Rosie followed Amanda downstairs. While they walked through the lobby, a few familiar patrons called best wishes from the dining room and front desk. Soon Rosie and Amanda exited the hotel with Farley, the hotel owner, on their heels. Rosie searched the street for the waiting carriage.
“Good day, ladies,” Ray Cochrane called, driving the team forward. Farley clasped the team’s halters and held the grays still while Ray helped the ladies into the carriage.
“My goodness, I feel like royalty being driven in this lovely carriage,” Rosie gushed.
Ray chuckled. “You look like royalty in that dress. Michael is one lucky young man.”
“Thank you. You’re very kind.”
“You make a perfect picture, too, Amanda,” Ray added, climbing onto the seat and taking up the reins.
“Nice of you to finally notice me,” she teased, covering their legs with a pretty patchwork quilt.
Rosie smiled in appreciation. Although the sun shone, the weather had cooled considerably and a brisk November breeze ruffled their hats.
“Not proper, Amanda,… flirting with the sheriff’s wife,” Ray defended himself, offering her a wink.
Amanda burst into laughter. “Big difference between extending compliments and flirting,” she called.
“Yes, Mrs. Manning, you’re right.” Ray touched the brim of his hat. “Hang on now, ladies.”
Soon, they were headed to the church and the happiest day of Rosie’s life.
* * *
Ray swung open the church doors and then stepped aside. A moment later, Rosie spotted her grandfather standing inside the church entryway. When their eyes met, Sammy’s face erupted in a broad smile and he clasped his hands together. “Oh, my goodness. Rosie, darling, you’re the picture of beauty. The loveliest bride I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you, Grandfather,” Rosie whispered, her eyes welling. She blinked rapidly to keep the tears at bay.
Sammy Anderson extended his arm to his granddaughter and she wrapped her hand around his elbow. “I’m so grateful. Thank you with all my heart for allowing me to do this.”
“Who else would I ask?” Rosie squeezed his arm tightly. “You’re my grandfather.”
“I’m still getting accustomed to the idea.”
“Me, too,” she admitted, laughing. “But it seems we’re stuck with each other.”
“And I’m thoroughly tickled about it.” Sammy patted her hand. “I’ve only had you in my life for a few weeks. Now, I’m passing you to the young man who won your heart. But I couldn’t be more in agreement that it’s Michael you’re marrying.”
“Thank you. He’s a very special person.”
“Just like the wonderful man he was named for.” Sammy winked at Rosie. “I’ve made so many mistakes in my life, but having a remarkable young lady like you for a granddaughter will make me a better man.”
Rosie nodded, fearing she’d burst into tears. No one had ever spoken such endearing words about her before. She adored her new grandfather, and she hoped Sammy realized the depth of her love for him. “Michael told me what you said about yourself when you confessed you were Anna’s father.”
Sammy patted Rosie’s hand. “Refresh my old memory.”
“That you were jealous of Michael Miller’s success and his wealth.”
Sammy nodded. “Yes, well, he made something of himself, and I’ve been nothing but a ranch cook my entire life.”
“Grandfather, think of the smiles you’ve put on all the faces of folks who’ve eaten your famous sourdough biscuits. You wake up every morning looking forward to what the day has to offer. Always a cheerful word for the ranch hands. You’ve made a success of yourself in your own way. Never believe otherwise.”
“Thank you, Rosie. That’s about the dang nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”
Rosie hugged his arm. “And every word is the truth.”
“Well, young Eric is taking over now.”
“Those flapjacks of his are going to become as famous as your biscuits,” Rosie predicted. “All of the McLennon sons are eating breakfast in the cookshack instead of coming up to the house.”
“Nellie’s been a tad miffed about it, too,” Sammy added, chuckling. “Even AJ sneaks down for breakfast a few days a week.”
“I think Eric has a secret ingredient he’s not telling us.”
“Applesauce in the batter,” Sammy whispered and winked at her. “Sweetens them flapjacks real nice. That boy’s making good use of Michael Miller’s apple orchard. And hopefully, we can keep Nellie off the ladders.”
“I heard about the spill she took a couple years ago.” Rosie shook her head. “I believe she’s learned her lesson.”
“It’s time.” Mrs. Fitzpatrick, the reverend’s wife, waved them forward and Rosie walked down the aisle toward her groom.
The room was beautifully but simply decorated as any small town church should be. Candles burned atop the window ledges and a lovely pine scent filled the air from all the boughs used in the décor. Soon, Rosie and Sammy arrived at the altar, and then Michael and Rosie were facing each other before Reverend Fitzpatrick. Michael appeared speechless as he looked deep into Rosie’s eyes, and she smiled at him. His brother, Simon, stood at his side, serving as best man. And Rosie had chosen her new friend, Willow, for her matron of honor.
“We are gathered together today, to join these two young people in holy matrimony…” the minister began.
Rosie listened intently throughout the ceremony, repeating the ‘I dos’ and ‘I wills’ in all the proper places and smiling when her groom spoke his vows to her as well. She truly intended for this marriage to be ‘until death us do part’ and, after every challenge they’d faced and survived in the past few months, she knew nothing could ever spoil their love for each other or tear them apart.
“You may kiss your bride, Michael.”
The groom smiled and whispered, “You bet I will.”
Several parishioners in the front pews chuckled, and Rosie realized he’d whispered a little louder than he probably intended. And then Michael’s warm lips touched hers and she lost herself in the pure bliss of his love. They’d exchanged kisses a dozen times before, but this kiss held special meaning, signifying the beginning of their lives together as husband and wife.
“May I present for the first time… Mr. and Mrs. Michael McLennon,” Reverend Fitzpatrick announced, smiling.
Michael reached for her hand and together they walked down the aisle. Minutes later, they’d donned their coats, exited the church, and climbed into the waiting carriage.
“We’ll take a little ride around town before we head to the hotel,” Ray suggested, touching the brim of his hat. “Give the newlyweds a few minutes to chat in private.”
“Great idea, Ray,” Michael replied, smiling as he wrapped an arm around Rosie.
She rested her head on his shoulder. “Sheriff Manning might stop this carriage,” she warned, gazing into her new husband’s eyes. “It must be illegal to feel this happy.”
Michael chuckled. “Then we’d both be under arrest.”
Chapter 35
Rosie stood in the Milestone Hotel lobby, surrounded by family and friends. Michael took her coat and hung it up. She gazed at the wedding guests, many of them laughing and reminiscing. Her gaze always returned to her new family.
“What are you thinking?”
Rosie met eyes with her new father-in-law. “Hello, AJ. I… I was thinking about family.”
“I’m so happy Daniel and Iris and their daughter returned home. Daniel swore he wouldn’t miss his brother’s wedding. And he didn’t.”
“I enjoyed meeting the man who saved my mother from financial ruin.” Rosie touched AJ’s arm. “Look around. Jackson and Lily, Daniel and Iris, Adam and Willow, Simon and Violet… the entire family is here. All five of your sons together again. All happily married. And Amanda and Sawyer, too.”
AJ chuckled. “I’m a very lucky man for a fellow who started life as a hired gun,
searching for criminals and bringing them to justice. And now I’ve two grandchildren and two more on the way.”
“Willow and Violet are so excited to be mothers soon. Both are expecting their babies in January.”
“Willow is praying she’ll be well enough to attend the birthing of spring foals.” AJ laughed. “I doubt Adam will keep her out of the barns, new baby or not.”
“She’ll set up a cradle in the horse barn. Mark my words.” Rosie laughed along with AJ.
“What’s so funny?” Michael hugged his new wife.
“Nothing really.” Rosie winked at AJ. “We’re just being silly.”
Michael’s eyebrows rose. “Pa, find yourself a woman of your own to be silly with, and leave my wife alone.”
“Don’t worry. She’s all yours, son. Congratulations on your marriage.” AJ kissed Rosie’s cheek. “I adore all of my daughters-in-law. You boys have done well for yourselves.”
“Couldn’t agree more,” Simon added, joining them. “Have you seen Eric? After Daniel gave him the news last night, I wondered if he’d attend today.”
“He’s over talking with his sister. Iris seems to be taking the news well.”
“What news?” Rosie met her husband’s eyes.
“It’s their pa. David Lake was the instigator in a fight in the state penitentiary. Sheriff Manning received word by telegraph last night. Eric and Iris’s father is dead.”
Rosie’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, no.”
“He was not a very nice man. I doubt there’ll be many tears shed. Even by his children,” AJ muttered.
“Enough troubling thoughts, we have an appointment for a photograph,” Michael reminded his bride.
Twenty minutes later, the photograph had been taken by Richard Green, the owner of the Milestone Weekly Gazette. Rosie had feared the perfectionist would never be satisfied with their positioning, but she looked forward to having a wonderful remembrance of their special day.
Soon, Michael and Rosie entered the dining room, anticipating a lovely wedding meal prepared by the hotel cooks under the strict supervision of the hotel owner, Farley Johnson.
Sheriff Manning approached the head table and Rosie smiled at him.
“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. McLennon. I’m plumb confused with the lot of you. Jackson and Lily, Daniel and Iris, Adam and Willow, Simon and Violet, and now Michael and you, Rosie. A few too many Mr. and Mrs. McLennons in this town to suit me.” The sheriff’s broad smile gave him away and Rosie realized he was teasing her.
“You could call us Mr. and Mrs. One all the way to Mr. and Mrs. Five if you’d like,” she suggested, grinning.
“I’ll think on it. Don’t know as the Pinkerton Agency would appreciate a telegraph directed to Mr. and Mrs. Two.” Sheriff Manning chuckled.
“Perhaps not.” Rosie noticed a piece of paper in his hand.
“I’ve got something for you. Picked it up from Rodney at the telegraph office on my way here.” He handed her the paper.
Rosie stared at it and tears welled in her eyes. “It’s from Mother,” she whispered.
Congratulations on your wedding. Be happy, my dear girl. Much love. Mother.
She clasped the paper to her bosom. “Thank you for bringing me this. It was very kind of you.”
The Sheriff touched her arm. “Thought you’d want to read it as soon as it arrived.”
Rosie nodded, overcome with emotion. She’d exchanged a few letters with her mother since she returned to Boston, but Rosie hadn’t expected this today. Perhaps her mother had learned a few things about parenting and maternal love as a result of her time in Montana.
“Are those tears?” Michael inquired, looking deep into her eyes.
Rosie nodded and handed him the telegraph.
“That was thoughtful,” Michael remarked after reading his mother-in-law’s words.
“Considering the source?” Rosie whispered, grinning. “She’s changed, I believe. For the better.”
Sammy and Nellie approached them, smiling. “Congratulations again. But we’d like to share some news of our own.”
Michael stuffed the telegraph into his vest pocket and slipped an arm around his wife. “News?”
Sammy looked into Nellie’s eyes. “For years, I saw how happy AJ and Edna were together. Reckoned I might as well see what all the fuss was about.”
Nellie swatted his arm and laughed. “He asked me to marry him,” she whispered. “Took some thinking, but I said yes.”
“She thought about it for about two seconds,” Sammy clarified.
“So, you two are engaged?” Rosie whispered.
“Appears there’s going to be another wedding. And can’t be too soon for me.” Sammy slipped his arm around Nellie and hugged her tightly. “Can’t wait to spend the rest of my years with this wonderful woman.”
“Oh, my goodness,” Rosie exclaimed. “This is the last thing I expected.”
“Me, too,” Nellie added. “But I love this old man dearly.”
“Who are you calling an old man?”
“Only as old as you feel,” Michael suggested.
“There you go. Reckon I’m spry as a fifty-year-old, same as Nellie.” Sammy winked at Michael and Rosie. “Never was any good at cyphering. I’ll just ignore that twenty-year difference between us.”
Rosie chuckled. She’d never known anyone her grandfather’s age who could outwork a man years his junior. Sammy would busy himself in the cookshack every day all day long if Eric allowed it. Thankfully, his successor watched out for Sammy and sent him for a rest the moment her grandfather appeared a bit weary.
“Cyphering is over-rated,” Michael agreed.
“You two are together every evening, so you might as well spend the rest of your lives together,” Rosie reasoned.
Sammy and Nellie almost rocked the runners off the rocking chairs on the ranch veranda every night while discussing the day’s events and any number of other topics. Rosie joined them for a cup of coffee some evenings, before turning in for the night. Now she’d be sharing a bedroom with her new husband. Together, with her family under one roof.
“We’ll be serving the meal in a few minutes, folks. Everyone find a seat, please,” Farley Johnson announced in his usual booming voice.
Michael guided Rosie toward the front table where Simon and Willow, the best man and matron of honor, were waiting to be seated.
“How are you feeling, Willow?” Rosie whispered, glancing at her good friend’s middle.
Willow touched her arm. “Perhaps a bit tired, but I’ll be fine.”
“If you need to rest for a while, let me know. Michael arranged a room upstairs for Amanda and me to prepare for the wedding. You can lie down in the room,” Rosie offered.
“You won’t be using it… later?” Willow’s face creased in a broad grin.
“Not at all,” Michael chimed in. “I have a surprise in store for Rosie tonight. I’ve rented a house for us for a week. It will be wonderful spending time together, and no worrying about the ranch or the rest of the world.”
Rosie gaped. “First I’ve heard about this.”
“I wanted to surprise you.” Michael kissed her cheek. “Lily fetched the suitcase you packed, and she and Jackson dropped it at the house before heading to the church.”
“The house? Whose house?”
“All right. Roland and Faith Campbell left yesterday to attend some meetings for veterinarians. They won’t be back for a couple weeks, and they offered me their house.” Michael chuckled. “I hope no rancher comes knocking in the middle of the night asking for help with a sick horse.”
“We’ll post a sign on the door… VET IS OUT OF TOWN. Then they won’t dare to ruin our sleep,” Rosie suggested.
“Or ruin anything else,” Willow whispered to Rosie.
Rosie felt herself blushing. “Yes… well… I suppose not,” she stammered.
Willow chuckled. “Oh, if you could see your face.”
“Leave my blushing bride alone.”
Michael slipped an arm around her shoulder and guided her toward their chairs.
“Thank you for rescuing me from her teasing,” Rosie whispered shaking out her skirts and then sitting on the chair her husband held for her.
Michael glanced toward the kitchen. “I couldn’t have her bothering my bride. Besides, I’m starving and the sooner we get seated, the sooner they’ll start serving the food.”
Rosie laughed. “Mrs. Sheridan warned me how much you love to eat. I’m delighted we’ll be living at the ranch and she’ll be doing the cooking. Otherwise, you may very well have starved to death with me feeding you.”
“I would have hired a housekeeper for you,” Michael said, kissing her lips.
A cacophony of cheering and shouting erupted.
“You were caught,” Rosie whispered, laughing.
Michael stared into her eyes. “And we’re about to be caught again,” he warned, before kissing her deeply.
Rosie savored the warmth of his lips, as a shiver of excitement raced up her spine. Despite her nervousness, she looked forward to spending tonight and every night for the rest of her life with the man she couldn’t love more.
Chapter 36
April 1891
Rosie leaned back in the hardback chair at the old mahogany desk in the bedroom she shared with her husband. She gazed out the window and smiled. Deciduous trees were leafing out, and the early-blooming perennials would soon offer a lovely array of color to the flowerbeds surrounding the backyard. Another season’s renewal to delight the eye.
Yesterday’s day-long celebrations following the christening of her son, Samuel Michael McLennon, during Sunday services had exhausted Rosie. But she’d slept well despite the two o’clock feeding and again at five when Michael kissed her cheek and left for work on the family ranch. Now, she looked forward to beginning her new project, and she opened her brand-new journal, dipped her pen in the ink pot, and began to write.
Double M Recollections
I recall my first trip to the Double M Ranch in the spring of 1889, riding in a buggy with Amanda Sawyer, a gracious and friendly young woman I’d met the day before.
A Lost Love's Legacy (Sons Of A Gun Book 5) Page 21