Opal’s one year old daughter, Rita, snuggled into her father’s chest. She watched Cora closely while making a meal out of her thumb. She appeared to be the only shy child amongst the youngsters. The other children had either confidently shaken her hand or asked her to bend down and then kissed her cheek. Cora stroked the little girl’s arm as she spoke with Opal and her husband, Carson.
Cora tickled the baby’s ribs, she chuckled and said, “more.” She did it a few more times and took great delight in the child’s laughter. When Rita leaned forward, held her arms out and said, “up,” Cora wasn’t sure what she should do.
“Up!” Rita shouted.
“Do you mind?” Cora asked Opal.
“Not at all. She never goes to strangers, half the time she won’t even go to her uncles, so it’s pleasantly unusual. She obviously likes you.” Opal said.
Carson handed his daughter into Cora’s arms. She tangled one tiny hand in Cora’s hair, while sucking on her thumb with the other. She watched Cora intently. Holding her on her hip, she ran her hand up and down the baby’s back.
“My, you’re a pretty little gal. I bet you’ll have dozens of boys chasing after you as soon as you’re old enough.” She placed a kiss on Rita’s forehead and swayed with her as she returned to the conversation with her parents.
Opal said, “Carson swears the girls are gonna be locked up at the ranch as soon as they turn twelve. He insists, they’re not marrying until they’re at least thirty!”
They all laughed.
Sarah, Pearl and Ruby joined Cora and Opal while Carson moved to join the men.
“You’re a natural with Rita,” Pearl said. “Do you plan on having lots of children?”
Cora thought for a few minutes. “I don’t really know. I hadn’t thought anyone would ever want to marry me so I’ve never given children any consideration. I’ve never been around children before so it didn’t enter my mind.
The sisters’ mouths dropped open and they stared at her in disbelief.
“What?” Cora asked.
“Why on earth would you think no-one would want to marry you?” Pearl asked.
“My father said I was too plain and fat to interest any man.” It was painful for Cora to admit this to strangers but if these women were to become her mother and sisters after her marriage, she wanted an open and honest relationship with them from the start.
Ruby had taken a mouthful of her drink and almost choked. Sarah rubbed her daughter’s back until the coughing fit settled and she spoke. “Plain! Your father said you were plain and fat? What sort of an ass is he?”
“Ruby,” Sarah said sharply.
“Mama, look at her. She’s beautiful and I would give almost anything for her figure.” Ruby retorted.
Pearl and Opal voiced their agreement.
“I’m glad your father told you that and you thought it was true.” Sarah held her hands up to silence her daughter’s protests. “She wouldn’t be here and about to marry our John if things had been different.”
Cora laughed, dispelling the tension. “That’s true. I’m very glad I’m here.”
“I still don’t understand why men didn’t flock to you.” Opal said.
Sarah addressed Opal and then Cora. “My darling. Men wouldn’t have gone near her if they’d been warned off by her father. I suspect that is what happened. With beauty like yours, Cora, it’s the only reason men would stay away.
Cora frowned. Is that what happened? Did father threaten them to make them stay away so I’d have no choice but to marry, Ernest?
It was beginning to make sense. Maybe she wasn’t plain after all.
***
John stood on the other side of the dining room with his father, his friends and two of his brothers in law. He wanted Cora to feel relaxed with his family but he closely watched her every movement. She was chatting with the youngest of his sisters and her husband. He saw Rita being handed over and was surprised when his niece settled into Cora’s arms without protest. She’s a natural Mama.
“John, will you peel your eyes away from your fiancée for two minutes?” Sam said.
“She’s got him all googly eyed and she’s only been here a few hours.” Frank complained.
“Yeah, he’s gone. Gonna be just the three of us hittin’ town now. Can’t say I really blame him though. She’s mighty easy on the eyes and those curves……” Henry saw John’s head whip in his direction and the glare darkening his eyes. He didn’t finish the sentence. He was a fan of self-preservation.
“You did real good, John.” Charles, Pearl’s husband complimented.
“Real good.” Colt, Ruby’s husband agreed.
Carson walked over and joined them. “That’s one real sweet gal you’ve got there, John. I can’t believe Rita actually wanted to go to her. I bet Cora will be wantin’ kids of her own as soon as you’re married bein’ as she’s such a natural.” He winked at his brother in law. “You’ll have all kinds of fun givin’ her one too.”
“Men, leave my son alone. Stop teasin’ him and pokin’ yer noses in where they don’t belong.”
John clapped his father on the shoulder. “It’s okay, Pa. I’m man enough to take it.”
“I must say, she’s a real treat, son. I reckon you’re both gonna be happy if she adjusts to ranch life like I think she will.” Josiah said.
The comments raised doubts in John’s mind and he focused on his father. “I’m worried, Pa. She seems…. Delicate. She’s been raised in the big city. She don’t know what it’s like to be confronted with a coyote or a rattler. Hell, she can’t even ride a horse. And, she’s been all kinda weepy today.”
Josiah pinned his son with his gaze. “Son, you forget, all three of your sisters were raised here in town and they make damn fine ranchin’ wives.”
The triplets vocalized their agreement.
“Good point,” John admitted.
Josiah continued. “Give her time to learn, she won’t let you down. Remember, the gal has had a long journey on her own, she’s been accosted by three good for nothin’s and now she’s had all of us forced upon her. It don’t surprise me that she’s been a bit weepy. If she can cope with the kind of father she’s had to put up with, she’ll cope with the changes.”
His father’s words made a great deal of sense and John felt the tension ease from his body. “Thanks, Pa.”
The waiters entered the room with several rolling trolleys piled high with platters of food.
John moved to be with Cora while the others scrambled for a seat at the table.
Cora placed Rita into a highchair and after checking it was okay with Opal, handed her a biscuit. John held out a chair and after she was seated, he sat beside her. He reached for her hand under the table.
“Are you coping?” he whispered in her ear.
The warm breath on her face sent flutters straight to her belly. She smiled before whispering back. “Your family is wonderful.”
John squeezed her hand.
“Dig in,” Josiah commanded.
Hands jostled for platters and passed them around after taking generous helpings of the food they held.
Cora watched with joy. Never had she been so happy and content.
Chapter Nine
Sunlight blazed through the hotel window, warming Cora’s face and gently waking her. She stretched her arms above her head and wriggled her body, releasing the tightness which remained following a restless night’s sleep.
Last night with John’s family had been everything she’d hoped. They had all embraced her as one of them. All her worries had been for nothing. As far as she could tell, John’s family were happy with their impending marriage. It was a huge relief because in spite of what he’d said, she would not have married him if they hadn’t accepted her. She would not have come between him and his family.
“My wedding day,” she murmured to herself. “This afternoon I’ll be, Mrs. John Franklin.” She hugged herself. She was beyond excited at the thought of being with John
tonight. To be his wife in every sense of the word. She couldn’t wait to learn more about his life as a Rancher.
She recalled how he’d held her close as he said goodnight the previous night. She’d loved the way his eyes locked on to hers and the kiss! That bone melting, toe curling kiss! Would they all be like that?
Her wedding dress hung on a hook on the wall. It was new. She had purchased it with Millie and Linda’s help in Sioux City especially for today. The color was pale pink, the material was covered with the same colored, embroidered flowers. Short sleeves were trimmed with white lace. It had a small waist and billowing skirts. Her slippers, which Linda had brought for her as a wedding gift, matched. She loved it. Hopefully, John would too.
A knock sounded at the door, jolting her from her thoughts. “Just a minute,” she called. She managed to pull her robe on before opening the door. John’s sisters faced her, their arms piled with packages. After saying hello, they pushed past her into the room. The packages were unceremoniously dumped on the bed.
Pearl looked her up and down. “Have you only just gotten out of bed?”
Cora answered. “I’m afraid so. I didn’t sleep very well last night, too much excitement I guess. It was the early hours of this morning before I finally drifted off.”
Ruby patted her arm. “No matter. Our family can be overwhelming and you probably have a bit of the pre wedding jitters. We all know what they’re like.”
Opal and Pearl readily agreed.
“It’s our job to get you to the church on time and our husbands to make sure John is there so you didn’t have to be out of bed before now.” Opal said.
Ruby noticed Cora’s dress and crossed the room to where it hung. She fingered the material. “Oh this is divine,” she gushed. “The material is so soft. I can’t wait to see John’s face when you wear it.”
Pearl and Opal moved to the dress.
Cora smiled as ooh’s and ah’s were forthcoming. “What’s in the packages?” she asked.
The girls went over to the bed. Pearl tore open the largest, brown paper wrapped package. Cora watched.
Her soon to be sister in law held up a pair of ugly brown breeches. They were the ugliest item of clothing Cora had ever set eyes on. “Who on earth are they for and why would anyone wear them?”
The sisters laughed.
“They’re riding breeches,” Opal explained. “You can’t ride a horse in those pretty dresses you’ve been wearing. Mama put in two pairs of pants and two shirts. She put in a pair of boots too. She has a good eye for size so they should fit.”
“But…” Cora wasn’t used to being given anything. It made her feel a little uncomfortable.
“But, nothing,” Pearl cut in. “Mama wants to make sure her new daughter has practical clothes to ride in. They’ll be good if you help John around the ranch too.”
“Thank you,” Cora smiled.
Ruby handed her a box with a small card attached. It read: “Cora, my beautiful wife to be.” Tears pricked her eyes when she opened the box to reveal a magnificent necklace of pearls. She had never received anything so beautiful.
The woman peered over her shoulder. “They’re stunning Cora and they’ll look lovely with your dress. You have something new, this is something borrowed and something blue.” Opal handed her a blue, lace edged handkerchief. “All you need now is something old.”
“I have my great grandmother’s fan.” Cora said.
“Wonderful, you’re set.” Ruby said.
“One of the other packages has linens for your table. Mama said there wouldn’t be any chance John and his friends would have anything pretty for your table.” Pearl laughed.
“I guess four men living alone wouldn’t have bothered with the niceties.” Cora said.
“We’d better begin getting ready. If you’re too late, John will panic and come looking for you.” Pearl lifted Cora’s dress down.
“Do you think he would come looking for me?” Cora asked.
“Honey, that man is hooked. Trust us. He’d come looking.” Opal said.
***
Preacher Mitchell opened the carriage door and greeted the four women inside. One by one he assisted them down.
He gathered Cora’s hand in his before he spoke. “Miss Ancelet. My word, you are every bit as beautiful as I’ve heard. For once the gossip around town is proven true. Your husband to be is inside impatiently waiting for you. He is somewhat nervous but I’m sure once he sets eyes on you, his nerves will disappear.
Cora felt the heat rush to her face at his praise.
“Now, I’m obliged to ask. Are you sure this marriage is what you want?”
“Yes, it is.” Cora answered without hesitation. “It’s a dream come true,” she whispered to herself.
“Very well. If you’re ready, let’s get started. I’ll see you inside.” He disappeared into the church. “Will the congregation please stand,” she heard him say.
She clutched at her great grandmother’s fan. She’d explained to John she didn’t want flowers as she wanted to carry the fan instead.
Opal stepped into the church first followed by Ruby and Pearl. Cora moved forward into the doorway. She was surprised by the number of people in attendance. Some were even forced to stand against the walls as the seating was filled.
She straightened her back, drew in her breath and commenced her walk down the aisle – alone. Sam had offered to ‘give her away’ in place of her father. Cora had thanked him but politely refused saying she would give herself to John – no-one else.
John stood at the front waiting. He looked devilishly handsome in a dark suit with a gold brocade vest and bolo tie. His eyes smoldered from the moment he saw her.
***
John turned to watch the vision in pink glide towards him. She set his body on fire with her beauty. He was pleased she’d left her hair down. He preferred it that way and was impatient to again run his fingers through the silky strands as they kissed.
The kiss they had shared the previous night had melted his socks. He suspected she was inexperienced from the tentative way she had allowed his tongue to tangle with hers. As the kiss had gone on, he’d felt her relax and she’d become bolder, more ardent. He couldn’t wait to educate her about love between a man and his wife. He expected she would be a quick and eager learner.
She smiled as she drew closer. Her eyes sparkled and her entire face lit up. He’d been so proud of her when she had refused Sam’s offer and said she’d be the one to give herself to him. Maybe Pa is right and she is tougher than I think.
He reached for Cora’s hand as she stepped alongside him. She closed her fan and handed it over to Pearl, her Matron of Honor.
The Preacher began: “Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today….”
Cora and John stole glances at each other as the Preacher continued. Hymns were sung, Bible passages read and then it came time for the couple to recite their vows. Simple gold bands were slipped onto each other’s fingers. It wasn’t common for men to wear a wedding band but John had insisted. He wanted everyone to know, he was taken.
The Preacher announced to the congregation they were now man and wife. He instructed John to kiss his bride. Without hesitation, John swept Cora into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. The congregation whooped, hollered, whistled and clapped.
When they drew apart, Cora felt like she was on fire. John proudly escorted her down the aisle and outside to where tables of food had been laid out at the side of the church.
He gently caressed her cheek. “Well, Mrs. Franklin. How do you feel?”
Before Cora could answer, friends and family filed from the building and joined them. Men shook John’s hand and kissed Cora’s cheek while congratulating them. Woman hugged and kissed them both.
For the next few hours there was dancing on the makeshift wooden dance floor some of the men had set up. The band consisted of a flute, ukulele and violin. Songs such as Turkey in the Straw and Lovely Molly were danced to enthusiastically. Cor
a and John were lost in each other as they danced their first waltz as husband and wife.
Food consisted of tender beef, freshly caught fish, platters of fresh vegetables, jugs of gravy, cornbread and apple pie. While the women drank fruit punch, the men imbibed whiskey, rum or beer. Some partook of all three and when they became rowdy, women apologized and dragged them off home.
As the afternoon cooled and rain threatened, John and Cora said their farewells. John’s arm circled her waist and he assisted her into the carriage for the short drive to the hotel. Cora’s nerves kicked in as they sat side by side holding hands.
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