Chapter 14

White folding chairs, four by four on either side, formed an aisle through the middle of the rustic weathered-wood structure that covered the Phantom Horse Bridge. White rice paper lined the aisle. Strings of clear single bulbs hung high in the rafters, zigzagged back and forth, to light the building like stars. The seating faced a metal pergola wrapped in purple tulle with green and gold leaves. Purple Icicle lights hung from the radius.

Beyond the arbor, the hike and bike path lingered for a while and then turned to disappear into a yellow, red, and brown expanse of Aspen, Cottonwood, and Poplar trees. Speckles of evergreen Pines filled the woods as the hill rose to a thousand feet above the town. It was a perfect day. A warm day for August, but not too hot. Very little breeze blew, making the changing leaves dance slightly in the woods.

A tent had been erected on the town side, near the bridge, just left of the path leading into the expanse. It allowed the groom and his men to change into their Tuxedos and generally hang out until it was their time. A Honda generator quietly hummed on the far side, to the right of the bridge, providing electricity for the lights, the sound system, and an electric keyboard. Deborah Begley softly played modern love songs while people slowly filled the seats. The acoustics of the bridge cover naturally amplified the keyboard and percussion settings that automatically accompanied Deborah’s gifted fingers. The music wafted across the park from both directions from the infamous, at least to the Gladstonians, bridge.

An open carriage, pulled by one dapple grey steed and driven by a man in a top hat and tails tuxedo, came from the Bed and Breakfast and pulled up next to the tent. Lex Cayden and Harry Gladstone emerged to assist Emily Gladstone and Annie Cayden from the carriage. Lex escorted his mother and Harry his aunt into the structure, spanning the tranquil river. They returned to the tent and re-entered.

A crackle of electricity popped and hissed a football field’s distance from the bridge at the tree line. Had anyone else noticed?

A new song began and Alexander Gladstone, Sr., in a dark suit, lead Lex, Harry, and Heath Gladstone out of the tent. Slowly they walked down the aisle, disappearing into the bridge structure. The senior looked just like Lex, except for greying hair and a light goatee.

A black enameled closed horse carriage, driven by two men in top hats and tails, and pulled by two matching black beauties, trotted from the B&B. Emerald velvet curtains were drawn so that the occupants inside could not be seen. The driver pulled the carriage just off the path leading into the bridge and waited. The horses blew a vibrating sound from their lips and pranced in place. It seemed the excitement that filled the air was felt by everyone, man, and beast.

The drivers took position beside the carriage and waited for the musical cue. Another song began and the men opened the carriage’s door. A young girl, covered in purple tulle over silk and a boy in a black suit and purple bow tie, each holding Leanne Gladstone’s hand, stepped out of the carriage. The drivers assisted their descent.