Epilogue
"Where is he?" Sam demanded. "How am I supposed to have a wedding without a Best Man?" Standing by the window he looked out over the swarm of wedding guests and his face blanched.
"Relax, Sam." Scott grinned. "Johnny just had to calm his nerves a little. You'd think he was the one getting married instead of you. He just took Barranca out for a run, he'll be back."
"Well, he could have taken me with him," Sam muttered. "This is insanity. I should never have allowed this to get so far out of hand. I'm an old man, I don't need this kind of …"
"Pomp and circumstance?" Scott supplied, not without a touch of pity for the doctor. "I'm afraid Teresa got a little carried away."
"A little? There must be two hundred people down there."
"Two hundred seventy-five at last count. Face it, Sam, you are a popular man. Everyone wants to share this day with you."
There was one tap on the door and Murdoch swung the door open, three glasses and a bottle of his finest bourbon in his hand.
"I thought you might need some liquid courage, my friend," he said sympathetically.
"Murdoch, I don't think I've ever been more sure of anything in my life, or more scared."
"Relax." Murdoch chuckled. "This is exactly how it's supposed to feel. When I married Catherine, I thought the ground itself was going to open and swallow me."
Scott's hand froze as he lifted his glass to his lips. His father seldom spoke of his mother…his heart beat faster at the prospect of hearing something about them together.
"I knew she was the one, the only person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with." Murdoch glanced over at Scott and saw the rapt expression on his face. How could he have not told his son more about the lovely woman that was his mother? He nodded, almost imperceptibly, and Scott returned the nod. They would talk…very soon.
"I don't remember much of the ceremony," Murdoch continued. "Just that I had only a few acquaintances there, the rest were Catherine's family and friends. And not all of them were happy with her choice of husbands. But it didn't matter. I had my Catherine.
"Ah, but you, my friend, have a lifetime of friends who want to make this the most special day of your life. Embrace the moment, Sam, make it the most memorable of your life."
All three men toasted.
"How do you think Mabel is doing? This is her second marriage and…"
"I'm sure she is just as nervous as you are, Sam." Scott downed the last of his drink and handed the empty glass to Murdoch. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have to get dressed for a wedding."
Sam and Murdoch watched Scott close the door behind him. "You have two wonderful boys, Murdoch. You are a man blessed."
Murdoch nodded. "I thank God each and every day for bringing them back to me."
There was a discreet knock at the door and when both men called, "Come in." Teresa popped her head in. "The minister just arrived. Everything is right on schedule. Sam, in about an hour you will hear the music start and that is your cue to come outside. You know the rest, we've rehearsed it enough."
Murdoch walked over to the door. "We'll be there," he said with a chuckle. "Have you seen Johnny yet? Sam is getting a bit worried."
"Noting to worry about, Sam," Teresa grinned, her face flushed with excitement. "He'll be here. You know Johnny."
"All too well," Sam grumbled.
***
Johnny saw the Lancer arch growing closer and his heart beat faster the nearer he got to home. Everything had worked so perfectly, so far…and that worried him. Nothing that involved Johnny Madrid Lancer ever ran smoothly. He was like a magnet to trouble, one of the reasons he knew Sam Jenkins so well.
But in the past five months, life seemed to settle down. He had spent four weeks in bed, on his best behavior, with the prospect of a wedding in the future. After the four weeks were over, a life sentence in Johnny's eyes at the time, he was allowed to move around the house on a pair of crutches. He graduated from crutches to a cane and then to nothing in another two months. And finally three weeks ago he was given the go ahead to start riding again.
Now was the day he had been looking forward to. There were a lot of things that had to be taken care of. Looking back on it, he wondered how they had ever done it.
Scott had taken care of Dr. Garner with all the diplomacy he could muster. It was not without a few well placed telegrams and a favor from Harlan Garrett that Dr. Garner was persuaded to leave Morro Coyo and return east. A small battle had ensued when Garner demanded that Sam pay a hefty price to reclaim his practice. It was then that Johnny Madrid stepped in and Dr. Garner quickly stepped out. Rumor had it that he was not happy at his new practice, but it would be a cold day in hell before he was asked back to Morro Coyo.
Seeing the plethora of carriages and horses surrounding the hacienda, Johnny dipped his hat at the wedding guests, all dressed up in their finest clothes, all happy. Everyone loved a wedding. But this one was special.
Stepping into the house he gave Teresa a nod and headed upstairs to change for the wedding.
***
Teresa and Maria stood at the huge window behind Murdoch's desk in the great room and basked in their own success.
As the guest list grew, it was soon very apparent that the house was too small for so many people. To Murdoch's dismay, every day new names were added to the already enormous list of friends and ex-patients. Everyone wanted to show their respects to Dr. Sam, and no one could be turned away. So one hundred and fifty grew to two hundred and seventy-five, and the wedding was still an hour away.
Looking behind them, Teresa and Maria admired the decorations they had arranged around the room. White ribbon with sprigs of green fern and white roses adorned every wall. The furniture had been polished and walls freshly painted. The huge dining table, struggled valiantly beneath a host of cakes and desserts brought by the ladies. Salads and finger sandwiches sat beside pitchers of lemonade and apple cider.
Outside a white gazebo had been built in the center of the courtyard. Volumes of white lace, donated by the Lady's Sewing Society, weaved through the pergola with more white ribbon and white roses tied to the trellises with green sprigs of feathery ferns and Baby's Breath.
A dozen chairs sat in a semi-circle in front of the gazebo for the families of the wedding party.
Teresa looked at Maria, her dark green dress accented by a rare tiara she only wore for the most important occasions. Teresa's own dress was a light pink satin, created just for her by Arlene's best seamstress. She felt like a princess.
Maria squeezed her hand. "You have done well, Chica…and you look hermoso…beautiful. Your Papa would be very proud."
"Gracias, Maria. It is almost time. I'd better make sure the bride is ready."
***
Scott leaned back on Johnny's bed and admired Johnny. His brother had come a long way from the first time they met, nearly sitting on top of him in the stage…then standing at his side as they both faced the man that was their father, for the first time. And that awful week when Johnny hung between life and death after Pardee's bullet nearly killed him.
Now he was grounded. Johnny had lost none of his cat like reflexes, or his instinct to always be on the alert, but he felt safe now, and he allowed people to get close. Sam Jenkins was one of those people he had let in, perhaps the old doctor was the first one he opened up to.
"You keep brushing your hair like that you'll be as bald as old man Pepperdine," Scott grinned.
Johnny put down the bush and turned to face Scott. "I'm not sure I can make that speech," he said, looking toward the sound of the wedding guests talking and laughing below in the courtyard. "I ain't much for public speaking, you know that."
"You're Sam's Best Man, its customary for the Best Man to toast the Bride and Groom. You'll be fine."
"I'd rather be facing a herd of stampeding cattle than that herd of people down there."
Scott laughed, coming off the bed and slapping Johnny across the back. "Trust me, you will be fine. Now, let's see how the groom's doing."
The groom was pacing the floor. Murdoch stood in the corner, a grin plastered on his face, and waved the boys in as Johnny and Scott poked their heads in.
"All set, Sam?" Johnny asked.
Sam eyed him. "This is all your fault, young man. Mabel and I could have done this nice and easy, with just a couple of close personal friends…but no, you had to open your big mouth . Now look at them, they're moving around down there like a bunch of buzzing bees."
"It will all be over before you know it." Johnny laughed. "And all those people down there would be mighty hurt if they couldn't be here…you're important to them, Sam."
"Well, I…"
Suddenly the sound of music gently wafted in through the open window.
"I think that's your cue, Sam," Scott said, patting Johnny on the back. "Take good care of him. We'll be downstairs waiting."
Murdoch shook hands with Sam and slapped Johnny's back. "See you two in a few minutes."
Sam watched the door close and turned to Johnny. Dressed in an ink black bolero jacket, pants, and a ruffled white shirt with intricate black stitching, he was as good looking as any young man he had ever met. With his blues eyes twinkling mischievously beneath long black eyelashes he made a rakish figure. But it was the smile that melted Sam's heart. He didn't know of another person he would want standing beside him at this moment in his life. Johnny was as close to a son as he had ever had, and he was proud to know that Johnny listed him as one of his true friends.
What Johnny had done for him five months ago, nearly losing his life, knowing that he was so lost and risking so much to save him, how could he repay that?
"You ready, Sam?" Johnny asked.
Sam took a deep breath and let it out slowly, then nodded.
"Good. So let's get going. You don't want to start your marriage off with your wife mad at you for being late." Johnny opened the door and together they walked down the hallway.
***
"Do you think Sam is as nervous as I am?" Mabel asked. Arlene stood behind her adjusting the simple veil over her softly graying hair. She had it pulled up into a tight bun, flattering her still high cheekbones and strong chin. She was a handsome woman, a woman who had lived life to its fullest in Kansas. But she had been a happy woman, and that showed so much more than the hand of age that had stolen her youth.
"I'm sure Johnny is having as much trouble calming him down as I am having with you." She grinned. "Now hold still while I pin this in place."
Mabel looked at herself in the full length mirror, brought over by Mrs. Harper from the dress shop. It seemed everyone wanted to help make this the perfect wedding for Sam.
Arlene had commissioned the dress three months before Mabel made her way back to Morro Coyo to stay with the Lancers until the day of the wedding.
The dress was exquisite. Made of light blue silk, the bodice and long sleeves were adorned with small white beads set into small flowerets. The shirt was full with a small train. The perfect dress for a woman of age…and yet she looked and felt as young and vibrant as a twenty year old.
The music began out in the courtyard and Arlene squeezed her sister's hand. "I am so happy for you, Mabel."
"I didn't think I would ever be this happy again."
Arlene carefully pulled the light blue veil over Mabel's face and smiled. "No one deserves it more. Now, let's get you married."
*
Sam thought his knees were knocking so loudly that the guests in the back row could hear them. He stood at the arch of the gazebo, Johnny at his side, a million happy faces looking at him. Teresa and Maria sat in the front row with Murdoch, Scott and Jelly. Cipriano and his wife sat beside them. Mabel's family and friends had traveled cross country to be here for her, and took up two full rows of seats.
The sedate music stopped and a hush came over the crowd and the wedding march began. Sam felt Johnny's hand squeeze his arm, and that small gesture kept him from passing out.
Why had he allowed them to talk himself into a wedding like this…it could have been a small affair…the judge could have pronounced them man and wife…he didn't need…
Every worry evaporated into nothingness as he caught sight of Mabel as her brother escorted her down the isle.
She was the most beautiful sight he had ever laid eyes upon. He felt his heart swell in his throat as Mabel's brother placed her hand in his.
They turned toward the minister and only he and Mabel existed in that moment.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God – and in the face of this company – to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony…"
Sam's hand shook as he listened to the words of the minister… "Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind…" Mabel's hand squeezed his and Sam felt her warmth and support surround him. "By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for Sam and Mabel from all present here, we assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs. These moments are so meaningful to all of us, for what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together – to strengthen each other in all labor – to minister to each other in all sorrow – to share with each other in all gladness.
This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love – for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you.
Do you Sam, take Mabel to be your wife – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?"
Sam spoke softly, his voice trembling. "I do."
"Do you Mabel, take Sam to be your husband – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?
Mabel nodded. "I do."
"What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the rings in my hand?"
Johnny and Arlene quickly placed the rings in the minister's hand, smiling at each other.
"May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women yearn. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May these rings on their fingers symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts."
The minister handed Sam a ring.
"Sam, in placing this ring on Mabel's finger, repeat after me: Mabel you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed."
Sam's voice rang clear, filled with joy as he repeated the words. No longer nervous or shy, these words were a promise from him, a promise he was proud to make.
Handing a ring to Mabel he continued.
"Mabel, in placing this ring on Sam's finger, repeat after me: Sam you are now consecrated to me as my husband from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed."
Mabel's voice never faltered as she repeated the vow.
"May you always share with each other the gifts of love – be one in heart and in mind – may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts – love – generosity and kindness.
In as much as Sam and Mabel have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith – and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring – are now joined.
What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man put asunder.
And so, by the power vested in me and the Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife – and may your days be good and long upon the earth.
You may now kiss the bride."
Teresa dabbed at the tears running down her cheeks as she watched Sam gently lift the veil and kiss Mabel.
"I guess it's my turn." Johnny grinned, stepping before the crowd. "Everyone…please allow me to present…Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Jenkins."
A mighty cheer went up and the music began again.
Together Sam and Mabel walked back down the isle, arm in arm, their faces glowing with pride and happiness.
Johnny slipped away from the crowd and watched as Sam and Mabel disappeared into the mass of well wishers. Never had he felt more a part of something so extraordinarily special. Everything that had happened in the past few months faded into a dark dream that now seemed far removed from the light and love he felt here today.
Perhaps Mabel was right, everything did happen for a reason. Perhaps Maggie came into their lives for a reason. If she did, and this was the path they had to take to get to this moment, then it was all worth it.
He felt Scott's arm slip around his shoulder. "Well, brother, it seems we can add matchmaking to your list of credits."
"Yeah? Maybe I should start working on you next, Brother." Johnny grinned.
"That's all right. One wedding is plenty for awhile. You think you should join the party?"
"I will."
Scott raised an eyebrow.
"I will I promise. After all, I still have a speech to give, remember?"
"Oh, I haven't forgotten. Just don't stay away too long."
Johnny watched Scott drift back into the crowd, and Johnny smiled after him. Life was filled with wonderful surprises.
*
"Can I have your attention?" Scott called, tapping his spoon on a champagne glass. "My brother here has something to say to the happy couple. Johnny…"
A small platform had been built for him to stand on and he looked over the crowd of beaming faces.
He cleared his throat. "You all know I'm not much for public speaking…" he began.
"Tell that to the boys in the saloon on Saturday night!" Someone yelled, and a wave of laugher erupted from the crowd.
"Well, at least not something this important." There was silence as he collected his thoughts. "When I was told that I had to make a speech to all you people I couldn't think of a thing ta say. I don't know none of that flowery stuff Scott does, and I can't wrap an audience around my little finger like Murdoch can…I can only tell you how I feel. When I first came here there were a lot of people who didn't like having me around much…but not Sam. He treated me fair and when I wanted to leave, he made me stay. He made me stay a lot of times when I was running scared. Sam, you saved my life more times than you'll ever know, and not just from being hurt or sick…but here…" Johnny tapped his chest. "You treated me like a father, a brother…and most importantly, a friend.
"I can never repay what you have given me. But I think I can give back a little. I know your getting old…older…" he corrected with a mischievous grin, "and I know you spend too much time in that buggy of yours making rounds all over the countryside. Well, I got together with a few of your friends and…"
Johnny motioned for a young man to join him on the platform. "Recognize him, Sam?" Johnny asked, as Sam stared at the young man standing next to Johnny. He seemed so familiar.
"You should, Uncle Sam," the young man grinned. "It was you who got me to go back east to medical school."
"Marcus…?" Sam couldn't believe his eyes. "Marcus Johnson?"
Johnny nodded, his smile so wide his mouth hurt. "Dr. Marcus Johnson, he's even got one of them hippo---whatever oaths. Sam, could you and Mabel join me?"
Sam and Mabel stood next to Johnny as he pulled an envelope from his pocket. "Sam, I think I know you just about as good as anyone else here, and I know you never want to give up your practice, but you also can't continue to be the only doctor in these parts as quickly as we're growing. Sam, Mabel…these are the keys to your new house…just a mile from town, thirty acres of prime land. Four bedrooms, so Scott and I can come visit…and…your own doctor's office in the back. Marcus made sure you had all the stuff you needed to run a complete clinic."
Sam accepted the keys, his hands shaking, unshed tears welling in his eyes. "I…don't know what to say…."
"This is from all of us…we all pitched in. And…" Johnny took out another envelope. "Teresa told me that no self respecting bride and groom would start their marriage without going on a honeymoon first. So here's two tickets on tomorrow morning's train to San Francisco and three nights at the Palace Hotel in the bridal suite."
"Johnny it's too much…"
"It's not nearly enough to show you how much we care about you, Sam. Now you two better get to dancing 'cause another tradition Teresa made me swear to was that the first dance would go to the bride and groom. Coagulations, Sam…Mabel."
The bride and groom began their dance, as Johnny stood off to the side and watched.
"That honeymoon must have cost you a fortune," Murdoch whispered. "You should have said something, we would have helped."
Johnny shook his head. "I wanted to do it for them. I figured that thousand dollars listening money would come in handy someday."
"I'm proud of you, Son, for all you did for Sam and Mabel and for thinking of bringing Marcus here."
Johnny watched Sam and Mabel dance around the circle of guests, their eyes shining with delight.
"Not many people get a second chance in life, Murdoch. I was lucky, I got mine, and I almost threw it away. But Sam wouldn't let me. I owe him my life."
"I believe you have paid your debt…many times over. Now, let's go have some of that punch…I think Jelly got to the end bowl and put a little something stronger than just fruit juice."
"Let's go. Speech making is thirsty work."
THE END