Chapter 64
Butte Meadows, Nebraska - February 1875
Gabrielle sat at the mirror and carefully clipped the pearl earring to her earlobe. Somewhat still in disbelief she starred at her reflection, lost in her thoughts. Each meticulous brushstroke of Violette's comb sent a flurry of nervous anticipation through her.
A strand of hair escaped Violette's attention, curling playfully across Gabrielle's forehead. "Hold still, you fidget," Violette teased.
"Sorry, Vee," Gabrielle mumbled, catching her sister's worried gaze in the mirror.
"You look really pretty," Violette finally offered, her voice soft.
"Thanks," A grateful smile tugged at Gabrielle's lips. But the worry lines remained etched on Violette's brow. Taking a deep breath, Gabrielle met her sister's eyes directly. "What is it, Vee?"
Violette hesitated, then sighed. "It's just... this is all happening so fast, isn't it?"
"It is, I suppose, but in truth, I've been in love with him for more than six or so months now."
"Why didn't you tell me you had feelings for him?" Violette asked her voice barely above a whisper.
"There were a few reasons," Gabrielle raised an eyebrow at her. "I've felt like we haven't been as close since I moved here. I wasn't sure how you'd react to us being together, but mostly, I just wasn't ready to commit to him. I wasn't ready to make it real, so I couldn't talk about it."
"But you are ready now?"
"I am." She smiled and hugged her sister.
"You're not even wearing a real wedding dress." Violette ran her fingers over the ribbons tied around her sister's blue silk dress. "Don't you want a big wedding, flowers everywhere in a large church?"
"I used to dream of a grand wedding," Gabrielle confessed, her voice a mere whisper. She closed her eyes, picturing visions of billowing white gowns and towering cakes. "But I never really thought I would ever find a man like Buck." A choked laugh escaped her lips. "He's... he's far better than anything I could have dreamed up."
"I feel that way about Jeremiah." Violette squeezed her sister's hand tightly.
"When we get back from our honeymoon," she began, a playful glint in her eyes. "We'll talk about this courtship."
A sudden knock on the door startled them both. "Ladies," boomed Kid's voice, a touch gruff but laced with warmth. "Everyone's ready out here."
Gabrielle took a deep, steadying breath, the nervous flutters in her stomach intensifying. Standing up, she smoothed down the folds of her dress. As the first chords of the organ music drifted in from outside, Gabrielle linked arms with Violette. Together, they walked down the short aisle of the small wooden church, the scent of wildflowers filling the air.
There, at the altar, stood Buck. A nervous smile flickered across his face, mirroring her own anxieties. But as their eyes met, a wave of pure joy washed over him, chasing away any lingering doubts. He reached out, his hand calloused yet gentle.
Gabrielle's hand trembled slightly as she grasped his. The touch sent a spark of electricity racing through her, grounding her in the present moment. In that instant, surrounded by loved ones an overwhelming feeling of peace washed over her. This was exactly where she was meant to be.