by S. C. Wilson
There was the man who sold Buck to her. Seated not far from him was the waitress from The Tin Plate who had served her that first time. That seems like a lifetime ago. So many things had changed since her first visit to Ely. She was remembering how scared and lonely she had been back then when a firm hand settled on her shoulder.
Frank Whitaker leaned down and said, “I’ve got the paperwork waiting for you at the office.” Jesse nodded up at him. He let his hand fall and took a seat in the pew in front of them.
Abby placed her hand on Jesse’s fidgeting leg. “You aren’t nervous, are you?”
“I am,” she admitted, moisture prickling her palms.
Inside, the church was lively as the pews filled. Abby leaned over and whispered, “Felix is here.”
Jesse watched as he made his way down the aisle to the front of the church where he took his place next to the preacher.
“You think he’s nervous?” Abby asked.
“How could he not—”
The sound of the church bell ringing caused Jesse, along with everyone else in the congregation, to stand and turn their attention toward the back of the church. When the bell finally stopped, its final peal spreading through the town in stark contrast to the deserted streets, Edith came in from the vestibule holding to the arm of her brother.
Abby tugged on Jesse’s arm, forcing her to lean down. “That’s Edith’s brother, Teddy,” she whispered.
Jesse nodded, never taking her eyes from Edith as she made her way down the aisle. Edith winked at them as she passed by.
Once at the front, Teddy gave Edith’s hand to Felix. With her hand in his, Felix guided his bride-to-be up two small steps. Finally, they stood facing each other.
The preacher looked out over the congregation and asked for everyone to be seated. Jesse’s leg bounced. She rested a palm on her thigh, trying to hold it in place.
Abby placed her hand on top of Jesse’s. They were both nervous at the same thought. Soon, they would be the ones taking their vows.
This was the first wedding Jesse had ever attended. She sat intently, listening as the preacher performed the ceremony. Some of the specific language was lost on her, but not the overall meaning. This was an event celebrating the deep love between her friends. Jesse’s stomach flopped at the idea of experiencing the same thing from up front where the lucky pair stood.
When it was over, and Felix had kissed his bride, the church erupted in cheers. The newlywed couple, hand-in-hand, made their way to the back of the church. The pews emptied and people spilled out onto the lawn, taking seats at the tables, waiting for Edith and Felix to join them.
Abby led Jesse to a table with two empty chairs where a family was already seated. “Jesse, this is Joe Mulligan and his family. They own The Tin Plate. Joe, this is my fiancé, Jesse McGinnis.”
Jesse reached across the table to shake Joe’s hand.
Before Joe took his seat, he said, “This is my wife, Mary, and our kids: Tommy, Harriet, Henry, Susan, Jackson, Vivian, William, and baby Lulu.” He pointed out each one as he said their names.
“Nice to meet all of you,” Jesse said. She did a quick mental calculation. Holy hell. Eight kids. The idea of raising one suddenly didn’t seem so daunting.
“So, have you two picked a date yet?” Mary asked.
“Actually, we’re meeting with Mr. Whitaker this afternoon,” Abby said.
“Well, congratulations to the both of you,” Joe said, raising his glass of lemonade. “We wish you—” He stopped when he heard the announcement.
“It is my honor to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Felix Nicholas!” the preacher called from his perch on the back steps of the church. Everyone stood and clapped as the couple made their way down. The preacher continued, “Now, let’s enjoy this wonderful bounty our women have prepared.”
Jesse watched everyone make a beeline for the food. She had never seen so much at one time. Everyone in town must have brought their prize dish.
Abby asked, “Mary, how old is she?”
“Goin’ on three weeks now,” she said, cradling the baby in her arms as she stood from her chair.
“Why don’t you let me hold her for you while you get your plate?” Abby asked.
“That’s so kind of you. Thank you.” She carried her baby over and gently placed her in Abby’s arms.
“Jesse, isn’t she beautiful?” Abby asked. She couldn’t take eyes off the sleeping infant cuddled in her arms.
“She is. She’s so tiny. Look at those little fingers.”
“You want to hold her?” Abby asked.
Jesse shook her head and put her hands up in a defensive gesture. She may as well have asked her to hold a rabid badger.
Joe returned to the table with a heaping plate of food. “Go on. You won’t break her,” he said with a chuckle. “Besides, the way you two keep looking at each other…well, something tells me it won’t be long before you have a brood of your own.”
Jesse looked at Abby, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
After sharing a meal with the Mulligans, Jesse asked, “Joe, do you have the time?”
He tugged on a chain and pulled his watch from a pocket in his vest. “Day’s flying by,” he said, looking down at the watch face. “It’s already quarter to two.” He snapped the watch closed and stuck it back in his pocket before one of the smaller children could pull it from his hand.
Jesse had stood and was preparing to pull out Abby’s chair for her when Felix and Edith approached their table. “You two ready?” Felix asked.
“Yes, we were just about to leave,” Jesse said.
“Well, I just saw Frank leaving. Come on. We’re going with you.” He turned toward the crowd and raised his voice above the clamor. “Folks, we’ll be right back. Please enjoy yourselves.”
Frank Whitaker was already working at his desk when the two couples entered his office. He greeted them and glanced up at the wall clock as he scooted back in his chair. After fetching a book off the top of one of his filing cabinets, he pushed open the swinging gate separating the waiting area from his office space. “You two stand right there and face each other,” he said, pointing to a specific spot on the floor. Once Abby and Jesse were in place, he continued. “All right. Are you folks ready?”
Abby and Jesse nodded.
He opened to a marked page in the book and began to recite the words. “We are brought together today to join this man, Jesse McGinnis, and this woman, Abigail Flanagan, in matrimony. This is a solemn vow they pledge to each other. Do you, Jesse McGinnis, take Abigail Flanagan as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer. Will you love, honor, and cherish her in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?” He looked up at Jesse.
“I do. I will,” Jesse said, releasing her pent-up breath.
“And do you, Abigail Flanagan, take Jesse McGinnis as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, and obey him—”
Jesse held up her hand. “Stop. This isn’t right.”
Abby felt faint. Jes can’t go through with it. She felt her strength wane, and the room began to spin. Edith reached out a steadying hand.
“Abs, are you all right?” Jesse asked. “Do you need to sit?”
“Oh, Jes. You should’ve said something sooner if you were having second thoughts.”
Jesse’s brow furrowed. “What are you talking about? I’m not having second thoughts.”
“Then why did you stop him?”
Jesse reached out and took hold of Abby’s hands. “Oh, Abs. I’m not stopping because I don’t want us to get married. I’m stopping because I don’t want you to agree to obey me. We’re equal partners in this.” She turned to Frank. “Can you just ask her the same thing you asked me, please?”
Frank scratched the back of his head. Never had anyone made such a request
from him. “I can. I guess,” he said, shrugging. “Shall I proceed?”
“Yes. Please,” Jesse said.
“Do you, Abigail Flanagan, take Jesse McGinnis as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward? For better or worse, for richer, for poorer? Will you love, honor, and cherish him in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?” He looked up from his book.
“I do and I will,” she said, body trembling.
“Jesse do you have the ring?” he asked.
She pulled it from her vest pocket.
“You may place it on her finger.”
Her hands shook as she slipped the shiny-gold band on Abby’s finger.
“If no one has any objections.” He paused, glancing from Edith to Felix before continuing. “All right, then. By the powers vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your equal bride.” He finished with a crisp nod, and slapped the book closed.
Jesse leaned forward and brushed Abby’s lips with a kiss. Not used to this kind of display in front of others, she could feel a hot flush spread across her face.
“All right, I just need some signatures,” Frank said, indicating the correct line for each of them. After signing their names, Felix and Edith added theirs as witnesses.
Abby, Edith, and Felix stepped outside and waited beneath the awning while Jesse settled the bill for Frank’s services.
“It’s been taken care of,” Edith said in a low voice. “They should have it there by the time we get back.”
“Thank you,” Abby said. “I hope he likes it.”
Felix leaned closer. “I have a feeling he’s gonna love it.”
Chapter Seven
As soon as Jesse stepped out of the office, she felt like she could breathe again. The tightness she had been feeling in her chest during the ceremony was gone. It wasn’t the fresh breeze, or the warmth of the afternoon sun making her feel as if a weight had been lifted. She had hated being the center of attention.
“Thank you,” Jesse said, extending a hand to Felix. “It meant the world to Abby and me having you both here.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it,” Felix said, his grip firm. “Now come with us over to the store. We have a little something for the two of you.”
Inside the trading post, Edith stepped behind the counter and pulled something from underneath. “Here,” she said, bringing up a wicker basket. “A little gift from us.”
Abby opened the lid, delighted to find a hamper full of yarn, knitting needles, scissors, string, and an assortment of stickpins.
“Thought you could use this,” Edith said. “You do know how to sew, don’t you?”
“Yes. My mother taught me when I was little.” Abby smiled, memories of the past flittering through her mind like passing butterflies. “It’s been a long time, but it should come back to me.”
“Good. I figured this will come in handy.”
Abby hugged Edith and Felix, throwing her arms around them and pulling them in tight.
“Thank you,” Jesse said, picking her hat off the counter. “Thank you both for everything. We’re sure going to miss you.”
Still in Abby’s embrace, Edith furrowed her brow. “You aren’t leaving now are you?”
“Yes. We still have to pack up,” Jesse said, setting the hat on her head. “We have a long trip ahead of us.”
Abby let her arms fall to her sides and stepped back. She gave Edith a troubled look.
Thinking on her feet, Edith blurted, “You just have to come back to the church and have a slice of Mrs. Johansen’s pie.”
“I appreciate the offer but we really do need—”
Abby placed her hand on Jesse’s arm. “Come on, Jes. It won’t take that long.”
A tiny smile parted Jesse’s lips. “All right,” she said, unable to deny her.
When they returned to the festivities behind the church, Jesse noticed a familiar piano sitting out in the churchyard. “Hey Abs,” she said, leaning in, “isn’t that the piano from The Foxtail?”
“Yes. I went there last night to drop off a letter for Mabel since I won’t get to see her. While I was there, I made arrangements to use it. Edith and Felix had some men go get it while we were at Mr. Whitaker’s.”
Before she had a chance to ask why, Felix made an announcement. “Everyone, can I have your attention?” he asked. When the chatter continued, his words lost in the crowd, he raised his voice. “Everyone.” He called loudly through his cupped hands.
A hush fell over the guests when they realized someone was speaking. He waited until everyone had turned in his direction before he continued. “I want to thank you all for being part of our special day. Edith and I are blessed to have each of you here. We consider all of you part of our family.” He skimmed the familiar faces in the crowd. “Today is not only a special day for us, but for our friends, Jesse and Abby, who also just got married.”
Jesse felt her face burn when everyone turned and looked at them.
Abby seemed to be taking it all in stride. She had, after all, been comfortable as the center of attention for years as a performer. Abby shrugged and squeezed Jesse’s hand.
It was comforting, though Jesse was still eager for everyone to stop looking in their direction.
Felix continued. “Mrs. Abigail McGinnis would like it if you all would indulge her while she gives her husband his wedding gift.”
Abby leaned over and whispered in Jesse’s ear. “I wrote this for you. I hope you like it.”
Jesse couldn’t believe it. That’s what she’s been working on!
A round of applause accompanied Abby as she made her way over to the piano. She took a seat, staring down at the ivory keys as if seeing them for the first time. She positioned her hands, making sure her finger placement was correct, and closed her eyes.
She had performed in front of hundreds of people over the years, but never had she felt as nervous as she did in that moment. Of course, this was a different audience. Here, everybody was a friend at worst and family at best. She wasn’t here to earn their tips. Despite the size of the gathering, Abby was really only playing for an audience of one.
It was so quiet she swore she could hear the footsteps of a cricket. Any mistake that might get lost in the din and clatter of a saloon would ring loud and clear here. She drew a deep breath and released it slowly as her fingers moved across the keys.
When I was just a young girl
To fairy tales I’d cling
Hoping dreaming praying
True love my wish would bring
I’d sit beside my window
Whisper to the dark
Willing someone out there
To heed my faint remark
I looked to the heavens
Prayed to God above
Asked Him for a chance to find
My one true love
But as it often happens
The light of day shone through
Like the fading starlight
Some wishes don’t come true
The years began to pass
I feared I’d walk alone
The dreaming of a young girl
Finally I’d outgrown
I’d all but given up on love
Chanced one last look to see
The shining light that pierced the night
And led your soul to me
I looked upon the mountain
Braved the river wide
Walked away from all I knew
To travel by your side
Now when I look to heaven
I finally see it’s true
If you only find the right star
Wishes can come true
When Abby had finished, she tuned out the applause and focused her attention on Jesse, who was difficult to read even in normal circumstances. She searched for a sign, any kind of reaction that could tell her what Jesse was feeling.
Jesse, face hidden beneath the brim of her hat,
added her applause to the mix. The fact Abby was willing to express their love in such a public way made her weak. She pulled the brim lower still, trying to hide her eyes. Holding back her tears prickled. Never had she been touched so deeply or had anyone expose themselves in such a way. Her emotions rushed over her in a torrent.
Abby was vaguely aware of the people around her as she walked toward Jesse. Nerves on edge, she twisted her wedding ring. “Well…did you like it?”
Jesse lifted the brim of her hat and met her gaze for gaze. Her eyes glistened with tears. “It was absolutely beautiful,” she said, her voice quivering. She brought her mouth close to Abby’s ear. “What are people going to think of your new husband?” Her throat tightened. “Grown men aren’t supposed to cry.”
“I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me,” Abby said, tearful at the sight of Jesse’s red-rimmed eyes. “I love you more than you could ever know, Jes.” She ran her hand down Jesse’s arm. “Now and forever. Say, how about getting out of here so we can start our life together?”
“Let’s go,” Jesse said, taking her by the hand.
They practically had to fight their way to Edith and Felix’s table. Hands reached out for shakes, pats, and hugs. Smiling faces couldn’t stop congratulating the pair or complimenting the beautiful song. The joy was palpable, if a bit smothering to Jesse.
When they finally made it through the gauntlet, Jesse said, “We’re going to head out now.”
Jesse and Felix shook hands across the table and said their goodbyes.
When they had finished, Edith pulled Jesse and Abby off to one side. “I wish you didn’t have to leave so soon. I’m going to miss you two.” Taking hold of Abby’s hands, she whispered, “And I can’t wait to meet your little one. You know, the next time we see each other we’ll both have babies on our hips.”