Hank was humbled and so apologetic that Ginger began to feel annoyed at him. “Ginger, you just proved you’re smarter than the rest of us put together. I had no idea that you would be as successful as you were. You have a huge profit and dozens of happy, satisfied people. Word of mouth is more valuable than all advertisements and you’ll have word of mouth approval from the way everyone gushed when they left here. Can you ever forgive me?”
“Hank, my darling friend, there’s nothing to forgive. I understood that you have lived here many years and had not attempted anything concerning a guest ranch. In fact,” she laughed, “I know how you felt about the dudes.”
“I got acquainted with some of your guests and look forward to seeing them next year. I promised some of the men I’d take them to a great fishing spot.”
She hugged him and left to take care of ranch business.
Francine had kept good, clear books and set up spreadsheets on the computer. She proved to be a people person and enjoyed the guests also.
Everyone seemed to like her and even consulted her with some of their questions and interests. She asked Ginger to remember her for next year.
The winter wheat was planted in September and the corn had been gathered to be ground for feed and some saved for cornmeal for cornbread.
The calves had proved to be a hit on the so called cattle drives and were now enjoying a time of rest.
In October Ginger, Juanita, Helen, Irene and Aretha seriously planned Ginger’s wedding. She and James would be married at the church and a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Ginger was astonished and touched because so many of the ranchers in the vicinity wanted to be part of her plans and to help.
Amy Davidson, Wanda Peterson, Lisa Swift and Belinda Mercer offered to be responsible for planning and getting food for the reception. Five women from the church volunteered to help.
Juanita, Helen, Ellen Barker and Glenda Morton were to be responsible for the decorations in the church and in the Hall.
Ginny Campbell and Aretha offered to work with Ginger on the clothing.
Ginger’s hands volunteered to furnish the music. As a surprise to the couple, Frank made arrangements for a white carriage pulled by matched white high-stepping horses to take Ginger to the church. Hank, choking to keep his tears back, was to walk down the aisle with her.
James had asked his foreman, Stephen Two Feathers, to be his best man.
Adam Whitefeather, Alan Barker, Raymond Saunders and Michael Rogers would be his groomsmen.
Ginger was drawn in different directions trying to select four bridesmaids. Too many of her friends expected to be chosen. Juanita would be her matron of honor but what would she do for the others? Irene, Helen, Francine and Jenny Pearson, a college friend, were finally chosen for the bridesmaids.
Ginger began to have doubts and be nervous about the coming nuptial.
Am I doing the right thing? James is so familiar and I’ve known him all my life. Can this be true love that will last as my grandparents’ and my parents’ did? Good grief, I’m sure there will be children in the future. Am I ready for that? Will I make a good wife and mother?
She thought and worried until she finally went to sleep.
James and Ginger talked and agreed to combine a Native American wedding and customs of those around her.
The Native American custom was for both bride and groom to wear white and be sung over by the shaman. They talked to the priest and he finally agreed to share the ceremony with Swift Deer. Robert Swift Deer would sing a blessing on them and sprinkle corn powder over them. The priest would give the accustomed ceremony.
All the hands gathered in their best suits, white shirt, string ties, polished boots and felt western hats to wave Ginger off in the white carriage. She was wrapped in white bear skins. Her dress was made of white deer hide. The top came up around her neck with a variety of polished jewels sewn around it. The sleeves were long with slits in them to show a tan leather skin underneath. The skirt was full with jewels and shells around the hem which brushed daintily on white deer-hide moccasins. She carried a white Bible and white lilies that had been flown in especially for her.
James wore white deer hide pants and a white tunic with white moccasins. He had a white headband with designs painted on it to show his strength and bravery. His best man and groomsmen would all wear the regulation tuxes.
Ginger told Juanita and the bridesmaids to wear what gown they preferred and to carry fall flowers. Mums, gold and peace roses-----.
The church was decorated with gold, rust and red colors of ribbons, candles and flowers. The Fellowship Hall had the same colors. Food was the usual items found at a wedding in addition to fry bread and skewers of elk meat.
Hank and Frank both walked Ginger down the aisle to the altar. The church organist played traditional songs for the wedding. When the shaman was blessing them and singing a blessing, Native American drummers supplied the background.