Hope In Cripple Creek

by Sara R. Turnquist

  * * *

  Wyatt stepped out of the General Store, newspaper in hand, readying himself to board the coach. He had dressed in his traveling suit, a rather practical brown jacket and pants. And he bore with him a simple bag containing what he would need for the overnight trip. Never mind that he had tried not to dwell on the gravity of what he was about to do as he gathered his things that morning. No, he made his decision and he would abide by his word. After all, this was about the children. The children he promised to look after. And this was the only way.

  They were what this was all about. It had nothing to do with the strange sensations that crept into his being at the sight of Miss Katherine Matthews. She had always been a rather curious sort of girl, never fit in with the other girls quite right. No, she was her own person. And smart. Maybe that was why she had always intrigued him so. He stopped himself. This manner of thinking could not lead to good things.

  Pulling out his pocket watch, he wondered where Katherine could be. He glanced in the direction of the boarding house for perhaps the hundredth time since he’d arrived in town early that morning. Had she changed her mind? Did that disappoint him? Or was he relieved?

  While he did want to provide a loving, stable home for those two children, he had an uneasy feeling when it came to thoughts of marrying Katherine. Only not in the way he would have thought. It was a nervous, excited sort of uneasiness. He wondered if he made the right decision or if he was being too hasty with his future. But the thought of marrying Katherine didn’t scare him like he imagined it would have. His emotions were too mixed on this subject.

  Their elopement should be their biggest obstacle. To overcome their trepidations, and probably better judgment, to say “I do,” would be the hardest of it.

  In his musings, he hadn’t realized he was staring at the door to the boarding house until it opened and Katherine walked through, suitcase in hand. He glanced at his watch again. She cut it close, but was still within their time window.

  Katherine kept her head down as she approached the coach, looking up only as she handed off her bag to the stagecoach hand.

  Wyatt moved over to where she stood. “I was beginning to think you had changed your mind.”

  She jumped a bit, almost knocking herself off balance.

  Wyatt took a step back but held out his arms to catch her.

  Katherine righted herself, planting her feet on the dirt road. “No, it just . . . took a little while to get myself together,” she said a little sheepishly. She fidgeted with the folds of her jacket.

  Wyatt took in her appearance. He could have kicked himself for his comment. His first words should have been about how she looked. She must have struggled over what to wear for her wedding day, knowing it need also be appropriate for travel. A white dress would be altogether impractical with the coach ride, the dirt being kicked up. Was she wearing her best church dress under her travel jacket? All he saw of her wedding attire was the long pink skirt.

  His eyes flashed over her face. He had given little thought to his apparel for the civil ceremony. But it was different for her. This was her wedding day, the only one she would have. And though this was a marriage arranged for reasons such as they were, that did not detract from the fact today was special to her.

  “That dress is lovely on you, Katherine.”

  Looking up at him, her eyes searched his face as if seeking something hidden behind his compliment. He hoped she could not see too much of the emotions stirring within him.

  At last, she offered a simple, “Thank you.”

  Moving around her, he reached up and opened the door to the coach. Wyatt then offered his hand to help her up. She accepted his assistance, placing her soft hand in his. Though her hand was cool, it caused his skin to warm several degrees. Once she stepped inside the coach and settled inside, he climbed in and sat on the bench opposite her.

  His eyes were on her face, but her focus was on her gloves as she pulled them onto her hands. He couldn’t help but stare at her slender fingers as they worked their way into the fabric. So fine, so delicate. Having held one of those hands at her parent’s dinner table, he knew for a fact the way they fit in his. Small and perfect.

  It wasn’t long before another man boarded the small coach, taking a seat next to Wyatt. And his focus was shattered. Soon after they were all settled, the coachman glanced into the car. He gave them a nod and closed the door. Then they were off.

  * * *

  “Here it is,” Wyatt said as they arrived at the building that boasted a sign indicating it was the city courthouse. Dark clouds loomed overhead. The sky looked as if it might open up any minute and pour down upon them.

  Katherine nodded, eager to get indoors before it started raining.

  Wyatt reached for Katherine’s hand as they walked up the few steps that would take them to the front doors. Why did it seem like a strange gesture to her? He was only being a gentleman. But it struck her all the same. Perhaps because of the way it chipped at her long held opinion of him, perhaps because of the warmth of his hand, even through her cotton glove.

  As Wyatt held the door open, Katherine entered the building swiftly, grateful to be able to slip her hand away from his. A middle-aged woman with graying hair sat at a desk just inside the large entry. She rummaged through paperwork as they moved farther into the courthouse and closer to her.

  “May I help you?” The woman looked up from her papers, her brown eyes warm in their greeting. It calmed Katherine’s nerves, if only just slightly.

  “Yes, ma’am. My name is Wyatt Sullivan. I telegraphed the judge about a civil ceremony this afternoon.”

  “Ah, yes. Dr. Sullivan. We’ve been expecting you. Please have a seat, and I’ll let Judge Dougan know you are here.”

  Wyatt nodded and led Katherine to a bench nearby. She was so nervous that she shook. What could she do to distract herself? Shifting in her seat, she began maneuvering out of her travel jacket. Wyatt’s hands were on her sleeves then, assisting her to pull her arms out. It was not helping calm her to have him so close.

  Still, she glanced over at him, thanking him, before setting the jacket to the side. Then she worked to smooth over the front of her dress, wishing she could release the wrinkles from the long trip. The dress had a sweetheart neckline trimmed in lace, and the bodice hugged her figure before meeting the waist. Her sleeves had a slight puff before they, too, hung close to her skin. As much as she loved her favorite church dress, she never imagined it would also be her wedding dress. Her childhood fantasies had put her in a flowing white gown that was not at all practical for any human being to wear on any occasion. But her dream was not to be.

  Katherine caught herself. This was neither the time nor the place to break down. She had made her decision. Her eyes slid closed as she attempted, yet again, to still the emotions within herself and prepare for what was ahead. Her wedding.

  They were going to do this. She was going to marry Wyatt Sullivan. Never could she have imagined agreeing to any manner of regular acquaintance with him, and now she would be pledging to live with him, raise children with him.

  Realization slammed into her. She would live with him. What would that entail? Katherine had not thought that far ahead. Where did he live? Was there room for her and two small children? Would Wyatt expect she share his room? His bed?

  Her time for contemplation came to an end when the judge’s clerk came out of his office and bid them follow.

  “Judge Dougan is ready for you.”

  Katherine tried to swallow past the lump in her throat. Was it too late to call this off? She had too many questions that needed to be answered.

  Wyatt stood and stepped in the direction of the judge’s office. He then seemed to notice Katherine wasn’t with him. Turning, he met her eyes.

  Her breaths were coming in gasps. Not now.

  He glanced back over to the clerk and held up a finger.

  She nodded.

  Wyatt closed the gap between them, taking his seat b
eside her again. Only this time, he took her hands in his.

  “What is it?”

  “I . . . I . . . ” She couldn’t speak. Trying to breathe, she shook her head.

  “We don’t have to do this.” His voice was gentle.

  Katherine looked over at him. His eyes were sincere. And so deep. Had she never looked into his eyes before? They hypnotized her. She couldn’t look away. “What about the children?”

  He turned away. The break in eye contact was too abrupt. “This is the only way I know,” he said, turning to face her again.

  She searched his eyes again. Something there made her feel as if warm broth were being poured into her whole being. Her breathing normalized. “Then this is what we must do.”

  His expression changed. No longer did she read his concern for her, but she saw hope there. Squeezing her hand, he got to his feet and gently tugged at her to help her stand. She rose onto no longer shaky legs and allowed him to lead her toward the judge’s office.

  They stepped into his chambers to find him sitting at his desk. The judge was an older man with a receding hairline and a kind face. His smile invited them closer, indicating they should sit in the vacant seats in front of his desk.

  “It is always a pleasure to take part in the joining of two people in matrimony. Especially with cause such as you have.”

  Katherine glanced over at Wyatt. How much had he shared?

  “I thought it only fair to fill you in on the details,” he said, although Katherine guessed it was more for her benefit than for the judge’s. “Seeing as we were asking you to fill your office on an uncommon day.”

  “Ah, yes. With a story such as yours, how could I not?”

  Katherine smiled and nodded. Was she to play the part of a doting fiancée?

  “I am only too happy to oblige and marry you.”

  Wyatt smiled at him. “Thank you, sir.”

  “Now, these civil ceremonies are quite simple unless you are looking for something in particular?”

  Wyatt looked to Katherine. Was that a glint of sadness in his eyes? Was he regretting the elopement as much as she?

  There was no need to make this more difficult. Shaking her head, she said, “Whatever is usual is fine.”

  Wyatt turned back to the judge and nodded his assent as well.

  “Then I shall retrieve our witness, and we’ll get started.” Judge Dougan walked over to the door and called his clerk back into his chambers.

  The clerk helped him put on his robe and then he beckoned Wyatt and Katherine to join him across the room. They did so, standing before Judge Dougan with his clerk off to the side. Then he began.

  “The step which you are about to take is the most important into which human beings can come. It is a union of two people founded upon mutual respect and affection. Your lives will change, your responsibilities will increase, but your joy will be multiplied if you are sincere and earnest with your pledge to one another.

  “Wyatt, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, and forsaking all others, keep you only unto her, for so long as you both shall live?”

  “I will,” he said.

  Was it Katherine’s imagination, or was there a softness in his voice? She didn’t have long to think on it as the judge was asking her next.

  “Katherine, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, and forsaking all others, keep you only unto him, for so long as you both shall live?”

  “I . . . I will,” she said, wanting to hide from the mix of emotions swirling through her. It seemed as if every emotion available to man was present in her at that moment—anger, bitterness, sadness, some form of happiness, determination—they were all there and more.

  “Join hands and repeat after me,” the judge said.

  Turning to face her, Wyatt reached for her hands. She slid them into his, trying yet again to ignore how securely and perfectly her hands fit into his.

  Wyatt said his vows after the judge, never taking his eyes off Katherine. The intensity of his gaze caused a tingle to go down her spine. And then the judge turned to her.

  Katherine met Wyatt’s gaze as she repeated after the judge. She would have him know she was not afraid of him.

  “Are there rings?”

  Wyatt once again surprised her when he produced two rings from his pocket. He truly had taken care of the details. She hadn’t even thought of rings.

  “Please place the ring on your bride’s finger and say, ‘With this ring, I thee wed.’”

  As he took her hand, she saw that she had slight tremors throughout her limbs. She wished there were a way to hide it from him. But he slid the ring on her finger. A perfect fit. How did he do that? Then he clasped her hand in his, rubbing her fingers. Was he attempting to still her shaking?

  “Katherine, please place the ring on Mr. Sullivan’s finger and say, ‘With this ring, I thee wed.’”

  Pulling her hand from his hold on her, she grasped his hand firmly through her trembling and managed to get the ring on his finger without much trouble. Wyatt’s fingers came around hers once again.

  “In as much as you have consented together in wedlock and have been witnessed by this company, pledging your vows to each other, by the authority vested in my by the State of Colorado, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.”

  Katherine hoped their awkwardness wasn’t too obvious as Wyatt pulled her closer and leaned over, pressing his lips to hers. The moment their lips met, she became lost to the world around her. There was only him and the feeling of the soft pressure his lips created on hers. But it was over soon enough, and he drew back. She looked into his eyes. Had he, too, been affected by their brief contact? Quickly averting her gaze, she tried to pretend as if it was nothing.

  The judge leaned forward to shake Wyatt’s hand.

  “Congratulations, Dr. Sullivan.”

  “Thank you, Judge.” Wyatt returned the man’s hearty shake, but his voice sounded distant.

  “My clerk will get your papers in order. I wish you both the best of luck.”

  Katherine nodded her thanks, and they both followed the clerk out of the judge’s chambers.

  As they stayed on for their marriage license to be filled out and signed, Wyatt did not release her hand for the entirety of the exchange.

  Chapter 8

  Rain drizzled onto the streets of Denver. Katherine shivered as she moved behind Wyatt. His pace picked up as neither had thought to bring proper protection. Ducking under an overhang, Wyatt pulled her along with him. They found themselves at the General Store. Wyatt stepped inside and Katherine was strung along behind.

  “Sorry to trouble you, sir,” he said to the shopkeeper. “But I hoped you could point me in the direction of the hotel.”

  The rain had cooled the late winter air even further, causing Katherine’s wet clothes to cling to her uncomfortably. Even the slightest breeze brought on an unwanted chill.

  “Not far,” the man said, offering them no more than a glance as he assisted a customer. “Three doors down, that way.” The man pointed to his left.

  Wyatt thanked him and took Katherine’s hand. They braved the rain again for the short sprint to the hotel. Was the rain coming down harder? Once they stepped inside the spacious lobby, Wyatt released her. Quite relieved to be out of the rain and indoors where they could remain for the duration of the storm, Katherine said a silent prayer of thanks.

  “Why don’t you have a seat while I arrange for our accommodations?” Wyatt suggested.

  Katherine didn’t argue, taking the few steps over to a bench nearby. But she hesitated as she looked down at her well-weathered dress and jacket. The rain had taken its toll on them. Should she risk sitting in the finely decorated lobby and soaking this bench? She decided against it, instead leaning against a nearby column.

  Her eyes wandered over the area while she waited on Wyatt. This appeared to be a rather
nice hotel. That must mean expensive. Frowning, she turned her attention back to her attire. A couple of people stared in her direction. Her face flushed. Oh, that she could hide! She was only too eager to be rid of her wet things and in dry clothing. Against her better judgment, she prayed they would be able to stay here, regardless of the price, and not have to venture back out into the storm for other lodgings.

  She made quick work of removing her gloves. There, at least her hands would be drying. The glint of metal on her once bare finger caught her attention. Splaying her fingers, she examined the simple wedding band. Her mind drifted back to the ceremony. And to the brief kiss they shared at its conclusion. Why should she dwell on that? Yet she found herself unable to pull her thoughts away, so she permitted herself to explore it.

  It was a fact she hadn’t much experience in these matters. She could count on one hand the number of beaus she’d had in her adult life. Her studies always came first. That kiss had, in fact, been her first. And that must be why it caused such a reaction in her.

  “Hey.” Wyatt came up behind her.

  She straightened her posture, trying to hide what she had been thinking.

  “They only have one room left.” His voice was apologetic.

  Still, she stared at him. How was she supposed to share a room with him? Then again, it would be silly for them not to now that they were committed to share their lives for so long as they both shall live.

  All she could do was nod. Between the traveling, the emotions of the wedding, and being caught in the storm, all the fight had gone out of her.

  “This way.” He indicated the stairway with an outstretched arm.

  Katherine picked up her bag and moved in that direction. They took the stairs up one level. Wyatt then moved around her, leading the way to a door with the number 21 inscribed on it. Sliding the key into the door’s lock, he opened it with ease. He pushed on the door, holding it open for her to enter.

  Spacious enough, the room had a large window that faced the street. She took in a deep breath—it smelled like fresh flowers. Not surprising as there were two bouquets in the room, one on the nightstand and one on the vanity. Dressed in a quilt of mint green, mauve, and tan, the bed in its sturdy oak frame became the main feature of the room. The vanity and nightstand were the only other pieces of furniture. Were she and Wyatt to share this bed? Did he expect to exercise his husbandly prerogative?