Love Everlasting (27 page)

Abrianna swallowed hard and nodded. Amazing wasn't the only word that came to mind. The idea of the intimacies to come and the consequences of such times left her feeling rather shaken. Aunt Miriam had sat her down to discuss the details of wedded intimacy only moments before the wedding ceremony. She apologized to Abrianna for the brusque and blatant manner of explanation but assured her things would take their course, and there was really little more she needed to know, since men most often had a natural instinct about such things. Abrianna was aware of some things related to marriage, but hearing them from Aunt Miriam left her with more questions than answers.

Her father interrupted her thoughts by calling for everyone's
attention. Abrianna turned from Lenore and focused on what her father had to say.

“I want to offer a blessing on the happy couple.” He smiled at Abrianna, and she thought she glimpsed the sheen of tears in his eyes. “I wasn't able to watch my daughter grow up, but seeing the beautiful and accomplished young woman she's become, I have to say that I could not have done a better job. I know her mother would praise the three ladies who took Abrianna as their own and raised her into the perfect young woman she's become.”

Abrianna dropped her gaze to her hands. Perfect wasn't a word she often found associated with herself. Her father was kind to suggest such a thing, but she knew better. Misgivings regarding her ability to make Wade happy continued to grow, and Abrianna began to doubt if she'd make it through the meal without being ill.

Her father concluded his comments just then. “Wade and Abrianna, I wish you only happiness. I pray a blessing on your marriage. I pray that your life together will be one of harmony and trust. That you will give each other the benefit of doubt in times of difficulty and that you will be stalwart in your support and defense of each other. Above all, I pray that you will trust God with your every need.” He raised his glass. “May your love endure all of life's trials.”

There were murmurs of approval from the audience as they shared in the toast. Abrianna felt Wade take hold of her hand.

“You're trembling,” he said in a barely audible voice. “And your fingers are like ice.”

“This is a most prodigious time for me. My entire life has just changed, and the impact of it is quite overwhelming.” He squeezed her hand, but she couldn't bring herself to look at him.

There were so many blessings offered that Abrianna lost track
of the words and the time. The food was served, and as Priam Welby had demanded, it proved to be the finest cuisine available. Tray after tray of savory meats were offered, along with beautifully prepared dishes of tantalizing concoctions that Abrianna couldn't even identify. How was a person supposed to know if she wanted to try something if she didn't know what it was?

Biting into a delicate puffed pastry with salmon mousse, Abrianna realized she was quite famished. The tightness in her stomach eased as she continued to eat. A light supper the previous evening had been her last meal, and now it was nearly eleven o'clock. Despite not knowing what had been put on her plate by the white-coated serving staff, Abrianna dug in with such gusto that even Wade noticed.

“Why are you eating so fast? You still in a hurry to get me alone?”

She choked for a moment, coughing and sputtering in a most embarrassing manner. Taking a quick sip from her glass, Abrianna worried that someone might have overheard him. Glancing around, she was relieved to see that no one seemed to have heard. She finally looked at Wade and found him grinning. “I'm hungry,” she admitted, trying to hide her embarrassment. “After all I've been through, surely I deserve a decent meal.”

He chuckled. “And here I thought it was passion, not starvation that guided your heart.”

“You're impossible,” she said. “As if this day wasn't stressful enough, your teasing is about to be my undoing.”

A small orchestra had been arranged at the far end of the room and began to offer strains of beautiful music to add to the pleasure of the meal. Abrianna remembered that Welby had intended there to be dancing, but she hoped that Wade wouldn't expect her to spend the afternoon in such activity. Her anxiety
was fading in the face of exhaustion. All she really wanted was a long nap. She raised her napkin to her lips to hide a yawn. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice.

Abrianna finished her plate of food, and as she did, Aunt Miriam appeared and motioned the couple to follow her. Grateful to do something other than endure the gazes of the wedding attendees as she did her best to hide her fatigue, Abrianna allowed Wade to help her to her feet. They followed Aunt Miriam down the back stairs to the first floor.

“As you know,” she began, without any hint of discomfort, “it is tradition for the bridal couple to leave the breakfast for a time . . . alone.” She drew her hands together as if she were about to recite a poem or sing a song. “It stems from days of old when it was important to offer proof of a bride's virtue, as well as to solidify the marriage contract with consummation.” She gave them a nod. “I will return to attend the party. Wade, I trust you can take over from here.”

“Of course,” he replied, throwing Abrianna an amused wink.

Without another word, Aunt Miriam took her leave. Abrianna watched her hurry back up the stairs and disappear. She looked up at Wade and shook her head. “Well, I wasn't expecting that.”

He touched her cheek and chuckled. “And what were you expecting?”

She shrugged. “I don't suppose I know. I've been to many a wedding breakfast or brunch, but I've never really paid much attention to what became of the bride and groom.” She frowned. “Do they really expect that we would . . . that you and I . . . well, do they really expect that? While they all just sit there and eat and wait? I don't think I've ever heard of anything more appalling.”

He drew her close. “Let them expect or presume whatever
they will. We're married now, and it doesn't matter.” He led her through the kitchen and out the back door.

“Where are we going?”

Abrianna had faced many ordeals and trials in her life with great strength and boldness, but the idea of what was soon to come left her feeling weak and uncertain. At least she wasn't focused on her exhaustion anymore, but this was hardly better.

Wade didn't stop walking until they had reached the carriage house. “I thought you might like to see your new home.”

“My new home?”

“It was your father's idea. He talked to me just before the wedding when the elders approached me to let me know they still wanted me in the pulpit. Apparently the congregation was in no way concerned that any of the previous charges were based in truth. Anyway, he thought it might be easier if we took the carriage house for our home until we could decide where we wanted to live. Your father moved his things to a room in the main house while you were preparing yourself for the ceremony. And although I'm not supposed to know it, Eloise took it upon herself to spruce up the place for us.”

“She did?” She looked him in amazement. “That was most industrious of her. Very kind, too.”

“Indeed. Would you like to see for yourself what they did?”

She looked over her shoulder, remembering what her aunt had said about giving them time alone. “I suppose it's expected.”

He laughed and took hold of her hand. “Don't sound so excited.” Together they climbed the steps. At the top, Wade pushed open the door and surprised Abrianna by whisking her into his arms. “Time to carry you across the threshold.”

“Wait!” Abrianna put her hand on his arm. “I have something to say.”

He nodded with a lopsided grin. “You usually do. Go on.”

“Well, I know that I treated you very badly in that Welby ordeal. I felt I had to do what I did, but it grieved me to hurt you. I was overcome with sorrow at the very idea of causing you pain and perhaps even losing you.”

“You could never lose me, Abrianna. Haven't you figured that out yet?”

She smiled. “I'm beginning to see that, but I want you to know that even when I thought it hopeless and could see no way out but to marry Mr. Welby, I was thinking of you and the great love I held for you.” She reached down and pulled up the hem of her wedding gown. “I stitched our initials into the hem. See?”

He looked at the material. “Where?”

“I did the stitching to match the color of the gown so that no one would readily notice. You see, I thought if nothing else, I would have that part of us. I would wear the gown I had planned to wear for our wedding, although it would be covered over with all that other nonsense of lace and beading, and our initials would be forever joined in the gown. You were always there in my heart, Wade. You always will be.”

He looked again at the stitching. “I see it now. A and W and another A.” He lifted his eyes to her face. “You never cease to amaze me, Abrianna Cunningham . . . Ackerman.”

“I just wanted you to know . . . in case . . . well, should I prove to be a disappointment to you or fail to be the wife you had hoped for.”

“You are already exactly the wife I hoped for, Abrianna. I was so terrified of Welby hurting you. I hated that you had to go through all that you did on my account, but I also admired you for your strength. I love you, and nothing else matters now but that we're together.”

“Well, like I said. I just wanted you to know.”

He kissed her on the nose and chuckled. “There's something that I want you to know, as well.”

She straightened just a bit in his arms, quite curious. “And what's that?”

He leaned close to whisper against her ear. “I like my coffee black with just a little sugar.”

Her eyes widened. “You heard that?” She groaned and shook her head. “I am completely mortified. It seems I am always to be making a scene and embarrassing myself and my loved ones. Perhaps with you by my side, I will somehow manage to do better and elude trouble, but it's doubtful.”

Wade gave her a little toss into the air, eliciting a squeal. She grabbed for his neck. He laughed heartily and tightened his hold. “Ah, Abrianna, trouble just naturally seems to find you, but you needn't be self-conscious or mortified. I'm your husband and best friend. I came into this knowing full well what I was in for.” He pressed his mouth to hers for a rather quick kiss before adding, “Besides, what fun would it be if you didn't always keep me guessing what you will do next?”

“Well, you did promise me we would have fun.” Feeling her tensions ease, she relaxed her hold and her fingers lightly stroked the hair at the nape of his neck.

“I did, didn't I? Well, then I say we get on with it.” He crossed the threshold without further delay. “Welcome home, Mrs. Ackerman.”

J
UNE
1890

W
e are here today to open the new facilities for the indigent and homeless,” Brother Mitchell declared. “The church is proud to sponsor this endeavor, and with the funding and pledge of ongoing support from so many in the community, we feel confident that this shelter will offer hope and biblical counsel for all who seek its refuge. Pastor and Mrs. Ackerman will now cut the ribbon.”

Wade looked at Abrianna and handed her the scissors. She took them, and Wade closed his hand over hers as they cut the ribbon together. Cheers went up from the gathering of church congregants, members of the community, friends, and family. Perhaps the most unexpected attendee came in the form of Priam Welby's father, Vernon Welby, who, upon hearing of his son's grievous deeds, had come to Seattle on several occasions. First to see his son convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison, and then to oversee the dissolution of the younger Welby's holdings. He had even made a healthy contribution to the shelter, with the promise of regular support. Even more
surprising was that he and Aunt Poisie seemed to have taken a liking to each other, and Abrianna couldn't help but wonder if her aunt would soon find herself a married woman, after all.

“This is going to be a great help to our city.” The mayor stepped forward to offer Wade and Abrianna his congratulations. “I must say, Mrs. Ackerman, your devotion to the poor has put me to shame.”

“We all have our calling, Mayor. However, it is also our duty as Christians to see to the needs of the poor and orphaned.”

Just then, several of her beloved orphans appeared at her side. The eldest, Toby, had recently told Abrianna how he and the others had pooled their money to rent a small apartment. “Looks real good, Miss Abrianna,” Toby said, nodding toward the two-story building. “I'm thinkin' folks will be real happy to stay here.”

“I think so.” She gazed at the brick structure with pride. “There's room for everyone. Sleeping quarters for women and children only on the upper floor. Rooms for the men, as well as the dining hall and kitchen, on the first floor. I believe it will adequately serve the intended purpose.”

Toby smiled. “I know it will. Now nobody will have to sleep out in the cold and rain.” The other boys nodded, and their admiration of Abrianna was more than evident.

A couple of old sailors made their way to Abrianna and Wade. They pulled their caps from their heads and smiled. “This is a right good place, Miss Abrianna,” one of them declared.

“I'm so glad you like it. I hope it will be a haven for you and the others when they have nowhere else to go.”

“You're wonderful, Miss Abrianna,” thirteen-year-old Bobby said, rushing her with a bear hug. “Now none of us will have to be afraid ever again.”

Her heart melted at his declaration. “No, you don't have to be afraid. But please remember, I'm not wonderful. I'm just trying to be obedient to the calling God put on my heart. I haven't done this because I'm a good person. It was and will continue to be a lot of work, but it isn't about me, and I don't want you putting me up on a pedestal.”

Bobby stepped back and nodded. “It's about serving God and loving our fellowman.”

Abrianna was glad he remembered what she had been telling them all along. “It is, and I am very glad that you boys have all chosen to volunteer to help us. We wouldn't be able to keep on top of a place this size without volunteers.”

Lenore and Kolbein came to offer their congratulations. Kolbein held their six-month-old son, Daniel Kolbein Booth. The boy looked a great deal like his father, with wavy brown hair that formed tiny ringlets near his neck.

“I can't believe this day has finally come.” Abrianna couldn't help but smile. “And I have you to thank as much as anyone. You have always believed in this cause, and I know God will bless you because of it.”

“He already has, Abrianna.” Kolbein smiled at Lenore.

“I'm so proud of you,” Lenore said, leaning to kiss Abrianna on the cheek. “You have remained faithful to what God wanted you to do.”

“I couldn't have done it without all of you and, of course, without Wade.” Abrianna smiled at her husband. These past months together had proven one very important thing to her. Life was full of conflicts and ordeals, but they were much better borne with someone else.

Wade put his arm around Abrianna. “Don't let her fool you. She didn't need me at all. I've never seen anyone more organized
and capable of commanding not only the city officials, but also the contractors and inspectors. Abrianna wouldn't tolerate anyone slacking in their duties. She's pretty amazing.”

“I'll say,” Kolbein replied. “I wouldn't be where I am today had I not met this beautiful redhead. But for her and the Madison Bridal School I might never have married Lenore.”

Wade extended his finger to Daniel, who quickly latched on with a squeal of delight. “He's sure gotten big. Before you know it, he'll be walking.”

“And then we'll be in for it,” Kolbein said with a smile. “I'm certain he will be just as rambunctious as I was as a child. My mother used to regale me with stories of my adventures.”

“Well, before long,” Wade said, giving Abrianna a conspiratorial wink, “perhaps we can provide him with a playmate.”

Lenore's eyes widened. “Are you . . . expecting?” she asked Abrianna.

Abrianna had looked forward to sharing the news with her dear friend and nodded. “We are. The baby should be born sometime around Daniel's birthday.”

Lenore hugged her tightly. “Oh, what joy! Of course you will have a son, and he and Daniel shall be the best of friends.”

“It might be a girl,” Abrianna offered with a giggle. “And maybe they will grow up to fall in love and marry. Wouldn't that be amazing?”

“Amazing isn't the word that comes to my mind,” Wade said with a moan. “I don't want to even think of having to keep control on a miniature Abrianna.”

Kolbein laughed and gave Wade a slap on the back. Daniel tried to take that opportunity to lunge from his arms. “Oh no, you don't,” Kolbein said, pulling Daniel back securely.

Lenore reached out and took the boy in her arms. “So long
as you both deliver safely and remain in health, we shall be glad for either one. This is such a happy day.”

Abrianna caught Wade's prideful gaze and felt her heart nearly burst with love. Her life was almost perfect, and gone were all those nagging doubts about whether their friendship would endure marriage and whether or not she might make an adequate wife.

“Look, your mother and father are motioning for us to join them,” Kolbein said to Lenore. “It looks like they have someone for us to meet.”

“Don't they always? Father is so determined to see you as the next governor or senator of the state,” Lenore declared. She looked to Abrianna. “Please excuse us for now but promise me you'll come to tea on Monday. We have a great deal to discuss and plan.”

“I will do my best,” Abrianna assured. “It will all depend on how busy we are here.”

Once they had gone, Abrianna wasn't surprised to find Aunt Miriam and Aunt Selma had come to join them. “I presume you told them about the little one?” Aunt Miriam asked.

“Wade did, actually. I didn't even have a chance.”

Wade shrugged. “I figure the father has just as much a right to be proud and make such announcements.”

“Indeed,” Aunt Miriam replied. She glanced around the grounds. “It would seem the shelter is a great success. There have been large donations made to the church for the funding of the day-to-day operations.”

“God will provide. He always has.” Abrianna felt a deep sense of joy in the assurance that God would always guide her so long as she allowed Him to.

Wade lowered his voice. “It would seem Miss Poisie is quite
enthralled with Mr. Welby. I wonder if we will soon be enjoying a different kind of celebration.”

“It is possible,” Aunt Miriam said in her stoic manner. “However, we must first get through the annual ball this evening before we give ourselves over to too much thought on that account. Thankfully, Eloise has organized the girls to handle the decorating and refreshment preparation. Otherwise, with Poisie so clearly distracted and my rheumatism acting up, I'm afraid poor Selma would be on her own to see to all the details.”

“Not that I couldn't manage if needed,” Aunt Selma replied, “but I am grateful to leave it in the hands of others. I find that having free time to explore some of my own interests, such as reading for pleasure, has been most beneficial.”

Abrianna stepped closer to her aunt. “I heard about an interesting novel called
Kit and Kitty
by R. D. Blackmore. The heroine is the daughter of a scientist.”

Aunt Selma shook her head. “That is certain to lead to sorrow.”

“But it's a romantic story. Perhaps the hero helps her to overcome the negative influences of science.”

“I suppose I could look into it,” Aunt Selma replied. “I do enjoy a good love story.”

“Nevertheless,” Aunt Miriam interjected, “we are most blessed that your father and Eloise have taken on so much of the daily operations of the school. I find it far more enjoyable to teach a class or two and worry about little else. In the past few days—”

Several startled screams disrupted whatever Aunt Miriam was about to say as a soaking-wet Flora flew past them in a cacophony of squawking and barking. In her arms she battled two rather unhappy hens that flapped wildly against captivity. Behind her, causing equal distraction, were four rather worked-up mutts, who seemed to have an undue interest in the chickens.

Throwing an apologetic glance over her shoulders, Flora continued through the crowd with the barking dogs very nearly on her heels. Abrianna couldn't help but giggle. Flora reminded her much too often of herself. She looked at Wade and could see he thought much the same.

“That girl is even more difficult to settle down than you were,” Aunt Miriam admitted. “It will be a long while before Miss Flora can be presented for courtship.” She shook her head, making a
tsk
ing sound.

“She is our greatest challenge,” Aunt Selma added. She looked to Abrianna. “I am so glad you left your wild ways behind you.”

“Oh, I wouldn't say she exactly left them behind her,” Wade said with a devilish gleam in his eyes. “Abrianna will always be given to her whims and wild ways. I find myself frequently having to keep an eye on her. She is constantly plotting and conniving to do something that she knows none of us would approve. Why, just the other day she—”

Abrianna pulled his face to hers and kissed him in a most public display. Aunt Miriam gasped, causing Abrianna to finally release Wade. She looked at her aunt with a shrug. “I've found this to be one of the best ways to shut him up when he tends to ramble on and on about things that are of no concern or interest to anyone but himself.” She smiled sweetly at Wade.

He drew her back into his arms and threw her aunts a wink. “I have found that being talkative has its rewards and intend to improve upon my oratory skills in the future.” He looked down on Abrianna. “So you should prepare yourself, Mrs. Ackerman. You may very well spend a great deal of time silencing me.”

“An arduous task, to be sure,” Abrianna said with a sigh, then happily yielded to her husband's kiss.