An Unexpected Annulment (The Colorado Brides Series Book 3)

by Carré White

  “What might that be?”

  “I might marry you.”

  “I was hoping you would.”

  “But I need a few hours of sleep first to be sure. It could just be the exhaustion talking.”

  “Then you should hop into bed right this very minute,” he chuckled.

  “I will.” I yawned.

  “I’ve got work to do. I’ll check on you later.”

  “You smell like sawdust.”

  “Been in the barn.”

  “Good night.” I stepped from his embrace. The little bedroom near the kitchen would do as well as any of the others. “See you in a bit.” I closed the door, pulling my boots off, while I undid the dress. I stripped down to my chemise and drawers, unpinning my hair. Sliding beneath the covers, I sighed when my head hit the pillow.

  It wasn’t until I felt the mattress shift that I woke, sensing an arm going around waist. I knew he had joined me, as his breath was on the back of my neck. The sound of children resounded, as they played outside.

  “What time is it?”

  “Noon.”

  “I should get up.”

  “I’m sorry I woke you.”

  “That’s fine. I need to make lunch.”

  “Nathan’s been by. He and Jerry put together a henhouse.”

  “They did?”

  “Gave me some chicks too.”

  “Oh, Annie will love those. She loves the babies.” I turned to look at him, seeing his smile. “You’re awfully happy, sir.”

  “I am.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Because you’re with me.”

  “I’ve been a scandalous woman. I’ve broken all the rules.”

  “I’m so glad you did. Does this mean you’ll be my wife?”

  “I shouldn’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “I hardly know you. I worry that I’ll make the same mistake, but, with you, I won’t be able to annul it.”

  “Oh?”

  “I know we’ll…consummate…um…the affair. If I marry you, I’m stuck in good like a tick.”

  “Is that so bad?” he laughed.

  “What if you have a vile temper or you beat me? I can’t live like that.”

  “I do have a temper. Everyone does. I’ll holler up a storm and maybe slam a door or two, but I’d never hurt a woman.”

  “What about the whiskey? When I met you, you were drunk. You looked pretty darn awful.”

  “I did.” His look was pragmatic. “I lost myself in the bottle for a while after Abigail’s death. It was the wrong thing to do, but I didn’t know how else to deal with the situation. I have plenty of regrets, Louisa. I’m gonna spend the rest of my life making it up to those kids.”

  I moved a strand of hair out of his eyes. “You mean what you say.”

  “I do.”

  “I guess I’ll have to take you on your word then. That’s a risky proposition for me. I’ve trusted before, and it’s been a disaster.”

  “I’ve been thinking about why things happen. I came out here with my family to start a new life, but it was rough goin’ for a while. Then she died. I can’t say my marriage was perfect. I won’t turn Abigail into a saint cuz she passed away, Lord rest her soul. I loved her dearly, but she had her faults too. She had some depressive issues, and she was in bed a lot. I blamed myself for a while, thinkin’ that I wasn’t enough to make her happy, but I don’t think it was all my fault.”

  “I’ve heard of that. Some people are just naturally unhappy.”

  “Well, my point is, maybe all these things happened so that we might find one another. You stopped to take care of my kids when I wasn’t able. You’ve done an awful lot for me and my family. I’d like to be able to do something for you. I’ll get that milking cow, and I’ll make you a garden. I’ll do whatever you want, cause you’re a pretty smart woman.”

  “Oh, Matt.”

  “Are you gonna marry me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can we get dressed and go to town right now? We need to see the preacher.”

  I giggled, “We’ll do it soon. I want Paulina at my wedding, but she has to recover.” I sat up suddenly. “Oh, gracious me! I’ve got letters to write. I’ve got a dress to press.” I glanced at him. “Do you have anything decent to wear?”

  “Probably not.”

  “I have my work cut out for me.”

  “That you do.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “Now hold still,” said Hannah. She placed the remaining flowers in my hair.

  I’d worn my best dress, a green satin with lace short sleeves. The skirt was tiered and the crinoline beneath gave it a full look. I’d examined myself in the mirror, seeing a woman with expressive brown eyes staring back at me. “I guess I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

  “You look perfect,” said Paulina. She held a baby in her arms. “That color suits you.”

  “I bought the dress for a party. I never wore it, because Henry and I separated shortly after.” It seemed like ages ago that I lived in the bustle of civilization, enjoying all the amusements of a life that had been built on a lie. “I never thought I’d be married in something like this, but it does work.”

  We were on the second floor of the mercantile. Sally Higgins had graciously offered to let us dress here, rather than ride in on a dusty road. She fussed over me. “Would you ladies like more tea?”

  “I think we’ve had plenty,” said Hannah. “How’s Annie coming along?” She was to be the flower girl, while my sisters were my bridesmaids.

  “Almost done. We’re finishing up her hair.”

  “I’m nervous now.” My belly tingled with anxious knots. “You don’t think I’m making a mistake, do you?”

  “Oh, for heaven’s sakes,” exclaimed Paulina. “Marry the man! He loves you. Anyone can see that.”

  “I’ll be married before those letters even reach New York.” That was a strange thought.

  “If there was ever an inducement for them to come here, this would be it. Mother won’t be able to stay away from grandbabies. I suspect they’ll arrive next summer.”

  “They will, I’m sure,” said Paulina. “Can you imagine mother on a wagon train?”

  “She’ll be beside herself because she won’t be able to bring her furniture.”

  “All my things are in the basement!” exclaimed Hannah. “My piano. They’ll have to sell everything.”

  “That leaves Fanny. She won’t want to live here. She’s a city girl, through and through.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure.” Hannah seemed thoughtful. “I’ve been in correspondence with her, and she’s amazed by our adventures. She might just be bold enough to do it.”

  “Denver City will be overrun with the Hoffman sisters then,” I laughed. “Can you imagine?”

  “You’ve done everyone a service, my dears,” said Sally. “These men needed good, strong wives, and that’s exactly what they’re getting.” She patted my shoulder. “I’m sorry the teaching position didn’t work as you wished. You must know that everyone approves of your decision to marry Matthias Montgomery. Your good name has been restored, and you’ve earned a fair amount of admiration for your selflessness in taking care of that family.”

  I sighed. “I had wanted to teach. I’m jealous of Miss Cox. She’s now with those kids.”

  “But you have your own to mind,” said Sally. “That’s a far more important job. Lord knows those children need guidance. They’ve been running amok long enough.”

  “I adore them.” Hearing the sound of laughter, I went to the window, throwing up the sash. “Oscar and Hugh Montgomery! Are you messing up your Sunday best?”

  “No, ma’am.”

  “Stay out of the dirt, boys!”

  “Yes, Ma.”

  “You’ve got dust up to your knees now!” I shook my head. “What am I going to do with them? Is it too much to ask they stay clean for an hour?”

  “It’s nearly time to go down,” said Paulina.

&n
bsp; “I know. I just need another minute to gather my wits.” My hands trembled. “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this. I vowed never to marry again, and here I am.”

  Hannah smiled slyly.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “I’m just thinking about something you said when Paulina was in labor.”

  “What was that?”

  “Oh, something about how we’ve all married beneath ourselves. Looks like you’ll be joining us shortly.” Her eyes dared me to challenge her. “Do you have anything else to say about that matter?”

  “I…spoke rashly.” My sisters laughed, enjoying my discomfort. “I’m guilty of the same crime, I suppose.”

  “You ladies are silly,” said Sally. “Your husbands are fine, young men. I’d say you’ve all done very well for yourselves.”

  “Thank you, Sally,” said Hannah.

  “I think I’ve had my moment now.” These last few days had been a whirlwind of wedding preparations and nerves. I would have to throw myself on the mercy of fate and pray that I had made the right decision. It certainly seemed as if God was steering me in this direction. I couldn’t avoid the Montgomerys, even if I tried.

  Hannah held my hand, smiling. “I want to say a prayer before we go.” She closed her eyes. “Lord, thank you so much for bringing Louisa to us safe and sound. Thank you for finding her a fine, handsome man who loves her. Despite her stubbornness, please help her realize that even the catastrophes in life are little blessings. Sometimes things don’t work out the way we thought they would, but that doesn’t mean it’s not right. Amen.”

  “Well, then,” said Sally. “The wagon’s waiting to take you to the church.”

  “I’m going to walk,” said Paulina.

  “Me too. I’ll bring Annie with me, but I’ve got to round up those boys.”

  “I wish you luck with that,” I said.

  “I know; I’ll need it.”

  It was mildly surprising just how many people attended my wedding. For a town that had gossiped feverishly about me no more than a week ago, my decision to marry seemed to have nullified their objections, as approval shone on every face I met that morning. It had been uncomfortable being judged, but I knew I had played a part in their censure, as I had been alone with a man, even though he had been ill. This breach in etiquette would be forgotten shortly, and, as I waited by the door of the church, I felt secure that my place in society would be reinstated.

  Annie looked adorable in a pretty pink dress with white ribbons in her hair. The blonde tresses had been curled, hanging in shiny ringlets on either side of her face. The boys wore pressed trousers with matching sack coats and neckties. Their hair had been combed away from their faces. The violinist began to play the Wedding March, and everyone turned to look at me, as I made my way down the aisle. Nathan and Samuel had stood up for Matthias, as they were his groomsmen. It was heartening to be surrounded by family and friends, even in a place so far from home.

  This is home now, Louisa.

  Yes, it is.

  My sisters beamed with happiness. Their support since my arrival had been unyielding, and I could never repay them for all the things they had done for me. I gazed upon Matthias, seeing a man who had been a stranger to me only a few weeks ago. The first time I had met him he’d looked like something the cat had spat up, bloodshot eyes and rumpled clothing. He had made great strides to improve himself. I had doubted that I could ever attach myself to such a man, but, as I met his eyes, I knew then that we were entirely suited for one another.

  “Pa’s really gonna marry her,” said a child loudly. I turned to see Hugh, who grinned mischievously. I placed a finger over my mouth to indicate silence. “Sorry, Ms. Louisa. You sure do look pretty.”

  “Thank you, Hugh. You’re quite handsome yourself.”

  Several people chuckled, and someone said, “Children say the darndest things.”

  “They sure do.”

  When I had reached Matthias, who stood with me before the preacher, he winked. “I have to agree with my son.”

  “Oh, stop it.” My heart skipped a beat.

  “It’s not too late. You can still change your mind,” he whispered.

  “I’ve given this a lot of thought.”

  “And?”

  “I’m just crazy enough to do it.”

  “I can see that.”

  Pastor Bailey cleared his throat. “It looks like I’m presiding over another Hoffman wedding.” Several people chuckled in response.

  He began to speak, directing us in our vows, while I stared at my husband-to-be, finding him darkly handsome, yet still far too mysterious. There were so many things I had to learn about him that only time would reveal, but I was ready. A new chapter in my life was about to begin.

  After we had exchanged the rings, which were simple gold bands, we were greeted with cheers, the children beaming. The reception was joyous, with plenty of cider and ice tea. A marvelous lemon cake topped with whipped cream stood in the center of a table, a towering confection decorated with edible flowers. It was devoured shortly, the boys returning for seconds.

  Annie hugged me. “Can I call you Ma now?”

  “Yes, honey.”

  “Will you and Pa be gone long on your honeymoon?”

  “Only a couple of days.” I had knelt to speak to her. “We’ll be back by the end of the week.”

  “I’m gonna miss you.”

  “You’ll be with your Aunt Hannah and Uncle Nathan. You’ll be plenty busy helping them with the cows and chickens.”

  “Who’s gonna take care of our chickens while we’re gone?”

  “They’ll be fine. Jerry will stop by and give them feed.”

  “I’ve been meaning to ask you a very important question.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I want a dog.”

  “You do?”

  “And a cat, just like at your sister’s house.”

  “My goodness. What if they don’t get along?”

  “They will. If you get a baby kitten, they’ll grow up to be best friends.”

  “I see.” Someone’s hand was on my back. I glanced over my shoulder seeing Matt. “It looks like we’re going to have a few pets soon.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Annie wants a dog and a cat.” I stood, smoothing out my skirt.

  “I’ll ask around town about puppies when we get back,” said Matthias.

  “You will?” Her eyes lit up excitedly. “I hope so! I can’t wait to have a little puppy. Will he sleep with me?”

  “I’m sure he will, honey.”

  My husband drew near, whispering in my ear, “You should say your goodbyes. We’re headin’ out soon.”

  “All right.” I glanced at Annie. “Give me a hug. We’re leaving in a bit.”

  “I wish you didn't have to go.”

  “I’ll be back before you know it.”

  We said our goodbyes, moving around the room and thanking everyone for sharing in our happy day. We had been given several presents, which would be opened later. Hannah and Nathan were taking the kids for the time being, giving Matt and I some much-needed privacy. He had a cabin in the foothills, and it would be quite a drive to reach it by nightfall.

  A wagon waited, filled with the provisions we would need over the coming days, including a shotgun. I was handed up into the conveyance, while people cheered, tossing rice our way. The bouquet of wildflowers in my hands was thrown into the air, and several unmarried ladies scrambled to catch it. I waved to my sisters, as they stood with their husbands, grinning happily, while my children, Hugh, Oscar, and Annie, waved. I would only be gone a short while, but it was time needed to get to know Matt. Our courtship had been far too short. We had done everything backwards, and it was important to slow it all down and begin again.

  Matthias held the reins; a wide-brimmed hat was on his head, shading his features. I wore a straw bonnet with a green ribbon to match the dress. The wagon ambled out of town, while miners shouted well w
ishes, waving. Everyone in Denver City seemed to be in a celebratory mood. We would follow a mining trail towards the foothills, which wound around the prairie, crossing a river. The blueness of the sky spanned out before us, meeting the horizon with a bank of swiftly moving clouds, as the breeze had picked up.

  “You never said anything about a cabin.”

  He glanced at me. “It’s not very big. I built it last year. You probably won’t like it.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s got one room and a rough kitchen.”

  “We brought food. I’m sure it’ll be fine. Is there a bed?”

  He grinned broadly. “Now you’re talkin!”

  “Oh, you! That’s not what I meant.”

  “I see your line of thinkin’. I approve, I really do.”

  “That’s not my line of thinking, sir. I only want to know if we’re sleeping on the ground.”

  “Who says anything about sleeping?”

  It was an effort not to grin. “I’m going to ignore that.”

  “We’re married now. We can do any cotton pickin’ thing we want.”

  “That is nice, isn’t it?”

  “Sure is.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  We arrived after sunset. The cabin stood against a backdrop of trees, with an enormous mountain jutting up thousands of feet. The vista was breathtaking, as there was an unimpeded view of Denver City, although it was so far away the buildings were nearly hidden. There was smoke in the distance, and I worried about a forest fire, but Matthias said they were miners, camping for the night.

  The cabin was rustic, with wooden walls and several small windows, which closed at night with shutters on the outside. I was astounded to find a good-sized bed, which had been covered in a pretty quilt. Someone had been here recently, as the floors were clean and the table had been set.

  “Who did this?” I left my bag on a chair.

  “Samuel came up yesterday.”

  “So he knew where you were taking me?”

  He placed a lamp on the table. “Yeah, they all know. It’s best to tell people where you are.”

  “Will we be attacked by Indians?”

  “No.”

  “Bears?”