The air is crisp and tingling with excitement. The sun is blazing red in the western sky. A small band begins to wail an old fashioned love sonnet as the bride and groom take their places beneath the wide, winding branches of the Council Oak Tree. The bride is stunning in her off the shoulder satin gown that once belonged to her mother. Her pearl choker glinting in the setting sun, the bride's eyes turn to meet the eyes of her new love. The groom, tall and dark with a handlebar mustache twitching with nervousness. As they repeat their vows, the groom smiles wryly to think he has landed such a beauty. Who would have thought that one could find such a woman by mail order? Lord knows there will be a boom in ordering brides after this day. She cooks, she cleans, she sews, she sings and plays the piano and who knows what other hidden talents she might have?

The year is 1898 in Tulsa, Oklahoma Territory. You are one of the guests at the shiveree being given in honor of Trudy and Tom Trafalger, the new bride and groom. The whole town was invited to share in this joyous day. As an added reason to celebrate, today is the day that Tulsa is incorporated as a city. The center of town has been decorated with New Mexican luminarias, festive ribbons and flags. An intensity of color no one recalls seeing before. The band will be playing country favorites. A lovely dinner is being prepared. All this was arranged by Tom's father, William Trafalger, III, the owner of the St. Louis / San Francisco Railroad. After all, how often does one's only son marry? Besides, it's a great way to show your only son how proud you are of him being appointed Mayor of this new and growing town. You, as a special guest, have been invited to a sit down dinner being given in honor of the bride and groom. Be on time because the bride will be throwing her bouquet to the single ladies present and we will be toasting the health of the new Mr. and Mrs. Trafalger. . . .

Susan Cowan, Author