the front of the church.
“Do you think they would miss this event?” Nate was proud of his family.
“Doubtful,” the Reverend agreed. “I’ll need to speak with Miss Andrews before I can begin the ceremony, but that will only take a few minutes.”
Nate leaned in close to the minister. “Do I have time to run to the mercantile?”
The other man searched Nate’s face before nodding. “I think you’ll have enough time. Miss Andrews, please come to my office. It is this way. Mrs. Billings and I would like to speak with you.”
“Yes, sir.” She gave Nate a nervous glance.
He soothed her by leaning forward and placing a kiss on her cheek. “The Reverend does this with all the brides. He wants to be certain that everything is voluntary before he pledges someone to an eternal bond.”
Her breath was warm on his neck when she turned her face toward Nate, stunning him momentarily. Her lips were like a feather against his cheek, and he couldn’t help but smile as the tiny hairs on his face rose in response. He was thankful he’d taken the time to shave this morning.
Once she had followed the Reverend and his wife into the back of the church, Nate headed for the front doors. He stumbled down the front stairs when a large hand clutched the back of his shirt.
“You cannot ask a woman to marry you and then leave her at the altar,” Beau complained, holding Nate up by the back of his shirt.
“I cannot marry a woman without a ring, either.” he jerked against Beau’s grip.
“Bass is right. The rest of you are all hopeless. It’s lucky that you have us.” Beau let go and Nate felt his knees buckle before he balanced himself. Spinning to look at Beau, he found a box in the other man’s hand. “I picked these up from the mercantile this morning. Rose picked them out. I guessed you didn’t have a set of bands hiding somewhere.”
Nate threw himself at his brother. “I love you. You are the best big brother.”
“Don’t you ever forget it.” Beau rapped his knuckles lightly on Nate’s head. “Now let’s go back inside before you make a bigger spectacle of us both.”
Carolina’s palms moistened as she sat before the Billings. She fidgeted with her skirt and wanted to retreat back to the safety of Nate’s arms. Carolina couldn’t help but feel like the Reverend and his wife were judging her every move.
Did they think she was good enough for Nate?
A portrait of a stern-looking ancestor hung on the wall, looking down on the people in the room. The room felt colder than it should have been, and Carolina wished she had brought her shawl with her.
“Miss Andrews, how did you come to know Mr. Pickett?” The reverend quirked an eyebrow, folding his hands on his desk.
“I received a letter from Emily Pickett inviting me to Flat River. When I arrived, Mr. Pickett and I discussed the fact that we were both marriage-minded. I am a nurse. He is a doctor, and we share similar faith values.”
