when she came up with the idea of splitting our time between the Triple-C and here. We could leave Oregon in April after calving season, come here, stay until the harvest is done in October and leave after the festival …”
Parthena’s brain still felt like a tornado went through it. “But … she has no feelings for you?”
“We’re friends, pretty one, but it could never by anything more. My heart has belonged to you since you arrived – I was just slow listening to it.” He kissed her cheek then stopped his horse. “Parthena,” he said into her ear. “I know where my heart stands for you, but where is yours?”
She took a shaky breath – this was all happening so fast! “I … don’t know.”
“You don’t?”
She closed her eyes. His body was warm, his arms around her intoxicating. “Oh, Leo. I … I do love you. What else can this be? I’ve tried so hard to fight it for Savannah’s sake …”
“You don’t have to fight anymore,” he whispered. He held her tighter and glanced ahead to where Beulah was still plodding along. Then he kissed her hair, her right cheek, her ear. “I want to make you my wife, pretty one. I’ll take care of you no matter where we are.”
Parthena opened her eyes, closed them again. She was in Heaven and nothing, nothing could take this moment away from her. “I do love you, Leo Cucinotta.”
His arms tightened around her. “And I love you, Parthena Cooke.” He said something in Italian. She didn’t know what, and didn’t care. All she cared about was the man holding her as they rode through the cold rain.
There was just one more thing Parthena needed to tell him. “Leo? The answer is yes.”
Epilogue
Five days later …
Belle stood beside Colin in the church, handkerchief in hand. She wiped her eyes and blew her nose again.
“It’ll be all right, dearest,” Colin soothed. “I’m sure he’ll take good care of our little girl.”
Rev. Lewis cleared his throat and looked at Parthena. “Before I pronounce you husband and wife, I’d just like to say that I’ve had the pleasure of marrying a lot of Weavers and Cucinottas over the years. But in all that time I’ve never seen such love between two cousins as I’ve witnessed between you and yours.” He looked at Savannah standing next to Colin and Belle. “Young lady, what you did for this young couple is very commendable.”
Savannah shrugged and blushed to her toes as Colin put an arm around her.
“I mean it – your uncle told me the story,” the reverend continued. “You could’ve married Leo. You found that you got along well. Yet you recognized love working with these two standing before me and found the courage to step aside. In fact, I’d say you recognized it before they did.”
Savannah smiled and nodded. So did Leo and Parthena.
The preacher looked at all the assembled Weavers, Cucinottas, Rileys, Quinns, hired men and a few curious souls. “Love comes to us all, folks. Sometimes it’s not who you expect. I’ve married hundreds over the years, a few where there was no love to begin with, but it grew. I’ve married some who thought they had it and didn’t. I’m not sure what became of them – they were usually just passing through on their way west. But you learn how to see if two people will have the kind of love that can get them through a lifetime together.” He smiled at Savannah. “You can see it too, young lady. Use your gift wisely.”
He turned back to Parthena. “Now, let’s get this done, shall we? I think your mother has worn out her handkerchief.”
Parthena nodded as a tear ran down her cheek. She was wearing the gown she’d purchased from Ma. Leo was in his Sunday best. They’d ridden through the rainstorm professing their love for one another, returned Beulah to her barn, then let everyone know they wanted to marry. Thank Heaven Mother and Father were braced for it.
And it was all thanks to Savannah. After about the second day, she hadn’t been dragging Parthena along with her and Leo as a chaperone, but to confirm her suspicions that they were the better match. Once she was sure, she talked with Leo and came up with the plan for the couple to spend time with both families. It was brilliant.
“… I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the reverend said. “Leo, you may kiss the bride.”
Parthena let her tears fall,