CHAPTER 14
When Allyn arrives at the dormitory around 1:00, Candy is going through her dresses trying to decide what to wear. She picks the red gingham one with white lace because that is Jeremy's favorite. Allyn shakes her head.
"Candy, while the red one is nice enough, I think you should wear something more dressy. How about this one?" she asks as she holds up a mostly white dress with small pale blue and pink stripes on the bodice and a low cut square neckline.
"Allyn, it doesn't matter what I wear. The red one will do just fine."
"It most certainly does matter what you wear. It's your birthday! You should look like you're the queen of the ball," Allyn says laughing. "Even if the ball is only supper at Lottie's." Taking the dress over to Candy she says, " Come on, just humor me. All right?"
"Oh all right. If it means we can hurry and get this over with, I'll wear this one," Candy says as she takes the dress from Allyn.
Biddie comes strutting into the room with combs, brushes, and makeup. "I'm ready to get started." She begins to comb Candy's hair.
"Biddie! What in the world are you doing? I don't need all this."
"Why yes indeedy you do. You're the guest of honor and you should look like it. Now, be still and let me do this for you."
"I don't know why everyone is making such a fuss. I don't even want to go."
Allyn takes Candy's hand. "Candy, I'm truly sorry that your birthday hasn't turned out the way you wanted it to. We're just trying to make this day a little bit special for you. I think you're going to be surprised at how much fun you'll have. That is if you'll meet us halfway and give yourself a chance to have some fun."
Blinking back tears Candy says, "I know you all mean well, but my heart just isn't in it. But if it means this much to you, then I will try my best to enjoy myself." Looking at Biddie, she says, "All right, Biddie. Do your magic." They all giggle and start getting Candy ready.
When Jason and Josh arrive, they are in awe of the beautiful Miss Candy Pruitt. She has on the dress that Allyn picked out and her long auburn hair is left down with small pink bows tucked in. "Candy, I've never seen you look more beautiful. Jeremy doesn't know what he's missing." Josh gives her a little kiss on her cheek as she takes his arm.
"Thank you, Joshua. I promised Allyn I would try to enjoy myself. I must admit, I do feel a little bit better after getting all dressed up. I just wish Jeremy were here." She blinks back her tears again.
"I know you do. So do we," Jason tells her. He sees Allyn and Biddie whispering to each other. "Allyn, you ready to go?"
"Yes, I am," she answers as she takes his arm. "I'm starving."
Since not many people are at Lottie's at this time of the day, Allyn picks the perfect table for them. They sit with Jason and Allyn on one side facing the door and Josh and Candy on the other side facing the bar. They enjoy a delicious steak dinner with potatoes and green beans.
After the meal, they are deep in conversation when the door opens and a large crowd comes in with Biddie leading the way. Lottie comes out of the kitchen carrying a birthday cake while singing Happy Birthday as everyone joins in on the singing, clapping, and cheering.
Candy is fighting back her tears. "Thank you all. This means so much to me. At least I know someone cares about me."
Allyn with her heart breaking for Candy, comes around and puts her arm around her. "I know you think he doesn't care, but believe me he cares more than you know. Just be patient with him and give him a chance." Candy bites her lip and nods her head.
The music and dancing begins and everyone is having a grand time. About half an hour has passed, when Ben Perkins walks into the saloon.
Ben walks up to Candy and holds a note out to her. "Candy, someone said to give this to you." He looks at Allyn and they share a smile.
Candy opens the note and reads, I love you! It is in Jeremy's handwriting. "Ben, who gave this to you?" she asks. All of a sudden the music stops playing and it gets quiet in the room.
"Some young fellow. He said to give this to you, too." Ben holds out one perfect daisy.
Candy grabs the daisy. "Jeremy," she whispers. The tears finally are released as she looks at Ben. "Jeremy?"
From behind her she hears, "Yes?" A pause then, "Happy Birthday, Miss Candy Pruitt!"
She stands and slowly turns around facing a grinning Captain Clancey. He moves aside and there is Jeremy with tears slowly rolling down his cheeks, giving her that big beautiful smile that she loves.
Candy's hand goes straight to her mouth. "Jeremy! Jeremy!" she says as she runs to him and they fall into each others arms. "Oh Jeremy, I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you, too. I love you." There is so much hugging, kissing, and crying going on that they forget there are other people around.
All of a sudden Candy stops and backs away from Jeremy. Looking at him with astonishment she cries, "Jeremy, you're walking! Oh my, look everyone, Jeremy's walking!" She grabs him around the neck and asks, "Why didn't you let us know?"
"I wanted to surprise you and I'm pretty sure I did," he laughs. "Come on, I need to say hello to Jason and Josh." He keeps his arm around Candy as they meet his brothers halfway. They hug and pat each other on the back.
"Welcome home, Jeremy! I'm blown away with this news!" Jason says. Turning to Allyn he asks, "You were in on this the whole time, weren't you? Jeremy is the young male patient that you were working with?"
"Yes, I wanted to tell all of you, but Jeremy begged me to keep it a secret. I'm so sorry, Candy. I came close to telling you several times. I couldn't stand seeing you in so much pain thinking that Jeremy didn't care for you anymore. But I couldn't break my promise to him. Please forgive me?"
"Of course." Candy gives Allyn a hug.
"If you'll all excuse us, I'm going to dance with my fiancee'. Jeremy takes Candy to the dance floor. He tell the musicians to start playing. Candy and Jeremy wrap their arms around each other and gently sway back and forth. They can't take their eyes off of each other. He puts his lips on hers. "Candy, how could you ever think I didn't love you anymore? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you doubt my love for you."
Candy kisses him softly. "I'm ashamed that I doubted you. I know you love me as much as I love you. It's just that I didn't hear from you and then learning about Frankie made my imagination run wild. I convinced myself that you and her were. . .that you forgot about. . . that you weren't going to come home because you now belonged to her," she cries into his shoulder.
Jeremy stops and puts his finger under her chin lifting her face to where she is looking into his eyes. "Candy, I could never forget you even if I tried. I love you. I love you so much. Didn't I tell you Frankie and I were just friends? I should have known that you would think otherwise." He laughs.
"You know me," she laughs. "I love you, Jeremy. You just gave me the best birthday present I have ever received. Thank you." Their lips meet again.
They start dancing again when Jeremy says, "I'm not finished yet. I have at least two more surprises for you." He grins like the cat who swallowed the canary.
"Jeremy Bolt! What are you up to?"
Jeremy laughs. "Just be patient, my beautiful Miss Pruitt. It hasn't arrived yet. Should be here any time now. Have I told you how lovely you look today?" At that moment, Jeremy sees Reverend Adams walk into the saloon. "You look lovely in this dress and your hair fixed this way. You look like a bride," he chuckles.
Candy looks at Jeremy in bewilderment. When Reverend Adams walks up to them with his Bible, she gasps. "Jeremy?"
"Candy, I love you and I want you to marry me. Please say yes."
"You know I will. Yes! I love you, Jeremy Bolt and I would be honored to become your wife." They kiss.
Jeremy says to the Reverend, "Thank you so much for doing this for us."
"Well Jeremy, Candy. This is not usually where I do my work, but I'll make an exception just for you. You two have been through so much lately, I'll be happy to perform your wedding ceremony."
"You mean now? Here in the saloon?" Candy asks astonished.
"Yes, here and now. I know you always wanted to get married in the church, but we have everything we need right here. Will you marry me here?"
"I'll marry you anywhere," she laughs.
Jeremy signals for the musicians to stop playing. As he, Candy, and Reverend Adams walk to the staircase he asks, "Jason, Josh, Biddie will you please join us."
Everyone moves close to the staircase. "I want to thank you all for coming out to help celebrate Candy's birthday. Also, for taking good care of her while I was away." He kisses her fingertips. "I know you all have questions about my walking again. I will answer them, but not today. Today is all about Candy. I just asked her to marry me and she said yes. So now I want to invite you all to witness our marriage. Afterwards, please stay and help us celebrate the beginning of our life together as Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Bolt."
Biddie yells, "Wait! Candy needs flowers." She runs back to the table. On returning, she hands Candy her one perfect daisy."
"Thanks, Biddie," Candy giggles.
"Oh, think nothing of it," Biddie replies.
Still with their arms wrapped around each other, Jeremy looks at Reverend Adams. "All right, we're ready."
Reverend Adams begins. "Dearly beloved. . ."
