He struggled to stand and needed the help of Hicks and a man named Bridger to remain upright for very long. Beatrice kept a careful eye on him as she stood directly in front of him while Reverend Morrison performed the ceremony. Elias struggled to focus on the words. He knew this should be a momentous occasion. He didn’t intend to get married ever again, so he should know what was said now, but his mind kept going back to Beatrice and the way she looked and the smile she gave him even while she had obvious concern about him falling over.
“I do,” Beatrice said when the preacher asked her if she’d love, honor and cherish Elias as long as they both should live.
“Do you, Elias Mills, take Beatrice Jones to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward. To love, honor and cherish her as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” Elias said.
“Then I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Reverend Morrison said. “You may kiss your bride.”
Elias wasn’t sure if he could take a step forward, but she leaned toward him and placed a kiss on his lips, sending a wave of intense surprise and unexpected pleasure through him.
There was more to her than just a kind woman. More than just a competent doctor. There was something there under the surface of this incredible woman that he wanted to have more of. To actually be worthy of earning her love and devotion.
And while he currently cursed the blasted shoulder wound, he knew if it hadn’t been for getting himself shot and almost dying like this, he would have never had the courage to even talk to this woman, let alone manage to convince her to marry him.
He was the luckiest man alive.
***
Beatrice had been kissed before on occasion. Two of the men who had considered her father’s suggestion of marrying a woman who knew the medical profession had attempted to court her. Those kisses had been tolerable. Nothing to really think on or remember with fondness really. This kiss on the other hand. What was it about this man in front of her?
He was hardly able to do anything for himself in his current state of health, but he had fire behind his eyes, and something special in his kiss. She almost wished for a moment that this wasn’t going to just be a marriage where they helped each other out or gave each other respectability.
Hicks patted the sheriff on the back and helped him sit back down on the chair he’d been resting on before they had arrived and Beatrice stepped back and met the reverend’s eyes.
“Thank you for coming,” she said. “I know this is an unusual situation, but we appreciate the effort you took to come to us. I do hope Elias will heal quickly and be back to his normal self soon.”
“We’re just grateful you kept him from dying,” Hicks said from the side once Elias was seated.
The reverend nodded his agreement. “Yes, Sheriff Mills is an incredible asset to Birch Creek. It would have been a hard thing to lose him. We are pleased to have our very own doctor coming to town. Everyone will be happy to meet you when you arrive.”
“Thank you,” Beatrice said. “I do wonder if you know of any buildings that might be available for rent or purchase?”
“I’ll keep my eye open for anything. So much has gone on in the past year, I might have missed some information about a building. Though there is one in between the bakery and the cobbler’s place that I don’t think is currently being used for anything.”
“I’ll be sure to check for it when we arrive.”
The reverend signed a paper then passed it over to her. “You’d probably be the one to keep track of this.”
“Thank you again,” Beatrice said as the reverend walked toward the door.
“We’ll head out and leave you two be,” Hicks said. “And we’ll do our best to find Willard and his gang.”
“Be careful,” Elias said.
“Will do. ‘Course, now if we get shot, we’ll know who to come to.”
“Don’t get shot,” Beatrice said at the same time Elias said, “Don’t be stupid.”
Hicks, and the four men with the posse laughed.
“Heal up quick. You can’t get out of this job that easily.” Hicks pulled the door closed after everyone exited the room, leaving the newlyweds alone.
“Sorry,” Elias said. “Hicks isn’t all bad. Just a little boisterous at times.”
“I don’t mind him,” Beatrice said. “Looks like you have good men that work with you.”
Elias nodded. “That I do.”
“Can I help you get back to the bed?” Beatrice asked.
“Could use a little help getting this collar loosened.” He tugged at the fabric at his neck and Beatrice walked over and helped him adjust it to a more comfortable position.
She helped him stand from the chair then allowed him to make the few steps to the bed on his own, but watched him carefully to judge his health.
“Now put yourself down to rest. You need to take things easy and build up your inner reserves. It takes time for the body to recover from that kind of blood loss. I’ll get you something to eat and drink, then you will need to sleep again.”
“Yes ma’am, Doc.”
She left the room once he was settled and hurried down to get Elias a meal. Getting him better was top priority. Then she could manage to keep her distance just a little more. This whole needing to be so close to him all the time was going to be tricky.
***
Elias looked at his horse and reached up to rub between its eyes. It should only take an hour to ride there, but the thought of getting on the horse in his condition made him feel light headed again.
He looked at Beatrice standing at his side and she shook her head.
“No, I don’t think you’ll be riding this beast for a while. Besides,” she added, “I need something to haul my trunk with all my things the rest of the way to Birch Creek.”
Elias smiled at his wife. Whether she had known his concern or not, she had just saved him from needing to worry about something and given him the perfect excuse.
“I could find out if there is someone willing to either drive us to Birch Creek, or if anyone might be willing to sell a wagon. I don’t have one, and this might be as good a time as any to get one.”
“Do you need a wagon for when you are in Birch Creek?” Beatrice asked.
“I’m sure I’ll find use for it over time. You’ll need something to travel in. Unless you ride.”
“I can ride,” Beatrice said. “Though I haven’t done so in a while. I had to sell my horses.”
“That will be another thing we’ll need to purchase.” Elias turned to look back toward Jim’s place. “I’ll see if Jim knows anyone looking to sell.” He started to walk, and Beatrice was right by his side. To anyone watching, it probably looked as if they were a happily married newlywed couple. But her arm under his supported him when he still felt a little off.
He’d been resting for way too long and he wanted to get away from this place and to his own home as soon as possible.
“Good morning, Sheriff,” Jim said as they returned inside his establishment. “You planning to leave soon?”
Elias smiled. “We’ll be out of your hair as soon as you help me find a wagon for my new wife’s belongings.”
“A wagon, huh?” Jim said. “I have an older one I used to haul supplies in for a while when I first started this place up. Had to get a bigger one after the first year. It’ll need some clean up though. Been used to haul manure and such from the barn.”
“Get it ready, and we’ll be going.” Elias stepped forward and pulled out his wallet to pay for the wagon and the room and food, glad he had enough and didn’t have to embarrass himself in front of his new wife.
***
Beatrice took the reins when she climbed into the wagon, not willing to risk Elias injuring himself if the horse decided to bolt. When he climbed up and saw the reins in her hands, he didn’t say a word. Instead he focused his attention on saying his farewells to Jim and the people who had stepped outside to watch.
>
Wise man, Beatrice thought. He knew enough to not push things here in front of witnesses that might hear her tell him no. The true test would be how he handled it when they got going?
She was used to people being bothered by her somewhat aggressive and forward thinking behaviors. She had been taught manners and understood rules of etiquette, but she had long since given up trying to apologize for the way she thought and acted. Not that she purposely went about being irritating. She just didn’t want to act like she had nothing to offer when she had the God given talents of medical knowledge and experience.
“You’re quiet,” Elias said and Beatrice turned to look at him.
“Sorry, lost in thought I suppose.”
“What were you thinking about?” Elias asked.
“I’m curious how different things will be in Birch Creek than back home. I know there are nowhere near the amount of resources and supplies close at hand, but I do wonder if the people will be that much different than where I came from.”
“Birch Creek is full of great people.” Elias adjusted his position on the wagon bench. She waited for him to request the reins, but instead he just turned a little to face her better.
“When I first arrived, I was just a deputy from Burley. I had been sent for because of a man that had tried attacking one of the young women who had moved out here to marry someone. Apparently, he felt she belonged to him since he’d sent for a bride through an advertisement but she’d married someone else.”
“She didn’t keep her word?” Beatrice asked.
“I thought the same thing, until I learned more of the truth behind this. Lester, a gambler and a drunk, nearly accosted the girl at the train station and one of the townsmen realized what was happening and offered to marry her to protect her. Even paid Lester back the money, small amount that it was, that he had sent to her. So when he sobered up a little, he was upset about losing his chance for a wife and thought he’d take her from her new husband by force. The whole town was there to help track that man down and make sure their community was safe.”
“That’s good news.”
“Once I’d come to arrest Lester and make sure everything was taken care of and justice was served, they asked if I’d be interested in staying on as sheriff in the town. I couldn’t at first since I was still working some other cases in Burley. Eventually, I figured I’d give Birch Creek a try. I liked the feel of the place and I wanted to do my part in making sure that as it grew with people moving in and setting up businesses and farms and ranches that it stayed a good place to live.”
Beatrice nodded. “Most people are pretty good at governing themselves, but there are a few who will cause problems. I’m glad the people of Birch Creek have you to help keep things peaceful.”
“Most of the work I have to do involves drifters or outlaws like the ones who robbed the stage coach. Birch Creek itself is just fine on their own.”
“I’m excited to meet the people there.”
“They’ll be excited for you as well. I’m sure some will be surprised you’re a woman doctor, but they won’t let that bother them long.”
Beatrice nodded. She wasn’t worried about that. Well, not too much really. She was prepared for it to take some time before people got comfortable with her. When there were illnesses or injuries, they would come when they wanted help or relief. She would welcome anyone who wanted her help and be ready to assist if called upon.
“There is something I should mention though,” Elias said.
“What’s that?”
“Mrs. Howard. She and her husband own the mercantile, and she knows everything about everyone. Not that she’s some busy body. No, she’s a good woman. She will make it her job to find out everything about you, and from what I understand, she insists on doing something to celebrate every marriage that happens in Birch Creek.”
“Well, it’s a good thing we didn’t get married in Birch Creek.”
Elias chuckled. “Knowing her, I don’t think it will matter. She’ll throw together a shindig and have everyone there to dance and sing and bring food to share.”
“Why?” Beatrice asked.
Elias shrugged. “I have learned to not question a woman about why she does things.” He raised one brow at her and she smiled.
“You know, Elias,” Beatrice said. “When you first suggested marriage, I thought you were a little crazy and didn’t have a clue of what you were getting yourself into.”
“And now?”
“I still think you might be crazy, but now I don’t think you’re stupid. In fact, I might have to actually watch you a little better. Your mind works in quite a mysterious way, but you, Mr. Sheriff, are no one’s fool.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Elias pointed out which street to turn on when they approached the town of Birch Creek.
“It used to just be one main road heading directly through Birch Creek and on toward Burley, then the railroad was built through here, and soon, more and more places were established.” Elias pointed to the left off in the distance. “The Snake River is that direction, and there are some small towns built along its banks. Then there is a place where the canyon walls get really steep and there are some waterfalls.”
“Have you seen them?” Beatrice asked as she guided the horses with a confident hand. She’d had no difficulty managing the horses the entire journey and Elias was beginning to wonder if there was anything she’d actually need him for.
“Yes,” Elias said. “An incredible sight. Perhaps some day we could take a trip there together.”
“I’d like that,” Beatrice said. They rode for a bit longer then Beatrice nodded up ahead. “Which of these places is yours?”
“The further one.” He’d never really thought much about the place, other than knowing he wanted some land to call his own. He hadn’t needed anything special since he rarely stayed there with all of his duties of tracking down lawbreakers. In fact, he had chosen it for its price and the size of the land it was built on. It wasn’t much to look at, and though it had never bothered him before, as he looked at it now, he wondered if it would do for a married man.
“Is your neighbor a good sort of person?” Beatrice asked as they continued on past the other building.
“Far as I know,” Elias said. “Haven’t had much time to introduce myself to him.”
The neighbor’s place was a more recent construction made mostly of lumber and bricks. His own place had been built with hewn logs, mud as the sealant of cracks, and rocks as a foundation around the base with a dirt floor. It really wouldn’t work to take Beatrice there after what she probably had back east. He glanced at his wife, watching her to gauge her thoughts.
Beatrice remained silent as they finished the last few yards up to the front walk between long, dry grass that surrounded his house. He really should do something about that.
“It isn’t much to bring a wife home too,” Elias said after a moment.
“You weren’t planning to bring a wife to it,” Beatrice simply stated. She pulled the horse to a stop and Elias began to climb down. She kept the horse steady until he could walk to the front of the horse and hold him by the bridle.
“You can get down. I’ll take care of the wagon.”
“Not yet, please,” Beatrice said. “I would like to get a look at what you have and what we’ll need to pick up from the mercantile before you unhook the horse.”
“Good idea,” Elias said, taking the reins and tying them to the hitching post to keep him in one place until they needed to take the wagon again.
Beatrice pulled her trunk off the back of the wagon without his help and set it on the ground to adjust her hold on it. Elias moved to the other side, but before he could pick up one end of the trunk to help, Beatrice said, “Stop. You can’t lift something like that.”
“Of course I can,” Elias said, leaning down and grabbing one handle.
“You shouldn’t lift it.” She pulled on it to move it from his reach. “I’ll do it. I just ne
eded to make an adjustment for size.”
“If you are holding one side, then I can help with the other. It’s too heavy for you alone. It’s too heavy for me alone at this point. Together, we can get it to the house.”
Beatrice looked him over and he smiled with encouragement.
“It will be all right,” Elias said. “Let me help.”
“Be careful,” she said. “I don’t want you to break open your wound.”
“I’ll be fine. You’re an excellent doctor. I have no worries about this thing defying you and opening against your orders. Besides, I’ll be lifting with my good arm.”
Beatrice shook her head in exasperation but allowed him to assist. They moved slowly. It wasn’t too heavy with the two of them, but it was bulky.
As soon as they reached the front door, they had to set the trunk down in order to unlock the door. He put the key back in his pocket after pushing the door open and looked at her.
“I believe it’s customary for a man to carry his bride over the threshold for the first time.”
“Not in this situation. You will not be picking me up, now or likely ever.”
He laughed at her response then held his hand out to indicate she should go in first. She walked past him and into the house without another word and Elias stepped inside with trepidation.
She looked around the room, her hands on her hips as if she were preparing herself for a big job ahead of her. She moved around the room, looking into the fireplace that was lined with rocks along the far end of the house. She then moved over to the single window along the back wall of the house and looked outside, then quickly turned away from the window and scanned the rest of the house.
The single bed along the wall and a table that had seen better days with a lonely chair were the only bits of furniture that greeted them.
The Sheriff's Bride: A Golden Valley Story (Brides of Birch Creek Book 5) Page 4