by Caroline Lee
Molly smiled, appreciating the passion and sincerity in his voice. “I like the sound of that.”
He turned slightly and kissed her forehead. “I’m glad, because I’m looking forward to having you out here with me. I know it’s hard work, and there’s a whole lot of nothin’ to see, but I think it’s pretty special.” She lifted her lips to his, and just before they met, he whispered, “I think you’re pretty special too.”
It was stupidly romantic, and made Molly’s heart melt. Then his kiss made her insides melt, and she was just a puddle of goo when he pulled her back up against his side for the rest of the cold ride into town.
They got two rooms for the night in that same hotel where she’d stayed before. It turned out that it was their preferred place to eat while in town, but they usually bedded down someplace cheaper, like the livery with their horses. Today was a special occasion, though, and so they’d splurged on actual rooms.
There was just enough time to visit Bullard’s store before closing, and the three of them picked out some supplies and personal tidbits. Knowing that they would soon be a family, Molly took special care in choosing small things to give as gifts on Christmas morning. She was standing beside a display of dolls, admiring one frivolously beautiful concoction in pink silk and wishing she had the money to waste on it for Annie, when Ash reached over her shoulder and picked it up.
“You going to start playing with dolls?”
She smiled. “No, but I did have quite the collection as a girl. I was just wondering if Annie ever had anything that beautiful.”
His eyes softened, but he smiled. “Well, she will this year.” He added the beautiful blonde-haired doll to his pile of items. It was sweet and generous, and Molly realized right then and there that she was head-over-heels in love with this man.
And if he was willing to do something as impractical as wasting money on a beautiful doll, just because a girl he’d never met would enjoy it, then it didn’t matter if he never loved her back. He would treat her well, and she wouldn’t regret marrying him.
So her smile was bright and sincere when they went to pay for their purchases, and he introduced her as his bride-to-be. It was the same sour-faced young lady behind the counter as last time, and Molly took a little pleasure in watching her eyes widen in surprise. That’s right; he’s making an honest woman out of me! She managed not to giggle at the thought.
They enjoyed a late dinner together, just the two of them. Nate had made himself scarce, probably at his brother’s urging, and Molly was pleased to have some time alone with the man she’d soon marry. They laughed and chatted and exchanged stories until well after bedtime. Molly was floating on air when he escorted her to her room. He kissed her goodnight at the door, and she was tempted to invite him in. But he pulled away first, and there was a twinkle in his eyes when he told her to sleep well. She fell into bed with a sigh, and even though she was worried she’d be up all night fretting about her sisters and the wedding and a million other things, she fell right asleep.
Ash was almost tempted to skip his errands to have breakfast with Molly the next day. After all, it was their wedding day. But he rarely came to town, and these were important. He’d see her in two hours at the train station.
His first stop was the church, because he knew that Reverend McCullough would be there early. Sure enough, he was sweeping between the pews when Ash doffed his hat and slipped through the doors. The two men met in the aisle, the little preacher positively vibrating with determination.
“Ash Barker, what’s this I hear about you living in sin?”
The little man’s anger was so clear, and so comical, that Ash stopped in his tracks. He half expected the preacher to start shaking a finger under his nose, like he was a tardy schoolboy. And when that very thing happened, Ash burst into laughter.
Reverend McCullough had never heard him laugh, based on his surprised reaction. “You think it’s funny? Corrupting your servant?”
“Sorry, Reverend.” His grin was unrepentant. “But there’s been no sin, yet.” The man of God relaxed slightly, but the determined look in his eyes didn’t let up. “That’s why I’m here, though. Molly and I want to be married today, before we head home.”
The smaller man’s brows eased, and a smile spread across his face. “Well, alright then. You should have said that in the first place. I’d be happy to marry you two.”
They talked specifics for a few more minutes, and Ash was grateful the preacher didn’t push him for details about his relationship with Molly. The fact that he was willing to marry them so quickly, before he’d even met Molly, was just how things were done out West. If a man found a woman he was willing to spend forever with, he had to snatch her up before someone else did. And Molly was well worth marrying.
After saying goodbye to Reverend McCullough, Ash stopped in to see Doc Sanderson. The elderly man assured Ash that his arm was healing well, and that the cast would be ready to be cut off sometime after the new year. It was good news, and Ash was glad to know that he’d be able to use the arm more in the next few weeks.
He then made his way to the legal offices of Packers & Brown, two stuffy-shirted easterners he’d worked with before. Neither of them had ever ridden a horse, or even broken a sweat, but he knew they were honest, and that counted for a lot out here.
Even without an appointment, he sat down with Clayton Brown, and explained what he wanted to do. Within an hour he’d changed his will, naming his wife as his co-heir with Nate, and he’d deeded half the ranch to his brother. It was mainly in name only, meaning he’d deeded half the ownership to Nate; but he also named some prime land in the legal document, so Nate would have several hundred acres of good growing land, if he ever wanted to branch out from ranching. The lawyer never once asked why he was doing it, or commented on the fact that he and Nate weren’t actually related, and Ash was grateful that he didn’t have to explain. Brown did congratulate him on his upcoming wedding, though, and both men smiled when they shook hands.
Then Ash made his way to the train depot, sure that his little brother had escorted Molly there safely. He hoped the girls’ train—he was going to have to start calling them by their names, since they’d be part of his family now—would be on time, and that they were actually on it. Truthfully, any number of reasons could have interfered with their travel, but when he’d arrived in town yesterday evening, he’d checked the telegraph station, and there weren’t any messages waiting for them. So he had to assume that Molly’s sisters would be on the morning train.
He was striding down the street, enjoying the rare sunshine and the knowledge that soon he’d be able to swing his arm freely again, when he heard the train whistle. He smiled to think that Molly’d be seeing her sisters again soon, and started towards the station at a jog.
His kid brother was standing just inside the door, his hands shoved deep in his pockets, his dark hair tucked behind his ears, trying to dig his shoulders into the wall. Nate had always known prejudice and distrustful looks when he went out in public, so places like the train station often made him uncomfortable.
The young man was trying not to stare at the reunion going on across the station, by the big doors that led to the platform. Molly was alternately laughing and hugging two girls who stood beside a pile of trunks and bags. The older one was a year or two younger than Nate, with Molly’s curly brown hair and sturdy build. She had spectacles perched on the end of her round nose, and was clutching a book absently while she peered around interestedly.
When Molly sank to her knees to embrace the youngest girl, Ash saw her clearly for the first time. Molly had said that Annie was seven, but the little slip of a girl looked younger. She was frail, and had skin so pale it was almost translucent. He was suddenly concerned about the advisability of dragging such a sickly looking little thing to the ranch in the middle of winter. Molly was speaking slowly to Annie, and occasionally making funny-looking gestures. He was going to have to talk to her about her sister’s health, and
if she’d be alright in the middle of the Cheyenne nothingness.
Ash was looking forward to meeting the girls who’d soon be his family, but for now, he was content to rest his good arm across his cast, lean his hips against the wall beside Nate, and watch the three of them.
“…and the porter was so rude to us, but he did help us off the train, and I made sure we got all of our trunks, and they’re still locked, see? Some of them we haven’t opened since you helped us pack them, really. Except my books, of course, but I kept some of those with us. Annie has been reading a few, which is remarkably advanced, don’t you think?”
Molly smiled and nodded when Wendy paused for a breath, and then a burst of laughter slipped out. She couldn’t help it; she was just so happy to see them both. Wendy was so patient and kind to their youngest sister, but she did love to talk, and Annie couldn’t appreciate it. So Wendy tended to chatter when she was around Molly, and her older sister couldn’t fault her one bit. She smiled wider and hugged them both again, just because she could.
“You did a wonderful job of arranging everything, and getting all of our things here. I’m so proud of you, and can’t wait to hear all about your trip.” Out of habit, Molly made sure that she spoke distinctly, with her face turned slightly towards Annie. Since the younger girl lost her hearing after she’d learned to speak, she could understand a lot from watching lips. But they’d developed a type of language with their hands, and Molly occasionally made signs to emphasize the words she spoke. “But for now, I want you to meet the man who hired me.”
She turned to the two men standing against the wall, and heard Wendy inhale sharply. “Oh, he’s handsome, Molly. Who is that beside him, another servant? He looks like an Indian! Is he an Indian?”
Molly was only half-listening to her sister’s chatter when she beckoned Ash, and couldn’t help but take a moment to admire the way his jeans clung to his hips as he sauntered over to them. Blushing slightly, she took a deep breath and turned to her sisters. Wendy was staring up at Ash, shock and a bit of admiration in her eyes. Molly wasn’t surprised; Ash towered over both girls, and was incredibly handsome. Lord knew what Wendy was thinking, but if they’d been alone, Molly would certainly have heard about it.
“Girls, this is Mr. Ash Barker.” Annie was wearing the frustrated look that meant she knew she was supposed to understand, but couldn’t. Molly thought quickly, and made Annie’s sign for ‘fire’—wiggling the fingers of both hands upwards, like flames—and then lifted it towards her head, in a sort of opposite of ‘rain’. Then she spelled ‘ash’ with her fingers, and Annie smiled. They often had to make up new signs, and Molly was glad they could, because Ash was going to become part of their family, and would need a name-sign.
She turned to Ash, and caught him looking thoughtfully at Annie. “Ash, these are my sisters, Wendy and Annie Murray.”
He smiled easily, and nodded politely. Wendy had overcome her awe, and bobbed a curtsey. She nudged Annie, who followed suit. “It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Barker. Molly’s telegraph said we’d be staying with you; Annie and I look forward to seeing your home.”
“It’ll be a little cramped, I think, but we’ll fit. You’ll see it tonight; it’s a few hours outside of town.”
“Oh.” If the idea of being out on the range bothered her, Wendy brushed it off. Molly had always admired how flexible the younger girl could be. “Well then, if it’s cramped, we have all the more reason to appreciate you and your wife and family allowing us to stay with you.”
Ash’s grin was more wry this time, and he flicked his eyes to Molly, as if wondering why she had introduced him as her employer. She flushed slightly in embarrassment. “Actually, I’m not married yet.”
As his words registered, Wendy’s eyes widened, and she turned to her older sister for confirmation. When Molly looked away, sure she knew what her sister was thinking, Wendy gasped. “Margaret Murray! You mean to say that you’ve been living in the middle of nowhere with an unmarried man?” She’d used Papa’s scolding tone of voice, and Molly flushed further at the thought of her much younger sister chastising her in public.
Ash came to their mutual rescue, though, preventing both sisters further embarrassment. In one easy movement, he looped an arm around Molly’s waist, and pulled her close to his side. “Sorry for the confusion, girls, but your sister left out something important.” He leaned down just slightly to kiss her on her temple, and she couldn’t help the sigh that escaped her lips. “After we load your luggage onto the sleigh outside, we’re heading to the church, where Reverend McCullough is going to marry us.”
Wendy’s mouth made a small “oh” of surprise, and for once, she didn’t have anything to say. Molly was momentarily pleased at the way her sister had been shocked, until she heard Annie’s little grunt of frustration. The little girl was peering up at the two of them towering above her, and knew something important was going on, but couldn’t understand.
Molly stepped aside enough to put a little distance between her and Ash, and then caught Annie’s eye. She pointed to Ash, and then herself, and then to her left ring finger. “Ash and I are going to be married.”
The little girl’s confusion turned to excited delight; she squealed and threw her arms around her oldest sister, and then Ash. Molly could tell that he was momentarily stunned by Annie’s enthusiasm, but with her clinging to his legs, there was little he could do besides pat her head affectionately.
Wendy had overcome her surprise, and her smile was broad. “Well, then, that’s lovely.” Molly just managed not to roll her eyes at how grown-up her sister was trying to sound. She figured that after getting little Annie and all of their trunks across country, the girl was allowed to pretend to be a little more grown up than she really was. Molly promised herself that once they were all settled, Wendy would have a chance to go back to being a girl for as long as she wanted. “The baby and I would be delighted to go to the church with—”
“Naaah!” Annie’s wailed ‘no’ interrupted Wendy, and all of them turned to the little girl. Molly understood her youngest sister’s distress, though, and her voice was gentle when she corrected Wendy’s use of the old nickname. “Annie is not a baby.” She’d unconsciously made the signs for ‘Annie’, ‘no’ and ‘baby’, and the little girl nodded emphatically.
Suddenly, Ash inhaled sharply, and Molly saw a look of comprehension, and pity, flash through his gray eyes. It was gone immediately, though, replaced by a softness she couldn’t quite identify. He pointed to Annie, and made the sign for ‘no’—how had he understood that?—and then pointed to his ear. “Annie can’t hear, can she?”
Molly felt her throat thicken, and had to look away, for fear that Ash would see the love brimming uncontrollably in her eyes. How could a man so large, so masculine, be so gentle and understanding? He’d seen and understood Annie’s difficulties, and had even thought to include her in the realization, by using signs the little girl could understand.
He must have misinterpreted her reaction, though. “Did I say something wrong?”
Oh God, how she loved him at that moment. “No.” She cleared her throat with difficulty, but still didn’t look at him when she shook her head. “You said something perfectly right, thank you. Annie can’t hear.” She finally glanced up at him, to see the worry lines across his forehead fading. “She lost most of her hearing when she was young, but she can often understand us by watching our lips. And she uses signs, and can write quite well.”
Ash nodded and smiled at Annie, who was beaming back. “You said she ‘wasn’t well’, but I’m glad she’s not sick. Just tiny. As long as we keep her bundled up, she should be fine.” Thinking of the serviceable coat she’d made the little girl, Molly only nodded.
Wendy dismissed the interruption of Annie’s sign ‘language’. “Well, we’d be pleased to join you at the church. I thought Molly would never get around to marrying, and it’s nice to know that we’ll have a place of our own here in Cheyenne, among family.” She sud
denly looked shy, more like a thirteen-year-old than a moment before. “I’ve always wanted a brother.”
Ash smiled, and turned slightly to beckon Nate over. “Well, let me introduce you to the rest of the family.” The young man straightened up hesitantly, and as he crossed to them, he kept his gaze on the floor and his hands shoved deeply into his pockets. Molly wondered at his reaction to her family, and at the look of frank appraisal in Wendy’s eyes.
“Wendy, Annie, this is my brother, Nate Barker.”
“Brother? But—”
Molly firmly interrupted Wendy before she could further embarrass Nate. She remembered how the girl had thought the young man was a servant. “Nate is Ash’s brother, Wendy.” She spelled out Nate’s name for Annie, along with the sign for ‘brother’.
Ash continued the introduction. “Nate, this little imp is Annie Murray, and her lovely older sister is Wendy Murray.” Wendy blushed slightly at the compliment, and couldn’t meet Nate’s eyes. Molly wondered what she’d been thinking about the young man, to cause her such embarrassment.
For his part, Nate just nodded curtly to both girls. Annie smiled brightly up at him, and waved to say ‘hello’. The little girl’s sweet welcome drew a small smile from Nate, and Molly breathed a little easier, hopeful that her sisters and Ash’s brother would be able to get along.
Ash himself broke up their meeting. “I know you girls must be tired, but we’ve got to get back to the ranch by this evening. How about Nate and I load up these trunks and bags, while you refresh yourselves? Then we’ll head over to the church.”
And suddenly, Molly couldn’t think of anything else. She was going to be married. Today. To Ash. Her heart sped up, and her stomach tied itself in knots, and it wasn’t entirely due to the lingering kiss Ash left on her lips.