Cassies miracle, p.24
Cassie's Miracle, page 24
Carole agreed. “I’ll get the word out to the women to meet Thursday morning, at nine o’clock. And I’m sure they’d want to help with other things as well. Would you mind if we had them each bring a small kitchen item for Cassie’s new home? I know how hard it can be to start out with nothing. I’m sure we all have older things we aren’t using; if we all pitch in, she’ll be able to set up a functioning kitchen. After all, she hasn’t had time to prepare her dowry,” Carole said, taking a bite of her cinnamon bun.
“No, she lost all that in the fire. When the Indians attacked and killed the family, Cassie was left with nothing, no family and no possessions,” Mabel frowned as she stirred her tea, deep in thought.
“Poor girl. We’ll make sure she has everything she needs. It’s the least we can do for Sheriff Havoc’s wife. He’s been a faithful member of our congregation and protector of our town for these past two years. If it wasn’t for him, Cheyenne wouldn’t have been safe enough for any woman to live here. I’m certain everyone will want to help.”
“Thank you so much, Carole, I knew you would understand.” She fiddled with her napkin before she looked up into her friend’s kind eyes. “I have another favor to ask. They will need a wedding cake. With all we have to do, I won’t have time to make her one. Sheriff Havoc bought a homestead, and we need to get it ready for them to move in. With all the cleaning and preparations, there just isn’t time to bake and decorate a cake too,” Mabel said, furrowing her brow. “I was hoping you’d be willing to make the wedding cake.”
Carole’s smile widened with delight. “Say no more! You know I make the prettiest cakes around. It would be a pleasure to make their wedding cake. It’ll be my wedding present to them,” she said, as she got up and pulled open a cabinet drawer to get out her recipe book. “I have just the cake.” She sat down and turned to the middle of the notebook where her favorite cake recipe was. “This is the most exciting thing to happen in Cheyenne since that bull broke through the picture window in the dress shop last year,” Carole said laughing. “Leave it to me! I’ll have it ready to be delivered by Saturday morning. What time is the wedding?”
“It’s at six-thirty Saturday evening at a secluded location. They want it to be a private ceremony. Sheriff Havoc knows nearly everyone here in town and figures they’ll all want to attend. He’s partial to keeping this one thing intimate. I agree, it should be. But I know everyone will still want to send their congratulations and wedding gifts,” explained Mabel. “I can pick up the cake on our way to the reception after the wedding, around seven o’clock. If that’s ok? I know they’ll love the quilt and the cake. They’ll be so surprised!” Mabel looked at Carole’s grandfather clock and noticed the time. “Well, I’d better get back to town. I have so much to do. Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it and I know they’ll love it too.” Mabel emptied her cup and excused herself, walking to the door.
“Mabel, I’ll see you Thursday morning. Don’t worry about a thing. Just bring the materials and we’ll do the rest,” Carole said, giving her a tender hug. “I can’t wait to spread the word! Everyone will be so excited!”
“Thanks again, Carole.”
***
Cassie knocked on the sheriff’s office door.
Ed opened the door. His delighted expression was Cassie’s reward.
“Cass! I’m so glad you’re here!” He led her in and shut the door, then wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a kiss. “I’m so happy to see you! I was thinking I should have set a time to pick you up to go see the homestead,” Ed said with excitement. “Mr. Crowley said he would be home all day to sign the papers. We can go any time you’re able.” He leaned in and kissed her soft cheek. “How in the world am I supposed to get anything done, when all I want to do is hold her and kiss her?” Ed asked himself.
Cassie gave him a sweet smile as she blushed. “Ed, what if someone walks in?” she whispered as he continued to hold her close. She rested her hands on his shoulders, ready to push away at the first sound of someone opening the door.
“Fine, I’ll behave. But the second we’re married, no one is going to stop me from hugging and kissing you as much as I want,” Ed said with a wide grin, teasing her.
“Ed!” was all she could say as she smiled and tried to change the subject. “I have to go to the dress shop. Oh, and the Reverend asked me if we were going to exchange rings. I didn’t know what to tell him.”
“I would like to give you a ring, but you don’t have to worry about giving me one,” he told her.
Cassie smiled, “But I want to get you a ring. It’ll be your wedding present, please?” she pleaded.
Ed was touched. “I think that’s very sweet of you. If that’s what you want to do,” he said taking her hands and squeezing them.
“Yes, that’s what I want.”
“I love a woman that knows what she wants,” he said, causing Cassie to blush deeply.
Cassie regained her composure and smiled. “Also, the pastor wanted to know what our full names are. I was embarrassed to say I didn’t know yours. Do you have a middle name?” Cassie asked inquisitively.
“Yes, it’s Karl. Edward Karl Havoc. My parents let me pick my name when I was adopted. The name the orphanage called me not was not my given name. I was abandoned at the orphanage as an infant, they didn’t know my name, so they just called me something they made up. I never liked it. So, when I was adopted, my ma and pa let me choose. We went through a book of names and I picked Edward Karl. They told me that Edward meant ‘protector’. Which I liked since it was a fond nickname the children gave me at the orphanage. I was the one who protected the younger children from the older ones. After a while, the children started calling me Edward the Protector. They said I reminded them of the stories about Edward the Protector of England,” he explained. “And I chose Karl because my parents told me it meant ‘freeman’ and that’s how I felt when I was adopted, free.” He smiled lovingly at her, feeling the same freedom he had felt as a child when he was finally free from the pain of a broken heart.
“Oh, Edward, how difficult that must have been for you to be left in an orphanage. I can understand why they called you Edward the Protector. That’s how I feel when I’m with you. It’s so fitting. I’m so glad your parents let you pick your name and that you were adopted by such wonderful parents.” Cassie felt increased compassion and adoration for him. “I never would have guessed he’d been through so much and yet he’s turned out to be such a wonderful man,” she thought.
“And what’s your middle name, Cass?” Ed led her to a chair and remained standing, leaning against his desk.
Cassie sat down, appreciating his thoughtfulness. “My full name is Cassandra Marie Black,” she said with pride. “My parents named me after Princess Cassandra, the daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy from Greek mythology. I think it fascinating that Princess Cassandra had the gift of prophecy. I would love to have that gift; well, maybe not all the time,” she said, thinking about it.
“Yes, maybe not all the time. Do you know what your name means? I like to know what a person’s name means.” Ed stretched his long legs out, sitting on the edge of the desk, relaxing as he crossed his arms over his chest, and waited for her response.
“Well, I was told once, Cassandra means ‘one who shines upon man,’ or ‘helper of mankind.’ And Marie is the French form of Mary. My mother’s name was Mary, which means ‘beloved mother,’ as in the mother of Jesus,” Cassie said with realization. She’d never really thought about her name. It struck her as very significant now. She missed her beloved mother. Cassie was grateful she was named after her mother, so she could carry a piece of her with her always.
“That makes perfect sense! You have shined your light upon me and are definitely going to be a beloved mother,” Ed said sweetly.
Cassie shook her head in delight and dismay. “Edward Karl Havoc! You are the most wonderful, sweet man. You certainly are Edward the Protector.” She slowly stood and went to him, throwing her arms around his neck and kissed him tenderly. Pulling away, she let her hands slide down his neck, coming to rest against his chest.
Ed stood there in a daze, his heart pounding nearly out of his chest.
She slowly backed away. “I’d better go and run my errands. I’ll see you back here in an hour. All right?”
Her smile grew as he blinked a few times, acting as if he was dazed. This was the first time she had initiated a kiss on the lips, and he smiled, realizing that she wanted him too. And wasn’t too shy to show it.
“Sure. I’ll be ready to go as soon as you come back,” he said, then thought, “I’d follow you anywhere.” His heart was hammering loudly in his chest. “Is it getting hot in here? Or is it just me?” he thought with a chuckle and exhaled deeply. Cassie’s skirts swished as she turned and walked out the door. Looking over her shoulder she waved a little goodbye and closed the door. Ed shook his head slowly as he smiled after her. “What a gal!”
***
Swinging the door wide, Cassie entered the dress shop as the bell above the door announced her arrival. The shop was filled with extravagant dresses on shapely dress forms strategically placed around the store and in the window display.
“Welcome to Holden’s Dress Shop; my name is Bea. How may I help you?” asked the young woman behind the counter.
Cassie approached her and smiled easily. “Hello, I’m Cassie,” she said, shaking the tall woman’s hand. “I’m looking to buy some ribbon for a gown I have. It needs to be ivory satin, about two inches wide and long enough to tie a bow. I plan to wear it in place of the green ribbon the dress has now. It’ll be my wedding dress,” she explained.
The strawberry blonde woman was dressed in a simple stylish pink frock and smiled kindly. “I think I have exactly what you’re looking for. Just give me a few minutes to find it.” Bea withdrew to the back room where her sewing supplies and creations happened.
The bell above the door rang again as Mabel arrived.
“Oh, Cassie, you’re here already. Have you been here long?” she asked.
“No, I just got here a few minutes ago. Bea went to the back of the shop. She thinks she has what we need. I was also wondering if we could go to the jeweler. I would like to buy a ring for Ed.”
“We can do that as soon as we’re done here.” Mabel said as she joined Cassie looking around the store at the dresses.
They admired each uniquely fashioned gown, appreciating the silk, satin, cotton and wool apparel embellished with lace and ribbon.
“I’ve never seen such beautiful dresses.” Cassie’s eyes sparkled with wonder.
“They do carry the best in town,” Aunt Mabel said, admiring a dark brown two-piece wool ensemble. “When are you and Ed going to your place?”
“I need to meet him back at his office in about an hour,” she said. “So hopefully we have enough time.”
“The jeweler isn’t far, I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time,” Aunt Mabel said as Bea returned.
“Will this work?” Bea asked, displaying the shiny cream-colored ribbon. “This two-inch satin ribbon should be just right for the sash. Let me measure around your waist and tie it in a bow, so I can cut it exactly where you want it.” Bea came around the counter and placed the ribbon around Cassie’s small waist and tied it in a big bow, leaving long tails about halfway to the floor. “I think this would be a lovely length, don’t you?”
“Yes, it looks perfect!” said Cassie looking back. Mabel nodded in agreement.
“I also need a silver comb, maybe something with beading that I can sew my lace veil to. Do you think you might have something like that?” asked Cassie hopefully.
“I’m certain we do.” Moments later, Bea came back. “What do you think of this?” She asked, setting on the counter a silver comb with ivory beads and scrolling that resembled flower buds.
“Oh, it’s lovely! It’ll be perfect!” Cassie held the comb momentarily and handed it back. “I’ll take them both.”
Bea smiled and began wrapping the two items to place them in a box. “Might I suggest an item for the bride-to-be? I have a beautiful nightdress with matching robe that would look lovely on you. Can I show them to you?” asked Bea.
Cassie looked at Aunt Mabel, who nodded her head in approval. “Yes, I’d like that,” said Cassie.
The nightdress was of lightweight cotton, white with long sleeves and little buttons down the gathered front, and lace trim that matched the robe. “They’re lovely,” Cassie said, delicately touching the soft fabric and lace. “It would be nice to have something new. I only have the one… that I had back in Missouri,” Cassie said sadly, giving Mabel a knowing glance.
“Then you should have them, Cassie.” Mabel looked at Bea. “Will you ring them up please.” Looking at Cassie, she offered, “I’ll buy them for you, and the comb and ribbon too. You’ll have enough to buy after you’re married.”
Cassie hugged Mabel as Bea folded the night dress and robe and placed them in another box. “Thank you, Aunt Mabel.”
“Congratulations on your wedding,” Bea said pleasantly as she handed Cassie the boxes. “I’m sure you’ll be a beautiful bride.”
“Thank you, Bea, and thank you for all your help,” Cassie said, taking the boxes.
Mabel paid and they left the shop, placing the boxes in the surrey out in front of the store.
***
Their next stop was the jewelry store. As they entered, the jeweler looked them up and down and sniffed snobbishly as he greeted them. His impeccable appearance and arrogant manner made Cassie reluctant to enter further. For the first time that day, she felt underdressed in her red calico dress and French braided hair.
Seeing her hesitation, Mabel took charge. “We’d like to see your wedding bands,” she said with authority.
“Yes, Ma’am! Right this way.” He strode smoothly across the floor around one of the three display cases that bordered the perimeter of the shop. Leaning down he unlocked the cupboard and withdrew a flat box which he ceremoniously opened with his white gloved hands, revealing dozens of rings of various precious metals nestled in the black velvet lining.
Cassie found a simple silver wedding band that she liked and held it out to the clerk. “I’d like this one, please.”
Silently and with pursed lips he took the ring and placed it in a hand-carved box lined with red velvet. Cassie paid the jeweler, glad to be through with the transaction. As they were leaving, Mabel pointed out a lovely pair of silver chandelier earrings with an intricately etched design, and pearl tear drops, that would go perfect with her dress. There was a matching necklace as well.
“They’re beautiful, but I don’t need them. It’s too much money,” Cassie reasoned. “I have what I need. Let’s go,” she insisted, looking back at the scowling jeweler. Cassie did love them but didn’t want to spend any more money and didn’t want Aunt Mabel to, either.
Mabel finally agreed, and they left the store. But in the back of her mind, Mabel planned to come back to purchase them for Cassie, feeling a need to spoil her special daughter.
***
Meanwhile, Ed had gone to speak to the mayor, finding him seated in his plush office at the Town Hall.
“Mayor, I was wanting to talk to you,” Ed said, peering around the doorway into the mayor’s office.
“Sure, come on in and have a seat, Sheriff! So good to see you. How are things going?” asked the mayor.
“Things are wonderful; that’s why I’ve come to see you.” Taking a seat across from the mayor, Ed announced, “I’m engaged!”
Mayor Hook’s face showed surprise and then elation as he stood and reached over the desk to heartily shake Ed’s hand. “Congratulations, my boy! Finally got some sweet gal to take you in!” he said jokingly. “Well, good for you!” They had been good friends through the war and naturally teased good-naturedly with each other.
“Well, the good men like you were taken, so she took the next best thing!” bantered Ed and they both laughed.
“True, true, my wife, bless her heart, used to think so. Just wait until you live with the poor gal a while, she’ll come to realize her mistake.” Mayor Hook laughed even harder.
“There’s another matter. I’ve purchased a ranch and a small herd; well nearly, in an hour it’ll be all legal.” Seeing the Mayor’s shocked look, he rushed on, “So, I’m giving you my resignation. I’m going into the cattle business. I know this comes as a surprise.” Ed tried to smooth it over as quickly as he could. “But as you know, I took this job as a favor to you. I never intended to be the sheriff forever. My heart is set on living in the country and making a home with my new bride.”
“Well, this does come as a surprise. But I heard a tale that you had a sweetheart. And now you want to settle down. So, how soon?” asked Mayor Hook.
“As soon as possible,” Ed revealed with a twinkle in his eye. “I’m taking over the ranch on Wednesday. So, I’d like you to find my replacement soon.”
“Oh! That is sudden.” Mayor Hook scratched his head as he thought. “I guess I could call in another favor from a friend in Laramie. He’s an experienced deputy there, maybe he’d like to take the job. I know Vic isn’t interested. I’ll wire the man today.” Mayor Hook smiled as the plan worked through his mind. “We can call an emergency town council meeting and vote on it tonight if he accepts. If all goes well, you can be retired on Wednesday.” Slapping his hand on the desk, he exclaimed, “Yes! By golly, this could work. Vic can assist the new sheriff to get acquainted with the town. Come November, the city can vote him in officially, just like they did you two years ago. It’ll give the city folk time to get to know him or they can submit another candidate if they wish. Sheriff, I’ll handle it all. You just focus on your wedding and bride, and I’ll let you know when it is official.”
