She laughed and held his arm.
In minutes, they were at the small house.
“Oh, Justin. It’s perfect. You can build a little white fence around it. Plant me some flowers. And of course, you’ll have to paint it again. But I love it.”
He chuckled. “Seems you have my work cut out for me.”
“I’ll be busy taking care of the inside and cooking. With your size, I think it will take me most the day to cook enough meals to fill you up. I don’t want anyone saying I’m not feeding you.”
“Well, if they do, you let me take care of them. I’ll probably have to arrest them and throw them in jail.”
He helped her down. “Wills should be here. I told him three.”
“You were twenty minutes early.”
“I was? Guess I couldn’t wait for an excuse to see you again.” He kissed the top of her head. Then tilted her head up and brushed her lips with his.
Laughter stopped his kiss and brought his head up. Wills and Sally walked toward them.
Fearing that his face was red, but noticing that Amelia’s was not, he fumbled with his hat. “I guess we were early.”
Wills nodded at Amelia. “Congratulations, you two.” He pulled out a key and opened the door.
Justin let Amelia in first and followed her. He wanted to make sure she truly liked the house. By the enchanted look on her face, he’d struck gold.
Wills entered after Sally. “I’ve not seen it before. I thought Mr. Burkett said it was vacant, but it looks like someone was in here.” He swiped a finger across the fireplace mantle. “No dust.”
Amelia ran to the bedroom and out before Justin could follow.
“I love it.” She darted into the kitchen.
“I think we’ll take it.” Justin caught Amelia and held her close to him.
She looked at him. “It’s so bright and airy. Everything I dreamed of in our first home.”
Justin nodded. “All right, Wills, let’s make it official. Do you have papers I need to sign?”
Wills stared at him and then Amelia. “You know, I’m breaking an attorney’s first rule, but I don’t want there to be any papers. I’d like for you both to stay in this house as long as you like. No charge.”
Justin held up his hands. “Now, I can’t do that. I wouldn’t feel right. A Wellesley always pays their way.”
With a finger to his lips, Wills nodded. “I’ve got a number in mind. How about a dollar a month?”
Justin started to protest when Amelia punched him in the shoulder. “Thank you, Wills. I believe that is what my almost-husband was going to say.”
Sally grinned. “I think she means it, Sheriff. Hate to see you wind up in your own jail on your wedding night.”
Justin nodded. “Can’t fight you all. How about we all have dinner together tonight. My treat?”
Wills stared at Sally. “We had plans tonight. Maybe another time?”
Justin pulled Amelia to him. “I can understand that.”
Chapter 18
Sally almost floated on the way back to the boarding house. She’d always liked Amelia and was glad for her marriage to Justin. Perhaps she could be as happy with Wills. The talk with Cornelia had made her realize how fortunate she was that Wills wanted to marry her.
“I would be foolish not to.”
Wills looked at her. “What?”
“Oh, I was just thinking to myself.” She stepped onto the porch. “I’ll be ready at six.”
He grinned. “You’d better be.”
She realized a smile had graced her own lips. A real smile. One that she meant. Turning away before she did something foolish, she went inside Mya’s. Cornelia and Mya were sitting in the parlor where they’d been when she left with Wills. She wondered if Cornelia had asked to stay at the boarding house.
Sally nodded to them and started for her room.
Mya called to her.
“Yes?”
“Come here, dear.” Mya patted the seat next to her.
Feeling as if she’d been caught doing something wrong, Sally lowered her head and did as Mya requested.
“Dear, you’re not in any trouble. Cornelia was telling me of your talk. I am pleased that you might marry Wills.”
Sally raised her head and looked at Cornelia. Even though she was doing her best to look proud, fear made her look lost and small. “Mya, I suggested that perhaps you could let Cornelia stay in one of your rooms. Then when I marry, she can move into mine and help you with the chores.”
Cornelia looked relieved and shamed at the same time. Lowering her head, she began crying softly.
Mya went to her and hugged her. “It’s all right, Cornelia. I’ve got plenty of room in this old house and lots of food. I wish you’d come to me earlier.”
Sally hovered next to her new friend. “I need to rest and get ready for tonight. Excuse me.”
Mya gave Cornelia a squeeze. “Sally, you go and make yourself extra pretty tonight. And when you return, I want to hear all about it. We both do, don’t we, Cornelia?”
Cornelia nodded. “Yes. We do.”
Sally smiled again. “I will. I can’t believe this is happening. I better go.” She ran to her room and looked through her outfits. She groaned. Wash day was tomorrow. She fingered a white blouse and brown skirt. It would have to do.
She rested, or tried to and ended up pacing her small room. Sally stopped at the window and looked out. Could she really expect Wills to marry her? Even with his talk about new life and second chances, did he mean to take on her past along with his?
Staring at the town square, her eyes rested on the big oak. Its bare branches reached to the sky as if asking for forgiveness that it could no longer offer shade to passersby. Something deep within her shifted. There was no way the oak would ever regain its old leaves, but spring brought the promise of new life.
Isn’t that what she wanted? Asked for? God hadn’t struck her down for asking. He hadn’t turned away from her. He didn’t expect her to go back and fix what never could be fixed. Like the leaves on the oak, her virtue had been taken, even given away, and could never be replaced.
But a new life? Excitement surged through her. Yes, she would hold her head high when she gave Wills her answer, for she would say yes as a new woman with new hopes and a pure love to give to him.
She dressed and waited by the window. Her heart leapt when she saw him drive up to the front of the boarding house in a carriage. She forced herself to wait.
Soft knocks rapped on her door and heart. “He’s here, dear.”
Sally didn’t answer but opened the door so quickly that Mya was still in front ready to knock again.
“Yes, I’m ready.” Breathless, she followed Mya to the parlor.
Wills stood with hat in hand. He was dressed in a black suit and vest. He smiled at her in that endearing way he had about him. “You look beautiful, Sally. Ready?”
“Yes.” She almost giggled. This would be her night of yesses. She walked to him and put her hand in the crook of his offered arm.
She walked out of Mya’s a different woman. No longer cowering and fearing what others thought. She was Wills’, or would be.
Talk was small and simple on the way to the hotel. A sweet tension built between them as if they knew tonight would start new lives for them.
Wills walked her to a table near the back in a secluded corner. A candle threw soft light over the table. He seated her, sat close, and then ordered their dinner.
Still, no question. She felt as if her heart would explode if she didn’t say yes to him.
He set down his fork and took her hand.
A commotion thwarted his attention.
“Sally Jones! You little tart!”
Her heart stopped. “Father.”
“I told you to get out of town. It’s bad enough you make me a joke. Why tarnish him, too?” Unshaven and reeking of whiskey, he tottered close to her, fist raised.
She cringed, remembering the beating he’d given her i
n the saloon.
In an instant, Wills was on his feet and shoving her father away. “You are speaking to the woman I love and will marry if she says yes. Leave her and never come back unless you are sober and can be civil.”
Her father’s face darkened, and he lashed out.
Wills caught his hand, and bent his arm behind his back. He was about to throw him out of the diner when the burly bartender from the Cattlemen’s stepped in.
“Let me help you by throwing this no-good out into the street. I’m sure if he knows what’s good for him, he’ll not come back. Some of us would like nothing better than to tell the sheriff who beat Miss Sally.” He winked at her. “Happy for you, girl.” He took over and shoved her father out of the dining room.
Shaken, Sally stared at Wills, praying he hadn’t changed his mind. “I’m sorry—”
“It’s not your fault. You’re not responsible for his drunken actions. I don’t even hate him. I used to be like him. If he changes, I’d welcome him into our home, if you agreed to it.”
She grinned. “I think you’ve forgotten to ask me something.”
He winked, knelt before her, and took her hand. “Sally, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
“Yes. I already love you.”
He kissed her hand. Around them, patrons clapped, a few men hooted and hollered, but all in good fun and congratulations.
He sat beside her. “I was thinking of a New Year’s Day wedding. With the two of us starting new lives, I thought it appropriate.”
“I agree. It’s set then. Oh, I already asked Cornelia to stand with me. I hope that’s all right?”
He scratched his head. “Cornie? Hmm, I think you have already begun that new life. I see it in your face and eyes. Well, if that is what you want, it is fine with me. I love you, Sally, and can hardly wait for our lives together to begin.”
The ride in the carriage was like a dream. He drove around the town. The air was cool, the moon bright, and she felt like singing. He stopped in the meadow by a big tree. “I have visions of building you a grand house. Of course, I will have to earn some money before that happens. Hope you liked the living quarters above the office.”
“I loved it, and we’ll never be far apart.”
He kissed her softly.
At first she shrank back, then she brushed away the old feelings and fears, and returned his kiss.
After a few minutes, he drove her back to Mya’s and walked her up the porch. He held her tight and kissed her lightly. “I have a lot to do. Can hardly stand to let you go. I’ll pick you up Saturday for Justin’s wedding.”
She nodded as words fluttered in her mind but wouldn’t form. By the light in his eyes, he loved her. Truly loved her.
He smiled. “I never dreamed I could ever be this happy. Goodnight, my love.” He kept looking at her as he backed away.
She waved and blew him a kiss. “Saturday.”
Inside, she closed the door and leaned against it.
Mya and Cornelia ran from the parlor. “Well?” They said in unison.
“I am to be married on New Year’s Day to Wills Williams.”
###
Amelia pushed down the sleeves to her wedding dress.
Mother hurriedly pushed them back up. “Amelia, you are not married yet. When you are, you will be Justin’s responsibility.” Although the words were sharp, her mother’s voice was laced with a combination of tender mercy and mirth.
“I am so excited. I love him so much, Mother.”
“Yes, dear. You’ve told me over and over.” She hugged her. “I am happy for the both of you. I like Justin. I think he and I will get along fine.”
Amelia laughed. “As long as you make those corn butter biscuits, he’ll be your friend forever.”
Finally, the clock in the parlor dinged. In one hour, she would be Mrs. Justin Wellesley. “I think we should go to the church.”
“Yes, where is your father?”
As if hearing them, he entered her room. Tears formed in his eyes as he took her in his arms. “My lovely daughter, you are so beautiful. I hope you know that Justin will answer to me if he doesn’t make you happy.”
Mother touched his shoulder. “Now, Gary. We have to let them work out their own lives together.”
He nodded. “I know. I know. Well, let’s go.”
Outside, she saw that Father had rented a carriage so they could ride to the church. Although they could have walked, Father had said his daughter deserved to arrive at her wedding in style.
They filed in the already packed church. Amelia tried to see Justin, but her mother quickly shoved her into the small room at the back of the church.
“Not good to see the groom before the wedding. The church is full of well-wishers. And the weather is perfect.” She hugged and kissed her. “I can’t believe my baby is all grown up.”
“Oh, Mama. Soon your baby is going to be making babies.”
Mother blushed. “Hush.” Then she grinned. “I can’t wait to be a grandmother.”
Amelia sat and peace covered her. She wondered if she should be nervous, yet she felt as if this was the most natural thing for her to do. Life with Justin. Together at last.
The old organ started.
Mother left the room and Father entered. “Ready?”
She took his arm and smiled. “Never more so.”
They left the small room and walked into the church. She saw Justin and her heart did flips. Her handsome sheriff stood tall and commanding, sweeping her off her feet all over again. She wanted to run up the aisle and throw herself into his arms. But she wouldn’t. Mother would faint.
Father took her to Justin and left to sit by Mother.
Pastor Jim nodded with love flowing from his eyes as if God himself were looking at them.
“Justin and Amelia. We are all gathered here in the sight of God to witness the bond of Holy matrimony between you two.” He put their hands together. “Justin, do you take this woman to protect and provide for and to love all the days of your life?”
Justin stared deep into her eyes. “I do.”
“Amelia, do you take this man to care for, love, and obey all the days of your life?”
She looked into Justin’s eyes. “I do.”
Pastor Jim nodded. “You may kiss your bride.”
Justin sealed their wedding with a kiss so full of love her knees shook.
Pastor Jim turned them to face the congregation. “Church, I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Justin Wellesley. Long and blessed may their marriage be.”
Amelia floated through the reception. So many dear people and friends. Cornelia did her best to be nice.
The McGruder sisters came up to them and handed them a jar of their peach brandy. Sully kissed them both. “Here you are, dears. Now, will you still be at the Christmas service tomorrow?”
Justin looked at her and nodded. “Yes, we will.”
“Oh, good. We have presents for all.” Tilly and Sully clapped and went to talk to the pastor.
After the refreshments and congratulations, Justin moved her toward the door. “Thank you all, we’ll be leaving if you don’t mind.”
Good-natured laughter followed them out the door.
Justin helped her in the carriage. “Your Father and I worked out the details. He’s a good man.”
“She wrapped her hands around his arm and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Well, takes one to know one.”
In minutes, they were in front of their small house. She and Mother had fixed it up. She waited for Justin to help her down. He picked her up and carried her into the house.
“Mrs. Wellesley, we are home.”
Chapter 19
Justin woke early but didn’t move. Amelia slept nestled in his arms. He ran a finger down her back and kissed her forehead. Their first Christmas morning together, and he couldn’t be more pleased.
She opened her eyes, stretched, and smiled at him. “I love you, Justin.”
He kissed her.
<
br /> “Oh! It’s Christmas morning. Mother always makes a special breakfast.” She started to get up but he pulled her back into bed.
“We’ll start our own traditions.”
She grinned. “Yeah, I like that idea. What do—”
Gunshots echoed through the town.
She stared at him. “Justin?”
He pushed her off him, rose, and dressed. “I better check. Honeymoon or Christmas, I’m still sheriff.” He cringed and hoped Amelia wouldn’t be fearful. He turned to find her but she’d left the bedroom.
, Amelia stood by the front door holding his holster and gun. “I am fully aware I am a sheriff’s wife, and I won’t come between you and the oath you took.” She stopped him and kissed him. “One more thing.” She pulled his badge from her pocket and pinned it on his shirt. “Sheriff.”
He kissed her. “I have an oath to you, too.” He kissed her again. “I’ll go see what’s up and be right back.”
He rushed out of the house in time to see Spencer come out of the jail. His deputy ran to him, still wiping the sleep from his eyes.
“I didn’t expect you to leave your house today, but glad you did.”
“You know what’s going on?”
“Yeah, that new man who had your horse, Charlie Hunt, he dropped by to say that some of the old Box X hands planned on making trouble today.”
“They sure didn’t pick a good day. It’s Christmas.”
Spence chuckled. “Not to mention your honeymoon. How did Amelia take it?”
Justin looked at him. “I married a real trooper.”
“Well, let’s get this thing over with so you can go be with her.”
Justin strode toward Saloon Street. Shots rang out, and he and Spence ducked behind the corner of The Cattlemen’s Saloon as bullets blazed from a dozen different guns.
“This is the sheriff. Hold your fire!”
A few more shots rang out, and then silence reigned.
“Put down your guns!”
Justin strained to see who was doing the shooting, but the shadows of early morning hid the culprits.
A Bluebonnet Misfit Christmas: Sweet Historical Christian Western Romance (Mail Order Brides of Misfit Ranch Bluebonnet, Texas Book 2) Page 15