The Drifter's Promise

by Rita Hestand

  "Don't you fret, we'll have you a gown that the whole town will envy." Annie promised. "So when did he propose?"

  "Almost as soon as he got back." Kate laughed.

  "How exciting. And he brought a hundred horses back?"

  "Yes, can you believe it. He had some help, but he went into some really rough country. He was gone all winter, but Dickens kept telling me he would return."

  "Who helped him?"

  "An Indian named Black Feather and his two sons. They are from an Arapaho tribe and they speak English and are helping Wes bust the broncs."

  "Indians, oh my."

  "Don't fret Annie, they are really nice people and very friendly." Kate told her.

  "I haven't even seen an Indian in about ten years now." Annie reflected.

  "They come from the higher country and they'll be going back soon." Kate told her.

  "You amaze me Kate."

  "What do you mean?" Kate asked.

  "You adapt to anything. You drug your dead husband from the pasture to the house, alone. You helped Wes pick both of your fields. You took care of Dickens and now you are friends with Indians. And you do it all, without the slightest fear."

  Kate thought about what she said, "The only thing that bothered me was dragging Jim to the porch that night. I tried my best to lift him on the Mule that night, but I just couldn't get him up there. And my dress was all bloodied. I finally put a rope around his middle and drug him back to the house. It was a nightmare. I must have scared you witless knocking on your door that night."

  "Well, it was shocking. You didn't realize it, but you had blood everywhere."

  "I wasn't myself that night."

  "I'm sorry we didn't come to the funeral, but we didn't realize you were going to have it the very next day."

  "I had to get it over with so I could start picking my corn. Guess that sounds strange too, but I dreaded it so. If Wes hadn't come along when he did, I just don't know what I would have done, Annie."

  "Yes, I thought about that too. He was God sent." Annie smiled.

  "You like him a lot, don't you?" Kate asked.

  "Yes, and my husband does too. Sam says he's one nice fella and has his head on right. I guess I should tell you, but it's wonderful having you close by. Sam and I never could have children, and I kinda feel like your kin to me.""

  "That's the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a long time." Kate hugged her. "You know it's funny, but Dickens knew why Wes left. I didn't. You see, he went to prove to himself that he could provide for a wife and family. He said he figured he didn't have anything to offer me before. Now, he's got a business to run."

  "I'm so proud for you Kate. I kind of thought that Campbell fella wouldn't be your kind of man."

  "Oh, why?" Kat looked at her funny.

  "Everyone knows that he wants a real genteel lady. Somehow I put you in a category much different."

  "Oh, what was that?"

  "You're more the pioneer sort. You have something to do, you do it, no matter how hard. You are too good for Campbell."

  "I left the dance early that night. I was so frustrated at how he told me could teach me to be such a lady. And the way he talked about Wes and Dickens made me ill."

  "Teach you. Teach you what?"

  "How to hold my teacup, where to put my napkin and how to dance." Kate shook her head and rolled her eyes.

  "My word, he didn't tell you all that, did he?"

  "Oh yes, and I left so mad I wanted to spit." Kate gritted her teeth at the memory.

  "The nerve of the man. But he went to school in Boston, it's no wonder. He belongs with those Eastern snobs." Annie told her.

  "He'd do better to go back there, to find a wife, I can tell you." Kate chuckled. "Women out here, have no time for such frivolities."

  "That's for sure." Annie agreed.

  They had some tea and then Annie asked her if she had any ideas on what kind of dress she wanted.

  "I just want it soft, and white, and maybe some bell like sleeves and long white gloves. Something simple but eye-catching."

  "I'm already getting some ideas with what you just said. I'll draw a pattern up, then we'll check your sizes and I'll start working on it."

  "Would you be my maid of honor."

  Annie put her hand on her chest and smiled, "Oh, I'd love to!"

  "I don’t' have any kin, so I'd appreciate it."

  "Who's going to give you away?"

  "I'm gonna ask Dickens."

  "Perfect, oh, this is going to be the nicest wedding we've had in a long time." Annie screeched with excitement.

  "And while we are at it, we'll make you a couple of dresses for the honeymoon."

  "Oh, I doubt we'll go anywhere." Kate told her.

  "Of course you will, and you'll need them."

  "As long as it's not too expensive."

  "Don’t you fret, the dresses will be my wedding present to you."

  Kate's eyes widened. "Oh Annie, that's too much."

  "No it isn't. My aunt owns a dress shop over in Dallas, I'll get her to supply the material."

  "Oh, would she do that for you?"

  "Heavens yes, Sam and I helped her get set up in that shop. She'll be glad to repay me. I'm so excited for you."

  Kate chuckled nervously.

  "Did you marry Jim in church?" Annie asked.

  "No, we married at a preacher's house, his wife came to witness it for us."

  "I see. Well, do you plan on marrying in the church this time?" Annie asked.

  "I'd like to. I haven't really talked it over with Wes, but I'm sure he'd want that, too." Kate seemed to be thinking about it."

  "You're excited, aren't you?"

  "Yes, very. But Annie, I need to talk to you about the wedding night. Jim was so rough with me, he scared me on our wedding night. I don't want to be like that with Wes. Yet, I'm a bit scared."

  "Well, honey, the wedding night is usually what the men look forward to. But how does Wes treat you."

  "Oh, he's never been rough with me. But he tells me making love is so much different. I can't begin to know what to expect." Kate cried, as a tear slipped down her cheek.

  "Annie, I've never made love."

  "Never?"

  "No, on my wedding night Jim forced himself on me, tearing my dress and he was so rough. After I cried all night, he never touched me again."

  "Oh my. Well honey, I don't imagine Wes being that way. If that's what you mean."

  "No, it’s not what I mean. I mean, what do I do?"

  Annie set her down at the table now and stared into her eyes. "Honey, if a man really loves you, it is the most wonderful thing in the world and you'll want to please him as much as he pleases you, believe me."

  "Did Jim just jump on you or something."

  "Sorta yeah. All I felt was disgust. I love Wes, I know that, but I want to be a good wife to him too. And I don't know how to please a man like that." Kate got up and paced the room.

  "Did Jim kiss you and talk to you and hold you and compliment you."

  "Oh no, no not at all. Should he have?"

  "Well, no one can be excited unless their partner wants to please them, honey. Some men do just get on and off. But that's not love. That's sex. And what your husband did was sex, too. If Wes loves you, he'll kiss you and excite you to make you want to please him too. And if you love him, you will respond and do the same things to him. Kissing is the beginning, then touching, then mating. Do you understand?"

  "I guess." Kate flopped down in the chair. "I'm just so scared I won't please him."

  "Do you really love him?"

  "Oh yes, I do!" Kate told her.

  "Then let nature take it's course and don’t be afraid. It is purely natural. And you'll be his wife. A man usually does really nice things for his wife, before he ever touches her."

  "Like what?"

  "Compliments you, stares at you endlessly, talks sweet talk to you. Wants to look at you, touch you, kiss you all over."

  "Oh
my," Kate picked up a napkin on the table and fanned herself. "I never knew what to expect after Jim."

  "It will be the most pleasant thing of all, if the two of you really love each other. I can assure you of that. Jim didn't love you and maybe didn't know how to treat you."

  "You think Wes will?"

  "I'd bet on it."

  Kate finally smiled. "Thanks for talking to me about this. I had no one else to turn to, about it. You know you reach a certain age and you figure you should already know everything. But after Jim, I just didn't know what was normal."

  "Everyone has to have someone to talk to about it." Annie told her.

  "I blamed myself for the way Jim acted. I was scared because he was drunk, and he ripped my clothes."

  "You had a right to be afraid."

  "Having a drunk husband is as bad as what saloon girls put up with all the time."

  "Really?" Kate laughed. "I told Wes when I first met him that I might have to become one to keep my place. I asked him if he'd come to visit me."

  "What did he say?"

  "He said sure, he come see me, then haul me over his shoulder and carry me out of there."

  Annie laughed. "He's a good man, Kate. Don't you worry, if you feel too tense, tell him and he'll find a way to make it better for you."

  "He won't think I’m too dumb?"

  "No, he'll love it. Men like being the man and if you tell him, he might do some very wonderful things to make it better for you. You won't be having sex, like a saloon girl. You'll be making love with the man you love."

  Kate sighed.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Wes sold half the horses to the army and made a big profit. Then before going to tell Kate, he checked on Dickens and Black Feather.

  "I want to get married pretty quick. I was wondering if the three of you would stick around a while. I got some plans for Kate after the wedding. We won't be here for a few days. So I was wondering if you fellas would watch the place and the horses for us until we get back. If you do, I'll give Blue Dog, and White Fox those horses I promised now."

  Dickens watched Wes and then looked at Black Feather. "We can stay."

  "Good, Dickens I want you to give Kate away at the wedding. She has no kin, and she'll need your support I'm sure."

  "I'd be honored. So you gonna take her somewhere?"

  "I sure am. But it's a surprise and I can't tell you until we return, we won't be gone any longer than a week."

  Dickens smiled.

  "Good, she deserves that."

  "Yeah, somewhere really special." Wes smiled.

  "Well, we can handle the place while you are gone." Black Feather told him.

  "I want to thank you, and I don't want Dickens being alone all that time. Trouble comes up, I won't have to worry about him."

  "Worry about me? I can take care of myself."

  Wes shook his head. Some of his old fears still existed but he was getting better. Still, leaving Dickens alone could be a problem. "Don't argue with me on this, please?"

  Seeing the look on Wes' face had him calming down. "Alright son, I won't argue. Besides, I'd enjoy the company."

  "Good."

  Wes went inside and saw Kate at the stove and came up behind her. He moved her hair away from her neck and planted an amorous kiss there.

  It sent chills down her body. "Wes," she laughed.

  "I sold half the horses. Got some good money. So if you need anything for the wedding, let me know."

  "We need to talk to the preacher. I mean, I would like to marry in the church this time."

  "So would I."

  "You would?" she asked shyly.

  "I would." He smiled.

  "Annie's making my dress. It will be ready by Friday."

  "Good We'll go talk to the preacher and see when he can do it."

  Almost the entire week, Wes was busy, delivering the horses, planning for their honeymoon, and talking to the preacher. They were to be married on Saturday. For a reasonable fee, he'd have flowers and music for the wedding. Wes paid him and all was set.

  The night before the wedding after everyone went to bed, Wes pulled her toward the fire and sat in her rocking chair, pulling her on top of him. "Are you ready to get married?"

  "I guess so. I'm a little nervous, I mean walking down the aisle and saying the words."

  "I can't wait." He smiled and kissed her passionately.

  She wrapped her arms around him, and he whispered softly, "There's nothing to be afraid of Kate. I'm not Jim. I have no doubt you'll enjoy everything."

  Then he laid her across his arms and looked into her eyes. "I love you Kate, and love will make a big difference. You'll see."

  She smiled, "I love you too. But… what if I'm not good enough for you?"

  "Honey, the first time you kissed me you knocked my boots off. And you do enjoy it when I kiss you, don't you?"

  "Oh yes, from the very start I loved your kisses. Still do."

  "Good, tell me something, do you feel anything when we kiss?"

  "Oh my, yes!" she sighed and turned bright red.

  "Don't be embarrassed honey because tomorrow you'll be my wife. Making love is even better than just kissing, but lady I intend to kiss you plenty. I enjoy it."

  "What else will you do to me?"

  "I want to look at you, at your body, touch it, and make love to it. But I'm not just going to jump on top of you and take you like some whore. I promise, your going to want me as bad as I want you." He smiled and kissed her soft lips once more. "No ma'am, I'm going to enjoy every moment with you. And I promise you will like it."

  "Oh Wes, what if I like it too much?"

  He laughed softly for her ears only, "I can handle that too."

  They kissed for a long while, then he turned her toward her bed and kissed her on the forehead, "Goodnight sweet lady."

  "Goodnight," she whispered.

  Strangely her fear seemed to go away. Wes was so incredibly gentle with her and he understood her fears. She was happy.

  The next morning she woke up and started breakfast as usual. Everyone was talking about the wedding and Wes invited Black Feather and his boys to it too. They'd never been to a white wedding and were very curious about it.

  After breakfast though, she got her things and went over to Annie's to get ready.

  Wes kissed her goodbye, "I'll see you shortly." He whispered and kissed her tenderly.

  "You sure you want to do this?" she asked.

  "I've got no doubts. Have you?"

  "Not about marrying you, just about pleasing you for the rest of your life."

  "Honey, I got a feeling you'll know instinctively how to please me, so don't you worry."

  "I love you Wes," she cried as Dickens drove her over in the wagon.

  "You're really going to walk me down the aisle?"

  "Don't you want me to?" Dickens asked.

  "Oh yes, I'm just surprised you want to."

  He chuckled.

  Two hours later, she came out of Annie's back room with her hair done up fancy, and the most beautiful white silk gown Dickens had ever seen.

  "What do you think?" she asked Dickens as Annie and Sam stared at her.

  "I think I ain't never seen a woman so beautiful." Dickens smiled.

  In another hour Dickens was walking her down the aisle. Wes was staring at her from the pulpit, his mouth open with shock.

  "My God, she's beautiful, so beautiful." Wes cried, as Dickens joined his side.

  The church was decorated with beautiful daisies all over, and strings of white ribbons. There was a carriage outside with "Just Married" written on the back of it. And cans to rattle about as they would drive away.

  Annie stood close by as her maid of honor while Sam sat in one of the front pews.

  The preacher gave them a beautiful ceremony and then he pronounced them husband and wife. "You may kiss the bride." He told Wes.

  Wes took her in his arms, a big smile on his face and he kissed her ever so tenderly as h
e held her close in his arms. She sighed when she came up for air.

  Suddenly everyone came up to congratulate them and kiss the bride.

  Then Wes whisked her outside to the carriage.

  Dickens and Black Feather and his sons had already taken off.

  "We did it, didn't we?" she cried happily as they pulled out of the church yard.

  "We did, sweetheart." He told her, putting his arm around her as they rode toward the ranch.

  But as they pulled into the yard, Dickens and the others came out of the house with her valise.

  "What's this for?" Kate asked.

  "Well, the bride ought to have some clothes when she goes on her honeymoon."

  "Honeymoon. But we're not… "

  "I have a surprise for you, we are going on a short honeymoon. And Annie and Dickens packed your bag for you."

  "Can we afford it?"

  "I think so." Wes grinned.

  "Aren't you going to tell me where?"

  "Nope, not yet."

  She threw kisses to them all as they drove off.

  "Okay, you can tell me now."

  "Nope, not yet. But I can promise you will love it."

  Kate sat back and waited to see where they were going. But when he pulled into the dock of the Mississippi Queen she gasped. "Oh my God, we're really going to ride it?"

  "We are darlin', we are." Wes chuckled.

  "Oh, it's been my dream to ride it once, just once."

  "And you will. I knew you'd love it."

  She jumped up and into his arms and kissed him for all he was worth.

  They boarded the boat and Kate was smiling all the while. She was determined not to miss a moment of it pulling away from the dock and lazily going up the Mississippi.

  "Oh Wes, thank you."

  He took her arm pulling it through his, "My pleasure Mrs. Dolan."

  "Mrs. Dolan. It's like I'm living a dream."

  They waved at all the people on the dock and she watched the slow paddle of the boat moving them down the River.

  Later they dined and had a wonderful meal. After going out on deck once more for a while. He kissed her endlessly.

  She felt all those goosebumps and more.

  "I think we need to dance at least one dance, what do you say?" He asked her.

  "Oh yes, I've love to dance with you. You know, when you drove me to the dance that night, I wanted you to ask me to dance before you left."