by Danni Roan
Prissy nodded, suddenly feeling shy as a warm flush enveloped her.
"Let’s go tell mother.”
Chapter 15
“Mama!” Prissy called excitedly, while they were still a good distance away, her hand clasped tightly in Rupert’s.
“Mama!” she called again getting closer, but her mother didn’t respond, being totally engrossed in conversation with Harlan.
“Perhaps we should wait a bit yet,” Maud Adam’s spoke softly to her companion.
“Hasn’t there been enough wasted time already Maudlie?” Harlan chided, his nickname for his old friend a quiet whisper.
“Mama!” Prissy’s excited voice finally broke in. “Mama, I have wonderful news.” Prissy practically bounced on her slippered toes.
“News?” Maud questioned. “Yes, exactly, we have news.”
“What?” Prissy was confused. Her mother wasn’t listening to her.
“Ahh!” a loud wail made both woman jump, once again focusing on their surroundings.
“Cam!” AQuila’s anguished voice snapped through the crisp air.
“I’ve got you, darlin’,” Cameron Royal’s voice was shaking, but firm. “Doc! Doc Walker!” The man’s booming voice had everyone looking.
“I think it’s time,” Quil panted, holding her belly as her legs bowed.
“Bring her along,” Doc Walker called, scurrying to the couple. “I knew she shouldn’t a’ danced.”
“Oh, what do you know?” Quil scolded, then groaned again as another wave of pain spammed through her.
“Can you walk?” Maud asked, hurrying to her daughter’s side.
“Yes, I can walk.” Quil’s voice was peevish as she took a step and sagged as the next contraction hit her.
In one smooth motion, Cameron scooped his wife into his arms and began striding after the town’s doctor.
“Looks like I’m about to be a Pa,” he soothed, kissing his wife’s damp brow.
“Is the baby coming?” Sara raced after the small entourage, holding tightly to Rafe’s arm.
“Yes, it’s time,” Maud laughed, “a grand baby.” She practically fluttered and Harlan looped an arm around her middle to offer support.
Moments later the whole family, along with Harlan and Rupert, sat in the small parlor of the doctor’s office awaiting the news.
Cameron, usually calm and quiet, paced the floor nervously, cringing each time he heard his wife cry out.
“Can’t we do anything?” He finally asked, his eyes falling on the others.
“She’ll be alright,” Maud encouraged. “She’s fit and healthy and the Doc’s been taking good care of her.” She squeezed Harlan’s hand for support.
As the minutes ticked by, the anxious silence slipped into short conversations and encouragements.
“Prissy, why are you holding Mr. Rutherford’s hand?” Sara finally spoke, drawing all attention to her sister.
“Priscilla!” Her mother’s horrified tones filled the room.
“I assure you I meant no disrespect Madame,” Rupert began.
“It’s alright, Rupert,” Prissy said, patting the hand she held. “Mama, that’s what I was going to tell you.”
“Prissy, what are you nattering about?” Sara asked.
“Rupert asked me to marry him and I said yes.” Prissy smiled, gazing over at Rupert, who looked suddenly very uncomfortable.
“What?” Maud sprang to her feet. “When did this happen?”
“Maud,” Harlan’s voice was soothing. “We also have news if you remember.”
To Sara and Prissy’s surprise, their mother’s pale cheeks flushed.
“News? What news?” both girls asked at once.
“Well, you see,” Maud attempted, twisting a handkerchief she pulled from her sleeve.
“Mama!” Sara’s voice was demanding.
“You know Harlan and I have been getting reacquainted over the past few months,” Maud began, “and well…” again she paused.
“I asked your mother to marry me and she said yes,” Harlan said, standing and pulling the older woman to him protectively. “We get lonely all on our own ya know.”
“Congratulations!” Rupert offered with a smile, only to have the younger women glare at him.
“Girls,” Maud said, reaching out and drawing her two younger daughters to her. “You’re all grown now. You have your own lives.” She looked at Prissy and smiled. “I’ve enjoyed having someone to spend time with.”
“But Mama,” Prissy said, remembering the harsh words Mr. Dixon and his mother had exchanged on more than one occasion.
“We were friends a long time ago and we’ve found we can be again,” Maud said. “I have to admit I’ve grown to care for Harlan more than I thought I ever would.”
“I’ve loved your mother for a long time,” Harlan said. “We had a misunderstanding many years ago, but that’s past now.” He smiled at Maud, his dark eyes full of warmth and affection.
“Well that’d be a switch, now, wouldn’t it?” Rafe offered.
“Girl’s, Cam and Quil are starting their own family, they deserve their own space, a chance to go their own way.”
“If Maud and I marry,” Harlan picked up the thought, she can live at the ranch. It’s pretty empty now with Rafe and Sara in their own place.”
“And I’m marrying Rupert, so I’ll live above the restaurant,” Prissy jumped in cheerfully.
“Now just one minute Prisscilla…” Maud began.
“Cam?” Doc Walker called, making the big man scurry, “You’ve got a healthy baby boy.”
“Can I see Quil?” Cameron asked, reaching out and taking the squirming bundle from the doctor.
“In a minute, but she’s doing just fine,” the doctor replied.
As one, the whole family gathered around Cam, gazing into the pink, puckered face of the newest addition to the family.
“He’s beautiful,” Maud gushed, pulling the soft blanket away from his tiny face.
“Do you have a name for him?” Rafe asked softly, pulling Sara to him as he looked over her shoulder.
“We decided on Paul for a boy,” Cam said. “Paul Andrew in honor of our fathers.”
“It’s beautiful.” the Adams women said.
“You can see Quil now,” Doc called and Cam handed his new son to his brand-new grandmother.
Rafe, Harlan and Rupert all stepped back as Maud and her girls ogled the tiny boy, oohing and aahing over him in soft voices.
“He is perfect, Mama,” Prissy said, reaching out and touching a tiny hand that grasped tight.
“You have my blessing, Prissy,” Maud finally said, “but only if you’re sure.”
“I’ve been sure for a long time, Mama,” Prissy said, casting her eyes at Rupert. “It took someone else a little longer to get there.”
“You’ll take it slow, won’t you?” Maud asked. “Give us time to know each other.”
Prissy hesitated a moment, “That depends Mother,” she hedged, “how slow are you going to go?”
Maud bounced her grandson gently in her arms. “We’ll talk about it later.”
“Mrs. Adams.” Doctor Walker reentered the room Quil would like to see you.”
Maud handed baby Paul into Sara’s arms and moving to the next room.
Chapter 16
Tywyn Nelson ambled his brown and white pinto down the empty streets of Biders Clump.
The crew of men brought in to dig out pink granite from the cliffs behind Bruno and Janine’s home had filled the order two weeks earlier, and the town had grown quiet with the first snow fall.
The lean rider kicked his taciturn mount into a trot and headed for the church where the big double wedding was taking place.
Ty smiled, thinking of his own wife and son waiting for him to finish his rounds.
He’d been surprised when Sheriff Pike had asked him to continue as part-time deputy, and even more surprised that Jillian had agreed he should stay on.
The dark-haired man s
crubbed at his short beard and grinned. God surely did work in mysterious ways.
He liked having the farm and providing for his family, but helping to look after the town that had taken him in felt right.
“Today’s not about me though, is it Chip?” he said, patting his horse’s neck. The big pinto snorted and laid back his ears in response, making Ty chuckle.
“You be a grouch if you like, but today’s a happy day. A day to celebrate love.”
The soft strains of music emanating from the church covered Ty’s entrance as he slipped in the door and took a seat next to Jillian.
“All’s quiet,” he whispered, draping an arm around her shoulders.
***
“You look stunning,” Lucinda Farrow gushed, tying the last of the blue ribbons that bedecked Prissy’s dress.
“You have to have this gown back after the wedding,” Prissy insisted for the hundredth time. “It’s too much.”
“Fiddle sticks.” Lucinda huffed, “All I have is dresses that are completely inappropriate for this town and my new station in life.”
“But Lucinda…” Prissy tried again.
“Consider it my wedding present to you,” the young woman said. “Besides, friends do things for each other.”
Prissy grabbed the young woman and hugged her tight. They’d become good friends over the past few weeks, working at the Mill.
“Thank you,” she finally said, smoothing the overlay of ecru lace that covered the full skirt. “It’s beautiful.”
“Don’t you look lovely.” Maud Adams said, entering from the back of the pastor’s office.
“As do you mother,” Prissy replied, admiring her mother’s blue satin dress that perfectly matched the ribbons on her own dress.
“Are you sure you don’t mind sharing your day with me, dear?” Maud asked.
“Not at all, Mama,” Prissy assured her. “It’s a new start for all of us.” She squeezed her mother’s hand.
“Perhaps once we’re both situated, things will calm down.”
“Well, at least a few of us will be able to get some sleep,” Prissy chuckled.
“Oh, my, I love that baby,” Maud nodded, “but he does not believe in sleep, does he?”
Together the three women laughed.
“I’ll see if they’re ready,” Lucinda said, slipping out the door.
“Mama, I just want you to know how happy I am for you,” Prissy offered, leaning in and kissing her mother on the cheek.
“I’m happy,” Maud said a tear slipping from her eye. “I have my girls close to me, a second chance at love, and a new grandson. I’m truly blessed.”
“They’re ready.” Lucinda stuck her head back in the door.
***
“I think the whole town is here.” Rupert said, turning to Harlan as he tugged at his high collar.
“Everyone loves Maud and the girls,” Harlan beamed.
“They are rather special, aren’t they?” Rupert agreed with a smile.
“Shh, here they come.” Harlan shushed, turning to watch Sara and Quil walk down the aisle, taking up stations on either side of the platform.
Rupert’s heart seemed to expand in his chest as he watched Prissy walking slowly toward him.
She was beautiful, strong and smart and beautiful. He didn’t know what he’d done to deserve her, but he was going to do his best to make her happy.
A moment later, her hand was in his and he turned to face the preacher.
Pastor Dalton’s warm, resonant voice filled the chapel and trickled down his spine as he pledged to love, honor and protect.
The added voice of his soon to be mother-in-law repeating her vows solidified the depth of love.
The sound of the double doors at the back of the church bursting open made everyone jump and turn to see who could possibly be interrupting.
“Oy!” a male voice cracked through the stillness of the peaceful church. “I’m lookin’ for me son.”
The clipped British tones made all heads swivel back to where Rupert stood at the front of the church.
“Father!” Rupert’s shocked voice drowned out all other sounds.
“Rupert René Rutherford, what do you think you are doing? I’ve been all over this uncivilized piece of dust looking for you.”
Rupert dropped his head, attempting to drop Prissy’s hand as well, but she held tight giving him strength.
“I was getting married Father,” he replied, feeling Prissy step close.
“Oh, really,” the older man asked, striding toward the platform. “You’re actually getting married?”
“If you don’t mind, Sir,” Pastor Dalton spoke kindly, “could this wait until we’re all done.”
Everyone watched as the rather short, stout man, his back ram-rod straight, looked about him, then took one more step toward his son.
“Are you sure about this, son?” his voice was soft.
“Yes, Father, I’m sure.” Rupert’s slate-blue eyes glowed with love. “There are no secrets between Priscilla and I.”
“Very good,” the old soldier said, stepping away and taking a seat next to Polly and George.
“I’m sorry,” Rupert whispered to Prissy, who only smiled back at him.
“Without further shenanigans, do you, Maud, take Harlan to be your lovin’ husband?”
“I do,” Maud said with a soft laugh.
“And how ‘bout Harlan. You up to lookin’ after Miss Maud?”
“More than you can know,” Harlan’s voice sparkled with joy.
“Alright, now you two young ones, you ready to get hitched?”
Prissy’s giggle rippled through the chapel.
“Absolutely,” Rupert said, squeezing Prissy’s hands.
“Well if you’re both in agreement, I’ll say yer all married; now kiss your brides and let’s get to the party.”
A soft titter rolled over the congregation at the preacher’s rather unorthodox ceremony, then broke into oohs as the couples each exchanged a kiss.
After the well-wishers had gone, offering their best and greeting the couples, Rupert and Prissy stayed behind, holding each other close as the baker’s father approached.
“Son, you look well,” Mr. Rutherford said, reaching out and shaking his son by the hand.
“I am well, Father,” Rupert’s voice was soft but firm. “I’m happy here, with Priscilla.”
“I think I have news that will add great joy to the occasion,” the older man spoke, pulling a long sheaf of paper from the breast- pocket of his coat.
Rupert leaned forward, recognizing the seal.
“It’s your complete pardon and reinstatement of honors,” Mr. Rutherford beamed, handing the missive to his son.
Rupert’s hand was amazingly steady as he took the pages.
“It seems that the lieutenant who had you drummed out for disobeying orders confessed on his deathbed that his orders were self-serving and wrong.”
“Father, I don’t understand.” Rupert’s eyes were stormy with doubt.
Mr. Rutherford cleared his throat, cutting his eyes toward Prissy. “I’m afraid it’s rather indelicate,” he announced.
“Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of my wife,” Rupert insisted, his arm tightening around Prissy’s waist.
“Yes, of course, of course,” the old soldier said, “apparently, your commanding officer had um, well, he’d had a dalliance in that village you were set to attack. He believed that the young woman would…” he paused, thinking on his words. “I believe the local colloquialism is ‘rat-him-out’.”
“You mean to tell me that he was willing to destroy whole families because he thought a young woman would tell everyone he’d been calling on her?” Prissy’s tone was horrified.
“It’s slightly more than that,” Mr. Rutherford nodded curtly. “He believed that his - ahem - pillow talk would compromise his position.”
“That’s horrid!” Prissy bristled, but Rupert’s hand on her arm calmed her.
> “So he confessed this and they repealed my dishonorable discharge?” Rupert looked down at the paper in his hand.
“Yes, that sums it up nicely.”
“I appreciate you coming all this way, Father, to let me know, but honestly it seems rather unimportant now, in light of recent developments.” He turned to Prissy and smiled.
“I’ve been accepted here at Biders Clump for who I am now. The town’s baker.”
“Mr. Rutherford,” Prissy spoke up, “I’m very pleased to meet you and I’m glad that Rupert’s name has been officially cleared, but to us he’s a brave, generous and gifted man and I know I’m not the only one in town who loves him.”
A broad smile spread across the old officer, who looked so like his son. “Then I’m pleased,” he said. “Oh, and son, your mother sends her love.”
“I hope you’ll join us for the party,” Prissy offered. “It’s going to be a delight, what with my mother and I both being newly wed.”
“I’d be delighted,” Mr. Rutherford accepted. “Perhaps I’ll even stay in town a little while to get reacquainted.”
“I’d like that, Father,” Rupert said, tucking Prissy’s hand into his arm.
The food, the music, and dancing seemed to blend into a warm haze as Prissy and Rupert made the rounds of the reception.
Prissy had never felt such joy or excitement as together she and Rupert cut the wedding cake he’d baked himself.
She almost felt sad slicing through the perfectly shaped daisies and roses, but thrilled to the sensation of feeding a sliver to her new husband.
“Are you ready to go home?” the young man asked a short time later.
“I’ve never been more ready.” Prissy giggled, smiling even broader after he kissed her.
“I think I’m going to like this marriage thing,” he said, taking her hand and slipping out the back door of the boarding house.
“Another one down,” George chortled, bumping his shoulder into Polly’s with a grin as they watched the young couple slip away.
“You, George Olson, are a hopeless romantic.”
Epilogue
Lucinda smoothed the waistline of her new simply cut dress and pulled the now-familiar apron over her head.