The Spinster (Emerson Pass Historicals 2)

From the front seat, Mama nodded. “Isn’t it wonderful? The whole town cheering you on as you start your new life together.”

We drove down the d

irt road until we reached the entrance to our property. I let my gaze linger on what would be my first home as a married woman. My brothers, Phillip, and the Olofsson brothers had spent every free moment since the snow melted to build it for us. White with black shutters and surrounded by a field of wildflowers, the house seemed as if it had always been there. We’d chosen the spot of our first kiss on which to build the house in which we would raise our family.

“I can’t wait,” I whispered to Phillip.

He kissed my gloved hand. “For what, darling?”

“Everything. Every moment of the rest of our lives together.”

“Ah, then, I agree.”

Our entire family and our friends cheered as we entered through the back gate of Papa’s garden. My sisters were at the front of the crowd and rushed toward us to bestow hugs and kisses, except for Addie, who hung back, watching me with her big eyes. I knelt, careful not to let the bottom of my dress touch the grass.

“What is it, little love?” I asked.

She wrapped her arms around my neck and whispered in my ear. “Besides Mama and Papa, I love you the best. Will you forget me now that you’re married?”

“Never,” I whispered back. “You can come see me whenever you wish.”

Her small body shivered as she clung to me. “Thanks, Jo.”

“I love you very much. Don’t forget that.”

“I won’t.” She gave me one last squeeze and then scampered over to stand with the rest of my sisters.

Phillip and I clasped hands as, one by one, people came to congratulate us. Last in line was Viktor. His shoulder had completely recovered since that winter night when he’d proven his true valor. No one would ever have known by looking at the strapping young man that just months before he’d bled all over my dress.

“Viktor,” I said as I held out both hands. “You’re looking well.” He wore an impeccable summer suit made by his skilled father. His tie matched his light green eyes.

“Thank you, Josephine. I’m hopeful my presence doesn’t remind you of a dark day.”

“Never. You’re a reminder of the finest parts of us.”

Phillip held out his hand, and the men shook. “I’ll never be able to repay you for saving my Josephine.”

“No payment necessary. It was my honor.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Cymbeline watching. Since the night she’d kissed Viktor, Flynn had teased her unmercifully. The more Flynn asked her when she would be marrying the fine young man, the angrier she became, insisting it had only been a moment of relief over my well-being. I thought otherwise, but knowing my obstinate sister as I did, I kept it to myself. The more we insisted she liked the boy, the less likely she would be to admit it. For her and Viktor’s sake, I didn’t want to ruin their chance at happiness.

We moved on to the dining portion of the afternoon. Lizzie had made mountains of food: fried chicken, potato salad, strawberries and cream. Our wedding cake was a vanilla cream and decorated with rose petals from the garden.

My father rose to make a toast. I held my breath, willing myself not to cry. Everyone hushed as he held up his glass and began to speak.

“To say that I’m proud of you, Josephine, is somewhat of an understatement.” His voice broke. He took a moment to gather himself. “I had a grand speech in mind, but it appears I’m overwrought. I’ll say simply this. Since the moment you were born, you’ve been a joy and a delight to your old papa. Phillip, take good care of my Jo, and welcome to the family.”

We all raised our glasses. I clinked mine with Phillip and allowed myself a moment to stare deeply into his eyes. The future was there. My past was all around me. I’d thought of myself as daughter, sister, friend, even a librarian. Now I would also be a wife and, God willing, a mother.

More cheering as Cymbeline rose to her feet. “Papa said it was all right if I make a speech.” Her voice shook. “Jo, you’re the best person in the whole world and I’m sorry for all the times I’ve tried your patience. You make me want to be a better girl. Honestly, I didn’t think there was a man good enough for you. Phillip, I’ve come to my final conclusion and it’s that you’re fine enough for my Jo, and I’m glad you’re my new brother. You won’t ever have to feel lonesome again because now we’re your family. That’s all.”

“Thank you, Cymbeline.” Phillip wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “I’m happy to have found my family at last.”

“You’ve won over Cymbeline,” I whispered to my groom. “Well done.”

“She’s all soft under that sass,” Phillip whispered back.

After we ate, Fiona and Li began to play so that the dancing could begin. Instead of the classical style Li had learned at school, they played the music of the frontier. Lively, foot-stamping music that hinted at the wild country we held so dear. Soon, our makeshift dance floor filled. A breeze brought the scent of grass and lilacs.