Page 24 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas (Redemption Mountain #27)

Eliza finished tying off the last suture in Mrs. Wilson’s arm, then wrapped a clean bandage around the closed wound. “There you are. Keep it clean and dry for the next few days and let me know if you notice any increased swelling or redness.”

Mrs. Wilson nodded in gratitude as Eliza helped her down from the exam table. Eliza could see the woman’s husband pacing anxiously out front.

“Thank you, Dr. Gladstone. You’ve been a godsend to this town.”

“Just doing my job. Now go on home and get some rest.” She walked Mrs. Wilson out to meet her husband, giving him instructions for changing the dressings.

As she turned to go back inside, Rachel Pelletier pulled up in a wagon. “Eliza! We need to hurry if we’re going to get you to the church on time.”

Her eyes went wide. “The wedding! I completely lost track of time when Mrs. Wilson arrived. I’ll be right back.” She rushed upstairs to grab her belongings, stopping when she saw Clay and Drake talking. “I’m heading to the church.”

The men chuckled, watching her hustle about. “We’ll be right behind you,” Drake called as she rushed past them.

Donning her coat and hat, she hurried back downstairs to join an excited Rachel. As she climbed into the waiting wagon, her heart pounded with equal parts joy and nerves.

Today was the beginning of her new life with Spencer, and she couldn’t wait to join him at the altar. First, she had to get to the church.

Rachel beamed at Eliza as the wagon slogged through the soaked streets. Even with low temperatures the last few days, the sun had melted the snow and ice on the roads.

“I’m so happy for you and Spencer. We’re all thrilled you decided to stay in Splendor.”

She smiled, though her stomach was a tangle of butterflies. “I’m happy, too. Also nervous.”

They soon arrived at the community building next to the church. Eliza took a deep breath as she stepped inside, her gaze landing on covered platters of sliced meats, salads, and desserts. Sunlight streamed through the windows, catching on the beautiful ivory wedding dress hanging on a wall hook.

“Oh, Eliza, it’s gorgeous,” Rachel whispered. “Allie outdid herself,” mentioning Deputy Cash Coulter’s wife, who owned the dress shop. “Go on, try it.”

Rachel helped her slip on the exquisite gown, relishing the feel of the satiny fabric against her skin.

The bodice hugged her torso before flaring at the waist into a full skirt, and delicate beadwork traced the sweetheart neckline.

Eliza hardly recognized herself in the nearby mirror.

The dress Allie created was as good as any she could’ve found in New York.

“You look like an angel,” Rachel said, dabbing at her eyes. She straightened the skirt a little and adjusted the veil. “I believe you’re ready. Oh, except for one more thing.” Rachel handed her a beautiful bouquet of greenery and red berries.

Eliza’s eyes grew wide as she pressed the creation against her chest, her heartbeat quickening. “Thank you,” she breathed out.

She longed to see Spencer, to join their lives together at last. Raising the dress’s skirt, she followed Rachel out the door toward the biggest moment of her life.

Entering the church, she sought out Spencer’s tall form at the front. Her breath caught at the sight of him in his smart black suit, his hair neatly combed. His eyes lit up when they met hers, crinkling at the corners with his smile.

She didn’t notice the gathered crowd as she glided down the aisle, focused on her soon-to-be husband. When she reached Spencer’s side, he took her hands in his. His warm, calloused grip reassured and calmed her.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured. Her cheeks heated at the sincerity in his tone.

Reverend Paige began speaking, his melodic voice filling the church. Eliza soaked in Spencer’s presence, the intensity of his gaze, as they exchanged their heartfelt vows.

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Spencer’s smile was radiant. He leaned in and pressed his lips to Eliza’s in a tender kiss. Then they turned toward their guests. He raised their joined hands high to cheerful applause from their friends and family.

Eliza glanced at the crowd, her heart overflowing. This community had welcomed her with open arms, and she’d found her home in this wild, wonderful land.

Spencer led Eliza from the church to the adjacent community building, where the reception would be held. She clutched her bouquet, nerves fluttering in her stomach at the prospect of meeting so many new people at once.

Spencer gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry, they’ll love you.”

The first to approach was Ruth Paige. “Congratulations, Eliza. I’m so pleased you decided to stay in Splendor.”

Eliza flushed. “Thank you, Ruth. I’m delighted to be here.”

More townsfolk offered congratulations and introduced themselves. Their genuine delight at meeting Spencer’s new bride soon put Eliza at ease. She was touched by their eagerness to make her feel at home.

By the time they’d spoken to everyone, Eliza’s cheeks ached from smiling. These were good, hardworking people. She knew she would come to cherish them as friends in this new chapter of her life.

The fiddler struck up a spirited reel, and Spencer turned to Eliza, eyes twinkling. “May I have this dance, Mrs. Haglund?”

“I’d be delighted, Mr. Haglund.” She laughed as he whisked her onto the dance floor.

Eliza had never danced like this before, swept up in the rollicking music. But Spencer guided her with ease, his strong arms supporting her through the steps. She was breathless and giddy when the music ended.

“You’re a natural,” he said.

When the fiddler began a slower waltz, Spencer drew Eliza close. She rested her cheek against his chest. Dancing in his arms, she was enveloped in joy and hope for their new life together. This union marked a new beginning for them both.

Lucien leaned against the wall, watching Tommy and Sherilyn play with other children across the room. Beside him, Booker and Julia sipped punch while observing the couples dancing.

“It’s nice having a place of our own,” Julia said. “The house you and Lucien bought is perfect for us.”

Booker nodded. “It was time to put down roots. And the children need a proper home.”

“Won’t be easy,” Lucien rumbled. “Providing for a family’s a big responsibility.”

He and Booker hadn’t mentioned to Julia about their meeting with Finn Hanrahan to purchase Finn’s Saloon. He and his family were moving on in the spring, heading to San Francisco to make their fortune.

Booker sent a meaningful glance at Lucien. “We’ll manage somehow.”

Lucien nodded. “I’m certain we will.”

On the other side of the room, Tucker stood with his friend and fellow deputy, Jonas.

He was trying not to stare at Rose Keenan as she chatted with Amelia Wheeler, the wife of their other good friend, Morgan Wheeler.

Rose had recently been appointed the new administrator at the orphanage, taking over from Martha Santori.

“Why not ask her to dance?” Jonas suggested, nudging his hesitant friend.

Tucker shook his head, a blush rising in his cheeks. “I’m thinking about it.”

“You’ll never know if you don’t try.” Jonas grinned. “What have you got to lose?”

As Rose laughed at something Amelia said, Tucker felt a surge of longing. Maybe Jonas was right. He had to speak up before someone else did. Squaring his shoulders, Tucker started across the room.

Tucker halted mid-stride, seeing a tall, broad-shouldered ranch hand approach Rose and extend his hand, asking her to dance. She glanced at Amelia, then placed her small hand in the man’s large, calloused one.

As Rose allowed herself to be led toward the other dancing couples, Tucker froze, his courage evaporating. Doubt and insecurity flooded his mind. What did he have to offer a woman like Rose? She deserved more than a deputy could provide.

The ranch hand whirled Rose into the dance.

She followed his steps, smiling. But Tucker noticed she lacked her usual carefree joy, a small detail igniting a spark of hope in Tucker’s heart.

Taking a deep breath, he strode onto the dance floor as the song ended.

Before the next one began, he tapped the ranch hand on the shoulder.

“Mind if I cut in?” Tucker asked, amazed at his own boldness.

The man shrugged and relinquished Rose’s hand. She gazed up at Tucker, surprise mingling with a glimmer of pleasure in her eyes.

He took Rose in his arms as the band struck up another reel. Grinning, they whirled across the floor, carried away by the music.

“I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you on becoming the orphanage administrator.”

“Thank you, Tucker. I’m thrilled Martha and the other women put their trust in me.”

He watched Rose as they danced, unable to take his eyes off her radiant face. Her cheeks were flushed pink with exhilaration, tendrils of hair escaping from her braid. She’d never looked more beautiful.

As the song ended, the band shifted into a slower waltz. Tucker adjusted his hold on Rose, resting one hand gently on her back. She settled her arm on his shoulder, their hands clasped together.

They moved together, Tucker leading with a confidence he’d never felt before. The couples swirling around them faded away until it was just the two of them, locked in their own private world.

Rose lifted her face to his, a question in her eyes. Though his heart pounded, he gave her a reassuring smile.

A few feet away, Spencer and Eliza danced, their smiles indicating total joy. Tucker felt a pang of envy, knowing he wanted a future with the same happiness.

As the song ended, Tucker escorted Rose off the dance floor. Around them, the wedding guests laughed and chatted, caught up in the joy of the occasion. Tucker only had eyes for his partner.

He took both of Rose’s hands in his. “Thank you for the dance, Miss Keenan. It was a pleasure.”

Her cheeks turned pink again, but her voice was steady. “The pleasure was all mine, Deputy Nolan.”