The next few weeks in the Logan household were solemn. Ned stayed to himself, not talking much, even to Isaac. Clay took every opportunity to try and bring Ned out of his somber mood by talking about the horses. Alice tried to pamper him. Lexy just tried to talk to him. Nothing seemed to work.
***************
"Hey" Marita said as she came into the cabin.
"Hey" Sean said as he looked up from the book he was reading.
Marita walked over to the table and bent down and kissed him on his lips before she sat down across from him.
Sean hadn't said much about his father since Charlotte left. He hadn't even gone to see him or asked how he was doing. Marita knew he needed to talk to his father and forgive him.
"Your Pa needs you" Marita said.
Those simple words from her were all he needed. "I'll go and talk to him".
"He was in the stables when I left" Marita said.
Sean looked up at her, knowing that she was telling him to go now.
"Will you be here when I get back?" he said as he stood up.
"I'll be here" she smiled up at him.
He walked over to her and kissed her lips and left to reconcile with his father.
**********************
When Sean got to the stables, Ned was sitting a crate, looking at nothing in particular.
Sean walked slowly over to him and sat down. After a few minutes, Sean broke the silence.
"How you doing Pa?" he asked.
"I'm sorry son" Ned said.
"I'm sorry too" Sean said.
"I never should have let her come between us. I hope you will forgive me for that" Ned said.
"Pa, you've forgiven me for so much. How could I not forgive you" Sean smiled.
"Thanks, son" Ned turned and smiled at him. "You can still come back home" Ned said after a minute.
"I'm doing OK, Pa. I really need to be out on my own" Sean said.
They sat in silence as they both felt the barrier between them coming down.
"I loved your mother so much" Ned said. "Charlotte seemed so much like her. I wanted so badly to have the love that I shared with your mother and I just fooled myself into believing that Charlotte could give me that".
"I understand Pa" Sean said. He too had fooled himself. He believed that Vivian could give him the love that only Marita could. After being married to Marita, he realized how ridiculous that was. He knew now that nobody could love him like Marita did.
"I would give anything if she could be here right now" Ned said.
"I know you would Pa" Sean said.
They lapsed into silence again as both of them thought of Libby.
Ned broke the silence this time. "How your tobacco company coming along?"
"We're doing alright" he said. "We're sharecropping a piece of Vivian's land. It's been tilled and we're ready to plant."
Ned did not pick up on Sean's use of 'we' instead of 'I'.
"So, you and Vivian are business partners?" Ned laughed.
"Yeah, we are. It's official though. We have a contract." Sean laughed.
They spend the next hour talking, catching up on what was happening in their individual lives. Ned seemed to be coming back to himself as he reconciled with his son.
"Pa" Sean said just before they left the stables. "I need to talk to you about something important. Can we get the family together?"
"Sure, son" Ned said. "What's it about?"
"I'd rather wait until the family is together" Sean said.
"Alright" he said as they headed out the barn. "When do you want to talk?"
"I don't know yet. I'll let you know" Sean said.
********************
Sean and Marita had decided that once things got back to normal, they would tell the family.
The old Ned slowly returned to his family. He apologized to Clay, Alice and Lexy for being so blinded by Charlotte. They each told him they didn't blame and assured them of their love and respect for him. He and Isaac talked about Charlotte and Ned's guilt about believing she was Libby.
Sean was glad that Marita and Lexy had cleaned up the cabin. He was closer to Marita. He was able to spend more time with her. They even started going swimming when they could. He did not have to go such long periods of time without making love to her. He had a hot meal everyday. He also had a chance to start on the list Marita gave him of things she wanted him to do in the cabin. She wanted the fireplace mantel refinished, the walls and cupboard shelves painted and the water hand pump repaired.
Over the next few weeks, the Logan household settled back into it's normal routine. It was the perfect time to shake it up again.
***********************
The family was gathered in the Great Room. Sean stood next to Marita as he searched for the right words. He didn't think it would be this hard to simply say, "Marita and I are married".
"Well.........I, uh. I really don't know how to say this" he said looking from his father to Isaac. "I, uh...." he cleared his throat.
Lexy was impatient. She didn't see what the big deal was, so she decided to help Sean out. "Marita and Sean got married when they went to Philadelphia".
In unison, the family looked at Lexy and she smiled. Then they turned their gazed to the married couple.
"Thank you, Lexy!" Sean said under his breath.
"Congratulations!" Jeremy said with a grin. "I figured you guys had gone and done something!"
All eyes turned to him. He didn't understand what was the big deal either. If the family couldn't see what was going on with Sean and Marita, he thought they were deaf, dumb and blind!
"What?!" Jeremy said. "You guys couldn't see what was going on between them?"
Ned and Isaac looked at one another. They saw but hesitated to 'see'.
"I knew this would happen" Ned thought.
"I knew this would happen" Isaac thought.
"Well" Isaac said as he turned his stare toward Sean. "I don't know whether to say 'congratulations' or go and get my skinning knife!"
"Pa Pa, please!" Marita looked at him with pleading eyes.
"Why do you need a skinning knife?" Lexy asks with a frown on her face.
"Lexy" Ned said as he gave his youngest child a look of warning. "I guess we should have expected this" Ned said as he ran his hand through his hair and looked back at Isaac.
"That's why he called off his engagement to Vivian. I should have known. That's why he didn't have a problem with me seeing Vivian. I wonder how Vivian is going to react when she finds out" Clay thought.
Clay always thought of Marita as a sister. She was always a part of the Logan family. He'd never known a life without Marita. He walked over to her.
"I'd say welcome to the family, but you are already family. I guess this just makes it official" he said as he kissed her cheek and hugged her.
"Thanks, Clay" Marita hugged him tight. She was touched because she hadn't realized Clay felt that way about her.
"Congratulations, Sean" Clay said as he turned to his brother and shook his hand. "You're a lucky man". Marita was a special lady and he knew Sean couldn't find a better woman to marry.
"Thanks. I'm a VERY lucky man" Sean said with a smile.
After a few minutes of silence, Lexy decided to pick the conversation back up.
"Sean and Marita spent the night in Sean's room before he moved out" she informed everyone. "Sean's spent the night at Marita's too. I saw him climbing out of her window one time".
"This is funny" SM
Sean burst out laughing. Marita looked at him as if he had lost his mind. When he saw her looking at him he tried to hush his laughter. When he felt Isaac's hot stare again, he cleared his throat and swallowed his laughter.
"I'm so embarrassed! I just wanna die right here!" MM
The look that Isaac gave Sean would have slaughtered him if looks could kill. If Isaac were honest with himself, he would admit that a large part of his anger stemmed from the fact the he had to face the facts - Sean had been......Isaac gritted his teeth.... "with" his baby girl. His fingers were itching for his skinning knife.
Sean continued to feel the heat of Isaac's gaze and refused to look at his father-in-law. Instead, he continued to stare at his blabbermouth little sister.
"They are always kissing" Lexy continued. "Sean's always going to Marita's when he thinks nobody is home but her".
"I WISH Lexy would SHUT UP!" MM
"This is hilarious!" SM
Jeremy snickered as he remembered them behind Sean's locked bedroom door only a few weeks ago.
"Yeah. I've seen 'em sneaking around upstairs too" Jeremy said laughing. He could not pass up the chance to get Sean back for all the teasing he got about Alice.
"That's enough Lexy" Ned gave his child another look of warning. "Jeremy!" Ned warned him also. Ned knew he was saving Sean's life because he would be on the warpath if Alice were the subject of this revelation.
"You guys went to Philadelphia over a year ago" Alice said. Her eyes teared up as she looked at Marita. She was happy for her brother and Marita. When she thought about it, she really was not surprised that they were in love. They had always been the best of friends. She was just hurt that Marita couldn't or wouldn't share this very special news with her.
"Alice, we just didn't know HOW to tell everybody" Marita said. She knew she had to talk with Alice and explain to her why she didn't at least tell her.
"Sean, are you going to move back home or will you and Marita live at her house?" Jeremy asked, still laughing.
"Well, actually, Marita and Lexy fixed up that cabin on the edge of the property and we'll live there until I can get our house built" he said.
"What cabin?" Alice asked.
"It's a cabin Marita and I found when we were kids" Sean said.
Ned and Isaac remembered that forgotten cabin and the day they found it. The family, with the exception of the two fathers had questions for the couple. After about a half-hour of question and answer, Ned spoke up.
"Isaac and I need to talk with you two" he looked at Sean and Marita. "In private" he looked to the others.
"Alright, I'm going over the Vivian's" Clay said as he walked over to Marita. "Congratulation, again" he said as he kissed her cheek.
"Thanks" she smiled up at him.
"Sean" Clay shook his brother's hand before walking out of the room.
Alice and Jeremy followed behind Clay.
Lexy didn't seem to understand that it was time for her to leave too. "Lexy" Ned said in a drawn out voice. "Private means private."
"Alright" she sighed. She was hoping to hear some of the private conversation. She smiled and waved to Sean and Marita. She was just as happy as they were that the secret was out.
"See ya later, peanut" Sean said.
"Maybe we need to go into the study" Ned suggested, recalling Lexy's habit of eavesdropping.
The men let Marita go first and followed as she led them into the study. Ned was last and closed the door.
"Pa" Sean started before Ned could sit down. "Marita and I have talked this over. We know about the laws. I've already talked to the sheriff and he won't give us any trouble. We're prepared to leave Lexington if we have too. I can't give Marita up. I love her Pa and I want to spend the rest of my life with her."
Before Sean could continue, Ned interrupted him. "Son". Ned looked into Sean's eyes and saw his determination and his love for Marita. A love that he himself had for Libby. "I understand. Your mother always told me and Isaac to watch you two" he smiled at the thought of Libby. "I don't understand how, but she knew that there was something special between you. And to be honest with you, I guess I've been waiting for this. Not that you were ALREADY married, mind you" he said with a raised brow, "but that you were PLANNING to get married. You won't get any objections from me. Isaac might be a different story though" he said as he turned to look at his friend.
Isaac remained silent.
"Pa Pa" Marita said as she walked over to him. "I love him and I have not regretted one day being married to him. He makes me happy. Please don't be mad with us" Marita held her breath waiting for his response.
"I'm not mad with YOU, baby girl" Isaac said as he looked at Sean.
"Pa Pa, please! He's been a wonderful husband. I couldn't ask for more. Please understand. We had the opportunity to get married and we just couldn't let it pass us by. We wanted to tell you, but the time just never seemed right" Marita pleaded their case.
Isaac knew what Ned knew. They had discussed their children on numerous occasions. He could no longer deny it. There was something special between his baby girl and Sean. He knew they belonged together. He knew Sean would make her happy. He knew Marita was in good hands. He knew Marita wouldn't let anything or anybody, including him, keep her from Sean. He also knew he couldn't have asked for a better son-in-law.
"Well, Ned" Isaac said. "I guess this officially makes us in-laws."
Marita breathed a sigh of relief as she hugged Isaac's neck. "Thank you Pa Pa" she whispered as her tears began to flow. She was so relieved that she had Isaac's blessing.
Sean breathed a sigh of relief too. The family finally knew their secret and they supported them. "Thanks, Pa. Thanks, Isaac. You don't know what it means to us to have your support."
"Sean" Isaac said.
"Sir?" Sean said.
"You'd better take care of my baby girl" he warned as he hugged Marita. "She's the only one I have. You'd better take real good care of her or else."
"Yes sir" Sean smiled. He didn't have a problem with that command.
Marita look into Isaac eyes through her tears. "I love you, Pa Pa" she said as she kissed his lips.
"I love you, baby girl" Isaac smiled.
"Well, I guess congratulations are in order" Ned said as he walked over to Sean to embraced him. "Congratulations son".
"Thanks Pa" Sean returned his embrace.
"Alright, Isaac" Ned said as he turned to Marita. "Let my daughter-in-law go so she can give me a hug."
Marita turned to her father-in-law and gave him a bright smile as he embraced her.
"I feel like Clay does. You've always been a part of the family and this just makes it official" he said as he kissed her forehead.
"Thank you, Mr. Logan" Marita said.
Sean walked tentatively over to Isaac and reached out his hand. Isaac looked at it for a second then relented.
"Congratulations, son" Isaac said as a small smile broke out over his face.
"Thanks, Isaac" Sean smiled. "I promise to take good care of her".
Isaac nodded and his eyes said 'You'd better'.
"Sean" Ned called to him as he remained by Marita's side with his arm around her shoulders. "When this gets out, I'll use all the influence I have and try to make sure you two are not bothered. You may not be welcomed in the Jockey Club anymore, but I'll use my influence there too. We've done things out of the norm before and weathered the storm. I'm sure this won't be any different."
"Thanks, Pa. I appreciate that" Sean said.
After a few minutes of small talk, Sean wanted to say something to them.
"Isaac, I know we've done things a little backwards, but I'd like to ask you for Marita's hand in marriage" he said.
"I don't see how I can say 'no' now" Isaac said, his humor returning.
Sean turned to Marita, took her hand and bent down on one knee. "Marita Nicole Logan" he said as she started to cry. "Will you marry me again?"
"YES" she whispered as she nodded her head.
Sean stood up and wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the ground. He was so happy.
The fathers looked on and were overjoyed that their children had found such a love. They thought this was a good time to leave them alone, so they eased out of the study.
Sean set Marita on the ground and rested his forehead against hers. "When do you want to have the wedding?" he asked.
"Sean, we don't have to do this" Marita said.
"Are you turning down my proposal?" he asked.
"No, you know I'm not. We just don't have to go through all the trouble..."
"Marita, I know you'd like us to have a wedding here with the family" Sean said. "So we are having one and that's that."
Marita could only smile.
"You and Alice can put it together in no time" he said confidently.
"So, you demand that we have a wedding, then saddle me with all the work" Marita teased.
"Well, I could do it" he volunteered.
"No, thank you" Marita laughed. She loved her husband, but knew if he had to plan the wedding, it would be a mess. "I need to talk with Alice. I think I may have hurt her."
"Why?" Sean frowned.
"Because I didn't tell her about us" Marita said as she thought about what she would say to Alice.
Sean didn't understand what the problem was, so he just didn't comment. "Well, just let me know when I need to show up" he said. "I already talked to Rev Griffin, and he said he'd do the ceremony."
"Good" Marita smiled.
"I need to asked Pa if we can have the ceremony here, if this is where you want to have it" Sean said.
"I'd love to have it here" Marita said.
They left the study and found their fathers in the great room.
"Pa can we have the wedding here?" Sean asked.
"Sure" Ned smiled. "When are you planning on having it?"
"As soon as Marita and Alice can get things together" he said.
"Sean, you won't be taking my baby girl to that cabin until you marry her in front of me" Isaac gave him a look that added 'and you won't be sneaking in her window either'.
Sean looked at Isaac with disbelief. The family knew about their marriage so he didn't have to sneak around anymore to be with his wife. But now he couldn't have her until they were married in front of the family.
"How long do you think it will take to get everything ready?" Sean asked Marita.
"Just a few days I guess. I'll go and talk to Alice" she said as she walked out of the great room.
*****************
KNOCK KNOCK
"Come in" Alice said.
Marita slowly opened the door and walked into the room.
Alice was sitting at her dresser brushing her hair.
"You got a minute?" Marita asked.
"Sure" Alice said as she laid her brush down and stood up and walked over to her bed.
They both sat down.
"Marita" Alice said before Marita could speak. "Why couldn't you tell me? You didn't trust me?"
"Alice, I'm sorry. I guess I was afraid. I was afraid to tell anybody" Marita explained.
"But why were you afraid to tell me?" Alice asked, obviously hurt.
"I wasn't sure how you would react." Marita said honestly.
"Did you think I would be against you and Sean being together? What have I done make you think I wouldn't accept you being married to Sean" Alice said sincerely. Marita was her close friend. She had always thought of Marita as a sister. When she looked at Marita, she didn't see 'colored', she saw Marita.
"Alice" Marita said as she took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. You've never done anything to make me feel like anything less than family. I guess it was my insecurities. I really felt like Sean and I crossed the line when we got married and I was afraid that you might look at me in a different way. I'd no longer just be 'Marita', your friend, but I'd be 'colored' Marita who would taint your family legacy".
Alice took in what Marita had said. Even though she did not see Marita as 'different', even now, she was not so naïve that she did not realize that others did see Marita as 'different', even 'inferior'. Alice also reflected on Sean and Marita's relationship. She knew how much Marita meant to Sean. She knew how close they were. She knew that they had a very special bond.
"I'm sorry, Marita, for people being so ignorant" Alice said. "I hope you know that I love you and I'm SO happy that you married Sean. He would have been so MISERABLE if he had married Vivian" Alice said as she started to laughed.
Marita laughed as they embraced. "Thank you Alice" Marita whispered as she felt Alice's love for her.
"Thank you" Alice said as she squeezed Marita tight. "For making my brother happy."
"So, are you and Sean planning to have some kind of celebration here at home?" Alice asked hopefully.
"That's one of the reasons I came to talk to you".
Marita and Alice spent the next hour discussing the wedding ceremony and all the things that needed to be done. Lexy joined them and volunteered to do whatever they would allow her to do.
Everything would be prepared in two weeks. In two weeks, Sean and Marita would be wedded a second time.
To Be Continued...............
***************
"Hey" Marita said as she came into the cabin.
"Hey" Sean said as he looked up from the book he was reading.
Marita walked over to the table and bent down and kissed him on his lips before she sat down across from him.
Sean hadn't said much about his father since Charlotte left. He hadn't even gone to see him or asked how he was doing. Marita knew he needed to talk to his father and forgive him.
"Your Pa needs you" Marita said.
Those simple words from her were all he needed. "I'll go and talk to him".
"He was in the stables when I left" Marita said.
Sean looked up at her, knowing that she was telling him to go now.
"Will you be here when I get back?" he said as he stood up.
"I'll be here" she smiled up at him.
He walked over to her and kissed her lips and left to reconcile with his father.
**********************
When Sean got to the stables, Ned was sitting a crate, looking at nothing in particular.
Sean walked slowly over to him and sat down. After a few minutes, Sean broke the silence.
"How you doing Pa?" he asked.
"I'm sorry son" Ned said.
"I'm sorry too" Sean said.
"I never should have let her come between us. I hope you will forgive me for that" Ned said.
"Pa, you've forgiven me for so much. How could I not forgive you" Sean smiled.
"Thanks, son" Ned turned and smiled at him. "You can still come back home" Ned said after a minute.
"I'm doing OK, Pa. I really need to be out on my own" Sean said.
They sat in silence as they both felt the barrier between them coming down.
"I loved your mother so much" Ned said. "Charlotte seemed so much like her. I wanted so badly to have the love that I shared with your mother and I just fooled myself into believing that Charlotte could give me that".
"I understand Pa" Sean said. He too had fooled himself. He believed that Vivian could give him the love that only Marita could. After being married to Marita, he realized how ridiculous that was. He knew now that nobody could love him like Marita did.
"I would give anything if she could be here right now" Ned said.
"I know you would Pa" Sean said.
They lapsed into silence again as both of them thought of Libby.
Ned broke the silence this time. "How your tobacco company coming along?"
"We're doing alright" he said. "We're sharecropping a piece of Vivian's land. It's been tilled and we're ready to plant."
Ned did not pick up on Sean's use of 'we' instead of 'I'.
"So, you and Vivian are business partners?" Ned laughed.
"Yeah, we are. It's official though. We have a contract." Sean laughed.
They spend the next hour talking, catching up on what was happening in their individual lives. Ned seemed to be coming back to himself as he reconciled with his son.
"Pa" Sean said just before they left the stables. "I need to talk to you about something important. Can we get the family together?"
"Sure, son" Ned said. "What's it about?"
"I'd rather wait until the family is together" Sean said.
"Alright" he said as they headed out the barn. "When do you want to talk?"
"I don't know yet. I'll let you know" Sean said.
********************
Sean and Marita had decided that once things got back to normal, they would tell the family.
The old Ned slowly returned to his family. He apologized to Clay, Alice and Lexy for being so blinded by Charlotte. They each told him they didn't blame and assured them of their love and respect for him. He and Isaac talked about Charlotte and Ned's guilt about believing she was Libby.
Sean was glad that Marita and Lexy had cleaned up the cabin. He was closer to Marita. He was able to spend more time with her. They even started going swimming when they could. He did not have to go such long periods of time without making love to her. He had a hot meal everyday. He also had a chance to start on the list Marita gave him of things she wanted him to do in the cabin. She wanted the fireplace mantel refinished, the walls and cupboard shelves painted and the water hand pump repaired.
Over the next few weeks, the Logan household settled back into it's normal routine. It was the perfect time to shake it up again.
***********************
The family was gathered in the Great Room. Sean stood next to Marita as he searched for the right words. He didn't think it would be this hard to simply say, "Marita and I are married".
"Well.........I, uh. I really don't know how to say this" he said looking from his father to Isaac. "I, uh...." he cleared his throat.
Lexy was impatient. She didn't see what the big deal was, so she decided to help Sean out. "Marita and Sean got married when they went to Philadelphia".
In unison, the family looked at Lexy and she smiled. Then they turned their gazed to the married couple.
"Thank you, Lexy!" Sean said under his breath.
"Congratulations!" Jeremy said with a grin. "I figured you guys had gone and done something!"
All eyes turned to him. He didn't understand what was the big deal either. If the family couldn't see what was going on with Sean and Marita, he thought they were deaf, dumb and blind!
"What?!" Jeremy said. "You guys couldn't see what was going on between them?"
Ned and Isaac looked at one another. They saw but hesitated to 'see'.
"I knew this would happen" Ned thought.
"I knew this would happen" Isaac thought.
"Well" Isaac said as he turned his stare toward Sean. "I don't know whether to say 'congratulations' or go and get my skinning knife!"
"Pa Pa, please!" Marita looked at him with pleading eyes.
"Why do you need a skinning knife?" Lexy asks with a frown on her face.
"Lexy" Ned said as he gave his youngest child a look of warning. "I guess we should have expected this" Ned said as he ran his hand through his hair and looked back at Isaac.
"That's why he called off his engagement to Vivian. I should have known. That's why he didn't have a problem with me seeing Vivian. I wonder how Vivian is going to react when she finds out" Clay thought.
Clay always thought of Marita as a sister. She was always a part of the Logan family. He'd never known a life without Marita. He walked over to her.
"I'd say welcome to the family, but you are already family. I guess this just makes it official" he said as he kissed her cheek and hugged her.
"Thanks, Clay" Marita hugged him tight. She was touched because she hadn't realized Clay felt that way about her.
"Congratulations, Sean" Clay said as he turned to his brother and shook his hand. "You're a lucky man". Marita was a special lady and he knew Sean couldn't find a better woman to marry.
"Thanks. I'm a VERY lucky man" Sean said with a smile.
After a few minutes of silence, Lexy decided to pick the conversation back up.
"Sean and Marita spent the night in Sean's room before he moved out" she informed everyone. "Sean's spent the night at Marita's too. I saw him climbing out of her window one time".
"This is funny" SM
Sean burst out laughing. Marita looked at him as if he had lost his mind. When he saw her looking at him he tried to hush his laughter. When he felt Isaac's hot stare again, he cleared his throat and swallowed his laughter.
"I'm so embarrassed! I just wanna die right here!" MM
The look that Isaac gave Sean would have slaughtered him if looks could kill. If Isaac were honest with himself, he would admit that a large part of his anger stemmed from the fact the he had to face the facts - Sean had been......Isaac gritted his teeth.... "with" his baby girl. His fingers were itching for his skinning knife.
Sean continued to feel the heat of Isaac's gaze and refused to look at his father-in-law. Instead, he continued to stare at his blabbermouth little sister.
"They are always kissing" Lexy continued. "Sean's always going to Marita's when he thinks nobody is home but her".
"I WISH Lexy would SHUT UP!" MM
"This is hilarious!" SM
Jeremy snickered as he remembered them behind Sean's locked bedroom door only a few weeks ago.
"Yeah. I've seen 'em sneaking around upstairs too" Jeremy said laughing. He could not pass up the chance to get Sean back for all the teasing he got about Alice.
"That's enough Lexy" Ned gave his child another look of warning. "Jeremy!" Ned warned him also. Ned knew he was saving Sean's life because he would be on the warpath if Alice were the subject of this revelation.
"You guys went to Philadelphia over a year ago" Alice said. Her eyes teared up as she looked at Marita. She was happy for her brother and Marita. When she thought about it, she really was not surprised that they were in love. They had always been the best of friends. She was just hurt that Marita couldn't or wouldn't share this very special news with her.
"Alice, we just didn't know HOW to tell everybody" Marita said. She knew she had to talk with Alice and explain to her why she didn't at least tell her.
"Sean, are you going to move back home or will you and Marita live at her house?" Jeremy asked, still laughing.
"Well, actually, Marita and Lexy fixed up that cabin on the edge of the property and we'll live there until I can get our house built" he said.
"What cabin?" Alice asked.
"It's a cabin Marita and I found when we were kids" Sean said.
Ned and Isaac remembered that forgotten cabin and the day they found it. The family, with the exception of the two fathers had questions for the couple. After about a half-hour of question and answer, Ned spoke up.
"Isaac and I need to talk with you two" he looked at Sean and Marita. "In private" he looked to the others.
"Alright, I'm going over the Vivian's" Clay said as he walked over to Marita. "Congratulation, again" he said as he kissed her cheek.
"Thanks" she smiled up at him.
"Sean" Clay shook his brother's hand before walking out of the room.
Alice and Jeremy followed behind Clay.
Lexy didn't seem to understand that it was time for her to leave too. "Lexy" Ned said in a drawn out voice. "Private means private."
"Alright" she sighed. She was hoping to hear some of the private conversation. She smiled and waved to Sean and Marita. She was just as happy as they were that the secret was out.
"See ya later, peanut" Sean said.
"Maybe we need to go into the study" Ned suggested, recalling Lexy's habit of eavesdropping.
The men let Marita go first and followed as she led them into the study. Ned was last and closed the door.
"Pa" Sean started before Ned could sit down. "Marita and I have talked this over. We know about the laws. I've already talked to the sheriff and he won't give us any trouble. We're prepared to leave Lexington if we have too. I can't give Marita up. I love her Pa and I want to spend the rest of my life with her."
Before Sean could continue, Ned interrupted him. "Son". Ned looked into Sean's eyes and saw his determination and his love for Marita. A love that he himself had for Libby. "I understand. Your mother always told me and Isaac to watch you two" he smiled at the thought of Libby. "I don't understand how, but she knew that there was something special between you. And to be honest with you, I guess I've been waiting for this. Not that you were ALREADY married, mind you" he said with a raised brow, "but that you were PLANNING to get married. You won't get any objections from me. Isaac might be a different story though" he said as he turned to look at his friend.
Isaac remained silent.
"Pa Pa" Marita said as she walked over to him. "I love him and I have not regretted one day being married to him. He makes me happy. Please don't be mad with us" Marita held her breath waiting for his response.
"I'm not mad with YOU, baby girl" Isaac said as he looked at Sean.
"Pa Pa, please! He's been a wonderful husband. I couldn't ask for more. Please understand. We had the opportunity to get married and we just couldn't let it pass us by. We wanted to tell you, but the time just never seemed right" Marita pleaded their case.
Isaac knew what Ned knew. They had discussed their children on numerous occasions. He could no longer deny it. There was something special between his baby girl and Sean. He knew they belonged together. He knew Sean would make her happy. He knew Marita was in good hands. He knew Marita wouldn't let anything or anybody, including him, keep her from Sean. He also knew he couldn't have asked for a better son-in-law.
"Well, Ned" Isaac said. "I guess this officially makes us in-laws."
Marita breathed a sigh of relief as she hugged Isaac's neck. "Thank you Pa Pa" she whispered as her tears began to flow. She was so relieved that she had Isaac's blessing.
Sean breathed a sigh of relief too. The family finally knew their secret and they supported them. "Thanks, Pa. Thanks, Isaac. You don't know what it means to us to have your support."
"Sean" Isaac said.
"Sir?" Sean said.
"You'd better take care of my baby girl" he warned as he hugged Marita. "She's the only one I have. You'd better take real good care of her or else."
"Yes sir" Sean smiled. He didn't have a problem with that command.
Marita look into Isaac eyes through her tears. "I love you, Pa Pa" she said as she kissed his lips.
"I love you, baby girl" Isaac smiled.
"Well, I guess congratulations are in order" Ned said as he walked over to Sean to embraced him. "Congratulations son".
"Thanks Pa" Sean returned his embrace.
"Alright, Isaac" Ned said as he turned to Marita. "Let my daughter-in-law go so she can give me a hug."
Marita turned to her father-in-law and gave him a bright smile as he embraced her.
"I feel like Clay does. You've always been a part of the family and this just makes it official" he said as he kissed her forehead.
"Thank you, Mr. Logan" Marita said.
Sean walked tentatively over to Isaac and reached out his hand. Isaac looked at it for a second then relented.
"Congratulations, son" Isaac said as a small smile broke out over his face.
"Thanks, Isaac" Sean smiled. "I promise to take good care of her".
Isaac nodded and his eyes said 'You'd better'.
"Sean" Ned called to him as he remained by Marita's side with his arm around her shoulders. "When this gets out, I'll use all the influence I have and try to make sure you two are not bothered. You may not be welcomed in the Jockey Club anymore, but I'll use my influence there too. We've done things out of the norm before and weathered the storm. I'm sure this won't be any different."
"Thanks, Pa. I appreciate that" Sean said.
After a few minutes of small talk, Sean wanted to say something to them.
"Isaac, I know we've done things a little backwards, but I'd like to ask you for Marita's hand in marriage" he said.
"I don't see how I can say 'no' now" Isaac said, his humor returning.
Sean turned to Marita, took her hand and bent down on one knee. "Marita Nicole Logan" he said as she started to cry. "Will you marry me again?"
"YES" she whispered as she nodded her head.
Sean stood up and wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the ground. He was so happy.
The fathers looked on and were overjoyed that their children had found such a love. They thought this was a good time to leave them alone, so they eased out of the study.
Sean set Marita on the ground and rested his forehead against hers. "When do you want to have the wedding?" he asked.
"Sean, we don't have to do this" Marita said.
"Are you turning down my proposal?" he asked.
"No, you know I'm not. We just don't have to go through all the trouble..."
"Marita, I know you'd like us to have a wedding here with the family" Sean said. "So we are having one and that's that."
Marita could only smile.
"You and Alice can put it together in no time" he said confidently.
"So, you demand that we have a wedding, then saddle me with all the work" Marita teased.
"Well, I could do it" he volunteered.
"No, thank you" Marita laughed. She loved her husband, but knew if he had to plan the wedding, it would be a mess. "I need to talk with Alice. I think I may have hurt her."
"Why?" Sean frowned.
"Because I didn't tell her about us" Marita said as she thought about what she would say to Alice.
Sean didn't understand what the problem was, so he just didn't comment. "Well, just let me know when I need to show up" he said. "I already talked to Rev Griffin, and he said he'd do the ceremony."
"Good" Marita smiled.
"I need to asked Pa if we can have the ceremony here, if this is where you want to have it" Sean said.
"I'd love to have it here" Marita said.
They left the study and found their fathers in the great room.
"Pa can we have the wedding here?" Sean asked.
"Sure" Ned smiled. "When are you planning on having it?"
"As soon as Marita and Alice can get things together" he said.
"Sean, you won't be taking my baby girl to that cabin until you marry her in front of me" Isaac gave him a look that added 'and you won't be sneaking in her window either'.
Sean looked at Isaac with disbelief. The family knew about their marriage so he didn't have to sneak around anymore to be with his wife. But now he couldn't have her until they were married in front of the family.
"How long do you think it will take to get everything ready?" Sean asked Marita.
"Just a few days I guess. I'll go and talk to Alice" she said as she walked out of the great room.
*****************
KNOCK KNOCK
"Come in" Alice said.
Marita slowly opened the door and walked into the room.
Alice was sitting at her dresser brushing her hair.
"You got a minute?" Marita asked.
"Sure" Alice said as she laid her brush down and stood up and walked over to her bed.
They both sat down.
"Marita" Alice said before Marita could speak. "Why couldn't you tell me? You didn't trust me?"
"Alice, I'm sorry. I guess I was afraid. I was afraid to tell anybody" Marita explained.
"But why were you afraid to tell me?" Alice asked, obviously hurt.
"I wasn't sure how you would react." Marita said honestly.
"Did you think I would be against you and Sean being together? What have I done make you think I wouldn't accept you being married to Sean" Alice said sincerely. Marita was her close friend. She had always thought of Marita as a sister. When she looked at Marita, she didn't see 'colored', she saw Marita.
"Alice" Marita said as she took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. You've never done anything to make me feel like anything less than family. I guess it was my insecurities. I really felt like Sean and I crossed the line when we got married and I was afraid that you might look at me in a different way. I'd no longer just be 'Marita', your friend, but I'd be 'colored' Marita who would taint your family legacy".
Alice took in what Marita had said. Even though she did not see Marita as 'different', even now, she was not so naïve that she did not realize that others did see Marita as 'different', even 'inferior'. Alice also reflected on Sean and Marita's relationship. She knew how much Marita meant to Sean. She knew how close they were. She knew that they had a very special bond.
"I'm sorry, Marita, for people being so ignorant" Alice said. "I hope you know that I love you and I'm SO happy that you married Sean. He would have been so MISERABLE if he had married Vivian" Alice said as she started to laughed.
Marita laughed as they embraced. "Thank you Alice" Marita whispered as she felt Alice's love for her.
"Thank you" Alice said as she squeezed Marita tight. "For making my brother happy."
"So, are you and Sean planning to have some kind of celebration here at home?" Alice asked hopefully.
"That's one of the reasons I came to talk to you".
Marita and Alice spent the next hour discussing the wedding ceremony and all the things that needed to be done. Lexy joined them and volunteered to do whatever they would allow her to do.
Everything would be prepared in two weeks. In two weeks, Sean and Marita would be wedded a second time.
To Be Continued...............
