by Cyndi Raye
Problem was he had no clue how!
In the meantime, he was going to enjoy every single moment the two spent in this tiny cabin waiting for the rain to cease.
<><>
Nora gave him a look. “Rusty, you are cheating!”
He dropped the cards on the table and lifted his hands in the air. “How would I do that? You see my hands are empty!” He shook his arms, his eyes lighting up as he teased her.
She was no fool. “Rusty, my old friend, do you know how many times I walked in the barn and stood by watching the lot of you playing poker?”
He nodded, a grin on his face. “Plenty, Nora. I’d say for the last twenty some years you’ve spent quite a bit of time doing that.”
She crossed her arms and leaned back in the chair, stopping when one leg began to wobble. “So, I’d say it is safe to say the card you plan on cheating with is tucked right there in you vest pocket.”
“Dag-nab-bit, Nora! You see too much.” He pulled the card from the inside of his vest pocket and threw it on the pile. “I quit.”
She laughed out loud. “Now don’t be a sore loser. If this was a real game you’d be called out cheating like you are.”
Rusty sighed. He ran his large rugged hand through his thick hair. Since his hat had been off the hair no longer layed flat but sprung up, flopping down over his forehead. Nora wanted to reach over and push it away but didn’t dare.
“It looks like we’re staying here for the night.”
Instead, Rusty leaned forward and took her hand. “That’s not so bad, is it?”
She looked around. “We did a good job sprucing the place up. At least there are no cobwebs to run into.”
“You can have the cot,” he told her, pointing to a small one in the corner of the room. “I’ll make myself comfortable on the wagon outside. The rain stopped but it’s too dark for us to leave until morning.”
“You’ll do no such thing, Rusty! This cabin is big enough for the two of us. Bed down on the floor. There’s another blanket in the bag I brought in.”
Rusty grinned. “Do you think that’s proper?”
Nora had to smile. “Rusty, I think we are too old for being proper. At our age no one is going to force us down the isle with a shotgun.”
He agreed. “I guess that wouldn’t be so bad.”
Her heart lurched. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“I said I guess that -”
“Yes, I heard what you said.”
“Well, why’d you ask me again?” Rusty stood, rummaging through the bag for the blanket which he pulled out and laid on the floor.
“You said it wouldn’t be so bad if someone marched us down the aisle. You mean as in married?”
He shrugged. “Why not. We’ve known each other forever. Every single day you see my mug and feed me breakfast. The ranch runs by itself because of the two of us. Why, we’ve been by each others side for the last twenty some years, through every single thing that could go wrong and everything that went right. Why not?”
Nora rolled her eyes. “Oh, Rusty, that sounds like a dull and lifeless proposal. Where’s the romance?”
She stood, stretching her legs and arms before heading towards the cot. She put her own blanket down like a sheet since she didn’t know who or what was on the cot before now.
“Romance? We ain’t never had time for that! But, what the heck! You want romance first? Well, here.”
Rusty bent down on one knee and gave her a kiss on the cheek before picking up her hand and bringing it to his lips. He kissed each finger softly and looked her in the eye.
“You and I are a team. We belong together. If a marriage is what you want, I’ll be the one to walk you down the aisle and put a ring on your finger. Ain’t no one else going to do it!”
Nora knew what he meant but it came out so wrong. She loved Rusty because he was down to earth and said what was on his mind. Except, he wasn’t going to get away with a quick proposal and expect her to agree. “What do you mean, ain’t no one else going to do it? Rusty? Are you saying no one else will have me?”
“Nora, I mean what I mean. I mean I am the only one for you and if anyone gets in my way, they’ll get a boot to their, ah, backside.”
Nora watched as his cheeks got red. He was still on one knee but his frustration showed through.
“I wonder if you realize that a girl needs to be courted?”
He let her hand go. “You mean like having a suitor come around and act all lovey-dovey and sport you around town in a three-piece suit?”
“Yes, something like you describe. A woman wants to know a man cares so deeply and that she is the only one for him.”
“Dagnabit, Nora! Don’t you know by now you are the one! You’ve been the only one for me from the first time I met you all those years ago but you were married.”
This time Rusty stood, pushing his hair back and began to pace back and forth in front of her.
“Oh, Rusty. I truly know you care. And yet, I feel like the adventure would not be complete until we go to Dallas and get us some culture behind these boots.” She stuck her foot out to include herself. It was high time the two of them had some fun besides the shenanigans on the ranch.
He turned to stare. “You mean you’ll marry me?”
The look on his face was more than enough. She wanted to marry him so bad. She also wanted to be sure he wasn’t settling for her because they were so familiar with each other. What if he went to the city and realized there was a whole world out there filled with beautiful women?
She stood and took his two hands in hers and looked him in the eye. “I will marry you under one condition. We both go to the big city and see what else life has for us. I want you to try some new things with me and without me. Will you promise to do so?”
He tilted his head. “What are you asking?”
His steady look caught her off guard but she was serious. “You need to have some fun on your own, see what it’s like to have fun, not only with me but by yourself or someone you may enjoy. What if I’m not right for you, Rusty? Don’t you want to know? You’ve been on that ranch for way too long. I am the only person you’ve ever had a relationship with, even if it was a friendly one.”
He sighed. “I’ve courted my share of women in my day, Nora. Before the ranch, before you. I know what I want. Maybe it isn’t me who needs to find out. Maybe it’s you.”
She felt the blow even if it was from his words. “Maybe it is. I haven’t denied I want an adventure. It’s why I am going to the city.”
He nodded. “Well then, let’s get to sleep so we can start fresh first thing in the morning.” Rusty squeezed her hands before settling on the hard floor.
It took Nora a few hours before she finally began to tire. Thoughts of her grand adventure rolled in her head like a pair of dice that wouldn’t stop. She did love Rusty but the big city was calling out to her.
She was worried. What if it turned out she didn’t want to marry Rusty after all?
Chapter 4
Dallas was nothing like she remembered. It had been well over ten years since Nora stepped foot here. Back then, there were roughly three thousand residents. According to the lop-sided sign she read as they entered the city limits, the inhabitants of Dallas were well over seven thousand strong.
This was the first time Nora ever got to stay in the city for longer than a day. The one time Robert brought her here, it was to buy livestock. She had wanted to ride along to see how the operation worked. It turned out to be a good thing she did because after he died she knew exactly what to do to keep the ranch operating. With her knowledge and Rusty’s hard work, the White Ranch would not be what it is today.
The sheer size of the buildings alone seemed overwhelming at first. Nora always felt in control whenever she went to town but today it was quite intimidating. After they dropped off the wagon and horses at the livery, giving instructions where to take their belongings, Rusty offered his arm while they walked towards the hotel.
Unlike Wichita Falls or Coopers Ridge, no one stopped to chat. People hurried towards whatever they were doing next or where ever they were going.
It was disappointing in a way. Nora had wanted to speak with others, get a feel for city living and maybe make some new friends. Most ignored her smiles or nods.
“They got some rude people here,” Rusty said so loud one of the men passing by stared him down. “It’s true,” he told the man, staring back.
“Rusty, don’t start anything.” Nora wanted to get to the hotel in one piece.
He tightened his hold on her and leaned in. “I won’t start anything but I hope you don’t expect me to be friendly to these people. They run around up and down the street looking like the saddest people in the world. Did you see that man?” He pointed to a fellow in a three-piece suit, who almost ran them over in his hurry to race across the street while it was clear to do so.
“Ignore them, Rusty. They don’t have any problem ignoring you.” She turned to him. “Let’s get to our rooms and then go have some fun.”
“Here?” He actually looked shocked. “What the heck are we gonna do here?”
“Well, I’m sure we’ll find plenty to keep us busy.”
As if on cue, a woman walked toward them holding a stack of papers. She handed one to Nora. “Be sure to come see our production of Hamlet tonight!”
Then she was gone, handing out her advertisements to others walking along the busy street.
“See, Rusty. We can go see Hamlet tonight. Let’s have a delicious supper at the hotel dining room and then the theatre. Isn’t this wonderful?”
Rusty grumbled before turning to the door of the hotel, holding it open for her. He was trying but the rumbling going on in his chest made her realize this was going to be a lot harder than she originally thought.
Would Rusty hate the city and demand to leave, cutting her visit short?
Or, would he be a good sport and escort her to the places she wanted to see?
Only time will tell, she thought, smiling as they entered the large, brick two-story hotel. No one was going to ruin her adventure!
<><>
Rusty was getting worried. The city was bustling with all kinds of chaos. He was more laid back than the people here. How in the world was he going to keep Nora happy, become her suitor and keep up with all the new things Dallas society had to offer?
As they secured a key and followed the bellboy up the wide stairway to the second floor, Nora seemed rather quiet herself. Had she changed her mind? Maybe she’d tell him to load up the wagon, they were leaving before they settled in and that suited him fine! He wasn’t liking this place one bit.When she checked her room number and turned to him, her eyes bright with excitement, he knew then this was the beginning of a grand adventure. Rusty was determined to keep that look on her face.
He grinned.
It may not have been what he wanted to do but if Nora wanted a grand adventure, by George, she was going to get one!
After a leisurely afternoon of rest, Rusty decided he better wash up and put on his fancy suit, as he liked to call the outfit. He stared in the oval mirror above the wash stand, realizing how out of place he looked. Jeez, bristles stuck out on his scruffy face and he had sun burnt skin from too many hours on the range.
Sometimes Rusty liked putting his face in the wind, no wide brim to cover his eyes. He knew Nora did too. They’d often ride like that more towards evening when the sun laid low after all the work was done. But you can tell he was a hard-working man who took his job seriously. He didn’t know if that mattered to someone when they were being courted. Was he too ugly to court Nora?
What he’d give to be out on the range right now instead of getting all fancied up for a dinner they probably didn’t even want to be at. He shook himself. No use getting riled. If Nora wanted flamboyant then he’d give her whatever her heart desired.
Slipping through the door, he walked past hers and stopped for a moment, careful not to make any noise to disturb her in case she was resting. There was no sound coming from inside so he figured he’d have time before he had to fetch her for their meal. This might be fun after all, he thought, as he took the stairs two at a time.
At the front desk a young man greeted him. “Hello, I’m Donald Howe. How may I help you, sir, er, Mr. Rivers?”
“Can you direct me to the nearest barber?”
Mr. Howe stared at the red clump of hair smashed down on Rusty’s head. “Oh, absolutely. Take a right out the door, three blocks down you will see the shop in big white letters on the window.”
“Thank you.” Rusty didn’t waste any time heading towards the barber shop. Dallas was a busy town with way too many people. He hoped there wasn’t a line outside the barber shop. He didn’t want to dally too long and miss supper with his bride-to-be.”
At least that’s how he looked at things. She kind of told him she’d marry him after they went on this adventure, so he was going to do everything in his power to give her the best time in Dallas she ever had. Including making himself look presentable.
Rusty glanced towards the Trinity River. It ran all along the outskirts of the city. A storm was once again brewing which may cause the river to flood some areas. He hoped Dallas wasn’t one of those places when the river decided to let loose.
He stepped inside, glad to see it was almost empty. A man a few years older than himself was on the barber chair, his cheeks and chin lathered up. Rusty took off his hat, placing it carefully on the peg by the door. He sat down to wait his turn.
The barber turned to acknowledge him. “Howdy, sir. I’ll be with you in about five minutes. What’ll you have?”
“I think a trim and a shave will be in order,” Rusty told him. The man in the chair seemed to be sleeping. His eyes were closed, his chest rising now and again.
“Well, I’ll be happy to. My names John, I’m the only barber so far on Main Street. Guess that’ll be changing soon since the city is growing like crazy. Your first time in the city?”
“Yep, name’s Rusty. Rusty Rivers.”
“A pleasure to meet you.” The man went on and on, he wasn’t going to quiet down too quickly. Rusty’s ears were starting to ache from all the noise. He sighed, twiddling his thumbs as he leaned back. Five minutes was long past and the barber was still going on and on.
“Are you here for work or pleasure, Mr. Rivers.”
“Call me Rusty. We’re here on a grand adventure for the lady I love.” There he said it, claimed her out loud. It sounded so silly, even to his own ears but he didn’t care. Nora was all that was important even if the barber made fun of him.
Rusty was surprised when the barber didn’t laugh.
“A grand adventure? What are you planning to see? Why, there’s so much to see and do in our beautiful city.”
“I wouldn’t call it beautiful!” The man in the chair interrupted and blinked as if he woke up in that instant. “Are you done with me yet?”
The barber finished wiping his face and took off the cloth from around his neck. “There you are, sir. It has been an honor to serve you, Mr. Fields.”
The man paid for his shave, stopping by where Rusty sat on the padded chair. “I am assuming you will be taking your lady to the Opera House this evening for the production of Hamlet?”
Rusty stood. “How in the world did you know?” He narrowed his eyes at the man.
The stranger laughed. “I have my actors staked out at the livery, the rail road station and the river handing out flyers. My name is Thomas Field, I own Field’s Opera House.”
Rusty stared at the man, waiting for him to continue or head out the door. He had a haircut and shave to get done before supper. “Howdy,” was all he said.
Mr. Fields held out his hand. Rusty reluctantly shook hands, not sure where this conversation was going.
He went to step away when Fields placed a hand on his shoulder. “I can read people fairly well, it’s how I find my actors for the stage. It seems to me like you may need some
help with this grand adventure you’re on.”
Rusty didn’t know if he should trust a complete stranger. He glanced at the barber who stood waiting beside the chair holding a towel. He flung a hand through a clump of hair. “I need to get my hair cut and shave before supper.”
Mr. Fields nodded. “I understand your reluctance to let a total stranger help. I guarantee after this evening, you will no longer feel this way.” He reached in his vest pocket to hand him a small card.
“Please accept this. When the show is over, here are directions to my private residence. Tonight is the last show and we always have a post party for selective individuals. This card will also give you entrance. Your lady will be so impressed she’ll fall madly in love and more. There will be quite the crowd tonight.”
Rusty took the card. How about that! He grinned and shook the man’s hand again. “Why, thanks. We’ll try to be there. Not familiar with the address on here though.”
“Don’t worry, when you leave the Theatre ask for directions and show this card. The attendant will know where to send you.”
“Very good. Now I must have my shave before my lady gets tired of waiting for me.” Rusty almost laughed at himself. He was sounding quite the dandy.
On the way back, Rusty stopped by several merchants who had their wares sitting outside their stores. He looked over several carts filled with kitchen wares and jewellery to other trinkets. After selecting a few items, he made his way back to the hotel to collect the woman he loved.
<><>
It was soon time for supper and Nora had overslept. When she had retired to this room earlier, the bed looked so tempting she had only wanted to rest for a few minutes. That wound up to be hours.
Now she was hurrying like a senseless young girl, trying to get ready for her handsome suitor.
The only dress suitable for a night out watching a play was her wedding dress she had kept over the years. She purposely brought it along with her in case she needed more than the cotton dress and skirts she wore.