The Big Day finally dawned, a more perfect day for a wedding would have been impossible to find. Spring had come early to Seattle this year as if it knew what was expected. It was sunny for once and warm, so they decided to move all the tables and chairs from the dormitory, Lottie's saloon, and anywhere else they could find extra tables and chairs, so they could hold the wedding reception outside in the open air.
Inside the church, the ladies had done a splendid job of festooning the altar, pews, and doors with garland of fir tree branches, sprays of cherry tree blossoms, and pots of primroses in various colors. Essie Gustavsen had divided her perennials in her garden and potted them up so that the newlyweds could take the pots home to plant in their own garden after the wedding.
The church was packed with friends and family. Jeremy and Joshua stood at the altar, and when Candy entered the church on Jason's arm, Jeremy's eyes filled with tears. She was so beautiful in her wedding gown. Her auburn hair was long with a single small braid wrapped across her head, just above her bangs. The simpler hairstyle allowed the bridal veil to lie flat to show off the intricate lace creation. Candy carried a simple bouquet of daffodils, blue forget-me-nots, and a few white snow-drops scattered in. The flower stems were wrapped in the same blue ribbon that had been woven into Candy's wedding gown.
For his part, Jeremy had purchased a new blue suit. He'd finally gained back most of the weight he'd lost after he was injured, and he wanted a new suit to start his new life rather than wearing one of his brothers' hand-me-down suits that never fit quite right.
As they looked at each other, getting closer to one another as Candy and Jason walked to the altar, they only had eyes for each other. All the guests faded into the background.
When Candy reached the altar, and Jason "gave" her to Jeremy, Jeremy slowly lifted the wedding veil covering Candy's face and folded it back over her hair. Jeremy's quick intake of breath was audible to all when he gazed at her face. It was absolutely glowing, and her eyes were filled with the light of love for her Jeremy.
For THIS wedding ceremony, Jeremy was able to say every vow in the service, strongly, faithfully, and without hesitation. He'd bought a proper wedding band for Candy, engraved with both their names and the words "For All Eternity".
When Reverend Adams gave the final Benediction, the congregation shouted a loud "Amen!", and Jeremy bent to kiss Candy's lips with a tenderness and a passion that reflected how their wedded lives would be.
The ceremony complete, it was time to celebrate with a large feast. But as the wedding party exited the church, it became clear that there had been TWO wedding ceremonies performed this day. Jeremy and Candy left the church to a shower of flower petals, but they were soon followed by Gentleman Harry and Lottie, who had also "tied the knot." The two couples stood on the landing outside the church, hugging one another, as the flower petals rained down over them. When the petals were all strewn, Candy and Lottie turned around, and on the count of three, they tossed their wedding bouquets over their heads into the crowd. Amazingly, Biddie managed to grab them BOTH! Barnabus looked over at her and gave her a smile and a wink, suggesting that their wedding would be happening soon as well.
After everyone had eaten their fill and the celebration was nearing its end, Essie brought the pots of primroses over to Candy and Lottie. "These are for you to plant in your own gardens as a sign of friendship and love," Essie said.
Candy spoke right up, "Oh, thank you, Essie! Jeremy is making a little garden by the front door of our new cabin. I can't wait to plant these there!"
Lottie looked a little confused and said, "Well, I don't have a cabin or a garden, but I will put these pots on the porch outside the saloon."
Jason suddenly spoke up, "Actually, Lottie, you DO have a cabin. While we were finishing Jeremy's cabin, we all figured we might as well build you a cabin, just like we'd always promised, but this one will be for you and Harry."
Lottie and Harry were speechless, each hugging Jason in turn. Just then, someone on horseback was riding slowly into town. As the rider got closer, a few people began to recognize who it was.
"Simon? Simon Bill?" Biddie shouted. He was a few years older than when they'd seen him last, and very neatly dressed. It appeared that he'd prospered since they'd last seen him. "What are you doing here?" Biddie asked.
Simon had dismounted from his horse, tying the reins to a nearby porch post. He walked to where Lottie sat and addressed her directly.
"Well, Miss Lottie, the Bolt brothers let me know that you might be interested in selling your saloon. I've got some experience with that, and some money saved up, and I've always wanted to come to Seattle," Simon said with an earnest smile. He turned next toward Jason, "Jason, do you suppose you might have an extra bride for me?" Simon had matured into quite a handsome young man, and the way that many of the unmarried ladies were staring at him, Jason felt he would have no problem finding a wife when the time was right.
"Simon, you're going to fit in just fine here. Welcome to Seattle!"
*The end of this story, but maybe the beginning of another...*