Thimbles And Thistles (Baker City Brides Book 2)

by Shanna Hatfield

  Ian laughed as Harry settled the drape around him and fastened it at the back. “Be that as it may, I want to look my best for my bonny lass.”

  Harry handed Ian a chart with drawings of various hairstyles as well as mustache and beard options. “How do you want your hair cut?”

  Ian pointed to a drawing of a cropped cut with a neat, straight trim across the neck. “That one will do. While you’re at it, you best remove my beard and mustache. No facial hair at all.”

  “Whatever you say. I can make your face as smooth as a newborn’s bottom if that’s what you want.” At Ian’s nod, Harry picked up a pair of scissors and stood behind the barber’s chair where Ian sat. “Say, Ian, I’ve noticed sometimes you have a brogue and sometimes you don’t. What’s that about?”

  “Sometimes a wee bit more of the Scots blood flows in my veins than others,” Ian said, thickening his brogue and waggling an expressive eyebrow. “It just so happens that thoughts of my verra lovely bride make me feel fully alive and ready to take on the world, like one of my warrior ancestors.”

  Thane glanced up from the newspaper in his hand. “That doesn’t mean you’ll be wearing a kilt to the wedding does it?”

  Ian grinned. “Rest easy, Thane. My mother would have a severe attack of apoplexy if I did. I have no doubt, at this verra minute, she is reminding my father to pick up my suit from Wang Ping’s laundry where I left it this morning to be pressed.”

  Thane returned his gaze to the paper. “Good to know. Since you asked me to stand up with you, I didn’t relish the thought of wearing one.”

  Harry lifted a lock of Ian’s hair, prepared to snip it off when the door to the barbershop swung open so quickly and with such force, it banged against the wall. The breeze it created fluttered the pages of Thane’s paper and sent a stack of advertisements on a side table skittering across the floor.

  A frantic woman rushed inside and grabbed the barber’s arm.

  “Stop, Mr. Mason! Please, stop!” Maggie pleaded as she took the scissors out of the shocked man’s hand.

  “Maggie, love, what are you doing here?” Ian jumped to his feet and took her arms in his hands.

  Maggie studied him, relieved the barber hadn’t yet rid Ian of the tousled hair and scruffy growth on his face that gave him a roguish appearance. She glanced around and discovered every eye in the barbershop focused on her.

  Embarrassed yet determined, she returned her gaze to Ian and placed a hand on his cheek. “Please, Ian. Don’t cut your hair or beard. You wouldn’t seem like you if you did.”

  Ian bent his knees and looked directly into Maggie’s eyes. “But, lass, you’ve told me a hundred times if you’ve told me once how much you despise my hair and beard. In fact, just the other day, you mentioned, and I quote you, ‘the hideous growth of uncivilized fur on your face.’ I assumed by that, you’d prefer I remove it.”

  Maggie shook her head while her cheeks turned red in humiliation as Thane, Harry, and the three other men in the shop all waited for her reply.

  “I don’t care what I said then, you need to listen to what I’m saying now. Leave them be, Ian. Please?”

  “Verra well, lass.” Ian kissed her cheek and walked her to the door. “However, this is no place for a woman. Isn’t it supposed to be bad luck to see the bride before the wedding or some such nonsense?”

  “Oh!” Maggie spun around so she couldn’t see Ian. “It didn’t cross my mind until... I’ll just… um… my apologies for the intrusion. I’ll see you at the church.”

  Ian snatched Harry’s scissors from her hand and watched as she rushed off in the direction of her store. He stepped out of the barbershop and called to her. “I love you, Maggie Dalton, and don’t you forget it!”

  Her steps didn’t slow or falter, but Ian saw her shoulders lift as she scurried down the street.

  He returned inside and resumed his seat in the barber’s chair. “You heard the woman, Harry. Just my usual, if you please.”

  “Yes, sir. Give me my scissors and I’ll have you ready in no time.”

  Thane snapped the newspaper and chuckled. “Told you she wouldn’t care, my friend. That woman is completely infatuated with you.”

  Ian grinned as Harry began trimming his hair. “I believe you might be right.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Ian took a deep breath and straightened to his full height before glancing over at Thane.

  The man’s gaze focused on his wife walking down the aisle toward him with Lily skipping along behind her. Both of the Jordan females wore pale blue gowns. While Jemma carried a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses, Lily carried a basket of rose petals she tossed into the air with enthusiastic giggles.

  Ian winked at Lily as she took her place beside Jemma on the opposite side of Pastor Eagan from where he stood with Thane at the front of the church.

  All eyes turned and focused on Maggie as Tully walked her down the aisle.

  Ian’s heart tripped in his chest and his eyes misted for a moment as he took in the perfectly wonderful vision of his bride. He’d waited so long, wished and prayed so hard, for Maggie to be his. Now, she finally would be.

  The peach-colored silk gown she wore drew his admiration. While some brides liked an overdone gown dripping with lace and trims, Maggie’s simple gown accented her figure with true elegance. A smart hat adorned the dark piles of curls on top of her head. His gaze lingered for a moment on the intricate pattern of love knots and thistles she’d stitched into the gown. Pleased she’d incorporated the design of his targe into her wedding gown, he grinned broadly.

  Although her beauty couldn’t be overlooked, it was the gleam of love in her eyes and the warmth of her smile that held Ian’s attention. No doubts plagued him in regard to Maggie’s feelings for him as their gazes locked and held.

  Tully placed her hand on Ian’s arm and gave them both an approving nod before going to sit next to Ian’s parents in the front row.

  Maggie tipped the hand holding her bouquet slightly so Ian could see she carried the handkerchief he’d sent to her. She mouthed, “thank you,” then gave her attention to the pastor.

  After slipping an embossed silver ring with a sparkling diamond on Maggie’s finger, he winked at her and forced his attention back to the last few moments of the service. When Pastor Eagan said he could kiss the bride, Ian grinned wickedly and wrapped his arms around Maggie.

  “Gladly, sir,” he muttered before kissing her with such unbridled adoration, his mother cleared her throat and whipped her fan in front of her face while several of the men, including his father, chuckled.

  Ian lifted his head and took in the blush filling Maggie’s cheeks with bright color along with the bemused smile on her lips. Heedless to the crowd gathered in the church, Ian hugged her close. “Och, lass, it’s going to be a grand adventure being wed to you.”

  “And you.” Maggie kissed his cheek then pulled back. Unobtrusively, she gave him a quick private glance that stirred his blood before she turned her focus to their friends.

  “The happy couple invites all of you to their home for a reception,” Pastor Eagan boomed above the chatter of the guests. “Ian has promised there will be plenty to eat and time for a dance or two.”

  “A dance?” Maggie asked as Ian walked her toward the church’s door.

  Ian squeezed her hand. “What’s a celebration to mark such a momentous occasion as our wedding without a little dancing?”

  “What, indeed.”

  Ian’s efforts to make the reception special impressed Maggie. Before they joined their guests, he took her inside the house where the local photographer waited to take their photos.

  After they posed for several photographs, Ian invited his parents, Thane and his family, and Tully to join them. Maggie knew they all would treasure the images captured that afternoon in years to come.

  Once they finished, Ian sent everyone outside. He kissed Maggie so passionately, she wished they could cancel the party and proceed right to the honeymoon.

/>   “Ian, we should see to our guests,” she whispered against his neck as he held her close. She breathed in his tantalizing scent and reveled in the feel of his soft beard rubbing against her cheek.

  “I know, lass, but I’d much prefer to lock the doors and stay in here with you.” Ian’s grin held a rakish appeal when he set her back from him and took her hand.

  “There’ll be time enough for that later. I’m anxious to see this reception you planned.” Maggie smiled up at him as he opened the back door and escorted her outside.

  “Do you like it?” Ian held a hand out toward the meadow where centerpieces of cheerful flowers in crystal vases decorated linen-covered tables draped with lace. Two long tables held a bounty of food and a smaller table held a white-frosted layer cake. Additional baskets of flowers sat around the food tables while nosegays tied with ribbon hung from the backs of chairs.

  “Oh, Ian, it’s beyond lovely.” Maggie held her hands beneath her chin, overwhelmed by the beauty Ian created for her to enjoy. “Where did you find so many flowers?”

  Pleased by the surprise and joy evident on his bride’s face, Ian let out a relieved sigh. “Almost everyone in town contributed to the cause. Jemma provided most of the vases and several of the table linens. Mother took charge of creating the arrangements. Even Lily and Jack got in on the fun. Everyone loves you, Maggie. They were happy to help.”

  “It’s your charm they love, Ian, but I appreciate this so much. Thank you for making today so memorable.”

  “I plan to make all your days memorable and your nights unforgettable, Maggie, my love.” Ian kissed her temple and led her toward a table where his parents, Tully, Thane and Jemma visited.

  Laughter floated around them as they partook of a delicious lunch. They’d just finished their meal when the skirl of bagpipes sounded across the meadow. Dressed in a kilt, one of the local miners walked toward them playing bagpipes.

  “I didn’t know Mr. McKay played the bagpipes,” Maggie whispered to Ian as they listened to the haunting notes the man produced.

  “You mean you didn’t ask him to play?”

  Maggie glanced at him. “No. I assumed you did.”

  Ian shook his head. “Nae, lass. It wasna me.” He looked to his father, but the man shrugged his shoulders, clearly enjoying the performance of a talented musician.

  Thane smirked. “We figured you’d like a little Scottish tradition at your wedding, since you had to forego wearing your own kilt. McKay works at one of my mines.”

  Ian reached across the table and shook Thane’s hand. “Thank you, Thane. It’s a wonderful surprise.”

  When the song ended, everyone clapped and the band began to play. Ian rose to his feet, bowed to Maggie, and held out a hand to her. “Mrs. MacGregor, may I please have the honor of this dance?”

  “You may, Mr. MacGregor.” Maggie blushed as he kissed her on the mouth then swept her into an energetic dance.

  Other couples soon joined them. Maggie laughed as Ian’s father swung his mother into a lively step, and motioned to where Lily and Jack both danced with a group of children.

  Maggie loved seeing her friends and family enjoy themselves. It was all thanks to Ian — to the persistent, stubborn, charming, amazing man she’d married.

  Their love was so new, it didn’t seem completely real. She worried she’d wake up and find herself alone again.

  After Daniel’s death, Maggie couldn’t envision ever falling in love again, ever knowing the bliss of being loved by another.

  Fortunately, Ian wasn’t one to give up easily, regardless of how many times she tried pushing him away. Emotion flooded through her and tears pricked her eyes. Despite her efforts at subduing them, one salty tear rolled down her cheek.

  “Och, lass, what’s this?” Tenderly, Ian brushed the tear away with his thumb. He gazed at her with such affection and compassion in his eyes, her heart ached with love for him. “A bride shouldna cry on her wedding day.” The happiness slid from his face and worry etched across his brow. “You aren’t already regretting your decision to wed, are you?”

  Maggie shook her head, needing a moment to be able to speak around the lump in her throat. Finally able to talk, her voice sounded soft but sure. “I’ll never regret marrying you, Ian MacGregor. Not for a single day. I’m not sad. Just incredibly happy and very blessed.”

  “I’m glad, Maggie. Verra glad.” Ian abandoned his pretense at dancing. He wrapped Maggie in a hug and kissed her forehead. “I love you so verra much, lass.”

  “I love you, too, Ian.” Maggie pulled back and smiled. “Now, stop making such a spectacle and dance with me.”

  They danced for a while then sat at a table enjoying slices of wedding cake. Maggie fanned herself with her hat, warm from all the dancing and the early summer heat, as well as thoughts of her good-looking husband.

  Guests had started to leave when one of the deputies ran up to their table. Politely, he tipped his hat to Maggie then offered congratulations to Ian before turning to Tully.

  “Boss, there’s quite a ruction going on at the jailhouse. A woman fresh off the train is incredibly insistent on speaking to you. Oh, also an older couple asked if we knew how to get out to the Jordan Ranch. They sound a lot like Mrs. Jordan when they speak, so I thought maybe they knew her from England.”

  Tully lifted Maggie’s hand and kissed the back of it then stood and slapped Ian on the back. “Duty calls, but in case I didn’t mention it earlier, I’m happy for you both. Take good care of each other.”

  Maggie grabbed Tully’s hand, squeezing it gently. “Thank you, Tully, for everything.”

  “You’re welcome, Mags.” Tully started to follow the deputy, but glanced back at Thane. “You comin’?”

  Thane hurried to fork the last bite of his cake into his mouth, got to his feet, and kissed Jemma’s cheek. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Don’t head home without me, my lady.”

  Jemma nodded and watched Thane and Tully leave before turning her attention to Ian’s mother. “It is such a pleasure to have you here with us, Mrs. MacGregor. We’d be so pleased if you and your husband would come out to the ranch for tea one afternoon. Perhaps we could persuade you into staying for dinner?”

  “I’d love to, dear. Ian has raved about your new house and I’d love to see both it and the ranch. My son said your husband raises some of the best beef cattle and thoroughbred horses in Eastern Oregon.”

  Jemma beamed. “We think he does. Ian and Maggie both helped so much with the house. I look forward to showing it to you.”

  “Are you all settled in now?” Maggie asked. The last time she’d been there, Jemma still had several trunks left to unpack.

  “Yes, finally.” Jemma laughed as she glanced over to make sure Lily and Jack hadn’t run off or engaged in some mischief. Assured they were fine, she turned back to those seated at the table. “When I left England, I never thought I’d be able to unpack all my trunks, but Thane made it possible. He’s such a good man.”

  “One of the best,” Maggie said, as her eyes met Ian’s. She held back a startled squeak when he ran his hand up and down her leg before resting it on her knee.

  Hours later, after order had been restored to the meadow and the last guest departed, Ian and Maggie lingered outside for a moment, breathing in the clear night air and enjoying the quiet.

  “It’s a lovely night, isn’t it?” Maggie asked, leaning against Ian as he stood with an arm around her. She hadn’t felt so cherished and secure for years.

  “Lovely? Yes, Maggie, my love, it is the most lovely night I’ve ever seen.” Ian’s gaze rested not on the twinkling stars overhead, but on the woman beside him. “In fact, it’s about to get even better.”

  Maggie looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? How could it get better? I’ve never seen such a beautiful June night. You can smell the sagebrush blended with the flowers from the reception. It’s not too warm or cool. The stars are glowing up above. It’s perfect.”

  “All th
at is pleasant, I agree.” Ian swept her into his arms and started toward the house. “It is a beautiful night, lass. But sagebrush and posies hardly hold a candle to your alluring fragrance. The stars are mere specks compared to the twinkle in your eyes. And you’ve had me overheated for the past several hours, anticipating the moment when I can peel that verra pretty dress off you and make you my own, Maggie. I do believe the perfection of this night is yet to be discovered, but I can hardly wait to get started.”

  “Ian…” Maggie’s whisper combined with the way she pressed closer against him as he carried her, made him hasten his steps across the yard.

  He rushed around to the front of the house, took the porch steps in two long strides and bent down so Maggie could turn the knob on the door. When it swung inward, he kissed her long and tenderly then carried her across the threshold.

  “Welcome home, Maggie.” Ian let her slowly slide down the length of him before setting her on her feet. “I can’t wait to build a life with you here, lass.”

  “Thank you, Ian. Thank you for loving me, even when I wasn’t very kind to you.”

  Ian lit a lamp on a nearby table then enfolded her in another hug and kissed the top of her head. “I knew you struggled with your past. After all, who could resist my considerable charms?”

  His endearing grin made her smile. “Who, indeed, Ian MacGregor. Least of all me.” Maggie glanced around Ian’s spacious home. It would be so easy to grow accustomed to living there, especially with the man who completely captured her heart.

  “Do you need anything, lass? Something to eat? To drink? Mother made sure we have plenty of food on hand.” Ian picked up the lamp and took a step down the hall. “If you need something, I’m happy to get it for you.”

  “No, Ian. I’m fine.” Emboldened by the sight of her handsome husband in the suit she’d made him, she reached out and trailed a finger along his jaw. Oh, how she’d missed being married, having someone to love. Although she’d wed a boy she loved as a young girl, Ian stirred a woman’s passion to life in her heart unlike anything she’d ever experienced.