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"Sorry doc, wish we could help." Cord shook his head. "But ever need a place to lay your head you got one with us."
"Ah…someday some young fool will come to town and put up a shingle of his own, then I'll retire." The doc promised. "Say you gonna take in the whole town of Doubtful?"
"No, just the people I like…" Cord chuckled. "I don't issue that welcome to everyone, but you are certainly on the list. I mean that. You ever need a place, you got one, doc."
The doc stared at Cord. "Your mama would be real proud, Cord."
"I don't think this town would know what to do without you doc." Lilly said softly touching his arm.
"I'd like to find out!" He chuckled.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Cord helped Lilly move their things to the ranch and the night before the wedding she stayed in town at the hotel.
She went to see Mrs. Jones that night and she told her that Charlie could stay the night too, if he liked. Charlie and Freddie were already cooking up a fishing trip soon, so he was glad to stay with his friend.
But Lilly was alone now and she missed everyone, especially Cord. She thought about riding out there, but she knew if she did, she could easily spoil all she had in mind for their honeymoon. She wanted it to be so special. He deserved something special after all his work, and his kind deeds for others. A sense of pride assailed her. Cord was such a good man, it was a pity this town didn't appreciate him.
After Liam cooked up some stew and offered her some that evening. She told him to pack up his stuff and move out to Cord's. There were already big shipments arriving from Sorrels' and she wanted them to be out of there before he took over. Liam was eager to move. "Guess we'll see you at the church tomorrow, Miss Lilly." He chuckled.
"You bet you will," She smiled. She glanced around the place and Liam saw her, "Gonna miss it?"
"No Liam, I'm glad I'm through with it. But things are going to change here, and I want us out of the place. I want no part of that change."
She walked back to the hotel, letting the night breeze blow against her. She tried to calm her racing heart. She never felt so alive in her life, it seemed her life was just starting now. She could concentrate on raising Charlie and being a good wife to Cord. She wanted to be active around the ranch too and help where she could.
She waited a lifetime to be with Cord, and there were times she was sure he'd never come back. But he was back and at last they'd be together.
She went to her room and then had an idea. She rushed downstairs and out to the boardwalk. She went straight to Doc's place.
He was about to retire.
"Lilly what brings you here this time of night."
"Sorry Doc, but I forgot to ask, would you mind giving me away tomorrow?"
The old man's eyes lit up and he smiled, he reached to take her hands in his, "I'd love to Lilly."
"I don't know why I didn’t' think of it sooner. I'll meet you at the church then." She said and turned to leave.
"I'll be there with bells on." He laughed.
She went back to her room and after opening her window for some air, she laid down and let the happiness flow over her. "Oh Cord," she murmured to herself. "We're going to be so good together."
Tomorrow she'd be Lilly McCall, and nothing would make her happier.
Mrs. Jones promised to have Charlie there for the ceremony and most of the town would be there. Some couldn't believe the two of them were hooking up. But it was finally happening.
As she got up and stared out the window at the empty street, she decided she wanted to take a bath. She wanted to relax and smell sweet for her wedding. She had a tub sent up to her room and a maid brought her lots of hot water. She bathed and put some lavender oil in the water and laid back to relax. Her heart was pounding.
The next morning, she was too nervous to eat, and Mrs. Jones came to help her with her dress. It was blue velvet and she had a matching hat that had an attached veil, it was perfect. Her red hair made her stand out.
Doc came by her room and told her he would walk her to the church.
People gathered from all around as many knew Lilly from the saloon. Lilly found it amusing that the good Christians of Doubtful were sitting right alongside the riff raff of the area too. She'd invited all her friends from the saloon to come. Some turned their noses up at them, others stared at them like they'd never seen them before.
The church was decorated in daisies and someone was playing the organ.
