Chapter 9 - Standish's Woman…
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Buck looked up from his newspaper as Rebecca and Ezra rode back into town. He noticed they rode together on the same horse, leading Rebecca's mare. Whatever problem Maude had caused seemed to be patched up now. Rebecca's head rested on Ezra's shoulder as he held her close in front of him. As they rode past him the gambler was kissing her cheek.
It made Buck smile.
They stopped Gambler in front of the livery as Ezra slid off helping Rebecca to dismount. Smiling at her, he led both horses inside while she waited for him to return.
For some reason she began to feel a bit nervous. Rebecca looked behind her before turning back toward the livery. As she turned once more she saw Maude approach. Talking a deep breath she straightened up her back ready to take on Ezra's mother. It was time for a showdown.
Stopping in front of Rebecca, she said, "Well it would appear that my son has genuine feelings for you. I assumed he was merely infatuated with you."
"I guess you are mistaken, Mrs. Standish. What Ezra and I feel for each other is very real. It won't ever go away so please for his sake accept it."
The southerner heard his mother's voice rushing to the stable doorway ready to insinuate himself into Rebecca and Maude's sparring if the need arose. For the moment though, Rebecca seemed to be holding her own.
"Ezra just needs a little push to figure out which way he should go sometimes. It's a mother's job to provide the push," Maude replied.
"Your son is a grown man and doesn't need your help. I think it's time you became aware of it," Rebecca shot back. "I suggest you allow him to make his own mistakes. It would certainly make him a lot happier."
Maude gave Rebecca a withering stare, "How dare you presume to know my son! Just because he's tumbled you a few times doesn't give you insight into his soul!"
Rebecca was taken aback by Maude's outburst, but anger soon replaced her shocked expression making her hand curl her right hand into a fist.
"You know I was really trying to discuss this in a sane, logical manner, hoping you would understand because you're his mother, but I can see I'm taking the wrong approach. What I really should be doing is beating the HELL out of you!"
She advanced on the older woman with the intent of doing just that, when she was unceremoniously lifted off her feet by Ezra setting her down behind him.
He shut down her protest with just a single look. Thoroughly chastised, she took several long deep breaths trying to calm her anger.
Ezra spun on his mother giving her an equally hard look. "I thought I had made myself clear on the subject of Rebecca. What will it take for you to understand that I love this woman and nothing you say or do will change my feelings?"
He sighed heavily, "I think it would be best if you left Four Corners mother. Our wedding is in two weeks and this is supposed to be a happy time for us. Please respect my wishes for once in your life."
Rebecca stood behind Ezra during this exchange, one arm wrapped around his waist. Closing her eyes, she sighed. She had envisioned her introduction to Maude Standish in an entirely different light, but all of her hopes had been completely shattered. A tightness gripped her chest as the situation spun out of control.
Unable to take anymore, she came around Ezra stepping between the two. "Please! Stop! I can't be the cause of all this! I can't! All I ever wanted was for us to get along Mrs. Standish. I love your son. What must I do to prove it to you? Would walking away from him prove it? Is that what you want?"
Hot tears streamed down her face. Her heart hammered in her chest staring at Maude as she waited for her answer.
Ezra placed a hand on her shoulder turning her around. "Becca…you can't be serious?" Anguish filling his voice.
"I can't be the cause of so much anger and pain between you two. No matter what she's done, she's still your mother. Maybe I should just…" the words died in her throat.
"No," he gripped her shoulders, "you can't…you can't be serious! I love you Rebecca!"
The pain in Ezra's eyes stabbed Rebecca like a knife. She lowered her eyes to the ground, unable to meet his gaze.
Maude watched the two without saying anything. Perhaps she was wrong and her son and this woman did indeed love each other. A sudden memory of the only man she had ever loved came to her mind.
Ezra's father had stolen her heart utterly. He had been the first man to treat her like a lady and during their brief marriage he had been nothing but kind. When he had passed away it had nearly broken her heart. Ezra was a mirror image of his father and being reminded of that hurt sometimes. Maybe that's why she treated him the way she did. The fear of losing another piece of her late husband colored her judgment where her son was concerned.
"Ezra…Rebecca, please."
Both turned to stare at Maude.
"Please…forgive a foolish old woman her meddling ways. I should have known that my boy wouldn't have given his heart to just anyone. She would have to be someone extremely special."
Maude faced Rebecca, "Forgive me, Miss Dannon. You are obviously someone of great character for my son to love you as he does. I know my actions haven't warranted any trust on your part, but I want you to know that I would be proud to have you for a daughter-n-law."
Rebecca's already puffy eyes filled with tears as she whispered, "Thank you." She turned to Ezra putting her arms around him burying her face in his chest.
Ezra blinked back his own tears, "What changed your mind mother? You seemed determined to keep us apart."
"Well, darlin, let's just say that I was wrong and leave it at that." Maude touched his face, "I want you to be happy." So saying, she turned walking toward the hotel.
Shaking his head as she left he knew if he lived to be 1000 years old he would never understand his mother. He looked down at Rebecca, "Are you all right, darlin?"
Lifting her head from his chest she offered a weak smile. "I'm okay, but I guess I'm a little confused. What just happened? Why did she suddenly change her mind?"
"I don't know, but I'm not going to question it. I shall just accept it as divine providence and move on."
Ezra smiled, his gold tooth sparkling in the afternoon sun, "Now as I recall, you and I were going to have a wonderful luncheon. I suggest we do just that then afterwards I need to converse with Mr. Tanner as I have a special request I need to ask of him."
"Are you going to ask him to be your Best Man.?" she queried as they walked toward the hotel restaurant.
"How very astute of you. Yes, I have thought it over and wish to ask Mr. Tanner if he would consent to stand up at the alter with me. It seems very likely that we shall be related through marriage as I'm sure he intends to ask Sarah to marry him one day."
"Yes…that seems very likely. I think it's a great idea," Rebecca smiled.
"I actually need to talk to someone after lunch myself. I was going to ask Buck to give me away, since he was the one that found Sarah and I. I've always thought of him as my unofficial big brother so I hope it meets with your approval?"
"I think he's a marvelous choice and I'm sure Mr. Wilmington will be deeply honored."
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After a very enjoyable lunch, Ezra went to locate Vin while Rebecca looked for Buck. She found him still sitting outside the jail; his chair leaned back against the wall sound asleep. His hat covered his eyes and the sound of snoring filled the afternoon air.
Giggling quietly, she wondered if she should disturb him. As she stood debating with herself on a course of action, JD exited the jail office.
"Afternoon, Miss Rebecca. What are you doing?"
"Well I'm trying to decide if I should wake Buck or wait till later to talk to him. I have something I wanted to ask him, but he looks so peaceful I just don't have the heart to wake him."
"Personally, I think you ought to roust him. He's been sitting like that for two hours. That's plenty long enough for a nap," JD said, an evil grin appearing on his young face.
"Ooohhh JD…I'm not sure I like that look. You're contemplating doing something evil to Buck aren't you?"
"Me!" JD exclaimed, pointing innocently at himself, "Buck's my friend. Why would I do anything to him?"
"I'm not sure, but whatever it is I want no part of whatever you're planning. I'll just stand over here away from ground zero!"
"Ground Zero?"
"Figure of speech JD. Please continue with whatever you're going to do."
Moving away from Buck, she watched as JD put his plan in motion. Crossing her arms, Rebecca leaned against the porch post in front of the jail…waiting.
JD reentered the jail, quickly returning with a mug full of shaving cream. Ever so gently, he filled Buck's left hand with the mixture. Giving Rebecca another grin, he produced a feather from his back pocket.
Rebecca covered her mouth trying to stifle the laugh that threatened to erupt. She knew what JD was going to do next. It was a classic joke.
Taking the feather he proceeded to tickle the end of Buck's nose lightly. Buck mumbled in his sleep then snorted causing JD to jump back. He gave Rebecca a grin then started waving it under the ladies' man nose again. This time Buck swatted at his nose, but with his right hand. JD came back for the kill.
Brushing the feather along the underside of Buck's nose, he pulled it slowly back and forth. Snorting suddenly, Buck lifted his left hand and slapped his face, spreading shaving cream everywhere.
JD exploded in laughter as Buck sat up, sputtering and spitting. He looked from JD to Rebecca who was barely able to hold herself up from laughing so hard.
"What the Hell!" Buck yelped jumping to his feet.
JD scampered next to Rebecca, tears of laughter rolling down his face.
Rebecca tried not to laugh, but it wasn't easy. Buck was a sight with the shaving cream covering his face and mustache.
"JD!" Buck roared.
"See you later Miss Rebecca," yelled the younger man as he scrambled away from his angry friend.
Rebecca approached Buck and offered her best 'I'm sorry smile' as he tried to wipe shaving cream from his face.
"Sorry I didn't say anything, but it was just too funny." Still fighting the impulse to laugh out loud.
"Oh shoot, it's okay, Rebecca. I'll get him back another time. I figure I owe that boy, two or three at last count."
"Well now that you're awake…" she said still grinning, "could we sit down in the jail? I have something I want to ask you?"
"Sure, come on inside," he said with some curiosity.
Rebecca followed him inside sitting on a chair as Buck finishing wiping the rest of JD's joke from his moustache. Sitting across from her, he asked, "What can I do for you?"
"I have a very special favor to ask of you. I consider you to be one of my best friends in Four Corners. After all you are the man that saved Sarah and I. I was wondering, since my own father isn't here, if you would do me the honor of walking me down the aisle. It would mean a lot to me."
A huge smile lit up Buck's face, "Miss Rebecca I would be truly honored to give you away." He stood pulling her into a bear hug embrace, "I still say Ezra is one lucky man and if he weren't around, well..."
She laughed. "Well if Ezra weren't around I might have considered it." She returned his hug, "Thank you Buck. This means a lot to me."
Rebecca turned to leave when Buck asked, "You wouldn't happen to know where JD was going when he lit outta here, would you?"
She shook her head, "Sorry, can't help you there, but I'm sure you will find him eventually. See you later."
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After lunch, Ezra went in search of Mr. Tanner. He found Vin in the saloon with Nathan and Josiah playing cards. Straightening his frame, he adjusted his vest, and jacket before approaching the three men.
"Afternoon Gentlemen," he said tipping his hat.
"Howdy, Ez," Vin replied, "you lookin to sit in on a couple hands?"
Shifting his feet, the southerner replied, "Actually Mr. Tanner, I have a matter I wish to discuss with you…that is if you have a free moment?"
Vin glanced up at Ezra's face. Curiosity narrowed his blue eyes as he sized up the gambler, "I fold boys. This was a nothing hand anyway." Grabbing his beer, he pointed to a table on the far side of the room.
Once the two men were seated, Vin leaned back in his chair asking, "What's on yer mind?"
The southerner took a deep breath wetting his lips. "I have a special request to ask of you Mr. Tanner. I know that you and I have had our differences in the past and we don't always see eye to eye, but I'm hoping you will consider what I'm asking. It is very likely that in the course of time, you and I shall be related through marriage. You are after all courting Miss Sarah and with my impending nuptials to Rebecca only two weeks away, I find that I am without a Best Man. Mr. Tanner…Vin…I would be very honored if you would consent to stand up at the altar with me."
A slow smile creased his face. "I'm honored that ya asked me Ezra. I'd say you're probably right 'bout me and Sarah. I've sorta been thinkin more and more about it." He stood as did Ezra, "I'd be happy to stand up there with ya pard. I reckon I need to look into gettin some fancy duds right?"
Ezra shook his head. "Wear whatever you have my friend. It is enough that you will be there with me as I watch my beautiful Rebecca walk down the aisle."
Grinning, the two men shook hands vigorously. 'It's turning out to be a good day after all,' Ezra thought as they rejoined the other men at the poker table.
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Three days before the wedding, Ezra went to his mother's room to invite her to breakfast. Receiving no answer after repeatedly knocking, he wondered if perhaps she was already downstairs.
As he stepped into the hotel lobby, he saw Rebecca waiting for him. She seemed engrossed in a letter as he approached.
"Mother wasn't in her room. I suppose she has already had breakfast."
Glancing up from a letter she held, she said, "She's gone Ezra."
"What?" he asked, "What do you mean she's gone?"
Sighing heavily, she said, "According to this letter, she left this morning on the early stage…says she has business to attend to in St. Louis."
The southerner blinked several times, trying to understand. He couldn't believe it. His own mother couldn't even stay in town long enough for his wedding.
As Rebecca put her arms around him, he uttered a pained whisper, "Where did you get the letter?"
"The desk clerk handed it to me when I came down stairs. I am so very sorry. I know how important you wanted her to be here for our ceremony."
Ezra fixed shimmering green eyes on Rebecca. The pain reflected in their depths was like a knife in her heart. How many times was this woman going to cause her son pain?
She took his hand in hers. "Come with me darling."
She led him up the stairs to her room. Opening the door, she motioned him inside. Shutting it behind them she turned putting her arms around Ezra's waist. "I wish I could take your pain away, but I might have something that will help. I wanted this to be after we were married, but under the circumstances…"
"What is it?" he asked.
"Have a seat on the bed and I'll show you."
Arching his eyebrows, he did as she requested. She reached into the closet and came back with a wrapped box. Sitting next to him she said, "This was going to be my wedding present to you, but I think you might like to have it now."
"Should I open it?"
She nodded.
Removing the paper wrapping the box it revealed a small framed photograph of the saloon with a sign that read Standish Tavern. Confused he turned to Rebecca, "I don't understand."
Smiling, she said, "Remember when we first began seeing each other, you told me how you had purchased the saloon. You said Maude had run you out of business then purchased the mortgage from the bank…" continuing she said, "eventually she sold the establishment to some other business men."
Ezra frowned slightly. "Yes. She sold it to two locals who have no idea how the place should be maintained. They have allowed it to deteriorate in a most shameful fashion."
"Well that's all over because once again you are the proud owner of The Standish Tavern!"
"What! How is that possible?"
"Over the last few months, I've saved every last penny from my singing engagements and from some very high stakes poker games. I reacquired the saloon approximately a week ago. Once again you own the saloon, lock, stock and barrel and it will never be taken from you again."
Rebecca lifted the picture from the box and handed him an envelope that was tucked underneath it, "Go ahead…open it."
Carefully ripping the envelope, he removed several official looking papers. Gazing at Rebecca he asked, "Is this what I think it is?"
Smiling broadly, she nodded. "It's the deed to the saloon Ezra. It's been paid in full! No more mortgage!"
The southerner sat in stunned silence. Then tears filled his eyes, "I can't believe you did this Rebecca."
Putting his arms around her, he buried his face in her hair, "All my life, I've scammed, lied and stolen to acquire the things I wanted. Mother raised me to believe conning people would be the only way I would ever obtain anything of value in this life. No one has ever done something of this magnitude for me."
"You deserve this. Now that you have the saloon back, I want to help you make it into the finest entertainment establishment in the west."
"I love you, Becca... it's possible, but I think maybe more now than I did five minutes ago. You'll never know what this means to me."
I think I do. I just wanted you to have your dream back, Ezra."
Gazing at Rebecca's face, he tried to fathom his good fortune at finding this woman. She had given him everything, her love, her trust and her faith. Capturing her mouth with his, he kissed her deeply before easing her back onto the bed. Between kisses, he whispered, "Do you expect Sarah back anytime soon?"
"I don't know," Rebecca murmured, "she might be gone all day or back any minute."
Kissing her softly he suddenly sat up on the bed, reining in his surging emotions.
Rebecca gazed up at her lover wondering what had stopped him. Sitting up, she placed a hand gently on his shoulder. "If you want to continue this…discussion, we could always move it to your room?"
He turned to face her with glistening green eyes. Several tears rolled down his handsome face.
"Ezra, my love, what's wrong? Did I do something to upset you?"
He shook his head then in a voice barely above a whisper said, "No…you didn't upset me. I've suddenly realized what a self-indulgent, egotistical man I am. You have done so many wonderful things for me, yet I can't recall a single time when I've ever given back to you. Why is that? What makes me so damn special?"
"How can you say that?" she asked, tears filling her own eyes, "You've helped me more times that I can say. When I was ill, you stayed by my bed. You helped care for me through the whole "icky" affair."
"It wasn't very pleasant for either of us was it?"
Smiling through her tears, she giggled, "No it wasn't. You never once complained. You slept night after night in that horrid chair. I didn't think we'd ever get the kinks out of your poor back."
Caressing his cheek, she continued. "And what about when that drunken cowboy hurt me? You stepped in keeping me from being hit again. He could have shot you and for what, because I made a mistake and slapped him? My poor judgment could have gotten us both hurt."
"That cretin shouldn't have accosted you in the first place. He got what he deserved."
"I know, but I still need to remember to be careful."
Rebecca wiped the tears from his face, "Most importantly, you have given me your love and soon a new family. The one thing that Sarah and I have really missed is our family. We were very close to mom, dad and our brothers. Don't you know that you and the other six men have given it back to us? So how can you sit there and say you've never done anything for me? Every day that you and I are together, we do for each other. Every time you and I make love, we love for each other. When you and I have a problem, we solve it for each other. I love you Ezra Payton Standish!"
He stared at the floor, a weak smile tugging at his mouth. Finally, looking up he said, "I'm sorry Rebecca. Perhaps I'm feeling a bit maudlin because of mother's abrupt departure."
He stood, pulling Rebecca to her feet, "Let's have a wonderful breakfast, then go to the saloon and assess our new business's potential."
"I think that's a great idea," she replied with a kiss. "Maybe later we can pick up this discussion where we left off."
Ezra took her into his arms and she rested her head on his shoulder, "I think the greatest gift I'm ever likely to receive will always be you darlin."
"I think that's the second nicest thing anyone has ever said to me," she said, kissing his neck, his ears and lips.
"Darlin, if you keep that up I don't think we'll make breakfast."
"That's the whole idea," she purred into his ear. She continued by nibbling his earlobe and was soon rewarded with a low moan from Ezra.
Ezra swept Rebecca into his arms then pulled the door open. He carried her down the hall to his room, kissing her as he went. Struggling a moment to unlock his door, he finally succeeded pushing it open. Carrying her inside, he shoved it shut with his foot.
As they collapsed on the bed, Ezra said, "Now where were we…"
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The day before Ezra and Rebecca's wedding she awoke to see bright sunshine pouring through her bedroom window. 'That continues to be a good omen,' she thought.
She stood and stretched. She had slept really well smiling to herself wondering if Ezra had. The boys had thrown him a bachelor party last night and she wondered how much fun he and his friends might have had.
Walking to the window she watched as the sun continued its slow climb. She couldn't believe their wedding day was just one more day. Rebecca gazed at the long, white dress displayed on the closet door. She, along with Sarah and Mary, had poured countless hours into its creation. It was made of white satin, with a rounded neckline, empire waist and a long train edged with antique lace. The headpiece had small white seed pearls sown on it with more antique lace for the veil. It had turned out beautifully.
She ran her fingers over the lace. Tears welled in her eyes and she whispered, "I wish you could be here mom and dad."
Sarah opened her eyes to see Rebecca standing in front of her dress. Sitting up quietly, she said, "You're thinking about mom aren't you?"
Rebecca turned to look at her sister, "How did you know?"
"It's what I'd be thinking if I were getting married. I know how much she would have wanted to be here."
"Do you think she and daddy would like Ezra?" Rebecca asked.
Sarah smiled. "They would love him. He treats you like gold and we both know that's the only thing that would have mattered to both of them."
Rebecca nodded, "He is good to me isn't he? I still can't believe you and I were lucky enough to land here. Considering our circumstance, it's truly amazing. We really lucked out."
Sarah agreed "So…how do you think the guys fared last night?"
"That's funny. I was just wondering about that. It's probably a good thing they decided having his bachelor party the day before."
Sarah giggled, "You're probably right. They may have partied way too much last night."
"Just so long as Ezra and Vin make it the wedding tomorrow. It will give them a day to get themselves sorted out. That's all I care about," Rebecca said.
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Ezra opened one bloodshot eye long enough to stare at the far wall of his room. With his face partially buried in his pillow, he tried to remember how he gotten back to his abode.
Wincing in pain, he struggled to open both eyes. Finally, he caught sight of the sunlight streaming through the window and groaned, "Oh my head!"
He sat up slowly, realizing he still wore his pants and shirt from the night before. Wondering if he had done something that would come back to haunt him later, he put his face in his hands groaning again. His head felt like it was going to explode.
Moaning, he rose on wobbly legs trying to reach his dresser. His mouth felt like sandpaper and he desperately needed some water. Pouring himself a glass, he drank it slowly, relishing the coldness as it slid down his throat.
Pouring some water in the basin, he began washing his face hoping it would clear away the sleep helping him to wake up.
When he had finished, he turned to look at his new suit. The jacket was black with gold fasteners along the front. The tail swooped down the back in the fashion of the day. Matching black trousers hung with the jacket, as did a vest. The vest was made of a gold and black brocade material with a double row of small gold buttons on the front. The white shirt sported a small ruffle down the front, as did the cuffs. His cravat was black and white striped with a small diamond stickpin to hold it. The tailor that had made his outfit had out done himself.
His friends had thrown him a terrific bachelor party, but unfortunately he couldn't remember a single thing that happened last night.
"Lord!" he moaned, "I think perhaps I might have imbibed a bit too much."
As he tried to remember what might have happened, someone knocked at his door. Fighting off the urge to heave what little bit of food might still be in his stomach, he opened the door.
Vin Tanner leaned against the frame looking as miserable as the southerner felt.
"Well, I see I'm not the only one whose celebrations might have gotten out of hand last night," the tracker mumbled, "mind if I come in for minute?"
"Not at all, Mr. Tanner. What can I help you with?"
Vin shuffled inside, massaging his temples as he did, "Do you recollect anything that happened last night?"
"I'm afraid my memories of last evening's bacchanal are sadly lacking. Did I do something I should be aware of?"
"Well, I can't figure how I got back to my room and it is troublin me."
"I seem to be suffering the same problem. Do you think we should inquire with the other members of last night's party?" Ezra inquired a pained expression on his face.
Looking equally pained, Vin said, "Think maybe we should, pard."
The two hung over men went first to Buck's room. They found the ladies' man sprawled on his bed. Like them, he couldn't remember how he had gotten back to his room. After talking with the other party participants, Vin and Ezra still had no answers. They made their way into the saloon at a loss as to what had happened the night before.
"Well, I don't know about you, Mr. Tanner, but I'm thoroughly frustrated!"
His friend nodded, "I guess if it was anything bad, we would have found out by now."
Inez approached the table carrying a pot of coffee for the two men. "Good morning Senor Vin, Senor Ezra. Did you enjoy yourselves last night?" She poured coffee for both of them.
Both men fixed their eyes on the barmaid. Suddenly Ezra asked, "Inez, what perchance occurred last night? And is it going to cause repercussions with my intended?"
She offered a sly smile. "So you remember nothing from last night, no?"
Both of them shook their heads.
"Well," she smiled, "you gentlemen, after drinking a large amount of whiskey, toasting Senor Ezra repeatedly before inviting some of the working girls to join your party. Everyone was a little friendly."
"Is that what really happened," Ezra groaned, "because I will need to speak to Rebecca if I did something untoward. She and I have no secrets from each other."
Vin agreed. "Same with me. I don't want anything comin out to Sarah."
Inez could see she should tell both of them the truth, "Don't fret Senor Ezra, Senor Vin nothing happened last night. You both drank quite a lot, but I had some help carrying you to your rooms."
"Is that the truth, Inez?" Vin sighed heavily.
"Yes, nothing happened to either of you last night."
Both men sighed collectively. "I was afraid I had made a complete jackass out of myself." Ezra replied.
Inez just laughed, "Well, some of the other party members may have had that problem, but not you and Senor Vin."
"Thank God! I think I'm goin back to bed and sleep some of this off. Don't want Rebecca to see me like this later in the day.
Vin also nodded and followed Ezra out the door.
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The dirty stranger made his way into Four Corners, watching every movement around him. Stopping his horse in front of the saloon, he slid from its back and strode into the building.
The interior was well lit and decorated with paper streamers, and bright colors. A big sign hung over the bar: "Congratulations Ezra and Rebecca…JUST MARRIED!" Several tables were laden with food and drink while a center table held a large wedding cake. The stranger took in everything before asking Inez-who scurried around the room-what was going on. Informed that Ezra Standish and Rebecca Dannon were getting married shortly, she excused herself so she could finish preparing the reception.
Pure evil crept over his face as he meditated on the information the woman had provided. So…Standish was getting married. Perfect! He would be the first man to feel his wrath. Each of the seven would be made to pay for his brother's death and he knew just how to hurt the gambler! He would take something from him that he loved. His soon to be new wife would do just fine. Leaving the saloon, he crossed the street and faded into the lengthening shadows.
He could wait. He had plenty of time.
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Rebecca gazed at her image in the full-length mirror. "How do I look?" she asked nervously of her sister.
"You look beautiful, Rebecca. Ezra won't be able to take his eyes off you."
She smiled at that thought.
Brushing the back of the dress, Mary straightened the train saying "You are looking absolutely beautiful."
Picking up her bouquet of wildflowers, she turned to look at the mirror again. 'Who would have thought that this would be happening here and now.'
A sudden knock at the door snapped Rebecca out of her revere.
"Buck's here, Rebecca," informed Sarah.
Stepping inside, his hat clutched in his hands, he smiled at Rebecca. He wore a new shirt of the deepest blue, a black cloth tie, new black trousers and had even polished his boots and spurs. He looked wonderful!
Returning Buck's smile, she said, "How handsome you look!"
"Thank you. May I return the compliment? You are a sight to behold, little darlin."
Blushing, she replied, "I'm ready whenever you are." Checking her appearance in the mirror one more time, she took Buck's arm as he led her toward the church.
Two hours had passed since his arrival in town, but the stranger had waited silently for the chance to enact his revenge. He suddenly caught sight of a woman being lead out of the hotel by one of the seven. "Must be the woman Standish is marrying," he muttered.
It was probably a good thing the shadows hid him so well as he leered in her direction. She wasn't bad looking, which would make his task all the more pleasurable. At the very least, Standish had good taste in women.
The group walked past the man and he got a better look at his woman. He was going to enjoy taking her. He would make her beg for the southerner's help, but in the end would kill her anyway. He leaned back in his chair; his revenge was at hand.
Stopping outside the church, Sarah walked up the stairs first peering inside. The interior glowed with candlelight. Every wildflower Ezra could lay his hands on filled the interior. He stood waiting at the altar with Vin, a huge grin on his face.
Vin looked wonderful. He had purchased new clothes even though Ezra had said it wasn't necessary. He wore a gold colored shirt with dark buttons and new black trousers. Like Buck he had on a black cloth tie.
Josiah stood at the altar, even though officially he could no longer marry people. Ezra and Rebecca had asked that he perform the ceremony, and that Judge Travis officiate.
Buck helped Rebecca climb the stairs to the front of the church. Pulling her veil over her face, she took a deep breath as the strains of Lorena began playing. Ezra had located two gentlemen willing to perform the soulful ballad, one on his fiddle the other on guitar.
Sarah walked slowly down the aisle and stood to the left. Motioning to the two men, they broke into a rendition of the Wedding March. She turned toward her sister and watched her enter the church on Buck's arm.
'If only momma and daddy could have been here.' she thought.
Ezra's face lit up as Rebecca entered. "My God, she's beautiful," he whispered.
Vin glanced at Sarah smiling. 'One day we'll be doin this same thing.'
Rebecca's eyes never left Ezra's as she moved down the aisle. Her heart pounded the closer she came. He looked so handsome and she loved him utterly. How had she ever been lucky enough to find someone like him?
Buck stopped between his two friends. Ezra leaned around him and said, "Our day is finally here, darlin."
She smiled through her veil.
Josiah began the service, his voice clear and full of joy; "Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in the bonds of Holy Matrimony, which is an honorable estate…"
Finally, Josiah said, "Who giveth this woman to wed this man?"
Sporting a big grin, Buck replied, "I do." He put Rebecca's hand on Ezra's arm.
They smiled at each other.
Josiah continued the service. Ezra's eyes remained locked with Rebecca's. She couldn't remember ever being this happy.
The wedding drew to a close with Josiah making the proclamation, "I now pronounce you, husband and wife. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Kiss your bride Ezra!"
Turning to Rebecca, he lifted her veil. Ezra whispered, "I love you Mrs. Standish…forever and always."
She whispered back, "Forever and always, Ezra."