by Verna Clay
Jenny laughed, "She is going to be an opera singer."
The rest of the day became a lovely blending of family, friends, celebration, and best wishes.
After they kissed Joy goodbye and promised to pick her up from her grandparents in three days, Ryder helped Jenny onto their buggy. Amidst shouts of congratulations, he flicked the reins and streamers trailed in the breeze as they headed off to begin their new life together. Jenny lifted her eyes skyward, whispering a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving for such a wonderful day. When Ryder drove the buggy to the front of their ranch, sudden shyness overcame her. She avoided his eyes when he helped her down. He leaned and whispered next to her ear. "Lovely Jenny, I wish I could carry you over the threshold."
His sweet words entrenched themselves in Jenny's heart and she knew she would remember them often throughout her lifetime.
Inside the doorway, Ryder helped her remove her cloak then removed his own suit jacket, and said, "I have something I want to show you."
After they had set their wedding date, Ryder had proudly taken Jenny on a tour of her soon-to-be home, but there was one room he hadn't shown her. When she'd looked at him curiously, he'd grinned, "Soon, you'll see it."
Now he led her to the back of the house and opened the door to that room. Jenny's heart thumped when she stepped inside. Ryder had turned the room into a studio. Two easels with blank canvases were placed to capture light from an enlarged window. Shelves stocked with every imaginable supply took up one wall. Jenny twirled so she could see everything.
"Do you like it, Jenny?"
"It's-it's magnificent!"
Ryder grinned. "Honey, we can work side-by-side creating our masterpieces." He winked.
Jenny blushed and turned thankful eyes on him. "You are the true master, Ryder. I will learn from you."
Ryder walked to stand in front of her and bent to softly brush his lips across her forehead. "No, Jenny, my work is nothing without your inspiration."
Jenny swallowed the lump in her throat.
Ryder said, "I have one more surprise for you." He took her hand and gently led her to one of the bedrooms. "This is your room, honey, until you're ready to come to mine." He opened the door and waited for her to enter.
The first thing Jenny saw was the painting above the four-poster bed. Ryder had painted himself, Jenny, and Joy sitting atop the same rise Jenny had painted her stark pictures of Ryder and herself. However, this painting encapsulated a beautiful spring day with pink and yellow flowers budding in meadows below, and instead of barren, towering trees blown by a fierce wind, these trees billowed in a gentle breeze, as if laughing with the occupants beneath their branches. Muted colors allowed viewers to feel as if they were entering a dream—a dream one would not want to awaken from.
Jenny turned to Ryder with her heart in her eyes. "I've never seen anything so beautiful."
Her husband smiled and said softly as he backed out of the room. "I love you, Jenny. I'll see you in the morning." He closed the door with barely a click.
Jenny looked from the closed door to the painting and back again. In a moment of time, she made her decision. Rushing to the door, she threw it open, ran into the hallway, and yelled, "Ryder!"
He turned swiftly at her shout, his eyes questioning hers, and waited for her to speak. Her response was to run and throw her arms around his neck, tucking her face against his chest. "I want to stay with you all night," she said breathlessly.
Ryder slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her tightly against him. "Jenny, are you sure? I don't want you doing anything you're not ready for."
She stood on tiptoe and placed her lips on his. "I'm ready…so very ready. Stay with me in my bed, under the picture."
Ryder cupped the back of her head and angled his mouth over hers. She could tell he was trying to be gentle, but passion dictated his response. Her own passion ignited and she kissed him repeatedly, like she had dreamed of for years.
Walking her backwards into her bedroom, Ryder tumbled her across her bed and began unfastening her gown. It was tedious work and he chuckled at her impatience, soothing her with whispered words. Smiling, she closed her eyes, giving herself over to Ryder's touch. When his hands finally grazed the bare flesh of her stomach, she opened her eyes to see him leaning above her, his own body bare of his shirt. Lifting her hands, she smoothed them down his chest and stomach, remembering the feel of him from their joining that had created their daughter.
She watched Ryder close his eyes at her touch and when he opened them again, mirrored within their depths was the same exquisite longing. He smiled and she smiled back.
For hours they spoke words of love while caressing and reacquainting themselves with each others bodies. In an act of courage, Jenny rose above him and began kissing him on his forehead, slowly moving the length of his body. His groan of ecstasy solidified the verity that throughout their marriage she would explore everything that gave him pleasure. When he grasp both her wrists in his hand and held them above her head, whispering, "My turn," she knew he would do the same for her.
Chapter Nineteen: Annual Trek
Jenny held Ryder's hand while her entire family walked the short distance from her Pa and Ma's cabin to the graves of Jenny's birthmother, baby brother, and much loved dog, Wally. This was his first trek and she wanted him to see the beauty in what they were doing, not the strangeness.
When they reached the graves, her pa spoke first, detailing the happenings of the past year. After he had finished, one by one, he began calling the names of his children for them to say whatever was on their mind. Nate declined.
After Luke spoke, her pa glanced at Angel. She nodded, indicating that she, too, would like to speak. Lifting a hand to brush a tear away, she said, "Molly and Ty and Wally, I never met you, but I love you. I love your family that has become my family, too. Five years ago, I was a broken woman until Luke came into my life. He gave me hope that I could finish my sojourn in this life with dignity and happiness. We now have two daughters and…" Her voice cracked and she covered her face with her hands, sobbing. Luke handed their newborn to Abby and pulled his wife into his arms.
Jenny glanced at Ryder to see how he was dealing with everything. He was blinking rapidly as he bent to lift Joy.
Angel turned in Luke's arms and said, "I need to finish." Everyone silently waited. Gulping, she continued, "I've never done this, but I think it's time for me to speak to my two daughters that passed on many years ago." Inhaling a shuddering breath, she said, "Mary, I remember your giggles when we played hide-n-seek and sometimes I imagine I hear you while Eva and I play the same game. It always makes me smile.
"And to my other daughter, who was born too early, I never gave you a name. Somehow, that doesn't seem right, so I have been pondering what your name should be and it came to me last night. Your name is Melody because you are a song in my heart alongside your sister.
"I have decided that every year, during our annual visitation, I will speak to both of you. It's taken a long time for me to come this far, and I never could have made it without the love of my husband and family, and even though I'm in tears, I feel happy and free in the knowledge that a hundred years from now all of us will be together watching from the other side and rooting for those who must still run the race set before them."
Jenny felt such a lump in her throat she couldn't swallow. After a few minutes, her pa asked if she had anything to say and she nodded, speaking of her marriage and happiness. When she had finished, she was grateful her father only glanced at Ryder and moved on to Abby when he remained silent. Abby spoke the final words. Afterward, the family clung to each other and cried. Unexpectedly, Nate said, "I changed my mind; can I talk to my ma and pa?"
Brant pulled his adopted son to his side and said, "Of course you can. Take as long as you need."
Nate said solemnly, "Pa, first off, I want you to know I forgive you for your meanness. I know you wasn't always mean, 'cause sometimes I saw you kissin' ma and you was even n
ice to me once in a while. I even miss you sometimes. As for you Ma, I surely miss you. You was always fun and stood up to pa when he was bein' mean." Nate looked at Brant. "Guess that's all."
Brant ruffled Nate's hair and put an arm around his shoulders. Glancing at his family, he said, "Guess we're done for this year. We can–"
Ryder interrupted. "Sir, I'd like to say something."
Jenny tried to control her trembling while she watched her beloved husband.
Brant said, "Go ahead, Ryder."
Ryder blinked rapidly, inhaled several breaths and then said through tears, "Perfect Feather, Running Deer, and Laughing Daughter, I have lived in torment until recently. Perfect Feather, I was angry with you for years for not allowing me to die with you and our children. But now, with Jenny and Joy, I realize that you foresaw what had to be. For the rest of my life, I will paint pictures that honor your memories and those of our tribe. I will not forget and I will not let others forget the old ways."
Jenny's heart expanded with pride at her husband's words and she entwined her fingers with his. He raised her hand to his mouth and kissed it. Lifting her eyes to his, she said, "And I will share my husband's calling to paint works of art that speak to the heart, for he is a great man with a great destiny. After all, he is the Painter of Emotions."
Ryder bent to kiss Jenny's cheek.
With a loving glance at his family, Brant led them away from the graves and back to the house where they enjoyed the remainder of the day basking in each other's presence.
Chapter Twenty: Fancy Hat
Jenny slipped into the dress Prisca had given her and Abby had altered to fit Jenny's slimmer figure. Tonight was special for two reasons. So special, in fact, that Angel and Marylou had spent the day at Jenny's home preparing supper for their guests. Ryder had asked Angel and Luke and Marylou and Boone to stay for the gathering, but Angel and Luke had declined and left earlier to pick Eva and Charity up from their grandparents. Marylou and Boone had said they wanted to help by serving dinner and cleaning up. Jenny had been grateful for their help.
Struggling with the fastenings of her dress, she finally succeeded in hooking herself into the blue confection Prisca had said would be perfect for bringing out the color of her eyes. When she stepped in front of the mirror, she preened and twirled and laughed. Speaking into the empty bedroom that had once been intended for her use while she adjusted to married life, and which she had never slept in alone, she said, "I hope Ryder loves this dress as much as I do."
Raising her skirts and sitting before the vanity, she brushed her hair into an upsweep and fastened it with large combs. Next, she reached for the hat box she'd set on the floor beside the vanity. Lifting the lid, her breath caught at the sight of the beautifully decorated white satin hat with peacock feathers; the eye of which perfectly matched the shade of her dress and her eyes. Carefully setting the hat on her head, she played with the angle until it seemed perfect, and then held it in place with pins.
Taking a deep breath, she whispered to her reflection, "Are you ready?" Her answer was her own smile.
The fact that prominent guests were dining with them to speak of an important matter, paled in comparison to the other reason for the specialness of the day—it was her one year anniversary—and Ryder was going to see her dressed as a fashionable lady, wearing a fashionable hat. Gathering her courage, she stepped from the room.
It had not been Jenny's intention to make a grand entrance, but dressing had taken longer than expected and Ryder was already entertaining their guests in the living room. Jenny's heart thrilled when she thought about the reason for their visit. A month earlier, Ryder had received a telegraph requesting an appointment and the reason why. After discussing it with Jenny, he had sent a responsive telegraph.
Now, two distinguished men and their elegant wives had arrived that morning to discuss the details of their very important request.
Walking down the hallway Jenny willed herself to be calm. Before stepping into the room she searched out Ryder. He was standing next to the mantle with his back to her. The gentleman he was speaking with looked past him, smiled, and said, "Good evening, Mrs. Ryder. You look lovely." The other guests turned in her direction.
Jenny paused in the entrance.
Ryder turned and his jaw went slack before a secret smile curved his lips. Stepping forward he bent and whispered, "So this is the reason you insisted on dressing in another room." He leaned in until his lips touched her ear. "You are beyond beautiful, my love. I wish we were alone so I could show you how much you have affected me."
Jenny wanted to turn her head until her lips touched his, but they were already making quite a spectacle of themselves. She grinned and stepped away from him, placing her hand in the crook of his elbow.
Throughout dinner, Ryder kept a delightful conversation going. His knowledge of so many topics always amazed Jenny. Finally, Mr. Trueblood, the spokesman of their guests, said, "Now, Mr. and Mrs. Ryder, if I may, I would like to address the reason for our visit and, hopefully, solidify an acceptance."
Ryder nodded that the gentleman should proceed.
The dapper little man smiled at Jenny and moved his gaze to Ryder. "Let me start by saying that after my wife and I viewed your duel exhibition four months ago at Margot's House of Art in Dallas, we had no words to describe the magnificence of your works. Ryder, your paintings of Native Americans simply defy description. You have captured the spirit of a great people that must be shared with the world.
"Being a connoisseur of the arts, I am well acquainted with your previous works, and, in fact, own several. However, if I may be so bold, I will say that your ability has not decreased with the loss of your arm, it has metamorphosed."
He turned to Jenny. "And Mrs. Ryder, I have never seen such exquisite countrysides. You liberate the essence of nature into the hearts of your viewers. Often, I just sit in front of your paintings and wish I could step into them. As my pocketbook allowed, I purchased from the gallery what I could of both your works."
Their other guests nodded and spoke words of agreement.
Ryder responded, "Thank you. My wife and I are honored by your kind words."
Jenny said, "You are too kind."
Mr. Trueblood smiled big. "So, as I have somewhat explained, being the head of the Art Committee, it is my pleasure to offer you both commissions to paint for the 1904 World's Fair to be held in St. Louis. If you accept, your works will be seen by the entire world, which, no doubt, will lead to many commissions coming your way."
Ryder lifted his wine glass and sipped. He glanced at Jenny and she smiled her answer, but he asked anyway. "What do you think, love? Is this something you're up for?"
Jenny turned her gaze back to Mr. Trueblood. "My husband and I discussed this after receiving your telegram and he left the decision up to me." She paused. "I will happily agree on one condition."
Mr. Trueblood said, "Please tell us that condition and we will do our best to fulfill it."
Jenny said, "My request is that at least two sculptures by Nathaniel Marsh also be displayed. You saw one of his latest works in our living room—the Cheyenne brave atop his horse with his child resting against his bosom."
Mr. Trueblood smiled. "I certainly did. It captures the intensity of a moment that remains with me even now. I would be happy to display two, possibly more, of Mr. Marsh's sculptings."
Jenny grinned at Ryder and nodded.
Ryder said, "Then I guess we have an agreement."
Mr. Trueblood and their other guests looked delighted.
* * *
In the kitchen, Jenny thanked Marylou and Boone for their help and bid them goodnight, inviting them to Sunday dinner. The evening with the World's Fair delegation was winding down and she couldn't wait for it to end. She and Ryder had kept their anniversary a secret from their guests and she wanted to enjoy the remainder of it alone with her husband. Warmth suffused her when she anticipated the coming night and she walked to the water closet, intendin
g to splash her cheeks with cool water. The door was slightly ajar and she heard the voices of their female guests. She turned to leave, but paused when she heard her name mentioned.
"Can you believe Jenny Samson? What a countrified girl. When I first saw her, I couldn't believe Jake Ryder was married to her."
Jenny raised a hand to her mouth to keep from gasping. The very circumstance she had always dreaded had come to pass. She was seen for what she was—a plain, backwards country girl that no one believed Ryder had married for love. Tears pricked her eyes, but her internal voice came to her rescue with a shout, "What do you care what they think? It only matters what Ryder thinks, and you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he loves you."
Suddenly, Jenny's fear of her inadequacies evaporated and she almost knocked on the door to thank the women for making her free at last.
The same woman spoke again. "That is, I couldn't believe Mr. Ryder was married to her until she entered the room tonight. She is simply exquisite."
The other woman responded, "I saw Ryder a few years back and he was so different; haunted and sad. Jenny has transformed him into another man. I don't think I've ever seen a couple more in love."
Her companion sighed, "Yes, it's so romantic."
Quietly, Jenny tiptoed down the hall, a big grin on her face.
Epilogue
Jenny put the finishing touch on her last painting for the World's Fair, stepped back, and looked at Ryder. "What do you think?"
He glanced over from his own painting, tilted his head, and pondered her depiction of their home under the glorious light of a perfect summer day. He was silent for so long that she frowned.
His eyes captured hers. "I'm speechless, Jenny. You have encapsulated the beauty of our lives in that painting."