Uncivilized
Page 42
“Voici pour vous.” Mr. Du Boise held up a nosegay of blue flowers.
Ellen took them, amazed at how lovely the wildflowers looked. “When? How?”
“Zuh potty,” he replied.
She laughed. “Merci beaucoup, papa.”
He gave her a swift and crushing hug. When he let go, Jean-Baptist took both Winslow boys’ hands, taking them into the church. Ellen followed, as did Adelard, and found Mimi talking with the preacher. The two stopped to grin at her with wide smiles.
The women had placed bows on every pew with flowers tied into the ribbons. The afternoon sun illuminated the pale wood, giving everything a heavenly glow. None of this had been what she’d imagined as a child. Old stone walls, wood nearly black with age, and gilt from golden fixtures that had been hand polished for decades didn’t compare to this room’s natural beauty. The atmosphere reflected her new life, fresh and lovely. She stepped forward to the altar where Mimi and the preacher were talking. The two stopped to greet her.
The officiate spoke first. “Hello, my dear. Mrs. Du Boise has told me everything. I suppose traveling across the country bonds a couple.”
“I think so.” Del took her arm, leaning over to kiss her forehead.
The preacher cleared his throat before saying, “Now, now, Adelard, none of that until I give the pronouncement.”
Ellen smiled as a blush crept across his face. She tried concentrating on the vows, but the boys playing in the pews behind her kept Ellen distracted. They really needed to settle down as befitting a church. When Louisa began to wail, Beth ushered the boys out with her and the baby. Ellen made a mental note to thank her later.
“Do you accept this man as your lawfully wedded husband?”
The preacher’s question pulled her back into the moment. “Yes, I do.”
“Do you accept this woman as your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do.”
She glanced at him, so shy at the happiness in his face, she didn’t hear the preacher pronounce them man and wife. Her new husband leaned in and surprised her with a kiss. Both boys cried out in anguish over seeing such a thing. Surprised that they’d come back into the church, Ellen squelched a laugh and let their kiss deepen, enjoying the further protesting squalls of the children.
The boys quieted and the smooching stopped when the minister said, “May you always be as loving as you are right now.”
Detecting a little bit of a retort in his voice, she hid a smile. Everyone crowded around and hugged each other. Mimi wiped tears from her eyes while saying something to Del.
“Maman would like you to wear your wedding dress to the reception.”
While the families all paraded out of the church, Ellen asked him, “Are we’re filing our papers now?”
“I’ve changed my mind, if you’ll allow. Let’s come back tomorrow and spend the entire day alone.” He nuzzled her ear. “We may take a very long time getting there and back.”
A tickle of desire went through her. She smiled up at him. “I should probably bring a blanket for comfort’s sake.”
He laughed. “You should.” Del shook his head at his father’s puzzled expression. He held his hand out to his new wife and helped her up into the seat.
They took off for the Grandville farm. She glanced at him, letting her gaze caress his strong profile. Did he know what he’d gotten himself into? Before thinking about what he’d answer, she asked, “Will you miss the roaming life? The freedom to go anywhere your heart desires?”
“Yes. I will miss that particular freedom. Just as much as you miss your Missouri home.”
She saw the slight tinge of yellow on the trees around them. Sooner than she’d like, winter would be here. The future loomed large in front of her, like a vast empty prairie. Only, not so empty, thanks to her new husband and his family. She’d not have to worry about her brothers’ abandonment either. Ellen took his hand, lacing their fingers together in a way that matched their hearts. “I’ll miss nothing. You are my home.”
Del kissed her, stopping to smile at his mother’s throat clearing. “As you are my freedom, my wife.”
Other books by Laura Stapleton
The Oregon Trail Series
Undeniable (The Oregon Trail Series) - Book 1
Undesirable (The Oregon Trail Series) - Book 2
Uncivilized (The Oregon Trail Series) - Book 3
The Oregon Trail Series Short Stories
The Very Manly Series
The Very Best Man (The Very Manly Series) - Book 1
The Very Worst Man (The Very Manly Series) - Book 2
The Very Rich Man (The Very Manly Series) - Book 3
The Nova Scotia Murder Mysteries
Imposter: A Nova Scotia Murder Mystery
Holidays (A Nova Scotia Murder Mystery)
Betrayal: A Nova Scotia Murder Mystery
Impatience: A Nova Scotia Murder Mystery
Pleasures: A Nova Scotia Murder Mystery
Surplus: A Nova Scotia Murder Mystery (Future Release)
Appearances: A Nova Scotia Murder Mystery (Future Release)
Rage: A Nova Scotia Murder Mystery (Future Release)
Honeymoon: A Nova Scotia Murder Mystery (Future Release)
Other books by Laura Stapleton
Love’s Travel
Love's Prisoner (Love's Travels: Australia)
About the Author
With an overactive imagination and a love for writing, Laura Stapleton decided to type out her daydreams and what -ifs in order to share her lovable characters and their worlds with readers. She currently lives in Kansas City with her husband, daughter, dog, and a few cats. When not at the computer, you'll find her in the park for a jog or at the yarn store's clearance section.
If you enjoyed this story, please consider leaving a review. Find Laura online at https://twitter.com/LauraLStapleton, https://www.facebook.com/LLStapleton#, http://lauralstapleton.com and at Smashwords. Subscribe to Laura’s newsletter and keep up on the latest updates and new releases.