He still didn’t know where they would be living. He supposed they would just be at his parent’s place. His room was large enough to have another person there. But the thought of beginning married life in the house he’d grown up in seemed odd.
The offer of Michael and Susan’s little cabin sounded better and better. At least there, they would be away from his mother and all her mothering. She was a wonderful woman, but very involved in everything. He’d rather not have her knowing every conversation and every look or touch that went on between him and his new wife.
Colten looked toward the boarding house. Too bad they couldn’t be working on it more today. It would be about a week before it was ready for Michael and Susan to move into. Colten and Annabelle would just have to make do in his room. But when the first opportunity came, he would move out to a place that could be just theirs.
Colten surveyed the setup of the tables and chairs and a couple of flatbed wagons to put the food on that had been gathered from anyone close enough to share. Most people would sit on the ground with blankets or some crates to enjoy the food brought by everyone.
The same area that had been used for dancing when Michael married Susan last year around this time was ready for more dancing tonight.
He glanced at the shadows, guessing from the length of them it was about four. It was time for him to clean up and get into his nice clothes. He would be a married man before the sun set. He just hoped he wasn’t crazy for agreeing to it.
***
Annabelle watched as the church building came into better view as Michael guided the wagon down the street. She sat next to Susan on the wagon seat and squeezed her hand.
Annabelle almost wished she would have walked. It would have helped postpone the moment just a little longer, but Susan was tired and Michael had insisted she ride in the wagon. Annabelle didn’t want to cause any issues with being late to her own wedding so had climbed in without a word.
The area surrounding the church, especially the side where many large cottonwood trees provided ample shade was now filled with people and tables and wagons holding all kinds of things. The pies, breads, and other treats Susan had prepared over the last few hours were packed neatly in the back of their wagon and would be pulled out for the celebration to come.
Annabelle felt a sense of belonging wash over her as she looked at the people who milled around and waved and smiled at her.
“Best get inside and make sure the groom is up at the front,” Susan said to Michael when he helped her down from the wagon. She then looked at everyone else gathered around. “You ready for a wedding?”
The agreement and congratulations began and Annabelle smiled to hide her nerves and thanked the people who spoke to her, wishing she would be able to remember their names.
Michael stepped back outside. “Colten’s up there.”
“Looks like it’s going to happen,” Susan said to the crowd. “You’d all better get in there and get your seats. Mrs. Roundy, would you be so kind as to play the organ?” Susan looked at Annabelle as the people began filing into the building. “The whole town donated money to get an organ shipped here. Mrs. Roundy is the only one who knows how to play it because she learned music back in Chicago before moving out here.”
Once everyone was inside except for Michael, Susan, and Annabelle, Susan turned to face Annabelle. “Everything will be fine, sweetie. This town is a wonderful place. Colten will make a good husband. And we are always here for you. No matter what.”
Annabelle nodded and hugged Susan before turning to face the front steps of the church again. She saw Michael move closer from the corner of her eye.
“Would you allow me to escort you down the aisle, Miss Annabelle?”
Annabelle smiled, feeling moisture rising behind her eyelids. “I would appreciate that, Michael. Thank you.”
The three ascended the stairs and entered the outer doors and stopped. Michael turned to Annabelle. “Let me help Susan to her seat, then I’ll be right back. We need to build the excitement so you just wait right here in front of these doors.”
Annabelle nodded. She clutched the few wild flowers Susan had given her before they’d left her house. She’d thought it odd when first given them, but now she appreciated having something in her hand to keep herself from fidgeting. When the doors opened for Michael and Susan to slip through, she caught sight of the crowd. The building was packed and a few men and children stood along the outer wall.
Seeing that many people show up for the wedding of a complete stranger made her even more nervous. Of course they had shown up to support Colten, and to get a look at her, but it was still nice to know the town of Birch Creek was willing to welcome someone like her with open arms.
The sounds of conversation inside the church slowly died down and Annabelle heard the booted footsteps of someone approaching. Michael opened the door and gave her an encouraging smile. “It’s time. You ready?”
Annabelle nodded and placed her hand on his offered arm. When they stood facing the door, Michael told the two young boys inside to hold the double doors open and gave Annabelle a gentle nudge to get her walking.
When she looked up to see the people stand as she entered the room, and Colten, standing at the front watching her as if there was no one else in the building besides them, she relaxed and tried to focus just on him.
He didn’t have to do this. And he’d even asked her if she was willing. Seeing him standing there, tall and handsome and smiling at her as if he didn’t regret his decision in paying Lester back, warmed her heart. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe they would have a marriage built on respect and caring. And hopefully, someday, there would be love.
When they reached the front, Annabelle hardly knew what to do, but Michael placed her hand in Colten’s and the two faced each other for a moment, before turning to face Reverend Morrison.
Colten kept her hand in his and gave it a gentle and reassuring squeeze. She glanced at him and when her eyes met his, and she saw the kindness in them, she knew it would be all right.
Reverend Morrison began the ceremony by welcoming everyone to the wedding, but Annabelle could barely focus on anything besides the man next to her. She caught bits and pieces about love and honor, cherishing each other, and supporting each other as well as inviting the Holy Spirit into their marriage.
When he started on the vows and asked her if she accepted Colten as her husband, and gave herself to him as his wife, she nodded, then swallowed her fear and said in a clear voice, surprising even herself, “Yes. I do.”
Colten squeezed her hand again at those words, then when the reverend asked Colten the same questions, and he answered, “Yes,” Annabelle tightened her fingers around his strong ones.
“Then, by the power vested in me by the church and by God, I pronounce you husband and wife.”
The sounds of excitement and approval of the audience began to rise, but when the reverend told Colten he could kiss her, cheers went up from the crowd.
Annabelle was almost certain she heard Mrs. Howard say, “Finally!”
Colten’s lips rose in a smile as if he found it funny and Annabelle returned his smile. He leaned in a little closer. “Sorry about her.”
Annabelle just smiled wider, but as he bent his head to reach her lips, her face froze. She had no idea what to do. She closed her eyes, hoping she wouldn’t mess things up.
But she felt him there before his lips touched hers. And it didn’t scare her. Instead, she experienced a mix of excitement and hope. When his lips finally found her own, she marveled at the softness. They fit perfectly against hers, and she held still, not wanting him to move away, but then something wonderful happened. Instead of disappearing as she feared they would, his lips moved and touched her top lip, then her bottom lip, then held still for a moment before he pulled back.
In that moment, Annabelle knew things would be just fine. If that small and simple touch gave her such wonderful sensations, she would be all right.
Colten stood up straight again, making her lift her chin to meet his eyes. She wished she could kiss him again, but the sounds of all the guests at the wedding brought her slowly back to her senses. She turned with him as the reverend introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Colten Howard. Colten took her hand in his again and the two walked down the aisle and out the door, down the steps and into the shade of the trees.
She was happy to just follow his lead and as well-wishers began to file past, she smiled and nodded and did her best to learn names.
This was now her home. She actually felt like she belonged.
CHAPTER FIVE
Colten was married, and as the celebrations began, he allowed himself time to contemplate what was next for them. After Michael had married Susan out of the blue the day she’d arrived, the people of Birch Creek had rallied beautifully and accepted Susan with open arms. And now, as he and Annabelle visited with everyone together as husband and wife, he knew they would accept Annabelle just the same.
No one brought up how she’d arrived or talked about Lester by name, but everyone expressed pride or appreciation for his forethought in saving Annabelle from a disadvantageous marriage.
Though he knew it was honorable of him to have done so, he realized after a few neighbors repeated the same thing that Annabelle got quieter and quieter as the conversations continued.
“Would you like to head over to the food?” Colten asked. “Maybe that way, everyone will sit down and let us have a bit of a breather.”
Annabelle nodded. “Yes, please. I was so nervous earlier, I didn’t eat much. And it would be nice to just sit with you for a moment.”
Colten took a few steps, then paused and reached for her hand. “Allow me.”
She placed her hand in his and joined him at his side, walking toward the tables and wagon beds that had the different foods set out. When his mother saw them approaching, she turned to his father and told him to get everyone’s attention.
His father put his fingers against his lips and whistled loudly. The chattering and laughing and running of children stopped and Colten’s mother spoke.
“Thank you so much for coming, everyone. I can’t tell you how happy I am to finally have a daughter. And it looks like the new couple are hungry, so let’s eat. Then when we’ve all had our fill, we can start the dancing!”
A cheer went up and a few people patted him on the back as they lined up for the food. Colten made sure Annabelle had what she needed, then the two walked back to a table with some actual chairs and began to eat.
At first, they remained silent as they watched the townsfolk but Annabelle slowly started asking a few questions about the people. It seemed as if she was trying to get names and faces memorized so when she saw them later she’d know.
He appreciated the fact that she was trying to fit in well. Before they’d finished eating, the fiddle and harmonica began to play and soon dozens of children gathered in the center of the area to dance around. Before long, couple after couple joined in and more than a few waved to Colten and Annabelle to join them.
“You want to dance?” Colten asked.
Annabelle nodded. “Sure, but this looks different than anything I’ve seen before. I might not do it right.”
“No one will care,” Colten said. “Just get out there and have fun. That’s all that matters. And I’ll be with you to show you how it goes. Just follow me and watch the other women. You’ll pick it up in no time.”
Annabelle smiled at him and Colten liked the way it felt to have her approval. He took her hand and led her to the open space to join the dance.
As she began moving and laughing with the others as they spun and twirled and showed her which way to go next, Colten saw the free and open joy inside her. If he could see her that carefree and happy all the time, then married life would be easy.
***
Annabelle hadn’t thought she’d enjoy herself on her wedding today. When she had woken up, she’d been too nervous to eat, but Susan had insisted she have a bite of eggs and a slice of bread. Annabelle had done the morning chores of milking, egg gathering and feeding the pigs while Michael and Jessie headed out to prepare the church lot for the wedding. Then she had worked on finishing the dress and helped Susan with the food and goodies before they had left for the wedding around supper time.
And now, after more than an hour of dancing and laughing and visiting with everyone at the celebration, she was ready to just sit down and not move again till the morning.
But the party seemed to just be gaining speed. A few families had left in order to return to their farms since they had a few miles to travel. But those who lived nearby in the houses close to the center of town continued to visit.
When a small child yawned widely with open mouth, Annabelle felt the same reaction hit her and she tried in vain to stop the yawn. Though she did her best to cover her mouth. Colten turned to her.
“Now don’t start that. It’ll spread like wildfire.” Colten yawned as well, then laughed. “See.”
“I didn’t start it,” Annabelle said. “I saw a little boy over there do it.”
“I suppose it is getting late. Maybe we should start cleaning up and thank everyone for joining us.”
Annabelle nodded. She moved over to the group of ladies where her new mother-in-law was visiting. “This has been so wonderful. Thank you all so much for your help today. I can’t believe how kind everyone is.”
“You’re part of Birch Creek now,” one of the ladies said. “We always take care of our own.”
“How can I help clean up?” Annabelle asked.
“Oh, now don’t you worry about that part at all,” Mrs. Howard said. “Douglas and I will make sure all of this is taken care of. You and Colten can head home and get settled.”
Annabelle looked toward where Colten stood, seeing he was getting the same kind of treatment and being waved away. Men started moving tables and benches and chairs around. Wagons were hitched up again in preparation to head home.
She watched him for a moment, wondering if she should go to him, or wait for him to come to her. When he turned and met her eyes, she smoothed out her skirt, not sure what to do with her hands, but as he headed toward her, she found herself walking to meet him.
“They won’t let me help,” Annabelle said.
Colten nodded. “Same. I guess that means we should head to the house.”
“Where will we be staying?” Annabelle asked when he took her hand.
“Would it bother you if we were with my family for a while? It might take a bit to build a house of our own. I don’t want to stay with them long. I think it would be good for us to rely on each other.”
“I don’t mind,” Annabelle said. “And I think a place of our own someday sounds wonderful.”
“Michael and Susan offered their place as soon as they’ve moved over to the boarding house when it’s done.”
Annabelle nodded. “That’s what Susan told me as well. It’s a good place to start.”
“I’m sorry I don’t have anything else.”
Annabelle slowed down and faced him. “I couldn’t ask for more than you’ve done already. You’ve given me a home and a name. You’ve saved me from the wrong kind of man. I’ll always be grateful for that.”
They continued walking again, leaving the sounds of movement and clean up and children running and laughing.
As each step brought them closer and closer to the store and the house that was attached to it, Annabelle wondered how to bring up her request.
She’d loved the kisses he’d shared with her at the wedding. But she just wasn’t ready for anything more. Not yet. She wanted time to adjust to the fact that she was married. But how could she tell him she didn’t want him tonight?
He must have noticed something was amiss because he stopped and turned to her. “Are you all right?”
She nodded, but couldn’t speak.
He looked at her for a moment then continued walking, and she fell into step with hi
m easily. The darkness helped keep her face from giving away her nervousness, and she tried to form the words that Susan had suggested, but she just couldn’t quite say them aloud.
As they reached the front porch of the house, Colten paused and faced her again. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Just a little nervous I suppose,” Annabelle admitted.
Colten took both her hands in his. “I can understand that. I am as well. Don’t think anyone else around here except for Michael and Susan have had a shorter courtship. It will take time for us to get comfortable with each other.”
Annabelle nodded, relieved he was aware of her concern.
“I want you to come to trust me,” Colten said. “We can proceed slowly.”
“Thank you,” Annabelle said. “That means a lot to me.” She moved her thumbs slowly across the tops of his thumbs then squeezed his hands.
Colten turned to the door and opened it up, allowing her to walk inside.
“Perhaps I should give you a tour of the house. So you’ll know where things are.”
“I’d like that,” Annabelle said as he lit the lantern then adjusted the wick until the room was bright enough to see. He took the lantern in his hand and carried it back to her. With his free hand, he took hers. “This will help us get used to each other, I think.”
She smiled in agreement. “Smart thinking.”
“This is the front parlor,” Colten said. “Through those doors are the kitchen and the dining room. To the right are the stairs that lead to the bedrooms. There are only the two of them, so we’ll have to share mine. Is that okay?”
Annabelle nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
“Mother will prepare breakfast in the morning before we open the store. If you’d like to help out in the store tomorrow, I could show you that in the morning. It’s not difficult.”
The Clerk's Bride: A Golden Valley Story (The Brides of Birch Creek Book 2) Page 5