The Measure of a Man Read online

  “I did,” Rose protested. “He told me to come help you.”

  Judith rolled her eyes. “Then check with Vera,” she ordered. “If she doesn’t have anything for you to do, just remember to stay indoors, stay out of trouble, and stay clean.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Rose left the room, mumbling.

  Lizzie chuckled, glad for the distraction. “Children are a blessing,” she reminded her aunt impishly. “The Bible says so.”

  “Thank you,” Judith replied with a grin. “I’ll remind you of that some day.”

  Lizzie laughed, blushed, then laughed again. The door swung open again to admit Abby. “Are you ready?” she asked.

  Lizzie nodded happily, raising her arms so her mother and Judith could slip the exquisite white dress over her head. The two women had labored long hours over the gown, fashioning a creation that took Lizzie’s breath away. More wonderful than the beauty of the dress, though, was the love that had gone into its making. Carefully easing herself into the bodice, Lizzie watched the soft folds of the skirt settle around her.

  Abby stooped to arrange the full skirt while Judith began fastening the long row of buttons in the back. “I’ll get it,” Abby said when someone rapped at the door.

  It was Sam, wanting to know what he should do. “Go see what Travis is doing, and keep him out of mischief,” Judith told him, rocking Susannah’s cradle with one foot while her hands maneuvered the tiny buttons. “Honestly,” she said as the door closed behind Sam, “I thought I raised them better. Is everyone else in this family completely helpless?”

  Once more came the sound of knocking. “What now?” Abby exclaimed in exasperation. This time Jeff stuck his head into the room. He pursed his lips in a silent whistle at the sight of Lizzie, encased in the flowing gown. “Honey, you look gorgeous,” he said, and in the same breath added, “Have any of you seen Willie? He took off after lunch and I haven’t seen him since.”

  “Do you mean to tell me that boy’s run off, today of all days?” Abby cried, her patience clearly slipping.

  Lizzie’s stomach knotted in panic. Willie was supposed to be Adam’s best man. Surely he wouldn’t take a chance on ruining her wedding!

  “I’m sure he’ll be back soon,” Judith said soothingly, fastening the last button and giving Lizzie’s shoulder an affectionate squeeze. She cast a stern look at Jeff and mouthed, “Find him. Now!” Jeff scuttled off obediently.

  Abby lifted a garland of fall wildflowers and fastened it onto Lizzie’s head, then turned the mirror so Lizzie could see. “Oh!” was all that she could say. She felt the sting of tears. “Thank you, Mama. Thank you, Aunt Judith. It’s beautiful.”

  “You’re beautiful,” her mother said gently.

  “I’ll second that,” Charles said as he peeked cautiously around the door, then entered the room. “Would you ladies mind giving me a few minutes alone with my daughter?” Judith gave Lizzie a warm hug and an encouraging smile. Abby checked the dress, the garland, and Lizzie one last time, then enfolded her daughter in a wordless embrace before leaving the room with Judith.

  “What do you think?” Lizzie asked, indicating her attire with a lighthearted gesture meant to mask the sudden nervousness fluttering inside her like a host of butterflies.

  Charles regarded her with immeasurable pride shining in his eyes. “I think Adam McKenzie is one blessed man.” Taking her hands in his, he looked down at her tenderly. “I can’t believe this day has come so quickly,” he admitted. “You are sure, aren’t you?”

  Lizzie nodded decisively. “More sure than I’ve ever been about anything, Papa.”

  Charles smiled. “You’re getting a fine man. I’m happy for both of you.”

  Lizzie hugged him tight, heedless of her lovely dress. “Thank you, Papa. I love you.”

  The door opened one more time and Willie entered, his hair slicked down and clothes in perfect order. Lizzie felt lightheaded with relief. Willie hadn’t let her down; how could she have doubted him?

  “Ma says to tell you it’s time,” he said, and Lizzie’s butterflies returned, wings whirling madly. Willie cocked one eyebrow upward and a slow smile spread across his face. “Not bad, Sis. Not bad at all.” He gave her a wink and was gone.

  Lizzie drew a tremulous breath and picked up the bouquet of fall flowers. Charles leaned near, offering his arm. She nestled her hand in the crook of his elbow and closed her eyes for a moment. Thank You, Lord, for what You’ve done in my life. Thank You for the husband You’re giving me. Help us both to grow in You for the rest of our lives. She opened her eyes, squared her shoulders, and looked up at her father with a smile. “I’m ready,” she said.

  Rose waited for them at the end of the corridor, where Charles leaned far enough around the corner to catch the pianist’s eye. As the strains of music filled the air, Charles gave Lizzie an encouraging nod and they stepped through the double doors of the living room. Rose preceded them, solemnly scattering flower petals on her way.

  The living room had been transformed for the occasion. Candles cast a soft glow over banks of flowers covering every available surface, and rows of chairs had been set up to accommodate the many guests, who now rose from their seats at Lizzie’s entrance. Vera stood next to the aisle, beaming and wiping her streaming eyes with a handkerchief. Bert, looking uncomfortably stiff in his best clothes, stood next to her, and beside him Hank leaned on a cane, grinning for all he was worth.

  Lizzie looked toward the front of the room and the guests and decorations faded away. Her gaze was fixed on Adam, and Adam alone. He stood waiting, tall and trim in his frock coat, watching her approach. When she reached him, she barely noticed Charles’s kiss on her cheek as he placed her hand in Adam’s and sat down next to her mother.

  Lizzie heard Brother Webster’s voice through a joyous haze as she repeated the vows to love, honor, and obey. But she and Adam, hands joined as they made their pledge before God, seemed to exist in a world apart.

  Brother Webster stopped talking, but Adam and Lizzie stood staring into each other’s eyes. The pastor cleared his throat and tapped Adam on the shoulder. “I said, you may kiss the bride,” he told him above the ripple of laughter from the guests.

  Any embarrassment Lizzie might have felt was forgotten as Adam embraced her for the first time as his wife, and his kiss blotted out everything but him and the certainty of their love.

  The reception passed in a happy blur, with Lizzie and Adam accepting the congratulations of their friends and neighbors. Hank brought up the end of the line, nudging Adam in the ribs and saying, “I guess those pretty gray eyes will just be looking at you from now on.” Adam flushed a dark red, but managed to grin back and say, “You’re a pretty sharp old codger, all right.” He bent toward Lizzie and whispered, “Isn’t it about time for us to leave?” Lizzie, glowing with happiness, nodded her agreement and hurried off to change while Adam went to hitch the horses to the buggy Charles had loaned them for the occasion.

  When she emerged a short time later, Adam was waiting for her, fending off good-natured wisecracks from Jeff and the cowboys. “Better hurry,” he told her with a laugh. “I can’t take too much more of this!”

  The children crowded around, demanding to say their goodbyes. Then Jeff shook Adam’s hand and kissed Lizzie on the cheek, and Judith hugged them both. “God does have good things in store for you,” she said with a smile.

  “I know,” Lizzie replied, her eyes alight with joy. “And I’m willing to let Him show me what they are. . .all in His timing!”

  The others moved back, allowing Lizzie’s parents to be alone with their daughter and new son-in-law. “Thank you for everything, Mama,” Lizzie whispered, giving her mother a fierce hug. “Not just for today, but for always.” Abby, close to tears, returned the hug and nodded without speaking.

  Charles stood in front of Adam, hands on his hips and a stern expression on his face. “Take good care of her, son. You hear?” Adam nodded, eyeing him steadily, and Charles’s face broke into a broa
d smile. “I know you will, Adam. Welcome to the family!”

  Adam helped Lizzie to her seat in the buggy, and she turned for one more look at her family and her childhood home. The buggy rocked and settled again when Adam climbed to his place and took up the reins. “Are you ready to go to your own home, Mrs. McKenzie?” he asked.

  Lizzie started to nod, but stopped at the sight of Willie coming out of the house. Crossing the porch at a run, he made a flying leap down the steps and came loping toward them. “Wait up!” he cried, waving frantically.

  “It’s about time,” Lizzie teased him. “I didn’t think I was going to get to tell you goodbye.”

  “You’re running late for everything today,” Adam said. “You had me plenty worried, not showing up for the wedding until the last minute.” He studied Willie, who had climbed onto the buggy step and was dutifully hugging Lizzie. “Where were you then, anyway?”

  Willie looked up with innocent blue eyes. “Why, I figured with all the hullabaloo today, you might not have had a chance to tend to your stock,” he said virtuously. “So I rode over to your place to make sure everything was taken care of.” Lizzie shifted on the seat and eyed Willie uneasily.

  Adam assumed a deadpan expression. “And was everything ‘taken care of’ to your satisfaction?”

  Willie jumped down off the buggy. “It is now.” He grinned and gave them a jaunty wave. “Have a happy homecoming.”

  Adam clucked to the horses and they moved away. “What all do you suppose he has lying in wait for us?” he asked with a rueful smile.

  “With Willie, there’s no telling,” Lizzie responded. She looked up at her new husband and tried unsuccessfully to stifle a giggle. “I guess this makes you a full-fledged member of the family.”

  With the buggy cover shielding them from the view of the wedding guests, Adam gave her a kiss that told her how glad he was that it was true.

  About the Author

  Carol Cox is a native of Arizona whose time is devoted to being a pastor’s wife, home-school mom to her teen, active mom to her toddler, church pianist, and youth worker. She loves anything that she can do with her family: reading, traveling, historical studies, and outdoor excursions. She is also open to new pursuits on her own including genealogy research, crafts, and the local historical society. Her goals for writing inspirational romances are to encourage Christian readers with entertaining and uplifting stories and to pique the interests of non-Christians who might read her novels.

  Dedication

  To Kaitlyn.

  May you always know God’s presence,

  seek His face, and hear His voice.

  A Note from the Author

  I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:

  Carol Cox

  Author Relations

  PO Box 719

  Uhrichsville, OH 44683