Chapter 23

Two months later

Mandie could hardly hold back from bubbling over from excitement as Celia buttoned the back of Mandie's wedding gown. Polly was helping Bree with her hair.

"I'm so excited I could burst!" Mandie exclaimed.

"Typical for someone to say when she's about to get married." The now Mrs. Polly Guyer. Mandie rolled her eyes.

Polly finished doing Bree's hair and started fixing her own. A few minutes later, they were all done. Elizabeth peaked into the room.

"Mother! Is everything ready?" Mandie asked.

Elizabeth smiled. "Yes darling. Although Uncle Ned looks like he can't wait to get out of that suit. But I'm sure he's just as happy as you are." Elizabeth finished.

Mandie clapped her hand in excitement. The wedding was going just as planned. Mandie was so glad that Uncle John didn't get upset when she said she wanted Uncle Ned to walk her down the aisle.

Aunt Lou and Jenny had baked all the dinners and dessert's that Mandie requested, and Liza decorated the back yard with help from Abraham.

Meanwhile Joe, Jonathan, and Robert were getting ready in a guest room when someone knocked on the door.

"Come in!" Joe called as he struggled with his tie. Mrs. Woodard appeared at the door.

"Mom, what are you doing?" Joe grinned. Mrs. Woodard smiled.

"I came to see my son before he became a married man." Mrs. Woodard walked up to Joe and took over tying Joe's tie. Jonathan cleared his throat behind them.

"We're gonna…um…bye!" Jonathan and Robert slipped out the door.

Mandie took a deep breath.

It was time.

Uncle Ned came up and took Mandie's arm.

"Papoose ready?" He asked. Mandie could only nod.

The doors swung open and Carol stepped out carrying a basket of flowers. Then Uncle Ned walked Mandie down the aisle slowly.

Although Joe was wearing a grin from ear to ear, Mandie could see he was sweating a little.

Uncle Ned gave Joe Mandie's hand.

"Take care of papoose." Uncle Ned said. Joe nodded.

Then the Pastor began.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church: which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence and first miracle that he wrought in Cana of Galilee, and is commended of Saint Paul to be honorable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. If any man can show just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace."

The Pastor continued "Joseph William Woodard, Wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"

"I do." Joe answered.

"Amanda Elizabeth Shaw, Wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?"

"I do." Mandie answered smiling.

The pastor turned to his side. "Carl, the rings?"

Carl came up with a cushion and handed it to the pastor. Joe slipped the ring on Mandie's finger, and Mandie did the same.

"Joseph, you may kiss you're bride." The Pastor grinned.

Joe grinned. "Mandie, you don't know how long I've been waiting for this moment." He kissed her long and hard.

"I now give you Mr. and Mrs. Joseph William Woodard."

Everyone cheered. Mandie and Joe turned to the crowd smiling. Joe picked Mandie up and carried her down the aisle.

They stopped and Joe put Mandie down. She turned and threw her bouquet. It landed right in Celia's hands. Everyone laughed. Celia turned to Robert and blushed.

Mandie turned to her new husband. She looked forward to all the adventures that lay ahead. She would have to wait and find her fathers treasure.

The End

May be continued in a sequel

Authors note:

Thank you all for all the encouraging words and support couldn't have done it without y'all!