Levi, in his quiet way, picked wild flowers from the areas around the garden and fashioned them into a simple bouquet. And Meera insisted on helping Eliza change into her church dress, the good blue cotton that had belonged to Catherine. "Mama Catherine would want you to wear it," Meera said seriously, smoothing the fabric. "She'd be happy that P found you. She'd want him to be happy again. " "Do you really think so? " Eliza asked, her throat tight with emotion.
I know so, Mera said with the absolute certainty of childhood. I asked her last night in my prayers and she told me. She said to tell you thank you for taking care of us and that she's glad we're going to be a real family now. Eliza gathered the little girl close, tears streaming down her face. I'm glad, too, baby girl.
So very glad. Thomas arrived just as the sun was beginning its descent toward the mountains, dusty from the ride and wideeyed at the chaos he'd entered. James had explained the situation during the journey, so he came prepared with congratulations and barely contained excitement. "You're happy? " he asked Eliza privately, searching her face for any sign of doubt. "This is what you want more than anything? " Eliza assured him.
I know it probably seems rushed and under strange circumstances, but Thomas, I love him. I love this family. This is where I belong. Then I'm happy for you, Thomas said, pulling her into a hug. You deserve this, Eliza.
After everything P and Ma put you through, after everything this town said about you, you deserve to be loved. The ceremony itself was simple but profound. They gathered in front of the house as the sunset painted the sky in impossible colors. The whole family arranged around them. Mr.
Carile spoke the words with surprising gentleness, his official formality softening in the face of such obvious affection. Do you, Borugard Thatcher, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health? As long as you both shall live. I do, Bo said clearly, his eyes never leaving Eliza's face. And do you, Eliza Morland, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?
I do, Eliza whispered, her voice thick with tears. By the authority granted to me by the territory of New Mexico, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride. The kiss was witnessed by five cheering children, one beaming brother, two pleased officials, and one satisfied lawyer, and it felt like sealing a promise that had been made weeks ago, but was only now being formalized. When they broke apart, Bo rested his forehead against hers and murmured, "Hello, Mrs.
Thatcher. " "Hello, Mr. Thatcher," Eliza replied, laughing through her tears. The children swarmed them immediately, demanding hugs and attention and reassurance that this meant everything was settled now, that mama was theirs forever, that the mean lady from town couldn't take her away. Eliza held each one, promised them everything they needed to hear, felt the last piece of her broken heart click into place. After the officials and Samuel Hutchkins had departed, taking with them official documentation of the marriage that would close Mrs.