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in health, for better or worse, through richer and poorer, forsaking all others, as long as we both shall live.”
    Jake cleared his throat before following Mitchell’s voice with his own, deep and true. “I, Jake Burnett, take thee, Rebecca Lynn Anderson, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, through richer and poorer, forsaking all others, as long as we both shall live.” He reached out, took a gold band with tiny roses engraved on it from Frank, and slipped it on the third finger of Rebecca’s left hand. It fit perfectly. “With this ring, I thee wed,” he added.
    Reverend Mitchell clasped their hands in his own. “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. You may kiss the bride.”
    Rebecca tilted her face up to Jake and she felt his lips brushing lightly against hers. Then his lips were beside her ear, whispering, “A lifetime of happiness, Reb, I promise.”
    She felt the stinging behind her eyes, no longer certain she was worthy of this man, promising herself she would do everything in her power to be.
    Handshakes, kisses, and congratulations were profusely offered. The din of conversation circled around Rebecca and there were moments when she felt like she was a little girl again, holding her arms straight out and whirling until the earth seemed to move about her. She felt flushed and breathing became difficult. Then she felt a strong hand clamp down on her waist and found herself being led away from the well-wishers.
    She stepped onto the veranda and inhaled deeply before looking up into her husband’s face. “Thank you.”
    “It’s a little overwhelming.”
    She laughed softly. “It is, isn’t it?”
    Jake moved his hand away from her waist and leaned against a pillar. “Think you’ll miss it?”
    She shook her head. “There was a time when I couldn’t imagine leaving. And now … Now I can’t wait to leave.”
    The guests began trickling outside where tables and benches had been set up. Food was served. Toasts were made. The sunset burst forth its hues of lavenders and pinks, oranges, and blues as the husband and wife sat side by side entranced with nature’s gift on their wedding day.
    As day bid its final farewell to night, the guests departed. Rebecca found herself standing alone with Jake in the study, not certain where her father had discreetly disappeared to, but grateful he had. Jake was watching her as though he were waiting for something. Then she realized he wouldn’t be sleeping in the bunkhouse. He was her husband now. He had married her, had earned the right to sleep in her bed. She inhaled deeply, strengthening her resolve. “I guess we’ll sleep in my room tonight.”
    Jake nodded and followed her up the stairs. She opened the door to her room and stood within the threshold, waiting, uncertain. It didn’t seem real, but this was her wedding night. Her wedding night and she didn’t have a special nightgown. She wasn’t even sure if she needed one or not. She had always expected her wedding night to be a little different. She thought she’d be swept off her feet, carried to the bed….
    “You going in?” a deep voice asked behind her.
    She jumped into the room, wringing her hands, looking at everything that had once been so familiar and now seemed so foreign. She heard the door close quietly behind her and moved further into the room.
    Jake glanced around, his eyes falling on the pink ruffled bedspread that covered the bed.
    “This is your room?” he asked.
    She turned, blushing as she saw where his gaze was directed. “Yes, what’s wrong with it?”
    Smiling, he looked at her. “Nothing. I just didn’t expect it to be so frilly.”
    She tilted her chin up defiantly. “Just because I like cows doesn’t mean I don’t like feminine things as well.”
    “No, I suppose it doesn’t.” He moved to the bed and sat down.
    She turned and began to study the flowered wallpaper. It wasn’t