Chapter 14 - THE RANCHER'S SECOND WEDDING
Samuel proposed to Eleanor beneath the cottonwood tree.
He didn't have an expensive ring.
Only a simple gold band.
He had saved for months.
When he knelt, Eleanor began crying before he spoke.
Samuel smiled nervously.
“I had a whole speech prepared.”
She laughed.
“Then say it.”
He took her hand.
“I thought my life ended when Abigail died.”
Eleanor's eyes filled.
“Then Laya came.”
He swallowed.
“And you came.”
His voice broke.
“You reminded me that a broken heart can still make room for love.”
Eleanor covered her mouth.
Samuel smiled.
“Will you marry me?”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
He laughed.
“Yes?”
“Yes, Samuel.”
He stood and kissed her.
Their wedding took place in the small church outside Clemens Ridge.
Martha cried through the entire ceremony.
Joseph Finch served as witness.
The new sheriff attended.
And Laya walked down the aisle carrying wildflowers.
She wore a pale blue dress.
Her hair was tied with ribbons.
She looked radiant.
When Eleanor reached Samuel, Laya tugged at her skirt.
Eleanor knelt.
“What is it, sweetheart?”
Laya looked at her.
Then whispered:
“Can I call you Mama?”
Eleanor began crying.
She opened her arms.
“Oh, darling.”
Laya hugged her.
Eleanor held her tightly.
“I would love that.”
Samuel watched them.
His eyes filled.
The church was silent.
Then Martha began sobbing loudly.
“Lord have mercy, somebody give me a handkerchief!”
May you like
Everyone laughed.
And for the first time in years, the laughter in Clemens Ridge was kind.
