Can you believe it?” Marlene squealed, all but dancing for joy. “After two years of waiting, I’m finally married!”
“Wi’ a home already built and a farm already in operation. Johnny’s worked hard to make ready for his beautiful bride.” Rosalind smiled. “I’m thinking ’twon’t be long before you join your mam and me.” She patted her rounded tummy with affection and looked at Delana, who was two months further along. “Isn’t that right, Mrs. Freimont?”
“Ja.” Delana laughed. “Though I hadn’t thought to bear a babe near the time when my daughter would!”
“It’s a wonderful surprise.” Marlene leaned over her mother’s swollen stomach. “She’s going to be a sister, I think.”
“Not mine.” Rosalind cupped her hands over her own swollen midriff. “I bear a son. Ewan and I—we’ve decided to name him Luke.” Her eyes sparkled more with joy than sorrow, a sign of God’s healing and the passage of time.
“What a wonderful idea!” Mam drew her into a tight clasp, her own eyes looking suspiciously moist. “Luke would hae liked that.”
“Yes, he would.” Marlene reached out to grasp both of their hands. “It’s a lovely gesture, and I’m so happy for you!”
“We’ll speak of it more when the babes are born.” Delana smiled. “For now, we’ve much to celebrate. My daughter, a bride, and Montana declared an official state!”
“Yes. It’s a grand day for a wedding—a day to be remembered.” Johnny came up behind the women to steal a kiss from his blushing bride. “We’re going to blow the anvils now.” They all hurried to the clearing, where Ewan and Johnny carefully overturned one anvil, pouring black gunpowder into the base’s hollow before positioning the second anvil directly atop it. A thin trail of the gunpowder spilled over the side, waiting to be lit.
“And here we go! Everybody step far back, out of the way!” Johnny lit the trail of powder and rushed to Marlene’s side. At that moment, the anvils began to dance, emitting a loud series of sparks until the pressure built up sufficiently to overturn the top anvil with a spectacular boom!
When the gunpowder supply was exhausted—and everyone’s ears rang with the sound of the merry tradition—Ewan stepped forward. Rosalind watched with pride as her husband waited for everyone’s attention and began his speech.
“When I married my beautiful Rosalind o’er a year ago, ’twas a day of great joy. And also one tempered wi’ sorrow wi’ young Luke”—he paused for a moment as several people drew shaky breaths—“gone to heaven. But we know he would hae wanted us to celebrate.”
He broke into a grin. “Now, after a long, patient wait, Johnny and Marlene hae wed on this joyous day. I’m both pleased and honored to speak an old Irish blessing upon their marriage and on all who are gathered here today. If my wife would join me…” He held out his hand, beckoning Rosalind to come to his side.
Surprised, she did so. Suddenly, she knew he’d planned the blessing to be a celebration of their own marriage, as much as Johnny and Marlene’s. Looking into the deep green of his gaze, she spoke the ancient words with him:
“May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons bring
the best to you and yours.”