Hey y'all! It's me again! I am SO hyped about this chapter! *SCREAMS WITH EXCITEMENT!*
Now, before I get into the question of the chappie, th shoutouts.
TheFarmGirl: Thank you, thank you, and THANK YOU! Your reviews are always so kind and sweet!
Bellythefatcat: Yes! I LOVE that part! Well, I should, I wrote it! Lol. ;]
Lucy Anna Grace: Thank you!
Honor God: Me too! I always wanted them to resolve. Maybe not the best of friends, but the rivalry was getting pretty stressful! Thank you for your reviews! P.S, I love your story, and your name!
Eleanor: Thank you! I will keep writing!
London: I love your excitement! But… It can't be Johnathan because he is married to Janice, and it can't be Tommy because he is married to Polly… Read chapter 13!
Well, that's it for shoutouts! If I missed anyone, I'm so sorry!
Okay, well, I can't believe this story is almost over! But, I am planning a sequel! So, that is something y'all can enjoy, while this story slowly comes to a bittersweet end. ;} QUESTION OF THE CHAPTER: WHAT, IF ANY, SUBJECTS WOULD MANDIE AND JOE ARGUE ABOUT?
I'm interested in what y'all think about that! If it were up to me, they'd never quarrel, but, they are human, and I must write them as human. Well, without further ado, I present the next chapter!
Chapter 14
Joe watched for Mandie, as his parents pulled up to the Shaw mansion. It was a hot July day, only one day before the wedding.
Mandie and her mother and uncle were on the porch.
"Hello, Woodards!" John called, grinning.
"Hello yourself, John!" Dr. Woodard called back, with a grin. Dr. Woodard helped his wife off the rig, and told Joe to grab the luggage.
Joe jumped off, and gathered the luggage. He went up to the porch, and quickly put the luggage inside. He came back out.
"Joe, it's been so long!" Mandie said, as Joe approached.
"Too long," he agreed, embracing Mandie.
Joe then remembered something he had to discuss.
"Mandie, can we talk? Privately?" Joe murmured.
"Sure, we can walk to the back," Mandie said, puzzled.
They walked into the backyard.
"We-el, you know that I'm not as-rich as your uncle-and life will be different from what you have here," Joe said slowly.
"Yeh, I know," Mandie said.
"Well, our house has two floors, and it's about half the size of your house, and the furniture isn't as fancy as your uncle's, and-well- just- our life will be simple. That's all. I won't be able to afford a servant without driving myself into debt. In plain words, you'll have to work some." Joe said, trying to put it as softly as he could.
"Oh, Joe, I don't mind at all. I was born in a log cabin. I could work. I'm perfectly capable of keeping house, and I want to. I'll cook, too." Mandie said, wondering why Joe was worried about that.
Joe sighed with relief.
"Good. I know you're not spoiled, but I was a bit worried that you might want a maid or something," Joe said, with a sheepish smile.
"Oh, Joe. You act like I've never worked a day in my life," Mandie laughed.
"Missy 'manda! Aunt Lou says to git in here, an' try yo' dress on!" Liza called, who had ran out onto the porch.
Mandie laughed.
"I'm coming, Liza!" She said.
Joe laughed with her, and they went over the wedding plans, until they were all ready.
(~~~~)Mandie tugged the neck of the dress over her head, and adjusted it.
"Mother, I'm afraid you're quite thin!" Mandie said, examining herself in the mirror.
Elizabeth laughed.
"No, dear, it's just that the back is laced tight. It's supposed to be that way," Elizabeth explained.
"I just wish Daddy was here to see this." Mandie said, opening the locket, and looking at her father's picture, tears blurring her eyes.
"There there. I wish Jim was here too. We both loved him so much. Not a day goes by that I don't miss him. But I'm sure he wouldn't want us to cry for him. We should be looking forward to the day when we will be with him, and worship Jesus, forever." Elizabeth said, embracing Mandie, tears blurring her own vision.
Mandie sighed.
A knock sounded.
"Come in," Mandie said, hastily wiping some tears.
Celia, Liza and Sallie entered.
"The preacher is getting ready, and you look absolutely beautiful, Mandie," Sallie said, smiling approvingly at her friend.
Mandie only heard the first sentence.
"Oh, I just hope everything's alright, oh, is Uncle Nee and Uncle John ready? Is everyone here? Am I sure about this? What if I don't love-him?" Mandie cried, panicking from all the stress.
"No, Mandie, it's just the pre-wedding nerves." Celia said, giving an affectionate hug.
Mandie took deep breaths, and relaxed.
"Mandie, you've been through that. You know you love him, and he loves you. It won't change. It's just the nerves. Now go out there, and face all the people. I've heard Adrian's here, to somehow try and stop it. Go and show the carrot head you mean business," Celia giggled.
"Alright, I just hope I won't have to deal with the carrot head," Mandie laughed.
"Amanda, that's not very nice. Come dear, its time. I hear the pianist, and Robert and George and Dimar are standing outside," Elizabeth said.
The pianist began playing the bridal march.
Mandie took a deep breath and stepped outside. She took her blue and white flower bouquet.
Uncle Ned and Uncle John took her arms.
The flower girl, who was Hilda, put out all the flowers.
Uncle Ned and Uncle John and walked Mandie down the aisle.
Joe was standing by the altar, looking nervous, his hair plastered down with gel. He watched her lovingly, as she floated down the aisle, her golden tresses glowing in the sunlight, her blue eyes like diamonds, her rosy cheeks, and the veil shading her face.
Mandie began to blush uncontrollably, and took her place by Joe.
Joe smiled weakly at her, and Mandie managed to smile back.
Mandie's heart beat faster, and she felt nervous. But she knew that she loved Joe, and Joe loved her.
Celia followed, on the arm of Robert, and took their places by the couple.
Liza came, on the arm of George, and took their places.
Elizabeth came, on the arm of John, who had ran back to walk his wife down the aisle.
and Mr. Woodard came also, and took their places.
Sallie and Dimar took their places.
The wedding theme was white and sky blue. They were in the Shaw's backyard, and it was sunny, and the birds sang. Mandie wore her Mother's wedding dress, which was white, and had elegant, lacy sleeves, the neck ending with lace, and the skirt was very fluffy, and reminded Liza of a 'big purty cloud'. The veil shaded her face delicately, and her shining blue eyes showed, as well as her rosy cheeks, and her golden hair.
Joe wore his best tuxedo, recently bought, and his hair was parted to the side, and was neatly combed slick with gel.
The bridesmaids, and maid of honor wore baby blue silks, with lace trimmings. Liza was most uncomfortable, saying she never wore such a fancy dress.
The pianist stopped.
The preacher began.
"Who giveth this woman to be united to this man?" the preacher rumbled, in his deep, loud voice.
"Her Mother and we do." John Shaw said, standing up, along with Uncle Ned.
Mandie then stepped up, and took Joe's offered hand.
"Before the vows are taken, if anyone has any objection to this marriage, speak now, or forever hold your peace." The preacher said.
A red head shot up amongst the crowd, and walked towards the altar. It was Adrian.
"I object! This country boy has no business being married to Amanda! I have loved her for longer, before the waif stole her! Besides, I have money!" Adrian said loudly, pointing accusingly at Joe.
A gasp went through the crowd.
Mandie went pale, and Joe reddened angrily.
The preacher was shocked.
Joe dropped her hands, and strode towards Adrian swiftly, his brown eyes flashing fire.
Adrian stood tall, panting, feeling confident that Joe would not thrash him in front of the crowd.
Dimar put out a hand against Joe's chest to stop him, but Joe kept walking towards Adrian. He stopped once he was an arm's length from him, and spoke calmly.
"Listen, red-head, Mandie doesn't love you, and never will. I've loved her since we were kids, and she loves me. Now I will gladly give you the thrashing I promised you, and you deserve." Joe said, who suddenly drew back an arm, and punched Adrian in the face.
Chopping firewood had come in handy, to strengthen his arm, Joe thought grimly.
The crowd gasped again, although somewhere a certain Johnathan Guyer cheered.
Adrian gasped in shock, and trembled with rage.
"How dare you-you red-neck!" Adrian yelled, running away, holding his bleeding nose, knowing he had no chance against Joe.
Dimar, Uncle Ned, John, and Dr. Woodard by this time came running to Joe, and surrounded him.
"Joseph Woodard! Control your temper!" Dr. Woodard rebuked harshly.
Joe sighed.
"I'm sorry, dad. I just-got mad I guess." He said, looking down, and wiping his fist on his handkerchief.
Dr. Woodard did not offer more punishment, and was secretly proud of his son for sticking up like that.
Mandie, along with Celia, Liza, Sallie, and Elizabeth were standing to the side.
The preacher still stood there, looking confused.
They heard a carriage riding away, and knew it was Adrian.
Joe walked towards Mandie.
"I'm sorry for causing a commotion. Do you still want to marry me?" Joe whispered quietly.
"What kind of question is that? Of course I want to marry you. It served him right, and I'd rather like a husband who'd protect me," Mandie whispered back mischievously, blushing.
Joe grinned.
"May we proceed?" The preacher called above the hubbub.
Dr. Woodard showed some hesitation, but then nodded.
Everyone immediately hushed, and Mandie and Joe took their places again.
"Understanding the most holy and sacred institution of marriage as described in the living Word of God, do you, Amanda Elizabeth Shaw, take Joseph Woodard to be your lawfully wedded husband, and vow before God and this company, to love, honor, and obey this man? For richer or for poorer, in illness and health, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?" The preacher inquired.
Mandie's heart beat fast, and she breathed faster as her hands grew clammy.
"I do." she said.
"And do you, Joseph Woodard, take Amanda Elizabeth Shaw to be your lawfully wedded wife, and vow before God and this company, to love, honor, and cherish this woman? For richer or for poorer, in sickness and health, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?" The preacher said.
Joe felt John staring at him with eye's filled with mirth, and was immediately nervous. He gulped.
"I do." He said.
"The ring?" The preacher motioned.
Dimar stepped forward, and gave the rings.
"The circular shape of this ring represents the permanency of this marriage. Just as this ring has no end, so only death can part this marriage."
The preacher said, handed the rings to Mandie and Joe.
Joe slipped the ring onto Mandie's finger, and Mandie slipped a ring on Joe's finger.
"What God has put together, let no man separate. By the authority vested in me by the Word of God, I now pronounce you Man and Wife. Joseph, you may kiss your bride," The preacher finished.
Joe gulped frantically. He felt all eyes on him, especially John's. He felt faint. He couldn't possibly kiss Mandie for the first time, with John staring at him.
He lifted her veil, and ceremoniously pecked Mandie's cheek, as he had done so many times.
Mandie and Joe both turned red.
The crowd cheered.
"I now present Mr. and Mrs. Woodard!" The preacher shouted over the noise.
Joe grinned, and took Mandie's arm, and they ran down the aisle, followed by everyone else, and people throwing rice.
They stopped to let the photographer take a picture, and Mandie and Joe stood side by side.
Everyone congratulated the young couple, and after a few hours of being there, Mandie and Joe left. They had decided that instead of taking a wedding tour, they would spend their honeymoon getting used to the new house, and adjusting. Joe would take the week off of work.
Mandie went upstairs to change. She looked around her bare room, with only the bed in its place. Everything else had been moved to the new house.
"I'll miss this house," she said, stroking the bed lovingly.
Snowball purred, and rubbed against her ankles. Mandie picked him up, and cuddled him.
Memories flooded back to her from when she first arrived, as an orphan, and how she found her mother.
She quickly changed into a comfortable blue calico with a white pinafore, and put on a matching bonnet. She put the harness on Snowball, and went out of her room. Mandie went into the front yard.
Joe was finishing tying up boxes in the back of the wagon. He was dressed in a white shirt, with black suspenders and pants.
The remaining guests, who were mainly Mandie's close friends, went towards Mandie.
Mandie hurriedly went and stood by Joe, and held Snowball, who squirmed to get down.
"Mandie?" Celia asked, edging herself towards Mandie.
"Celia!" Mandie said, embracing Celia tightly.
They embraced each other tightly. They were going to live a long way apart now, and would not see each other so often.
"I'll miss you, Mandie," Celia said, quickly brushing away a tear.
"I'll miss you more, Celia," Mandie said, smiling, and blinked away the tears.
"Say, isn't anyone going to miss me?" Jonathan interrupted, grinning.
"Oh, you!" Mandie scolded, grinning and side-hugging him.
"I wish my cousin well, but if Joe makes you angry, just call all cherokees," T'sani said, with a grin, holding out a hand to Mandie.
Mandie laughed.
"I'm sure I'll be able to handle him myself," Mandie joked, as she shook his hand.
Mandie chatted with her friends while Joe finished up.
Joe finished, and put an arm around Mandie.
"All ready?" Joe asked.
"Ready," Mandie replied.
"Oh, you forgot this," Joe said, handing Mandie her bouquet.
"Oh," Mandie said, frowning.
"What's the matter? Toss the flowers already, Liza looks eager to catch it," Jonathan joked.
Liza blushed.
Mandie grinned. She turned around, and purposely aimed for Liza.
The bouquet landed right into Liza's arms. Everyone laughed, and a blushing George stepped to Liza's side.
"Oh, we almost forgot this," Sallie said, motioning to Dimar.
Grinning, they both put a banner on the back of the wagon.
It read; JUST MARRIED: MANDIE AND JOE.
Mandie blushed.
"Shucks, do we have to let everybody in the world know?" She asked.
"No, just everyone who happens to see the back of your wagon!" Tommy joked.
They laughed.
"Well, if we want to get home before dark, we'd best get going now," Joe announced.
"Alright," Mandie said reluctantly.
She hugged her friends, and then her Mother and Uncle, and Uncle Ned.
"Good-bye, Mother," Mandie said, hugging Elizabeth.
"Good-bye, darling. I'll come by and visit you as soon as I can," Elizabeth said, wiping away her tears.
"Good-bye, Uncle John," Mandie said, embracing her uncle.
"Good-bye, my little blue eyes. I wish the best for you and Joe." John said, smiling.
"Good-bye, Uncle Ned," Mandie said, embracing Uncle Ned.
"Good-bye, papoose. Joe make good husband. Be good wife. Think before act." Uncle Ned said, with a sad smile.
"I'll try, Uncle Ned. I'll come visit you, since now we'll live closer to you." Mandie promised.
Joe helped Mandie into the wagon, and got in himself. He gathered the reins.
"Good-bye, everyone! Giddap!" He called, the former to the people, and the latter to the horses, which had been John's wedding present.
The horses went at a steady trot, and after the mansion was out of sight, Mandie stopped waving.
They rode along in silence for awhile.
"What does the house look like?" Mandie asked, breaking the silence.
"It's a surprise, and you'll see it soon enough." Joe said, with a grin.
Mandie blew out her breath. She had tried before, but she could pry out any information, despite that it had two floors, and was not as fancy as the Shaw mansion.
Curiosity crept into her mind. Not about the house, but about the wedding. When Joe was told to kiss her, he pecked her cheek; usually at a wedding people kissed on the lips. Mandie blushed while thinking about this.
Joe noticed her blushing.
"What's making you so pink?" Joe asked.
Mandie turned crimson.
"I-well-" she stammered, wanting to ask.
"What's that? Trying to ask me something?" He suggested.
Mandie nodded.
"Then ask, for heaven's sake! Just as long as it's not about the house." He said, grinning.
"Well-I-why didn't you-k-kiss me?" She stammered, blushing.
Joe blushed, and grinned.
"Shucks, your uncle John was staring at me the whole time, and I just panicked, and took the easy way out," He tried to explain.
Mandie blushed.
"Oh," she said, still blushing.
"I'll make up for it now." Joe said, who leaned over and kissed Mandie on the lips, for the first time.
Joe blushed, but grinned.
Mandie blushed to her ears, and distracted herself by ruffling Snowball's fur, and smoothing it down again.
"You didn't like it?" Joe asked teasingly.
"Joe!" Mandie scolded, blushing.
"Then you did?" Joe persisted in teasing her.
"Joe!" Mandie scolded again, with more severity, although she suppressed giggles.
"Joe, Joe, Joe, is that all you can say?" Joe insisted on a proper answer.
Mandie remained silent, and looked straight ahead on the road, a smile creeping onto her face. After a while she stole a look at Joe, and found him watching her.
He grinned, as Mandie quickly turned back to the road.
They remained silent, until Mandie saw the house.
Joe pulled into the yard, and jumped off, helping Mandie off.
"Joe! The house is beautiful!" She breathed.
The house was white, with blue shutters. It had flowers on the window sills, and there was a green pasture, where a few horses grazed, including Colt.
Mandie ran to the house, but found herself caught by Joe.
"Joe! Let me go!" She laughed, pushing away.
"I intend to walk in the house with you, so I can see how well you like my decoration skills," He said jokingly, taking her arm.
They walked towards the house, and opened the door.
Mandie gasped.
The first room was a fireplace, and a table with a blue checkered tablecloth, and a vase of wildflowers on it. Above the fireplace, there was a picture of Mandie, from college, and a picture of Joe, also from college.
There were two rocking chairs by the fireplace. It smelled like freshly cut lumber, and a faint smell of paint.
Mandie recognized the little stool by the fireplace, from her father's house, where she would sit while her father talked with her, or read her stories. It was obviously cleaned, and polished.
Here Mandie turned and embraced Joe.
"Oh, Joe, it's beautiful-My daddy's stool-" she said, sounding muffled.
"I thought you might like it. Now come on, you haven't seen the rest of the house yet," He said shyly, putting an arm around Mandie, and guiding her to the parlor.
In the parlor was another small fireplace, a bookcase with books in it, two matching chairs close together, a sette, and two other chairs. There was a piano.
Mandie ran her fingers over the piano in delight. Joe knew how to play the piano, and perhaps he would teach her.
Joe guided her upstairs, where there were three rooms. Two of them were guest rooms, but Joe led her to the room that was theirs. There was a big bed, with blue covers, and a quilt on it, and two nightstands with lamps. The room's walls were white, and the floor was wooden. There was a matching blue rug on the floor, and a bathroom, and a window looking out on the front yard.
"Oh, it's such a cozy little house!" She exclaimed.
"It is, mom fixed it up for us, and said that you're welcome to add your own decorations in, so it'll feel like your house," Joe said, proud that his wife liked it.
"Oh, I don't think I'll move a thing," Mandie said, delighted by the view outside of the window.
"You'll have to, to get all your things to fit in here, and I recall loading quite a bit," Joe said, peeking out the window.
"Well, I guess we better get to unpacking, then," Mandie said, standing up, and rushing down the stairs.
Joe remained a few moments in the room. He pinched himself, like he had many times that day, to make sure it was real. It was real. Mandie was now his wife, and they were going to spend the rest of their lives together, till death do they part. He had long sought after her, and now Mandie was finally his. No one could rightfully take her away.
"Joe? You're not going to leave me to carry this all by myself, are you?" Mandie called teasingly.
"I'm coming!" He said, rushing downstairs.
He smiled to himself. Perhaps, just perhaps, he might become a father someday. The very thought sent a thrill through him, and a vision of Mandie, himself and children flashed through his mind. He reached Mandie, and carried some boxes into the house, and they both spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking.
"Whew! That's the last box! Luckily I got all my things unpacked before today," Joe remarked, setting down the final item out of a box.
"Not so soon, we still have to find out where to put these," Mandie groaned.
Joe sighed.
"What about we leave it for tomorrow? We still have a week to settle in. Besides, I'm hungry," Joe said, stretching and standing up.
Mandie laughed.
"You're always the first to be hungry! By the time we get dinner, I'll probably be hungry too." Mandie said, also standing, and stretching.
"If I recall correctly, Aunt Lou packed us a feast. Mm! There is a feast here!" Joe said, opening the basket.
"What kind of food is there?" Mandie asked, getting up.
"The kind you eat!" Joe teased.
" Oh, you! Fried chicken! And chocolate cake, of course," Mandie exclaimed, looking into the basket.
They ate the food Aunt Lou packed, and soon the sun went down.
"Well, I guess it's about time for bed," Said Joe, yawning.
"Yes," Mandie agreed.
There was an awkward silence.
"Erm-you can go first." Joe said awkwardly.
"Alright," Mandie said, standing and going to the room.
She unpacked her nightgown, robe, and comb, and soon went downstairs, in her nightgown and robe, hair neatly combed.
"You can go now," Mandie said, sitting in one of the rocking chairs.
Joe hurriedly rushed upstairs. He also put on his sleepwear, and robe. He came back downstairs. For awhile there was an awkward silence.
"I guess it's time to go to bed," Joe said, standing and going upstairs.
Mandie followed, and then they stood on either side of the bed.
"You can get in first," Joe offered.
Mandie awkwardly got in the bed.
Joe then climbed in, and they turned to the opposite side, so as to not face each other.
Mandie could feel the awkwardness in the air, but soon fell asleep, because she was so tired.
Joe also fell asleep.
During the night, Mandie once turned, and in the process, flung out her arm, which hit Joe's chest with a thud.
"Ow!" Joe exclaimed, sitting up, puzzled.
Mandie was startled, and sat up quickly.
They sat for a few moments, remembering where they were, and remembered that they were now married.
"Trying to murder me in my sleep?" Joe joked, laying back down.
Mandie blushed, and could see Joe grinning in the dark.
"No, I was just turning," She said, turning around to not face Joe.
They slept after that, and slept in, because they were so tired.