Rachel felt her heart sink a little. Did this mean that the day would be less special? Would the lack of time to prepare for it make it any less memorable?
Rachel thought about Emily. She glanced over Aaron's shoulder and saw the little girl bouncing around animatedly on the divan in the parlor.
"I take it Emily doesn't know yet about her father," Rachel said.
Aaron shook his head. "We're going to keep that to ourselves for now. No sense in worrying her pretty little head."
Rachel nodded. "That's the right thing to do," she said.
And suddenly she saw that the right thing for her to do was to marry Aaron Caldigate as fast as possible.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Aaron held himself steady at the altar of the church but, no matter how hard he tried, his knees still felt weak.
He stood, on his own for the moment, in the quiet of the church, grateful for a brief minute of respite from the bustle of activity. Outside he could hear the crowd of townsfolk who had turned up for the wedding.
They'd be inside and taking their seats any minute now.
Aaron took a deep breath. He hadn't anticipated feeling so nervous. Heck. It was his wedding day, he thought. What had he expected? It was natural that he would feel like this on the biggest day of his life.
There was a burst of applause and cheers from outside. He supposed that must be Rachel arriving.
Reverend Baxter had already been with Aaron for a few minutes before stepping out to welcome the bride. The Reverend had spoken kind, but firm words of wisdom to Aaron about the importance of what he was about to enter into. Aaron had been grateful to the minister for taking the time to calm his nerves.
Aaron ran a finger around his collar. Was it his imagination, or was the collar getting tighter by the minute?
The last three days had gone by in a rush of activity the likes of which he had never experienced in his life. He could never have realized how much there was to arranging a wedding.
His mother and Hettie had taken it upon themselves to be the main organizers. Aaron had been relieved that the women had been willing to take on the responsibilities.
Another ripple of applause came from behind the closed door. That must be Rachel stepping off the carriage. He knew that Logan had provided a beautiful transport for Rachel. It was one that Logan had used himself when he had married Rachel's sister Martha. A golden carriage, Aaron's mother had said. It was like something out of a fairy tale, she said.
All through the preparations Aaron's father had taken something of a back seat. When Aaron had asked him what he thought of it all, his father had merely nodded and said he was pleased. That was all. Just pleased.
Aaron was honoring his word to his parents. He was making sure that the promise he'd given them was being kept. What more did his father expect of him? At least he could have shown a little appreciation that his son was acting with some integrity.
Aaron started as someone pulled open the door with a loud creak. Light flooded in, and the sound of the crowd filled the small church.
Aaron glanced through the open door and was startled at how many people had turned out for the wedding. Hettie had told him that weddings were becoming something of a feature of Sweetheart Falls life. He could see it was true, judging by how many townsfolk were starting to make their way in to take their seats in the pews.
Aaron turned and faced the altar. Rachel would be coming in any second now. He didn't want to see her before she entered the church. He needed to act with dignity. This was a solemn occasion.
I'm going to be married, he thought suddenly. The thought filled his mind with a shock and there was a tumbling sensation in his stomach.
Aaron clasped his hands tightly together. What will she look like, he wondered.
Beautiful, came the reply.
****
Rachel stood at the door of the church. It was three days after the discussion in the garden and everything to arrange the wedding had happened in such a whirl of activity that her head was still spinning.
Many of the people filing into the church were familiar. Rachel had been in Sweetheart Falls long enough to know some of them either by name or by sight. She felt humbled that so many had turned out on such a fine sunny morning.
Martha kneeled down by Rachel's side and rearranged the flowing fabric of the white wedding dress. "There," Martha said. "That's better."
Rachel held a small bouquet of flowers. Martha stood and started to fuss with the veil.
Rachel rolled her eyes nervously at her sister.
"What?" Martha said, looking at Rachel. "Just making sure everything's in the right place," she explained.
Cassie came up to Rachel. "Are you ready?"
Rachel's lips tightened and the butterflies started to tumble in her stomach. "I'm fine."
The Reverend Baxter came up to Rachel. "There's a fine young man waiting for you inside," he said with a smile. "Who's leading you in, if I may ask?"
Ethan stepped up to Rachel's side and extended an arm. "That will be my privilege, Reverend," he said giving Rachel a warm smile.
Almost everyone had made their way inside.
Martha hooked an arm into Logan's and Cassie followed them into the church.
The Reverend lead the way and Rachel curled her arm through Ethan's, all the while keeping a firm grip on the bouquet with her other hand.
Ethan gave her a final smile and they started into the church.
Rachel looked ahead to the altar and saw him there.
Aaron.
He had his back turned to her. As she and Ethan walked down the aisle, the silence seemed almost unnatural. The townsfolk watched her make her way towards her soon-to-be husband. Rachel heard some whispered compliments. Her sisters had told her she looked beautiful. She thought they might just be right.
Ethan led her to stand in front of the Reverend and right by Aaron's side.
Rachel composed herself and stole a glance toward Aaron. He was still facing forward. For a moment she thought he looked funny, being so stiff and formal. His throat bobbed as he swallowed and Rachel realized he was as nervous as her.
The Reverend commenced the ceremony. His words seemed to come from far off.
Then she turned and faced Aaron. His eyes were bright and fixed on her and she felt her heart leap when his mouth creased into the smallest of smiles. He looked so happy.
Rachel felt her mouth dry as the moment came for her to say her vows. She thought the words just wouldn't come out, but they did, and she felt the curious mixture of relief and joy as she spoke them.
When Aaron spoke his words, his voice sounded clear and decisive. The sound of it echoed in the silence of the church.
Then the Reverend Baxter pronounced them man and wife. When Aaron leaned in and kissed her softly, right in front of everyone, there was a spontaneous applause from the townsfolk.
Rachel turned. Martha and Cassie both had tears in their eyes.
Aaron led Rachel up the aisle. Rachel had never seen so many smiling faces. Hettie nodded at Rachel, a look of complete satisfaction on her face.
Aaron looked proud to be leading his beautiful new wife out of the church.
Outside the happy couple paused as the church began to empty. Aaron's eyes flashed at Rachel. She'd never seen a man look so pleased.
They thanked the emerging well wishers, shaking many hands.
Ethan and Logan shook Aaron's hand and welcomed him to the family. Kisses were exchanged by the sisters. Aaron's parents congratulated the couple. It was all such a whirl of activity that Rachel could hardly keep up.
She suddenly realized that she was as happy as she had ever been in her life. Aaron looked so confident and assured as he thanked people for coming and accepted their congratulations.
A reception had been arranged at the hotel. As they were getting ready to get up on the carriage Rachel noticed that a tall man, dressed in a dark suit was leaning against a store front close to the church. He wasn't j
ust a curious bystander. There was an intensity to his stare that told Rachel he was watching the proceedings with more than just a casual interest.
Rachel's attention was drawn back to the people around her as Ryan came up to Aaron and shook his hand. "Congratulations Aaron. You're a lucky man, that's all I can say."
Aaron laughed. "You'll be next. Don't you worry."
Ryan smiled. "In the meantime I'd like to kiss the bride," he said with a mischievous grin.
Rachel offered a cheek and Ryan gave her a polite peck. As he was doing so, she heard him utter a quiet expression of disbelief.
"What's he doing here?" she heard him say softly.
Ryan looked over toward the man in the dark suit. Aaron followed his gaze. "What is it Ryan?"
Ryan hesitated, then shook his head. "Nothing. It's nothing."
Ryan gave Rachel a huge smile. "I hope there's some good food at this reception," he joked. "I skipped breakfast this morning," he said.
Rachel glanced over and saw the man in the suit move off.
Martha and Cassie appeared by Rachel's side. Martha started fussing again. "Let's get you into that carriage," she said.
"But it's only a short walk to the hotel," Rachel objected.
Martha shook her head. "You have to arrive in style young lady. You're a married woman now."
Aaron took up a position by the carriage seat and extended a hand. "May I?" he said.
Rachel took his hand and she stepped up onto the carriage. Martha helped with the dress, gathering it up and making sure it didn't get caught on anything.
Rachel took her place and Aaron was soon by her side on the seat.
The townsfolk applauded as Aaron took the reins and moved the horses on.
Other townsfolk watched and followed slowly behind as the carriage made the short journey to the hotel. Rachel felt like she was on public display. The strangers on the boardwalk all looked pleased to see another marriage take place in the town.
Aaron drew the carriage up in front of the hotel and hurried round. He helped her down off the carriage. Before Rachel knew it, Martha was once again by her side tugging and pulling at the dress.
Aaron led Rachel into the hotel and to the reception which was being held in the rearranged restaurant. It was big enough to hold the medium sized party of guests.
Aaron guided Rachel to the top table and pulled out the chair for her. Once she had sat down other guests started taking their places.
Aaron took his place next to her.
Rachel looked around the room at everyone seated at their tables. For a brief moment she felt like a queen.
Glancing at Aaron that seemed like such an appropriate thought because next to her sat someone who looked every inch a king.
****
After the food and the speeches and the toasts the time came for their first dance together. Aaron and Rachel stepped into the center of the floor to applause from the guests. The small band of fiddlers, most of whom came from Logan's ranch, struck up a gentle waltz.
Aaron took Rachel in his arms and drew her as close as decency allowed. Rachel softened in his embrace. Aaron breathed in the scent of her perfume and rested his cheek against her head.
He could feel Rachel's hand on his back. Aaron's heart beat faster as he guided her around the small dance space. It felt good to have her this close and it took everything he had to maintain an appearance of decorum in front of so many people.
He drew his head back and looked down at his new wife. "You dance very well," he said.
Rachel smiled up at him. "You're pretty good yourself," she said.
She laid her head against his shoulder. Aaron suddenly understood how a man might move heaven and earth to have a woman by his side. Right now he felt things inside him he'd never felt before. The closeness to this lovely young woman was intense, overwhelming. He was suddenly filled with gratitude that he was now married to such a beautiful young woman.
They moved slowly to the music and Aaron sank into the sensations of the moment surprised at how he had been overtaken by the events of the day.
Aaron glanced over at his parents and saw the expression on his mother's face. Her smile was wide and warm. He'd never seen her so happy.
His father nodded at Aaron. It felt good to be surrounded by so many people who wished only good things for you, he thought. He'd never felt like this back East. Maybe life in this town could be good after all.
But this wasn't the time to be considering that, he thought. He drew his wife closer to him and felt her respond in kind.
Almost too quickly the music ended and other guests started to fill the dance floor. The music changed to something jauntier.
Aaron led Rachel around some of the guests thanking them for coming and making sure they were enjoying themselves. He took his new bride back to their seats and made sure she had everything she needed. He was so pleased to see just how much this all meant to Rachel. She positively glowed with pleasure. She looked like she never wanted the day to end.
The music was getting even more animated and the guests were beginning to really enjoy themselves. Aaron saw Ryan wave to him, calling Aaron to come and speak with him. Aaron excused himself and made his way to Ryan.
Ryan's eyes were bright. He lifted his glass and toasted his friend. "You are a lucky man, Aaron. I know I've already toasted your good fortune, but I just want to do it again."
Ryan leaned a heavy hand on Aaron's shoulder. Aaron smiled at Ryan. "You look like you're having a grand old time Ryan," Aaron teased his friend.
Ryan smiled. "A great day. That's what this is. A great day," he said. He took a sip of his drink and looked over toward Rachel. "That is a beautiful young wife you have there Aaron. She's quite a catch."
Aaron turned and looked at his new wife. "I'd have to agree with you there Ryan. I'd never have thought it possible that I'd find such a lovely woman to be my wife. I still can hardly believe what I've done," Aaron said with a slight shake of the head.
Ryan peered earnestly into Aaron's eyes. "What you've done is the right thing. I know you're both going to be real happy together. I feel it in my bones."
Aaron smiled gripped his friend's shoulder. "Thanks Ryan. That means so much to me. You're the only real friend I ever had in this town."
Suddenly Aaron looked over Ryan's shoulder and saw something that made his blood freeze.
Aaron peered through the open doors at the hotel reception area. There, looking intently at Aaron, stood Beatrice. She obviously hadn't been invited as a guest. That would have been unthinkable. But here she was anyway. Aaron knew in his bones that she was here to make a nuisance of herself, just like she'd done so many times in the past.
"Well! Look who's turned up," Aaron said, his voice sinking.
Ryan whirled around. "What in tarnation is she doing here?"
"Whatever it is, I can bet it isn't going to be good," Aaron answered.
Ryan made to go toward the reception. "Let me handle this," he said.
Aaron held him by the arm. "No, Ryan. I don't want a scene."
"There won't be any trouble. This is a private party. She shouldn't be here," Ryan said tugging at Aaron's hand gently.
Aaron held firm. "No. Let me handle this.'
Ryan frowned at his friend. "You sure?"
"I haven't spoken to her in a while. Maybe she's not here to cause trouble after all," Aaron said.
"You know what she's like."
"Maybe she's changed."
"From what I hear, she's worse," Ryan said.
"People change."
"Sometimes. How can you be sure she has?"
Aaron took a deep breath. "I'm going to find out."
He was about to start making his way toward Beatrice when a figure rushed by him. It was his father. Aaron tried to catch Gabe's attention but within moments his father was out in the reception and facing Beatrice.
Aaron made to follow Gabe but felt a firm arm hold him back.
"Don't go there
," Ryan said.
Aaron stiffened. "I can't let him speak to her."
Ryan cocked his head. "Looks like you're too late."
Aaron couldn't hear what was being said, but voices were being raised. It was just as well the music was loud enough to drown out the sound otherwise the guests might have gotten an earful of his father's words.
Aaron felt the urge to go there and fix things, stop his father saying anything. Beatrice was just standing there, her face a picture of fury, her eyes fixed on Gabe. Whatever his father was saying to Beatrice, she wasn't well pleased.
Aaron looked around. He was relieved to see that most of the guests hadn't noticed. Most were too busy dancing, or chatting or drinking. Aaron felt a wave of relief sweep over him when he saw that Rachel was seated at the top table, deep in conversation with her sisters. Just as well she hadn't noticed the situation in the reception hallway yet.
Aaron looked back at his father and Beatrice.
With a final fierce gesture Beatrice shook her head. His father made a final, decisive stab of his hand. Whatever it was he'd said, it was definitely putting an end to the conversation as far as he was concerned.
Gabe turned and saw that Aaron was watching him. With a weak smile his father started to make his way back into the restaurant.
Beatrice had started to make her way out of reception and Aaron felt a wave of relief. He turned and looked toward the top table.
He felt himself go pale.
Rachel was watching Beatrice walk away from his father.
Rachel had seen everything and she didn't look pleased.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
For a moment Rachel couldn't take her eyes off Aaron. His gaze was fixed on her. There was a combination of anger and a plea for understanding on his face.
Rachel didn't know what to make of what she'd just seen. How could that woman come anywhere near the wedding? Especially after the way she had confronted Rachel in the very same place where the reception was being held.
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