Page 16 of Colorado Bride

“I see.Well, never let it be said that Hank Richardson stood in the way of what could be true love.”

Ben chortled.

“Ha!Not likely.”

Emily was too nervous about getting married to argue the point.

When they’d been married for a while and knew each other well, then she might wonder at the validity of Ben’s statement.

“Now, Ben,” said the judge.“Don’t let the past color your future.You got darn lucky to my way of thinking.”

“You’re probably right, Hank.Let’s get this wedding going.”

“Roberta!”hollered the judge.

An attractive woman with graying brown hair and wearing a dress the color of peaches, entered the room.

“Do you have to yell every time you want me?Oh, hi Ben.Who is that with you?”

“This is Emily Loring.She and I are getting married if you and Bobby can stand witness for us.”

“Hi, Mrs.Richardson.Nice to meet you.”

“You too, dear, and we’d be pleased to witness your nuptials.Let me go get him.”

She disappeared through the doorway she’d entered.

The judge went over to the desk and began to write on a piece of paper there.

“I need your full names, please…for the marriage certificate.”

“Benjamin Joseph Logan.”

“Emily Jeanette Loring.”

Shortly, Mrs.Richardson returned with a tall young man, with spectacles and curly brown hair.He towered over his mother.

“Are you ready now?”asked the judge.

Ben gently squeezed Emily’s hand.

“We’re ready.”

She nodded.

“Yes, your honor.”

“Just call me Hank.Unless, of course, you’re in my courtroom,” said the judge genially.“Now, you two stand right where you are, Roberta and Bobby will stand next to you.”

He watched everyone get into place.“Yes, that’s right.Let’s begin.Dearly beloved…do you Ben, take this woman, Emily to be your lawful wife, to have and to hold, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health and to keep yourself only unto her for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

The judge repeated the vows for Emily.

“I do,” she responded.

“Ben, do you have a ring?”