Walker's Wedding by Lori Copeland

preparing for the nuptials while S.H. was busy a few doors away getting Walker ready for the big event.
    Bending closer to the mirror, she asked, “Are you sure I look all right?” Lucy’s gown was simple, yet it fit as if it had been made for her.
    â€œYou’ll be the prettiest bride this county’s ever seen. Any man would be proud to have you as his wife. You’re so much prettier than—” Flo broke off, color dotting her cheeks.
    Sarah turned to look at her. “Than who?”
    â€œThan Ettie Mae Simpson’s daughter. That’s a plain girl. Even a fancy weddin’ dress couldn’t help her.”
    Sarah had hoped the answer would be “prettier than Trudy.” Outside the help continued setting up for the reception following the ceremony. Walker insisted that he would take care of that part, and Sarah hadn’t argued. She hadn’t argued when he said he wanted to take care of the invitations. This was his town and his people. She took hope he was thoughtful enough to want to arrange the festivities of their wedding. “It’s going to be a beautiful ceremony,” she said softly.
    â€œHold still,” Flo complained around a mouthful of pins.
    Sarah spun around. “Do you think his friends will like me?” Other than the ranch hands, and S.H. and Flo, she hadn’t met anyone in his life.
    Walker’s extensive guest list proved that he was popular among the families who lived in the area. Until today he had been one of the state’s most eligible bachelors. The flurry of arriving guests downstairs caught her attention. She glanced at the clock, surprised that people would bearriving nearly an hour before the wedding was scheduled to begin. She finished dressing to the sound of friendly voices as men, women, and children entered the house and were greeted by ranch hands and servants.
    A bubble of panic erupted in Sarah’s stomach. She really was about to marry a complete stranger. Had she lost her mind? Flo brought the wedding dress, and then both women lifted it high over Sarah’s head, careful not to disturb her hair. Sarah’s uncertainty faded as Flo fastened the long line of buttons up the back of the dress. Hooking the last fastener, the housekeeper paused for a moment and both women admired Sarah’s reflection.
    â€œSimply beautiful.”
    â€œEvery bride is beautiful on her wedding day.”
    Flo snorted. “Ettie Mae’s daughter won’t be.”
    Downstairs, the voices grew louder as guests continued to arrive. Above the din, Sarah heard a door open down the hall where S.H. was helping Walker into his wedding attire.
    â€œFlo?” S.H.’s loud voice cut through the noise. Flo rolled her eyes and stepped over to open the door.
    â€œWhat?” she yelled back.
    Sarah grinned at the exchange.
    â€œShe still here? Walker says he’s not puttin’ this blame coat on till he’s sure she’s—” Flo slammed the door shut before S.H. finished his inquiry.
    Sarah stared at Flo questioningly.
    â€œIt may not be Walker, honey. It could be S.H.’s misplaced sense of humor. You know how he likes to tease. Don’t fret your pretty head none.” Flo rearranged a stray hairpin, securing it more tightly. A moment later Sarah got up. She wasn’t sure what that exchange had been about, but she wouldn’t let it ruin the day. Putting on a pair of slippers, she sighed. What was she worried about? In less than an hour she would be Mrs. Walker McKay and her worries would be over.
    Flo took her by the shoulders when she straightened. “Be patient with him, young’un. Walker is a good man, but you’ve got to bear in mind that he is a man, and sometimes he’s going to be stubborn andoccasionally he’ll seem blind.” Her knowing eyes filled with wisdom. “Things might not always be the way you want at first. There’ll be days when you wonder how