leaned over at her surprised look and whispered, “Now you know why I go by Rusty.”
Two hours later they were in the middle of their wedding party at Uncle Jesse’s house. With the help of her daughter, Priscilla, Tori had prepared a mountain of food. And right in the middle of the array of dishes sat a beautiful three-tiered wedding cake.
“How do you feel, sweetheart? You’re not too tired, are you?” Rusty handed her a glass of punch and studied her from head to toe. He’d been so solicitous since she told him about the baby. So different from Billy’s reaction when she told him about Will being on the way. He’d acted as if nothing was different, and expected her to continue with all the heavy work she normally did around the house.
As soon as Rusty found out about the baby, he hired a housekeeper, despite Rachel’s assurances that she was fine. A minor clash flared up when he reminded her that she was ten years older with this pregnancy than she had been with Will. Truth be known, she was grateful for the housekeeper. She was, indeed, ten years older, and taking care of Will and doing some cooking for the men took its toll on her, driving her to her bed much earlier than usual.
Spotting her sister, Rachel hurried to her side. “Ellie! I haven’t had a chance to talk to you all afternoon.”
Ellie pulled her into a fierce hug. “Are you sure you want to marry that guy?” She motioned with her head to where Rusty stood talking to Michael.
“Yes, I do. I love him, Ellie. I’m very happy. And, the deed is done.”
“Huh. Love. Just another prison for women. You know, married women are the unhappiest of all classes. Single women, on the other hand—”
“Stop!” Rachel laughed at her sister and her feminist speeches. A staunch follower of Susan B. Anthony who had died earlier that year, Ellie attended women’s rights meetings and was adamant about never wanting to marry.
“You know one day, Ellie Henderson, you’re going to meet a man who will sweep you off your feet. Then I’ll have a good laugh at your wedding.”
“Bite your tongue, big sister. I’m having enough problems with a man right now.”
“Oh? Who is that? I thought you avoided men at all costs.”
“Well, this is one man I cannot avoid. He’s the new principal at school. Mr. Max Colbert. I’ve never met a more stiff-necked, pompous, overbearing man in my life.”
“My goodness. He has certainly gotten a rise out of you.”
“Mr. Robinson was such a sweet old man. I loved going to work every day when he was principal.” Her brows drew together and she gritted her teeth. “But Mr. Colbert is awful. He tries to control everything the teachers do. Even when we’re not in school!”
Rusty joined their group, and put his arm around Rachel. “What has you all riled up?” he asked Ellie.
“The new principal at the high school. Mr. Colbert.” Ellie shivered. “It annoys me to even say his name.”
“Ellie, no offense, but I have a feeling Mr. Colbert probably shivers when he says your name.” Rachel cast a warm smile at her sister.
Ellie grinned. “You think so? I would love to know I annoy him as much as he annoys me.”
Rusty leaned in to Rachel. “I think it’s time we left. You look tired, Will is fading fast, and Amelia is a bit too interested in your nephew, Paul. How old is he, anyway?”
Rachel and Ellie exchanged amused glances. “You sound like an over-protective father, dear.”
Ellie said, “Paul will be sixteen next month.”
Rusty snorted. “I remember what I was like at sixteen. Now I insist we leave soon.”
Ellie and Rachel burst out laughing.
“I don’t think you have to worry about Paul, but I do feel a bit tired. It’s probably best if we leave. It’s been a long day.”
About an hour later as they drove up to the ranch house, Rachel rested her palm on her tummy where the new baby grew and thanked God for all his blessings. She had a lovely home, a devoted husband, two wonderful children, and another on the way. At one point she never thought she would marry again. But this time it felt right. She looked over at Rusty and met his glance.
“Welcome home, darlin’.” He leaned over and gave her a kiss.
“Oh, stop it!” the two passengers in the back cried in unison.
The End