Page 41 of A Letter to Adaya
Beau hummed an old Irish lullaby that Adaya recognized. The melody was soothing, and she felt cocooned in warmth and love. She listened intently to Beau’s voice as he sang, every word reverberating through her. In her dream-like state, she heard him click his tongue and urge the horse to pick up its pace. Opening her eyes, she looked out into the rolling hills before them. The sun cast long shadows over the land and wildlife. It was beautiful, serene, like a painting come to life.
She tightened her hold on Beau’s arm as they galloped towards their future together - a bright horizon full of possibilities. Closing her eyes once more, she said a quiet prayer, thanking God for the letter leading her to Flat River and hope for tomorrow.
Epilogue
One week later...
Adaya took a deep breath.
“Are you ready?”
Turning, she spied Walter standing near the entrance to the barn.
“I am.”
“Beau has worn a groove in the dirt floor from pacing back and forth.”
“It’s just that I can’t help but think about Papa and everyone else.”
“Adaya, they made their choice. And you are making yours. Let’s go get you married to that young man.” Walter held out his arm, and she linked hers through it, joining the three other brides waiting to enter the barn.
Beau explained that large weddings only happened during the main town gatherings: after church on Sunday, before the harvest dance, or on Christmas Eve. They always celebrated the latter two in the Chapman’s barn. Some years there was just one couple exchanging vows, while other times there could be up to ten happy couples tying the knot in the same ceremony.
The harvest dance was suspended for a week as the townspeople held their breath, praying for Jesse’s swift recovery. His breathing had steadied, and a faint flush was appearing on his cheeks, but he still hadn’t opened his eyes. Nate and Carolina stayed at the clinic with Jesse and Izzy.
The judge stayed in town long enough for the sentence against the three men to be carried out, their bodies buried side by side with no marker or tombstone. Adaya refused to watch them lower the caskets into the ground, and when Beau returned home, he wrapped his arms around her as she wept.
Now she was leaving her past behind and charging ahead into her future.
The sound of a fiddle signaled it was time, and the small group walked together between hay bales that the organizers had set up for guests. They decorated the barn with leaves, pumpkins, and baskets of leftover apples from the harvest and apple butter preparation. A large table filled with meats, sides, and pies sat off to one side. Adaya chuckled when she saw rows of glass jars filled with pickles. At least Emily and Georgia would be happy.
Reaching the front of the barn, Beau greeted her and took her hand, leading her to the front of their friends. Everyone was so kind to her it made her feel like she had found a new family in this small town.
Reverend Billings smiled at the couples and signaled where they should stand. “Are you ready?” he asked. He opened the ceremony with a prayer, but Adaya couldn’t concentrate on anything but the man in front of her.
Beau repeated the words the preacher spoke, and Adaya pledged herself to him for the rest of her life. She felt a sense of peace wash over her, knowing she had made the right choice in marrying Beau and moving away from her old life.
When it came time, he pulled a ring from his vest pocket. “I purchased this the day after you arrived,” he whispered as he slipped a plain gold band over her knuckle. “I thought you might be the one, but I knew after I read your first letter. I want to make you smile again, Adaya. Let me do that for you.”
Adaya gave a little smile and wrapped her fingers around his hand, the gold band shining in the light from a dozen hanging lanterns. “I’d like that,” she whispered.
The reverend’s voice resonated through Adaya, and she melted towards Beau as they were pronounced man and wife. Beau leaned down, and cupping her face with his hands, he pressed his lips to hers. Bliss radiated from every cell in her body, sending those signals up and out to every nerve ending from the place where they touched. Every part of her screamed for his touch, but she did not dare move for fear of breaking the spell. When he lifted his head, she kept her eyes closed for a moment longer, savoring the precious moment.
She felt his forehead press against hers. “I love you, Adaya,” he whispered.
Fluttering, her eyes opened, she looked at this man she loved with all her being. “I love you, too.”
Applause broke out around them as people came up to offer their congratulations to the new couples. After the ceremony, they all sat down for the feast. Someone had cooked the meat perfectly. The vegetables were fresh from the garden, and the pies were heavenly. Adaya couldn’t believe how every bite seemed to burst with flavor, making it an unforgettable meal.
After the early supper, the dancing started. The newlyweds took the floor, surrounded by their friends. Beau held her close, his embrace tight. Adaya felt his breath on her neck as they swayed to the music. As the sun began its descent, couples vanished one by one. A blush rose on her cheeks as she realized that she and Beau would soon retire as well.
“Are you ready to go home?” Beau asked softly as the music wound down. Adaya nodded. She hadn’t thought this far ahead. “Let me get the horses.”
“Horses?”
“I’ll be right back,” he whispered, kissing her cheek. She watched him walk towards the front of the barn.
“Here you are,” Mrs. Chapman said, coming up to her. “I was looking for you.” Adaya quickly learned that Mrs. Chapman looked out for everyone in town and was full of opinions. “Here’s a basket. There is leftover ham and bread, some cake that Polly made, as well as a jar of milk and one of lemonade. You can just return the basket and jars the next time you stop by.”
