by Linda Bridey
Dean and Tessa broke the news to the children at breakfast the next day. Sadie was thrilled and wanted to know when they were getting married. Jack was happy about it but quickly moved on to more pressing matters, like what they were having for breakfast. The rest of the family was equally happy and the couple was congratulated by all.
Neither Dean nor Tessa wanted a lengthy engagement and the ceremony date was set for the next month when the circuit preacher would be in Dawson County again. Tessa showed Lydia her dress.
“I can’t believe you brought it with you,” Lydia said. “It’s gorgeous.”
Tessa held it against her. “I wanted to be prepared and I wasn’t sure that there was any kind of a dressmaking boutique near here. Do you really like it?”
Lydia said, “Yes, and so will Dean. He’s going to be bowled over when he sees you.”
“I’m so nervous, Lydia. Unbelievably happy, but nervous nonetheless,” Tessa said.
“Getting married is serious business. It’s not to be taken lightly because it’s for the rest of your life.” Lydia took Tessa’s hand. “I know that you and Dean belong together. I see the way you look at each other and it reminds me of Charlie and me. We were so in love and it didn’t take us long to get married either. So don’t be nervous. Just be happy.”
Bolstered by Lydia’s assurances, Tessa’s fears melted away and she concentrated on the festive occasion ahead of her.
The ceremony was simple yet elegant, thanks to Lydia’s eye for detail. She and Sadie decorated the small chapel in Dawson County with flowers and ribbons. The effect was quaint. Tessa became a little teary-eyed over the fact that her family wasn’t there to witness her wedding day, but she told herself that perhaps they could come west sometime and celebrate. She also felt guilt over sneaking away to start a new life without a proper good-bye. It had been necessary though, because she would have never been allowed to do so if she had been upfront about it.
Dean was incredibly nervous as he waited at the altar. He fidgeted with his tie and jacket. What if he was making a mistake? Once the ceremony was over, that was it; there would be no going back. He cared greatly for Tessa but wasn’t sure if he loved her. In a way, it wasn’t fair to her, but she didn’t seem to be worried about that.
Seth kept trying to calm him down. He was Dean’s best man. Marcus was also standing up with him. The preacher, John Williams, was a circuit minister and was in town for a week to minister to the parishioners there. Lydia was Tessa’s maid of honor and Sadie was thrilled to be her bridesmaid. Jack had happily accepted the duties of ring bearer. Charlie was giving her away.
Pastor John’s wife, Melody, played the wedding march on the piano. When Dean saw Tessa coming down the aisle, he couldn’t breathe for a moment. She was incredibly beautiful and he couldn’t believe she was marrying him. He was a lucky man and he vowed to do his best to make her happy.
Tessa’s hair was done in an updo with baby’s breath woven into it. Her deep blue eyes were alight with happiness. She wore just a hint of lipstick. The dress she wore was lovely with a tight, demur bodice and a full, flowing skirt. She carried a bouquet of lavender and baby’s breath.
When she reached the altar, Charlie gave her hand to Dean. He squeezed her hand and looked into her lovely eyes. Her smile was radiant as they said their vows. When they exchanged their vows, there were tears of joy in her eyes.
Pastor Williams said, “By the powers invested in me by the state of Montana, Dawson County, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
Dean’s kiss was long and tender and Tessa lost herself in it. Sadie giggled and it made Dean and Tessa break apart. Dean leaned his forehead on Tessa’s and chuckled.
“I guess I forgot that there were other people here,” he whispered.
“Me, too,” Tessa said.
They turned and faced the wedding participants. The minister presented the newlyweds to them and they were congratulated and embraced. They held a celebratory meal in the basement of the chapel. It was a small affair, but jubilant nonetheless. They cut the cake and fed each other a piece amid cheers and laughter.
Lydia and Charlie were taking Sadie and Jack for a week to give the newlyweds privacy. Dean and Tessa bid them goodbye and drove off in their buggy, which had been decorated with ribbons and flowers.
Dean was quiet on the drive to their ranch.
“What are you thinking about, husband?” Tessa asked. She loved the way that sounded.
Dean smiled at her. “I was just thinking that I’m a lucky man and that I’m looking forward to our life together.”
“As am I,” Tessa said and leaned against Dean.
They turned onto the road leading into the ranch and as the house came into view, Tessa had a true sense of homecoming and saw the ranch in a new light. This was her home now and she was now a married woman. Dean stopped the buggy by the house and helped Tessa down.
“You go on in the house and I’ll get the horse taken care of and feed the stock quick, okay?” he said.
Tessa nodded. “Yes, of course. I’ll be waiting.” She gave Dean a coy look and then entered the house.
Dean hurried to the barn to get his chores done.
When he entered the kitchen, it was dimly lit by candles and two wine glasses sat on the table, over which a lacy table cloth had been placed. Tessa sat in one of the chairs. She poured them each a glass of wine.
Dean loosened his tie and undid several buttons of his shirt. Tessa swallowed at the sight of his bare throat and the top of his chest. “Come and have a drink.”
Dean pulled another chair over close to her and sat down. Their legs touched and Tessa felt the heat of his thigh against hers. Tessa picked up her glass. “A toast.”
Dean raised his in response.
“To a bright future and a new beginning for us all. May we all share love and laughter and happiness for the rest of our lives,” Tessa said.
“Well said,” Dean agreed.
They touched their glasses together and then set them down. Dean leaned over and cupped the back of her head. He brushed his mouth gently over hers and such desire as he’d never known rushed through him. Taking her hand, he rose and led her to their bedroom.
Chapter Ten