Laurel: Bride of Arkansas (American Mail-Order Bride 25) Read Online Free Page A

day.”
    “It’s just a few of the ladies from the congregation. It won’t take long, and then you and Griffin can settle in for the evening.” She poured their tea, added milk and sugar, and picked up the conversation where she’d stopped. “Several of our loggers have had wives come in from out of town and I’ve found introducing them right away helps them in their transition to life here. But, of course, if you’d rather not . . .”
    This wasn’t a traditional marriage. Hers and Griffin’s courtship had consisted of a couple of letters and a lunch for goodness sake, but Laurel knew the importance of making a good impression. No matter where you were, it mattered what people thought of you. “I think a small reception would be lovely, Tildie. How very thoughtful.”
    “Good.” Tildie beamed. “I think you’ll like everyone.”
    “Now, Matilda, don’t overwhelm the girl.” The man Laurel assumed was the preacher entered the kitchen with Griffin.
    Tildie blushed like a school girl when the man kissed the top of her head. “Laurel, this is my husband, Owen Waggoner. He’ll marry you and Griffin today.”
    “It’s very nice to meet you, sir.” She thought the two complimented each other well and wondered if she and Griffin ever would. It was certain they’d have a number of issues to work through before they could co-exist comfortably.
    “If you two are ready, we can have the ceremony now," Owen said.
    “We might as well get it done.” Her groom seemed resolute.
    “I agree.” Laurel knew it was unreasonable to want the things a bride normally would have liked to have, like a bouquet, a bridesmaid . . . a proposal. A real proposal, not merely an ad and a couple of letters. Unfortunately, when she made this choice, she relinquished any resemblance of normal. Adapting his tone, she agreed, “Let’s get this over with.”

     
     
    CHAPTER THREE
     
    Laurel stood with Griffin before Brother Waggoner in front of the window in the parlor as they repeated their vows. She admired the ring on her finger as the late afternoon sunlight glinted off the gold band. She hadn’t expected Griffin to have a ring for her and felt badly she didn’t have one for him. While men didn’t traditionally wear them, her father did and she liked the idea. He squeezed her hand and when she looked closer she couldn’t tell where her hand stopped and his began. A moment of panic hit her and she attempted to pull away, but he held fast.
    Somewhere in the background she heard Brother Waggoner say, “From this day forward you will be one in mind, one in heart, and by the grace of God, one in eternal destiny. Believing it is God who truly joins a couple together in marriage, let no man put it asunder. Griffin, you may now kiss your bride.”
    She lifted her gaze to find him watching her closely. He lowered his head and touched his lips to hers, lightly at first and then with more pressure. When he pulled away, she instantly felt his absence. Literally her first kiss, she hadn’t known what to expect. Her body over heated beyond the stifling temperature of the room and she felt light-headed. She swayed and, before her knees buckled, his arm wrapped around her waist keeping her upright.
    “Breathe, Laurel.”
    “I . . . I can’t,” she whispered, gasping for air. She didn’t know what was happening to her, perhaps her stays were too tight, but she was determined not to embarrass herself by fainting. A breeze cooled her skin and she realized Tildie’s fan stirred the air around her face. Slowly, she began to feel better, and eased away from him.
    “Are you feeling better? Do you need to lie down?” he asked, his voice thick with concern.
    Tildie spoke up, “Yes, bring her to the back room. She can rest for a while before the reception.”
    “Thank you,” Laurel said quickly, lest she be whisked away. “I’m feeling much better.”
    “What reception?”
    “Tildie has been very thoughtful and arranged for a few