Damaged Hearts

by Angel Wolfe

  “I would love to walk you down the aisle Kat.” James said with total seriousness. “I would like it if you attempted to forgive Mark too but I’m glad you’re giving me the opportunity to do this for you.”

  “Now that that’s settled, do you mind if we have Frances, Anna, and Morgan as our bridesmaids?” Angel asked. “We have each other for our maids of honor.”

  “Of course I don’t mind. In fact, I thought that was the plan all along.” She grinned.

  “Kat, not only will I be a bridesmaid for you; I also want you to know that I’m very proud to be your daughter. I know I wasn’t very nice to you at first but I really am glad that you’re going to be my mother.” Morgan told her quietly.

  “Now, one last thing.” Josephine as she came through the door. “You have your nice new dresses, you have your beautiful earrings that double for the something old, and something blue and now you must both wear my favorite pearl necklace set. I have split it so that you may both wear half of it. I know how close you have been and it’s only right that you share this too.” Tears ran down her eyes as she clipped the necklace into place around first one then the other neck. “Now you are both complete. You have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.”

  “Oh Aunt Josie, thank you so very much for everything.” Kat cried while hugging Josephine. “You have done everything that one person can possibly due to make this day perfect for both me and Angel. How can we ever thank you?”

  “You don’t need to. What you’ve said and didn’t say is plenty.” Josephine replied. “I did a lot of this solely because you never asked me to. You were happy with just being a small part of the family and never once uttered a single request. You never once held out your hand like you expected anything.”

  “But Aunt Josephine…” Angel interrupted. “We never held out a hand because neither of us expected you to do anything. We were fine with a small wedding and Kat would have even gotten married in her denims if I hadn’t talked her out of it.”

  “I know child, that’s what I’m talking about. Neither of you are spoiled nor demanding.” Josephine explained. “You take whatever life throws your way and work with it, good or bad.”

  “I’ve learned a lot just listening to you this past day.” Frances said. “I’m very glad that we’ve all become friends. If possible, I’d like to stay in touch too, and come out to visit from time to time.”

  “We’d both love that.” Kat replied. “All of our new family will always be welcome at the ranches. I’ve never really had friends or family other than Angel but I’m very excited about becoming close to all of you.”

  “After everything you’ve been through Kat, it will be a nice change to have more people to rely on and more people to talk to and discuss your problems or accomplishments with.” Anna told her. “When I think about all that you have accomplished in your life, I think you have a lot of knowledge that you can share and teach us.”

  “And that’s coming from a teacher.” Josephine laughed. “I had better get out there and work on getting everyone seated.” She added giving everyone another quick hug. “Congratulations again girls; I love you and I’m glad to have you as part of our family.”

  “Listen, there’s a piano playing.” Morgan commented. “They must be almost ready.”

  Everyone turned and looked as another knock sounded at the door. James stepped forward, opened it just a crack, and peered out. “Well it’s about time you showed up.” He growled almost surly. “I almost decided that I was going to walk both these young ladies down the aisle.”

  “That’s my sisters you’re talking about.” Mark growled back. “And, I already talked to Angel and she has agreed to let me do her the honor.”

  “That’s solely her decision to make.” James told him before turning back to face the girls. “I do believe Ladies that it’s just about show time. Are we all ready? Any last minute things that we need?”

  “Oh God, I think I’m going to be sick.” Kat groaned as she covered her mouth and ran out the door.

  Making it out of the courthouse, Kat found the nearest bush, and falling to her knees, proceeded to empty the contents of her stomach behind it. “I can’t believe this is happening.” She groaned again as she attempted to stand back up and brush off the little bit of dirt and debris that stuck to her dress.

  “It’s ok honey.” James said as he smoothed her hair and handed her a wet towel to wash her face, then traded her for a cup of water to rinse out her mouth. “The way I figure it, it’s one of two things. Either you’ve got an unexpected case of nerves, or come about eight months from now you’re going to be welcoming a new addition to your family.”

  “Do you really think so James?” She asked in wonder. “The doc said my chances of conceiving a child were extremely slim. Do you really think it’s possible that I might be carrying a little one?” Her hand moved to her stomach in awe of the possibility.

  “Stranger things have happened Kat honey. Now how are you feeling? Are you ready to go back in there and walk down that aisle?” James asked with a smile.

  “I think so.” She told him, still dazed about the new possibilities. “Wait til I tell Rick and Angel.” She added with a small grin. Taking James’ arm, they headed back inside the building and into the small room where they had been waiting.

  “Everyone ready now?” James asked looking at all the girls and finally at Mark. “These girls may be your sisters, but from this day forward they are my daughters too. Now let’s go get them married to those young men waiting out there.”

  They lined up with Morgan first followed by Anna, then Frances, with Angel and Mark behind her and finally Kat and James at the end of the precession. Upon seeing Morgan, the piano player began to play the wedding march and they slowly started down the aisle towards the men.

  Ali suddenly danced out in front of all of them leaving rose petals to flutter to the ground behind her as she worked her way into the main courtroom. From there, she started down the walkway towards the front of the courtroom where Judge Jamison waited with Rick and Matt. As Morgan came down the hall, she met Adam at the door who offered her his arm. Then together, they followed Ali to the front, taking their places on either side of the judge.

  Jacob waited patiently as Anna walked down the hallway to take his arm and follow the others to the front of the room. Frances came behind Anna and joined with Willie, who she noticed had cleaned up very nicely and sported a small tin deputy badge on his neatly pressed shirt. All four of them took their places and watched, as the crowd got quiet. Mark appeared leading Angel out of the hallway and down the center of the room to stand near Matt. Finally, Kat on the arm of James appeared and after a gasp from the crowd started the long, slow walk to her groom.

  “I guess no one expected to see me in a dress.” She whispered to James as they made their slow decent.

  “It doesn’t matter Kat. You’re one of the prettiest brides I’ve ever seen so who cares what they think.” He chuckled. “Come to think of it, I do believe you’re about as pretty as my Melissa was when we got married.”

  “Oh James, thank you so very much for being here,” she whispered. “You have no idea how much it means to me.”

  “I wouldn’t have missed it for anything Kat. Now here’s your husband.” He bowed as he released her arm to Rick. “Take good care of her son, that’s all I ask.”

  Turning to face the judge, the two couples looked at the men’s father waiting for him to speak. The silence in the courtroom was almost deafening. Finally, taking mercy on the wedding parties Judge Jamison began.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join two couples in holy matrimony.” He started. As he went on reciting the age-old words that would forever bind Kat to Rick and Angel to Matt. Suddenly the door banged open and chaos erupted.

  “Dad, don’t you dare stop this wedding.” Rick and Matt yelled in unison. “If you pause now, there will always be something that comes up. Please, no matter
what the emergency, let us say our vows and get us hitched.” Matt finished.

  “Ok son, let’s get on with it then.” He said softly before announcing, “Please take your seats so we can finish this ceremony.” Looking down at Angel, as Rick had instructed him to marry her and Matt first he began again. “Do you Angel Renea Carson take this man Matthew Garrett Jamison as your lawfully wedded husband to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love, honor and obey and keep him for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health; forsaking all others, being faithful only to him for so long as you both shall live?”

  Looking deep into Matt’s eyes, Angel knew there was only one answer that she wanted to give. In a clear crisp voice came her reply “I do.”

  Nodding, Judge Jamison turned to Matt repeating the same words; “Do you Matthew take this woman Angel, as your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and keep her, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health; forsaking all others, being faithful only to her for as long as you both shall live?”

  “I do.” He replied without a second of hesitation.

  “Do you have a ring?” Judge Jamison asked Matt officially. Taking the ring that Matt handed him, he held it up for everyone to see saying, “The ring is a symbol of an unbroken circle of love, freely given and received equally with no beginning and no end. It serves as a lifelong reminder and symbol of the wedding vows taken and the promises given.” Turning, he handed the ring back to Matt. “Please repeat after me. With this ring I thee wed.”

  Matt looked into Angel’s eyes and repeated the words as he slid the ring into place on her third finger. Smiling, the judge turned the couple towards the assembly and announced, “I give you Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Jamison. Son, you may kiss your bride.”

  Matt gently took the veil and folded it back before taking her face in his hands, touching her lips to his in a long, deep kiss that had the people in the room clapping in celebration of their union. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Matt broke the kiss and took Angel’s hand stepping back to allow Rick and Kat a little more room.

  The judge then cleared his throat and looked at Kat knowing that there was no way she would make a promise she wouldn’t be able to keep. At least his son had thought ahead and mentioned this to him before the ceremony allowing him to come up with an alternative.

  Clearing his throat, Edward began to recite the words he had altered to Kat. “Do you Kaitlyn Elizabeth Carson take this man Richard Marcus Jamison as your lawfully wedded husband to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love, honor and comfort and keep him for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health; forsaking all others, being faithful only to him for so long as you both shall live?”

  Gazing up into Rick’s eyes, she knew she would never have any problem with keeping that kind of promise. After swallowing a couple times to clear her throat, her reply rang loud and clear through the building. “I do.”

  Nodding again in approval, the judge turned to Rick and repeated the previously issued words; “Do you Rick take this woman Kaitlyn as your lawfully wedded wife to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love, honor and cherish and keep her for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health; forsaking all others, being faithful only to her for as long as you both shall live?”

  Smiling down at her, Rick’s reply left no doubt about just how sincere he was. “I darn sure do and it’s about time.”

  “Do you have the ring?” His father asked Rick officially. Taking the ring that was held out to him, he again held it up for everyone to see saying “The ring is a symbol of an unbroken circle of love, freely given and received equally with no beginning and no end. It serves as a lifelong reminder and symbol of the wedding vows taken and the promises given.” Turning, he handed the ring back to Rick. “Please repeat after me. With this ring I thee wed.”

  Rick looked kindly into Kat’s eyes and repeated the words as he slid the ring into place on her third finger. Smiling, the judge turned the couple towards the assembly and announced, “I give you Mr. and Mrs. Richard Jamison. Son, you may kiss your bride.”

  He folded the veil back away from her face before carefully wrapping his arms around her and meeting her lips for the first time as her husband. Uncaring about the people witnessing the display of his affection, he deepened the kiss, taking her breath away. As the clapping and cheers erupted, he grinned again before breaking the kiss and whispering “Hello Mrs. Jamison.”

  Matt and Angel crowded close to them and the four exchanged congratulations to each other before they were enveloped by their bridesmaids and groomsmen also offering their good wishes. Edward quietly informed them that it was customary to throw the bouquet and the garter before escaping to a waiting carriage while the well-wishers tossed rice.

  Looking at her bouquet, “what if I don’t want to throw it, what if I want to keep it?” Kat asked, looking at Angel for confirmation.

  Josephine saved the moment by quietly handing her and Angel both smaller, more plain looking bouquets that had been made for just that occasion. “Here, don’t worry about these. Just turn around and toss them into the crowd of single ladies that are waiting over there.” She nodded towards a small group clustered near them.

  Kat looked at the new bouquet before turning her back to the ladies, closing her eyes, and counting silently to three before tossing the bouquet lightly over her head to where she thought Frances was standing. Listening to the laughing and cheering, she spun around to see that her aim was indeed true.

  Joining in the laughter, she stepped aside and let Angel have her turn. After noticing that Kat had done what she herself was going to do, Angel decided that the next person she would wish a marriage blessing on would be their new sister-in-law Anna. Angel spotted her and like Kat, turned, closed her eyes and counted to three before tossing the bouquet straight into Anna’s waiting hands.

  The cheering and laughing started again as the grooms turned their brides back to face them and a chair that had been handed up by some well-wishing men. Rick and Matt helped their brides settle their foot on the chair before lifting the hem of their wedding dress and each sliding a garter off the leg of their wife.

  Laughing at the crowd of single men that crowed up close, Rick told them “Alright, whoever catches this garter has to dance at least the first two dances with Frances. If anyone objects, I suggest you head to the back of the room.” Turning his back to the group of men, he tossed the garter over his head and turned to witness a huge scuffle that erupted.

  Finally, Willie crawled out of the heap laughing as he waved the garter over his head. “Guess that means I get at least two dances tonight.” He smiled as he looked at Frances. “Unless you object of course; but either way I promise not to step on your toes.”

  “I’d love to dance with you Willie and I’m sure your dancing abilities are fine.” She smiled. “Let’s see who Anna gets to dance with.” Allowing Willie to take her arm, they moved over to the side to watch the rest of the activities.

  Matt slowly slipped the garter off of Angel’s leg and turned like Rick had, letting the garter go intending for it to go sailing into the crowd of men one more time. Instead, Angel’s foot slipped and she grabbed at his arm throwing his aim off. The garter smacked Jacob right in the forehead falling into his hands, as he looked around the room comically surprised.

  “Looks like someone’s going to get some dancing in tonight.” Judge Jamison laughed as he smacked Jacob on the back. “And I wouldn’t even for a moment entertain the notion of not showing up.”

  “No sir.” Jacob squeaked out, apparently having temporarily lost his voice. Clearing his throat, he added more clearly, “I wouldn’t dream of leaving Anna standing by herself.”

  “Ok son, see that you don’t.” Edward patted him on the back again before moving to escort the two newlywed couples to the door so they could escape to t
he reception hall.

  “Excuse me; ladies and gentleman.” Sarah Jamison’s voice escalated over the crowd. “We will all be moving over to the Grange Hall for the reception. If everyone wants to migrate that way, we can begin the festivities.”

  As she stepped off the chair that she had stood on to gain everyone’s attention, the door flew back open again and a child of about eight or nine years old ran in. “Someone, anyone…we need some help. We were moving our cattle into the holding pens at the edge of town and something spooked them.

  After looking around the room, Mark decided that he and Charley could easily go help the boy before heading on to the reception. “Ok Son. Just lead the way and we’ll help ya out. Everyone else, we’ll see ya in a bit over at the Grange Hall. Just someone save me a dance.” He laughed as he and Charley headed out the door following the small boy.