The Wedding

by

Beppina

The three young men stood in the hotel bedroom. All were booted and suited and looking their most handsome best. One stood in front of the full-length mirror, a final pat on his hair and adjustment of his silk tie.

“You look fine brother.” one of his siblings grinned, “Sam will be swooning all over you later.”

The young man turned to face his brothers, “I reckon I’ll be the one swooning as you put it,” he laughed, “All gussied up in this heat!”

The brothers cast a final eye over each other. Faces freshly shaved, hair perfectly groomed. Shirts crisp and white, finished with black silk ties. Black suits of the finest lightweight wool, immaculately cut to show off their fine figures. Black boots so highly polished to see their faces reflected in them.

“I never thought this day would come,” one brother remarked, “one of us finally finding the right girl an’ getting’ married.”

“Just took a while to find the right one brother,” another replied with a smile.

“D’you reckon we ever will?” the other brother asked, pulling a face and screwing his nose up at the thought.

“You’d better,” his brother cut in, “I don’t want to be responsible for all Pa’s grandchildren, you two could help me out a bit you know…” They all laughed at the thought of the three of them as fathers and the idea of their father bouncing numerous children upon his knees.

A rap on the door broke them from their laughter,

“Can I come in?” A well-recognised and well-loved voice called to them. One reached the door and flung it open to admit their father.

“Come on in Pa.” another son welcomed him, “His highness is nearly ready for the ceremony, just the finishing touches now.”

Ben Cartwright surveyed his three sons, pride filling his heart as he looked at them standing before him.

“I thought we’d have a quick toast before we head to church, boys.” He held out a bottle of Champagne and turned to beckon another young man into the room. Candy, their foreman and Joe’s best friend entered. With five glasses in hand, he stopped, looked at his friends and whistled. “Well, well,” he smiled, “don’t we all look a sight for sore eyes!” They all grinned and took a glass while Ben opened the bottle and poured the bubbly wine.

“Here’s to the groom,” he raised his glass, “a long and happy marriage son, we all wish you every happiness possible … and maybe a grandchild or two along the way!” he finished, teasing his son.

“Thank you, Pa,” he replied, “It’s going to be a bit strange not living here with you all, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it. Very quickly!” a smile hovering on his face.

The glasses were drained and placed on one side.

“Okay boys,” Ben indicated to all except one young man, “down you go, I want a quiet word with your brother.”

Candy led the way out and down to the waiting buggy. He’d spent hours getting it shining like a mirror. The horses glistened in the sunlight. They climbed aboard to await the groom and his father. Townsfolk walked by shouting out greetings. Most would be attending the wedding and were on their way to Church.

“See you there boys,” Roy Coffee called out, “tell that brother of yours it’s not too late to back out.” then, with a wave of his hand and a grin on his face, he passed by.

In the hotel bedroom, the father and son stood close together, heads almost touching.

“I wondered if this day would ever come.” the son said softly, a slight smile playing at the corner of his mouth, “we’ve never had much luck with girls and relationships, have we Pa?”

Ben smiled, “No I guess not, but Samantha’s a fine girl, she’ll make up for all the bad times I’m sure, and she loves you very much!”

“I know Pa, I love her too, sometimes it just hurts so much loving her as much as I do.”

His father gently patted his back, “Well, we’d better not keep Samantha waiting. It’s tradition for her to be late, not you!”

Together, father and son descended the stairs. At the bottom, they hesitated, stood and faced each other again.

“Thanks for everything, Pa,” the young man spoke softly, tears in his eyes, “you’ve made me the man I am, thank you for that.”

Ben put an arm around his son’s shoulder, “I don’t need thanks, Son, I’ve done everything because you’re my son and that’s my job.” They embraced, then shook hands. “Come on then, let’s get this show on the road!”

The Cartwright family sat together in the buggy. Joe waved to a couple of friends and tipped his hat to some older ladies. Hoss smiled at everyone he saw, and Adam sat quietly, observing the town pass by. “Good Luck” rang across the road as Dr Martin left his house, his wife holding his arm and smiling at the family.

The journey to the stone-built Church that dominated Virginia City took five minutes at a gentle pace. On board, only one sat deep in thought, though to all appearances, he was smiling happily and waving to the towns folk as they passed by.

The Groom’s Thoughts

“Am I doing the right thing?” he mused, “Maye I’m too old to be doing this. What am I now, thirty-two coming thirty-three. Pa was twenty-one-two when he married for the first time. About twenty-seven the second time and older than me the third time. Am I too set in my ways? Do I really love Sam?”

The buggy stopped only yards from the steps leading to the Church doors.

“Come on boys.” Ben encouraged his sons and jumped to the ground. Candy handed the horses off to one of the ranch hands with instructions to deck the buggy out with ribbons and flowers for the return journey.

“Give them a drink and some hay and a quick rub down Fred, then do your worst for me eh?” he laughed and joined his friends on the steps.

Ben led the way into the shady vestibule. The many guests were already seated on either side of the aisle in anticipation of the bride-to-be’s arrival. The Church was decked with orange blossoms and white roses tied with silk ribbons. The heady scent of the blossom filled the air as the family of men made their way to the front of the Church. Each row of pews held a spray of white flowers on the end, and the altar was flanked on either side by large white arrangements. The sun shone through the stained-glass window; it created beautiful patterns across the growing congregation. Mrs Miller, one of the stalwarts of Virginia City and a leading light of the Church, sat playing the organ very softly in the background. This was her pride and joy, and she took great delight in being chosen to play at the Cartwright nuptials.

The family made their way down to the front, stopping to speak to friends as they passed by, receiving good wishes and handshakes as they went until finally, they stood in the first pew to the right of the altar. The Preacher shook hands with them all, whispered words of encouragement to the soon-to-be-married man and indicated that he was ready to proceed as soon as the Bride-to-be arrived. A few nerve-racking minutes passed, and the husband-to-be looked anxiously towards the door more than once. His brothers were doing the same and wondering if she was observing tradition and keeping her intended waiting.

“Oh no. She’s not going to show. She’s changed her mind, what have I done? I knew it wasn’t such a good idea. Please don’t do this, Sam.”

The music changed from almost unheard to the beautiful Mendelssohn wedding music. The congregation stood as one, whispers hushed as faces turned expectantly towards the double doors.

The anxious young man released a long-held breath, then turned to the door.

Outlined against the brilliant sunlight, he could see the dark shadow of his bride-to-be. She stood in the white light, waiting for the moment to take her final walk as a single woman, her arm resting gently on her father’s.

The music changed again and swelled up to reach the roof as Samantha slowly and elegantly glided to the altar. Soft gasps of appreciation followed her progress as the women present saw, for the first time, the simple white gown she wore. The unfussy honey-blonde hair and the pretty rose coronet holding her veil clear from her face. Ben smiled as she reached his side,

“You look beautiful my dear…” he whispered, then stepped back.

The young man stood at her side. His face wore an expression of utter astonishment and love. He took her hand from her father’s and leaned close to her, whispering terms of such endearment to make her smile.

“I have done the right thing. How could I have doubted it? Oh, she looks so beautiful. Control yourself, everything is perfect. Oh, how I love her.”

The Preacher began the wedding service. The words were spoken, and hymns were sung. The best man, one of the brothers, handed the ring across, ready to slip onto her left hand.

He promised to love, honour, cherish and protect his beautiful bride. Then she, with a catch in her voice, promised the same.

The Preacher then spoke the time-honoured words…

“I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss your wife!”

The newly married couple stepped close to each other, the gentlest of smiles played on his lips.

“I love you so very much …” he whispered as he leaned forward to kiss her so softly on her lips.

Her smile lit her face as she gazed into his eyes and whispered, “I love you too.”

A few more minutes passed as they sat in the small vestry signing the Church register. In the background, Mrs. Miller continued to play a pretty piece. The congregation sat chatting as they waited for the happy couple to appear. The music took up a rousing beat as the Wedding March commenced.

The couple turned to face their families and friends, smiles glowing on their faces. Then, to the strains of the most famous wedding march ever, they made their progress down the aisle to the main doors. The congregation stood applauding as the young couple passed. Words of “Good Luck”, “Be Happy”, and “Congratulations” followed them. Ben and his remaining boys walked alongside Sam’s parents as they went out into the blazing sunshine.

“We’ll be having a small repast at the International,” he informed Sam’s parents, “then when everyone’s had a bit of a rest we’ll head back to the ranch for the party.”

Both Mr and Mrs Hutchinson were delighted with this arrangement and were happy to anticipate the afternoon’s entertainment on The Ponderosa.

The happy couple climbed aboard the carriage. Candy took charge and eased the horses away from the cheering crowd and off towards the hotel.

Two ranch hands had excelled in preparing it for the day; white ribbons adorned the sides, flowers were attached to the canopy and doors, and a collection of old boots were dragged from the rear. With much cheering and laughter to accompany them, they made their way towards the hotel.

“Wait,” Sam told Candy quickly, “I forgot to throw the bouquet.”

He stopped the horses as the congregation ran to catch them. She stood and turned to face them all,

 “I almost forgot,” laughing, Sam positioned herself to throw the flowers over her shoulder.

The crowd began to count down from five. The young and not-so-young ladies surged nearer the buggy, all eager to catch the bouquet, hoping they would be next to marry. Many of them had dreams of snagging themselves a Cartwright. Maybe they would be that particular girl.

On one, Sam threw the flowers in the direction of the crowd. She then turned to see where they had landed and who was the lucky girl.

A cheer went up as the recipient waved it above her head, and the Widow Hawkins took a bow, her face filled with laughter. It was well known in Virginia City that she had “set her cap” at Ben many years before. Although they were good friends, there was no romantic attachment between them.

In fact, when Ben had been widowed, when Marie had died, Clementine Hawkins had helped with the two youngest boys to the degree that both Joe and Hoss had called her Aunt Clemmy. Ben roared with laughter as Clementine, now waving the bouquet, was on her way to him with a “come hither” look.

“Run Ben,” Roy Coffee advised, “she’s out to git ya.”

“You’re next Ben.” Paul Martin teased.

The laughing continued as the buggy rolled away. The people slowly dispersed to make their way home to prepare for the afternoon’s affair.

The luncheon was a family affair, the Bride and Groom, parents and siblings. The hotel had laid on a light meal for the wedding party, just enough to keep them going without getting too full before the upcoming big “do.”

The happy couple were toasted in Champagne and nibbled on smoked salmon sandwiches, fresh salmon and various dainties. After an hour, the newlyweds were escorted back out to the buggy. Candy sat up front while the families said their brief goodbyes.

“We’ll be back before you,” Ben announced, “our horses are over at the livery, just take your time.”

“Umm. Pa … d’you think Candy could ride back with you?” his newly married son asked. His father raised his eyebrows quite theatrically at his son’s request, then looked at his other boys as they stood grinning beside him.

“Candy’s horse is here too Pa,” one chimed in, “bought in, just in case our brother wanted to drive himself an’ Sam home!”

Knowing this had all been discussed and arranged earlier, he agreed to his son’s request.

“I sure am glad about that Boss.” Candy spoke as he jumped down, “I really didn’t fancy chaperoning these two all the way home!”

Laugher surrounded them again as they waved the couple away onto the road to The Ponderosa. Then, three remaining Cartwrights crossed the main street to the livery to collect their mounts and head home.

Meanwhile, life was hectic at the ranch house. Hop Sing and many cousins were putting the finishing touches to food, drinks and decorations for the afternoon festivities. Tables and chairs were set around the yard. A square had been erected as a dance floor; a small stage set up for the musical entertainment, a small band of fiddlers, a drummer and a guitar player. A whole side of beef was turning slowly on a spit, supervised by Hop Sing himself. Chickens had been roasted along with some pork. There was pretty much enough to feed an army. Not to mention the sweet delights that had been prepared by yet another cousin of the house major-domo. As Hop Sing surveyed his domain, he smiled in satisfaction, knowing his boss would be well pleased with everything prepared and ready to go.

Ben and his boys took the shortcut back to the ranch, not wanting to cover the newlyweds with dust as they rode by. It also got them home more than an hour before the newlyweds, which they had hoped to achieve. There was time to change clothes, sit and chat and, if fortunate enough, a half-hour doze before the guests arrived at around four.

The party went as all wedding parties do. The Bride and Groom had the first dance, a gentle waltz, soon to be joined by her parents, then Ben, who had decided to escort Clementine, and finally the Groom’s brothers and Candy. All three had found dates willing to accompany them for the day, not that it was ever difficult to do this!

Eventually, darkness fell. The moon cast her silver light over the proceedings as people began to speak of going home. All were well-fed and watered. All had a good time dancing, singing and generally enjoying themselves. The Bride and Groom had disappeared sometime earlier. Their guests and family remained talking.

“Boys, I think we’ll head back to town now,” Ben announced, “we can go in convoy with our friends, just to make sure there’s no stragglers, or accidents.”

Both sons nodded in agreement and went to collect some clean clothes for the following day and saddle up their mounts. Ben had offered to escort Clementine back to her home, plus a couple of others who’d rather cadge a ride than try getting home under their own steam. Hop Sing and his cousins would be making their way into town when the worst of the clearing up had been done.

Within an hour, a procession of buggies, wagons, buckboards and horses began the journey back to Virginia City. Much laughter was heard as they chatted and joked along the way.

Ben’s boys rode at his side, smiling and mulling over the day’s events.

“Well boys,” Ben asked, a sly grin on his face that his sons couldn’t see, “which one of you pair is going to be next?”

The boys looked at each other, eyes wide. Was Pa trying to get them all married off or what?

“See you in town Pa.” one called back, as they kicked their horses into a gallop away from their father’s laughter as it echoed in their ears.

Back at the ranch house, the newlyweds sat before the fireplace. A glass of brandy in hand as they relaxed. He had his feet on the coffee table and stretched back towards his wife.

“Peace and quiet…at last!” he announced.

“Get your feet off the table,” Sam laughed, “sorry, I just couldn’t resist that.”

“Pa’s not here, ‘n’ anyway wrong son!” he chuckled as he leaned across to kiss his wife.

Epilogue.

And they all lived happily ever after.

I leave it to you to decide which brother is the bridegroom, though there is a small clue who it isn’t!

Word count 3047.