Page 23 of Val (Wild Rose Ridge #1)
Preacher Dan took to the pulpit like a duck to water.
Val watched him as he began their wedding, his booming voice carrying throughout the congregation.
Micah had expected the circuit preacher to show up in February, but alas, he didn’t ride into town until two days ago, and everyone sprang into action.
Micah warned her that Preacher Dan only ever stayed a day or two.
Then he’d make his way toward Nowhere and the Weaver farm, where he’d rest up a few days, enjoying the Weavers’ hospitality before heading south to Oregon.
With the help of Clara, Ella, Marianne, Elinore, Cornelia, and Elizabeth Ann, Val was ready in no time, and a wedding supper was planned. Between her wedding day and the Christmas dance in December, life in Wild Rose Ridge had been more than she bargained for.
Val knew everyone in town at this point, had memorized their names as best she could, and kept lists of who attended church and who didn’t. Together, she and Micah would visit those who couldn’t come on a regular basis, or didn’t come at all. She’d even joined the sewing circle!
But perhaps the most interesting, if not the most amusing, thing that happened was Mrs. Schulte’s invitation to become an official Busy Bee.
Val still wasn’t sure how she felt about that.
Joining meant managing, in Val’s mind. If she wasn’t managing Augusta, Margaret, and Josie, then she’d take care of business when it came to those Busy Bees!
They could do so much good... if they’d just behave.
“And do you, Micah, take Valentine…”
Preacher Dan was older, portly, and loved a good piece of pie.
“The man’s circuit is mapped out in pies,” Micah had told her. He even drew the map out for her!
Well, pie or no pie, the man made it to Wild Rose Ridge, and that’s all she cared about.
Val was getting married to the man she’d fallen in love with and was learning to become a preacher’s wife.
At least she’d had time to practice what with helping Micah with sermons, visiting folks, and making his rounds when the weather turned bad.
But now that it was spring, she didn’t expect any blizzards to hit Wild Rose Ridge anytime soon.
What would hit was the first Wild Rose Ridge Days come summer, and with any luck, a new batch of brides. But who knew?
“And do you, Valentine O’Malley…”
Her head snapped up. She’d better start paying attention. This was her wedding, after all.
They finished their vows, and Preacher Dan gave them a big smile. “I now pronounce you husband and wife! Micah, my boy, you may kiss the bride.”
Micah pulled her into his arms and did just that!
The last few months had been torture, and Mrs. Schulte had insisted they be chaperoned constantly. Val wasn’t sure what she was going to do without being shadowed by a Busy Bee. Maybe she’d grown on them over the last few months, and that’s why they asked her to join. Who knew?
What she did know was this: if she joined their ranks, there were going to be a few changes.
One shouldn’t bully another into a match, and she’d spent enough time with the Busy Bees to learn all their tactics.
Matchmaking was fine, but it had to be done with finesse.
And no small amount of stealth. She’d teach those Busy Bees a thing or two.
“Well, Mrs. Sutton,” Micah said as they made their way down the aisle. “Are you glad you didn’t go back to Chicago?”
Oh, mark my words, she’s glad all right, Augusta’s voice rang.
Val smiled. “And you’ll be all right. The lot of you.”
Micah ignored the people congratulating them. “What was that?”
Val looked up at him. “Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about the sisters.”
“Oh, that reminds me. They sent us a letter. I’m sorry, darling, I forgot all about it.” He kissed her on the cheek. “They were very excited.”
“You read it without me?” Val sighed. “What exactly were they excited about?” She stopped walking when she took in his grin.
“They’re excited about delivering brides this summer,” he said.
“Oh, is that all… what?!” Her eyes went wide. “They’re coming here?!”
“Val, what is it, dear?” Mrs. Schulte asked, shoving her way through the crowd. “Is everything all right?”
“Saints preserve us,” Val breathed. “Augusta, Margaret, and Josie are coming to Wild Rose Ridge?” She glanced between Micah and Mrs. Schulte. “The town will never be the same.”
“Don’t you worry about those meddling sisters you used to work for,” Mrs. Schulte said. “You’re one of us now. And we take care of our own.” She turned to her Busy Bees. “Isn’t that right, ladies?”
Her little group of minions gave her vigorous nods and smiled at Val.
“Oh dear,” Val said under her breath. “This will be either a complete disaster, or matchmaking bliss.” She looked up at Micah. “I’m not sure which.”
He put his arm around her. “Then concentrate on what you are sure of. I love you.”
She smiled. “And I love you.” Val reached up, placed her hand on his cheek, and stood on tiptoe as he kissed her.
When he broke the kiss, he pulled her close. “How many weddings should we plan for come June?”
“I have no idea,” she said. “But if I know The Sisters’ Mail-Order Bride Company, we’d better be prepared for anything.”
“You heard her, ladies!” Mrs. Schulte called. “There’s no time like the present to start making plans!”
Val and Micah watched the Queen Bee shoo her minions out of the church and into the cold spring day.
Micah smiled. “Well, you can’t say there’s no entertainment in Wild Rose Ridge anymore, can you, darling?”
Val shook her head. “No, and I have a feeling I’m about to become a big part of it. I hope you don’t mind.”
He laughed. “My dear, sweet wife. Whatever makes you happy. And if becoming a Busy Bee is what you want, then you have my full support.”
She arched an eyebrow at him. “You’d best remember that come June, husband. I have a feeling there’s going to be more than a little meddling and matchmaking going on.”
Micah kissed her again, then escorted her to their wedding supper.