Prudence thought for a moment. “Father can be rather arrogant,” she admitted.
“I imagine your parents love you, and, if you think about it for a bit, you’ll remember times of love and joy in your house.”
“Yes, there were plenty of those moments when I was younger. It’s only been the past two years that they decided I should be married and that my open concern about business matters was not healthy.”
Grandma Mac laughed. “Well, forgive the man for those years. You don’t want to be starting your marriage with Urias being angry with your parents. Give it to God and leave the nonsense of sin behind you. Your father will one day come to terms with what he’s done and is doing.
“Now, enough talk about your father. How are you feeling about getting married in two days?”
“I can’t wait,” Prudence bubbled out with the answer.
“Wonderful. You’ve got a good man in Urias. He’ll make a good husband.”
“He already has been.”
“I keep forgetting you’re already married.”
“In name only. But he’s treated me like a wife. Oh, there was a time when he didn’t appreciate me because he believed I had conspired with Father. But even during that time, he never said anything or did anything to dishonor me. I know he’s a wonderful man. I just hope I can be a good wife to him.”
“You will, dear. Just relax and be yourself. That’s the person he’s fallen in love with.” She tapped Prudence on the knee once again and pushed herself up off the log. “I’ll leave you be for a spell so you can work out the details with the good Lord about your father. Just remember, God thought him worthy enough to die on the cross for, especially for his shortcomings and sinful nature.” Grandma Mac winked.
Prudence watched the old woman take tentative steps down the path toward the smaller house. Prudence thought back on Grandma MacKenneth’s parting words. Was she right? Was it as simple as putting Father’s sin in perspective as to how God views sin and the sacrifice of the cross?
Nineteen
Urias polished the tops of his boots with the back of his trouser legs for the tenth time in as many minutes. He stopped long enough to pace the back room off the sanctuary. Pastor Cloyse had spoken to Urias about ten minutes ago, assuring him that Prudence would be arriving shortly. The last time he peeked, the church was filled with friends. Of course, weddings were a major social event for the small town of Jamestown. Everyone knew everyone else, and all came out.
He’d stayed up half the night, putting some finishing touches on the house, then tossed the rest of the night in anticipation of today. He knew he was making the right decision, yet he still fought the doubts of the past. Thoughts of questioning Prudence’s involvement in her father’s decisions had poked their ugly heads every fifteen minutes. He countered them with the facts: who Prudence was, how she acted, and how hurt she’d been to learn the truth of her father’s ways. Urias knew in his heart she was innocent. He also knew he’d grown to love her and appreciate her.
“Father, bless our marriage,” he prayed.
“It’s time.” Mac poked his head through the doorway. “Ready, Son?”
Urias nodded, unsure of his voice.
His father chuckled and gave him a slap on the back. “The butterflies won’t last long. Once you see your bride coming down the aisle, every doubt will fly away.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. I remember it all too well. Seems to me there was a young lad who helped set me straight about how much I loved Pam and that I was a fool if I let her get away.”
Urias chuckled. “Prudence is a good woman.”
“Yes, she is. She’ll make you a mighty fine wife.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Pleasure.”
The piano music began. Urias took the lead and walked across the front of the sanctuary, taking his position to the left of the pastor and watching for Prudence to come down the aisle. First came Katherine, dressed in a light pink linen dress. She was beautiful with her red curls and green eyes. His heart cried out a silent prayer for his sister. She needed healing, and Urias knew he couldn’t heal her. He could only love her and support her in any way possible.
The tempo of the music changed. Urias looked up, and Prudence, in a white dress with a flowing skirt, stood at the entrance of the church sanctuary. Her long brown hair was spun with lace, and the veil covered her face with the slightest of shadow.
His heart skipped a beat. His palms instantly dampened. He started to brush the tops of his boots once again and caught himself just in time.
A smile brimmed from ear to ear. She was beautiful, and she was a gift from the Lord.
Slowly, Prudence made her way down the aisle.
The people in the church seemed to disappear. The only person he saw was Prudence. His gift from God.
“Dearly beloved…” The minister began the service. Urias kept his gaze fixed on Prudence. She seemed as nervous as he had been a few moments earlier. He held her hand in his. They faced the pastor and said their vows, dedicating themselves to one another and the Lord.
“You may kiss the bride,” the pastor concluded.
Urias lifted the veil and took in her beauty for a moment before closing the gap between them. The kiss was sweet as honey. He pulled back slightly and whispered, “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” Prudence replied.
They were finally one before God and man. Urias looped his arm and waited for Prudence to place her hand in the crook of his elbow, her touch so intimate, so tender, and so natural. They belonged together. Urias was never more certain of anything in his entire life.
❧
Prudence’s cheeks ached from smiling.
“Ready?” Urias whispered.
“Yes,” she replied. The desire to leave the reception and begin her life as Mrs. Urias O’Leary had peaked an hour ago. The reception was nice, with lots of folks wishing them well. Everyone had brought in food, and Pam and Grandma Mac had even made a three-layered wedding cake. Prudence couldn’t ask for a better reception. Apart from wishing her family were here, it was perfect.
Urias flashed his intoxicating green eyes at her and winked. “We’ll say our good-byes now.”
He took her by the hand and pronounced their departure. A few folks shook their hands, but most just waved them off. The small carriage waited outside the church. A flutter of excitement climbed up her spine as Urias’s strong hands went around her waist and helped her step up into the carriage, its narrow bench the perfect setting for an intimate conversation between a man and wife.
Without saying a word, Urias hurried around to the other side and climbed aboard. Taking the leather reins in hand, he snapped them. “Yah.”
The carriage lurched forward.
“How are you?”
“Fine.”
He placed the reins in one hand, then wrapped her in a loving embrace with his free hand. “I love you, Prudence.”
“I love you, too.”
He let out a pensive breath.
Prudence leaned her head on his shoulder. “Can you tell me my surprise now?” She’d been wanting to know for weeks what he had been doing in their bedroom.
The lilt of Urias’s laughter warmed her. “I hope you’re not disappointed.”
“How could I be? I don’t know what it is.”
“Sure you do. It’s just our bedroom and the bed I made.”
“I know that. But why the big secret?”
He kissed the top of her head. “I don’t have much to give you, honey. I had enough to purchase the gold ring, but between building our house and trying to recover from the loss of Bullet, I honestly don’t have much money.”
“There’s always another trip with some hogs.”
Urias groaned. “I know. But while I don’t have much money, I do have a little talent with wood. Our bedroom and a few of the other final touches on the house are my wedding gift to you.”
She sat up straight. �
��Urias, you’ve worked so hard. You didn’t have to. I would have been content with anything.”
“I know that. But it was something I could do. Besides, you’re worth it. You’re a precious jewel, Prudence, and I wish to honor you with the smaller gifts in the house.”
What could she say? She had no gift to give. She had no money, and she had little talent or skills in much of anything. Growing up with servants left one a bit unprepared for the world outside of your own environment.
He turned to look at her. “What’s wrong?”
She hesitated for a moment. “I don’t have a gift for you.”
“You’re my gift, honey.” He kissed her gently on the cheek.
She cuddled back into his embrace. Could life be better than this? She was in love, and the man she was in love with loved her.
They rounded the bend to the entrance of their new home. It was small, but plenty for the two of them.
“Prudence, there’s something we haven’t talked about.”
A fear of concern tingled up her back. “What’s that?”
“Children. I would like to have children. Did you mean it when you told Mrs. Campbell you’d like to have children one day?”
The fear melted. Warmth filled her chest. “Yes, I would like to have children.”
“Depending on how the good Lord blesses, I’d like a pack of ’em.”
“Pack? Like in wolves?”
“No. Well, a lot of kids, just not wild ones.”
Prudence chuckled.
“We’re home.” He pulled back the reins, then stood to his feet.
He helped her down. Prudence savored the warmth of his hands upon her waist. Then he spun her around in his arms and stepped toward the front door. “May I carry you over the threshold, Mrs. O’Leary?”
O’Leary. It felt right, even though she wasn’t from an Irish or Scottish background. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave a brief nod.
“What would you like to see first?”
“The bedroom.” She felt the heat rise on her face. “You’ve been the most secretive about that room.”
“The bedroom it is.” Urias carried her through the front door and straight back to the bedroom. “Close your eyes.”
“Come on. I’ve waited this long.”
“Shh. Bear with me for a moment longer.”
She complied and closed her eyes. She could feel him turning his body to carry her through the doorway. Inside the room, she heard the door close. He set her down. “Keep them closed just a little longer.”
Her body shook in anticipation. She could smell a fresh flame burning.
“All right. Open your eyes.”
Slowly, she opened them and scanned the room. “Oh, Urias.” Her gaze landed on the hand-carved bed. “You did all this?”
“Yes. Do you like it?”
“I love it.” She stepped forward, reached out, and touched the smooth surface of the wooden roses carved across the top of the headboard. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”
“I stained it to simulate a rose color. It’s been waxed with five layers.”
On the wall were sconces with small mirrors behind the candles. “How could you afford all this?”
“I found an old mirror and cut it up to fit. I used the bits of mirror around the house to enhance the lights. You’ll see when you see the rest of the house.”
The bed was dressed with a lovely wedding ring quilt. “Who made this?” She fingered the corner.
“Grandma.”
Overwhelmed by the old woman’s generosity, tears welled in her eyes.
He came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. His breath whispered on her ear. Love flooded around her heart.
“What’s the matter?”
“Nothing. I don’t deserve this.”
“Prudence, you must learn to accept your value in my eyes. Come here.” He led her to the bed and sat down beside her. His thumb lightly brushed away the tear on her cheek. “You are a wonderful person. What happened between your father and myself is in the past. We’re married properly now; nothing can change that. I love you and you love me. Nothing else matters.”
“I do love you,” she confessed. “I think I fell in love with you the moment I met you. At least—the very least—with your green eyes.”
Urias chuckled. “Mom was right. She said my wife would adore my eyes.”
“You have a wise mother.”
“Yes, but I have an equally wise wife. I love you, Prudence. I love who you are, how wise you are with numbers and understanding business. I’m looking forward to our life together. This”—he slowly fanned his hand around the room—“is a small token of the love and appreciation I have for you.”
How could a woman ask for more? Prudence leapt into his embrace. She and Urias were beginning their lives as one in God’s design. Their lips touched, and completeness filled her. Thank You, Lord.
About the Author
LYNN A. COLEMAN lives in North Central Florida with her husband of 31 years. She has three grown children and eight grandchildren. She is a minister’s wife who writes to the Lord’s glory. She founded American Christian Romance Writers, Inc. and served as president and advisor for the group. Lynn loves hearing from her readers. Visit her Web page at www.lynncoleman.com.
Dedication
I’d like to dedicate this book to my granddaughter, Hannah Elizabeth. Having four older brothers
will present some challenges in your life as well as a great blessing. All my love Hannah, and Grandma loves your beautiful smile.
A note from the Author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Lynn A. Coleman
Author Relations
PO Box 719
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
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