Brides of Noelle
Page 51
Dorcas laughed. “Marshal Gant will. I think they were leaving Vernon for him.”
Elwood blinked a few times. “Well … that wraps things up nicely. So what is Gertrude planning to do next?”
“I didn’t think to ask. But she implied she’d be going back home to sort through suitors.”
Elwood shook his head. “I don’t believe what I’m hearing.”
Jasper shook his head. “Neither do I. She’s just gonna leave like that?”
“She said she was. She even apologized for losing her head yesterday. I guess she decided that if you didn’t want to marry her, there was no point fighting it.”
“And she’ll find someone else,” Elwood said. “Her family’s bank account will guarantee that. And Vernon …”
“… Shouldn’t have messed with Bad Luck Chuck,” Jasper finished, then burst out laughing.
So did Elwood and Dorcas. “Now we need to get back to town and see how we can help,” Elwood said.
“Help?” Dorcas said. “With what?”
“The bridge done blew up,” Jasper explained. “At least we think so.”
“Is that what that sound was?” Dorcas said. “Oh dear. Well, let’s go.” She paused to kiss Elwood again.
Jasper sighed. “At this rate, we ain’t never gettin’ back to town.”
Elwood broke the kiss, took a look at the old miner and laughed. “Don’t worry, we’re going. We have people to help, a celebration to prepare … and a lot of things to talk about.” He refocused on Dorcas. “I love you, Dorcas Minx. And from now on, no secrets.”
“I love you too. And I agree. I’m sorry I didn’t trust you when you tried to tell me about Gertrude. I … I should have listened.”
“It’s over now and you’re safe – that’s all that matters.” He bent to kiss her.
“Can we go now?” Jasper whined.
Elwood smiled, his lips on hers. He took a few more seconds despite Jasper’s protest, then helped her onto her horse, handed Jasper Isabella’s reins and climbed up behind Dorcas. “Let’s go lend a hand.”
“Finally!” Jasper gave Big John a nudge and the trio headed back to town.
* * *
Noelle, July 10, 1877
Dorcas stood next to Elwood in the lamplight of the new train station platform, wearing a simple blue day dress and the little veil Birdie made for her. What with everything, there hadn’t been time to finish a wedding dress, but she didn’t care. Marrying this man was all that mattered.
The week before had been tense and busy, but in the end everything had worked out. She’d escaped a horrible situation unscathed but for a few rope burns. No one got hurt in the explosion (which badly damaged the railroad bridge but failed to bring it completely down. This of course meant even more delays on the part of the railroad) and the Fourth of July celebration had come off without further hitches. Even better, Vernon Fink was in the jail in Junction and would get what was coming to him and Gertrude was on her way back to Boston with her three brothers to find a groom that wouldn’t flee across the continent.
Most importantly, Elwood loved her. Everything else was just details.
“… And do you, Dorcas, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?” Rev. Hammond asked.
She smiled at Elwood. “Yes, I do.”
More words were exchanged, but all she could do was think of how she’d refused to listen to Elwood when she had the chance, of how stubborn she’d been and how quick she was to judge him. Much of her misery could have been avoided if she’d told him about Vernon, and heard him out about Gertrude, sooner. But fear held her back. She never wanted to live that way again. Thank Heaven she was more confident now, not to mention wiser. And they’d spent the last week telling each other everything they could think of. No secrets, not anymore.
“And do you, Elwood, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
That got her attention. She looked at him as he let his eyes roam over her before meeting her gaze. “I do.”
“Then by the power vested in me by Almighty God and the great state of Colorado,” Rev. Hammond said. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Elwood, you may kiss the bride.”
Elwood smiled, leaned toward Dorcas and …
“Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!” Jasper cried. He spun on his heel and began to run up the street.
Everyone turned. “What is it, Jasper?” Rev. Hammond called after him.
“I done forgot to blow out a candle. It’s next to the leftover fireworks!”
“Jumping Jehoshaphat indeed,” the reverend echoed. “Fire!”
Everyone looked around. “Mmm, not yet there ain’t,” Sheriff Draven said.
There was a sudden pop and whiz, followed by a high whistle. The evening sky lit up in reds, whites and blues.
“There it is,” Draven grumbled. He ran toward the Red Bird Stage barn, other men jumping off the platform in pursuit. Woody Burnside was already there, tossing a bucket of water behind the structure.
Rev. Hammond sighed. “Well, now that that’s being handled, where were we? Oh yes – Elwood?”
“I may kiss my bride.” He took Dorcas in his arms, kissed her, then said, “Come on, darling. Let’s go put out a fire.”
THE END
About the Author
Kit Morgan has been writing for fun all of her life. Her whimsical stories are fun, inspirational, sweet and clean, and depict a strong sense of family and community. Raised by a homicide detective one would think she’d write suspense, but no. Kit likes fun and romantic westerns! Kit resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest in a little log cabin on Clear Creek, for which the fictional town from her Prairie Brides and Prairie Grooms series is named. You can sign up for Kit’s Newsletter by visiting her website at www.authorkitmorgan.com
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The Partridge is the first book in the 12 Days of Christmas Series! You can find all the books on amazon
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