by Amelia Rose
Damon’s wife, Maggie, approached him with a big smile on her face. “Well, there’s the groom. You look quite dashing, Mason.”
Mason returned her warm hug and kissed her cheek. “Thanks, Maggie. It’s so good to see you. Thanks for coming.”
“Of course, I’d come,” she said, releasing him. “Nothing would keep me away from your wedding. I’m so happy for you. Jenny’s a lovely girl.” She pointed at him. “You’d better be good to her, or you’ll be sorry.”
Mason chuckled. “I promise that I’ll treat her right.”
“Glad to hear it.”
Damon joined them. “I imagine you got a little case of the jitters.”
“Well, I did, but I think that’s passed now,” Mason admitted. “I can’t wait until she gets here.”
“I’m sure you won’t have to wait long,” Maggie said. “Let’s go get a seat while we can, Damon. It’s going to get awfully crowded.” She patted Mason’s arm. “All will be well.”
Mason smiled as they left him and his eyes strayed to the window, looking for any sign of his bride-to-be.
“Now, now,” Paul admonished. “No peeking.”
Grinning, Mason said, “Can you blame me?”
“Of course not, but you must exercise a little patience, Mason.” The pastor’s smile took any sting out of his words.
Mason smiled back. “Yes, sir.” He resisted looking out the window after that, but it wasn’t easy.
AS THEY ARRIVED AT the church, Jenny’s previous confidence slipped a little, but she kept her nervousness to herself. She closed her eyes for a moment and said a quick prayer, imploring God to calm her nerves and let her focus on the happiness of the day.
She reopened her eyes and noticed that several buggies lined the right side of the church, which had the most shade. “Is there another ceremony today?” she asked.
This was often the case, especially when a community had a circuit preacher who was only in town on certain days. Word might not have spread that Pastor Gibbons was now Spruce Valley’s permanent minister.
Cecilia turned in the front seat, an impish smile on her face. “They’re all here to watch you and Mason get married. Damon told Herb yesterday that a lot of folks decided to come.”
Jenny’s eyes widened. “But I haven’t invited anyone. Did Mason?”
Herb laughed. “No, but around here, we don’t always wait for an invitation. We all just assume we’re invited to things like this since we’re such a small town.”
“What about a reception?” Jenny asked, starting to feel panicked. “I haven’t planned anything, haven’t had time to plan one since we were getting married so soon.”
Cecilia replied, “Don’t worry about that. It’s all taken care of.”
Jenny thought about her limited funds. “I don’t have enough money to pay for a big affair.”
Herb pulled the horse to a halt and got out. “No one expects any money, Jenny. They’ll have brought plenty of food with them, and Damon and Maggie are hosting it at the Station. They’re doing it because they care about Mason. And they like you, too. Now, stop worrying and just enjoy the day.”
“Listen to him,” Cecilia chimed in. “I married a smart fella.”
Jenny trusted her future in-laws, and if they said she shouldn’t worry, then she wouldn’t. Besides, there was nothing she could do about it now. Herb helped her out of the buggy and Cecilia helped her fix her dress.
When she was done, she gave Jenny a last critical look over. “There. All set.”
“I’ll go let them know you’re here,” Herb said as they came to the bottom of the schoolhouse steps. “Wait right here.”
Cecilia looped her arm through Jenny’s and gave it a squeeze. “Nothing to be nervous about, child. You’ll see.”
Bolstered by Cecilia’s support, Jenny’s previous anticipation returned, and she grew impatient to see her groom.
Herb returned and offered his arm to Jenny. “I know I can’t really take your pa’s place, but I’d be right proud to give you away.”
Tears stung Jenny’s eyes as she thought about her deceased father. She’d always imagined him giving her away, but she was touched by Herb’s kindness. She took his arm and smiled up at him. “I’m most grateful to you, and I’d be honored for you to give me away.”
Cecilia kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you inside,” she said and headed up the steps.
Jenny took a deep breath and said, “I’m ready when you are, Herb.”
Herb lifted his chin and squared his shoulders. “Well, then. Let’s go get you hitched.”
Jenny smiled as he helped her up the stairs. They stepped into the cloakroom and stopped for a few moments.
Herb asked, “Ready?”
Jenny gave him a firm nod. “Ready.”
Chapter Eight
When Jenny appeared in the doorway on Herb’s arm, a warm feeling spread through Mason. She looked exquisite in her green gown and emeralds glittering at her earlobes. He’d never seen a more beautiful sight. Mason wanted to take her in his arms and tell her so. It was hard to control himself and stay in place as Herb escorted her down the aisle to him.
Although her smile was a trifle hesitant, her sapphire eyes sparkled. Transfixed by her beauty, everyone else faded away and Mason felt like they were the only two people in the world.
Herb smiled at Mason as he reached the front of the schoolroom. He handed Jenny over to him. “I know you’ll be good to her, son.” He clapped Mason’s shoulder, kissed Jenny’s cheek, and went to sit with Cecilia.
Holding Jenny’s hands, Mason whispered, “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
Jenny squeezed his hands back. “And you’re the most handsome man in the world.”
She meant it. His fine black suit fit him to perfection, and he looked so different, so extraordinary. Meeting his eyes, she saw desire sparkling in their silvery depths and felt an answering hunger. She squelched it when Pastor Gibbons started the ceremony, reminding herself that there would be time for that later.
As the pastor guided them through the ceremony, they both recited their vows with sincerity, pledging to honor and cherish each other for the rest of their lives. Neither could look away from the other, and something between them solidified when Mason slid a gold band on Jenny’s ring finger.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” Paul said. “You may kiss your bride.”
Jenny went into Mason’s arms eagerly, a thrill running through her when he pressed his lips firmly to hers. It was a short kiss, but it still kindled a fire in her, and when he released her, she was a little out of breath. Mason’s expression mirrored the way she felt.
Paul presented them to the congregation and applause filled the building. Jenny couldn’t stop smiling as she and Mason made their way down the aisle to the door. He led her outside and down the steps, where they stopped to wait to greet the guests as they left.
Jenny admired the way her ring looked in the sunlight, and it seemed unbelievable that she was now married to the man at her side.
“Do you like it?” he asked.
Smiling, Jenny said, “I love it. It’s beautiful.”
Seeing the ring on Jenny’s finger made Mason proud that she was his now, and he vowed to always be worthy of her. “I’m glad.”
“Did you know all these people were coming?” she asked.
Mason laughed. “Not until Damon told me when I got up this morning.” He’d stayed in one of the rooms over the mercantile last night so that he wouldn’t accidentally see Jenny before the wedding. “I sure was surprised.”
“So was I,” Jenny said. “It’s so kind of the Frosts to host the reception in their restaurant.”
“They have two of the biggest hearts I’ve ever known,” Mason said.
Herb and Cecilia came outside and descended the steps. They embraced Mason and Jenny and stood beside them as the other guests began exiting the schoolhouse. The Crawford family was greeted and congratulated by aroun
d fifty people, many of whom Jenny was meeting for the first time.
Jenny felt so touched that they’d attended, but she knew that it was because they were friends with Mason’s family. She hoped that she would get to know them before long; she wanted to continue making friends and to get to know her pupil’s families. Watching the interaction between the townspeople and Mason, it was evident to Jenny that he was very popular.
Their admiration for him didn’t seem tied to the fact that he was part of the town’s founding family. The informal way they joked and spoke with him was genuine. Jenny joined in the conversation, expressing her gratitude for them coming to the wedding and for the reception that would soon follow. She was warmly met, and it made her heart glad to be accepted.
When the last well-wisher had left them, Mason offered her his arm. “I don’t know about you, but my belly is as empty as a saloon beer barrel on a Friday night.”
Jenny and Herb burst into laughter while Cecilia scolded him for his crude remark. Mason pretended to be sheepish, but he winked at Jenny as they walked toward the mercantile. As they approached the eatery, the sound of many voices reached their ears, and when they entered the Station, it was filled with people who were putting the finishing touches to the meal.
Nell guided them over to a table at the head of the room that was decorated with a lacy white tablecloth. A pretty floral centerpiece and china dishes kept company together on it. She urged them to sit and then hurried away.
Pastor Gibbons called for silence so he could say the blessing, and everyone bowed their heads. When he was finished, Nell escorted the happy couple to the food tables to fill their plates first.
“I still can’t believe the change in Nell,” Mason whispered to Jenny as they returned to their table. “You certainly have a way with people.”
“Well, I just pay attention, that’s all.” She gave him a teasing look. “Men don’t always do that as well as women.”
Mason seated her and sat down beside her. Giving her a wicked grin, he said, “I pay attention when you’re around. I can hardly think about anything else when you’re in sight.”
Jenny blushed as she giggled and took a sip of her cold lemonade.
Mason chuckled but relented as he turned to his food. His statement about being hungry hadn’t been made in jest. He’d been too nervous to eat breakfast, but his appetite had returned in full force. Tucking into his meal, he tried not to think ahead to their wedding night too much, but it was difficult to keep it from his mind whenever he spoke with Jenny.
Her pretty pink lips were so tempting to him and it was hard to resist kissing her. The way she glanced at his mouth every so often didn’t help, and he started wishing away the time until they could start their honeymoon. Then he told himself that there was no rush, that they’d only have one reception and he wanted to enjoy every minute of it.
Jenny enjoyed the succulent chicken and tasty side dishes immensely and she planned to ask for the recipes of her favorites so she could make them for her family. She was a fair cook, but she wanted to become as skilled as Cecilia in the kitchen. She didn’t think it was fair to leave all the cooking to the older woman but realized that they hadn’t discussed the running of the household yet.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the strains of a fiddle. On the right side of the room, four men had set up chairs and started warming up their instruments. Two of them played fiddles, one played spoons, and the other had propped a washboard on his knee.
When they struck up a waltz, Mason rose and held out his hand to her. “I believe it’s customary for the bride and groom to start off the dancing, Mrs. Crawford.”
Jenny’s heart fluttered at the sound of her married name and the thought of dancing with Mason. She didn’t hesitate to take his hand. She loved to dance, and it had been a while since she’d had the chance. Since governesses looked after the children while their parents attended parties and outings, she hadn’t had many opportunities for entertainment.
Mason got a kick out of the way she pulled him to the area that had been set up as a dance floor. “Something tells me that you’re a good dancer,” he commented as he took up the proper stance.
“You’re correct, Mr. Crawford.”
“Thought so. Well, I might be a rancher, but Ma and Pa were good dancers and they taught me. I won’t embarrass you.”
Jenny smiled up at him. “As long as you don’t step on my feet, I’m not worried about your dancing abilities.”
“I can do a lot more than keep off your toes.”
Mason began moving, his steps graceful and confident. Jenny delighted in the way he guided her around the floor and she lost herself in the dance. They seemed to move together as one, as though their minds were connected.
Mason had danced with his share of women, but holding Jenny as they swayed and turned was his most enjoyable dancing experience. He was transfixed by her sparkling eyes and beautiful smile. He’d do almost anything to make her happy, just to see that expression on her face.
When the dance ended, the band started a fast jig. Mason taught Jenny the steps and they laughed together at her mistakes, but she was quick to catch on and was soon performing the dance well. They spent the next couple of hours dancing and conversing, and it was a magical time for the newlyweds.
Several women invited Jenny for tea, or to join their quilting circles. Their offers of friendship meant the world to her, and she looked forward to spending time with them. She also talked to them about their children and the upcoming school year. By the time the reception wound down, Jenny had a tentative total of eighteen children who would attend her school classes.
After a few people left, Mason decided that it was time for him and Jenny to also depart and begin their honeymoon. Herb and Cecilia were going to stay with family for a few days to give the young couple some privacy. They made the rounds, thanking everyone for giving them such a special day, then went to their buggy.
Assisting Jenny into it, Mason asked, “Ready to go home, Mrs. Crawford?”
Jenny’s smile made his heart beat a little faster. “More than ready, Mr. Crawford.”
Mason climbed into the buggy and started their horse out. Once they’d left the town behind, Jenny moved closer to him, and his stomach tightened at the tantalizing scent of her perfume. The graceful curve of her neck and smooth, pale skin of her shoulders drew his gaze, and he wanted to taste her skin.
With effort, he pulled his gaze away and focused on the road ahead, but he urged their horse into a faster trot, anxious to get his new bride home.
THE SUN STREAMING THROUGH the windows the next morning woke Jenny. She stretched and the memory of the previous night returned to her. Opening her eyes, she found herself in Mason’s bed – their bed now – and blushed as she remembered the passion they’d shared. Since both of them had been virgins, their lovemaking had been awkward and shy at first, but it hadn’t taken long for instinct to take over.
Jenny shivered as she remembered the ecstasy Mason had given her, and she looked over at his side of the bed. She frowned and rose up on her elbow upon seeing that it was empty. Her frown turned into a smile when she saw the small dressing table that Mason had given her as a wedding present. Her silver brush and mirror sat on its surface, along with her jewelry box and other items.
Looking around the room as she rose from the bed, Jenny decided that Mason’s room needed a woman’s touch. It was a nice room, with a large walnut bed and furniture, but the rust-colored curtains weren’t to her liking. A nice blue pair would be better as they’d brighten the room. She’d just donned a sheer silk robe over her satin, low-cut nightgown when Mason entered the bedroom.
He stopped still upon seeing her. She looked gorgeous. Desire sent hot blood surging through his veins as he set the breakfast tray he carried on the bureau. The pleasure they’d shared a few hours ago was fresh in his mind, and his body responded.
He tried to ignore it as he smiled at her. “Good morning, beautiful. Um, how do
you feel?”
The concern in his sheepish expression touched her. “I feel wonderful. How are you?”
A lazy grin curved his mouth, and she felt a powerful urge to kiss him.
“I’m pretty wonderful myself.” He gestured at the tray. “I wanted to surprise you with breakfast in bed, but you’re already up.”
“It smells great. I’m famished. We can still enjoy it right here.” Jenny sat on the bed and patted the space next to her.
Mason scooted the dressing table stool over beside the bed, set the tray on it, and sat beside Jenny. “I’m not as good a cook as Aunt Cecilia, but I do all right.”
Looking over the spread of scrambled eggs, salt pork, and fried potatoes, Jenny’s stomach seemed even more empty. He’d also brought a carafe of coffee and tiny bowls with sugar and cream. “Goodness. I didn’t know you were so talented in the kitchen.”
Mason chuckled as he started fixing her a plate. “I don’t know about talented, but my food is passable. Aunt Cecilia has taught me some things over the years.”
They enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, discussing a myriad of subjects and laughing at each other’s jokes. Mason was taking a couple of days off to spend with his new wife and the ranch hands had been instructed not to disturb the couple unless absolutely necessary.
“Thank you for the tasty breakfast,” Jenny said when they’d finished eating.
“You’re welcome.”
Mason moved the tray to the bureau and returned the stool to its rightful location. Turning back to Jenny, he froze at the intense way she was staring at him. Need ignited inside him as he saw desire shimmer in her eyes. Returning to the bed, he sat beside her and slid an arm around her waist. It was as though she’d been made to fit against his body.