Country Boy, City Girl [LHotP Fan Fiction]

Epilogue: The Cry of the Greedy

It was the long-awaited day. Willie and Esther were getting married. Everyone was at the church, schoolhouse, waiting for Esther to arrive. Willie was out back, pacing back and forth, nervous and anxious. His father came to him shaking his head. 

"Your mother refuses to come," he said with a shrug. "I've tried everything I can think of."

"Don't worry, Pa," Willie said, touching his shoulder. "Let Ma sit in her hole. I'm happy right now, I don't want her to ruin today."

Mr. Oleson smiled and nodded. "You truly are grown up."

At that moment the organ began to play the bridal march. Willie smiled and went to stand next to the preacher. Esther walked down the aisle, holding her father's arm, smiling broadly. Willie laughed softly and smiled at her. As the preacher began the ceremony, there was the soft sound of someone sobbing. Mr. Olseon looked behind him at the woman dressed in black. Her face was covered by a black veil. He turned back around and shook his head, but he was amused.

"I told you it would do her good," Almanzo whispered into Laura's ear.

"You did," she said, smiling as Willie and Esther said their vows.

"I now pronounce you man and wife," the preacher said, smiling at Willie. "You may kiss your bride."

Willie turned, smiling as he removed the veil. Esther was flushed as he leaned in to kiss her. The sobbing broke out into deeper and louder sobs. Mr. Oleson stood and went to sit next to the woman.

"Glad you could make it," he said with a smirk.

The woman's head whipped around at him. "Oh! Nels," she whispered.

Willie and Esther turned to the congregation and smiled as they walked out.

THE END