Page 62 of Wagon Train Hope
She hurried away as he closed the door. Now to go to thechurch. Leading her horse, she crossed the street. No one hung about outside, which made it possible for her to sneak in without anyone alerting Mr. Harrison. In front of the white, steeple-topped building, she wrapped the reins around the hitching rail, reached back for the one thing she thought would make a difference, and slipped inside.
Walt and Miss Harrison stood before a man she assumed was the preacher. His mussed hair and crooked jacket indicated he’d been pulled from his slumbers.
Mr. Harrison still stood behind Walt, his rifle still aimed at his back. “Let’s get this done. I got chores to do.”
Every eye was on the four at the front. No one noted her entrance. A floorboard squeaked as she made her way forward, but no one turned to see what caused the sound.
She eased to the side, behind Mr. Harrison, and jabbed her rifle into his back. Two could play this game. “Mr. Miller isn’t marrying anyone against his will. Now put that gun down unless you want a hole the size of the Rockies blasted through your middle.” He didn’t know if she had a small-bore rifle or a shotgun and hopefully, wasn’t willing to find out the hard way.
Gabe jumped forward and relieved the startled man of his gun.
The stunned silence was shattered by the rattle of the door being thrown open. Heavy footsteps rushed up the aisle, and every eye turned toward the newest visitor.
Irene grinned as Mr. O’Conner strode forward, his steps ringing on the wooden floor, his features hard-set. He looked to neither the left nor the right, his attention wholly on Miss Harrison.
He stopped three feet from her. “Faith, I don’t aim to let ya marry a stranger. I been meaning to ask ya to marry me, but ya never gave me a chance.” He took her hands. “Faith Harrison, would ya do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
She shrugged, though the glow on her face made it clear his offer pleased her. “Why not?”
Irene stifled a snort. Didn’t seem the girl was as indifferent as she tried to sound.
Mr. O’Conner spoke to the preacher. “I’d be well pleased if you do it now.”
The preacher surveyed the assembly. “Does anyone object?”
No one did. Even Mr. Harrison was stunned into silence.
Irene lowered her rifle but remained close by as she witnessed the strangest wedding ceremony she’d ever seen. The bride wore a pink nightdress with a gray woolen shawl around her shoulders. Her hair hung in tangles down her back.
The groom sported a wild thatch of red hair and a wide grin.
Where was the younger Miss Harrison? Was she aware of her older sister’s nefarious plans? Irene shook away her curiosity. It was a strange family, but she wished Mr. O’Conner the best. He’d need it.
Walt stood to the side, but she couldn’t meet his gaze because doing so would leave her weak and unable to stand her ground.
“You may kiss the bride,” the preacher said, having spoken the necessary words and signed the papers to make this union legal.
The pair kissed long and hard. Then, Mr. O’Conner took his bride’s hand and led her from the building.
As he exited, Mr. Harrison shook his head and mumbled something about people being crazy.
No one was crazier than the man himself, but Irene held back the comment.
No one else moved.
The preacher cleared his throat, the sound echoing in thesilence. “Appears you had the wrong bride,” he said to Walt. “The right one is here.” He nodded toward Irene. “Miss, are you ready to marry him while I’m in the marrying mood?”
Walt crooked his arm toward her—an invitation for her to go to his side.
It was almighty tempting to join her life to this man whom she loved. But he’d never said anything about his feelings for her. To jump willingly into a shotgun wedding didnotsit well.
She wanted more. She wanted to be valued, not simply accepted.
Shedeservedmore.
Filling her lungs with strength-giving air, she shook her head. “Not today, thanks.” Her head high, she marched down the aisle and straight to her horse, ignoring Ma’s call and closing her mind to Walt’s stunned expression.
Walt stared after Irene.Almost married twice before breakfast. His world had gone crazy. Or at least some of the people in it.
