Page 54 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas
Her eyes went wide. “The wedding! I completely lost track of time when Mrs. Wilson arrived. I’ll be right back.” She rushed upstairs to grab her belongings, stopping when she saw Clay and Drake talking. “I’m heading to the church.”
The men chuckled, watching her hustle about. “We’ll be right behind you,” Drake called as she rushed past them.
Donning her coat and hat, she hurried back downstairs to join an excited Rachel. As she climbed into the waiting wagon, her heart pounded with equal parts joy and nerves.
Today was the beginning of her new life with Spencer, and she couldn’t wait to join him at the altar. First, she had to get to the church.
Rachel beamed at Eliza as the wagon slogged through the soaked streets. Even with low temperatures the last few days, the sun had melted the snow and ice on the roads.
“I’m so happy for you and Spencer. We’re all thrilled you decided to stay in Splendor.”
She smiled, though her stomach was a tangle of butterflies. “I’m happy, too. Also nervous.”
They soon arrived at the community building next to the church. Eliza took a deep breath as she stepped inside, her gaze landing on covered platters of sliced meats, salads, and desserts. Sunlight streamed through the windows, catching on the beautiful ivory wedding dress hanging on a wall hook.
“Oh, Eliza, it’s gorgeous,” Rachel whispered. “Allie outdid herself,” mentioning Deputy Cash Coulter’s wife, who owned the dress shop. “Go on, try it.”
Rachel helped her slip on the exquisite gown, relishing the feel of the satiny fabric against her skin. The bodice hugged her torso before flaring at the waist into a full skirt, and delicate beadwork traced the sweetheart neckline. Eliza hardly recognized herself in the nearby mirror. The dress Allie created was as good as any she could’ve found in New York.
“You look like an angel,” Rachel said, dabbing at her eyes. She straightened the skirt a little and adjusted the veil. “I believe you’re ready. Oh, except for one more thing.” Rachel handed her a beautiful bouquet of greenery and red berries.
Eliza’s eyes grew wide as she pressed the creation against her chest, her heartbeat quickening. “Thank you,” she breathed out.
She longed to see Spencer, to join their lives together at last. Raising the dress’s skirt, she followed Rachel out the door toward the biggest moment of her life.
Entering the church, she sought out Spencer’s tall form at the front. Her breath caught at the sight of him in his smart black suit, his hair neatly combed. His eyes lit up when they met hers, crinkling at the corners with his smile.
She didn’t notice the gathered crowd as she glided down the aisle, focused on her soon-to-be husband. When she reached Spencer’s side, he took her hands in his. His warm, calloused grip reassured and calmed her.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured. Her cheeks heated at the sincerity in his tone.
Reverend Paige began speaking, his melodic voice filling the church. Eliza soaked in Spencer’s presence, the intensity of his gaze, as they exchanged their heartfelt vows.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Spencer’s smile was radiant. He leaned in and pressed his lips to Eliza’s in a tender kiss. Then they turned toward their guests. He raised their joined hands high to cheerful applause from their friends and family.
Eliza glanced at the crowd, her heart overflowing. This community had welcomed her with open arms, and she’d found her home in this wild, wonderful land.
Spencer led Eliza from the church to the adjacent community building, where the reception would be held. She clutched her bouquet, nerves fluttering in her stomach at the prospect of meeting so many new people at once.
Spencer gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry, they’ll love you.”
The first to approach was Ruth Paige. “Congratulations, Eliza. I’m so pleased you decided to stay in Splendor.”
Eliza flushed. “Thank you, Ruth. I’m delighted to be here.”
More townsfolk offered congratulations and introduced themselves. Their genuine delight at meeting Spencer’s newbride soon put Eliza at ease. She was touched by their eagerness to make her feel at home.
By the time they’d spoken to everyone, Eliza’s cheeks ached from smiling. These were good, hardworking people. She knew she would come to cherish them as friends in this new chapter of her life.
The fiddler struck up a spirited reel, and Spencer turned to Eliza, eyes twinkling. “May I have this dance, Mrs. Haglund?”
“I’d be delighted, Mr. Haglund.” She laughed as he whisked her onto the dance floor.
Eliza had never danced like this before, swept up in the rollicking music. But Spencer guided her with ease, his strong arms supporting her through the steps. She was breathless and giddy when the music ended.
“You’re a natural,” he said.
