Epilogue

 

 

August 18, 1878

B efore the church services began, Pastor Chase announced that afterward he would perform the marriage between Eli Morgan and Blythe Greenly. Those who wished to stay were welcome to attend.

After the service, the wedding party moved to the front. Eli, wearing the suit he wore when he traveled to Rawlins and on the day of the eclipse, stood next to Blythe who wore a gown of pale apricot organza over a muslin shell.

Next to Blythe stood Mary, who agreed to be one of the witnesses.

Next to Eli stood Jason Sewell. Jason and Rand had drawn straws to see who would be Eli’s best man, and Rand drew the short straw.

Rand had grumbled over the loss, but consoled himself out loud that, once the wedding was over, they would be able to enjoy some good food at the reception.

“Remember to allow enough time to write your letters so you can put them in the mail before we board the train tomorrow. You promised.” Eli turned to Blythe with a smile. He kept his voice a whisper. “I’ll explain later so you’ll know what my mother is talking about when she brings up the subject. Trust me, she will.”

Before the wedding itself started, Blythe removed the pewter ring from her finger. “I believe the pastor needs a ring as part of the ceremony.” She handed the ring to Eli.

Eli tucked the ring into his trouser pocket.

The wedding ceremony began. In the appropriate place, the pastor asked about a ring.

Eli turned to Jason and held out his hand.

Jason reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring which he placed on Eli’s palm.

As coached by the pastor, Eli spoke the words of his vows and slid the ring onto Blythe’s finger.

Rounding her eyes, Blythe sucked in a breath as she stared at the ring. Next, she stumbled through the words of her vows.

The pastor finished by announcing that Eli and Blythe were husband and wife. He then gave Eli permission to kiss the bride.

After a kiss so sweet Blythe mourned its end, she sensed people crowding around her and Eli to offer their congratulations. They faded into the background as she held out her hand and wiggled her fingers to better see the wedding band on her hand. It reminded her of the solar corona she had seen framing the black moon during the total darkness of the eclipse. She turned to Eli. “Gold? I thought, under the circumstances, you would use the pewter ring you loaned me on the train.”

“No, my dear, sweet wife.” Eli stooped over and kissed Blythe on her temple. “I knew from the start only gold was good enough for you. I made sure I would give you a gold ring the day we married.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

~o0o0o~

 

 

 

 

 

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Thank you for reading

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This book is a Clean, Sweet Historical Romance. You may find all the books in this series as they are published by searching for

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