25

Most of those in attendance at the church had eagerly followed the family to the Madison Bridal School for the wedding of Wade Ackerman and Abrianna Cunningham. Since the wedding was to take place here, it was qute a simple matter to arrange for the chairs to be moved to the garden for all of the guests. People seemed at ease and much happier than they had at he church.

With Priam Welby in custody, the people felt compelled to speak their minds. Abrianna had this on Flora’s assurance. It seemed no one actually liked Priam Welby, and most were ready to testify against him if the opportunity arose.

“Ready?” her father asked.

Abrianna put her hand to her hair one final time. Only moments ago she had worked with Flora to rearrange flowers in her hair instead of the tiara and veil. “Do I look all right?”

He grinned in pride. “You look perfect.”

They began the short walk along the garden’s cobblestoned path. Abrianna had rid herself of what she came to call “The Welby Appurtenances.” Instead, she wore the gown she’d helped to design and make for her wedding to Wade, the one Welby deemed far too plain, the one she now deemed her something new. She traded the beautiful pearl-encrusted heels Welby had insisted on for a pair of simple white satin slippers that Lenore loaned her. It was her something borrowed.

For something old and blue, Abrianna pinned Aunt Miriam’s sapphire broach to the bodice of the gown. The broach had been a gift to Abrianna on her eighteenth birthday. She seldom wore it, but today seemed the perfect opportunity. She wore no additional jewelry, nor would she, until Wade slipped on the emerald and diamond ring that once belonged to his grandmother. Abrianna had taken the ring off when Welby forced his hand, but now she would receive it back for good.

Abrianna tightened her grip on her father’s arm. He smiled down at her in a reassuring manner. After all she’d been through that morning, Abrianna hadn’t thought she’d be nervous to walk the aisle to Wade. But she was. Her old concerns came back to haunt her.

Am I really ready for this?

Lenore, despite her well-rounded figure, walked just before them and turned with a smile when she reached the front where Wade and Kolbein waited with the judge.

Abrianna’s father stopped short of giving her over to Wade. He kissed her cheek. “I love you, Daughter.”

“I love you, Papa.” Tears welled in her eyes. He looked at her in surprise. Abrianna smiled. “I’ve wanted to call you that for a while now. Do you mind?”

His eyes moistened. “Not at all. I’m honored.”

As she was handed over to Wade, Abrianna couldn’t help but shift her attention. Wade’s brown eyes seemed to stare right through to her soul. Goodness, but this man could evoke such a whirlwind of emotion and thought. She trembled at the realization that soon they would be man and wife. She would belong to Wade Ackerman, body and soul. The thought caused her momentary panic. Her earlier misgivings came back to haunt her.

What if I fail at this? I’ve not gained the skills my aunts tried to teach me. I know so very little about running a household or being a wife. She bit her lip. Wade gave her a smile and turned to face the judge as he began the ceremony.

The judge cleared his voice. “Dearly beloved . . .”

Still Abrianna’s doubts continued. I suppose this is my moment of no turning back. Not that I want to. I love Wade, and he loves me. I know I’m meant to be his wife, but I feel so inadequate. I’ve made so many mistakes, and I’m so headstrong. It won’t be at all easy to put aside my will and be obedient. I’ve never been good with obedience, yet now I’m making a vow to obey. Oh, Lord, help me.

Abrianna felt her knees weaken. She couldn’t help but notice the look of love in Wade’s expression. He didn’t seem at all nervous. How was that fair? How was it that he could stand there and be as calm as could be? She drew a deep breath. There was no need to get up in arms about it. Thankfully one of them had their wits about them.

“Will you, Abrianna, have Wade . . .”

Her mind whirled in a dozen directions at once. What if this turned out to be a bad idea? What if Welby’s money somehow tainted the ceremony?

Oh, I’m being so ridiculous, Abrianna berated herself. I’m marrying my best friend, and God’s blessing is greater than any curse given by Priam Welby.

The judge cleared his voice and leaned forward. “You need to say, ‘I do.’”

Abrianna startled. Realizing she hadn’t been paying attention, she nodded. “I do.”

She looked to Wade and then back to the judge. “Sorry.”

The judge continued. Wade squeezed her hand, and Abrianna felt her tension fade just a bit. He had so much patience when it came to dealing with her. How like him to put aside all of her mistakes and poor judgments and devote the rest of his life to her. God knew she had pushed him to the limit more than once, yet Wade continued to accept her—to love her, flaws and all. A rush of tears came unbidden, and Abrianna fought to keep her emotions in check. She didn’t deserve the love Wade offered her, but she intended to take it and be as worthy of it as possible.

The ceremony concluded with Wade securing the ring on her finger and pledging her his all. “You may kiss your bride,” the judge said with a fatherly smile of approval.

Wade took her face in his hands. “I’ve wanted to do this all day.” He kissed her with great tenderness, and Abrianna felt a surge of wonder rush over her. They were really and truly married and would spend the rest of their lives together. The marvel of it all made her head spin. Or maybe it was the kiss.

The wedding attendees surprised Abrianna by applauding. For a moment she and Wade pulled apart and gazed out at the people. Wade chuckled and put his arm around Abrianna’s waist. “It would seem they approve,” he whispered in her ear.

“I feel as though we’re on the stage and have just completed Act I. Who ever heard of applauding at a wedding? Goodness, is this to become the new tradition?” She felt her cheeks grow hot.

Aunt Miriam was the first to come to their side. She kissed Abrianna on the cheek and then did the same for Wade. “I couldn’t be more pleased.”

“Nor could I,” Aunt Selma declared and embraced Abrianna and then Wade. “You two make the most beautiful couple. I don’t think I’ve ever seen two people better suited to each other.”

Aunt Poisie wasn’t to be left out. “I am happier than I have been in years. You two are meant for each other.” Her eyes seemed to sparkle with the joy she clearly felt. “I could only be happier had my beloved Jonathan been in attendance. God rest his soul.”

“Amen,” Aunt Miriam and Selma murmured.

Poisie shrugged. “But we shan’t contemplate our sorrows. This is your day, and though it started on a most disparaging note, it has been redeemed. What man meant for evil, God meant for good.”

“Indeed,” Abrianna’s father declared. He stepped forward to join them with Eloise on his arm. “I never thought I’d live to see this day.” His eyes met Abrianna’s. “Your mama would have been real proud.”

Abrianna felt a momentary ache in her heart at the mention of her mother. She had reflected on her the night before, wondering if she would have had any sage advice to offer Abrianna. Again, doubts began to creep in. Lenore had told Abrianna that her mother had gone on and on about the proper duties of a wife to her husband and household the night before her marriage to Kolbein. Having grown up in a bridal school, Abrianna felt certain she should already know these things, but for the life of her she couldn’t remember much at all. Perhaps it was the gravity of her ordeal with Welby, or maybe it had something to do with her never paying serious attention to her aunts’ instruction. Whatever the reason, Abrianna could only pray that God’s mercy would extend to bridal etiquette and wifely instruction.

She gave a heavy sigh. “I don’t even remember how he takes his coffee.”

“What did you say, dear?” Aunt Selma asked.

It was only then that Abrianna realized she’d spoken aloud. She looked at Wade, fearful he had heard, but he seemed completely oblivious in his conversation with Poisie. She turned her attention back to her aunt. “It wasn’t important.”

Abrianna and Wade very quickly found themselves unable to move as the rest of the congregation surrounded them to offer their best wishes. Abrianna wanted nothing more than to sit down and contemplate all that she had faced that day, perhaps even talk it out with Wade, but there was no time. As soon as the guests moved away, Aunt Miriam directed Abrianna and Wade to take the back stairs up to the ballroom. “We will direct the guests up the main stairs momentarily. I’ve arranged for the chairs to be moved back upstairs, and once everyone is assembled we can begin the breakfast.” She left them without waiting for a reply.

Abrianna sighed. The day was nowhere near to being over.

“I’d like to think that was a sigh of happiness, but I’m pretty sure it’s more along the lines of exhaustion,” Wade said, his expression one of sympathy.

“It has been an extremely fatiguing day. I must say I never figured to be wed to you like this.” Her brow furrowed. “Not that I’m unhappy, mind you. I just think it most unusual. I barely slept last night. I was terrified that I’d never get Welby to admit to his wrongdoings. Then at the church I was almost certain that I would lose my nerve and make a mess of everything. Then there was Aunt Poisie and the hammer. Goodness, did you ever imagine she could do something like that? I might have expected it from Aunt Selma or Aunt Miriam. Both of them have been active in the discipline of students and dealt with strong-willed husbands, but Poisie’s demeanor has always been more timid and—” She couldn’t finish her thought because Wade pulled her into his arms and kissed her again. This time the kiss was more passionate and held the promise of more to come.

“There. I thought that might quiet you.” Wade let go his hold. “You think too much.”

Abrianna looked at him for a moment and nodded. “You are right on that account. I am sorry. I’m afraid it’s just one more of my flaws you will have to bear up under. You know full well that I am given over to contemplating matters in great detail.”

“So much so that you very nearly missed completing your vows.”

“I am sorry for that, too. I’m afraid I can hardly think clearly, and when my mind is like this, I do tend to ramble on and on. You know that, as well.”

“I do know that. And that is why I’m prepared to kiss you into silence as much as possible.” He chuckled and took hold of her hand. “Of course, I also enjoy listening to you and hearing your thoughts on the world at large. Right now, however, I believe our wedding guests are waiting to toast us.”

“I wish we could just be done with all of these formalities. I’d much rather skip the nonsense and just get on with . . . well . . .” She fell silent, realizing that Wade might take her comment to mean that she was overly desirous to get him alone. She bit her lower lip and dared to raise her eyes to his.

“Well? You were saying?” His arched brow and grin were enough to leave Abrianna feeling mortified and more nervous than before. She felt her face grow hot.

Shaking her head, she drew in a deep breath and wished the ground might open and swallow her up. “I think I’ve sufficiently put my foot in my mouth. No need to continue.”

He roared with laughter and pulled her along with him through the back door of the house. They made their way up the two flights of stairs and finally reached the crowded ballroom. Aunt Selma quickly came to their side and guided them to the head table.

Abrianna slipped into a seat beside Lenore and sighed. “I am completely exhausted. Goodness, but I’ve never known a more demanding day. It would surely have been easier to help re-lay the streets of Seattle.”

Lenore smiled and reached over to take hold of Abrianna’s hand. “But not as rewarding. I’m so happy for you and Wade. The baby is, too. He’s not stopped doing somersaults since you said, ‘I do.’”

“Do you suppose he really knows what’s going on? Goodness, but now you have me referring to the baby as he.”

“My guess is that he feels my joy,” Lenore replied. “That is enough to please him, I’m sure. I can hardly believe this day has finally come. It seems just yesterday you were attending me at my wedding, and now I’ve been able to do the same for you. We are no longer schoolgirls, but wives.”

“And soon you will be a mother,” Abrianna said, smiling.

“And you might well be one soon yourself. Wouldn’t that be amazing if you found yourself with child right away?”

Abrianna swallowed hard and nodded. Amazing wasn’t the only word that came to mind. The idea of the intimacies to come and the consequences of such times left her feeling rather shaken. Aunt Miriam had sat her down to discuss the details of wedded intimacy only moments before the wedding ceremony. She apologized to Abrianna for the brusque and blatant manner of explanation but assured her things would take their course, and there was really little more she needed to know, since men most often had a natural instinct about such things. Abrianna was aware of some things related to marriage, but hearing them from Aunt Miriam left her with more questions than answers.

Her father interrupted her thoughts by calling for everyone’s attention. Abrianna turned from Lenore and focused on what her father had to say.

“I want to offer a blessing on the happy couple.” He smiled at Abrianna, and she thought she glimpsed the sheen of tears in his eyes. “I wasn’t able to watch my daughter grow up, but seeing the beautiful and accomplished young woman she’s become, I have to say that I could not have done a better job. I know her mother would praise the three ladies who took Abrianna as their own and raised her into the perfect young woman she’s become.”

Abrianna dropped her gaze to her hands. Perfect wasn’t a word she often found associated with herself. Her father was kind to suggest such a thing, but she knew better. Misgivings regarding her ability to make Wade happy continued to grow, and Abrianna began to doubt if she’d make it through the meal without being ill.

Her father concluded his comments just then. “Wade and Abrianna, I wish you only happiness. I pray a blessing on your marriage. I pray that your life together will be one of harmony and trust. That you will give each other the benefit of doubt in times of difficulty and that you will be stalwart in your support and defense of each other. Above all, I pray that you will trust God with your every need.” He raised his glass. “May your love endure all of life’s trials.”

There were murmurs of approval from the audience as they shared in the toast. Abrianna felt Wade take hold of her hand.

“You’re trembling,” he said in a barely audible voice. “And your fingers are like ice.”

“This is a most prodigious time for me. My entire life has just changed, and the impact of it is quite overwhelming.” He squeezed her hand, but she couldn’t bring herself to look at him.

There were so many blessings offered that Abrianna lost track of the words and the time. The food was served, and as Priam Welby had demanded, it proved to be the finest cuisine available. Tray after tray of savory meats were offered, along with beautifully prepared dishes of tantalizing concoctions that Abrianna couldn’t even identify. How was a person supposed to know if she wanted to try something if she didn’t know what it was?

Biting into a delicate puffed pastry with salmon mousse, Abrianna realized she was quite famished. The tightness in her stomach eased as she continued to eat. A light supper the previous evening had been her last meal, and now it was nearly eleven o’clock. Despite not knowing what had been put on her plate by the white-coated serving staff, Abrianna dug in with such gusto that even Wade noticed.

“Why are you eating so fast? You still in a hurry to get me alone?”

She choked for a moment, coughing and sputtering in a most embarrassing manner. Taking a quick sip from her glass, Abrianna worried that someone might have overheard him. Glancing around, she was relieved to see that no one seemed to have heard. She finally looked at Wade and found him grinning. “I’m hungry,” she admitted, trying to hide her embarrassment. “After all I’ve been through, surely I deserve a decent meal.”

He chuckled. “And here I thought it was passion, not starvation that guided your heart.”

“You’re impossible,” she said. “As if this day wasn’t stressful enough, your teasing is about to be my undoing.”

A small orchestra had been arranged at the far end of the room and began to offer strains of beautiful music to add to the pleasure of the meal. Abrianna remembered that Welby had intended there to be dancing, but she hoped that Wade wouldn’t expect her to spend the afternoon in such activity. Her anxiety was fading in the face of exhaustion. All she really wanted was a long nap. She raised her napkin to her lips to hide a yawn. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice.

Abrianna finished her plate of food, and as she did, Aunt Miriam appeared and motioned the couple to follow her. Grateful to do something other than endure the gazes of the wedding attendees as she did her best to hide her fatigue, Abrianna allowed Wade to help her to her feet. They followed Aunt Miriam down the back stairs to the first floor.

“As you know,” she began, without any hint of discomfort, “it is tradition for the bridal couple to leave the breakfast for a time . . . alone.” She drew her hands together as if she were about to recite a poem or sing a song. “It stems from days of old when it was important to offer proof of a bride’s virtue, as well as to solidify the marriage contract with consummation.” She gave them a nod. “I will return to attend the party. Wade, I trust you can take over from here.”

“Of course,” he replied, throwing Abrianna an amused wink.

Without another word, Aunt Miriam took her leave. Abrianna watched her hurry back up the stairs and disappear. She looked up at Wade and shook her head. “Well, I wasn’t expecting that.”

He touched her cheek and chuckled. “And what were you expecting?”

She shrugged. “I don’t suppose I know. I’ve been to many a wedding breakfast or brunch, but I’ve never really paid much attention to what became of the bride and groom.” She frowned. “Do they really expect that we would . . . that you and I . . . well, do they really expect that? While they all just sit there and eat and wait? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anything more appalling.”

He drew her close. “Let them expect or presume whatever they will. We’re married now, and it doesn’t matter.” He led her through the kitchen and out the back door.

“Where are we going?”

Abrianna had faced many ordeals and trials in her life with great strength and boldness, but the idea of what was soon to come left her feeling weak and uncertain. At least she wasn’t focused on her exhaustion anymore, but this was hardly better.

Wade didn’t stop walking until they had reached the carriage house. “I thought you might like to see your new home.”

“My new home?”

“It was your father’s idea. He talked to me just before the wedding when the elders approached me to let me know they still wanted me in the pulpit. Apparently the congregation was in no way concerned that any of the previous charges were based in truth. Anyway, he thought it might be easier if we took the carriage house for our home until we could decide where we wanted to live. Your father moved his things to a room in the main house while you were preparing yourself for the ceremony. And although I’m not supposed to know it, Eloise took it upon herself to spruce up the place for us.”

“She did?” She looked him in amazement. “That was most industrious of her. Very kind, too.”

“Indeed. Would you like to see for yourself what they did?”

She looked over her shoulder, remembering what her aunt had said about giving them time alone. “I suppose it’s expected.”

He laughed and took hold of her hand. “Don’t sound so excited.” Together they climbed the steps. At the top, Wade pushed open the door and surprised Abrianna by whisking her into his arms. “Time to carry you across the threshold.”

“Wait!” Abrianna put her hand on his arm. “I have something to say.”

He nodded with a lopsided grin. “You usually do. Go on.”

“Well, I know that I treated you very badly in that Welby ordeal. I felt I had to do what I did, but it grieved me to hurt you. I was overcome with sorrow at the very idea of causing you pain and perhaps even losing you.”

“You could never lose me, Abrianna. Haven’t you figured that out yet?”

She smiled. “I’m beginning to see that, but I want you to know that even when I thought it hopeless and could see no way out but to marry Mr. Welby, I was thinking of you and the great love I held for you.” She reached down and pulled up the hem of her wedding gown. “I stitched our initials into the hem. See?”

He looked at the material. “Where?”

“I did the stitching to match the color of the gown so that no one would readily notice. You see, I thought if nothing else, I would have that part of us. I would wear the gown I had planned to wear for our wedding, although it would be covered over with all that other nonsense of lace and beading, and our initials would be forever joined in the gown. You were always there in my heart, Wade. You always will be.”

He looked again at the stitching. “I see it now. A and W and another A.” He lifted his eyes to her face. “You never cease to amaze me, Abrianna Cunningham . . . Ackerman.”

“I just wanted you to know . . . in case . . . well, should I prove to be a disappointment to you or fail to be the wife you had hoped for.”

“You are already exactly the wife I hoped for, Abrianna. I was so terrified of Welby hurting you. I hated that you had to go through all that you did on my account, but I also admired you for your strength. I love you, and nothing else matters now but that we’re together.”

“Well, like I said. I just wanted you to know.”

He kissed her on the nose and chuckled. “There’s something that I want you to know, as well.”

She straightened just a bit in his arms, quite curious. “And what’s that?”

He leaned close to whisper against her ear. “I like my coffee black with just a little sugar.”

Her eyes widened. “You heard that?” She groaned and shook her head. “I am completely mortified. It seems I am always to be making a scene and embarrassing myself and my loved ones. Perhaps with you by my side, I will somehow manage to do better and elude trouble, but it’s doubtful.”

Wade gave her a little toss into the air, eliciting a squeal. She grabbed for his neck. He laughed heartily and tightened his hold. “Ah, Abrianna, trouble just naturally seems to find you, but you needn’t be self-conscious or mortified. I’m your husband and best friend. I came into this knowing full well what I was in for.” He pressed his mouth to hers for a rather quick kiss before adding, “Besides, what fun would it be if you didn’t always keep me guessing what you will do next?”

“Well, you did promise me we would have fun.” Feeling her tensions ease, she relaxed her hold and her fingers lightly stroked the hair at the nape of his neck.

“I did, didn’t I? Well, then I say we get on with it.” He crossed the threshold without further delay. “Welcome home, Mrs. Ackerman.”