An Unexpected Love (The Colorado Brides Series Book 5) (16 page)

Ryan drew me into his arms, kissing the side of my face. “You look beautiful.”

“You look purple.”

“I know. It’s hardly fitting for the groom to arrive at church looking like he spent the night before in a saloon brawl.” He chuckled ruefully.

“I don’t care.” I gazed at him, admiring the way his chin curved, framing his face, while his lovely cheekbones stood up proudly. “I want you just the way you are.”

“I’m glad.”

Everyone had gotten to their feet, murmuring amongst themselves, while Fanny’s youngest, Thomas, fussed and cried. My adopted family had been by my side on this momentous day. They had made it possible for me to have a magical wedding, even in a borrowed dress and veil. There would be a reception at Hannah’s and then…Ryan and I would escape—flee to the tipi, where I didn’t want to be interrupted for the next few days for any reason, although Hannah would kindly bring food.

The congratulations abounded, handshakes and well wishes, while we slowly made our way to the door. Beyond that, we were in our conveyances, leaving one-by-one. Ryan and I were on his stallion; he sat behind me, as I was to the side, my dress draped over Banter’s glossy hide. My husband’s arms formed a protective cradle, while he encouraged the horse into a trot.

The citizens of Denver City went about their business on this Monday morning. There were freight wagons and carriages, whose occupants stared our way. They would have to get used to the sight of Ryan, because he intended to make this city his home. We had hardly had a moment to discuss our future, but we both had agreed to remain in the Colorado Territory. Although some people were determined to be small-minded and ignorant, we would continue to lives our lives…as God intended.
He
was the only one that any of us had to answer to.

At Hannah’s house, she had draped the dining room table with a pretty cloth. A large white cake sat on a round platter in the center with utensils and plates. Louisa and Annie had baked it, although someone had swiped away a streak of icing from the side. The culprit was more than likely in the room, sheepishly hiding the fact that they had succumbed to temptation and had a taste.

“It all looks beautiful,” said Mrs. Hoffman. “We certainly pulled this together quickly. It reminds me of Fanny’s wedding in Fort Laramie. Everyone helped with the preparations.”

Fanny wasn’t happy with this memory, as her smile fell. She had married my uncle, Jason Hatch, and she’d been less than thrilled by the arrangement. “Let’s forget about that, mother. There’s no need to relive ancient history.”

“My wedding was on the wagon trail, if you’ll remember,” said Paulina, who smiled at her husband. “Samuel married me after my bout with cholera. Oh, golly. What a time that was.”

“You looked good in black,” he said. “You had pretty white flowers in your hair.”

“It was the only dress that was clean,” she laughed.

“The Hoffman women seem to find themselves in hasty weddings,” quipped Matthias.

“As I recall,” said Louisa. “We didn’t wait long either.”

“When you know it’s right, there’s no need to wait,” said Jack, glancing at Fanny.

“Yet, Fanny wins for the longest honeymoon on record,” said Hannah. “How many days were you in Jack’s little apartment before we saw you?”

“Don’t,” warned Fanny.

“I recall seeing you, asking if you needed anything…like food. What I found…was shocking.”

“All right then,” said Samuel, wanting to change the subject, as Fanny had turned beet red. “Who’s cutting this cake? The youngsters are fair to bursting, wanting a slice. I wouldn’t mind one myself. There’s something about being in church that makes me awfully hungry.”

Everyone laughed, but Fanny shot daggers at Hannah, although she smiled smugly, as if daring her to challenge what she had said. I had never felt more a part of the family than I did at that moment. I’d lost my parents years before, remembering how my mother had struggled with her health and a nearly crippling melancholy that kept her bedridden most days. To be with people who took disasters in stride and made the best out of any situation left me with a sense of gratitude, but there was also hope. I’d witnessed firsthand how they had come together in a crisis, even though they had not been victorious. Hannah and Paulina’s crops had been ruined; their income for the year was in jeopardy, yet they smiled and laughed, as if nothing had happened. They had accepted the loss, and they would continue on the best they could with the support and love of their family.

I gazed at Ryan, seeing someone who had been ill-treated by strangers and condemned wherever he went for the way he looked, yet he stood proudly at my side, his hand on my back possessively. He’d wanted to run—to flee Denver City, but his love for me had eclipsed that emotion. He was ready and willing to put down roots—to share his life with me, even if it meant further harassment. I trusted Nathan had a plan to put an end to that by bringing Ryan to the saloon for a drink or two, thereby proving he was no different from any other man in town.

Once we had eaten the cake and opened our wedding gifts, Ryan and I excused ourselves, slipping from the house to hurry across the field to his tipi. This time, we wouldn’t be chastised for being alone together, because we were legally man and wife and bonded in the eyes of God. He picked me up to carry me across the threshold, but the opening was too small for both of us and we fell inside, landing in heap.

“This is a wretched beginning!” I laughed.

“So it is.” He struggled to stand, grasping my hands and bringing me to my feet. “I’m sorry about that.”

“I don’t mind.” I wrapped my arms around his neck, enjoying every moment of closeness. “Did it really happen? Are we married?”

“Yes.” He lifted me up. “Hold on.” He stepped onto the bedding, lowering me to the blankets, which had been freshly laundered, smelling lightly of soap.

He grasped his boot, pulling it off. I reached for mine. “What will we do now?”

His grin was coy. “What I’ve been wanting to do since I met you.”

“Oh, that’s shocking.”

“We’re married now. We should be able to talk about anything.”

“I’ve never held back with you. Well, almost never.”

“That time you came in here when I was changing.” His look smoldered. “I hadn’t been expecting that.”

“Nor I.” I bit my lower lip, wondering how much I should reveal. “You look nice…in that state.”

“Now the truth comes out.” There was a husky timbre in his voice.

“It always does.” I began to unhook the eyes in the back of the dress, but I would need help.

“What are you doing?”

“Removing my clothing, or trying to.”

“Turn around.” I offered my back, and he began to loosen the garment. “We don’t have to do this right now, if you don’t want.”

I glanced at him over my shoulder. “This corset is killing me. I want to…be comfortable.”

“I see.” The dress fell away, revealing the lacy top of my chemise. The outline of my form was slightly visible through the thin material. “I agree. You should make yourself as comfortable as you like.”

“So should you,” I giggled. I hadn’t anticipated the stark, heated look in his eye. Seeing me this way had affected him. “Everything must go.”

“Everything?”

I grasped a blanket, pulling it over me, while I struggled to free myself of my garments: the dress, the corset, the drawers and then the chemise and stockings. It was wicked to be naked with a man in the light of day, no less, but I felt entirely justified in this endeavor. He was my husband, and this was my honeymoon.

Eyeing Ryan, I appreciated every inch of flesh that was exposed, from a smoothly toned chest to a trim waistline. Before I was able to see more, he grasped a blanket, hiding himself. The look of disappointment on my face produced a deep laugh from him, but, as he slid beneath the blankets, pressing himself to me, I stiffened instinctively, suddenly bashful of this strange new experience.

“Oh, my.”

His face was in my neck, as a hand landed on my shoulder, but it wasn’t idle, moving down my arm. “We’ve crossed the point of no return.”

“That we have.” I shivered, feeling the touch of fingers against my hip. I’d never in my life been next to someone in this manner. “My word.”

“What shall we do now?”

“Um…it’s far too early for sleep.” He nibbled at my neck, kissing and rubbing, scratching me with his shorn beard. “A nap might be out of the question.”

“No to sleep,” he purred. “I’ve some other ideas…then we can sleep.”

A burst of sensation centering in my core helped me to shed my shyness. Whatever resistance I had felt fell away at once. I flung a leg over his hip. A soft, seeking hand skimmed across my backside. “Oh, Ryan.”

“Hum…” his lips found mine.

“I do so love you.”

“I love you.”

“You’d best kiss me,” I whispered.

“Again?”

“Yes, please…then…you can…do that.”

His lips met mine, as he chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest. I sighed with bliss, relishing being Mrs. Ryan Hartsock. The future indeed looked bright.

Preview of
Prairie Madness

By Carré White

His look was thoughtful, as he threaded his fingers through mine. “Would you consider marrying me? I mean, once your memory returns?”

“You don’t even know me.”

“I’ve never felt this at ease with someone before. Betsy and I were childhood sweethearts. It was easy because we were practically brother and sister. I…really adore you, Sarah. You’re everything I’ve been looking for. I just wish you knew your past, so we could have a future.”

“If I had some confirmation that I was a widow, I might consider it.”

“That’s going to be difficult.”

“I know. I’m hoping my memory returns.”

“I’m worried you’ll be terribly unhappy then. You’ll know what you’ve lost. Ignorance is bliss.”

“We have time, Patrick. I’m going with you. I’ll be with you and your sister’s family. There’s no need to rush into marriage.”

“What about the baby?”

I had completely forgotten about that. “I might not be with child. It could be a stomach upset from eating weeds.”

“Maybe.”

“You’d really consider raising another man’s child?”

He met my gaze. “I don’t see why not.”

“Aren’t you worried it might be…” I whispered, “Indian?”

“No. If you’re that far along, it’s your husband’s. Don’t listen to idle gossip. That woman is a…a…I’m not pleased with her at all.”

“Nor am I.”

“If you married me, you could stay with me.” He squeezed my hand. “You wouldn’t have to return to their camp.”

“That’s awfully tempting, Mr. Walker.”

“We won’t have many times like this—being alone like this.” His voice had taken on a husky quality. “Might I kiss you?”

A delicious shiver went through me. “I…suppose.”

“Would you object?”

“I really don’t want to.”

His hand touched my face. “You are lovely, Sarah. I like your eyes and your smile and your goodness.”

“I’m sure I must have a temper…somewhere.”

“I do too.” He was close; his attention was on my mouth. “Maybe this will convince you to marry me.”

“You’re welcome to try.” My tone was whispery soft.

His lips covered mine, while a hand wrapped around my neck, pulling me closer. I melted into him, my fingers clutching his shoulders, while the kiss deepened after our tongues met. He tasted of sugar, the aftereffects of the pudding lingering in his mouth. I’d closed my eyes, succumbing to him, marveling at how wonderful he felt, how my belly buzzed with pleasing sensations.

His kisses drifted to my cheek, where he murmured, “Please, please, marry me.”

“Oh, Patrick…”

“I know it’s far too soon. I…just wish you were ready. I don’t want to say goodnight. I never want to say goodbye.”

“I don’t either, but…I have to give my memory a chance to recover. It’s still like a black pit of nothing. I’m losing my patience with it, to be honest. I’d like to know who I am, so I might be able to go forward.”

“I’ll wait.” He hugged me; his face was pressed to the side of my head. “You’re so lovely. You feel like heaven in my arms.”

“I’ll work harder to remember.”

“How?”

“I’ll pray for guidance, and I’ll try to focus on things. If I can recall a recipe, I should be able to remember my own name. Maybe I need to be asked more questions.”

“I’d be happy to help you.”

“Let’s do that then.”

His grip tightened. “I could love you so easily.”

“Oh, Patrick.”

“The sooner you get your memory back, the sooner we can get married.”

A flash occurred then, some long-forgotten image of a man, but his features were unfamiliar. I wasn’t able to focus on what I had seen, as it had disappeared too fast. Who was he? Was that someone I used to know?

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The Colorado Brides Series