“I have no desire to be humiliated again.”
“Ben.” Elizabeth stepped away from her husband and put her hand on his arm. She looked up at him with respect and admiration. “Jude and I were in love a long time before we admitted it to one another. I almost left Little Falls, but Jude had the courage to tell me he loved me one more time—and that time it was exactly what I needed to hear. Don’t be afraid to share your heart with her. At this point, you have nothing left to lose and everything to gain.” She smiled at him. “If nothing else, do it for Charlotte and for me. We want you to be happy.”
His chest filled with hope. She was right. Even when it came to Charlotte and Abram. They’d been in love for a long time before either one had the courage to speak up just one more time.
He turned, looking for Emmy. Jude was right, too. He’s been too passive in the past, so he made a decision now without further thought. He wouldn’t wait until the song ended to speak to her. She was in the middle of the dance floor, twirling with Adam. Ben stepped through the crowd of dancers, weaving this way and that to avoid collision. When he finally arrived at his destination, he didn’t hesitate, but tapped Adam on the shoulder. “May I cut in?”
Adam and Emmy came to a stop and Emmy’s beautiful blue eyes filled with surprise, and then complete and utter joy.
That look alone was enough to make all else fade away. He didn’t even wait for Adam’s approval, but took Emmy into his arms, and led her away.
“Ben.” Her voice was breathless and heady—a sound he longed to hear.
“I couldn’t let you go without a fight, Em.”
She nibbled her bottom lip in a gesture he’d come to know and love.
“Do you love him?” Ben asked, his voice low and guarded, afraid of what she might say.
“No.”
“Do you think you’ll fall in love with him?”
“I will never love Adam.”
He continued to waltz with her, twirling and spinning her around the floor, as if they’d done it together a hundred times before. He needed to know more—longed to hear her say the words. “Why won’t you love him?”
Her eyes looked bluer than usual this evening, and they shone and sparkled when she gazed upon him. “Because I love you, Ben, more than I ever dreamed possible.”
He wanted to scoop her into his arms and take her away from curious eyes to show her how much her words meant to him, but the waltz continued, and all he could do was smile—yet he knew her heart had been broken and she needed reassurance and hope in this moment. “Are you willing to take a risk and let me love you like I want to love you?”
“That’s why I came tonight.” Her shoulders lifted in a way that told him she’d been set free from her fear.
He leaned his head down to touch her forehead with his, speaking softly. “I would have waited a lifetime for you, Em.”
“And that’s exactly what I didn’t want to happen.” They had come to a stop on the dance floor, while everyone waltzed around them, and she placed her gloved hand on his cheek. “I don’t want to waste a lifetime being afraid—I’d rather spend a lifetime loving you—even if that lifetime is shorter than we want. God has ordained our days, Ben, and He’s offered us a beautiful love story to enjoy for as long as He sees fit. Who am I to question His sovereignty?”
He put his hand over hers. “Then let’s not wait another day. Let’s get married tomorrow, on Christmas.”
“But what about your father and your plans to go to Montreal?”
“I’ll simply explain to him that my plans have changed.”
“Do you still want to go to Montreal?”
He knew the answer, even before she finished asking her question. “I never really did. My heart is for ministry. If it suits you, I’d like to stay in Little Falls and continue serving right here.”
Her smile was big and bright. “It suits me just fine.” She slipped her hand up to the locket, her smile dimming. “It will be strange living in the parsonage without the boys. How did they take the news? Did they warm to their father? Were they sad to go?”
“They haven’t left yet.”
Emmy’s eyes grew wide. “They haven’t?”
“Malachi didn’t come today.”
“Can we go to them? Wake them up if we need to? Tell them our news? Give them hugs and kisses and hold on to them for as long as possible?”
Ben laughed and took her hand, loving that he could do so without any reservations. “Let’s go now.”
The waltz had come to an end, and the other dancers had stopped to watch Ben and Emmy, a few with knowing smiles on their face.
Ben caught a glimpse of Elizabeth and Jude. He winked at them as he stepped out of the ballroom, and Elizabeth’s smile couldn’t be missed.
Charlotte and Abram stood in the lobby, visiting with other guests. When Ben entered the room with Emmy at his side, he received happy smiles from them, too.
Ben asked for their coats and hats and turned just in time to see Adam’s approach.
“I see you’re running off with the young lady I escorted here this evening.” Adam’s voice was neither happy, nor angry. There was a resigned acceptance in his tone.
“I’m sorry, Adam.” Emmy put her hand on his arm. “If it’s all right with you, Ben will take me home this evening.”
“I should have known as much.” Adam shook his head, giving her a sad smile. “But a man can hope, can’t he?”
“I wish you all the best, Adam.” Emmy stepped away from him and allowed Ben to slip her cloak around her shoulder.
Ben put on his own coat, not sure what to say to Adam, if anything.
In the end, he simply nodded at Adam, and then stepped out of the hotel without another word to anyone.
They stood on the porch, the stars sparkling overhead, but Ben only had eyes for the woman he loved. He wouldn’t take another step until he had kissed Emery Anne Wilkes.
And that’s exactly what he did.
Chapter Twenty-One
Emmy was breathless as she clung to Ben. She had given him her heart and she would never take it back, no matter what life handed to them.
The streets were quiet, though the orchestra music seeped out of the hotel, wrapping them in a sweet haze. She could have stood in Ben’s arms for hours, but the sound of the stagecoach brought both of them to their senses.
Ben pulled away as she turned to watch its approach. His arm stayed around her waist and he held her tight, making her smile. She suspected Ben had no intentions on letting her leave his side for a long time, and she didn’t want to go.
“Malachi might be on the stage.” His simple sentence felt like ice sliding though her veins.
She tightened her hold on him, ready to face whatever may come.
Andrew pulled the horses to a stop with a whoa. “Merry Christmas,” he said. “Stage is late tonight, on account of some merrymaking down at the St. Cloud saloon.”
“Your merrymaking, or some others?” Ben asked with a hint of a smile in his voice, though Emmy knew he was only trying to hide his worries with a joke.
“Well, now.” Andrew cleared his throat and nodded at Ben. “I won’t be going to confession anytime soon, Reverend Lahaye, if that’s what you’re getting at.”
Ben chuckled, though his back was stiff. “Did you bring anyone?”
“No one is on the stage tonight.” Andrew reached into his pocket and leaned forward. “But you happen to be just the man I’m looking for. I have a letter for you.”
Malachi wasn’t on the stage? What did that mean?
Ben stepped away from Emmy long enough to take the letter and then he came back, examining it by the glow of the window behind him. “It doesn’t have a return address.”
“If no one is planning to get on the stage,
I think I’ll be heading out.” Andrew clicked the reins and waved his hat. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas,” Ben and Emmy replied.
“Who do you think it’s from?” Emmy asked Ben.
“I don’t know. But let’s go home and read it there.”
Home. Emmy’s chest filled with warmth at the sound. She hoped the boys were still awake so she could hold them close.
They walked to the parsonage, hand in hand, and Emmy could do nothing but smile.
When they arrived, Ben pushed open the door and let her enter first. The tree was still aglow with candles, and the fireplace was crackling. Mr. Lahaye sat in the rocker, a book in hand, though his chin was resting on his chest and his soft snores filled the room.
Mrs. Carver was in the kitchen, the sound of pots and pans rattling around, but there was no sign of the boys.
Ben helped her remove her cloak and hat, hanging them on the hook, and then he took off his coat.
Emmy waited for him to open the envelope and pull out the letter. He read to her.
“Dear Reverend Lahaye,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter. It has taken me days to get up the courage to say what needs to be said, though I was tempted not to write at all.
When I went home to Katrina, I discovered that she had packed all her things. The next day, she left me to return east to her kinfolk. I plan to head out myself, make something of my life in Colorado or California. Maybe one day, when I am better, I will go after Katrina and do right by her. Until then, I will work hard and try to stay sober.
Please find a good home for my boys. I don’t want them to know what kind of a man their father is. If you ever need to speak of me, please do it with kindness. Give them hope for their own futures, even if I couldn’t.
Sincerely,
Malachi P. Trask”
Ben folded the letter and looked up at Emmy, his countenance heavy. “I will never cease praying for that man as long as I live.”
“Neither will I.”
He put the letter on the table next to the lantern, which was lit for passersby, a warm beacon of hope that had welcomed her the first night she blew in with the storm.
“Do you know what this means, Em?”
She nodded, tears already sliding down her cheeks. “Levi and Zebby need a home.”
“Would you—”
“You don’t even have to ask.”
His smile was beautiful as he pointed at the stairs. “Shall we go wake them?”
Mrs. Carver stepped out of the kitchen and held the door open for the two little boys who followed, one holding caramel, the other a bowl of popcorn.
“Miss Emmy!” Levi’s face lit up and he handed the caramel to Mrs. Carver. He raced across the room and jumped into her arms. “You came back.”
Emmy hugged him tight and bent down to reach for Zeb, who was right behind Levi. She lifted both boys, a feat unto itself, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “Merry Christmas.”
“Why didn’t I get that kind of welcome?” Ben teased.
Zeb reached for Ben and Ben took him into his arms.
“Now isn’t this a pretty picture?” Mrs. Carver asked, holding both the caramel and the bowl of popcorn.
“Is it Christmas yet?” Levi asked.
Emmy glanced at the clock. “Just a couple more hours.”
“I have a present for you, boys.” Ben looked from Zeb to Levi. “Miss Emmy has agreed to marry me.”
Zeb’s smile was colored with pink cheeks and Levi frowned, as if he’d had plans to marry her instead, but both boys looked happier than they had in a long time.
“And,” Emmy said, placing her cheek against Levi’s as she looked at Zeb, “we want to make you our little boys, forever.”
“Forever?” Levi asked. “What about our pa?”
Ben touched Levi’s cheek and smiled, though there was a hint of sadness behind his eyes. “Someday, you’ll understand a little better, but your pa asked us if we’d find a good family for you. He’s moving west and decided it would be better for you to stay here. He loves you and wants the very best for you.”
Levi wrapped his arms around Emmy’s neck and hugged her tight. “Miss Emmy is the best for me.”
Ben and Zeb grinned, and Ben nodded. “She’s the best for all of us.”
“I hear congratulations are in order.” Mr. Lahaye stood and set his book on the chair. “If my old ears don’t deceive me, there’s to be a wedding real soon.”
Ben stood a little straighter as he addressed his father. “Tomorrow, I hope.”
“A Christmas wedding.” Mrs. Carver had set down the treats and was hugging her middle, happy tears in her eyes.
Mr. Lahaye walked across the room and extended his hand to Ben. “Congratulations, son.”
Ben shook his hand, his eyes searching his father’s face. “I’m sorry if I’ve upset you.”
Mr. Lahaye turned to Emmy, acceptance and love in his handsome face. “I have always wanted what’s best for Benjamin, just like Mr. Trask wants what’s best for Levi and Zeb.” He smiled at Emmy and reached out to wrap her and Levi in a hug. “I couldn’t agree more with these three gentlemen. You are what’s best for my son, so I welcome you into the family with open arms.”
Emmy returned the hug, happiness and joy filling every inch of her. “Thank you, Mr. Lahaye.”
“Call me Père, as Ben does.”
She nodded as he stepped back.
He took a deep breath. “I suppose this means I’m returning to Montreal alone.”
“I’m afraid it does,” Ben said. “But I would like to take my family to visit you very soon.”
“I would like that.”
“Will you stay for our wedding?” Emmy asked.
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Come and eat up,” Mrs. Carver called. “We have a lot of planning to do, if you’re going to be married on Christmas.”
The boys wiggled out of their arms and raced over to the popcorn and caramel, Père close behind.
Ben reached out and took her hand. She entwined her fingers through his, and together they walked over to join their family, which was no longer a temporary arrangement, but soon to be a permanent union.
* * *
A hushed silence filled the evening air as if signaling the beginning of something special.
Ben led Zeb and Levi from the kitchen door of the parsonage to the back door of the church, their feet crunching over the hard-packed snow. The sun had already set and the stars were shining overhead as they made their way in their Sunday best.
When they reached the church, Ben squatted down in front of them, adjusting Zeb’s tie and smoothing Levi’s hair, his breath puffing out in a frozen cloud. “Remember, I want you to be on your best behavior while we’re in the church.”
“Yes, sir,” they both said in unison, their eyes filled with the excitement of the moment.
“Will we be a family after the wedding?” Levi asked.
“Yes.”
“Can we call Miss Emmy our mama?” Zeb asked.
“She’d like that.”
“Will you be our pa?”
“For the rest of your lives.”
The boys grinned at each other and Ben smiled.
“Are you ready?” he asked the boys.
They nodded and Ben opened the door, entering in behind them.
Charlotte had outdone herself. The church was filled with dozens of candles, filling the room with a flickering glow. Pine garland had been strung along the pews, dripping with red ribbons and silver bells. And the church was full of dear people who had chosen to give up their Christmas evening plans to witness Ben and Emmy’s marriage vows.
He smiled at
several now. Abram and Charlotte sat just behind Mrs. Carver and the boys, all their children filling in the rest of the pew. Ben had gone to them earlier that day to tell them the news, and Charlotte had instructed him to leave everything to her. If they were willing to wait until evening, she said she would have everything ready—and that’s exactly what she had done. He smiled his thanks to her now and she nodded.
Emmy had gone out to the Janners’ place and spent the day there, getting her things ready to move back to the parsonage. She had missed the morning church service, but everyone understood why. Father had gone out to pick her up after supper and would have her at the church any minute.
Ben stepped up to the front where old Judge Barnum stood, a smile on his wrinkled face. It would have been nice to be married by another pastor, but there was no time to invite one to come, and the judge was an old friend who was honored to perform the ceremony. Ben had given him the book of vows he used for every wedding he’d ever performed, and asked the judge to do what he thought was best.
Everyone smiled at Ben from their places around the church. Jude and Elizabeth were there with Elizabeth’s little sister Rose, and their brand-new baby girls. The Ayers had come in from the mission, their presence a wonderful and unexpected gift. The Hubbards were there with their four children, the Morgans with four, as well. Other church families had come to celebrate, and though it wasn’t a big crowd, it was everyone he had hoped to see.
The main door opened and the congregation rose to their feet. Mrs. Carver stood and went to the piano where she waited to play the wedding march for Emmy to walk down the aisle.
Mr. and Mrs. Janner entered and scurried around the back pew to find their seats, meaning Emmy wasn’t too far behind.
Ben took a deep breath, his pulse ticking in his wrists as he waited.
Finally, Father stepped into the church with Emmy on his arm, and all else faded away.
She wore her ball gown again, the dark blue fabric shimmering under the candlelight. Her hair was done up in another beautiful bouquet of curls, and she wore her locket again. When she saw Ben, a glorious smile filled her face and he knew, in that instant, that all the times God had said no to his pleas for a wife, had been because of His sovereign plan for this one final yes.
The Gift of Twins Page 23