Many toasts were made and it was all he could do not to screamstop. Finally, the couples started to get up and leave.
“Give me one moment, husbands. I need to say good-bye to some of the ladies. My bag is packed and ready to be put in the wagon,” she said, rising from the chair.
He watched as she hurried over to the women. One by one, she hugged them good-bye. When she came to Alice, she smiled. “I hope you find happiness, Alice, wherever and with whomever that will be.”
The woman sighed. “Thank you. I head for home in the next week. I’m ready to go.”
“Good,” Pearl told the woman. “Rose is going with you?”
“Yes, and so is Julia Wiles,” she said. “She thinks having two husbands is immoral.”
Anthony was trying not to listen, but he almost choked on water he was drinking.
“All I know is that my two husbands make me very happy. Being married to one man would be very boring now.”
He reached over and punched Wesley. “Did you hear that? She thinks being married to one man would be boring. I think I’ve heard enough. It’s time we took our bride home.”
Wesley stood. “I’ll get her bag.”
“I’ll get our bride,” Anthony said as he stood.
Francis, one of the brides was hugging Pearl. She whispered something into her ear, but all Anthony could hear was her saying something about knowing where to find her. Why would Pearl need to find her?
It seemed strange, but maybe he was just ready to get her out of here and take her home.
“Thank you. Here’s to a new life,” she told Francis.
The woman walked away with her husbands and Anthony wished them happiness.
Wesley stood at the door with her bag. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” Pearl said, grinning.
She hugged Aunt Grace. “Thank you for everything.”
“My pleasure. May your life be filled with blessings.”
“Thank you,” Anthony said as he shook the doctor’s hand.
“Good luck, gentlemen,” the man said.
Then they hurried down the stairs, laughing as they all but ran to their wagon.
“We’re married,” Pearl said.
“Yes, let’s get you home, wife,” Anthony said, helping her inside their wagon.
Wesley climbed up beside her, and then they released the brake and slapped the reins against the horses’ backs.
“Tell me more about your home,” she said.
“It’s not much now,” Anthony told her. “But like we mentioned, when we have another good season selling cattle, we’ll build you a fancy log home.”
She smiled. “As long as I’m with the two of you, I’m happy.”
Now that was something he’d never heard from Georgia. She always had to have the best. There was so much joy and hope for this marriage.
Wesley lifted her skirts. “You’re not wearing bloomers.”