Page 22 of Scarlett

It occurred to Emmett that he and his brothers were now going to be husbands and family men. A far stretch from the three bachelors who moved west in search of a new life away from their family and the stench of what had become their standing in social circles.

Each of the three women he and his brothers had been granted, was a beauty in their own right and Emmett didn’t want to compare them as if it were some sort of competition. But he had to admit that Scarlett more than held her own in the trio.

“Emmett?” The pastor got his attention.

He cleared his throat and replied. “I Emmett Jones take you Scarlett Franklin to be my...”

When it was Scarlett’s turn, she spoke in a soft by steady voice until stating, “I do” at which point her voice waivered and she cleared her throat.

They exchanged simple gold bands, which surprised Emmett as he’d not thought to purchase them. He knew Evan had taken care of it, thankfully.

When the pastor pronounced them man and wife, Emmett took Scarlett’s face and tilted it up to his. “I will honor each vow I made today.”

He pressed his lips against her soft ones and felt her breathe out in what seemed like relief.

They walked out of the chapel, with her arm through his and were escorted to the hall next door where tables, chairs and food had been laid out.

“The women have outdone themselves with only a couple day’s notice.” Pastor Ward came to shake his hand. “I will admit, the food is my second favorite part of weddings.”

“What is your first?” Emmett had to ask.

“Two people becoming one before God of course,” the pastor replied and headed away in the direction of the food.

Scarlett was whisked away by Aurora to be introduced to some women. She remained poised and warm, however, the soft smile never became wider, nor did she speak in a way that showed some sort of festive mood.

When she came to sit next to him, her demeanor never waivered. “I am astounded at how many people came. It shows that you are held in high regard.”

“I hadn’t thought about it that way.” He scanned the room and found everyone in lively conversations and laughter floated over the space.

His brothers and their wives sat at the same table.

At a nearby table were the Hamiltons along with their ranch hand Owen Blake and his brother Colton Blake, the town sheriff.

“I hope you feel well enough to remain just a bit longer,” Scarlett said, her gaze on his right hand. He’d been drumming his fingers on the table.

Emmett flattened his hand on the table’s surface. “I will remain as long as the guests do.”

Several hours later, the guests finally began to thin out and Aurora leaned to Emmett. “I think it’s time to take your wife home.” She looked to Scarlett who spoke with a guest.

“She’s exhausted.”

Scarlett didn’t look exhausted at first glimpse. Her back was held straight and she was wearing the same poised expression. However at further inspection, he noticed a light darkening under her eyes and that she hid a yawn behind a lifted hand.

Emmett stood and went to Scarlett. “We should go.”

She turned to him and nodded. “Very well. If that is what you wish.”

Moments later they sat in the carriage, which would take them the short distance to their home. She leaned back and closed her eyes finally seeming to relax and show how truly tired she was.

When she didn't say anything, Emmett was glad to remain in silence and look out the window.

If things went well between them, he hoped to have an agreeable marriage with a clear understanding of what each of them expected. Once a couple days passed and she settled, he planned to have a long conversation with his wife and ensure they came to an agreement of what each expected out of the marriage.

They entered the house and he looked to his new bride who still held the flowers. “I’ll put the flowers in water while you get ready for bed.”

Without a word, she nodded and handed over the bouquet. When she hesitated, Emmett cleared his throat. “I’ll be in there presently. I’ll give you some privacy to get undressed.”

Scarlett walked away, her steps measured and elegant.