Mary paced the floor of her upstairs bedroom back home in St. Louis. She missed the excitement of traveling with Aunt Cora. Now Winnie went with her. It didn’t feel right that she was left behind. Even Wyatt had disappeared after he spoke to her father about marriage. Some things he had to do, he’d said. What would she do if he never returned?
She pulled the curtain aside and saw a carriage pull up. Wyatt stepped out. Her heart thudded. He came. She ran for the stairs, then stopped at the top. She couldn’t very well greet him like her father’s pet dog. She backed against the wall and waited an eternity for her father to call for her.
“Mo, please come down.”
She wasted no time bouncing down the stairs, light as air. “Yes, Father?”
He tweaked her ear. “I know you were up there waiting. Wyatt is here to speak with you.” He kissed her cheek. “You have my blessing, if he suits you.”
Mary entered the parlor where Wyatt waited. “You came back.”
“I said I would. I need to tell you something.”
“Continue.”
“I’ve spoken to my father about continuing to write. With my mother’s influence, he decided I can write under my own name, if I write for missionary magazines.”
Mary’s heart quickened. God was going to answer her prayer.
He knelt and grasped her hands. “I love you. Would you be my wife and accompany me on my travels to gather stories for the magazines until such a time as we have a family?”
“Yes, and I will travel wherever you go.”
Mary Owen and William Crossen’s wedding was the event of the season and the talk of the town. Her father spared no expense, but Mary let him only after he promised to do the same for Winnie when she married.
Mary wore a white satin gown from New York instead of Paris, because she refused to wait for a dress to be made and shipped. Organ notes signaled it was time to stroll down the aisle with her father.
“Mo, I pray for a love as strong and wonderful as what your mother and I had.”
“Thank you, Father.” Mary wiped a tear away. “I love William, but I will miss you.”
“I know.” He took her arm and led her to William.
Soon it was her turn to pledge her vow. “I, Mary, take thee, Wyatt-William—”
“My little outlaw, call me Wyatt or William. I will love you forever and always.”
“And I you.”
The train rumbled against the tracks. Steam billowed white against the blue sky. Aunt Cora and Winnie accompanied Mary and Wyatt to see them off.
“I’ll find George and get our luggage settled while you say your good-byes.” Wyatt tipped his hat and left.
“Mary, take care and think before you do something adventurous.” Aunt Cora hugged her tightly.
“I promise. Winnie, take care of Aunt Cora and Father.” She hugged Winnie. “He mentioned having a dinner for you to meet a possible husband. Don’t be afraid. He was right. Marriage is wonderful. Aunt Cora, he said the same about finding you a match.”
“Hmpf.” Cora shook her head. “Winnie, let’s host a dinner for my brother.”
Wyatt returned. “George has taken care of our belongings. Mrs. Crossen, are you ready to take our first adventure as a married couple?”
“I am. Bye, Aunt Cora and Winnie.” The warmth of his hand on hers touched her heart. God had provided.
“Yellowstone, here we come. Bears, waterfalls, and geysers are the perfect way to start our life together.” He squeezed her hand. “I love you, Outlaw.”
“And I love you.”