Capital Bride Read Online Free PDF Page A

there. That’s why he wanted to leave right away.
    They would arrive home in time for her to fix dinner…no it was supper out here in the west. She’d have to remember that. Dinner was luncheon and supper was dinner. Whatever it was called they would get to the ranch about two o’clock and she would have enough time to unpack MaryAnn’s trunk and then fix it.
    They got to the Justice of the Peace’s office and suddenly it was all real. All other thoughts flew right out of her head, replaced by butterflies in her stomach. It must have showed on her face.
    His hand enveloped hers with that same warmth and strength she’d felt last night. Only she felt something else today, confidence. “It’s going to be alright, Sarah.”
    She took a deep breath. “I know. I know it will.”
    “We’re going to be a family now, right Mama?”
    Sarah realized with MaryAnn’s question that she might not be the only one who was nervous about today. She smiled at her precocious daughter. “Yes, we are and together we can do anything.”
    She looked up into John’s smiling face, noticed the way the dimples creased his cheeks and still couldn’t believe her luck. He was so handsome and about to become her husband.
    John helped them all down and they walked into the building. Once inside they found the office. A very thin, gray haired woman sat at a desk outside the Justice’s office.
    “Do you have an appointment?”
    “Yes, ma’am. John Atwood and Sarah Johnson at nine for a marriage ceremony.”
    “Ah, yes. I see you on the list. There’s one couple ahead of you. They’re with him now. Are these two little darlin’s going to be your witnesses?”
    “If it were legal they would be,” said John. He ruffled Katy’s hair. She pulled away and straightened her hair, eyes shooting daggers at her father for messing it up.
    The other couple came out, hand in hand, smiles on their faces. Sarah wished she and John were as happy about getting married. Maybe someday that would be them. Walking down the street holding hands.
    “Are we ready?” The judge’s voice brought her back to the present.
    “We are, your honor,” said John.
    “Let’s begin. Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the presence of….”
    Sarah barely listened until she heard her name, “Do you Sarah Jane Johnson take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold; for richer or for poorer; through sickness and in health from this day forward as long as you both shall live?”
    “I do.” Her hands shook as she placed the plain gold band on his finger. It was too small. She’d bought it in Chicago and would have to get it resized for him.  
    “Do you John Robert Atwood take this woman as your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold; for richer or for poorer; through sickness and in health from this day forward as long as you both shall live?”
    “I do.” John slid a small gold band with five small diamond chips in it on her finger. It was beautiful and felt cool against her skin.
    “Then by the power vested in me by the Governor of the Colorado Territory, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
    John took her face gently in both of his hands, leaned down and gave her the sweetest kiss she’d ever known. Sarah flushed at the promise in the kiss. MaryAnn giggled and Katy smiled, taking MaryAnn’s hand.
    “Thank you, Judge,” said John. “What do I owe you?”
    “That’s two dollars, Mr. Atwood. I wish you and Mrs. Atwood a happy future.”
    “Thank you, sir. I’m sure it will be,” replied Sarah.
    “Well, ladies, shall we head home now?” asked John.
    Katy nodded vigorously.
    “Yes,” said MaryAnn and Sarah simultaneously.  
    Sarah laughed. Katy still held MaryAnn’s hand and Sarah brought both girls into a big hug. “Let’s go home. We have a new life beginning for all of us.
    Katy tugged on MaryAnn’s hand and the two girls skipped the way back to the buckboard and forward into the