World War III (55 page)

Jessie nodded and began cleaning the old man’s shoulder, before wrapping it in a bandage.

“What happened?” Asked Mayor Sullivan, joining the small group.

Lt. Sawyer repeated his report, before asking, “Were you able to recruit more men?”

“Aye lad,” said Mayor Sullivan, “they’ll be here the day after tomorrow.”

“Same with me,” added Ian.

“Yerington has also committed forces,” replied Rupert, bending down over Cole, with his Bible in hand.

“And the Mayor of Mound House promised approximately seven hundred men,” added Shiloh, his thoughts drifting to Scarlett.

“Casey still hasn’t returned from Virginia City,” observed Ian, “but he’s the last to check in.”

“Well then,” bellowed the Mayor, “it sounds like it’s been a relatively, successful day. I think we should celebrate.” He turned and patted Ian on the back. “Have you and Jessie set a date?”

Ian glanced at Jessie and blushed. “Not yet,” he admitted.

“How about tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow?” Ian swallowed the lump in his throat.

“Why not?” Asked the Mayor. “We’ve got everything you’d need. The enemy has been delayed, help is on the way and the town could sure use a distraction. The timing couldn’t be more perfect!”

“But I don’t have a dress,” complained Jessie, her mind racing with thoughts of everything that needed to be done.

“Well then that is something we shall have to remedy,” said Mayor Sullivan, a grin spreading across his face. “What do you say?” He asked, glancing from the Bride to the Groom.

Ian looked at Jessie and smiled, shrugging his shoulders.

“It’s alright with me,” she said, returning his smile.

“Wonderful! Then it’s settled,” said the Mayor. “We’re having a wedding tomorrow and the whole town is invited. I’ll go spread the word and give the two of you time to get ready.”

“I need this man brought to the library,” said Dr. July, checking Cole’s pulse.

“Of course,” agreed Lt. Sawyer, nodding to Sgt. Morgan and Corp. Thatcher. The Marines bent down, lifted Cole and followed the doctor to the library. Billy walked beside the stretcher, his hand resting on his cousin’s shoulder.

“You too Mr. Sampson,” Jessie said sternly, pointing toward the library.

Sampson looked longingly at the cannon, not wanting to leave it unattended.

“It’ll be here when you get back,” laughed Lt. Sawyer, noticing the old man’s stare.

“Let’s go!” Jessie said firmly, as if talking to a child.

“Fine,” said Sampson, “but it’d better be here when I get back.” He turned and headed to the library, grumbling something inaudible.

“Are you coming?” Asked Jessie, glancing at Ian.

“I’ll be right along,” he said, lovingly.

She smiled, before turning and hurried after old man Sampson.

“She’s quite a woman,” observed Shiloh, watching Jessie walk away.

“Yeah she is,” agreed Ian, knowing how lucky he was.

“Well, it sounds like I’ve got a wedding sermon to prepare for,” said Rupert. “I’ll see you gentlemen later.”

“Goodnight,” said Shiloh.

“What’s with him?” Asked Lt. Sawyer, watching Rupert walk away, his head held low.

“Cheng was murdered,” explained Shiloh. “We just finished burying him.”

“Who in the hell is Cheng?” Asked the Lieutenant, glancing from Shiloh to Ian and Mason, then back again.

“One of the Chinese prisoners,” explained Shiloh. “The one Rupert connected with and gave the Bible to.”

“Oh, I see. Well, I’m gonna go check on my men.” The Lieutenant turned and headed toward the fairgrounds.

“I’ve got some work to do,” said Mason, “but I’ll see ya tomorrow at the wedding. Congratulations,” he added, shaking Ian’s hand.

“Thanks!”

“Want to get a drink and toast the end of bachelorhood?” Shiloh asked, once he and Ian were alone.

“That sounds like a great idea!”

They left the cannon sitting in the middle of Main Street and headed for the Shady Lady.

White Wedding

World War III – Day Twenty-Two

Clearview, Nevada

The following morning found the town of Clearview covered in a fresh blanket of snow. A gentle breeze swept down the mountain, carrying the sweet scent of pine needles. The sun was bright and warm, shining on a clear, blue sky, dotted with puffy clouds. A majestic layer of fog had settled over the base of the mountains, portraying a beautiful, winter wonderland.

Ian tip-toed through Dr. July’s house, hoping not to wake anyone. The doctor had been awake all night taking care of Cole and desperately needed some sleep. He pulled his coat on and gently opened the door, before stepping out into the crisp, cold air.

“Good morning,” greeted Shiloh, sitting in a chair on the porch, with his feet resting on the railing in front of him.

Ian spun around, startled by his voice. “What are you doing here?” He whispered.

“Enjoying the view,” replied Shiloh. “I thought you might like a cup of coffee,” he added, handing Ian one of the cups in his hand.

“Thanks,” said Ian, cupping his hands around the warm beverage. “It is beautiful,” he agreed, gazing at the snowcapped mountains in the distance.

“Yep,” said Shiloh. “God is by far the most talented artist I’ve ever seen. It’s the perfect day for a white wedding.”

“That’s for sure,” agreed Ian, taking a deep breath of fresh air. “Jessie’s gonna love it!”

“Speaking of Jessie, where is the bride?”

“She’s over at the Library with Savannah, Dakota, Jillian, Kati and a few others,” replied Ian, taking a sip of coffee. “They’re helping with her makeup, hair and God knows what else.”

“Where’d she find a wedding dress?”

“Daisy donated her old wedding dress. They had to take it in a little,” he added, with a smile.

“What are you planning to wear?”

“I hadn’t thought about that,” admitted Ian, a concerned look on his face.

“Don’t worry,” smiled Shiloh, “we’ll figure something out.”

“Good morning,” greeted Lt. Sawyer, walking down the street, with Lt. Colonel Williams and Sgt. Morgan at his side.

“Good morning!”

“Are you nervous for the big day? Ya know it’s never too late to make a run for it,” teased Sgt. Morgan.

“Yeah,” suggested Lt. Sawyer, “I could have one of my men drive you out behind enemy lines and leave you there. We’ll say you’re missing in action,” he added, chuckling.

“I’m not nervous,” smiled Ian. “Or at least I wasn’t until you guys showed up.”

“What are you fellas up to?” Asked Shiloh, noticing the clipboard each man carried.

“Strategizing for the town’s defense,” explained Lt. Colonel Williams.

“How’s that going?”

“So far so good, we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

“All I’m thinking about today is my wedding,” stated Ian.

“As well you should,” agreed Lt. Sawyer. “Well, we’d best be off. There’s a lot to do with very little time. We’ll see you guys at the wedding.” He turned and left, with the Sergeant and Lt. Colonel at his side.

“Let’s see if we can find you tux,” suggested Shiloh, standing up.

Leaving their empty cups on the porch, they headed down Main Street, snow crunching beneath their feet. Unfortunately most of the shops were closed, but it didn’t stop them from peering through the windows, searching for a tuxedo, or any type of suit. They finally stopped in front of a small shop with mannequins in the window, wearing a variety of outfits.

Ian glanced at the sign on the glass door and read the words out loud, “Clearview Costume Rental.” He tried the door, but it was locked. “No dice,” he said, cupping his hands to the glass and peering inside.

“What’s going on?” Asked Mason, approaching the men from behind.

“We’re trying to find a tux for Ian’s wedding,” explained Shiloh, “but the store is closed.”

“Step aside,” said Mason, withdrawing a small, black, lock pick kit from inside his pocket. Using the tools inside, he had the door open in seconds.

“Wow,” exclaimed Ian, “you’re a man of many skills.

“Thanks,” smiled Mason, holding the door open.

The three men darted inside and quickly spread out, searching for any type of suit.

“I found something,” Shiloh shouted, from the back of the shop.

“What’s this supposed to be?” Asked Mason, staring skeptically at a clothes rack full of bright colored tuxedos.

“What did ya find?” Ian asked, joining them from the other side of the store.

“All the colors of the rainbow,” sneered Mason, holding out a pink suit between two fingers, as if it were covered in acid.

“Ugh,” gasped Ian, examining the other colors.

“It’s all I could find,” laughed Shiloh. “It’s better than nothing.”

“I disagree,” said Mason, shaking his head and hanging the suit back on the rack. “I think nothing is better.”

“I don’t know,” said Ian, scanning the rack of suits, while trying to decide what Jessie would want.

“Let’s just bring them all,” suggested Shiloh, “and see what fits.

“Alright,” agreed Ian, not wanting to disappoint his wife-to-be.

“This sucks,” mumbled Mason, as he and Ian gathered the suits and carried them outside.

Shiloh left enough silver coins on the counter to pay for the rentals and then some, before leaving the shop and locking the door behind him. The three men dumped the tuxedos into the bed of his truck and climbed in, before heading out of town.

They reached the hidden valley on Shiloh’s ranch an hour later, only to find Jessie was already there. With lots to do, they quickly began helping with the decorations, as the guests slowly arrived.

“Where’s your tuxedo?” Asked Sampson, his arm in a sling.

“This is all we could find,” explained Ian, lifting the tarp, covering the tuxedos in the back of Shiloh’s truck.

“What in tarnation?” Asked the old man, staring at the bright colored fabric. “It looks like God vomited a rainbow in the bed of your truck!”

“Exactly,” said Mason, agreeing wholeheartedly with the old man.

“It’s all we could find,” explained Shiloh.

“Then keep looking,” grumbled Sampson, spitting a stream of tobacco juice from his mouth. “I’d rather wear the carcass off roadkill, than wear one of those vile outfits!”

“What do you suggest we do?”

“Here,” the old man tossed Shiloh a set of keys. “Go and get the black tux from my car,” he instructed. “We can’t have this young whipper-snapper walking down the aisle in one of those.” He turned away, as if disgusted by the myriad of colors.

“How do I look okay?” Asked Ian, after changing into Sampson’s tuxedo.

“You look great,” said Shiloh, with a reassuring smile.

“The ladies are almost ready,” advised Mason, returning from the bungalow, where they were getting ready.

“Mason?” Asked Ian, sheepishly.

“Yeah?”

“How did Jessie look?”

“Beautiful,” whistled Mason. “You’re a lucky man!”

“Thanks,” grinned Ian, his face blushing.

“Although,” said Mason, his mood becoming gloomy, “I’ve got some bad news.”

“What?” Gasped Ian, expecting the worst.

“Jessie has three bridesmaids,” replied Mason. “And she wants you to provide three groomsmen.”

“Okay,” said Ian, “that’s easy enough.”

“Well,” Mason cleared his throat, “she also want’s the groomsmen dressed in tuxedos.”

“Well,” said Shiloh, glancing at the extra tuxedos, “that shouldn’t be a problem.”

“I was afraid you’d say that,” grumbled Mason.

“I need three groomsmen,” repeated Ian, grinning at Shiloh and Mason, “and you’re two of them!”

“Who are the bridesmaids?” Asked Shiloh, glancing at Mason.

“Dakota, Cleo and my wife,” he replied.

“And what color are their dresses?”

“Savannah is wearing a green dress,” answered Mason, “Cleo’s dressed in blue and Dakota is wearing pink.”

“Hey guys,” called Billy, joining the group, “they’re just about ready.”

“Perfect timing,” grinned Mason, patting Billy on the back.

“What do you mean?” He asked, glancing skeptically at each man.

“We need your help Billy,” said Shiloh, tossing him a pink tuxedo. “Quick, change your clothes.”

“What?” Asked Billy, inspecting the pink suit. “Why?”

“You’ve just become a groomsmen,” explained Shiloh.

“No way am I wearing this thing!” Exclaimed Billy, holding the tuxedo at arm’s length. “What other colors have you got?” He asked, peering into the bed of Shiloh’s truck.

“Well, alright,” agreed Shiloh, “but we need someone to walk Dakota down the aisle and she’s wearing pink. Of course if you’re not willing…”

“Dakota Jennings?” Asked Billy, his interest peaked.

“The one and only,” smiled Shiloh, “but I’d never dream of asking you to do, or wear, anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.”

“I’ll do it,” agreed Billy, examining the tuxedo more closely.

“Good,” said Shiloh. “Now hurry up and get changed.”

The men had just finished changing, when music began playing in the courtyard.

“Come on,” bellowed Sampson, waving with his good arm. “They’re getting ready to start! Dear God!” He added, shaking his head, when he noticed the hideous colored tuxedos.

“Shut up!” Grumbled Mason, as he walked passed the old man.

“I didn’t know this was gonna be a wedding and a circus,” grinned Sampson. “I can’t tell if you’re groomsmen or bridesmaids,” he teased, laughing at his own joke.

Ian hurried passed the old man, ignoring his comments and headed to the front of the aisle, where Rupert stood waiting.

“You look good Ian,” said Rupert, wearing a grey and blue, pin-striped suit and holding a leather-bound Bible. “Are you ready?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” replied Ian, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

Dressed in blue, Shiloh and Cleo were the first pair to walk down the aisle. When they reached the end Shiloh stepped to the right and assumed his position beside Ian, while Cleo stepped to the left. The next couple down the aisle was Mason and Savannah, followed by Billy and Dakota, their arms locked together.

Billy’s heart throbbed, as he held Dakota’s soft hand in his and for a brief moment, forgot about the repugnant, pink tuxedo.

The music suddenly changed to the bridal march and Jessie appeared at the end of the aisle, her uncle standing beside her. They proceeded down the aisle arm-in-arm, toward the wedding party and an anxious groom. At the end of the aisle, Dr. July kissed Jessie on the cheek and gave her a hug, before turning to face her groom. He smiled and shook Ian’s hand. “Take good care of her,” he said.

“I will,” replied Ian. “You have my word.”

The doctor turned and took his seat, as the music began to fade.

“Dearly beloved,” began Rupert, “we are gathered here today, to join in holy matrimony, Jessica Hunt and Ian St. Clair. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Ian almost all my life and a better man I’ve never met. He’s risked his life defending this town, more times than I can remember. He’s loyal, trustworthy, patient and kind, and he’s going to make Jessie a fine husband.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jessie for the first time, when she arrived in town only a few weeks ago and every day she’s impressed me more and more. She’s cared for our wounded and tended our sick, and was there when this town needed her most. And with all the trouble Ian gets into, Lord knows they’re gonna need a doctor in the family.”

A ripple of laughter ran through the audience.

“We’re truly blessed to have this young couple in our lives,” continued Rupert, “and it gives me great pleasure to be standing here today. I’d like to begin by reading a passage from First Corinthians.

‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always preserves. Love never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.’

That passage always reminds me of God’s love for each and every one of us,” he added, “and I can’t think of a better way to describe the relationship these two share. Although they haven’t known each other long, Ian and Jessie have stood by each other through thick and thin and I’m proud to call them friends.”

Rupert cleared his throat, before continuing. “At the beginning of creation God made male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate. A wise man listens to his wife’s advice,” he said, looking at Ian, “and a wise woman trusts in her husband’s judgment,” he added, looking at Jessie.