Page 71 of Wagon Train Song
“He’s excited about the wedding.”
“And the promise,” she reminded him. “He’s talked of nothing else for three days.”
“We’ll take care of him.”
It was a promise she knew she could count on.
They trekked into town. Three wagons, three riders, and two families soon to become one.
Joe said he would stay with the wagons while the others found a church or judge where Marnie and Gabe could get married.
“Ma?” Bertie’s voice was high.
“Yes, Bertie.”Please don’t run away now.
“Papa give Hazel to Peter.”
“That’s right.” It seemed a strange question.
“Who give you to Gabe?”
“I—” How to explain it wasn’t necessary?
“I do?”
“Oh, Bertie, I would love for you to do that.”
Her daughters and Gabe’s sons circled around them, a protective band, as they went in search of the preacher.
The church was easy to find with its white steeple. The preacher was home and happy to perform a marriage ceremony.
Bertie insisted they do it right. So, Gabe and his sons stood at the altar, the girls waiting on the opposite side while Bertie escorted Marnie up the aisle. He took her hand and held it to Gabe.
“I give her you.”
Marnie blinked back tears. She would not cry on this joyous occasion. And she wouldn’t look at the girls for fear she’d see tears and it would be her undoing.
Gabe clamped a hand to Bertie’s shoulder. “Thank you. It’s a most precious gift.”
With Bertie behind them, they exchanged vows. The preacher had been forewarned as to what to expect, so after he’d declared them husband and wife, he extended the Bible toward Gabe.
Gabe placed his palm on the black cover. “I, Gabe Miller, in the presence of these people and before God Almighty, do solemnly promise that Bertie has today become my son and my forever friend. So help me God.”
Bertie clapped. He laughed. He patted Gabe on the back.
Marnie and Gabe could barely sign the formal documents for all the cheering and laughing. They stood before everyone until they quieted.
Then the preacher said, “I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Miller.”
Gabe pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “My wife and my joy.”
With shouts of congratulations, they exited the church.
Bertie stopped in the middle of the street and turned.
Marnie’s breath stalled. Would he see strangers and a strange place and run?
Irene noticed his hesitation and signaled the others to crowd around him and prevent his fleeing.
