Mrs. Abernathy sent a buggy for us. Then we shouldn't keep them waiting," Faith replied, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. "Are you ready, sweetheart?" Emma nodded enthusiastically. "I've been ready forever." The ride to the Circle T was magical, with the winter landscape sparkling in the midday sun.
As they approached the ranch, Faith saw dozens of wagons and buggies already parked in the yard, and lanterns hung from every tree leading to the house. Inside the furniture had been moved to create a space for the ceremony in the large living room. A path of evergreen boughs led to where Yates stood before the fireplace with Reverend Collins, looking more handsome than Faith had ever seen him in a new black suit and crisp white shirt. When their eyes met across the room, everything else seemed to fade away. The murmuring guests, the crackling fire, even Emma's excited whispers.
There was only Yates, his green eyes shining with love and promise as she walked toward him on Martha's arm. The ceremony itself passed in a blur of emotion. Faith remembered the warmth of Yates's hands holding hers, the tenderness in his voice as he recited his vows, and the moment when Emma joined them for a special blessing, symbolizing their union as a family. "What God has joined together, let no man put aunder," Reverend Collins declared. "You may kiss your bride." Yates's kiss was gentle, but filled with promise, appropriate for the public setting, yet conveying the depth of his feelings.
When they turned to face their guests as husband and wife, the room erupted in applause and cheers. The celebration continued well into the evening, with tables groaning under the weight of Mrs. Abernathy's feast, music provided by local fiddlers, and dancing in the cleared barn. Faith found herself passed from partner to partner as tradition demanded, but her eyes always sought out Yates, who seemed equally unable to look away from her. As the night grew late, Emma began to droop despite her determination to stay awake for every moment of the celebration.
Faith found her curled in a chair near the fire, fighting to keep her eyes open. Time for bed, I think, Faith said softly, stroking her daughter's hair. But it's my wedding, too, Emma protested sleepily. I want to stay with you and Papa. Yates appeared beside them, kneeling down to Emma's level.
Tell you what, Miss Emma, how about I carry you up to your new room, the blue one we prepared just for you and your mama, and I will both tuck you in. Then tomorrow we'll have a special breakfast, just the three of us, to celebrate our first day as a family. Emma considered this compromise with pancakes. With pancakes, Yates confirmed solemnly. And maple syrup.
Okay, she agreed, holding up her arms to be carried. Yates lifted her easily, and the three of them slipped away from the celebration, climbing the stairs to the second floor of the ranch house. Emma's room was indeed painted a soft blue with a canopied bed that made her gasp with delight despite her exhaustion. "It's like a princess room," she exclaimed as Yates set her down. "For our princess," he replied, exchanging a smile with faith.
Together, they helped Emma change into her night gown, tucked her beneath the quilt Mrs. Abernathy had made specially and listened to her prayers which now included thanks for my new papa and our new home and whistle and meadow who are coming tomorrow. "Good night, sweetheart," Faith whispered, kissing her forehead. "Sleep tight." "Good night, Papa," Emma murmured, already drifting off. "I love you." Yates's voice was husky with emotion as he replied, "I love you, too, Emma, more than you can know." As they quietly closed the door, leaving it slightly a jar so Emma wouldn't wake frightened in the unfamiliar room.
Yates turned to Faith, taking her hands in his. "We should return to our guests," she said softly, though part of her wished they could simply stay in this moment, the three of them in their new home, the rest of the world forgotten. "They'll manage without us for a few minutes," Yates replied, drawing her closer. I haven't had a moment alone with my wife all day. The word wife sent a thrill through Faith.