The Kissing Bridge: Cassie's Story (Hearts of Hays Series #3)

by Barbara Goss

  THE KISSING BRIDGE

  Barbara Goss

  All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this book is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage system without express written permission from the author.

  Copyright © 2015 Barbara Goss

  All Rights Reserved

  Kindle Edition

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Epilogue

  Foreward

  1886 Hays, Kansas

  In its early years, Hays City was a violent frontier town characteristic of the American Old West. More than 30 murders occurred in or near the town between 1867 and 1873, and it was the location of the original Boot Hill. Several notable figures of the Old West lived in Hays City at points, including George Custer and his wife Elizabeth, Calamity Jane, and Wild Bill Hickok, who served a brief term as sheriff in 1869. Hays City became the county seat of Ellis County in 1870. By 1872, many of the rougher elements of the populace had left, mainly for Dodge City, and Hays City became more civilized. In 1885, the town was incorporated, and “City” was dropped from its name.

  Chapter 1

  Cassandra Collins seldom argued with her mother, Meg, but today her mother was like a needle underneath her fingernail. She counted to ten while she listened to her mother go on and on about her love life.

  “Almost three years.” Meg held up three fingers. “You’ve been dating Silas all this time, and he’s never mentioned marriage? Or has he mentioned it, and you’ve discouraged him? You’re twenty years old, Cassie, what are you two waiting for?”

  Cassie rolled her eyes. “Ma, he’s never asked.”

  “Have you encouraged him?”

  “Sort of.”

  “What's that supposed to mean?” Meg demanded.

  Cassie squirmed under her mother’s interrogation. “When Silas wants to...I mean tries to…or hints at more than kissing and hugging, I tell him I want to come to my marriage bed pure.”

  Meg closed her eyes and shook her salt and peppered head.

  “What?” Cassie asked.

  “It’s good, but not encouraging. You should say something like ‘not until we’re married.’”

  “Oh, I couldn’t.”

  “Well, if I don’t get an announcement soon, I’m going to have your brother confront him and ask his intentions.”

  “Oh, Ma! You wouldn’t!”

  “You bet I would.” Meg pointed her finger at Cassie. “Three years with the same man and no announcement—people will begin to talk. Other men won’t come near you as they will all assume you two have been intimate since few couples last three years without more than kisses and hugs these days.”

  “It’s true, Ma.”

  “I believe you because I know you and your morals, but others don’t.” Meg’s voice softened, “Just see if you can encourage him more, if he’s the one you truly want to marry that is. Otherwise, you need to break it off.”

  “I haven’t a doubt in my mind he’s the one. I love him, Ma.”

  “I’m glad, because he’s a successful, hardworking man, and I’m fond of him.” Meg hugged Cassie. “Just try, Cassie.”

  As usual, on Wednesday night, Silas took Cassie to dinner at Lucy’s Diner and then on a slow ride home. They strolled down to the creek running through the Collins’ land, and they talked and kissed on the little bridge that her brother, Jesse, had built.

  Silas put his arms around her waist and drew her close. “You seem lost in thought tonight, Cassie, is something bothering you?”

  Tossing her ever-present braids over her shoulder, she smiled. “Nothing’s bothering me.” She paused, “I was just thinking about a conversation I had today with my mother.” Cassie, while no shrinking violet, usually spoke her mind, but when it came to love and Silas, she always wilted. She thought her Silas the most handsome man ever with his strong rugged build from his work at his livery business, and his dark hair and big brown eyes that never ceased to charm her. The moment she met him, she knew that, no one else would ever do.

  “Care to talk about it?” he asked, kissing her forehead.

  Cassie thought the bridge the most romantic place she knew. Water rushed over the large rocks in the creek bed in the background, adding to the atmosphere, and they tended to end their nights there, more often than not.

  “Not really,” she answered, reaching up to put her arms around his neck. They kissed passionately, and Cassie felt captivated. She did want more than this; she wanted intimacy and children with him. She realized her mother was right.

  She rested her head on his shoulder and wondered how to begin the discussion. She didn’t have to wait long for her opening, because, like a few times before, his hands crept down a bit further than her waist, and he pulled her even closer to him. Too close! She had to back away.

  “I don’t think—” she began.

  “C’mon Cassie," He moaned softly. He spoke with unmistakable frustration in his voice. "We've been in love for three years, surely, we can cuddle a bit closer.”

  Cassie shook her head. “Which will lead to more and more. I want a pure and wonderful wedding night, Silas.” Then in almost in a whisper she added, “With you.” She looked into his eyes to see the effect her words had on him and read shock on his face.

  “Cassie, I…we…never…” he stuttered and swiftly kissed her forehead. “My last driver's due back in and I have to get back and lock up the livery.” He started to walk toward the house.

  “No!” Cassie stamped her foot. “We need to talk about this.”

  “I have nothing to more to say. I love you, Cassie, but I—I can’t— ”

  “You think it’s all right to go further in our relationship, without any future commitment?” she asked.

  Silas turned back to her, sighed, and hugged her tightly. “I love you so much it hurts, Cassie. I apologize for coming on so strong tonight, but I want you as close to me as possible. As for the future, I need some time. I’m unable to commit right now.”

  Cassie felt hurt and confused.

  Silas must have noticed because he said, “It’s complicated.”

  “Is there someone else?”

  “You are the only love in my life, Cassie.” He let go of her to rub his temples. “I need to put some things in my life in order first. When I do, I promise we’ll talk about this again.”

  Silas rode home, feeling choked up knowing that Cassie wouldn’t wait forever. She was his life and if she ever finished with him, he didn’t know what he’d do. How could he possibly commit himself to marrying Cassie when he already had a wife? The wife who just happened to be the biggest mistake in his life.

  Back in Kansas City where he grew up, after his father died, he followed his dream to explore his love of horses, and went to work for a livery in Kansas City. While he was there, he learned all he could, used his inheritance to buy a house in Hays, and later build a livery of his own. But there was still one thing
he failed to include in his life story: his marriage to Belinda Rogers.

  How could he tell Cassie he was already married? His only solution would be to return to Kansas City to solve his problem. Maybe Belinda had found someone else to marry, too, and would agree to an annulment. Surely someone as attractive as Belinda would be with someone by now—for all he knew she might even be with his brother, Oliver. One thing was for sure—he’d have to tell Cassie the whole story. She deserved to know.

  The following day, Cassie and Nellie—the eight year-old from the Orphan Train her brother, Jessie, and his wife, Laura, fostered—were strolling along the main street in Hays, when Cassie spied Silas coming out of the barbershop. She turned to Nellie and said, “Honey, go to the general store and buy some candy.” She squeezed money into her hand and Nellie ran off toward the store.

  Cassie ran to meet Silas, waving to him as she did. Though he was usually glad to run into her in town, today he looked troubled.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked, seeing his dismal face.

  “Just problems with the livery,” he answered. “Someone rented a rig and never returned with it, and…well, you know the usual problems.”

  Cassie punched Silas gently on the arm. “You never let those things pull you down before?” She glanced toward the general store to check on Nellie. “Are we still on for tonight?”

  “I’m sorry, Cassie,” he said looking confused. “What were our plans tonight?”

  Cassie knew something more must be troubling Silas because he never forgot plans they’d made. “The going away party for Reverend McCarty? We planned to go around seven.”

  “Oh!” Silas thumped his head. “Yes! How could I forget?” He took Cassie’s hand and squeezed it. “I’m sorry, Cassie, I’m just bogged down in business problems, but I’ll pick you up around half past six.” He pecked her on the cheek and headed back to his workplace, Martin’s Livery.

  Nellie yanked on Cassie's shirt. "I'm back, Aunt Cassie."

  Cassie embraced her. Nellie stole everyone’s heart with her smile and big, brown eyes, but especially Jesse's.

  Cassie sat her on the horse, jumped up herself and rode off. Unlike most women in town, Cassie wore pants, rode astride, and worked the ranch she shared with her mother.

  A sturdy-bodied woman, Cassie appeared muscular and curvaceous simultaneously, in all the right places but as an accomplished horsewoman, cattle breeder, and rancher in her own right, Cassie still appeared feminine, despite her toughness.

  Cassie reined in at her brother’s place and handed Nellie down to the ground. Laura, Jesse’s wife, ran out to meet them, holding their one year-old son, Jacob, in her arms. Cassie jumped down and held her hands out to Jake, as the family called him. She kissed his golden curls. “How’s my handsome nephew?” In reply, Jake grabbed one of her braids and tried to put it into his mouth. “Oh, no you don’t. That’s Aunt Cassie’s, you little imp!”

  Laura laughed and took Jake back. “Can you stop for coffee or tea?”

  “Well, the east fence needs mending…but yes, I would like a cup of tea. I need to talk to someone other than my mother.” She followed Laura into the quaint log cabin house.

  Laura, a petite, strawberry blond, had met Jesse when he’d rescued her from a train robber while she was a novice nun. She later took her final vows on the marriage altar instead of at the convent. She’d continued to serve God through her work finding homes for orphans. She felt a strong connection with orphans, since she’d been one herself. Laura and Jesse now had Jake and another was on the way in a few months. Cassie got shivers whenever she saw Laura and Jesse together; the strong love they shared was so evident.

  Laura put Jake down for a nap and put the kettle on for tea as Cassie placed the cups onto saucers. She loved the large, family-sized kitchen, with its shiny, pine cabinets and modern stove. The room basked in the sunlight, which entered through a large, bay window over the sink, and made the room bright, cozy, and so perfect for intimate chats.

  “Is something wrong?” Laura asked. Worry lines showed on her forehead.

  “Sort of.” Cassie sat at the wooden table. “It’s Silas.”

  Laura poured the tea and sat down to give Cassie her full attention.

  Cassie valued Laura’s opinion, as her advice was usually solid. She could always rely upon to tell her the truth and keep her confidence.

  “Ma scolded me yesterday about Silas’s intentions,” she said, “or lack thereof.”

  “Jesse and I also wondered—three years is a long time.” Laura passed the sugar to Cassie, who liked her tea sweet.

  “So, last night I broached the subject, and he became agitated and made an excuse to leave early. He vows he loves me—what could his problem be?”

  “Hmm…” Laura paused a few moments to think. “I’ve heard of men who are afraid to commit even though they’re in love. Maybe that’s Silas’s problem.”

  “I guess it’s as likely as anything but what should I do if that's the case?” Cassie asked.

  “Cassie,” Laura began, “I’m the last one to give romantic advice, since Jesse’s been my one and only love, but maybe you should make yourself available to other men. Perhaps a bit of jealousy would encourage him.”

  “I love him!” Cassie cried. “I don’t want anyone else.”

  “Laura shrugged. “That might be all it would take.” Laura collected the empty cups. “Think about it, and pray about it, won’t you?”

  Cassie mended her fence and had just enough time to bathe and change before Silas arrived. “Are you ready, Ma?” She held the door open for Meg Collins, who carried a large pot of stew. Silas had brought one of his fancy buggies, complete with driver, to take them to the church, and as they rode, Cassie lamented, “I’m sure going to miss Reverend McCarty.”

  “He’s been here since the church was built. It just won’t seem right without him.” Meg smoothed her gray dress. “But he says he feels God's calling him to the mission field--in Oregon, of all places.”

  Silas spoke up. “I hear the new minister hasn’t arrived yet, and Josh Redfield will do the sermon on Sunday. Josh told me McCarty wants to work with the Indian population in Oregon.”

  Cassie had thought Silas looked a bit brighter when she first saw him, but now, once again he looked troubled. “Is everything all right at the livery?” she asked.

  Silas gave Cassie a smile she thought looked forced. “There are always problems when you own a business. But other than that…” Usually, his brown eyes sparkled with mischief, but tonight he avoided eye contact altogether.

  While sitting in church, Cassie looked at Silas, his forehead creased, and he frowned. She shivered. Whatever bothered him frightened her, and made her feel uneasy. After their talk last night, she felt sure he'd planned to end their relationship. Maybe she’d spoiled things by speaking up, but her mother was right; it couldn't go on like this forever. People already looked at them with questioning eyes, expecting an announcement.

  “After Reverend McCarty’s message we can sneak out,” Cassie whispered. She wanted to look special for him, so she’d brushed out her braids, and pinned her hair away from her face using a pink ribbon, which matched her pink dress.

  During the reverend’s message, Cassie worried that nothing would ever be the same with them. She looked over at Silas. He looked so handsome, with his wavy hair slicked back, and the perpetual stray lock falling over his forehead. He wore a starched, white shirt and black britches, and she thought he looked extra fine, despite his doldrums.

  Cassie watched as Silas fiddled with his hands. She’d never seen him this nervous before. The past three years had been the best of her life, and she hoped that night wouldn’t be the end of it. She silently prayed for the strength to stand up to whatever lay ahead.

  After Reverend McCarty’s last words and a prayer, he announced a potluck supper would be held in the basement. Everyone turned and made their way to the lobby and basement. Silas and Cassie greeted Laura, Jesse, and Baby
Jake, being held by Grandma Meg. Silas motioned to the door to remind Cassie of their escape.

  She followed him out and around to the back, where they found a bench. The evening felt warm for springtime and Cassie gazed up at the clear sky where she had a view of the sparkling stars. It should have been the perfect night, but Silas’s urgency put a damper on the beauty of the evening.

  Silas took her hand, “You look fantastic tonight," and then his voiced turned almost desperate, "I love you so much, Cassie.”

  Cassie saw the earnestness in his eyes. She squeezed his hand. “Whatever the problem, Silas, we can set it right.”

  Silas drew a breath. “I want to marry you more than anything in this world, but…”

  Cassie searched his eyes and she mouthed the word, “But…"

  He sighed, and blurted, “But I’m already married.”

  Chapter 2

  “What?” Cassie cried, pulling her hand out of his grasp. “Married? Are you joking? Because I don’t find it one bit funny.”

  “I wish with all my heart that I were joking.” He reached for her hand again. You said that no matter what it is we can set it right, so let me explain.'”

  Cassie kept her hand in his and said, “All right, explain.” She felt numb.

  “When my father died he left money to my brother, Oliver, and me. I decided I wanted to work with horses, so I got a job at a local livery to learn the business. My boss, Joe Rogers, had a daughter, Belinda who constantly flirted with me, but I wanted to concentrate on learning the trade and eventually get my own livery. One night, when I was working alone in the office, she came in, ripped open her blouse, and practically threw herself at me. Before I knew it, her father and another livery employee had walked in, and Joe demanded I marry her. I tried to explain, but her father wouldn’t listen, leaving me no choice. Later, when I thought about it, I wished I'd left town, never to return, instead of doing what I thought was the right thing to do. Young and inexperienced as to the ways and wiles of the world, I married her. Until that night, I’d only liked Belinda as a friend, but her father warned me that if I didn’t marry her, no one else would, because now her reputation would be in shreds.”