The kiss that followed was witnessed by two officials, one lawyer, and five children pressed against the windows, and it was perfect, gentle, and certain, and full of promise. Mr. Carile cleared his throat loudly. Well, that was efficient. I assume you'll want us to perform the ceremony.
We have the authority to marry couples in emergency circumstances, and I'd say this qualifies. How soon? Bo asked, not taking his eyes off Eliza. We could do it right now, actually. We'd need two witnesses who aren't the couple or related to them.
I'll witness. Samuel Hutchkins volunteered immediately. And I'm sure one of the ranch hands could serve as the second witness. Ranch hands are all out in the far pasture today, Bo said. Won't be back until sundown.
Your brother could witness, Eliza said suddenly. Thomas, he wanted to visit anyway, and this way he could be part of it. If someone could ride to Ash Ridge, I'll go, James volunteered, bursting from the house. I'll ride fast, mama. I'll bring him back before supper.
We really should resolve this today, Mr. Carile said. The complaint remains active until we can report back that the situation has been legally rectified. Then James, ride fast, but ride safe, Bo instructed. Bring Thomas back if he's willing.
And tell him, tell him his sister is getting married, and we'd be honored to have him here. James was already running for the barn. His young face split with a grin. The other children spilled out of the house, chattering excitedly, asking a thousand questions at once. Meera attached herself to Eliza's leg with the tenacity of a burr.
"Are you really marrying P? " she demanded. Does that mean you'll be our mama forever and ever? Does that mean nobody can take you away? That's exactly what it means, sweetheart, Eliza said, scooping the little girl up. Forever and ever.
No one can take me away from you. The next few hours passed in a blur of activity. The officials made themselves comfortable on the porch, reviewing paperwork and discussing legal formalities. Matthew and Nathaniel were dispatched to tidy the house. It needs to look nice for a wedding, Nathaniel insisted.