“Is that the only reason for the marriage?”
She almost wanted to hit the minister. The way he had gone around town, telling women to marry or get out of last Chance, she was irritated he dared to question their reasons.
However, before she could say anything, Christopher looked at her with special meaning only for her.
“Not at all, Pastor Collins,” Christopher said. “However, if we can get this resolved hastily, I see a rather nice donation for the new steeple soon. Perhaps even a brass bell?”
“A brass bell you say?”
“Bronze?” Lauren chimed in, ignoring the look Christopher gave her.
“Bronze?” The pastor moved towards the pulpit.
“Yes,” Christopher relented. “Bronze would be a good choice.”
The pastor cleared his throat. After he looked between them and seemed mollified by the offering, he raised his hands and said, "Very well."
The ceremony was simple. Beatrice and Mrs. McAllister were the only witnesses.
When Pastor Collins said that Christopher could kiss the bride, Lauren lifted her chin in eager anticipation. Once the papers were signed, Christopher folded them and placed them in the breast pocket of his suit.
“Let’s go get Esther and then we can walk to the livery.”
As she walked along the streets towards Lisa’s home near the square, Lauren thought about the first time when she came to town. How she had such high expectations of being Jonah’s wife. Now she knew better, or at least she hoped she did.
When they collected Esther from Lisa’s house, Mrs. McAllister stepped right in to claim the baby. “Don’t you worry none, Missus Spaulding, I’ll take care of her like she’s my own grandchild.” The woven basket was rather awkward. Mrs. McAllister took Esther from the woven basket and put her directly on her shoulder, handing the carrier to Christopher. “You really should consider a perambulator. It makes it much easier to go for walks.”
On the way to the livery to collect Christopher's belongings, they stopped at the mercantile to select a carriage from the catalog. Since they selected one that would be coming from San Francisco instead of New York, they could expect it a week sooner. That pleased Mrs. McAllister greatly.
Lauren enjoyed the short walk to the liver. Christopher reached over and took her hand in his, squeezing it to reassure her as they kept walking along the street.
“Are you alright, Mrs. McAllister?” Lauren asked, looking over her shoulder.
Esther had fallen asleep on Mrs. McAllister’s shoulder and a ribbon of drool dripped from the child’s lip. She was still a formidable sight, but she had softened as she held the baby.
“She approves of you,” Christopher whispered in her ear, sending shivers of delight down Lauren’s spine.
As they approached the corner where the ferry office stood across from the livery, there was a commotion drawing their attention towards the docks. Lauren could see Dave, at the shore tugging on the rope to guide the ferry flush against the shore. A woman was holding on tight to one of the ropes that extended around the ferry platform, yelling at Dave. There wasn’t any purpose for the ropes, other than to keep the horses from jumping into the river.
Suddenly the ferry lurched, and the woman went head first over the rope and fell into the water. Dave jumped in and grabbed the woman, pulling her shore. He must have said something because everything was deathly silent then a shriek rose over the crowd that had gathered as if some animal was being flailed alive.
A sodden woman with blonde hair plastered to her face raised her hand. “How dare you speak to me that way?" she demanded.
Dave’s hand snapped out and grabbed the raised arm. “Watch yourself, lady. I will speak to you any way I wish when you are disrespectful to me.”
"Ruth?" The blonde-haired woman whirled around and faced them. “Ruth? What are you doing here?”
“Who’s this, Lauren?” Christopher asked.
“This is my sister.”
Christopher gave her a knowing look.Snow White had arrived.
"Lauren!" She came running towards them, her damp clothes slapping against her. I am so glad to see you." She pushed her wet hair out of her face. "I've come to take you back home.” Lauren saw a scowl break out over Christopher’s handsome features.
"Take me back home? I have no desire to go back home."
Ruth clasped her hands in a dignified way even though water trails cover the floor. "That is not the impression that you gave me. I still have your letter or at least I did before that ridiculous man,” she glared at the livery owner, “allowed my luggage to fall into the river. When I ordered him to get it, I somehow found myself thrown into the river itself."
