The Road That Will Lead Me Home
12
Alissa leaned forward slightly as she watched the people down below go to into the general store. She had been watching them from her hotel room for the last ten minutes, thinking about what had brought her to this stage of her life. Today was her wedding day and she was going to marry the man of her dreams in the church down the street in two hours, and the thought of this almost made her heart burst with excitement!
She could have been married at the ranch, but she wanted a church wedding. The reception would be behind the church on the grass-covered grounds where all the church picnics were held. It was a lovely place with wild flowers scattered about and several large trees that provided lots of shade, so Alissa was thrilled with her decision. A dance floor was made and placed there this morning and several long tables had been set up with the ladies all decorating them. It was going to be so special and absolutely perfect Alissa thought, as she smiled happily.
Letting the lace-curtain fall back into place at the window, she turned and walked over to the dressing table and sat down in front of the mirror adjusting her dressing gown in front of her.
"Well my lovely mirror, you aren't my usual mirror that I have had so many conversations with over the last two years, but you will have to do today. I am getting ready in your hotel, and then Ben will drive me in the carriage to meet Adam and our family and friends at the church soon…but for now I just have to let out my thoughts before that happens."
Alissa reached for her hairbrush and started brushing her long, golden hair. Jessica would be here soon to do her hair and then help her into her beautiful wedding dress. Looking at her dress hanging over the back of the door, Alissa smiled approvingly as she got up and went over to her dress. Letting her hand slowly glide down her dress as her fingers touched the delicate lace, she couldn't help but sigh.
"Oh mirror, I think I have the most magnificent wedding dress ever made. I can just see Adam smiling at me with those sexy dimples of his as I walk towards him. Of course I hope I can see him clearly, as I am sure I will have tears in my eyes once I see him. We have been through so much and so many things have happened since we met, I just wasn't so sure this day would come. But here it is and soon I will be Mrs. Adam Cartwright."
Alissa laughed softly as she went over to the bed and sat down. Her white silk stockings were on the bed and she reached for one and gently pulled it up her leg, then secured it at the top of her thigh with a garter. Each of the garters were made of white lace with a delicate pink rose in the center. She had purchased all of her trousseau when she was getting her wedding dress made, and the nightgown and dressing gown were made of a delicate off white lace with pink rose buds on the front of the dressing gown. They both were so elegant that Ali just knew Adam would be very pleased. As she slowly pulled up her other stocking, her green eyes sparkled as she thought of standing in front of Adam on their wedding night in her sheer nightgown. Her daydream was becoming so real that she could almost feel Adam's hands touching her shoulders as he slowly began to lower her gown. Suddenly she was brought back to reality as she heard a knock at the door. Securing her garter, Alissa pulled her dressing gown tighter and stood and went to answer the door.
As soon as she opened the door Jessica came rushing into the room with a big smile on her face.
"Just look at these gorgeous bouquets I have for us. Mine is yellow daisies and sunflowers, and I wrapped the stems in purple satin ribbon to match my dress. Speaking of my dress, it is so beautiful, Alissa. I just love the yellow organdy over my soft yellow skirt and puffy sleeves. And the purple sash around my waist just makes it perfect and makes me want to twirl around the room!"
Turning around before stopping in front of the mirror to admire herself, Jessica let out a soft giggle as she looked in the mirror then turned towards Alissa.
"Oh, and your bouquet is even more beautiful than mine! I stopped at all the ladies' gardens that had the loveliest flowers still blooming this late in the season. Mrs. Johnson had these delicate pink roses in two different shades of pink, and Mrs. Gordon had some white baby's breath, and then I found some white daisies at Mrs. Browns. All the ladies were thrilled to help with your bouquet. And of course I finished your beautiful bouquet with pink satin ribbon.
Alissa took the flowers and then she hugged her friend as she laughed. "Oh my goodness, Jessica, you haven't stopped talking since you rushed into the room. I think you are more nervous than I am! And yes, the flowers are perfect and I adore them and I adore you for all the work you did making them for me."
"Well, that is what a maid of honor does, and yes, I am very nervous, aren't you?"
Taking the bouquets and setting them on the bed, Ali pulled Jessica over to the dressing table and handed her the hair brush.
"Actually, I am not as nervous as I am excited. I am just ready to marry that sexy cowboy of mine, so let's get my hair done and get me dressed. I can't be late for my own wedding," she giggled, as she sat down while Jessica started to brush her hair.
An hour later Jessica adjusted her veil one final time before she turned Alissa so she was facing the mirror. Wiping a tear from her eye, Jessica smiled as she said, "Well bride to be, are you happy with how you look?"
Alissa looked in the mirror and slightly gasped. The dress and veil she had fallen in love with at the seamstress was beautiful, but now with her bouquet in her hands, and her hair done up with little ringlets coming down on the left side of her neck and lying softly on her shoulder, the look took her breath away.
"I think the whole look is absolutely stunning! I love it, and you outdid yourself with my hair, Jessica. The veil, the dress and the lovely flowers...well, everything is perfect!"
Just as she said these words, there was a knock at the door. Jessica went to the door and there in the doorway was Joe, looking mighty handsome in his black suit and white shirt with a black string tie.
"I am here to escort you downstairs where Pa is waiting to take you to the church. Are you ready, Ali? And may I say you look mighty beautiful."
"Thank you Joe. You look awfully handsome too. And yes, I am ready. Let's get to that church!"
Ali winked, and walked out the door with Jessica and Joe behind her. When she got to the top of the stairs, she saw Ben waiting at the bottom of the stairs looking very distinguished, all decked out in his black suit with a gold brocaded vest. She let Joe help her down the stairs, and after she reached the bottom, Ben put out his arm and grinned.
"You look exquisite my dear. My son is one lucky man."
"Thank you, Ben, I feel so very lucky too."
"Well then, what are we waiting for? I have the carriage for us and Joe will follow on his horse. Adam and Hoss are already at the church."
Alissa just smiled as Ben helped her into the carriage. Although with her dress and long veil it did take a little maneuvering, but finally everyone was settled in and the carriage was on its way to the church.
The guests were already seated in the church when Ben and Alissa arrived. Ben got out of the carriage and came around and helped first Jessica and then Alissa out of the carriage. While Ben helped the ladies, Joe dismounted Cochise and went into the church to sit down at the front beside Hop Sing.
Adam and Hoss were already standing in front of the congregation by the minister, and Adam looked exceptionally handsome in his black suit and black brocaded vest. His dark raven hair was slicked back and was barely touching the collar of his crisp white shirt, and more than one single lady had sighed at how easy he was on the eyes. Hoss had on a brown jacket with a white shirt and string tie and was grinning ear to ear as he waited for the ceremony to begin.
Adam looked very serious as he stood next to Hoss, but an easy smile began to appear on his full lips as soon as Joe took his seat. As the organist began to play the music, all eyes were at the back of the church because soon the bride would be coming down the aisle.
Hearing the music, Ben helped Jessica up the stairs and then came back and escorted Alissa up the stairs to stand behind Jessica. Jessica made sure Alissa's veil and train were lying behind her perfectly, and then quickly gave her best friend a big smile before she started down the aisle. Sarah, Jessica's cousin had been waiting at the back of the church, and as soon as Jessica took her place at the alter, Sarah started down the aisle throwing rose petals. She was only five and looked adorable with a circle of flowers on top of a head full of blond curls. When she got to the end of the aisle, Jessica motioned for her to come and stand by her.
As Ben and Alissa stood in the doorway waiting, he leaned down and whispered to Alissa. "Well, are you ready for this?"
Alissa looked up at Ben and grinned before she whispered back. "You bet I am!"
Squeezing Alissa's hand, Ben started walking down the aisle with a smile that made it obvious to everyone in the church; he was proud and happy to give this beautiful woman away to his son.
The guests in the church stood as Alissa walked down the aisle, and she knew she wanted this moment to last forever as she walked towards the man of her dreams. She glanced around the church at all the smiling faces and felt her excitement rise. But as soon as she met Adam's eyes, her world stood still and the only thing she was aware of was the sight of her beloved waiting for her at the alter.
As Ben and Alissa came to the end of the aisle, the minister took his place by Adam and faced the guests and smiled.
"Who will give this bride away today?"
Ben grinned as he loudly announced, "I will."
As Adam put out his hand, Ben placed Alissa's hand on his and then they both turned and faced the minister. Ben went and took his place by Joe and discreetly wiped a tear from his eye.
"Welcome everyone, you may be seated now."
As the Pastor smiled as the guests were seated, Alissa glanced up at Adam and couldn't help but admire his handsome profile as she squeezed his hand.
Pastor Jones cleared his throat and then began saying the words Alissa was waiting to hear.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness this man and this woman become husband and wife. Weddings are such wonderful and happy times, where a man and a woman can bind themselves to each other in front of God, and family and friends."
"So now if you two will face each other, we will begin." Pastor Jones smiled, as he watched Adam and Alissa face each other and join hands.
"Adam, please repeat these vows after me. ... I, Adam Stoddard Cartwright, take thee, Alissa Marie Anderson, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth."
Adam squeezed Alissa's hand and lovingly looked into her beautiful green eyes as he started his vows.
"I, Adam Stoddard Cartwright, take thee, Alissa Marie Anderson, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth."
As Pastor Jones slightly turned towards Alissa, he smiled as he said, "Now it is your turn, Alissa. Please repeat after me. ... I, Alissa Marie Anderson, take thee, Adam Stoddard Cartwright, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth."
Alissa had been watching Adam's handsome face as he said his vows, and now she felt like her heart skip a beat knowing it was her turn. She felt Adam slightly squeeze her hand and she took a small breath and began her vows.
"I, Alissa Marie Anderson, take thee, Adam Stoddard Cartwright, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey."
As soon as she said obey, she gave Adam a quick wink and then continued on with her vows. No one but Adam saw the wink, and she did it so quickly that there wasn't a pause in her vows at all.
"Till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth."
"Wonderful! Now who has the ring?"
Hoss had been so involved in the vows that Adam had to clear his voice to bring Hoss back to the moment.
"Yes sir, it is right here," Hoss said grinning, as he handed the ring to Pastor Jones.
Handing the ring to Adam, Pastor Jones said, "Please place this ring on her finger as you repeat these vows."
Adam started to place the gold ring on Alissa's finger as he looked lovingly into her eyes.
"With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my wordly goods I thee endow: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
Adam slowly slid the ring down Alissa's finger as he reapeated his vows. "With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my wordly goods I thee endow: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
By the time Adam had finished his vows, the ring was all the way down on Alissa's finger. And as soon as he said, "Amen," just a little louder than the rest of the vows, as if to finalize the moment, his hazel eyes were twinkling as he flashed his dimpled smile and squeezed Alissa's hand tightly.
Pastor Jones smiled broadly as he watched the love between these two people. "Well then, with the authority given to me I now pronounce you husband and wife. Adam, you may kiss your bride!"
Adam just nodded his head then winked at Alissa, as he gently raised her veil from her face and then pulled her into his arms for their first kiss as husband and wife. The kiss was rather long, and the older women started to fans themselves thinking it might be a bit improper, but the younger women in the church just smiled and sighed with envy.
When Adam slowly released Alissa from their kiss, she looked up and met his gaze as tears of joy filled her eyes, knowing they were now husband and wife. She leaned forward slightly and whispered, "I love you, husband."
"As I love you, wife," Adam whispered back, as he brought her left hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly.
Alissa turned to get her bouquet from Jessica, then took Adam's arm as they walked up the aisle smiling and nodding at all the guests. The rest of the wedding party followed them up the aisle and out into the foyer. Pastor Jones indicated he needed them to come into the office to sign the wedding certificate. After they signed, Adam handed Pastor Jones an envelope with money inside.
"Thank you so much for marrying us, Pastor Jones. Our regular minister is back east attending to some family matters, so we are very appreciative that you were traveling through and could take the time to marry us."
"You are very welcome, Mr. Cartwright. I am always happy to join two people that are in love in holy matrimony," Pastor Jones replied, as he eagerly shook Adam's hand.
After they exchanged some pleasantries, Adam and Alissa joined the others back in the foyer.
Ben was the first one to come over and hug Alissa tightly. "Welcome to the family, daughter. I have been waiting for this day for a long time. Now I finally have a beautiful daughter along with my wonderful sons."
"Thank you Ben, or should I say Pa? You know, I think I might call you Pa Pa Ben, if that is alright with you?"
"Of course, I think I might like that," Ben grinned, as he bent down and kissed her on her cheek.
Next in line was Joe. He hugged Alissa and also kissed her on her cheek. "Well, Ali, I am going to love having a sister-in-law that I can tease even more than I did before."
"Oh, Joe, I love you too, you big tease. But you do know... I tease back," Alissa grinned playfully, then winked at Joe.
Joe just laughed that wonderful laugh of his, before he went to hug his older brother and congratulate him.
Hoss was next in line, and before Alissa knew what was happening, he lifted her off the floor in a big bear hug. "Welcome to the family, sweet Ali gal."
"Thank you, dear Hoss," Alissa replied, as she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on his cheek once Hoss placed her back down on the floor.
"Ah Ali," was all he said, as he wiped a tear from his eye. Then he blushed a little as he moved over to congratulate Adam.
The last member of the family was Hop Sing and he stood in front of Alissa and bowed slightly.
"I love having you in family. You like daughter I never have."
Alissa startled him by hugging him tightly, then she kissed him on the cheek. "Oh, Hop Sing, thank you so much. That means a lot to me to know that you think of me so lovingly. I am honored that you think this."
Hop Sing blushed slightly then moved on to speak to Adam.
Jessica was the last in line and she grabbed Alissa and hugged her then stepped back. "You are the most beautiful bride ever, my friend! Oh Ali, what am I going to do now that you are a married woman? I am going to miss all our little adventures."
"Now don't you worry, just cause I am married doesn't mean I won't keep doing my best to move this town out of the dark ages," Alissa laughed, as she pulled Jessica into another hug.
While she was hugging her, she whispered in her ear. "Do you have the package?"
Reaching into her bag, Jessica handed Alissa a small package. "It's right here, my friend."
"What's right here?" Adam asked, as he walked up to the ladies.
Grabbing Adam's arm Alissa laughed. "Nothing, my dear. Now let's go see our guests."
Adam just shook his head as he and Alissa walked out of the church and into the lovely fall day. As soon as they started down the church steps, everyone began throwing rice and cheering, and they had to hurry to the buggy to keep from getting a large amount of rice in their hair.
After putting on his black cowboy hat, Adam leaned in and in a voice so low it was almost a whisper. "Your beauty almost took my breath away when I saw you walk down the aisle, my beautiful and enchanting bride."
"Oh Adam," was all she said, as she put her hand in his and he quickly helped her up into the buggy. Adam had to chuckle when he saw that Hoss and Joe had decorated the back of the buggy with bells, tin cans and a big sign that read, Just Married.
Stepping up into the buggy, Adam had to squeeze into the seat next to Alissa because her gown and veil took up so much room.
"There almost isn't any room for me," he declared, as he sat down beside Alissa flashing that incredible smile of his.
"There is always room in my life for you, my love," Alissa said smiling, as she reached over and pulled some rice from Adam's hair.
"Well, Mrs. Cartwright, are you ready to go?"
"Anywhere with you, Mr. Cartwright," Alissa answered with a grin, as her mesmerising green eyes twinkled.
TBC
Well my lovely readers, it has been a long time getting these two married. Real life and dental surgery, horrible hay fever and a computer that went out on me when I had written half of the story and I had to redo it, caused you to wait longer. I really do appreciate all your comments, and I hope you are happy with the way I married these two wonderful characters and will take a moment to let me know what you thought. Thanks so much! ~ Sierra Rose
