Everyone in the room laughed at Josephine’s comical expression. She looked around quizzically.
Sam scratched the dog’s head, then made his way over to shake Grace’s father’s hand.
“Dinner’s almost ready,” Grace said. “I wonder where Jonathan and Annabelle are?”
At that moment the door opened and Jonathan’s voice called out, “We’re here.”
Grace smiled. “Ask and you shall receive.” She passed the young couple on their way into the sitting room and gave each of the newcomers a hug. “I’ll put the food on the table. I hope you’re all hungry.”
“Can I help you?” Cassie called out softly after Grace.
“You stay and visit,” Annabelle said, catching Cassie’s arm as she was about to go in search of the kitchen to help. “I’ll go. I have something I want to tell Grace anyway.” She smiled into Cassie’s eyes. “Relax.”
That was easier said than done. Why was the sight of Sam so flustering tonight? She’d ridden next to him for hours on the trail, eaten with him, laid on a blanket looking at clouds, even slept next to him and a campfire. Why did it feel so different tonight?
When Sam laughed at something Josephine had said a light giddiness fluttered in her stomach. Just being in the same room with him put her world to right. But she needed to stop thinking like this about Sam. He was a friend. Her uncle’s friend. Nothing more.
She glanced again and caught Sam looking at her. He nodded slightly, and she could feel the warmth in his eyes from where he stood. And there was something else in his eyes, too, but she couldn’t quite pin it down. What was going on with him? He was different but she couldn’t tell exactly how. Whatever it was, her heart liked it very much.
Chapter Thirty
A pulse of pleasure rippled through Cassie as Sam stepped closer and whispered next to her ear. “I think Ashes has some serious competition.” He chuckled and briefly touched the small of her back, letting his fingers linger a moment longer than necessary. He smelled of warm spice and freshness and on his breath was a hint of peppermint candy.
Sam raised an eyebrow. “I think that ol’ cat will have a jolt of panic when Josephine comes home covered in unidentifiable dog scent.” He nodded toward Josephine, who sat quietly on the sofa, speaking with William. Cassie had to tear her gaze from Sam’s face to look over at her sister. The dog was planted on her lap, sleeping or seeming to, as her hands stroked his back.And in that moment Cassie knew what the difference was tonight.
Sam himself.
His expression. His nearness. The intimacy of his gaze. He was thinking things he hadn’t when he’d left them this afternoon. She felt it to the depth of her core, leaving nothing to wonder about. She looked back at him in amazement.
Sam shifted his weight from one foot to the other as Jonathan walked to his side. “Cassie?” She was gawking at him as if he’d just sprouted pink fairy wings. What had he said that was so startling to her? She looked beautiful tonight, even in her boy’s clothes and boots, and he was certain he’d be a happy man no matter if she never went back to wearing dresses. Her hair had been brushed to a high sheen and glistened as it swung freely around her face. He liked her, no; he loved her, just the way she was.
“Cassie, what’s wrong?” Jonathan asked. Now they had his attention, too.
“Nuh…nothing. I was just wondering where Sam had gone off to today. You were gone a long time, Sam. I was worried.”
Her last three words pleased Sam. These were new feelings for him, knowing that someone actually cared for his well-being.
She leveled him with a no-nonsense stare, but he could tell it was all bravado. A blush had appeared and her teeth slowly pulled on her lower lip. He smiled at her, bringing another look of confusion. “After checking on the horses, and making sure everything was under control at the livery, I went over to the jail to see how things were going.”
“That he did, Cassie,” Jonathan added with excitement and came closer, shrinking their circle of conversation. “I was there too and we have some news to report.”
Sam leaned closer still, wanting to tell Cassie himself before Jonathan blurted it out. “A telegram arrived late this afternoon. The circuit judge is on his way and could be arriving as soon as tomorrow. It won’t be long before Rosenthal will be finished with this whole ugly episode, and life can get back to normal. The judge is bringing with him a paddy wagon to take the men he finds guilty to the prison. That is, if they don’t hang them here.” He shrugged.
“I’ll rest easier when it’s over,” Sam continued. “I don’t like thinking about all those men locked up over in that jail just dreaming up ways to break out and take revenge.”
Sam was excited, yet nervous, too. Ever since his soul searching earlier this evening, while he was bathing, he was a man transformed. A man on a mission. A man who wasn’t going to accept the word “no.” He and Cassie were a good team, and yet so much more. He didn’t think he could live a day without her in his life. His heart gave a slight shudder just thinking about how it could be between them.
“So true,” Jonathan agreed. “Walter and Brox are on guard duty until we get back over there. Sam and I are going to stay the night.”
Sam nodded, still unable to take his eyes off Cassie. She meant more to him than any gold claim ever could! Barely able to concentrate on anything since he’d acknowledged that fact to himself, along with all the earth-shattering changes it would mean, he’d set about thinking of a way to get her to see things his way.
“You are?” She still looked confused.
“Yes, because if they’re going to try anything, it’ll be tonight. But don’t worry your pretty little head; we have them locked up tight. Lock, stock and barrel.” As he talked, his mind raced. He couldn’t believe everything had gotten so clear so suddenly. He was sure now that he loved her, wanted to share his life with her, no matter what. If he was correctly judging her reaction to him, she felt the same for him. How would he explain the claim to her, though? That was going to be hard. Could he really let it go to win her love? It meant so much to him and Seth. Besides, he was the rightful owner. Doubt tried to wiggle its way into his heart. There had to be a way.
Cassie laughed and looked away nervously. “My pretty little head? Sam, what’s gotten into you tonight?”
Jonathan joined in, slapping Sam on the back. “Relief has a way of firing a man’s blood, isn’t that right, Sam? We’re all just so thankful there wasn’t more killing and bloodshed. This town has seen its share in the last week.”
“Yes, that’s so,” Sam replied. “Violence like that makes a man yearn for the good things in life. Makes him dream of peace and happiness.” The thought of wedding Cassie and becoming a true family was everything to him now. What a perfect ending to his problem with the claim, too. Even though that was a minor issue to him now, he was glad there was a good solution to this dilemma he found himself in, one without having to crush her dream or his.
“And love!” Jonathan added.
Cassie laughed nervously.
Sam smiled at Jonathan, nodding. After they were married he’d protect and love her, and Josephine, all the days of their lives. It shouldn’t be all that hard, he thought, as he looked directly at the cameo pinned under her shirt. He was up to the challenge.
“Come to the table,” Grace called from the other room. “Supper’s ready!”
Annabelle came into the room and laced her arm through Jonathan’s. “Can I steal him away from the two of you?” she asked softly. They approached Grace’s father and, taking the old man by the hand, helped him to his feet. “Ready for supper, sir?”
“I sure am, more than ready. Come along with us, Buddy.”
The dog, now awake, stood on Josephine’s lap. He barked once, leaped off, and trotted after William, his little toenails clattering on the hardwood floor.
“Over here, Josephine,” Cassie said, pulling out a chair. “Grace wants you to sit by her.”
Sam pulled out the chair ne
xt to his own, on the other side of Grace, and waited until Cassie was finished seating her little sister. “Cassie?”
She looked up at him suspiciously. Could she know what he was thinking? She moved slowly and then sat as he pushed in her chair.
“Thank you, Sam” she said quietly.
“You’re welcome. I do have a little couth and manners.”
Everyone was now seated and putting their napkins in their laps. All except Josephine, who was looking at the pretty china and serving dishes on the table with curiosity. “What’s couth, Sam?”
“It’s knowing how to be a gentleman, or a lady.”
“Like this,” Annabelle said softly from Josephine’s other side. She took Josephine’s napkin from her plate and placed it in her lap.
Josephine looked delighted but Sam could feel Cassie’s tenseness. The exchange had embarrassed her. He wished he could think of something to make her feel better without being too obvious.
“Please start passing before everything gets cold,” Grace said. “I didn’t work all afternoon for you not to be able to enjoy it properly.”
With anticipation they passed around the dark, golden brown pot roast with its blackened edges and chopped garlic cloves peeking from every crevice, seasoned new potatoes, and butter-coated green beans. Sliced carrots in a sea of honey followed, plus a gravy boat filled to the brim. Grace excused herself to the kitchen for a few moments to slice the bread, warm from the oven. When she returned and was again seated, she said, “Papa, will you please say grace for us?”
William bowed his head, and everyone else followed. “Heavenly Father, we thank you for this wonderful meal, good friends, and the roof over our heads. We keep in mind and prayer our beloved brother David, who has recently passed into everlasting glory. Amen.”
“Amen,” the group echoed. Grace’s eyes remained closed a moment longer, her head bowed.
Jonathan took his knife and gently tapped on his water glass. “May I have everyone’s attention, please? I know you want to get to your supper but Annabelle and I have an announcement.”
A smile crept onto Grace’s face and Annabelle looked as if she might faint.
“As some of you know and others of you don’t,” he laughed, “Annabelle and I have been planning to be married in a few months. But, with the events of late, we don’t want to wait any longer. So we’ve decided to do it tonight! As William is a minister, albeit retired, we’re having our wedding right here after supper. You’re all invited!”
A din of happy voices filled the room. Jonathan couldn’t stop grinning and Annabelle giggled like a schoolgirl.
“Cassie, they’re getting married! Tonight!” Josephine called out loudly. “I’ve never been to a wedding before.”
“Well, this is exciting news if I do say so myself,” Grace’s father exclaimed. “I haven’t performed a wedding since Reverend Greenmire took over Charity Church. I’m honored and delighted. Matter of fact, I still have some wedding licenses sitting in my drawer.”
As Sam glanced from one face to another, an inspiration started to grow. He looked at Cassie, a beautiful smile beaming on her face. Did he dare? For a moment he shoved the idea from his mind, thinking it outlandish, but instantly felt the overwhelming loneliness that had been his world for the last few years. He strengthened his resolve. Would Cassie consider making it a double wedding tonight? He couldn’t think of one reason to wait. Would she laugh in his face? After her reaction to him in the parlor, he didn’t think that would be the case. She was warming to him, no doubt. “Congratulations, you two,” he said, a bit distracted.
“Yes, Annabelle and Jonathan, congratulations,” Cassie said. “I’m surprised—but not too much. It’s wonderful you’ve made it possible for us to share your special event.”
“Cassie, that’s actually one of the deciding factors for us choosing tonight,” Annabelle said. “We knew you, Josephine, and Sam would be leaving us soon and we feel as if you’re family already. We hoped you’d stand up with us as witnesses.”
Sam felt encouraged. These were perfect circumstances to get Cassie thinking along the right lines of becoming Mrs. Sam Ridgeway.
“We’d be honored to do that,” he replied. “Wouldn’t we, Cassie? And, to think this has all happened so fast. When opportunity strikes, one should seize the day, I guess.” Maybe he was laying it on a might too thick, but he felt time was of the essence. With the announcement at hand he better act fast. No sense at all in stalling.
“Can I talk to you privately?” he whispered in her ear.
Her look was one of disbelief. “Now?”
He nodded.
“What could possibly be so important that you’d need to talk to me now?”
All conversation had stopped and everyone looked at them.
“Trust me, it is.” Sam stood and helped her to scoot her chair back. “Will you all excuse us for just one moment?”
“Well, I guess,” Grace replied, curiosity shining in her eyes. “But only for a moment, as you say. I’ll never forgive you if you two go off and let this dinner I slaved over get cold.”
Chapter Thirty-One
“Have you lost your mind, Sam?” Cassie asked as he herded her into the sitting room, far away from the others. “What on earth are you up to?” He had a look about him, something she’d never seen before, a vulnerability that made her want to take him into her arms instead of admonish him. Still, excitement shot through her body as she wondered what it was that was so important he would interrupt the dinner party directly after Jonathan and Annabelle’s important announcement. Remembering how he’d earlier caressed her back, her heart trembled.
“I want you to hear me out with an open mind.” Facing her, he took both her hands into his and held them. “Then, when I’m done, you can give me your answer. Just promise me you won’t cut me off before I’m finished saying what I have to say.”
“Sam,” she said, glancing at her hands in his.
“Promise me.”
Looking up, she searched his eyes for any hint to what was going on. “Sam?”
“Promise or we forget it. Your food’s getting colder by the second.” A few moments ticked by. “Well?”
He was so disarmingly handsome tonight.
Especially his eyes.
And his expression.
How could she not promise him?
“Okay. I promise not to interrupt you.”
His obvious intake of breath made her duck her head momentarily to hide her smile. Whatever it was he wanted to tell her must be really important. Unease filtered through her. Maybe he wanted to ride on without her and Josephine? Or, more likely, he’d decided to stay here in Rosenthal after all and be the new sheriff. She certainly couldn’t blame him for that. This was a wonderfully welcoming town, one anyone would like to call home. At the thought, her heart plunged to her feet. It would be a sad day without Sam by her side. Or, just maybe…
He stared at her as if he’d totally forgotten what it was he wanted to say.
“Sam, our dinners? Remember? Let’s not be rude. What is it you want to tell me?”
“I—” he stopped.
“Yes?”
He gazed into her eyes with an intensity that almost frightened her. “I want you to marry me.”
“What!”
He didn’t flinch at her outburst and his gaze never left her face. “I want you to be my wife.”
“Sam, what are you talking about? You have lost your mind!”
“I want you to marry me tonight. Don’t you feel it, Cassie? This thing between us? I do, and it’s been on my mind and I can’t think of anything else. It’s driving me crazy. Besides, you know—we make a good team.”
Cassie felt as if the wind had been knocked from her lungs. Sam’s expression was so earnest she was sure he wasn’t playing some sort of joke. But it was impossible to get any thoughts in her head to come into focus.
“Marry you?”
“Yes.”
“Now?” s
he squeaked.
“Tonight. In a double ceremony. I’m sure Jonathan and Annabelle won’t mind.”
Panic took over. A hundred reasons ran through her head why Sam’s idea was crazy, as her mother’s warning about men vied for attention. Still, when she looked in his eyes she saw happiness, love, and more. This was Sam. Her hero. Josephine’s hero. A good man who’d been caring and truthful. “I—I don’t know. We’ve only met a few days ago.”
“I’m asking you to become my wife. I don’t want to lose you. I realized today when I was looking down the barrel of the outlaw’s gun that I can’t live without you. Life is short, darlin’. I don’t want to have any regrets.”
Suddenly Josephine appeared by their side. “What are you two doing?”
“Nothing,” they said in unison.
“Grace says you’re to come back to the table this instant. Your supper is cold.”
“Tell her we’ll be right there,” Sam said, touching Josephine’s cheek. “Away with you now.”
As Josephine walked away, Sam straightened. “Well, this didn’t go quite as I hoped it would. You’re saying no, then?”
As unbelievable as it was to herself, Cassie wanted to say yes! She couldn’t deny her feelings and attraction to him any longer. He was right—life was short and sometimes one just had to jump in with both feet. Had to forgo warnings and doubts. Had to grasp for the brass ring.
Sam ran his hand over his face. “We have to go before Grace herself comes looking for us with a wooden spoon. Your answer is no, then.”
“No. My answer is not no. I just needed a moment to let what you said sink in. Yes, Sam Ridgeway. I’ll marry you. I’ll be your wife.” She laughed. “Three minutes is a fast courtship.”
Sam pulled Cassie into his arms. When his lips covered hers the whole world faded away. He was warm, and tasted good. Her body tingled as every nerve ending fired with delicious excitement. He loved her! Wanted to marry her! Unable to stop herself, she leaned in boldly, acutely aware of the hardness of his muscles and feel of his body. His head tipped and he pulled her even closer.
Sourdough Creek Page 14