Woman of Courage (Four Full length Historical Christian Romances in One Volume): Woman of Courage Series
Page 84
“Why?” He frowned.
She smiled. “Because I want it to be my wedding dress.”
His tears escaped, and she pulled one hand free of his to wipe them away. “I thank God for sending you to us, Jacob Wright.”
“Even though I wounded your pride almost immediately?” He grinned and wiped his face on his shoulder.
“Even though.” She cupped his cheek. “We’ve been through a lot, haven’t we? God has brought me out of despair and into the light. I was so hungry for revenge, thinking it would be sweet, but instead it filled my heart and mind with bitterness. I was blind to everything else, even your love. Will you forgive me?”
“There’s nothing to forgive.” He held her hand to his cheek. “I’m glad you didn’t stop loving me. I would never have stopped trying to win back your love. You’re my golden-haired girl of the Ozarks. My sunshine.”
“You’re such a poet.” She laughed, and glanced up as the doctor rushed into the room.
“I seem to be coming out here quite often, Miss Lillie.” He set his bag on the foot of the bed.
“Hopefully, no longer.” Jacob stood. “I’ll wait right outside the door. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will.” She laid back and closed her eyes, gritting her teeth against the pain as the doctor ministered to her leg.
22
“Jacob sent this.” Viola handed Phoebe a brown paper wrapped parcel.
“It’s my dress.” She hadn’t seen it yet, and he’d been insistent that she not receive the gift until their wedding day. Silly man. What if it didn’t fit?
She tore at the paper and pulled out the prettiest dress she’d ever seen. The color matched her eyes. A sheer lace overdress of blue covered a satin underdress in the same shade. “It’s beautiful.” While the lace part of the dress was a rounded neckline, the under part was cut into a V. Gathered lace formed a belt around the waist.
“You’ll look as pretty as a spring day.” Viola helped her into the dress, which fit perfectly.
A knock on the door announced Pa’s arrival. He carried a black velvet pouch. “These were your ma’s. No better day to give them to you.” His red-rimmed eyes were a testimony to his emotion.
Phoebe opened the bag. Inside were her mother’s pearls. A necklace and earrings. “Really? These are mine?”
He nodded. “She always said they’d go to you on your wedding day.” He gathered her into his arms. “You’re marrying a right fine man.”
“You and the widow Williams will be married soon. You won’t even miss me.”
“That’s a falsehood.” He rested his chin on the top of her head. “You’ve been the rock of this household since your ma died.”
“I’ll be right down the road.” Jacob planned on expanding the teacher’s cabin, but the small place would work fine until he had time. A cozy little place for newlyweds. Her face heated at the thought.
She wasn’t ignorant of what went on between married couples, and her ordeal with Eli filled in a lot of missing pieces of what when on between a man and a woman, unfortunately. “I’m scared, Pa.”
He held her at arm’s length. “Of what? Are you changing your mind?”
“No.” She bit her bottom lip. “After Eli, what if I can’t—”
“Shh. Jacob is a loving man. He will be gentle and so filled with reverence of you being his wife, you won’t think or feel anything but him.”
She searched his eyes. “Truly?”
“I promise.” He kissed her forehead. “A man like that can erase a lot of grief.”
She hoped so. Although she’d come a long way since that horrible night, she still didn’t feel worthy of such a fine man. One that refused to look the other way when she was at her most unlovable.
“Oh.” Grandma stepped into the room and put a hand to her mouth. “You look as lovely as your ma did on her wedding day.” She held out a filmy veil. “This was also your ma’s.” She pinned it into Phoebe’s hair.
Phoebe glanced in the mirror. The veil softened her features and flowed around her shoulders. Pearls seemed to float around the edges. “Thank you.”
Pa pulled Grandma and Viola into their circle. “It’s time. Jacob won’t wait forever.” He winked at Phoebe.
“Yes, he will.” She smiled. Her man had proven he’d wait as long as it takes.
Pa crooked his arm and led her to the front door. Phoebe peeked out the window. The yard was unrecognizable with the early greenery of spring. Somehow, white fabric had been draped around everything that didn’t move. At the end of the yard, through several rows of benches, stood a white lattice arch. Under the arch waited the handsomest man, and he waited for her.
She blinked back tears and smiled up at Pa. “I’m ready now.”
*
Jacob caught his breath as Phoebe stepped out the door. He’d made the right choice with the dress. She was exquisite.
Someone played a soft tune on a flute as she made her way to him, his vision blurred by tears. He blinked them away, not wanting to miss a single moment of her approach. They’d wanted to get married immediately after the arrest of Eli and the sheriff, but Ben had insisted they have a proper courting time to make sure they really loved each other after the horrors of the past months.
Ben clapped him on the shoulder as he slipped his daughter’s hand into Jacob’s. “Take care of my child.”
Jacob nodded and took a deep shuddering breath. They were moments away from him receiving the best gift God could ever give him. He wanted time to speed up as much as he wanted it to slow.
The pastor stepped in front of them as the guests settled into place. The sun perched on the treetops, ready to make its descent, streaking the indigo sky with pumpkin and coral.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today...”
Jacob tried to concentrate on the pastor’s words, but he found it hard to notice anything but the beauty in front of him. A woman so strong, so full of love for her family, he wondered what she saw in him, and thanked God every day that she saw something worthwhile enough to bind herself to him.
“Jacob Wright, do you take this woman—”
“I do.”
“I wasn’t finished, but all right.” The pastor laughed along with the guests. “I’ve met eager grooms before.”
“Just hurry up. I’d like to kiss my bride.”
“Do you Phoebe Faith Lillie, take this man to be your lawful wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health...”
“I do.” Her hands trembled in his.
They exchanged rings, the simple gold band Jacob had bought slipping perfectly over her small finger. She beamed at him through her veil and mouthed that she loved him.
His heart swelled. Jacob had no doubt they’d be together until death parted them. They’d already weathered so much. Her middle name suited her. Funny that he’d never thought to ask her middle name. Maybe there was a story there. One he could ask her about later.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Mr. Wright, you may kiss your bride.”
Jacob lifted her veil and cupped her face, gazing into her eyes for a moment before he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him. He lowered his head, placing his lips over hers and taking a taste of heaven.
A white dove flew overhead, and his heart soared.
The End
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Enjoy other mysteries by Cynthia Hickey
Nosy Neighbor Series
Anything For A Mystery, Book 1
A Killer Plot, Book 2
Skin Care Can Be Murder, Book 3
Death By Baking, Book 4
The Summer Meadows Series
Fudge-Laced Felonies, Book 1
Candy-Coated Secrets, Book 2
Chocolate-Covered Crime, Book 3
Maui Macadamia Madness, Book 4
All four novels in one collection
The River Valley Mystery Series
Deadly Neighbors, Book 1
Advance Notice, Book 2
The Librarian’s Last Chapter, Book 3
All three novels in one collection
See Cynthia’s other books at www.cynthiahickey.com
Historical Romances
A Wild Horse Pass Novel
They Call Her Mrs. Sheriff, book 1 (A Western Romance)
Finding Love in Disaster
The Rancher’s Dilemma
Woman of courage Series
A Love For Delicious
Ruth’s Redemption
Charity’s Gold Rush
Mountain Redemption
Short Story Westerns
Desert Rose
Desert Lilly
Romantic Suspense
Overcoming Evil series
Mistaken Assassin
Captured Innocence
Mountain of Fear
Exposure at Sea
A Secret to Die for
Contemporary
Romance in Paradise
Maui Magic
Sunset Kisses
Deep Sea Love
Finding a Way Home
Christmas
Handcarved Christmas
Curtain Calls and Christmas Wishes