“And will this make ya happy?” Will asked softly.
My throat closed and I had difficulty responding. My heart beat so hard I was afraid it could be heard outside of my chest. “I believe it will,” I said, surprising myself.
Using just the knuckles of his right hand, Will gently caressed my cheek. “I believe it’ll make me happy as well.” Leaning forward, he placed a chaste kiss upon my forehead. “Thank you.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
WILL HARRISON WAS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED with. Once a decision was made, he moved forward swiftly. That afternoon he returned me home, then stayed for dinner. True to his word, he requested permission from Father Caleb, and it was granted immediately. With only our two small families to consider, we scheduled the wedding for two weeks later on the first Saturday in June.
Mother Elizabeth was in a tizzy. She’d hoped to celebrate my wedding with the same fanfare as we had Julianne’s, but I was adamant. I wanted a small wedding, with only our closest family.
With so little to plan, Mother Elizabeth was fixated on the smallest details. Most notably, my wedding dress and the bride’s bouquet. To save money, I’d suggested wearing my best dress. Mother Elizabeth was aghast at the suggestion.
“Absolutely not! You will not be married in some old dress! You’ll have a special dress for your weddin’ day, just as Julianne had for hers, and I will hear no more discussion about it. A woman only gets married once, and I’ll not have ya rememberin’ your weddin’ day—small though it may be—as anything other than lovely.”
I conceded defeat, and Mother Elizabeth set to work creating the loveliest dress of white linen and lace I’d ever seen. I’d once thought Julianne was the loveliest bride ever. Now I wasn’t so sure. While I couldn’t compete with Julianne’s petite frame and lovely golden features, I couldn’t argue that I looked good.
For a veil, Mother Elizabeth and I selected a handmade lace headband with a mid-length veil in the back. It was simple, yet lovely, and I was thankful I’d allowed her such freedom with my wedding ensemble.
The only detail for which we remained at odds was my bridal bouquet. Remembering the two bouquets Will had brought me, I decided upon an arrangement entirely of black-eyed Susans. Mother Elizabeth, however, was dismayed.
“But Victoria,” she said. “It isn’t a weddin’ flower. It’s a prairie wildflower—not much more than a weed, really. It grows rampant in the fields, and overtakes the crops if you’re not careful. Ya want somethin’ more elegant, like gardenias or orchids. Calla lilies or roses would be lovely. But the black-eyed Susan is a poor-man’s flower.”
“I like ’em, and that’s what I want,” I said.
“Very well, then,” she replied dubiously. “If you’re sure, then I’m sure we can make a lovely bouquet.”
“Thank you, Mother Elizabeth.” Taking her hands in mine, I squeezed gently, pouring all my love and appreciation into the small gesture. “Thank you. Not just for the weddin’ and for lettin’ me have my way with the flowers, but for everything. Thank you for takin’ me in when I was a child and I had nobody else. Thank you for bein’ my mother in every way that’s important. You’ve always cared for me as your own. Ya didn’t have to do that, but ya did—ya still do. I can never express how much I appreciate all you’ve done for me.”
“My dear Victoria.” She smiled through tears. “You couldn’t be more my daughter if I’d brought ya into this world myself. But tell me—are ya sure you’ll be happy with Mr. Harrison?”
I nodded. “I think so.”
Mother Elizabeth studied me, apparently searching for the answer to an unasked question. After a long moment, she smiled and pulled me into the comfort of her strong arms. “I think so, too, sweetheart.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
ON JUNE 2, 1924, I BECAME MRS. WILLIAM Jackson Harrison. Our wedding was held at the St. John’s Methodist Episcopal Church, now in its new location at the corner of Barker and Woodson streets. Built only two years earlier, this modern brick building gleamed with fresh paint, but was still headed by the aging Reverend Patterson. Standing as witnesses for the ceremony were Julianne and Will’s brother, Atticus.
Waiting in the narthex for the ceremony to begin, I stole a peek into the sanctuary at our waiting families. Time hadn’t allowed an introduction to Will’s family, so I was nervous about what they’d think of me. Will’s mother, Imogene, was seated in the front row on the groom’s side next to her husband, Walter. Behind them, seated side-by-side, were Will’s children in order of oldest to youngest. Caroline, Olivia, and Catherine were dressed in matching pink dresses. Sandwiched between the girls, and dressed smartly in matching suits and short pants, were Joseph and Daniel. Behind Will’s children, in the third row of pews, were Atticus’s wife, Veronica, and their three children: Gerald, George, and Robert. There was virtually no one on the bride’s side—just three lonely figures, all seated in the front row: Mother Elizabeth, Jacob, and Earl Sykes.
The first strains of the bridal march echoed through the chapel. Winking at me, Father Caleb took my arm and placed it in the crook of his own. “Are ya ready?”
I nodded. “Yes. I believe I am.”
“You’re sure ya still wanna do this? It’s not too late to change your mind, ya know.”
Turning to him, I smiled and squeezed his elbow where my hand rested in its crook. “Thank you. You’ve always been so good to me.”
“Ah, honey.” His eyes glossed with tears. “You’ve made it easy to be good to ya.”
We stood in silence for a long moment. Gathering my courage around me like Mama’s wool cloak, I straightened my shoulders and lifted my chin high. “I’m ready.”
Beaming with pride, Father Caleb led me down the aisle toward Will. Our eyes met, and my heart fluttered. Gone was the mocking grin Will often wore. In its place was a smile of pure joy and pride. Had I not known better, I’d have thought ours was a love match.
As I reached my destination, Will stepped forward and nodded at Father Caleb, who removed my hand from the crook of his arm and placed it in Will’s. A burst of happiness shot through me when Will’s attention landed on my bouquet. His eyes widened with surprised recognition, and I bit my lip to keep from laughing.
“Black-eyed Susans?” He lifted an eyebrow and his lips tipped up in a grin.
In that moment, it didn’t matter that ours wasn’t a love match. I knew I’d made the right decision. Everything just felt right.
Biting back a grin, I shrugged. “They seemed to suit you.”
Holding nothing back, Will erupted into laughter. I tried to resist, but it was impossible. To the shock of the congregation, I joined Will’s laugher with my own.
“Victoria,” he said, his voice loud enough for all to hear, “this is gonna be fun.”
WILL AND I had planned to spend our first night together at the nicest hotel in town, while the children went back to the farm with his family. We would have one night together before our real life began.
Preparing to leave the church, Will escorted me to his children and parents for introductions. As expected, the older girls greeted me formally, while the younger three were precocious and full of mischief.
“What are we to call ya, Mrs. Harrison?” asked one of the twins, whom I’d yet to distinguish from the other.
“Victoria, will be fine.” I smiled. “And you, sir?”
The boy studied me, his lips tipping into an exact imitation of Will’s mocking grin. “I believe Mr. Harrison will be acceptable.”
“Daniel!” Will scolded, but it was too late. The child had his father’s sense of humor, and I erupted in laughter for the second time that day.
The boy flushed crimson at his father’s rebuke. Swallowing hard, he lifted his chin and said quietly, “Daniel Alexander Harrison, ma’am. Just Daniel.”
“Thank you, Daniel,” I replied. “I have a feeling you and I will be great friends.”
My words soothed his injured pride, and his face lit up in another grin.
“Yes, ma’am. I believe we will.”
Will nodded his approval then took my arm and led me to his parents. “Mother. Father. I’d like ya to meet my wife, Mrs. Victoria Hastings Harrison. Victoria, my parents: Imogene and Walter Harrison.”
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison,” I began. “I’m sorry we’ve been unable to meet before now.”
Imogene Harrison studied me down the length of her long nose then, ignoring my greeting, turned her attention to Will. “She’s not much to look at, Will. Whatever were ya thinkin’? She’s plain and don’t look like she’s seen a day of honest work in her life. How d’ya expect her to help ya on the farm? At least if she was pretty, I’d understand.”
Stepping closer to my side, Will circled his arm around my waist. “That will be enough, Mother. You will not embarrass my wife, especially on her weddin’ day.”
I stood there, dumbfounded. Glancing at Will’s father, I wondered if he agreed with his wife, but the old man stared off across the room as though he hadn’t heard a word.
“My apologies, Will,” Mrs. Harrison replied. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“You should apologize to my wife, Mother,” he replied, his words clipped.
Clearing her throat, she turned to me with a look of disdain. “My apologies, young lady.”
Pulling my manners around me, I accepted her apology and attempted to right the situation with polite conversation. “It’s quite all right, Mrs. Harrison. No harm done. As I said, it’s a pleasure to meet you. What should I call you?”
Mrs. Harrison’s brows pulled together until they were a straight line. “What should ya call me? Why, Mrs. Harrison, of course. What did ya think you should call me? Imogene? Mother? Absolutely not!”
Heat flooded my neck and cheeks. Twice I’d greeted this woman cordially and with respect, and twice she’d deliberately offended me.
“Enough.” Will’s eyes narrowed at his mother in warning. “I assume we’ll see ya at Mr. and Mrs. Kirk’s for refreshments, Mother? That is, if ya can behave.”
Not waiting for a reply, he tightened his arm around my waist and escorted me out of the church.
MOTHER ELIZABETH HAD insisted upon serving refreshments at the house, since I wouldn’t allow her to throw a proper party celebrating our marriage. Thankfully, it was brief. Mrs. Harrison behaved cordially for the remainder of the afternoon, but I was unable to get her harsh words out of my mind. The children, on the other hand, were a delight; and I soon found myself enjoying the company of the oldest two daughters.
“Please don’t let Granny Imogene embarrass ya,” Caroline, the oldest daughter, whispered as we sat together in the sitting room. “She was like that with our mother as well. It angers her that Daddy won’t let her control him like Grampy does.”
Her words soothed my anxiety.
“Thank you,” I said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect upon meetin’ your grandparents, not to mention all of you; but her venom was a surprise.”
A hand landed gently on my shoulder, and I looked up into Will’s smiling eyes. “I believe it’s time to make our escape.”
Smiling, I blew out a relieved breath and joined Will to bid our goodbyes. We approached Mother Elizabeth and Father Caleb, the latter of whom enveloped me in his safe arms. I tucked my head beneath his chin and whispered, “Thank you.”
Pulling away just enough to meet my eyes, Father Caleb tipped my chin with his knuckles. “Enough of that, Victoria. You’re our daughter, and ya don’t need to thank us. Remember, this is your home and we’re always here if ya need us.”
I nodded. Then, giving him one last squeeze, I stepped out of his arms and into those of Mother Elizabeth.
“Be happy, sweetheart,” she whispered.
I nodded and stepped way, now turning to Julianne who pulled me in for a tight hug. “I’m so happy we’re gonna be neighbors! I’ll give ya a few days to get settled, then you’ll have the devil of a time gettin’ rid of me!”
“I’m countin’ on it,” I said.
Having said our goodbyes to my family, we approached Will’s parents. Straightening my shoulders and lifting my chin, I gave them my sweetest smile.
“Mother. Father,” Will said. “Thank you for comin’ and seein’ the children back to the farm.”
Mrs. Harrison nodded regally then turned her attention to me, once again glaring at me down the length of her long nose.
“Mr. and Mrs. Harrison,” I said. “Thank you for comin’. It was a pleasure to meet you.”
Before either could reply, Will spirited me out the door, leaving his mother standing in our wake with a disapproving frown on her face.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
THE SOUTHERN HOTEL WAS A BEAUTIFUL three-story building located on Grand Avenue in El Reno. With more than one hundred rooms, and nearly as many baths, it was still one of the most modern hotel structures in the state, nearly fifteen years after its grand opening. Though I’d passed it many times, I’d never been inside; and I never imagined I would walk through its doors as a guest. As Will signed the register, I took in the grandeur before me. I never dreamed there could be so much elegance within our small town.
Closing the register, Will turned to me. “Why don’t we go upstairs and freshen up a bit before dinner? I know ya must be hungry.”
Will was right. I hadn’t eaten anything at the reception. “Let’s do—but let’s make it quick. I’m starvin’.”
“That’s what I enjoy most about ya, Victoria.” Will grinned. “Ya say what’s on your mind.”
DINING IN THE hotel restaurant was an experience I would always remember. I’d never eaten in a restaurant before, so the elegance and the service left me giddy with excitement. Will ordered for both of us, and we dined on roasted lamb in mint sauce with steamed asparagus on the side, then fresh strawberries with cream for dessert. Though nervous, I ate every bite. I didn’t know when I’d ever have such a luxurious meal again.
Sensing my anxiety, Will carried the conversation. He told me more about his farm and the hard work it entailed; then regaled me with stories of Daniel’s and Joseph’s antics, often in conspiracy with Catherine. As dessert was served, I gathered my courage and asked those questions weighing heavily on my mind.
“Will,” I began. “Your mother—she doesn’t seem particularly pleased about our marriage.”
Taking my hands, Will waited until I lifted my eyes to his. “Please don’t worry about my mother, Victoria. I love her dearly, but she can be difficult. She’s spent the last fifty years rulin’ my father and, more recently, Atticus and Veronica. She’s never been able to control me, and that infuriates her.”
“I see.” Retrieving my hands, I placed them in my lap.
“I’m sorry about the way she behaved today,” he said. “I should’ve warned ya about her before ya met. I should’ve guessed she’d get her feathers in a fluff at my not consultin’ her. Truthfully, I haven’t consulted her in many years on any important matter. But I’d forgotten how cruel she can be when intimidated.”
“Intimidated? By who?”
Will lifted an eyebrow. “By you, of course.”
“I don’t understand.” I shook my head.
“Like her, you’re a strong woman who knows her own mind. That, coupled with the fact that, as my wife, you have the power to influence my decisions, intimidates her. What little influence she may’ve had on me she lost when I married Hannah. When Hannah died, she probably thought she’d regain some of that control. But then I decided to marry you, and she could tell within seconds of meeting ya that any control she thought she might gain was lost.”
“So she was destined to hate me?”
“Not hate you, I hope. But yes—she’s intimidated because you’re her competition.”
“I see,” I replied again. “Then how’re we to get along?”
“I don’t know that ya will. I can only tell you that what I admire most is your strong spirit and your ability to speak your mind. Ya
just have to keep doin’ that, especially with someone like my mother. Don’t ever let anyone see they’ve intimidated you, or they’ll walk all over ya. Remember that, okay?”
I nodded.
“As for my mother,” he continued, “you’ll earn her respect if you demand it, though she might never warm to ya.”
“How does Veronica handle her?”
Will grinned. “Veronica is crafty. She’s demurs, makin’ Mother think she’s in control. She’s not, of course; but it’s Veronica’s way of manipulatin’ her into her way of thinking. She makes Mother think Veronica’s decisions were all her idea to begin with. It’s rather ingenious, actually, but I don’t expect ya to follow Veronica’s example.”
“And your father?” I asked. “Is he in league with your mother?”
“My father is complicated,” Will said. “No, I don’t believe he agrees with all Mother says and does, but he picks his battles. He’s not strong in the same way as you and I are strong. He puts his foot down occasionally; but, for the most part, he gives Mother free reign. In return, she keeps him comfortable.”
“What about the children? How do they get along with her?”
“Atticus’s boys do well with their grandmother, fortunately. They’re all quick studies and have learned how to make her think she’s gettin’ her way, while eventually doin’ whatever they please. She dotes on those boys, which is good. It makes for a more harmonious household, since she and Father are livin’ with Atticus and Veronica.”
“But your children?” I asked. “How do they fare with your mother?”
“Their relationship with my mother is more difficult. She loves them, but she doesn’t dote on ’em like she does with Atticus’s boys. I’ve tried teachin’ ’em to be strong and speak their minds, but Caroline and Olivia struggle with that. Hannah insisted they demur, and it’s difficult to change a mother’s lessons. On the other hand,” Will grinned, “the boys and Catherine are much more uninhibited, and that’s caused a bit of resentment—or perhaps even more intimidation—on my mother’s part.”
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