Gemma swept her eyes once again over the empty street. She wasn't sure how long she'd been standing there but it had certainly been a while. What kind of irresponsible man kept his bride waiting at the court house on the day they were supposed to marry?
"He's still not here, Miss?" Gemma tried to ignore the pitying tone of the justice of the peace. Of course, he must think all kind of things about her already.
"I truly don't know if he will show up," she finally admitted sadly, looking at the floor in shame.
"Oh, I know Tuck. He must be busy with something to miss such an important day as this." Gemma could tell that he was genuine when he spoke of Tuck but she could also spot a bit of worry in his face.
Maybe they had never met before, but they'd agreed to be married. Surely that must mean something to Tuck. It had to her.
She fumbled with her sun bonnet. It was nearing dusk now and Gemma began to wonder where she would spend the night. Of course she had thought it would be at Tuck's house after their marriage, but the way things were looking, she wasn't sure there would be a marriage after all. Emilia would be so disappointed.
Gemma gave a sigh and settled on a small bench in front of the simple courthouse. She would wait another small while and if Tuck still hadn't showed up she would find lodging for the night. She stared off into the street, hoping Tuck would appear soon. Her mind wandered to the past. How different she had imagined things would be. It had seemed almost a game....
Then, he finally showed up.
And he wasn't what she expected him to be.