A Headstrong Woman(131)
“Ready?” The photographer asked. Once the ladies were settled he started the process of taking their pictures and the waiting started.
“You two look ready for a shootout,” Colton teased them.
“No, Alexandria looks like she’s just been told she can’t do something she has it in her head to do,” Jonathon corrected.
Alexandria struggled to maintain her composure and promised herself that she would get even with her husband later. Over an hour later a series of pictures had been taken of Alexandria and Jonathon, Ali and Colton, and the soon to be married Anna and Ted. They had swapped up taking sibling pictures and individual pictures and family pictures and had agreed it was worth the cost to capture their memories. The photographer promised their finished products in a few days and began repacking his wagon. Alexandria, who had changed into her green dress from the picnic for some of the photos, placed a hand to her waist.
“I may not be showing yet but my clothes are getting tighter,” she confided to Ali and Anna.
“Mine too,” Ali admitted. “I wasn’t sure I could get into my pants; how did you manage denims?”
“They were a little snug.”
“I’m so jealous, I wish I had married sooner and could be sharing in the fun,” Anna commented.
“It won’t be long now before you marry and I’m sure you’ll have a family of your own soon,” Ali assured the younger woman.
“Yes, but you and Alexandria and Carolyn are all getting to go through it together; I’ll be all alone,” she sighed.
“Maybe not, you never can tell, Anna. I’ve got to go change into a dress that requires a little less corset,” Alexandria commented.
“How’s the house coming?” Ali asked Anna as Alexandria slipped inside the house.
“Slow,” Anna admitted with a sigh. “We’re fixing up the soddy while it’s finished.”
“At least you’ll have your own space while you wait,” Ali pointed out.
“I know; I can’t wait,” Anna’s eyes were shining.
“I think it so neat that you and Alexandria are going to end up married to brothers.”
“I was determined not to like Ted,” Anna admitted as she laughed at herself. “I had made a fool of myself with Jonathon, if only I had known Ted was to follow,” Anna mused to herself.
“Dinn-ah’s ready,” Esther called from the porch, her ample frame filling the doorway. Anna liked her sister’s new housekeeper and cook and the lady’s husband as well. They were kind people and Esther had already figured out how to handle the strong willed Alexandria to see to it she didn’t over do in her present condition.
Chapter Twenty-four
Alexandria stood beside her husband and watched her sister take her wedding vows. Her heart felt so full as she watched Ted kiss her sister and the two turn to face the packed church house. If only Melissa could have come in from California to witness their baby sister marry it would be complete, Alexandria mused to herself. She hadn’t heard from her sister in a while and could only pray that she was okay. The reception was soon underway as plates of food were carried to blankets under the tree as the newlywed couple smiled their thanks at their guests. Alexandria sighed contentedly and placed a hand on her belly wondering what the new little one would bring to their family.
“Mommy, when will the baby be here?” Lilly asked.
“Not for some time yet,” Alexandria responded. The breeze was a little cool under the tree; winter was closing in on them. It was fortunate that the day had turned out as pleasant as it was or they would be crammed into the church right now. Alexandria felt uneasiness flutter in her stomach and looked around with a frown. Why the sudden uneasiness?
Jonathon dropped down beside her with a smile and kiss.
“You okay?” he asked her.
“I feel uneasy,” Alexandria admitted.
“Why sweetie?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted.
“Could it simply be all the changes?” he suggested.
“Maybe.”
“Are we going to kidnap the bride?” Jonathon asked with a wide grin. Alexandria smiled in return.
“Actually, Anna asked that we not. She said as anxious as she is to start her marriage that she didn’t want to miss a moment of this day.”
“Okay; Ted’ll live,” Jonathon joked. Alexandria leaned against her husband and prayed that all would be okay; she just wished that she could shake her unease.