Read Online Undaunted Love by Jennings Wright - Free Book Online Page A

Looking at the young couple, he said, “I require and charge you both, as you will answer at the dreadful day of judgement when the secrets of all hearts shall be exposed, that if either of you know any impediment, why you may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, you do now confess it. For be you well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God’s Word does allow are not joined together by God, neither is their matrimony lawful.” His eyes twinkled behind his glasses, but he looked at them very solemnly indeed. Neither said a word, and Micah smiled happily, turning his attention to Rafe.
    “Rafael Colton, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”
    Rafe smiled and said loudly, “I will.”
    Turning to Livvie, Michah said, “Olivia Byrd, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”
    Teary eyed, Livvie answered, “I will.”
    Micah smiled more broadly and asked, “Have you rings?” When both shook their heads, he continued. “Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. For as much as Rafael and Olivia have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and by the joining of hands, I pronounce that they be man and wife together!”
    The four witnesses broke into applause, and Micah’s grin split his beard nearly in two. Rafe took his new bride in his arms and kissed her gently as she wrapped her arms around his neck. They looked up shyly, still entwined.

    Mrs. Micah Greene had prepared a light celebratory meal of lemon cakes and tea, with plenty of cream and sugar. Mrs. Jeb Greene had brought fresh baked sticky rolls. They ate, Rafe and Livvie having not stopped for a meal on their drive to Charleston. After an hour, Rafe took his wife’s hand and interrupted the cousins, who were discussing the new Confederate States and what Lincoln would or would not do about the fledgling nation.
    “Excuse me, sirs, but we really must be headin’ out. I still have to go to headquarters and fill out my papers for the militia before this day’s over.” He held out his hand. “I thank you both so kindly for your help and care today. One day I’ll repay you, Mr. Greene. I swear it.”
    Jeb shook his head and took the young man in a hug. “It’s my gift to you, son. That apprenticeship is still here if’n you want it after you’re done soldierin’, you hear? And you, Mrs. Colton, if you need anythin’ a’tall while your young buck is wearing the uniform, you come see Jeb Greene.” He let Rafe go and locked her in an equally strong embrace.
    Mrs. Greene gave her a more womanly hug and a peck on the cheek. “Y’all go on now. You make a mighty fine couple, I must say. The good Lord has some plans for you, I just know it.” She smiled, her dimples showing, her eyes bright.
    “Goodbye!” called Livvie as they made their way outside. She waved happily. “Goodbye, and God bless!”
    Rafe kissed her lightly as he helped her into the cart. “Mrs. Colton, your seat?”
    Livvie put her hands on his shoulders, looked deeply into the blue eyes she loved so much, and kissed him again, deeper, harder, and full of promise. My husband! she thought. My husband, and I’m his lawful wedded wife. God has joined us, and no man, not even my daddy, can put us asunder. She laughed aloud as Rafe made his way around the cart and pulled up into the seat.
    “And what’s so funny then, Mrs. Colton?”