Wedding

Chapter Five

“Can I come pick you up tonight?” Andy asked.

“I’ll see you in the morning. Mom and Dad aren’t going to let me out tonight.”

“Alex…” He begged.

“I understand, Andy. I understand that you need some space. I may be hurt that you won’t trust me enough to vent to me but I also understand.” I promised and he started to say something else but Dad took my elbow and led me away.

“Are you and Andrew having issues?” Dad asked.

“No.” I shook my head, “His mom was just in town today and I got some insight into things he didn’t want me to see.” I sighed and he nodded.

“I’ve always tried to protect your mom… just like I know Andrew is protecting you.” He explained.

“Why are you defending him, Daddy? You’ve made it clear that you don’t want us married.”

“No. I just wish that you would marry a man that’s settled already. I don’t like the fact that the man you are marrying is only settling down because of you.”

“Daddy…” I smiled, “Andy is next up to become a Preacher.” I explained, “I don’t think you have to worry about him settling down just for me.” I promised and he pulled me into his side.

“It makes me happy that you will be married to a Bishop one day.” The ranks were simple in order to become a Bishop you had to be a preacher and in order to be a preacher the bishops had to vote you into the list at the time of your baptism. Unless some horrible event happened to where the Preacher died young… the preacher would eventually become a bishop.

“I’m glad.” I smiled and added, “Word has it that Bell will be too.” I questioned and he chuckled but nodded.

“Very soon.” He added and I realized that the bishops had voted for Eli to take the place of our just passed Preacher, he had died in a buggy accident. I didn’t comment and soon we were in the driveway.

“Thank goodness.” Mom sighed and I giggled getting out of the buggy and heading inside. We worked until well past sundown getting the barn and food ready for the next day and then finally Mom and Dad sent me to bed so that they could decorate. The bride wasn’t allowed to be a part of that preparation. I fell asleep quickly and then Bell woke me up in the morning. We silently dressed and then walked downstairs to have a cold breakfast. Buggies started pulling into the yard before I even finished the leftover piece of cornbread but then Andy’s mom walked into the house.

“You look lovely Alex.” Theresa promised and I tensed turning to look at her.

“Does Andy know that you’re here?” I whispered and she shook her head.

“I heard about the wedding just as I was about to get on the train to head home. I was hoping that you would allow me to sit in the back.” She requested and I looked around at the audience knowing that I couldn’t say no and so I just nodded. “Tom is here too.” She told me and I quickly walked out the back of the house and straight to where the men were waiting to walk in.

“What are you doing over here?” Andy asked worriedly and everybody averted their eyes thinking that I was just a too eager bride wanting to see her groom before she walked down the aisle.

“I thought that I needed to warn you…” I took a deep breath and refused to look at him as I said, “Your parents are here.” I could feel his anger but he turned to look at the Preacher and moved over to him. I walked into the house but soon Andy was in the house too and with his anger it seemed suddenly small.

“Alex.” Theresa snapped and I shook my head.

“I refuse to start out my marriage by doing something that I know will only upset him.” I warned everybody from yelling at me and then I walked into the living room but listened to Andy lead his mom outside no doubt finding his dad.

“Let’s go.” Dad said coming up to me.

“Andy?” I jumped up worriedly.

“The Bishops and Preachers intervened.” He promised me with a gentle kiss to my cheek. “They have ordered his parents to sit in the back though.” I nodded and then just let him lead me down the aisle. I tensed when I realized that Andy was still so angry but he smiled a little at me when Dad put my hand in his one good hand.

The wedding was wonderful and by the end of it Andy had relaxed and didn’t seem angry at all when he kissed me. “I love you.” I whispered in his ear and he smiled switching my hands so that he could stretch his good arm across his stomach and hold my hand while we walked down the aisle. He moved me to his other side when we joined the reception.

“Andrew.” Tom, his dad, said coming up to us. “Alexandra.” He turned to me coldly and I felt Andy starting to lose it.

“You’ll lose your spot on the list.” I begged him and he looked down at me seeing in my eyes just how much I wanted him to ignore the disrespect his dad’s tone had when addressing me.

“Are you sure?” He questioned, “I’m allowed even by church law.”

“I know you’re allowed but it’s our wedding. I would prefer no hospital visits.” I requested and he nodded before just pulling me away from his father.

“Are you okay, Andrew?” Bishop Allen, the bishop he was closest too, asked.

“I’ll be better once they leave.” He admitted and Bishop Allen moved straight over to Theresa and Tom. He escorted them to their buggy and we both just watched as they left. “Alex?” Andy asked and I looked up at him with a smile. “Thank you for warning me that they were here.” He promised and I smiled before stretching and kissing him softly.

“You deserved to know.” I promised as his arm pushed me up against his chest at least until he flinched. I moved away then and he sighed.

“Please move back.” He requested and I smiled but carefully moved back into his chest making sure that I didn’t touch his sling. We stayed still as he held me until Bell and Eli moved to us.

“What?” I complained when Bell took my hand pulling me away from Andy.

“Everybody’s hungry.” She shrugged and I smiled taking Andy’s good hand and pulling him with me to the food.

“It’s all pretty.” I promised her and Mom as I took the plates and made mine and Andy’s. Eli brought a few drinks with his plate and I smiled as we all sat down together.

“I love you.” Andy whispered to me and I smiled putting my head on his arm.

“Love you too.” I promised happily before taking another bite of food. I giggled when I got to my cabbage and he looked over but just smiled when he saw what I was eating.