“What?” Both Sarah and Amelia asked in unison. Lilah, who was arranging the flowers into a bouquet, also looked up in expectation.
Harriett took Sarah’s hands. “Darling, it’s obvious you are with child.”
“What?” Sarah stumbled backward until falling into a chair. “Oh.”
“Eeeek!” Amelia jumped up and down clapping. “I’m going to be an aunt.” She rushed to hug Sarah as both Harriett and her aunt pulled her back, claiming she’d crumple her wedding dress.
Lilah went to Sarah. “You’re turning green. Are you all right?”
When Sarah’s cheeks bulged, everyone jumped away. Sarah jumped to her feet and ran from the room. At the sounds of her retching in the privy, Harriett nodded. “I told you.”
“Should I check on her?” Amelia asked, not really wanting to.
Harriett shook her head. “Of course not. The last thing we need is a nauseous bride. I’ll do it. The carriage should be here momentarily to take us to the chapel.”
It seemed as if the entire town showed up for the wedding. Amelia was overwhelmed with emotion upon pulling up in front of the chapel to see that people spilled out of the building while groups gathered down the sides to watch through the windows.
Once she made her way inside, the place was bursting at the seams with people. Already, fans were being used to cool warm faces and babies. Everyone looked to her as the music played with bright smiles and warm expressions.
Somehow, she hoped to make it through the entire ceremony without bawling like a baby. It was too much joy to hold inside and Amelia’s knees wobbled. Thankfully, Uncle Bernard seemed to sense her instability and patted her hand.
“Take a deep breath, Amelia,” he whispered. “This is your day.”
She did and, at the same time, looked to the front of the church. Gerard stood tall with her cousin, Robert, to his left. His gaze was set on hers, as if urging her forward and to be strong.
If she could have her way in that instant, Amelia would have sprinted to him and into his arms.
Suddenly, a peace fell over her in knowing everything was as it should be and that from that day forward, her life would change. Not for the better because she was grateful for the life she’d had there in Ranchester, but for the life she was intended for.
They spoke the vows as a hush fell over the crowd. When they were pronounced husband and wife, someone cheered and laughter ensued. It was most definitely the happiest day that Amelia could remember.
“If only my parents were here, it would have been more perfect,” Amelia told Gerard as he led her down the center aisle out to where tents had been erected for the guests.
“I believe they are,” he replied, rubbing her hand that rested on his forearm. “All our loved ones are watching and blessing us on this day.”
Chapter 14
By the time evening came, Amelia could barely stand. Her feet throbbed from milling with the guests and walking to and fro with Gerard to greet as many people as they could.
It was interesting to see how Gerard approached everyone with only a few words to thank them. He was a quiet man with not much to say, but what he did say he meant.
The food had been amazing. Her aunt, Sarah and Mrs. Wilkes had outdone themselves. There was a roasted pig the men helped cook along with delicious side dishes, breads, freshly churned butter and an entire table loaded with desserts.
Once at the house, Amelia went to the dining room and peeked in.
Someone had brought and left several plates of food at Gerard and her new home along with a small cake and a pie. It was all covered with cloth napkins so they could enjoy a meal whenever they pleased.
Gerard returned from taking the horse back to the stables. He was handsome in a dark jacket and pants, which he told her were both new. His thick, wavy hair had long become tussled by the wind which, in her opinion, suited him.
“My feet are killing me,” Amelia said, wiggling her toes while in a chair where she’d settled. “I don’t know if I can take another step. I suppose you’ll have to carry me to bed.”
Gerard’s darkened eyes met her gaze, warmth emanated from them. “I hope you never change.”
That his deceased wife could have been so cruel to him broke her heart. “I don’t plan to - ever.”
With two strides, he loomed over her. Then he slid an arm under her legs and another behind her back and lifted her easily. Amelia draped her arms around his neck and kissed his jaw.
As he carried her to the bedroom, their mouths locked, the kiss more passionate as they knew, this time, it would lead to much, much more.
A soft snore woke Amelia and she gasped at realizing she was utterly and completely bereft of clothing. What exactly was one supposed to do in the morning after...after what happened between a husband and wife?
She peered at Gerard, who remained asleep, his handsome face relaxed in deep slumber.
“Goodness,” she whispered, knowing she’d have to get out of bed to reach a robe.
When his arm curled around her waist and he pulled her against him, warmth filled her. Part of it was mortification, the other something quite nice.
Every inch of his warm body touched her side and she was stiff, unsure what to do.
“Good morning.” Gerard’s voice remained husky with sleep as he pressed his lips to her shoulder. “How do you feel?”
Amelia let out a sigh and relaxed. “I’m not sure. I feel warm, comfortable and a bit discomfited.”
“Why?” He studied her face.
It was hard not to laugh at the situation. Did husbands and wives actually hold discussions while nude? “We’re...we’re naked.”
“I noticed,” Gerard said and kissed her on the lips. “I like you naked.”
It was a wonder her eyes didn’t pop out of her face. “Is this normal? Is this what married couples do? Act as if we have clothes on?”
His hand slid down her side and kept going. “I certainly hope not.” Gerard rolled over her and Amelia giggled in delight. “I don’t want to act as if you’re fully dressed.”
Breakfast consisted of leftovers from the wedding feast washed down with coffee for Gerard and tea for Amelia.
“I will not go to work today. What would you like to do?” Gerard looked at her with a smile. “We can go out to the land. We haven’t been there since the one time.”
“No. I’d like to spend the day here, together,” Amelia responded. “Soon, you will be going to work every day and we won’t have time like this.”
“That’s a very good idea.” Gerard stood and took his plate to the wash bowl. “How about we clean up and then sit in the other room?”
Astounded, Amelia stood. Neither Uncle Bernard nor any man she knew for that matter would ever expect to help wash dishes. It took several moments for her to figure out what to do.
With her plate in hand, she stood and went to where Gerard had already washed his plate and was in the process of drying it. “I am fully capable of completing the household duties, Gerard. There is no need for you to do any of this.” She pointed to the dish towel still in his hand.
When his gaze fell, she recalled he’d never had a normal marriage per se. His wife had probably been too ill to do much.
She placed the plate down on the counter and reached for him. With her arms around his waist, Amelia peered up at him. “However, I will not fight with you if you wish to continue to help.”
“I will do my best not to interfere with your running of the house. This is your home to do with as you see fit.”
“Be careful of what you say, Mr. Cullen. I may have the entire house redecorated in shades of pink and lavender.”
They settled on a soft couch. Gerard brought his coffee and Amelia her tea. “Now...” Gerard eyed her with a sparkle in his eyes. “...tell me, Mrs. Cullen. How do you plan to spend your days?”
They spoke for hours, often laughing at silly things and other times, when discussing their pasts, they were somber. It was the best day
, Amelia thought as she went to warm up food for a late afternoon meal.
After eating, Gerard suggested an afternoon walk and Amelia happily accepted. Although a part of her was anxious to be intimate again, she wanted to make the day as memorable as possible.
Once she wrapped a shawl around her shoulders, they left the house and walked toward the edge of town past the stables, on along a large area where carriages were stored and on further.
Amelia looked to Gerard. “What do you think of the woman you were speaking to? The one who works at the brothel?”
He shrugged. “Her name is Clara. She is a very nice person. Other than that, I don’t know much about her. She’d been at Mrs. Wilkes for breakfast that morning. It seems Mrs. Wilkes has taken a liking to Clara and invited her to eat in the kitchen.”
It didn’t surprise her to hear it. Mrs. Wilkes was the kindest and most generous person she’d ever met. “How nice of her.”
“Anyway, she asked me about a problem with a carriage wheel. It seems the owner of the brothel was gone for over a week to see about something and she was hoping to use the carriage.”
Overhead, a flock of birds floated by, their wings extended as they looped in the air and turned in perfect unison. Amelia followed them until they disappeared. “I feel ashamed of not wanting to be seen speaking to her. No matter what a person does for a living, it’s not up to us to judge them. I’m glad to hear she is nice. The next time I see her, I will speak to her.”
Gerard wrapped his arm around her shoulders and drew her against his side. “One more thing to love about you,” he said, kissing her temple.
“I didn’t know you loved me.” Amelia cocked an eyebrow at him. “So kind of you to tell me.”
They chuckled as they continued walking. They turned right to go along the back of the buildings on the main street and down a new road that would one day have new buildings. The town was growing rapidly.
Sunday morning came. It would be the first time they’d attend church together as a married couple. Amelia was both excited and nervous at the prospect. She’d not given any thought to what her life would be like once she was married. There were so many changes to account for. The running of a completely new home, planning meals and all that went along with it.
She and Gerard had not gone out much since getting married, instead spending every moment together at home. Amelia couldn’t complain about the start of their married life. At the same time, she didn’t look forward to Gerard returning to work and spending the days alone.
Once settled on the bench of the wagon, they set off for Sunday service. The end of summer made for cooler mornings and Amelia was glad for her coat that day. Upon arriving, Gerard escorted her to the front of the church, leaving her with her aunt and Sarah.
“Where is he going?” Her aunt craned her neck to catch a glimpse of Gerard. “He barely said hello.”
Sarah’s lips curved. “Probably to put the horse in the corral.”
“No, we did that prior to walking up,” Amelia said, now following her aunt’s line of sight. “I’m sure he’ll be back momentarily.”
Gerard made his way toward the cemetery, walking around the markers until stopping at one. He removed his hat and looked down at the ground.
“He must be paying respects to his deceased wife,” her aunt said with a soft huff. “It seems to me like he can do that another time. Let’s get inside so we can get a good seat.”
Gerard wasn’t sure what to say. All he knew was that the guilt that came with every visit was gone. “Brenda, it’s time for me to move on. I allowed the guilt of your death to keep me from living. Now I realize that all the horrible things you said were because you were hurting. At least that’s what I hope for your sake.”
The wind blew leaves across the ground and the area over Brenda’s grave became clean. It was almost as if by his burden lifting, somehow hers did as well.
People were going into the church, signaling the service was about to begin and Gerard inhaled deeply. He’d not attended much in the last few years, yet he looked forward to today’s service. His new wife indicated she attended every Sunday and would continue to do so.
How different she was from Brenda. Amelia was a happy person, quiet, while at the same time witty.
Heading toward the chapel, he looked forward to sitting next to her for an entire hour.
Chapter 15
“You don’t look any different, but you sure have a different expression,” Thomas Riggs, the stable master, teased Gerard. All day long, the man had continuously goaded him, making innuendos, to the point that Gerard considered using his hot iron to make him stop.
Gerard put his hammer down and cocked an eyebrow toward Thomas. “I’ll remember this when the day comes that you get married.”
Thomas let out a bark of laughter. “Hope you have a good memory. You’ll be waiting a long time.”
Admittedly, other than the schoolteacher, who kept to herself, there weren’t many single women in town. The only other woman he could think of was Laddie, Mrs. Wilkes’ helper. Laddie was a pretty young woman of mixed heritage, who Gerard suspected Thomas was sweet on.
Over the last couple years, the stable master often went to Mrs. Wilkes’ for breakfast and on those days he’d be in a good mood, whistling even.
“It may not be as long as you think,” Gerard winked at Thomas, who, in turn, scowled.
“What are you talking about?”
Instead of replying, Gerard returned to his work. The heat of the fire kept him from the coolness of the fall day.
It was fall now and, unlike the other seasons, autumn was short in Wyoming. Soon, winter would set in bringing frigid temperatures and even snow.
Thomas rounded and stood in front of him. “Have you told Amelia that your mother and brother are coming?”
Gerard shook his head. He’d not said anything yet as he wasn’t sure what to expect. His mother lived in southern Wyoming with his brother and sister. His sister had long since married and, for some reason, both his brother and mother had suddenly decided to move to Ranchester.
He didn’t have a problem with them moving, but the timing was not good. Amelia would have to live with them and that didn’t make him happy in the least.
“I suppose I’m still hoping they change their minds.” He looked to the fire in the barrel. “It wouldn’t be the first time they’d considered moving here only to change their minds.”
Thomas nodded. “Yeah, but it’s best to give your new wife enough time to prepare for it.”
“We’ve only been married a couple of weeks. I am not ready to lose our privacy.” Gerard wanted to kick something. Instead, he banged the hammer against the red-hot iron. “I keep wondering how Amelia will feel.”
“You won’t know until you tell her.”
Gerard dipped the item he worked on into the cooling barrel. “I think I’ll do that now.” After putting his tools away and removing his gloves, he went to a water barrel and splashed water on his face and hair then rinsed off his arms.
When he arrived home, Amelia was not there. After walking through the house, he peered out the kitchen window and caught sight of her walking with a basket on her arm. Her cousin-in-law, Sarah, was with her and both were laughing at something. His lips curved at the sight.
Hopefully, he was the cause of her happiness. At least partly.
The women parted ways and Amelia walked in only to freeze upon seeing him. “Oh goodness, I didn’t realize the time. You’re home.” She rushed to him and he embraced her.
“It’s not that late. I came home early.”
She pouted playfully. “And I wasn’t here.”
Gerard kissed her lips, enjoying the feel of her against him. “I only just arrived.” He took the basket and went to the kitchen with her tucked against his side. “I have something to talk to you about.”
“Oh?”
He grimaced. “We’re going to have visitors. I’m not sure for how long.”
; “By your expression, you’re not exactly looking forward to it.” Amelia pulled him down for a kiss. “Who is it?”
Leading her to a chair, he sat next to her, turning to face her. “I wrote my mother. Remember I told you she and my siblings live a few days’ ride from here?” Gerard hesitated as Amelia studied his face.
“After you told me to, I invited them to the wedding and we never heard back. I got a telegram a couple days ago stating they’d decided to move to Ranchester. My brother and mother anyway.”
“Oh goodness. When will they arrive?”
He looked toward the window. “God only knows. My mother is fickle, changes her mind every other moment. It could be they won’t come at all, or they’ll be here without warning.” Gerard kissed the tip of Amelia’s nose. “I don’t want them to move in with us. I was hoping for more time alone with my beautiful wife.”
She colored prettily. “It’s your family. We have to give them a place to be. There is plenty of room.”
“Not enough room in my opinion. My mother is...full of energy. I am not sure you’ll enjoy being with her after a couple of days.” He bent his head trying to come up with what to say. More than anything he wished he had more money saved up.
Amelia cupped his jaw and lifted his head to look at her. “It’s going to be fine. Don’t worry. I’ll find things for her to do. Bible study and, perhaps, she can join the quilters in town. I’m sure we’ll get through your family’s visit.”
“That’s just it. I am not sure if it’s a visit or they’re planning to move here. A couple years back I agreed to it as I wasn’t married and welcomed the company. But now...now it’s very different.”
It was clear Amelia was not exactly enthused with the idea of his family coming, but she wasn’t exactly upset either. “Dear, I am glad to get to know your relatives, especially your mother. I know it’s unplanned, but it will be just fine.”
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