Hannah was dressed in her new undergarments and gown. Her hair was combed up a little higher on her head than usual. No jewelry adorned her. The rest of her clothes had been packed in the big new valise Father Russell had bought for her. Father Russell was to bring the big chest to the Strong home on his first trip to town. It was too large for the livery carriage but the new valise was put into the back of it.
The official arrived and after placing Silas and Hannah in front of the old organ he read the marriage vows from a book he had brought with him. When he asked, "Who giveth this woman to this man in marriage?" Father Russell calmly answered, "Her Mother and I do." Both Hannah and Silas gave their "I do's" in a quiet manner. Then he finished the ceremony, "By the power vested in me by the State of Ohio I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Then for the first time Hannah knew how it felt to be kissed by the tall man with the black hair and neatly trimmed beard.
She thought her husband was very handsome and was sure she would never regret her decision to become his second wife.
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