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feel as if I've waited half my life to have you in my arms."
    Anna didn't question his words; the feeling of his arms around her, his mouth on hers felt absolutely perfect. She'd grown up watching her parents and had known beyond a shadow of a doubt that they loved each other deeply; they were constantly reaching out to touch each other's arm or to give a gentle kiss. She looked up at him, then quickly looked away.
    "What is it?" he asked.
    Shaking her head, she had no answer for him.
    "Anna, my darling, as I've already said, we don't have the luxury of time to court. We will be wed as soon as possible, as the wagon train will not wait. It's important that you know this—there will never be anything that you can't discuss with me, no matter how embarrassing you might believe it is." He bent to kiss her again, causing her to almost forget her question. When he drew back, he continued. "You will be my wife, and I shall know all of you and you me. And, little one, no matter how much you might not wish to answer a question, I will always expect an answer."
    "This is so fast, and yet I feel it is right," she said softly. "But do you believe our marriage will be like that of my folks? I mean, they've been married forever, and still act like newlyweds at times."
    He nodded. "Yes, I have no doubt of that. Every day, every year, our love will continue to grow as we grow together."
    Worries about the future disappeared as his lips claimed hers again, the kiss igniting her very soul. This time, when he pulled away and lifted her off his lap to stand, her legs were trembling and though the air had grown cooler, she definitely didn't need her shawl. Her entire body felt as if it were on fire.
    "Let's go tell your family that you have a wedding to plan."
     
    * * * * *
     
    "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." Hearing the words that would change her life, Anna looked shyly up at her new husband. His smile had her heart skipping a beat and when he bent towards her, she closed her eyes, her entire body quivering as his lips met hers. Two weeks ago she'd been nothing more than a girl, and yet today she was married! Richard took her hand as they turned to face the congregation gathered in the small church as witnesses to their union. Everyone was smiling, and cheered as the young couple walked down the aisle to the door.
    Anna's mother gave a soft sob as her husband led her out of the church onto the lawn.
    "Quiet now," he instructed, "today is a happy day, there will be time enough tomorrow to be sad." John slid his arm around her waist as she took a deep breath and nodded.
    Martha wiped her eyes yet again with her damp handkerchief. As they were congratulated by their friends and neighbors, the men joked that he must be relieved that his headstrong and feisty daughter was no longer his responsibility. The women, mothers themselves, understood that, mingled with the joy of having her daughter wed, Martha had to know that it might be months or even possibly years before she'd see Annabelle again. Their offerings of congratulations were tempered with gentle compassion, and assurances that Richard was a good man. They were quite positive that Martha's new son-in-law would keep her precious daughter safe as they moved west.
    John gave his daughter a hug before shaking Richard's hand. Anna was beaming with joy, her eyes shining as she stood in the wedding dress that had first been worn by her Ma. Margaret's talents included more than just cooking, and she'd made alterations so the gown would fit her smaller sister. She'd also helped weave fresh flowers through Anna's waist-length hair; the red tresses shining like fire in the sunlight.
    "You look beautiful," Margaret had said, as the sisters hugged each other before the ceremony. Though neither spoke of the following day, it was as if both made sure the hug shared would remain with them for a long time. Martha wiped her eyes and then gathered her first baby into her