“We’re just fine. Fine enough to finally have a wedding,” Pastor Sedgwick answered, putting his arm around his wife. The sorrow in their eyes was clear, however.

“We could get someone else to perform the ceremony. I don’t want this to put an extra burden on you.”

“Nonsense,” Mrs. Sedgwick said, lifting her chin a bit. “Theodore has long been a thorn in our side. We will go on loving him, but we cannot take on his sins or bear his consequences for him. Believe me when I say that we have spent a good many years mourning for our child. It’s not changed a thing. We will let him face his consequences and press forward with our own lives.”

“Yes.” Pastor Sedgwick nodded. “Just as we should have done when the trouble first started. I suppose we were slow to learn.”

“You wanted to have hope.” Gloriana glanced up at Luke. “Everyone needs hope.”

“Well, we plan to do what we can to get him the help he needs,” Pastor Sedgwick assured them, “but for now, we have a wedding to perform.”

Gloriana smiled and looked to Luke for confirmation. He nodded. “Let’s not put it off a moment longer.”

JT started clapping, which caused Sally to do likewise. Jack danced around him, knowing that something big was about to happen. He gave several yips of approval.

“Grandfather!” JT yelled, scurrying down the hall with Jack at his heels. “Grandfather, we’re getting married.”

“We’d probably best conduct the ceremony in the sickroom. Since my father is here, he might as well be a part of this quaint affair.” Luke smiled and put his arm around Gloriana and the baby.

“We’ll need to put Sally in her room. I can’t risk her getting sick now.” Gloriana smiled and shifted Sally to her left hip. “Although I would love for her to be a part of the wedding.”

Mrs. Sedgwick reached for the baby. “Why don’t I hold her just outside the room? That way I can bear witness, and Sally can be a part of everything without getting too close.”

Gloriana handed the baby over. “I think that’s the perfect solution.”

“Maybe we can have another ceremony once everyone is healthy and everyone can be there,” Luke said. “You could invite the entire town.”

“No. This ceremony is more than enough. I’ve never needed a big wedding.” Gloriana looked up into Luke’s eyes. “I just needed the right man.”

Epilogue

August 1, 1870

“There’s a lot of people here, given that it’s nearly eleven thirty at night.” Gloriana suppressed a yawn.

Earlier that evening, at eleven minutes past eight, the final stake had been driven into the track and the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad was finished. Luke, his father, and JT had attended the event, but Gloriana, knowing she’d be up late for the celebration, had decided to stay home with Sally.