The Bride Wore Blue by Mona Hodgson Read Free Book Online

with all my girls again.”
    As if on cue, Miss Hattie pulled up on the reins, directing her mare to stop at a hitching rail across the street from the First CongregationalChurch. The white steeple atop the brick building was first to draw Vivian’s attention, but then she caught sight of all three of her sisters waving from the steps. Yes, Sundays could easily be her favorite day again. At least it seemed possible from this side of the door.
    By the time Vivian climbed down from the wagon, Judson had taken the reins from Miss Hattie and stood at the hitching rail. “Morning, sis.” Smiling, he wrapped the reins around the wooden post.
    “Morning.”
    Judson moved to the side of the wagon and extended his hand to her aunt. “Good day, Aunt Alma.” He was as charming as Nell purported him to be.
    Her sisters had been lucky in love. While all three of her brothers-in-law were distinctly different, they all seemed like hard workers and attentive family men. She swallowed hard against the ache in her heart and smoothed her skirt.
    Aunt Alma clutched her Bible in one hand and accepted Judson’s help with the other. Once her aunt’s feet touched the ground, Judson bowed and offered his help to Miss Hattie.
    Her landlady patted his cheek in a motherly way, and then turned to Aunt Alma. “Are you sure you must leave tomorrow? ”
    “I’m afraid so.” Aunt Alma sighed. “I have my store to think of.”
    By the time they had crossed the road, Ida was down the steps and reaching for Vivian’s hand. “At long last, another Sunday together.”
    Vivian squeezed her sister’s hand. “I just hope your husband is as good at preaching as you are at playing checkers.”
    “That’s right,” Ida said. “I owe you a long overdue rematch.”
    Vivian exaggerated her nod.
    “You and I have the first game this afternoon. But first, we’d better go inside before my husband starts without us.”
    Vivian stepped into hugs from Kat and Nell and then followed them into the warm foyer. A tall vase of lilacs stood on a mahogany table, an open Bible beside it. But for a few soft greetings, the building held a hushed reverence.
    Judson opened the door into the sanctuary and, like a shepherd, ushered them all inside. At the back row, Kat lifted baby Hope from the arms of an elderly woman and led the way to an empty row near the front. Stained-glass windows lined the walls on either side. A rough-hewn cross stood at the back of the raised platform, where Morgan sat at a square grand piano.
    Vivian followed Aunt Alma into the row with Nell at her heels and seated herself. On her way up the aisle, she’d gotten a good enough view of the congregation to see that Deputy Alwyn was nowhere in sight. She relaxed against the pew.

    Carter had made a habit of arriving at the church early to pray with the reverend and the other elders before the Sunday morning service.
    He’d been chatting with Tucker for about five minutes when his friend glanced at his office door. “I guess it’s just you and me praying this morning. You lead out and I’ll close.”
    Carter nodded and bowed his head. He’d become a church elder a month ago, and his prayer was much the same every week. He prayed that God would bless his friend with a clear message, boldness in the delivery, and people with hearts to receive it. When he’d finished, he waited in the silence.
    “Lord God, I’m in agreement, and I add my own request,” Tucker prayed. “I ask, Lord, that You would add grace and give strength to my friend here for the formidable task You’ve set before him. Please protect him in his calling.”
    An added measure of humility suddenly poured into Carter. He had been praying for God to help him protect his town and to help him bring the outlaws to justice, but he hadn’t specifically sought God’s grace and strength in the doing.
    “Lord God, it is our privilege to pray these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen.”
    “Amen.” Carter