Doc Erin and some of the other ladies arrived to help decorate the church. Everyone was dressed in their finest clothes. She chatted and laughed with her friends, thinking how lucky she was to live in this special town. Braddon walked in escorted by Billy. She smiled at them proudly as they both walked toward her.
“You look very smart. The both of you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Grey,” Billy replied.
“You look beautiful, Lorena,” Braddon whispered, giving her a peck on the cheek.
“Aw, do you have to do that in front of me.”
“Don’t get too upset, son. Soon be time for you to go courtin’.”
She burst out laughing at the look of disgust on Billy’s face. Braddon did the same as he put his arm around her and led her to a seat. The weddings were about to start. She glanced at Annie who stood to the left of the altar. She smiled at the girl who gave her a small smile but didn’t lose the terrified look on her face.
Father Molloy gave Annie the signal and the girl started to sing. The whole church fell silent as her amazing voice gave them all goose pimples.
“She’s amazing,” Braddon whispered to her.
“In every way,” she replied. She couldn’t have been prouder of Annie knowing how much it took to stand up and sing. The girl was fighting her demons and it looked as if she was winning. At the start of the second verse, Father Molloy motioned to the brides to enter the church.
Braddon held her hand as the girls walked up the aisle. Nora, Sadie, and Lizzie all looked beautiful, each carrying a small posy of roses. Robbie, Tommy, and Jamie looked proud as punch as each woman stepped forward to stand beside their man.
Braddon squeezed her hand gently as the couples took their vows. She turned to look at him, their eyes meeting. The look in his sent a warm glow through her. She thanked God for sending her this wonderful man. Looking back toward the altar, she said a quick prayer for David, and Braddon’s wife and son. She hoped they were looking down on them today and smiling.
Acknowledgments
This book wouldn’t have been possible without the help of so many people. Thanks to Erin Dameron-Hill for my fantastic covers. Erin is a gifted artist who makes my characters come to life.
The ladies from Pioneer Hearts who volunteered to proofread my book. Special thanks go to Marlene Larsen, Cindy Nipper, Janet Lesley, Robin Malek, Meisje Sanders Arcuri and Denise Cervantes who all spotted errors that had slipped through.
Last, but by no means least, huge thanks and love to my husband and my three children.
Also by Rachel Wesson
Clover Springs Mail Order Brides
Katie (Book 1)
Mary (Book 2)
Sorcha (Book 3)
Emer (Book 4)
Laura (Book 5)
Ellen (Book 6)
Thanksgiving in Clover Springs (book 7)
Christmas in Clover Springs (book8)
Erin (Book 9)
Eleanor (book 10)
Cathy (book 11)
Mrs. Grey (book 12)
Clover Springs East
New York Bound (book 1)
New York Storm (book 2)
New York Hope (book 3)
Hearts on the Rails
Orphan Train Escape
Orphan Train Trials
Trail of Hearts - Oregon Trail Series
Oregon Bound (book 1)
Oregon Dreams (book 2)
Oregon Destiny (book 3)
Oregon Discovery (book 4)
Oregon Disaster (book 5)
12 Days of Christmas - co -authored series.
The Maid - book 8
Writing as Ellie Keaton
Women & War (World War II fiction)
Gracie
Penny
Molly
Mrs. Grey Page 14