Jennifer looked at Diane. “I’m sorry you’re not getting married. I know how much you wanted to. I guess me and you will be the spinsters of Lone Oak.”
Diane nodded. “I guess we will, but we won’t let that get us down. We still have the Thursday night dinners at the café.”
Jennifer nodded. “Of course. I am tired. I think I’ll go to my room and rest a little before dinner.”
Adelaide waited until she was upstairs and in her room before speaking. “Well, that was surprising. She sounded almost normal.”
Claire stood and started for the kitchen. “I’m going to make dinner.”
After she left the room, Adelaide took Diane’s hand. “Tell me the truth. If you don’t want me to use the decorations tomorrow, I’ll understand.”
“No, really, I’m glad they won’t go to waste. Your happiness has made my horrible day more pleasant. Jeff did say we would get married. He just needs time.”
“Don’t let him have too much time. Family is important, but I believe a wife should come first.” She squeezed Diane’s hand. “Thank you so much for the use of the church and decorations.”
As if in answer, there was a knock on the door.
“Oh, I bet that’s Angus.” Adelaide went to the door. “Angus?”
“He said yes.” Angus smiled but then frowned. “Pastor Cannon said Diane and Jeff weren’t getting married.”
“I know. Jeff has to deal with his family before he feels it will be safe for Diane.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” He peeked in the house and waved at Diane. “The pastor wants to talk to us. Together. If you’re not sure, we can get married tomorrow. This is your chance to back out.”
“Not ever. You don’t think I’m going to say no after I have waited all my life for someone to ask me to marry them, do you?” She laughed and grabbed her reticule. “Let’s go.”
Adelaide walked with Angus to the church. It wasn’t a far walk, and she cherished the steps she was taking with him by her side. Each step seemed to seal the way she felt about him.
“I never thought I’d marry in such a rushed way.” He looked at her. “But I can’t see any other thing I’d rather do. All my years, it’s as if I were waiting for you. My ranch is doing well. And I’ll have time to make you feel as special as you are. I’m going to make you smile every day.”
Adelaide felt as if she were floating on air. “I have never been so happy. Whenever I am with you, my heart is alive. I never knew what love felt like until now.”
They walked down the path to the church. The day was perfect with blue skies and white clouds. The sun was just setting, and the church was aglow with a yellow wash of sunlight. Adelaide couldn’t help but think of God’s glory and His goodness as they walked to the door of the church.
Pastor Cannon and his wife met them at the door. “Come in.”
They sat at a table. Alice had decorated it with flowers. “Would you like some tea?”
Adelaide nodded. “Yes. The cups are lovely.”
“A gift from my mother. In Scotland, Angus. She won’t leave her home and writes to me now and then.”
Angus smiled. “You miss her very much.”
“Aye, that is a cut in my heart that doesn’t heal.” She looked at her husband and smiled. “Except that the love my husband showers me with every day. For that, I would travel to the moon.”
Pastor Cannon looked at his wife with love in his eyes. “And I would go to the moon for you.” He patted his wife’s hand. “Now, Angus tells me you two want to get married tomorrow.”
“Yes, we do.” Adelaide glanced at Angus. She didn’t see any hesitancy in him as he smiled at her and nodded.
“I know it’s fast, but we aren’t getting any younger. When you find the right woman, there’s no reason to wait.” Angus tried to fit his huge finger into the teacup.
Pastor Cannon picked his cup up without using the handle and showed Angus. “I tried to tell her these cups weren’t fit for men.”
Angus laughed. “The tea is excellent.”
“Shame about Diane and Jeff. But I believe they’ll be married as soon as he can deal with his brother and father. Poor Diane, she looked heartbroken.” Alice shook her head.
Pastor Cannon pointed to his Bible. “I do want you to know that I take the words in that book seriously. I know you’re both good, God-fearing people, so this is not necessary, but I have to say it anyway. When the vows are said, I want you to take them to heart. They are vows before the Lord. God is love, but He is also just. So, if you think there is anything that would come against your marriage, you need to tell each other right now.”
Angus looked at Adelaide. “There is nothing that would prevent me from marrying you and keeping our marriage intact. I can’t guarantee that we will always have money, but I will always love you.”
Adelaide nodded. “There is nothing in my past that could come between us. No other man that I have loved. Nothing. And I will pledge my future and my life to love you all the days the Lord gives us together.”
Pastor Cannon smiled. “Then I say we have the ceremony tomorrow. What time would you like?”
The sun streamed through the stained-glass window setting the room ablaze with a rainbow of colors. Angus looked at his watch. “I think right about now. I can’t think of a more fitting look to celebrate our marriage.”
Adelaide watched the colors dance across the room. “I agree. It’s as if the Lord was giving his seal of approval.”
After a few more moments of friendly chatting, Angus set his teacup down. “I think it’s time for us to go. My lady hasn’t had dinner yet, and I’d like to take her to the café. We will see you tomorrow for our big day.”
As they walked across town to the café, Adelaide could only marvel at how at peace she felt. No jitters or misgivings. All doubts had fled on the way to the church. Now, she was filled with a calm peace she’d never known.
She glanced at Angus. “I feel as if this marriage had been ordained before we even met. I am amazed.”
Angus stopped her and turned to face her. “I agree. To think of all that had to happen to get us here at this time together. Surely, God’s hand is in our meeting and the revealing of our love for one another. I thought I would be nervous about getting married, but I’m not.”
“Me either. Thank you, Angus. Just think, tomorrow we will start our life together.”
He nodded. “Aye. I can hardly wait.”
Adelaide followed him into the café and to a table in the rear. He reached in his jacket and pulled out a ring. Kneeling before her, he took her hand. “This ring was my grandmother’s and was to be put on the hand of the woman I love as a pledge to love you forever. Adelaide Stewart, will you wear this ring?”
“Forever, Darling.”
Angus slipped the ring on her finger. “This isn’t an engagement ring, but a ring to signify that our love is eternal. Tomorrow, God will set His seal upon us.” He kissed her gently on the cheek. “Now, let’s go feast. Did I tell you I like hearty meals? The good news is I have a cook, so you don’t have to do it.”
“I’ll make you cookies.”
“Perfect.”
Adelaide ordered her meal and felt like she was dreaming. He truly was the man of her dreams.
Chapter 17
Angus stayed in the hotel. He had a new suit and had just returned from getting a good shave. He’d for sure want a clean-shaven face for his wedding night. He’d debated getting married in his kilts but had chosen a suit.
He didn’t want any diversions from the seriousness of the day. And though the people in town knew he was Scottish and wore a kilt to the social, they still laughed. Today was holy unto the Lord. A covenant between himself and Addy and the Lord.
He and Addy had talked about it, and she agreed. Their hearts would be knit together as one through the workings of the Holy Spirit. In Christ, they would be united. Unto the Father, they would live their lives.
Angus had finished getting dressed
when there was a knock on his door. He opened to see Kirk and Peter standing before him.
Peter grinned. “So, you’ll be the next one to the altar. I thought it would be Jeff.”
Angus laughed. “And at Christmas, it will be our sheriff. I couldn’t wait another day. Everything came together. I’m sorry for Jeff.”
Kirk nodded. “I saw him and Diane. Neither of them looked happy. It will be hard for them to sit in church, knowing they had been the ones planning the wedding. But I am glad to see you and Adelaide looking happy.”
Peter took his arm. “We came to walk you to church. We wouldn’t want you to get cold feet.”
Angus laughed. “No cold feet for me. If anything, you’ll have to hold me back, lads.”
“That’s the way to be, Angus.” Peter smiled at the others. “I have never been happier since Kate and I were married.” He punched Kirk in the shoulder. “You know, Christmas will be here before you know it. Only a few months away.”
“I’m looking forward to it. If Mary Louise didn’t have her heart set on a Christmas wedding, we’d already be married.”
Angus looked at the sheriff. “What about Jeff? Is his family trouble?”
“I’d say so. They were part of the vagrants in the woods north of town. Jeff stole money from the café, but that was the day he changed his ways. I’m not sure his father and brother want to change. But I am glad that Diane won’t be around them.”
They were almost to the church when there was a commotion at the boarding house. Angus looked over but didn’t see Adelaide. “Wonder what that was about?”
Kirk laughed. “That was the women hiding Adelaide from you. Not good luck for the groom to see the bride. Or at least that’s what they say.”
Peter laughed. “That’s for sure. I was practically knocked out when Kirk shoved me down the by the wall so I wouldn’t see Kate on my wedding day.”
“Sorry about that. But Mary Louise warned me that if I let you see Kate, she’d let me have it. As if you didn’t know, I’m marrying a real firecracker. We should have gotten married on the fourth of July.” The Sheriff grinned while still keeping Angus turned away from the church.
“All right, she’d inside. Let’s go.” Peter took Angus’s arm, and they continued onto the church.
Pastor Cannon waited for them at the door. “Right to the front, gentlemen.” He followed them up the aisle. “Angus, you stand here. Peter, you and Kirk next to him.”
Angus waited for what seemed like hours. But finally, the music started, and the door to the back opened. Adelaide stood before him in an off-white dress with lace. Her hair and face were covered by a veil, but she was the most beautiful thing in the world. He stood as a man, like Adam, the first man, and looked in wonder at what the Lord had made and done for him.
***
Adelaide stood at the entrance. Her friends were all turned to watch her, rising to their feet to honor her on this day of her marriage. Her gaze quickly found Angus and rested on him. Her love. The man who rescued her from the life of loneliness.
He was her match. How long she had looked and waited for him. And now, the day had come.
The music played.
She took a step, and the sunlight burst through the stained-glass window showering her in the vibrant colors of the rainbow. She continued walking toward Angus. Her eyes not leaving his as if they were already united as one.
Adelaide reached the altar and gave her hand to Angus.
Pastor Cannon held out a Bible and placed their hands on top of it. “We are gathered together to witness the ceremony of Holy Matrimony between Adelaide Stewart and Angus McDonald.
“Angus, do you take this woman to be your wife. To love her and cherish her all the days of your life?”
Angus nodded. “I do. With all my heart, I pledge to care for and love this woman as a part of me.”
“Adelaide, do you take this man to honor and respect, to love and care for?”
She stared at Angus and fell in love with all the more. “I do. With all my heart, I will honor this man and love him all the days of my life.”
“Then I pronounce you husband and wife. Angus, you may kiss your bride.”
Angus gently took her in his arms and kissed her. “I love you, Addy.”
She smiled and kissed him back. “I love you more than you’ll ever know.”
“I doubt that my love.” He led her to the boarding house where they were having a party. Then they’d go to the hotel for a night and home.
***
Jeff held Diane’s hand. “Soon, that will be us.”
“It was supposed to have been us.” She looked at him with tears in her eyes. “Can’t you at least set a day?”
They walked in the twilight toward the boarding house. He stopped her and took her hands in his. “I know I let you down, but you have to trust me. My pa and brother aren’t good people. As it was, I had to wait until they were passed out drunk before I could leave my own ranch. Tomorrow, the sheriff and I will deal with them. I would fear for you if they were at our house. I have to get rid of them.”
She nodded. “Years ago, I thought we’d be married, and you disappeared. Now I found you again only to have you push me away.”
“No, I’m saving you from danger. Tell you what. It’s three months until Christmas. I know Kirk and Mary Louise are getting married Christmas Eve, so how about we set Dec first as our wedding date.”
Diane looked at him through eyes blurred with tears. “If I could believe it.”
“You can. Somehow, I will get rid of my family even if I have to turn the law on them.” He hugged her to him. “I’m not letting you get away from me this time.”
“Good. Because if you leave me, I will never take you back. Let’s get to the party. I want to celebrate Adelaide’s happy day.”
They went to the boarding house and enjoyed the blessed event. Adelaide had never looked more beautiful. She went to her room and came down in a lavender skirt and blouse, and Angus carried her bag.
He pointed to Kirk. “I’ll send for her things. We’re going home tomorrow. I’m sure Addy has a lot of rearranging of furniture and things to order for the house.” Angus grinned at the store owner, “Get those catalogs ready.”
Mr. Trent nodded. “I’ll be sure and have them sitting out for Adelaide to look at.”
Jennifer came over to them. “I am happy for you. Sorry if I caused you any trouble.”
Diane did notice that Jennifer spoke in a normal voice, not the seductive one she used to get the attention of the men. Perhaps she was changing.
Then Jennifer turned to her and Jeff. “I have to say, I was surprised you two didn’t tie the knot.” She glanced at Jeff and walked to the buffet line.
That time her voice was edged with the low sultry voice. Diane shook her head and hung onto Jeff’s arm a little tighter.
He whispered to her. “Don’t you worry. Not that woman or any other is going to take me out of your arms.”
She looked at him and smiled. “Thank you for that.”
Jeff nodded. “Ladies and gentlemen, I want to announce that Diane and I have rescheduled our wedding for December first. Mark that in your calendars.”
Diane smiled. She believed him. She’d just have to pray that he could get rid of his father and brother.
Jennifer glanced at her, and Diane saw that look in her eyes.
Diane sighed. She’d have to hang onto Jeff. And while she was at it, maybe she could help Jennifer find a man. As long as she was staying in Lone Oak and going to the Thursday Night Girl’s Club, Jennifer was a spinster in waiting.
~~~
Author’s Note ~ I hope you enjoyed Angus and Adelaide’s story. Don’t worry about Diane and Jeff. You’ll see more of their story in A Present for Christmas. It releases November 12th and is on preorder now.
Oh, and Jennifer, what to do about her? She just might find a man that can tame her. Hmm, guess we’ll have to see.
A Present for Christmas By P
atricia PacJac Carroll Releases on November 12th.
Jennifer has had a rough life, and she's never had friends. After alienating the town of Lone Oak, Texas, can she change? Will the Mystery Groom Girls forgive her and help her find the love of her life?
Can Jeff deal with his family? Find out in A Present for Christmas.
Enjoy all my books in the Lone Oak series of Spinster Brides for Christmas
A Miracle for Christmas
A Mystery Groom for Christmas
A Contest for Christmas
A Present for Christmas
Be sure to read all the books in the series Spinster Mail Order Brides
~~~
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