She pulled the pan of biscuits from the cook stove, scooped up the fried eggs, slid them onto a plate and slammed it on the table in front of her pa. “Here you go. Careful you don’t choke on ’em.”
Her pa grabbed her wrist. “Girl. You’re trying my patience. Time you was married off to a man who’s crazy enough to put up with your temper and foolishness.”
She twisted her wrist away from his grasp. “And it’s time you stopped drinking yourself into a puddle every night and saw to things on this ranch.”
“You don’t understand. You couldn’t. Your ma leaving left a hole in me. Just trying to fill it only way I know how.” He shoved a strip of bacon into his mouth.
“Bull!” She slammed the spatula on the counter. “Mama left because of your drinking.”
“You don’t know shit. She left me a long time afore she ran off and took you back East.”
“Am I supposed to feel sorry for you?” In spite of her anger, a wave of sympathy flooded through her, surprising the hell out of her, too. She chewed the inside of her bottom lip while she tried to think of something to say. Something better than, “Sorry. Guess I only saw and heard one side.”
He shot her an expression of understanding. “Your heart’s not as hard as your ma’s was, but if you don’t marry that young man, you’ll regret it.”
“Don’t you think I know it? But will he regret it in the long run? Not like he has much choice in the matter.” As she voiced a fear that nagged her all night long, her bottom lip trembled.
So much for keeping her feelings to herself. Dammit.
She turned away and broke another egg into the sizzling bacon grease. Damn her pa for being such a man. If she never saw Cordero Tate again she’d…be just fine.
No, she wouldn’t. She’d shrivel up and die an old maid. Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her surroundings. “You just—” She threw down the egg flipper and fled the kitchen, her father and her feelings.
But he called after her. “When he comes today or tonight, make peace with him—oh, and get busy working on that dress!”
She made it as far as the stairs before a smile tugged at her lips. The dress… Yes, she had to finish her wedding dress.
Chapter Nineteen
Early the same morning, Cord rode over to Reverend Moore’s house. His wife admitted him. She was a short, stout woman, pleasant of face, but her beady, dark eyes were full of unspoken questions.
Remembering his manners, he removed his hat. “Morning, ma’am. Need to see the reverend.”
“You’ll find him in the dining room, working on Sunday’s sermon.” She moved aside and gestured toward the back of the small dwelling. She cleared her throat. “I hear Miss Tyler’s returned home. Is she recovered…after her ordeal?” Each pause was accompanied by an almost imperceptible lift of her gray brows.
“She’s fine. Thanks.” Damn busybody. Let her keep her questions to herself.
He tapped on the doorjamb. The reverend looked up from his task and gave him a smile of surprise, but a smile all the same.
“Good to see you, Sheriff. What can I do for you?”
“Star and I still want to marry. Thought Sunday after church, like we planned last week before…”
The reverend frowned, sucked a whistle of air through his teeth then asked, “Are you sure? I mean, considering what happened, no one would blame you if you had second thoughts…or perhaps wanted to wait an interval.”
“I love her. And nothing happened.” His face heated. Dammit, he hated having to say the words because it had been a close call. “She wasn’t forced. My brothers and I—we got there in time.”
“You’re sure?”
“Very.”
The reverend set down his quill and steepled his fingers. “There’s another issue. This gentleman who had her taken from home, he called me to the jail last evening. He says he has a valid marriage contract. He’s an attorney, so he should know.”
“She never agreed to marry him.” Cord tugged at the bandana around his neck, wishing there was at least a breeze. “The agreement was between him and her ma. Star’s of age and she can’t be forced to marry someone she doesn’t want.”
Hard enough time convincing her himself.
“He also says she assaulted him in Boston.”
“Can’t say as I blame her. You didn’t see the contraptions he had in that house in Llano. Dog leashes. Whips. Chains.”
The reverend sucked his teeth and paled. “And Miss Tyler has accepted your proposal of her own free will?”
“Yep.” Dammit if this preacher wouldn’t marry them, he’d find one who would if he had to ride all the way to Fort Worth.
The reverend sighed and picked up his quill. “Then Sunday it is. I’ll let the missus know. She’ll want to do something I’m sure.”
Yeah, right, like look down her long nose.
“Appreciate it. See you Sunday.” He turned and left the confined quarters of the minister’s house.
Damn good thing she’d agreed to marry him, not with folks giving the stink eye for something that wasn’t her fault.
It was late, past supper time, when Cord rode up to the Tyler ranch. Old man Tyler was sitting on the porch, fanning flies and nursing what looked like a good bottle of Kentucky bourbon. “Sir, you and I—we should talk. Sorry it took so long for me to get back. Matters came up.”
Old man Tyler cleared his throat. “We already talked last time.”
Star walked out onto the porch, wiping her hands on her apron. As far as he could tell, she was in a better mood. Calmer.
“You and her,” Tyler said, jerking his head toward Star, “got to do the talking now. I’m going out to the stables, got to check on one of the horses. Got a warm joint troubling him. Might be a while.”
Cord nodded his understanding and waited until Star’s father was gone. “Might as well go inside.” He opened the door and followed her inside.
“Fancy something to drink?” she asked over her shoulder.
At least she was feeling hospitable. Wonder how long the wedding dress would stand between them? He was dying to touch her, but didn’t dare. No matter how dry his mouth, he shook his head. “No, thanks.”
She turned and gave him a smile, one that warmed him all the way to his short curlies. The next second she was in his arms. “I’m so sorry. I guess I was just a little crazy yesterday. So much had happened.”
“So you’re not letting me off the hook?” He faked a hangdog expression then chuckled. “Damn good thing, since I already saw the reverend this morning and asked him to marry us on Sunday. Now that’s if your wedding dress is finished and to your satisfaction.”
She snuggled close and smiled up at him. “It will be.”
For the second time in less than a week, he dropped to one knee. “Starlight Tyler, will you do me the tremendous honor of becoming my wife?”
“Oh, yes.” Her eyes shone with unshed tears, and she trembled as she stood before him.
He got to his feet. “One more thing. Will you have my children?”
“What? Yes. Yes. Yes.” Tears rolled down her face, and she turned her face upward for his kiss. He bent his head and met her sweet lips, slipped his tongue into her mouth and pressed her against the wall and ground his cock in her belly.
The back door slammed and they jumped apart.
Pa—never saw a man with worse timing. He stomped around in the kitchen then moseyed into the sitting room and stood in the doorway with his hands on his hips. “Well? Is it settled?”
Cord clasped her hand in his. She entwined her fingers through his and squeezed. He beamed down at her. “Your daughter has accepted my proposal, again, Mr. Tyler.”
“Good.” A big grin creased his weathered face.
Her pa actually smiled. Who knew the old coot could smile?
“So, when’s the wedding? Think it oughta be soon, seeing as how the two of you can’t keep your hands off each other.”
“Sunday after church?” She gaze
d up at the man she loved with every bone in her body. “Is that soon enough?”
He gripped her hand even tighter and grinned even wider while his eyes glittered with desire. “No, but whatever you think best.”
Her pa shoved his hands in his overall pockets. “Guess that’ll do.”
Cord nodded.
A measure of relief passed through her body, as if the weight of a full-grown steer had been lifted from not just her shoulders, but her soul. For the first time in weeks, she could breathe without worrying what was going to happen next. Cord loved her and would be a true husband. It wasn’t about what anyone thought. Not really.
Pa cleared his throat. “’Spect Star ought to be getting herself to bed. You take care, Sheriff. The trail back to town’s a tricky one.”
Cord grinned and gave her a quick wink. “Guess that’s my cue to head out and take my sorry self home.”
“Guess so.” Still holding tight to Cord’s strong hand, she turned to her father. “All right if I walk him out?” Like she would’ve ever asked permission before. No point in tempting fate or her father’s sudden good will.
“Don’t dawdle too long. Wouldn’t want to scare the horses.” He snickered and headed back to the kitchen.
Cord slid his arm around her waist and pulled her snug into his side as they walked outside. “Can’t say your old man doesn’t speak his mind.”
“That’s for sure. But he likes you. That’s plain to see.”
“You know, he’s not nearly as mean as his reputation.”
“Well, I have to say he’s softening a bit, and it’s somewhat unsettling. I guess I was such a mama’s girl that I didn’t have much to do with him. He was busy running the ranch. Besides, Tom was always his favorite. But I have to say Pa’s taking Tom’s death better than I expected.”
He shook his head. “What happened to Tom was inevitable.”
“I know. But I had a nightmare last night.” She shivered. “Relived it all over again.”
She stopped at the hitching post and patted the stallion’s neck. The creature nodded his big head, pawed at the ground and snorted.
“He acts like he’s more than ready to go home.” She smiled up at Cord. “How about you?”
He pulled her into his arms and let out a long sigh. “Never ready to leave you, but your Pa made himself pretty damn clear.”
“Sort of rude and smiling at the same time. I was thinking maybe you could make it out here for supper at least one night during the week. I don’t think I can go without seeing you before next Sunday.” And since his prick was standing at attention, he probably couldn’t either. She pressed against him and moved her hips from side to side, teasing him.
He groaned. “Got a feeling your old man is gonna be watching me careful like.” He leaned down and nipped at her ear lobe then left a trail of kisses down her neck.
Her breathing grew ragged. He nudged open her thighs with his knee. She straddled his thigh and rubbed her naughty parts up and down. “No doubt.” Her body burned to take him right there. “I need you, so much,” she said with a rasp.
He lifted up her skirt and slid his hand down her dampening bloomers, found the aching spot and caressed it with his work-roughened fingers. Her inner muscles clenched as he inserted one finger then two, gently stretching her walls, all the while his thumb worked her clit in seductive circular motions. She gasped for air and reveled in the pleasure his touch brought.
“Come on, baby. Come for me. Your pussy’s so wet. You’re close.” He nipped at her neck and nuzzled her breasts through her bodice. With his free hand he unbuttoned the first few buttons and kissed the valley between her breasts then bit one of her nipples through the lacy chemise.
She arched her neck, and when she came, her entire body shook. Her walls clenched his fingers, and she kept thrusting and wishing it would never stop. A kaleidoscope of colors burst behind her closed eyes, and she sagged into him with a quiet moan. “If having your prick inside me feels any better than this…I’ll probably die once we’re married.”
He slipped his fingers from her body and let her skirt fall. “Now for that you have to wait.”
“What about you? Your Johnson is likely to bust out of your breeches.” She knelt down in front of him and started fumbling with his buttons.
“Lord a-mighty, Star. Get up.” He pulled her to her feet. “Your pa’s going to come out here and shove his shotgun up my ass.”
“Not if you shut your mouth and let me take matters in hand.” She grinned and eased her hand inside his duckin trousers. She began to caress his length. “This would be so much better if you’d let me use my mouth on you.”
“Woman, you have a mouth on you all right…” He lost his breath and let out a low groan as she gripped his cock and rapidly slid her hand back and forth along his rigid length until his entire body shuddered. His cock jerked and cum spurted into her hand.
He staggered then steadied himself by latching onto the hitching post. “Damn. You sure are a fast learner.”
“What else could I do? You wouldn’t let me suck you off.” Grinning, she took her hand and licked his come from her fingers, while he buttoned his pants. “Can’t let it go to waste, now can I?”
“Lord a-mighty, I don’t think you’ll be the one dying. You’ll probably fuck me to death before the first year’s out.”
She cast him her most quizzical expression. “I’m no expert, but is that even possible?”
“Hell if I know, but think of the fun we’ll have trying to find out.”
“I can hardly wait, and if you don’t get on that horse right now, you might just find out this very night.”
He cast a long, heated glance in her direction then swung up on the black stallion. She watched his back until she could no longer make out his tall form in the night. By all that wasn’t so holy, being his wife would be pure heaven.
Chapter Twenty
For Star the days until Sunday flew then dragged then flew again by turn. A rash of cattle rustling kept Cord too occupied to do more than pay a quick visit on Wednesday evening. She had to settle for a quick hug and a kiss that didn’t last nearly long enough.
The day of the wedding ceremony was sunny and hot. Luckily the Sunday church sermon was short and sweet, and it seemed as if every blessed inhabitant of Kenton Valley attended, whether they were regular churchgoers or not.
Selma Nelson helped with the final fitting of Star’s wedding dress of pale green cotton sprigged with tiny yellow flowers. The light green French lace trimmed the bodice, collar and cuffs. While it was a simple design, it was lovelier than any gown she’d ever worn in Boston. After all, it was her wedding dress, and a woman didn’t get married every day.
Her pa attended in his best suit, clean shaven except for his thick, gray mustache. He kissed her cheek just before handing her over to Cord.
Miracle of miracles.
Cord’s brother Nash stood up for him while his father and Luis looked on from the pews. After the ceremony, Star suffered through the congratulations and knowing glances and too many glasses of punch to count. All she wanted was her handsome husband and a chance to get him out of his Sunday-go-to-meeting suit at the first opportunity and into their bed. At least a month would do, even though the reality was less. His brothers promised on their lives not to call him for anything. Not even if Butch Cassidy moved to Kenton Valley and robbed the stage coach.
At last, sitting beside Cord on the buckboard, they put the church and the town behind them. She glanced up at her new husband and blinked back the tears trying to form then patted his knee. “We finally did it. We’re really husband and wife.”
“Damn straight we are. Just need to know one thing. Did you mean those words about honoring and obeying me?” His dark eyes shone with mischief and his mouth quirked up in a half smile.
Screwing her lips into a pout, she pretended to give his question great consideration. “Depends.”
“Oh what?”
“Whether or
not I want to.”
“I see. Now I didn’t hear any conditions in those vows in front of the preacher.”
She let out a peal of laughter. Never had she been so happy or so in love. “I can’t imagine what you mean.”
“Need to know if you’re going to be a dutiful wife. That’s all.”
A glimmer of what he meant hit her. “Will I perform my wifely duties? Oh, most certainly. And with great pleasure, I’m sure.” She gave him her demurest smile.
They came to the fork in the road that would take them to her new home. She was anxious to see the house. He’d told her Wednesday night it was all cleared out, including his two brothers who’d moved into the bunkhouse at their pa’s ranch.
Cord stared off into the distance, guiding the horse around a deep rut. She held on to the side of the seat.
“You know, you might get tired of me. Wish you’d married someone else.”
“Someone else?”
“Someone like—say, that Pinkerton fellow. He was a lot more polished than me.”
“He never crossed my mind.”
“Did mine. I got to thinking while we were in front of the preacher. What if a man like him suited you better than me and you didn’t realize it until too late?”
“You were having doubts even during our vows?”
“Weren’t you?”
“No!” Folding her arms, she gave an exasperated huff and moved to the far side of the buckboard seat.
“Now, come on. I wasn’t having doubts about loving you. Just that you might be sorry later.”
“Well, forget it. You’re the only man for me, and that settles it.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“Tell me about the house. What’s it like?” Were they going to sleep in the same bed where he’d slept with Annie? Why did she have to think of that now? It wasn’t practical for him to buy a new bed just for her. No. Just erase those thoughts.
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