Page 70 of A Wanderer's Redemption
I hand her the reins once my feet are on the ground and walk up to the main doors, only to find them locked. Refusing to be deterred, I walk around the building until I find another entrance in the back. Knocking on the door, I smile when I hear someone heading my way. An older gentleman opens the door, still fastening one of the buttons on his shirt.
“How can I help you, young man?”
“I am in need of your services, Sir, and I know this is inconvenient and oddly timed, but I need you to help me keep the love of my life.”
He chuckles lightly before looking around to where Jessica is sitting on the horse. “Well, I agree with everything you have said, but does this love of yours feel the same way?”
“She just told me so, and I don’t want to wait any longer in case she changes her mind. She needs to be mine in all ways, and you are the only one who can do that for me.”
“How do you expect me to do that, son?”
“I need you to marry us … now.”
“A man used to getting what he wants, I see. Let’s go talk to this love of yours and see how she feels about all this.”
I follow behind him with a frown on my face, realizing I should have handled this a little differently. I see Jessica look down at me when he approaches her.
“Young lady, are you here willingly?”
“Oh yes, Sir! Why would you think otherwise?”
“This gentleman here seemed a bit pushy, and I was worried you had been coaxed into being here. Is there a reason you two are in such a hurry? This is a big step that should be thought through thoroughly and without hesitation.”
For a minute, I almost panic, thinking she is going to tell him she isn’t sure, only to close my eyes and shake my head when she finally opens her mouth.
“Sir, we have been living as husband and wife for weeks now due to circumstances neither of us could control. We have not consummated the relationship, but we have lied to everyone around us. No sin is greater than the other, but I would like to hold my head up in public. I do love Reggie, and I believe we could have a good life together, even if we come from different backgrounds.”
“Well then, let’s get your house in order. Young man, if you would help her off this large animal, I will meet you two at the altar.”
I reach up, sliding her down my chest with a huge smile on my face, only to lower my head, tucking it into her neck, laughing. “I can’t believe you said consummate to the preacher.”
Jess smacks my chest playfully, “It just slipped out.”
I’m still laughing when we hear the front doors unlock. Standing there with Jessica’s hand in mine, I vow before God to love her always. When it comes to her turn to say I do, I hold my breath, praying she doesn’t run, only to hear her say the words loud and strong. Her hair is a mess, even has a few pieces of straw still stuck in it, her old brown dress is wrinkled, but I know I’ll remember the look on her face right now for the rest of my days. When he asks if I have a ring, I reach into my pocket and pull outthe one I’d given her on the train, slipping it back on, only for her to smile up at me. The next thing I know, he says, ‘You may kiss the bride.’
Picking her up, I spin her around, kissing all over her face while we both laugh like kids in the middle of the church. The preacher, clearing his throat as he tries to hide his laughter, motions for us to come over to the registry so we can make it official. I sign my name, then hand the fountain pen to Jess, watching every letter until it’s complete.
“I will have a copy for you to keep in your records in a few days. I wish you two the very best in life, and I will say you have made this wedding quite memorable for all of us.”
I pick Jess up, carrying her through the open church doors, kissing her once again before placing her on the horse. Since the livery is only a few blocks away, I decide to walk as I fight to calm my body down, my mind conjuring up all the things I want to do to her now that she is mine.
“Jess, Honey, I need to drop this mild-mannered man off and pick up Bells before we head out. Remind me, dear, that we need to acquire a horse for you so that we will have two we can ride back and forth if we need to.”
“I will have to get Zeus’ approval.”
Before we know it, we are back on Bells and heading to our home. I am so excited to show her the cabin that I swear I could pick Bells up and carry both of them faster that way. But the wait is worth it when we clear the tree line, and Jess gasps at the sight before us.
CHAPTER 29
REGGIE
Sitting in the middle of a huge wildflower field is a medium-sized cabin with a double porch and what appears to be a loft or second story. Large mountains frame the flat acres all around, yet you can see for miles. Little Henry is standing in the back of one of the wagons, holding what appears to be nails, while Marcus and Jacob fix the siding on the small barn. When he sees us, his face lights up, and he waves frantically. I lean down slightly as Bells walks toward the cabin slowly.
“Welcome home, Honey.”
“Is this really ours, Reggie?”
“Sure is! It needs some work, but the bones are good, and the dirt is rich. We can make a good life here, Jess. I can’t wait for you to see the inside.”
