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“Ready, Jane?” Imogene asked as she stood as matron of honor for Jane.

“More than I’ve ever been,” Jane replied.

At the altar, Jack Stewart waited, his dark hair combed neatly against a crisp white shirt. Shadows cast by late afternoon light seemed to point straight to him. He scanned the entrance intently, eager for Jane’s appearance.

The congregation sat in reverent silence as Jack murmured a quiet prayer for their blessed union.

As the organ swelled with resonant hymns, Jane took her first step down the aisle. Wooden floorboards creaked beneath her feet, a sound whispering constancy amidst new beginnings.

Her eyes found Jack’s—they seemed alone in that moment amidst the gathering. Each step drew her closer not just to Jack but to the fulfillment of unspoken promises shared in quiet moments between them.

Jack, unwavering as the Texas earth, watched Jane approach. His expression, once brimming with easy charm, now held the depth of his adoration. As she neared, his smile brightened.

Jane’s spirit and earnestness inspired a fierce tenderness in Jack. Surrounded by loved ones, his eyes conveyed an unspoken commitment. They spoke of a love resilient through scorching summers and blossoming springs, a love as enduring as the land they both cherished.

The hushed church resonated with the officiant’s gentle voice, as Jane clasped Jack’s hand tightly. He guided them through their sacred vows.

“Jane Brown,” he began, “do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and health, forsaking all others?”

“I do,” she affirmed, her conviction evident.

“And do you, Jack, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and health?”

“I do,” Jack responded.

All along the front of the church, Jane’s sisters dabbed at their eyes with handkerchiefs. Each tear symbolized their love for the youngest sister. The eldest and youngest exchanged a knowing smile that spoke of sisterhood transcending distance.

As they watched Jane and Jack entwine their lives, the church seemed to embrace everyone present. In that moment, Jane and Jack’s love story joined countless others within these walls.

Everyone in the church seemed to be casting affectionate gazes upon Jane and Jack. Weathered pews creaked with anticipation as friends and townsfolk leaned forward, smiles broadening with each vow.

A murmur of approval rustled through the congregation, embracing the couple like sunlight streaming through church windows.

Then came the moment to exchange rings. Jack steadied his hand as he slid the band onto Jane’s finger—a touch as tender as a petal on still water.

“Repeat after me,” instructed Pastor Amos. Solemnly echoing him, Jack said, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

The cool ring on Jane’s skin spoke of constancy and commitment. She lifted Jack’s hand and placed the golden band on his finger.

“With this ring, I thee wed,” she repeated. Each word fell from her lips like a cherished prayer, witnessed by those gathered for their sacred union.

Amidst the simple beauty of faith and love, Jane and Jack committed themselves to one another. Their hands lingered together, warmth radiating between them as they prepared to face life’s unknowns.

Amos Kauffman surveyed the couple before him, his eyes gleaming with joy. His warm, steady voice carried throughout the church as he concluded the ceremony.

“By the power vested in me, I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

The congregation erupted into applause, their cheers mingling with laughter as Jack took Jane’s hands in his. Jane’s heart fluttered with elation as she met Jack’s gaze. With tenderness, Jack leaned forward and kissed her.

Their gentle yet passionate kiss seemed to defy time, momentarily erasing everything but their feelings for one another. When they parted, happiness continued to buzz through the room. Jack looked at his wife, smiling radiantly.

Someone whispered in awe of the love between Jane and Jack, comparing it to the brightness of the sun.

Hand in hand, they made their way down the aisle amidst a shower of rice and well-wishes from friends and family.

“May your love flourish!” called out an old gentleman.

“Your joy be as plentiful as the stars!” echoed a woman wearing a large hat.

At the heart of the festivities, Jane’s eyes shimmered with laughter and her cheeks glowed. As she intertwined her fingers with Jack’s strong grip, the joy of their loved ones carried them.

Entering the adjoining hall, they found a garden paradise alive with blooming flowers and twinkling lights suspended above like descended stars. Jane took a deep breath and smelled Amy’s stew and fresh baked bread. Their wedding feast was something to be proud of, thanks to Amy.

“It’s breathtaking,” Jack whispered, his voice rumbling through the clamor.

“Paradise,” Jane agreed, looking toward the gleaming dance floor to the floral scene.

“Shall we?” Jack playfully lifted his brows.

“Absolutely,” replied Jane, grinning as they moved towards the center of the celebration.

As the conversation subsided, guests focused on the newlyweds awaiting their first dance together. The promise of joy lingered in the air.

As the tender waltz began, Jane felt Jack’s hand in hers on the dance floor. Her heart fluttered, but his steady gaze anchored her. They moved together, their bodies finding a rhythm uniquely theirs.

“Jane,” Jack whispered, “this is just the start of our adventure.”

“An adventure with you is all I could wish for,” she replied, eyes glistening.

They danced as if the world had narrowed down to their space. The song ended with applause. Friends and ranch hands filled the floor, David leading his wife Susan in an energetic two-step.

“We’ve started a proper hoedown,” Jack grinned, guiding Jane through the crowd.

Toasts were made as the night unfolded, glasses clinking in celebration of their union. The heartfelt words wove a stronger bond within the community that watched over them.

“May your life be as full and rich as a Texas prairie,” called out Seth Clinkinbeard, raising his glass high.

Voices overlapped in a chorus of well wishes. Jane’s curiosity mingled with a newfound sense of belonging. She was no longer an orphan girl. She was now a bride amid a community that embraced her.

In the midst of celebration, they found a quiet alcove, where only flickering candles and the Lord’s presence accompanied them.

“It feels surreal,” Jane whispered, their hands intertwined. “Can we really be married?”

“Like a dream I don’t want to wake from,” Jack replied softly. Jane leaned against him, cherishing their shared love. “We’re blessed, Jane—in so many ways.”

They enjoyed a comfortable silence, reflecting on their happiness.

“Do you remember when we first met?” Jack asked with a smile. “You were so curious about Texas...really about anything outside the walls of your foundling home.”

“You were always so sweet,” Jane teased. “That’s when I knew you were different.”

Jack laughed gently. “Different but perfectly suited for you, Mrs. Jane Stewart.”

She beamed at her new title. “It feels meant to be.”

“Then let’s join our loved ones,” Jack proposed, helping her up. “We have a lifetime of quiet moments ahead, but tonight, we share our joy with them.”

Jane slipped away from the main hall. Her steps rippled with lace and silk as she approached the sanctuary where her sisters waited for her. They had promised her advice for the wedding night.

“Jane,” Amy said, hugging her gently. “Your wedding night is about love, not just duty.”

Brenda smirked, her eyes mischievous. “Also honesty— tell Jack what you like.”

Cassandra adjusted her glasses. “It’s natural to be nervous, but it’s part of getting to know each other.”

Deborah blushed, fidgeting. “Hold each other close. Comfort might ease any uncertainty.”

Erna and Faith exchanged glances. “We baked cookies for you—a full stomach eases jitters,” Erna said.

Faith nodded. “And remember, patience is a virtue.”

Gail leaned against a pew, arms crossed. “Open the window for fresh air if you’re indoors.”

Hannah spoke softly. “Let love be your guide, not convention.”

Imogene beamed at Jane. “It’ll be wonderful, like a fairytale!”

With their collected advice, Jane took a deep breath, feeling ready to embark on this journey with Jack, surrounded by her sisters’ love and wisdom.