Page 74 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
“Olivia, wait.”
She turned at the sound of her name. Riley jogged across the street and joined her. His air rushed in and out as if he’d run a great distance.
“I’m sorry about your house, Riley. You’re right. I’m not suitable as ranch wife.” She’d thought long and hard about what she’d do.
He closed the distance between them and pressed his fingers to her lips. “Let me say what I’ve come to say and then maybe you’ll change your mind.”
She wondered what change he meant but nodded and waited for him to explain. When he was done, she’d tell him her decision.
“Olivia, I went for a long ride.”
Again, she nodded. This was nothing she didn’t know.
“I needed time to think and pray. I’ve been afraid to love, fearing it would mean pain and loss.” His chuckle seemed both mocking and light. “I was afraid to open my heart and once you made your way in despite my resistance, I was afraid living out here would put you at risk.”
“You were correct… only it was your house that was in danger.”
He stopped her again with firm fingers to her lips. “What I came to realize this morning is there are no guarantees in life except for one. God is with us every step of the way.” He lowered his fingers and smiled at her. “And this one truth, that love is worth any risk. Olivia, please reconsider and stay. Let’s get married and begin our life together, joined in love for each other and trust in God.”
Her heart filled with joy at his words, and she sniffled. “If I leave, you can find a woman who suits you better.”
He tipped her head back. “I don’t want another woman. I want you. Please don’t go.”
Encouraged by her confession, she decided to tell him her plan. “Riley, I came to town to order a new stove for you. I planned to stay and convince you that my love is strong enough to survive any challenges life hands it.”
He stared at her. “Really?”
“Really and truly.”
He whooped. “I love you.” He drew her into the shadow of the store where they could hope for privacy.
The smile she bestowed on him stung her eyes. “Riley Shannon, I love you.”
He kissed her slowly, gently but completely as their hearts reached out and became one.
EPILOGUE
Olivia understood that Riley wanted them to marry immediately and agreed wholeheartedly. The ceremony had been put off long enough.
Riley arranged for the preacher to come out and perform the ceremony at the ranch. She couldn’t have asked for a better setting for her marriage or better guests.
But over the days since they’d become husband and wife, she’d planned a surprise for him, and everything was in place for it to happen Sunday. Honor, Gwen, and Mrs. Bennet, along with Alfred had helped with the details. All any of the others knew was that Olivia had planned a concert for the afternoon.
The furniture in the living room had been pushed back. Matt and Luke had brought over extra chairs. Alfred had asked to be the master of ceremonies and Olivia had readily agreed. As soon as everyone was seated, he stood before them.
“Friends, not only is this a concert, but it’s an occasion to celebrate Olivia and Riley’s marriage. As her oldest friend—if I may call myself that?”
Olivia nodded. “Absolutely.”
He cleared his throat. “I’d like to say a few words about her. Olivia lost her parents when she was ten and her aunt and uncle gave her a home, so I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow from a confused, hurting little girl to a strong-minded, kind young lady. I was angry when people who knew her and should never have believed lies about her, chose to do so. I confess, I wasn’t in favor of her moving west to marry a man she’d never met but I acknowledge that God has worked in her life to give her love, a family, a husband, and a home. Now let us hear the music we’ve come here for.” He gave Olivia a courtly bow.
She sat at the piano stool but turned toward her audience. “I only plan to play one song. It’s one I composed in Riley’s honor. I hope you hear the joy in this piece. With apologies to Ludwig van Beethoven, I call mine My Ode to Joy.” The music she played flowed straight from her heart. She’d tried to portray the beauty, the blessing, and the love she’d found here. She finished and remained facing the piano, waiting for a response from her audience.
There was clapping. Several called out, “That was beautiful.”
Riley caught her shoulders, turned her around, and pulled her to her feet. “Olivia, that was amazing and wonderful.” The catch in his voice convinced her she’d conveyed the joy she hoped to. He kissed her gently, ignoring the watchful audience.
“I have one more gift for you.” She went to her easel and removed the white bedsheet that had covered it for more than a week. The painting she had done was now visible to all.
