A Headstrong Woman(120)
“Did you marry a cowhand? I don’t understand, Alexandria…” Tristan seemed truly perplexed.
“You don’t have to understand; it was my decision to make,” Alexandria explained without apology.
“I see,” he said gravely as he twirled his hat in his hands. “I wish you both the best of luck. Good day,” he slipped around them and left the house.
“That went better than I expected,” Alexandria admitted.
“Thank you, Alexandria.”
“For what?”
“What you said about choosing, I know Tristan had more to offer and considering your motives for marriage I can see why others would be perplexed.”
“I’m not interested in money,” Alexandria reminded Jonathon.
“I know that,” he took her in his arms.
“Are you gonna kiss Mama again?” a little voice asked from the doorway. Jonathon laughed before kissing Alexandria with an exaggerated smack on the lips. Lilly joined them and lifted her arms. Jonathon kept one arm around Alexandria and claimed Lilly with other.
“Bear hug!” Jonathon called as he squeezed Lilly between him and Alexandria until Lilly let out a peel of laughter. Alexandria had to admit that at that moment, her heart felt pretty full.
***
Alexandria smiled as she watched her brother and his new bride receive their well-wishers after the wedding. Her brother looked as though he had just stolen the moon and stars and gotten away with it. She suspected that he felt he just had. Carolyn was glowing. Alexandria hugged her and welcomed her to the family.
“Thank you, congratulations on your own marriage; I’ve been so busy with my own wedding plans that I don’t think I’ve said that yet. He seems to really care for you,” Carolyn responded her voice low and for Alexandria’s ears only.
“He takes good care of me,” Alexandria smiled. “I wish you both a blessed union, Carolyn; I know my brother is head over heels in love with you,” she smiled before glancing back to where her husband was shaking Michael’s hand and smiling at the younger man. Michael blushed at something Jonathon said and a moment later, his retort had Jonathon laughing.
Carolyn watched them warily. “I’m not sure I want to know what they’re talking about,”
Alexandria laughed, “With Jonathon involved most likely not. Best wishes, Carolyn.”
Alexandria moved on and waited for Jonathon to catch up with her a few minutes later.
“What were you and Michael laughing about back there?”
“I offered to kidnap his bride and send her into town so he could follow,” he admitted.
“Jonathon!” she protested on a laugh. “What did he say?”
“That if I could pull it off he would be grateful,” he smiled. Alexandria, her eyes twinkling, laughed. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
Jonathon’s smile widened. “You enlist Anna’s help and I’ll get Ted.”
“Give me about ten minutes.”
“You’ve got it,” he dropped a kiss on her nose. Alexandria first sought out her sister before readying Michael’s buggy. A few minutes later, Carolyn, her look one of concern, rounded the church.
“Anna said you needed help,” Carolyn frowned.
“I need you to step inside the buggy please,” Alexandria instructed.
“Why?” Carolyn asked as she complied.
Alexandria had known she would, it was in Carolyn’s nature. Alexandria closed the door and tapped the side of the carriage. Anna had talked Frank Wilson into giving the bride a ride into town and returning with the mount they would put Michael on in a matter of minutes. He smiled at Alexandria, tipped his hat, and started forward.
“Your groom will be right behind you,” Alexandria called.
She could hear Carolyn’s laughter as the buggy started from the churchyard. Five minutes later, Jonathon informed Michael that Carolyn needed him and led him to where Ted had a mount waiting, Alexandria and Anna stood to the side looking innocent.
“Where is she?” Michael looked perplexed.
“About five minutes ahead of you, if you hurry you can catch up,” Jonathon informed him. Michael’s face slowly broke into a smile.
“I knew I was going to like having you as a brother-in-law,” he joked as he mounted the horse. “Thanks, I’ll see you all later,” he called as he started after his bride.