What Comes My Way

by Tracie Peterson

  “I do. I’ve always spoken my mind, as you well know, but I also always want to be aware of what matters most. I want us to have a great marriage—just like my grandparents and parents. I’ve never seen anyone love each other more than my oma and opa. You’ll meet them when we get to Kansas for our performances. I know they’ll come—especially since you’ll be there. Oh, how I wish they could see us get married in Chicago.”

  Chris straightened. “Say, why don’t we get married at the farm? It’ll just be a couple of weeks before we get married in the show, and we don’t have to tell anyone what we’ve done. We could have a small, private ceremony. Your sister and brother-in-law can stand up with us.”

  Mary grew very excited. “I never thought of that. It would be wonderful. Do you suppose we could really pull it off?”

  Chris smiled. “Why not? We’ll telegraph your grandparents at the next stop and ask them to arrange everything.”

  Mary got to her feet, then immediately plopped down in Chris’s lap. She put her arms around his neck and planted a long kiss on his lips. His surprised expression made her smile.

  He tightened his hold on her. “Maybe we should just get married at the next stop.”

  She laughed and got back to her feet. “Hardly. Two weddings will be quite enough.”

  fourteen

  August in Kansas was one of the hottest months. The humidity never seemed to ease, and with temperatures over one hundred, everyone suffered—man and animal alike. Mary didn’t care, however. She was thrilled to have returned to her home state to marry and even happier to be back at the farm. Her grandparents were delighted to have her there, as well as to meet Christopher and get to know him.

  The show had three days off for repairs, rest, and to see to anything else that was needed. Mary knew that when the schedule was planned, Lizzy had thought this a good place to stop. She knew Mary’s family would be nearby and it would be important to Mary to see them. But also, the Reicherts had pastureland in which they’d let the show’s horses rest. In addition, the railroad made getting supplies easy enough, and Topeka had large railroad shops where repairs could be made to the Brookstone cars.

  Mary had explained her plan to marry Chris at the farm to Lizzy and Henry Adler, even though she had originally intended to keep things secret. Once the news got out, however, everyone wanted to be at the ceremony and do whatever they could to make it a beautiful event. It touched Mary deeply that her friends cared so much.

  “Ve got the cake all ready,” Oma said as Mary came into the kitchen. “Ooh, don’t you look pretty.”

  Mary gave a twirl in her wedding dress. It was a cream-colored organdy gown with a high lace collar and crisscrossed lace bodice.

  “Your mama vould have been proud to see you in her dress.”

  “I remember seeing it in the cedar chest and dreaming that I might one day wear it. I’m so glad that day has finally come.” Mary ran her hand down the lacy sleeve. “It’s almost as if she’s here.”

  “Ja.” Oma smiled and nodded. “Are you ready now? The minister is here, and your friends are keeping him company, but I’m sure everyone is anxious.”

  “No one more than I.” Mary went to the small mirror her grandfather had nailed up near the back door so Oma could check her hat before leaving for church or town. Mary used it to make certain her hair was done properly. Mary’s sister, Kate, along with Ella, had fashioned the coiffure. Each curl was securely pinned, and a circlet of flowers—created from Oma’s flower garden—had been placed upon Mary’s head.

  “Ve’re ready for you, Mary,” her grandfather said, entering the kitchen. “Everyone is gathered out under the villow tree just as you requested.”

  Her grandmother hurried to the door. “I’ll go take my place. You come next.”

  Mary would have laughed if it hadn’t been such a concern to her grandparents that everything be perfect. They had no idea that it didn’t matter in the least to Mary. She only wanted them to be present—not to feel obligated to work.

  She looped her arm through Opa’s and gave him a smile. “I’m ready if you are.”

  “You look like an angel. I’m so happy to escort you to your man.”

  Mary gave him a kiss on the cheek. “And I couldn’t be happier. Getting married here at the farm with you and Oma makes it perfect.”

  He led her out the back door and onto the lush green lawn. Opa’s hunting dog, Red, was howling mournfully after being tied to the fence. Oma had been afraid he might jump up on Mary’s dress, and so Red was confined. The dog, however, didn’t understand and bayed on until Mary and Chris stood before the minister. Then Opa went to be with Red and calm him down.

  “Not everyone has their wedding song sung by a hound,” Chris whispered.

  Mary giggled, and the minister smiled as he raised his hands. “Please bow with me in prayer.” He waited only a moment for compliance, but even Red had the good sense to be quiet. “Father, we thank You for Mary and Christopher and their desire to wed in Your sight and under Your authority. Bless this union and the man and woman who come to You now to pledge their lives to each other. Bless their friends and family and show them how to be supportive of Mary and Chris as they embark on their new lives as husband and wife. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

  “Amen,” whispered those gathered.

  “Who gives this woman to be joined to this man?” the pastor asked as a breeze made the hot day a little more bearable.

  “Ve do,” Opa declared. “Her grandmother and I.” The pastor nodded, and Opa stepped back to stand with Oma.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here this day in the sight of God and man to see this man and woman legally joined in holy matrimony.”

  He continued with the words that Mary had heard on many other occasions when her friends or other church members had married. She had always known they would one day be spoken for her, but she had no idea how much they would mean to her.

  “Mary, wilt thou have this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto him as long as you both shall live?”

  Gazing into Chris’s blue eyes, Mary nodded. “I will.”

  “Repeat, then, after me. ‘I, Mary, take you, Christopher, to be my lawfully wedded husband.’”

  Mary repeated the words and let the pastor lead her through the vows that would bind her to this man for the rest of her life. It wasn’t long before Chris was offering her the same pledge.

  “I, Christopher, take you, Mary, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part. This is my solemn vow before God.”

  Christopher slipped a ring on Mary’s finger, then surprised her by drawing her hand to his lips, where he sealed it with a kiss. Raising his head to meet her eyes, he winked. Mary thought her knees might give way there and then. How this man could thrill her, make her feel both weak and strong.

  “Then by the power vested in me by the State of Kansas and Shawnee County, I now declare that Mary and Christopher are man and wife.” The pastor smiled. “You may kiss your bride.”

  Chris took hold of Mary’s face and kissed her tenderly amidst the cheers and claps of their friends and family. Mary was sorry it was such a short kiss, but she knew it wasn’t the time or place for a lengthier display.

  Their friends threw wheat grains, just as they had done for Lizzy and Wesley’s wedding, and a picnic celebration on the grounds of Mary’s childhood home ensued. It was all she could have wanted for her wedding, complete with her happy sister and brother-in-law and their baby daughter, Johanna, who had been named for Mary and Kate’s mother.

  “Congratulations, Mary.”

  She turned to find Owen holding Johanna. “Thank you, Owen. I’d ask if you’re happy, but I can see for
myself that you are.”

  He grinned. “I’m very glad you had the good sense to call off our engagement. It really is amazing when you love someone the way God intended for marriage.”

  Mary laughed. “Everything’s better when we do it the way God intended. How’s the farm?”

  “The crops look to yield very well this year. Your grandfather and I went in together to get a hired man to help share the work. The wheat looks good, and the corn does too. There will be silage enough for all the animals, and I believe we’ll make a profit this year if things go on as they have.”

  “That’s good to hear. I pray it will be so.”

  Johanna began to fuss, and Owen took that as his cue to find Kate. Mary smiled, watching him weave through the crowd to turn the infant over to her mother. One day, perhaps, that would be Chris with their child.

  “You look happier than I’ve seen you in some time,” Lizzy said, coming alongside Mary with a cup of punch. “Here, I thought you might be thirsty.”

  Mary took the punch and drank it down in one long swallow. “I was parched. Thank you.”

  “You look cool and collected, despite the heat. I don’t know how folks live in this. I feel like every inch of me is sweating.”

  “This is just a good old Kansas summer.” Mary knew others struggled in the humidity and heat, but she loved it.

  The celebration continued until the sun began to slip beneath a golden field of wheat. Mary knew it was time to change her clothes and head back to town. The show was scheduled to hook up to a train and head north that evening around midnight.

  She made her way inside and quickly changed back into the cotton dress she’d worn earlier. As she hung up her mother’s gown, Mary thought of her mother and father. She was four when her mother had passed and not yet ten when her father died. Oma and Opa had taken in her and her siblings and lovingly raised them. As she grew up, Mary remembered hearing of other families in similar situations whose children had to be farmed out to various friends and family. She shuddered to think of how awful it would be not only to lose your mother and father, but also your home and siblings as well. What a blessing that her grandparents had cared enough to make sacrifices for the benefit of their grandchildren.

  “Are you up here, wife?”

  She smiled at the reference. “I am. Come on in.”

  Chris peeked in as he pushed open the door. “Everyone’s ready to head back. We’re just waiting on you.”

  She glanced around the room. “I think I’m ready. I was just hanging up Mother’s dress.”

  “Your dress now, and maybe one day our daughter will wear it.” He closed the distance between them and took Mary in his arms. “I have never been as happy as I am today.”

  She nodded. “Me too.”

  She couldn’t say anything else because Chris had covered her mouth with his. He kissed her slowly and thoroughly, leaving her breathless when he pulled away.

  His gaze met hers. “A promise of things to come. A lifetime of love and happiness.”

  She wished they could just remain there forever, but it was impossible. “Let’s go before they send someone after us.” She reached for her suitcase, but Chris took it from her.

  “Allow me, Mrs. Williams.”

  “I’m so sore, I can hardly walk,” Lizzy said days later. She had been practicing for the wedding show in Chicago. “Not only that, but all my timing feels off.”

  Ella shrugged. “You looked good. I couldn’t tell it from down here.” She smiled up at Lizzy, who still sat atop Longfellow.

  “Well, he certainly notices it.” She patted the neck of the dappled buckskin. “I hope I can figure out what’s got me off-center before Chicago. The tricks I’ve done at the other shows have been all right but certainly not at the level folks are used to seeing from me. I just feel fat and amateurish in every move.”

  “Well, you’re not. You’re the belle of the ball,” Ella said, her voice full of admiration. “I’ve heard people talking, and they’re in awe of you. Now stop worrying.”

  “I’ll try. I’m sure fretting isn’t helping my timing any.”

  “Exactly. Oh, by the way, you have to stop by the costume car and see what Mara’s created for Mary. It’s so beautiful. I hope she’ll wear it often. The white skirt and vest are fringed, and Mara added silver buttons and red cording. It will look perfect with Mary’s red hat.”

  “So she still plans to wear it for the wedding? No veil?”

  “Yes. She said she feels the public will expect it. I think she’ll look wonderful. It’s not your average bridal ensemble, but Mary will look just right.”

  Lizzy smiled. “I’m sure she will.” She looked over her shoulder at the practice area. “I’d better get back to work. I’ve got to have this right before Saturday.”

  She needn’t have worried. Saturday night arrived, and Lizzy performed better than ever. She thrilled the crowds with her dangerous drags and rapid series of tricks. By the time she finished, everyone was on their feet, cheering and calling out for an encore.

  Then the wedding was announced, and the audience clapped and cheered even more. Lizzy hurried backstage to change into the attendant outfit Mara had made. It matched Ella’s, with its dark blue split skirt and lacy white blouse that was long-sleeved and trimmed in ruffles. Mara had trimmed the waistband with silver medallions, and Lizzy thought it looked very smart.

  She couldn’t help but pine for Wes. He still hadn’t written—not in all these weeks—and it hurt her to think he might not care. She had been so contentious when he’d left that she wondered if she’d driven him away forever. Maybe Phillip was just an excuse to be rid of her. Then again, Wes had gone to the one place he could be assured she would return. Lizzy had asked her mother about Wes, but even she had been silent. Lizzy had thought surely Mother would have sent a letter by now.

  “It’s not like they don’t know the schedule,” she muttered.

  A melancholy settled over her. Her father came to mind. How she missed him. It was at times like these that he always had the best advice. She could almost hear him now.

  “Don’t fret about what you can’t change, Lizzy darlin’. Think about the things you can change—the ones that really and truly matter—and give them to God. He’ll show you what to do and when. He never fails to show us when we are willing to wait upon Him and listen.”

  She smiled to herself. “I will do that, Papa. I wish you were here, though. How I long to hear your voice and see your smiling face.” She sighed. “How I miss you.” She fought back tears. “Why did you have to leave me?”

  “Lizzy, you ready?” Ella asked from the door to the dressing room. “Everyone’s waiting, and the orchestra is about to start the wedding march.”

  “I’m coming.” Lizzy grabbed her hat and secured it atop her head. She gave Ella a smile. “Let’s go. I wouldn’t want to hold up the wedding.”

  Lizzy went through the paces of the staged wedding, but as the event concluded, she felt only relief that she could soon disappear into her bedroom on the train and close the door to the rest of the world. She was more tired than she’d ever been, as well as sad. She could see the joy of Mary and Chris and knew that their marriage was on good footing, but her own seemed so questionable, and it hurt to watch others in their happiness.

  When she was finally free to slip away, she gave Abe her horse. “If anyone asks about me, tell them I went back to the train. I’m not feeling all that well.”

  Abe frowned. “You want me to walk back with you, Miz Lizzy?”

  “No. I’ll get a hired cab. Don’t worry about me.”

  She hurried to gather her things before anyone could stop her. Her emotions were all topsy-turvy, and she was certain she was on the verge of a long cry. Maybe it was time to go home. The show was nearly done performing in America. They would soon head to New York, where they’d give one final performance before heading to Europe. It was possible that she and Uncle Oliver could make their way to Montana now.


  “Mind if I head back with you?”

  She turned to find Uncle Oliver in the doorway of her dressing room. “Of course not. I would be glad for the company. How did you know?”

  He shrugged. “I just figured you might be feeling as displaced as me.”

  “You didn’t show that tonight when you were making announcements. In fact, I was impressed. The audience was too.”

  “The joy’s gone from it,” he said, shaking his head. “Everything’s different now.”

  “Well, not everything.” She picked up her suitcase and headed for the door, pausing just long enough to link her arm with his. “But I do understand what you’re saying. A lot has changed.”

  “I miss your father.”

  “I do too,” Lizzy said as they made their way outside. “In fact, I was just thinking of him earlier this evening. I long to sit and listen to his stories and advice. I don’t suppose you’d like to offer me some.”

  There were several carriages for hire already waiting to take folks home from the performance. Lizzy got one of the drivers’ attention, and they were soon on their way back to the station.

  “You want advice from me?” Oliver half asked, half commented. “I’m surely not the man for that. I think I’ve lived too long. I’m not meant for the twentieth century. I’m too old-fashioned in my thinking. Henry has all these wild ideas and new plans for the show. Me, I’d just as soon see things go back to the way they were and keep things small.”

  “It was nice that way. We were more of a family. But we’ll always have each other, Uncle Oliver. No matter who else claims to love us—we know that our love is true. Family will always mean a great deal to me.” She squeezed his hand.

  “I agree,” he replied. “I don’t understand how I managed to get myself off track, but I think I’m going to be all right. I know you’ve been worried about me drinking, but I don’t have that desire . . . this time.”

  “I did fear losing Amanda would make you lean in that direction,” Lizzy admitted. “I’m glad to hear otherwise. You’re so important to me and Mother. I don’t want to lose you. You may think you don’t belong in this century, but we need you. I know the ranch has never been your favorite place, but it is home, and it wouldn’t be the same without you there.”