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"How long have you two cared for each other?" Willa asked.
"Charlie always gave me the eye, even when he was married, but that's all it was, a smile here, a look there. I kind of knew he liked me. I liked him too, but we both had other considerations at the time. So, we remained good friends. It was like you broke the ice though, gave him a out to come visit and that was all it took. I'm glad he came into my life, I was so lonely, but I couldn't tell anyone. Charlie and I got along so well, all the time. Sam didn't like Charlie as he suspicioned Charlie liked me. I always played our friendship down to Sam, and Sam wasn't the kind of man to be jealous. Charlie was a good man, always has been. And I have thought through the years, if Charlie ever visited me after Sam was gone, I'd let him know I was interested. But I didn't have to. He was eager to renew our friendship and more."
Cora blushed. "Imagine me, as old as I am, in love again."
"I think it's wonderful." Willa touched her hand.
"And you and Clay are crazy about each other too, aren't you?"
"Yes, I've never been in love before. I don't know how not to show it."
"What's wonderful is that Clay is the same way. I never thought I'd see that boy open up about a woman, neither did Charlie. He's happier than I ever saw him."
"I intend to keep him that way," Willa chuckled.
"With Charlie it's so different." Cora cried out.
"Oh, how so?"
"Sam was a quiet man, not prone to display his emotions or affections in public. Always controlled. Charlie is so open, and not afraid to hug, kiss, or tell me how he feels. I love it. And I love him, so much. I thank God he brought Charlie back into my life."
The men were coming back now, and Charlie was carrying Elan with a towel wrapped around him.
When they came in, they were laughing.
"We gave Elan a bath too, want him slickered up a bit for the wedding." Charlie chuckled.
Cora cast Willa a smile, "See what I mean."
Willa chuckled.
They sat at the table and ate breakfast, it was still very early, so they relaxed.
The men disappeared to polish their boots and dig out their best hats.
The women cleaned the dishes up and went upstairs to fix their hair and take out their dresses.
Cora helped Willa put up her hair and added some baby's breath to decorate it with as she wasn't wearing a veil. Then Cora pulled out her best perfume and offered some to Willa. Willa never wore perfume, but it smelled so lovely she dabbed it on herself.
The preacher arrived and Charlie and Clay sat in the parlor talking about the wedding. The doc showed up and brought some beautiful flowers.
Charlie pulled him aside, "The girls don't have anyone to walk them down the aisle, in this case the stairs and a few steps into the parlor, can you do the honors?"
"I'd be glad to." The doc smiled at Charlie. "I haven't seen you this dressed up in a month of Sundays."
"This will probably be the last time you do, too." Charlie chuckled.
When Cora hollered down to Charlie that they were ready, the doc went up to escort the ladies down.
As they came into the parlor, both Charlie and Clay lost their voices as they spotted the two most beautiful women.
The doc escorted them to stand in front of the preacher as Charlie and Clay came to stand beside them. The doc picked Elan up and sat him on his lap. Elan gurgled.
"Your so beautiful," Clay whispered.
"So are you," Willa murmured.
The preacher smiled at them and began the ceremony. Doc took a seat in the parlor by the wall.
