After eating breakfast with Micah in his room, Vivian retreated upstairs to sleep for a few hours, but she returned in the afternoon. They talked and she read a few chapters of a book they’d been enjoying together. It wasn’t until he heard the grandfather clock ding three times in the parlor that he remembered what day it was. He turned to her with wide eyes. “The wedding. It was supposed to be an hour ago. Vivian, I’m so sorry.”
She gave him a knowing smile and reached for his hand. “Don’t worry about that right now. We’ll reschedule when you’re feeling better. Right now, I’m choosing to count our blessings. There were some moments last night I feared I’d never have the opportunity to tell you something.”
“What’s that?” She opened her mouth to respond, but they were interrupted by a knock on the door.
Sheriff Mills came in and shook his hand. “Emmett told me what happened yesterday. I would like to ask you a few questions so my deputy and I can find who did this to you and bring them to justice.”
“Thank you for coming, but I’m afraid I don’t remember much and I didn’t see their faces.”
The sheriff took out a small notepad and pencil. “Just tell me what you remember from start to finish. Any little detail could help.” Micah recalled every detail he could. Sheriff Mills made a few notes and then looked up again. “Now what about before the attack? Did anything out of the ordinary happen? Is there anyone in town who might have a grudge against you or Emmett?”
Micah frowned and nodded his head. “My former father-in-law, Hank Reed. He says we are stealing his business by selling rocking chairs to the Clarks. He and his eldest sons confronted me about it when I was making a delivery yesterday and called me a savage. Right before they left, he said it was the last time I’d be delivering anything to Mr. Clark. I hate to accuse someone without evidence, but I’d say the Reeds are the most likely suspects.”
“I agree. I’ve heard other reports around town about Hank and his son causing trouble. I’ll see what I can find out.”
After the sheriff said goodbye and left, Vivian turned to him with concerned eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me Mr. Reed was your father-in-law? I had a feeling there was more to the look he gave you at church that first Sunday I came here. You said he called you a savage. Is that why you kept it from me?”
He sighed and rested his head back on the pillows. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to worry you. You came here looking for a new start and this town has always been very understanding. I didn’t want to worry you over a few bad apples. The sad reality is, Mr. Reed and his family are prejudice of anyone who’s different than them. I should have known something like this would happen eventually.”
Vivian reached for his hand. “I understand, but from now on, we’ll face these things together. I’m not a fragile flower that’s going to wilt at difficult news. It’s important that we start out our marriage with honesty.”
He nodded. “I agree. From here on out, no secrets.”
By late afternoon, Vivian had gone upstairs so they’d both have a chance to rest. Micah took a nap, but was awakened a few minutes later when Solomon limped into the room. “It’s good to see you, my friend,” Micah said with a smile.
“Good to see you, too. I wanted to come as soon as I found out, but had a few things to do first. It does my heart good to see you alive and healin’ up good.” Solomon approached and shook his hand a little too hard, making him wince. “Sorry. Sometimes I don’t know my own strength.”
Micah shook his head with a slight chuckle. “It’s fine.”
His friend settled into the chair by the bed. “I have to say, Esther was lookin’ forward to that weddin’ of yours. She made an apple pie for the reception. I brought it over anyhow ‘fore it goes bad. Figured it would help you feel better.”
He grinned. “Esther’s pies always do. Tell her thank you.”
“Sure will,” Solomon responded and then grew quiet, the smile leaving his face.
“Is something wrong?”
He nodded. “There’s somethin’ I told the boss and the sheriff this mornin’ and now I gotta tell you too…about the night I broke my leg. It was no accident.”
His eyes widened in surprise as he sat up straighter in his bed. “You said the horses spooked.”
Solomon shook his head. “That was only half the story. Mr. Reed and his sons threatened me for makin’ my deliveries. Then on the way home, they ambushed me on the road. Afterwards I somehow made it home alive, by God’s good grace.”
“Why didn’t you tell the sheriff or Emmett?”
“I was afraid they would hurt my family, but now I know I should-a told. Esther talked me into tellin’. Ain’t right what happened to you, Micah.”
Micah sighed. “It isn’t right what they did to you either, Solomon. What did the sheriff say when you told him?”
“He’s goin’ to arrest them as we speak. They won’t be hurtin’ no one else. Not if I have anythin’ to say about it.”
“Thank you, my friend. What you did took a lot of courage. Now we’ll just have to pray our stories will be enough to bring them to justice.”
Chapter Fourteen
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
The next day, word reached the farm Mr. Reed and his sons had been taken to the small jail in town. In a few weeks they would be taken to Springfield and there would be a trial. It wasn’t clear yet if there would be enough evidence to convict them for the attacks on Solomon and Micah, but it eased everyone’s minds, knowing they couldn’t harm anyone else for the time being.
By that evening, Micah felt strong enough to venture out to the porch swing with Vivian. They watched the sun setting in the western sky with her head resting on his good shoulder. “Nice evenings like these make me look forward to watching the sunset on the porch swing at our own home soon. It’s not new and smooth like this one. It creaks a bit, but I could fix it up soon.”
She craned her neck to smile up at him. “I won’t mind as long as I’m with you. I like hearing you say our home by the way.”
He chuckled and then stopped himself, holding a hand over his sore ribs. “Well, what else would I call it? I don’t plan on waiting too much longer before making you my wife, Vivian Kane. In fact, what do you think of this coming Saturday?”
Her eyes studied his with concern. “So soon? Do you think you’ll be feeling up to going into town by then?”
Micah grinned, pausing to brush a few strands of dark hair off her cheek. “We could have the ceremony here at the farm. It could be a late morning wedding to avoid the heat. I’m sure Emmett and Caroline wouldn’t mind. In fact, it was their idea in the first place.”
“I suspected as much,” Vivian agreed with a chuckle. “I think it sounds perfect. It could just be a simple affair with a few close friends attending. I can hardly wait.” She kissed his cheek and then leaned against his shoulder again with a contented sigh.
“Me too.” Micah smiled, realizing for the first time how their relationship had changed since his accident. She seemed less guarded, holding his hand or kissing him on the cheek. It was a welcome new development. His feelings for her had grown too, gradually like the streaks of violet, magenta and orange spreading across the sky, creating the beautiful sunset. He wasn’t even sure how or when it happened, but he loved Vivian deeply—so much he could hardly resist from pulling her into a passionate kiss right there on the porch swing.
However, Micah remembered what Ms. Milton said in her letter—that Vivian needed someone very understanding and patient. The scriptures also said love was patient and kind. He didn’t want to move too fast and ruin the progress they’d made in their relationship. He wanted their first declaration of love for each other to happen at the right time, even if it happened after they were husband and wife. So, although he longed to kiss her lips, he br
ushed his fingers over her cheek instead. “You were trying to tell me something yesterday, but we were interrupted. Would you like to tell me now?”
Vivian lifted her head from Micah’s shoulder and gazed into his sky-blue eyes, her heart pounding so hard she thought it would burst. She’d nearly gained enough courage earlier in the day when the sheriff interrupted. Now they had just agreed to having no secrets between them, but this felt like the biggest one of all.
She gulped down her apprehension and decided it was time. “You were right when you said our hearts could grow to love again. When I lost Connor, I feared my heart was broken beyond repair. I knew I needed to marry again, for the wellbeing of my child and myself, but I thought falling in love twice in a lifetime would be impossible. You proved those assumptions all wrong. Then I almost lost you and it scared me.”
He furrowed his brow. “I’m sorry. I wish you wouldn’t have had to go through that.”
She shook her head to stop him. “Just listen. Almost losing you showed me how my heart truly feels. I love you, Micah.”
He smiled, pausing to caress her cheek. “And I love you, my sweet Vivian. I’m so blessed you will soon be my bride.” He leaned forward while drawing her closer to him with his good arm. At the last moment he paused, their faces inches apart, patiently waiting for her.
She let out a contented sigh and closed the distance between them. Then their lips met in a fervent, yet tender kiss—sealing the words of love they had just spoken for each other—knowing it was only the start of many happy years to come.
On Saturday morning, the Riley Farm was a flurry of activity. Vivian, Caroline, Esther and Mrs. Clark wove wildflowers and ribbons around an arbor set up in the field. Then they set up a few long benches for the small group of guests who would attend. Ma Riley offered to watch the younger children while they worked.
After finishing the outdoor arrangements, Caroline, Mrs. Clark and Esther headed into the kitchen to prepare a few last-minute items for the reception while Vivian went upstairs to bathe.
An hour later, she was dressed in her gown and Caroline helped make a few final touches on her hair before adding the elbow length veil, anchored by the comb with the star embellishments they’d picked out. Then last, she slipped on her mother’s white moccasins.
“Oh, Vivian, you’re a vision,” her friend said as they both gazed into the full-length mirror in her guest room. “I know you and Micah are going to be very happy together.”
Vivian nodded while dabbing at a few tears with her white handkerchief trimmed with lace. “It all still feels like a dream I’ll wake up from.”
Caroline smiled at their reflection. “But you won’t. God had this in His plan for you and Micah—a special love that heals the heartbreak you’ve experienced from the past. A new beginning.”
“Yes, a new beginning,” she repeated as a smile curved on her lips and she ran her hand over the small bump beginning to form at her midsection. No one noticed except her yet, but knowing another life grew inside her brought such joy, especially imagining raising the child with Micah by her side. “Yes, it certainly is. For all three of us.”
After gathering her bouquet of wildflowers, tied with the beautiful turquoise ribbon Caroline had purchased, Vivian headed downstairs and into the parlor. They came outside together and stopped behind Ma Riley’s cabin, out of view from the guests waiting in the nearby field.
“I’m so happy for you,” Caroline whispered, pulling her into a hug, before walking toward the rows of chairs by the arbor.
Vivian waited until Caroline was seated with her family. Then she started walking through the field overlooking the valley and river. When approaching the short aisle, she couldn’t take her eyes off Micah—her handsome groom waiting in his dark gray suit and tie. His arm was still in the sling, but she hardly noticed. Instead, Vivian focused on his sky-blue eyes glimmering with love in the morning sunlight. She knew what a miracle it was for him to be standing before her, alive and well. God had truly blessed them and now, in a moment they would be husband and wife. In a moment, their new beginning would start.
Chapter Fifteen
“Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.
I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
Genesis 2:18 NLT
Vivian caught Micah grinning at her as she hung some blue floral curtains, lined with lace she’d just made for the windows in their cabin. “Are they too fancy?”
Micah shook his head as he crossed the room. “They’re lovely, just like the woman who made them.” He pulled her close for a tender kiss.
She relaxed into his embrace, her heart fluttering in her new husband’s presence. It was nice having him hold her with both arms. The doctor had come by the day before and said his arm had healed enough to remove the sling.
It had been almost a week since their wedding, with June giving way to July. The days had been some of the happiest she’d ever experienced, in spite of the rainy weather keeping them indoors. With Micah recovering from his injuries, Emmett gave him time off work, so they’d had plenty of time to spend together, learning more about each other and growing closer with every passing day.
He leaned back and caressed her cheek. “So, the curtains are finished. What else would you like to do today, Mrs. Russell?”
Vivian shrugged with a grin, enjoying his closeness. “I’m not sure, Mr. Russell. I had thought of starting on some new rugs, but I’m up for anything.”
“The rain has finally stopped. Would you like to go for a walk by the creek? I’m sure you’re growing tired of staying indoors.”
“I haven’t minded, but I would enjoy the fresh air,” Vivian responded. In truth she’d barely noticed they hadn’t ventured away from the cabin much in the past six days. It had been blissful spending time alone with him in their cabin.
After gathering a blanket and a few snacks, they set out down the path to the creek, hand in hand. Vivian enjoyed watching all the wildlife along the way. There were a few deer munching on grass in the distance who didn’t seem to mind their presence, and a variety of song birds fluttering above. Micah pointed out two great horned owls who were hooting across the path from each other. She also saw gray squirrels scurrying up the tree trunks. She was amazed at how much life hid in the forest, waiting to be discovered.
The sound of rushing water became louder as they turned onto a narrower path. Then the terrain slanted downward. Micah held her arm as they navigated over some exposed roots and packed earth that acted as steps down to the creek. Vivian smiled when a small waterfall came into view, filling up a shallow pool before the water weaved its way through the forest again. “Oh, Micah. It’s breathtaking.”
He smiled while leading her to a dry patch of earth near the creek bed. They spread out a blanket and enjoyed their light meal of fruit and cheese while watching the water cascade over the rocks. Vivian rested against Micah and took out her sketch pad, recreating the scene on a clean sheet of paper.
“I know I’ve said this before, but you are very talented,” he commented while observing her. “Have you ever considered making some pieces to sell?”
She shrugged. “Not really. Until now I’ve done it purely for enjoyment. I would hate for it to seem like work.”
He held her a little closer and kissed her cheek. “No, I wouldn’t want that either, but if you ever did decide to sell some pieces, I’d support you a hundred percent. I’ll bet Mrs. Clark would sell them at the store.”
Vivian craned her neck to kiss him and then smiled. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.” She sat up and sighed, her stomach rumbling again. “I just ate, but I’m already hungry again. I’m not sure why, but my mouth is watering for grapefruit all of a sudden. Is that strange?” She bit her lip, suddenly desperate to have it.
He chuckled softly. “You’re having a craving. Mary Ann used to have those all the time when she was expecting.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, she wa
nted spicy food. We grew peppers in our garden and she chopped them up and put them in everything. Then she’d be miserable with heartburn, but she always wanted more. I ended up buying some from a neighbor, just to keep her happy.” They shared a laugh before he went on. “But grapefruit…that’s a dilemma. I’m not sure where we’d find any around here.”
She sighed, rubbing the small bump on her abdomen that had become more noticeable in the past week. “That’s fine. We’ll survive without it.”
He scratched his jaw, and then looked over at her with a thoughtful gleam in his blue eyes. “We don’t have grapefruit, but we do have wild blackberry bushes around here. I saw some up on the hill before we came down to the creek.”
Her mouth started to water. “Blackberries sound amazing.”
A few minutes later they had ventured up the hill to collect them. Micah put his in the picnic basket, but she couldn’t resist popping the ones she picked directly in her mouth.
He lifted an amused eyebrow at her. “You really are having a craving, aren’t you?”
She wiped some blackberry juice from her chin and grinned. “I guess so. I better save some for later though, or I might be sending you out to find some in the middle of the night.”
Micah laughed. “I’d gladly do that for you, my bride.”
She sighed as they finished gathering berries and headed back toward the creek. “So, what else did you enjoy doing as a child?”
“Well, catching crawdads was always fun.”
She lifted her eyebrow. “Crawdads?”
“Yeah, you’ve never heard of a crawdad? Here, I’ll show you.” When they reached the creek bank, he found a long stick and then headed toward the edge of the water. As she watched, he moved a smooth creek rock aside and a little creature with claws and a tail swam away, looking like a miniature lobster. “There’s one.”
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