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Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Five

Michael woke the next morning to find himself alone in the bed. He always preferred mornings when he woke with Allie laying against his chest but he was determined not to be too disappointed. Allie was going to become his wife today and that was something to sing from the rooftops about.....and Michael would if he could sing.

Slowly he sat up and threw his legs over the bed. That familiar twinge of pain accompanied his motions as he stood up and put weight on his crooked left leg. It was something that would hurt him for the rest of his life he supposed but the pain was minimal now compared to what it had been in the past and it was certainly something Michael could live with.

A knock sounded on the door and Michael frowned, "Come in," he called out, assuming it was Allie or Amelia and wondering why they would knock.

The door opened and he was surprised to see his grandmother instead with a steaming cup in her hand, "Good morning, Michael," she smiled brightly.

"Good morning," he replied, happy to see her.

She had a mischievous glint in her gray eyes that made him wonder what she was up to as she held out the cup to him, "Your tea," she stated.

"Thank you," Michael took the cup and took a slow sip, wincing when the hot liquid burned against his tongue, "Where's Allie?"

"She's in another room and going to stay there for a few hours," Martha replied, her eyes sparkling.

Michael felt that familiar fear and panic stirring in his gut at knowing he was separated from Allie but he fought it back with all he had, "Why? Is she okay?"

"A bit irritated at me but otherwise fine," Martha replied. She folded her hands over her soft belly, "I know that a big wedding isn't wanted by either of you so I'm going to give you a small intimate one with very few guests. However, it is customary for the bride and groom to remain separate until the marriage takes place and so you'll be in separate rooms for the day."

"But Allie just wanted to go see the preacher...." Michael began and Martha tsked and waved her hand.

"I thought I had lost you a long time ago, Michael, and now that I have you back I want to see you, and the woman who rescued you, have everything that you deserve. You and Allie have been through so much in your lives and you deserve to have a ceremony, even if it is a small one, to celebrate the love that you share. A love that is breathtakingly refreshing and pure."

Michael wanted Allie to have that as well but he couldn't help but doubt this move seeing as how it wasn't what Allie had said she wanted. Martha must have seen him about to speak because she batted her eyes and gave him a sad look, "I'm an old woman, Michael, with few years left. Would you truly deny me this?"

Michael swallowed hard and looked down into his tea for several moments. Finally he sighed, "No."

His grandmother brightened immediately and clapped her hands together. Michael got a gnawing suspicion that he'd just been had, "That's wonderful! Here is a letter from your soon to be wife. A washtub from the bathhouse will be brought in shortly so that you can bathe and Pete will be bringing your clothes after a while. Please stay in the room. I want everything to be perfect before you or Allie sees it."

Michael simply nodded and took the folded paper in his free hand. Martha rose on her toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek, "I love you, Michael, and I'm so happy you found Allie."

Michael shifted his feet and blushed, "She found me."

Martha patted the cheek she had just kissed, "Either way, I'm grateful. Now I have work to do so I must be off!"