by Danni Roan
Francis smiled his heart full as he pulled her close in the chill moonlight and kissed her passionately. “You are my heart,” he whispered breathlessly as they resumed their short walk home.
Tomorrow they would be loading up the gear his brothers had brought and heading back to the valley, but he knew that wherever Matrice was would always be his true home.
Chapter 20
“I can’t believe it’s time to go already,” Mary Ellen said holding tight to Rock’s arm early the next week as he walked her up the stairs to the train station.
“You haven’t been here only a few weeks,” Rock said, “but it seems like I’ve known you for years.” He would miss the little woman more than he could bear to admit.
“So much has happened since I arrived in Biders Clump,” Mary Ellen agreed handing her ticket over to the clerk for inspection. “Matrice and Francis’s wedding, the Ratners leaving with Brother John and Francis’s brothers, even young Sara Jane and that Titus will be pulling out of town in about two weeks. My but you have a lot of weddings here.”
Rock smiled. If only their courtship had been real he would have asked her to stay and perhaps adding another wedding to the roster. Miss Bigsby was so different than what he ever thought of as the type of woman he would be interested in, but she’d been a revelation to him.
She was smart, interesting, easy to talk to, and always looking for something new to try. For a little thing she was scrappy.
Mary Ellen looked up at Rock’s craggy face trying to memorize every line and angle. She knew that handsome face would stay in her mind forever even as the man would stay in her heart. He’d been the best fake beau any woman could ever want.
Rock Bannon was kind and attentive, and sweet. Mary Ellen smoothed her dress as they made their way toward the newly arrived train. She didn’t want to say good-bye, but she had no claims on Rock’s heart, and her meager savings were needed to find a living for herself.
“I ain’t much good at writin’,” Rock said as the train came to a stop in a screech of wheels and hiss of steam. “I’d like to send you a note now and again though if you’d let me.”
Mary Ellen smiled up at him, her hand still resting comfortably on his arm. “I’d like that,” she said her hazel eyes full of hope. “I’ll write as soon as I’m settled.” At least she wouldn’t have to give him up completely. Somewhere between the rare carriage ride, or the evening strolls, and the quiet conversations her heart had betrayed her and wandered toward the big man with the odd name. The courtship might have been all make believe, but her love had become real.
“Rock, is that you?” A woman’s voice caught their attention and Mary Ellen watched the big cowboy smile at an older couple who hurried toward them.
“Rock, it’s good to see you,” a portly balding man offered his hand, “and who is your friend?”
“Mr. and Mrs. Williams I’d like to introduce you to Miss Bigsby. She’s been visitin’ here in Biders Clump a spell.”
“Pleased to meet you Miss Bigsby,” the gray haired woman said offering her hand as well. She was dressed in an expensive traveling gown and smart hat, but the smile that lit her eyes was full of warmth. “Are you leaving already?”
Mary Ellen smiled at the older woman shaking her hand. “I’m afraid I have to leave,” she said glancing at Rock sadly. “I understand that you’re returning from your honeymoon trip.” She’d heard a great deal about the mad banker and Lucinda’s mother, Ruth, during her time in Biders Clump.
“We are,” Ruth Williams said squeezing her husband’s arm. “Who would have thought that being married would be so lovely,” she finished her cheeks turning pink. “My Jasper is just the nicest man.”
Mary Ellen smiled at the woman, watching as Mr. Williams patted her hand affectionately. “You’re such a joy my dear,” he said pulling her close. “Now where is that daughter of mine?” he asked looking around Rock. “I wired for them to meet us today.”
“Gramma, gramma!” a little girl of about three ran across the platform, breaking away from a lovely young woman with dark hair and dark eyes.
“Sasha my sweet,” Ruth cried opening her arms wide to embrace the child.
Mary Ellen watched the happy reunion of the family, smiling as Bruno and Janine drove up to the station stopping next to Rock’s big palomino.
“There’s Janine now,” Mrs. Williams said pointing, and then reaching out to pull her daughter into a big hug. “Lucinda, you look well,” she said with a soft smile.
“It was nice meeting you,” Mary Ellen said turning away from the touching scene. She was pleased to see the older couple so happy. She’d heard a few comments about Ruth Farrow-Williams and didn’t expect to see her in this light, but perhaps marriage agreed with her.
Rock tipped his hat politely to all of the ladies, taking Mary Ellen by the elbow and walking her toward the train. Each step he took felt like walking through knee deep molasses and his heart longed to tell her to stay.
“Thank you for such a wonderful time,” Mary Ellen said toying with the string on her reticule. “I never expected any of this,” she gestured widely around her. “It has been the best trip of my life.”
Rock looked down, his dark eye meeting hers, wishing she could hear his heart. But it wasn’t his place to speak.
Reluctantly he helped her up onto the step waving as she stood at the top and looked back at him.
“Rock,” Mary Ellen called before he turned away.
“Yes?”
Mary Ellen leaned out from the step brushing her lips across his. “Thank you,” she whispered then stepped into the train as the conductor called all aboard.
Rock stood on the platform as the train whistle blew, feeling the hiss of steam engulf him as the wheels began to roll.
Deep in his chest his big heart constricted, sagging under the burden of saying good-bye to the little woman he finally understood that he loved.
Turning to hide the sorrow in his eyes Rock walked across the platform and stepped into the saddle turning toward home.
Hesitating just a moment he looked up as the train pulled away and caught a glimpse of Mary Ellen’s tear stained face pressed against the glass.
Pal, squared up waiting to see what his rider wanted as Rock climbed aboard. The big man seemed confused, and the horse wouldn’t make a move until he knew what was wanted.
The big black machine that hissed and bellowed moved away making the golden horse twitch his ears but still Pal stood like a statue waiting.
As the train disappeared eastward a slow smile spread across Rock’s face and he turned Pal after the train kicking the horse into a dead run as the last car made the turn past the livery and out of town.
“Come on boy,” the big cowboy called leaning forward in the saddle as his horse stretch out flat, ears pressed against his neck as he chased after the train.
“Mary Ellen!” Rock called his deep voice rumbling over the clatter and clack of the rails. “Mary Ellen!”
Mary Ellen looked behind her as they made the turn catching a glimpse of Rock urging Pal to more speed as he chased the train that was moving faster and faster with each turn of the wheels.
“Rock!” she gasped rising from her hard seat and hurrying to the back of the car.
“Mary Ellen!” Rock yelled again as Pal’s nose passed the back rail of the last car where the little woman was stepping on to the small platform. “Don’t go,” he cried. “Stay here with me?” his heart pounded louder than the wheels on the rails and Pal fell back, but Rock urged him for one more push coming abreast of the platform and lifting his arms. “Stay with me?” he pleaded with everything in his heart as the horse pounded on.
Mary Ellen gasped her heart finding wings on Rock’s words. “I can’t.”
“Yes you can, I love you. Marry me!”
Mary Ellen’s head spun as Pal began to flag, but she nodded stepping to the edge of the platform and reaching for Rock who pushed Pal closer to the rail with his knees as he reac
hed for Mary Ellen who closed her eyes and fell into his arms.
Rock pulled the tiny woman onto the saddle swells in front of him, leaning back and letting Pal break away from the train.
The big horse was heaving and flecks of white foam spattered his neck as he slowed moving back toward the road.
“Oh dear,” Mary Ellen gasped snuggling into Rock’s arms as Pal settled to a slow walk, “my bags.”
“We’ll wire the next station and they can take them off.” Rock whispered letting Pal come to a stop on the open road. “I just couldn’t let you go,” he whispered.
“I didn’t want to go,” Mary Ellen said placing her hands on either side of his rugged face. “I wanted to stay with all of my heart, but I knew what we had was just pretend.”
“Right up until it wasn’t,” Rock said. “At first it was just a way to enjoy your company, but pretty soon I started having feelings for you.”
“I love you too,” Mary Ellen said reading in his eyes the words he hadn’t said.
Rock wrapped his arms around Mary Ellen Bigsby dropping his lips to hers.
Mary Ellen laughed as Rock pulled back. She felt like a young woman only starting out in life instead of an old spinster who had been given a second chance.
Rock slid back on the saddle, settling Mary Ellen gently in place as he swung down, and gave Pal a hearty pat, turning toward town and leading his lady love behind him.
***
Polly Esther nudged George as they sat on the front porch, nodding toward Rock leading Mary Ellen to the post office.
“Looks like we’ll be havin’ a nother weddin’ before long,” George chuckled.
“Seems we have them pretty regular anymore,” Polly said reaching over and taking his hand.
“You had this all figured out didn’t you?” George asked.
“Honestly, I thought they were just passin’ time at the start, but you could see that Rock was falling hard.”
George leaned out of his chair kissing her on the cheek. “I’ll get her room ready,” he said. “You put on the kettle.”
Chapter 21
Spring rolled into summer with a warm glow as Rock and Mary Ellen’s courtship blossomed. What had once been make-believe activities became extra special as they were punctuated by rare and chased kissed.
Quil and Cameron had insisted that Mary Ellen stay with them at the main house until the wedding, and though she resisted at first, she couldn’t imagine not doing it by the time the wedding day came.
In reality having the former school teacher in her home had been a joy to Quil as they talked about books and writing. Mary Ellen also helped with little Andrew who was growing like a bad weed, letting Aquila write more often.
Mary Ellen got to watch a real round up from the back of Prissy’s horse Sugar, and participate in laying out the plan for the little home she would share with Rock.
“I never dreamed when I stepped off that train a few short months ago that I’d be starting a new life,” Mary Ellen gushed one evening when Rock showed her around the nearly finished house.
“I always thought I needed someone big in my life if they were to keep up with me,” Rock confessed. “I figured a tiny woman like you wouldn’t give me the time of day, but like Polly said that one day; “though she be but little, she is fierce.”
“When did Polly say that?” Mary Ellen laughed slapping his arm playfully.
“That day when Billy stopped by to see if Grady was to come for dinner, and you was visitin’. Polly said the boy wouldn’t take your word that Grady was to come, and when he sassed you put a flea in his ear.”
Rock smiled looking down at the woman who had been such a revelation to him. She’d changed his whole world. “Polly said some fella’ called Bard wrote them words a long, long time ago.”
Mary Ellen giggled. She felt young and new all over again when she was with Rock. “I think Polly was quoting Shakespeare,” she said kindly. “He wrote plays and poems and things way back in the sixteenth century.”
“Well he seems to have known a thing or two,” Rock said with a grin.
“I can’t believe I’ll be living in this house in a few more days,” Mary Ellen whispered looking at the handiwork around her.
“And I can’t believe I’ll be living here with the woman I love,” Rock said lifting her up on a step so he could kiss her.
***
The wedding day was one of those cool clear days in May when the weather was perfect. Birds sang in the trees and frogs warbled in the ponds.
The ceremony was simple yet elegant, and Mary Ellen wore the new dress she and the Adams girls had made especially for the day. She felt beautiful as she slipped the cream chiffon over her head.
“You look lovely,” Maud Adams gushed. “I just love a wedding.”
Mary Ellen couldn’t help but grin when George offered her his arm walking her down the aisle to Rock who stood at the bottom of the plinth, so that she could stand a little taller.
“Now folks,” Pastor Dalton said. “It’s been my pleasure to perform a passel of weddings here in Biders Clump, but this one up and surprised me.”
The congregation chuckled as the portly pastor continued.
“We’ve seen a lot of folks pass through these doors recently, and as much as we love them all, it’s a special joy to join Rock to this little bitty woman here. She might not be very tall, but I know one thing.” The preacher paused dramatically gazing at the faces that stared back at him. “She’s got a heart big enough to fit this big galloot.”
The congregation laughed and Rock smiled down at his blushing bride. “It’s true though isn’t it?” he whispered, his heart growing with her nod.
The next few minutes were full of saying words back and forth as he gazed into Mary Ellen’s glowing eyes until the preacher finally said the words he’d been waiting for.
“You may now kiss your bride,” Pastor Dalton said as Rock lifted the little woman right off her feet kissing her soundly for all to see.
Epilogue
The morning wedding turned into an afternoon hoe -down at the boarding house with food, friends, music and dancing.
Rock was much lighter on his feet on the dance floor than Mary Ellen could have believed and several times she was swept right off her feet.
“Biders Clump sure is a happy place,” Polly said to Maud as they entered the house to put on another pot of coffee.
“I love summer and weddings,” Maud agreed. “So many things are growing, families are growing and everyone’s busy.”
“The season keep changing,” Polly mused, “but we just keep going.” She smiled as she heard George start the call for a square dance.
A hearty knock fell on the front door and Polly handed the pot to Maud to finish the job as she went to answer it.
“Miss Polly,” the young mail man said his light eyes full of concern. “I thought I should bring this straight to you. It came special delivery,” he said handing her a letter edged in black.
Polly felt her heart flutter in her breast and closed her eyes for an instant.
“Are you all right ma’am,” the young man asked.
Polly opened her mouth but no words would come out.
“Can I fetch someone for you?” the post man asked nervously.
“Polly,” Maud called making her way to the front door. Polly had been gone much longer than she had expected. “Polly what’s the matter?” she gasped looking at her friends pale face.
Polly looked down at the letter in her hand that bore her son’s neat writing and address.
“Go fetch George outback,” Maud snapped at the young man, who jumped running back out into the street and around the corner.
Maud wrapped her arm around Polly and escorted her to back to the table, shoving a cup of fresh coffee into her hands.
“What’s the matter,” George called rushing through the back door and hurrying to Polly.
Polly turned to George fear filling her deep blue eyes as she hel
d up the letter.
Carefully George opened the envelope and pulled out the letter beginning to read.
Dear Mother,
It is with a heavy heart I write to tell you that my sweet Alice has passed away.
We will be having services here on Sunday then the children and I will be traveling home to Biders Clump by rail.
I cannot go on alone with such little ones to care for. I hope that you and father will have a place for us at least until I am back on my feet.
Your loving son,
Ellery.
“Don’t tell anyone Maud. Please, don’t let Rock and Mary Ellen know,” Polly pleaded dabbing at her eyes.
George took a seat next to Polly wrapping his arms around her and holding tight. “He’s coming home, honey. We’ll be ready,” he said.
Polly nodded. Today was supposed to be a happy occasion and despite the sad news she had to see to her guests.
“We’ll tell everyone at church tomorrow,” Polly said looking up to make sure that her companions would agree.
“We can’t do anything else anyway,” George agreed.
“We don’t even know what happened,” Polly said sadly with a sniff. “We’ll tell Pastor tomorrow.”
The End
Other Books by this Author:
From the Cattleman’s Daughters
Katie Isabella
Fiona Alexis
Meg Mae
Tales from Biders Clump
Christmas Kringle
Quil’s Careful Cowboy
Bruno’s Belligerent Beauty
Tywyn’sTroubles
A Teaching Touch
Prissy’s Predicament
Lucinda’s Luck
Ferd’s Fair Favor
The Travels of Titus
Winter’s Worth
Strong Hearts: Open Spirits
Maggie’s Valley Sadina’s Stocking