The Sheriff's Mail-Order Bride (The Watson Brothers #2)(47)
He glanced past Gina to Callie. “And who have we here?”
“Callie Watson.” She shook his hand.
“Oh, you’ll be Chance’s wife then.” He looked at her, his head tilted to one side. “I’ve been wanting to catch up with you two. Congratulations on your marriage. I’m sorry I missed it.”
“Oh right, well, we got married in Las Vegas. Kind of a rushed thing.”
“Such a lovely accent. You’re not from around here then?” He smiled and led them down the front to sit in a pew. Fisher wriggled and Gina let him down.
“No. I was born in Australia.”
“Now that sounds interesting. I’ve often thought of visiting there. We must chat about it when we have time, it all sounds very exciting.” He placed a hand on Fisher’s head and was rewarded with a big toothy grin. “So young man, your mama is getting married. That’s very special, Gina. Rory told me of the circumstances and how things have developed between the two of you.” He cast his keen eyes on her.
“Right.” She twisted her fingers together, striving for calm. “Sadly we have to do it in a hurry to appease certain people, and that can’t be helped. It would be nice to get married in your church, although we have almost decided to get married at Chance and Callie’s ranch because of Fisher. Rory would like you to marry us though. I’ll understand if you can’t do that.”
“I’m not saying that at all, dear girl. I told Rory I wanted to make sure you were both well suited which is what I do for all my weddings, regardless of where they’re held. If I think you are, we can get a license and go ahead. Now is there any reason why I wouldn’t marry you, do you think?”
Gina looked to Callie for help, taken aback by the question. “I um, look, to be honest I really don’t know. I know he will provide for us and he’s already a great father figure to Fisher.”
“What about you, child? What is he to you?” Father Thomas looked at her, a small semblance of a smile on his lined face.
“Well, he has quickly become the man I’ve fallen in love with. I guess you know the story anyway, he was prepared to give us a home and his name without meeting me in person. I figure that alone makes him a nice guy with our wellbeing at the forefront.” She looked down at her hands, twisting the small ring around on her finger. “We fell in love though. It was pure and simple. He makes me very happy and I know he feels the same way.”
The father smiled and patted her hand. “That’s all I needed to hear. I’d be honored to marry you both wherever you see fit. Now, how would you like to join me in a cup of coffee? I know just the perfect place to celebrate.” He stood up. “You’ll have to get a license of course. That shouldn’t be too difficult and then you can let me know what date you have planned. I’m sure Rory can arrange that through the courthouse himself, and they can give it to you on the same day as long as you have the correct paperwork.”
“I’m pretty certain we have everything we need.” She reached for Fisher’s hand, holding the little fingers in hers. “A coffee sounds wonderful. I’ve been a bundle of nerves this morning worrying about everything.”
Reverend Davis led them out of the church and across the street to the Java Café. They settled outside in the sun at a small table and ordered.
“Now tell me, ladies, have you met your father-in-law yet?”
Callie and Gina shared a glance. “No, we haven’t, but I’m open to the idea even if Chance isn’t.”
“Going against your husband already, Callie?”
She sat up straight and Gina smiled. She was so easy to stir up. “Not at all. We both have different ideas of what is acceptable and what isn’t, is all. I lost my parents in an accident and believe me, if it was only my mother who’d died and Dad hit the bottle, I could understand it.” Callie gave a small sad smile. “I’d probably do the same so I have no reason not to feel for Chance’s father.”
“And you, Gina. Do you feel the same way?” Reverend Davis glanced at her.
“Yes, I suppose I do. I don’t remember my mother. Dad was there for me when I needed him until he passed away. I’d give anything for him to be back with us now.”
“Well, I’m pleased to hear it. I know Jock would love to meet up with you so maybe I can arrange that sometime.” The waitress brought out coffee and placed it on the table in front of them. “Thank you. Now, do you think you’ll be inviting him to the wedding, Gina?”
Chapter Nineteen
“Do you want him there then?” Rory watched her face as she handed Fisher over.
“I think it’d be nice, don’t you? I mean, if my father was here he could give me away but he’s not, so I thought maybe…”
“If that’s what you want, I have no objection to it. You might want to meet him first though. We can go and call in on him once we get the license sorted out. I want to tell Chance first so he doesn’t have a fit over it.”
“He said he would try.”
“I know he did, it would be polite to forewarn him about it though. Just think it would be a good idea is all.” Fisher plucked at the badge on Rory’s shirt, drool dripping down his chin.