by Linda Bridey
“Thank you,” Lacey said.
“I think room twenty-four will do nicely for you two,” Jolene said.
“You know best,” Joe told her as she handed him a key.
Lacey was further surprised when Joe kissed both of Jolene’s cheeks and tucked some folded money into her cleavage. He picked up Lacey’s suitcase again and took her hand. Lacey gaped at Jolene, who wasn’t paying attention to Lacey. She let Joe lead her to a staircase, but halfway up the stairs, she pulled her hand from his. Lacey wasn’t comfortable with a lot of male contact.
Joe turned to look at her. “What’s wrong?”
“I can walk just fine on my own,” Lacey said.
Joe laughed. “Right. Sorry about that.” He turned back around and continued upward.
When they reached her room, Joe unlocked the door and let her enter first. It was a beautiful room done in a muted yellow with white ruffled curtains. Lacey looked at the fine furniture and couldn’t believe that she would be staying in such a pretty place.
Joe sat her suitcase on the bed and asked, “Do you like it? We can get you a different room if you don’t.”
“No. It’s beautiful,” Lacey said.
“Would you like something to eat? Drink?” Joe asked. Before Lacey could answer, Joe ran out the door. He leaned over the banister and shouted, “Hey, Jolene! How about some lunch and something to drink?”
“Sure thing, Joey!” came the reply.
He came back into Lacey’s room and shut the door. “Jolene’s got a heart made of pure gold. She’ll take good care of you.”
Lacey said, “Ok.”
Joe could tell that she was wound up like a high-strung filly. “How about we sit and talk until lunch gets here?” he suggested as he motioned to a couple of overstuffed chairs by the window.
“Ok.”
Joe sat opposite her and stretched out his legs in front of him. “You know how I said that we shouldn’t start off with lies?”
“Yes.”
“I’m going to hold up my end of the bargain. You need protection and money. I need something from you, too,” he said.
Lacey just stayed quiet and waited to hear what he would say.
“The only reason I need to get married is because my father won’t give me my inheritance until I am. So I need a wife in a hurry. So as soon as Jamie and Luke get back from their little trip, we’ll get hitched. We need them to be witnesses. You’ll get to live in style and I’ll get to tell my daddy to kiss my behind. Works out for both of us,” Joe said, and waited to see how she’d react.
Lacey processed this information and saw that it did indeed benefit both parties. “So you are not looking for a love match?”
Joe laughed at that. “Darlin’, I got love matches all over the place, if you get my meaning.”
Lacey got his meaning all right. “Are you expecting to have children?” she asked. She would like to have a family someday, but it wasn’t a requirement right now. Her main concern was getting married and being protected from her father.
Joe leaned his head back on the chair. Everyone kept saying that he should have kids, but he didn’t know how he’d do at that. His daddy stunk at being a father and Joe didn’t want to inflict that kind of suffering on a child. However, he would like to have an heir to carry on the business someday.
He looked back at Lacey and said, “How about we get married for now and then see how we feel about having kids a little later on? Right now, it sounds like we both need to get the legal stuff taken care of first.”
Lacey picked at a ruffle on her dress. She couldn’t meet his eyes as she asked, “Would I be expected to perform wifely duties?”
Joe laughed at that. “Do you want to perform wifely duties?”
Lacey tried to be realistic about the situation. “Maybe after we’ve gotten to know each other better. And if we’re going to have children, I guess we would have to… you know.”
“Yes, I know,” Joe said. “Ok. So we get married just as soon as possible and then deal with the other stuff as it comes. Now, speaking of which, I am not a one woman man. You need to know that. I think it’s only fair to you. Um, if you should decide that you’re not a one man woman, you need to let me know. Just don’t get pregnant by someone else.”
Lacey had never entertained the idea of having an affair even if their marriage was a sham, but she could see how that might happen. “I understand.”
Joe smiled and sat up again. “One last bit of business. My daddy has no idea that you’re here and that’s the way I want to keep it. When you go out and about, do not bring up my name. If people ask why you’re in town, you just tell them that you’re here to see your best friend Jamie. I don’t want Daddy to get wind of our upcoming nuptials and do something to screw me out of what’s rightfully mine. Is it a deal?”
Lacey nodded.
“Good. Let’s shake on it,” Joe said as he stood up and held out a hand.
Lacey hesitantly put her hand in his. It felt small and soft and Joe was gentle as he shook it. Anger resurfaced as he imagined her father knocking her around. He tugged a little on her hand to make her look at him.
“Lacey, I meant what I said. No one will ever hurt you again. I promise. I’m a man of my word,” Joe said.
“Thank you,” Lacey said.
Joe let her hand slip from his and nodded. “Have a pleasant day, Lacey. I’ll be back to check on you this evening.”
Chapter Three
Lacey had lain down to take a nap. When she awoke, it was nighttime. She stretched and got up off the bed. The moonlight streamed in the windows and she found that she was hungry. Jolene had sent up the lunch that Joe had asked for earlier that day, but she hadn’t been able to eat at the time.
She moved to a table where an oil lamp and matches sat. After lighting the lamp, Lacey decided that she might as well go see what the town was like. Looking down at her dress, she could see that it was wrinkled. Her hair was probably a mess from sleeping. It was time to freshen up.
The room had a private bath, which was very nice. Lacey was used to having to share a washroom with her slovenly father, so having one all to herself was novel to her. She was just zipping up her dress when there was a knock at the door.
“One moment,” she said as she finished. She went to the door and asked, “Who is it?”
“It’s your future husband, Miss Reagan.”
Lacey smiled and opened the door.
Joe looked down at her and thought she looked very fetching in her new red dress. Her dark eyes held amusement and she had a very pretty mouth, he noted.
“Well, my goodness. Look at you. You look quite pretty,” Joe said.
Lacey moved back a little and let him in. “Thank you.”
“How was your afternoon?” Joe asked. He noticed that the bed was a little rumpled.
“Fine. I had a very nice nap. I didn’t know traveling could make you so tired,” Lacey said.
“Yes, and stage coaches are not very comfortable to sleep in. I’ve tried,” Joe said. “I see you changed. Going out?”
“Yes. I wanted to see a little of the town. I’m not sleepy now and I’m hungry,” Lacey said.
“I’m sure Jolene will send something up for you,” Joe said.
“No. I want to go out. It will be nice to go out and not have to worry if I’m going to get beat up when I go home if I do,” Lacey said sternly.
Joe blinked a couple of times at the horrible images her statement brought to mind. “All right. Just give me a few minutes to get out of here so that no one sees us together. The Grady House is a good place to eat. Have a good time, Miss Reagan.”
Lacey watched him leave and closed her door. She waited five minutes, picked up her wrap and then left the hotel. The early October night was a little chilly, but she didn’t mind. Lacey strolled along leisurely, looking in shop windows and nodding at passersby. She saw the sign for the Grady House up ahead and went in.
It was a nice establishment and ther
e were several couples having dinner there. Lacey was seated by an older gentleman and given a menu. She saw that the prices were reasonable and then thought of all the money she still had from Joe. He hadn’t asked her if she had any left over, so she didn’t feel bad about using it. Besides, she would pay it back when she got a job. She ordered a meatloaf dinner and waited for her food.
*****
Joe had followed Lacey to the Grady House to make sure she got there safely. Once she was inside, he continued on to the Watering Hole. Maybe tonight would be a good gambling night since he’d had such good luck today. He thought about singing, but it just wouldn’t be as fun without Jamie. No, cards were much more appealing tonight.
*****
Lacey spent the next three days enjoying getting to know the town better. There was a new schoolhouse being built and she watched the construction sometimes. She noticed a young brunette woman conferring with what looked to her like an Indian man from time to time. Lacey was surprised to see them arguing. They got loud once and the woman put her hand up under his hair and pulled it. Then they kissed. Lacey looked to see how the people around her reacted to this. Most of them just smiled and shook their heads as they went about their business.
She saw Joe ride by her several times and while he tipped his hat to her, he never spoke except when he came to her room at night to check on her. The fourth night she was in town, Lacey heard a commotion outside her door and then someone knocked frantically.
“Who is it?” she asked.
“Lacey! It’s Jamie! Get that door open, girl!”
Lacey flung the door open and was promptly enveloped by her auburn-haired best friend. The two women hugged, kissed each other, and wept with happiness. They were both talking a mile a minute and as Luke and Joe followed them inside the room, they couldn’t understand how they knew what each other was saying.
Both women stopped to catch a breath and Jamie said, “Lacey, this is my husband, Luke.”
Lacey looked at Luke and put a hand over her mouth. She started laughing and Luke wasn’t sure what to make of it.
Lacey saw his expression and said, “I’m so sorry, but you do look like Hercules.”
They all burst out laughing.
“It’s so good to finally meet you, Luke,” Lacey said, and shook his hand. She looked into his deep brown eyes and saw his gentleness reflected in them.
“Likewise, Lacey. I hope Joe’s treating you right,” Luke answered.
“Oh, yes. He’s been the perfect gentleman,” Lacey said.
“That doesn’t sound like him at all,” Luke teased.
“Don’t be tellin’ her that. I have been the perfect gentleman,” Joe protested.
Jamie said, “Joe explained everything to us. I’m so glad that Joe helped get you out of there. I’m very grateful to him.”
“Me, too,” Lacey said, with a smile at Joe.
Joe did a half-bow. “Always glad to lend a helping hand.”
“Since when?” Luke said.
“Are you saying that I’m not helpful?” Joe asked. “Need I remind you of the time you got drunk and decided to redecorate the town-?”
“Well, who’s hungry?” Luke interrupted him. “Let’s go eat, huh?”
Jamie pounced on Joe. “Ok, we’ll go eat and Joey can tell us all about what Luke decorated when he was drunk, right?”
“Of course,” Joe said.
“Wait, I thought I wasn’t supposed to be seen with you?” Lacey said.
“Oh, it’s all right now, darlin’. See, we’ll just say that Jamie introduced us when I happened to come along for dinner. After dinner, I’ll go my way and you go yours. No one will be the wiser. Besides, we’re getting married the day after tomorrow. You’ll want to shop tomorrow, I’m sure.”
“Oh, that soon?”
Joe asked, “Is that a problem?”
Lacey shook her head. She figured the sooner the better. Then they could both be free to lead their lives. “No. It’s fine. Jamie can help me pick out a dress tomorrow.”
“Absolutely. We’ll go to Wolf Point and shop,” Jamie promised. “It’ll be so much fun!”
*****
Fun was exactly what they had that night. Lacey couldn’t ever remember having such a good time. Luke and Joe told stories of the hell raising they’d done when they were younger and Jamie and Lacey told them about the wild things they’d done.
“Jamie’s always been the ringleader. Sammi and I were happy to jump in, but they were her ideas,” Lacey said.
Luke chuckled, “I can believe that.”
“Me, too,” Joe said.
Jamie said, “You should talk, Joey.”
“Yeah, Joey, you should talk,” Luke echoed.
“Now, look, you two, don’t be scaring Lacey off,” Joe said with a smile at her.
Her heartbeat became a little unsteady as she looked into his beautiful eyes. “Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere.”
He patted her arm. “Glad to hear it. All right. Who’s up for more wine?”
Lacey shook her head. “Not me. I’m feeling a little fuzzy.”
Jamie said, “Lacey isn’t a big drinker. It doesn’t take much to get her tipsy.”
“That’s good information to know,” Joe said.
Luke said, “Don’t be using that against her, Joe. Behave.”
“C’mon now, Luke. Don’t be cramping my style,” Joe protested.
“Now, now, gentlemen,” Jamie said. “Both of you behave.”
“I’m stuffed,” Lacey declared, and pushed her plate away slightly.
Joe said, “As am I,” He rose from the table, bowed to Lacey, and said, “It’s been a pleasure, Miss Reagan. You ladies have a good time tomorrow. Luke, I’ll see you later.”
Jamie waited until Joe had left the restaurant before asking, “So what do you think of him? Isn’t he fun?”
Lacey smiled. “Yeah, but I don’t think he’s going to like being married to me.”
“Why not?” Jamie asked.
“Well, maybe it’s not that he’s going to dislike it, but he told me that fidelity doesn’t suit him. I don’t think he’ll pay me much attention, and maybe that’s a good thing. He can live his life and I can lead mine,” Lacey said. She was approaching her upcoming marriage from a practical standpoint.
Jamie said, “Maybe he’ll surprise you. Stranger things have happened.”
“I think he would have liked Sammi better. That’s who he was expecting. A blue-eyed blonde,” Lacey said with a laugh.
Jamie said, “He mixed you up with Sammi and without me being here to correct him, he just went with what he remembered.”
Lacey took a sip of her water and said, “I don’t think it would have mattered what I looked like. He just needs a wife to get his inheritance, so I guess I’ll do. What matters most to me is that I’m finally away from my father and I don’t have to be afraid anymore.”
Luke had kept silent until then. “That’s right. Joe might act like just some spoiled rich guy who likes to do nothing but carouse and seduce women, but he’s not someone you want to mess with. He’ll keep you safe.”
“That’s good to know,” Lacey said. “Now what are we going to do?” she asked, brightening with the prospect of more fun.
Jamie’s green eyes danced and she said, “Now we’re off to win some money!”
*****
It was very late when Jamie and Luke dropped Lacey off at the hotel. She was still laughing softly to herself as she ascended the stairs. She unlocked her door and entered her room. She stopped because the oil lamp was lit. Lacey knew she’d blown it out before they left for dinner. Her heart rate began to escalate
A movement to the left made her jump back. Her breath caught as she watched a man rise from one of the chairs by the window.
“Hello, Miss Reagan,” Joe said.
She was so frightened that she couldn’t speak. Joe took in the rapid rise and fall of her chest and the alarmed look on her pretty face. He could see th
at she was terrified. Joe felt terrible that he had scared her so badly.
“Lacey, it’s all right. It’s just me. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have waited in here,” Joe said, stepping forward slowly. “I never meant to scare you.”
His voice was reassuring to Lacey and she closed her eyes in relief. She felt Joe’s arm around her and opened her eyes. Joe guided Lacey to a chair and sat her down. He sat in the other one, but kept ahold of her hand.
“Are you ok? I’m so sorry about that. It was thoughtless of me,” Joe said. He was truly contrite. Seeing the fear in her eyes went right through him.
Lacey nodded. “I’m all right,” she said a little breathlessly. “I-for a moment, I thought you were him.”
Joe mentally kicked himself. “No, it’s just me, darlin’. Would you like some water or something?”
“No, thanks. I’m ok, Joe,” Lacey said with a smile.
Joe smiled. “Ok. Good. Did you have a good time tonight?”
Lacey’s smile grew. “The best. Dinner was wonderful. It was so funny listening to you and Luke.”
“Yeah, we been through a lot of stuff, that’s for sure,” Joe said with a grin. “We’ve seen each other through some rough times, too.”
Lacey said, “Sounds like me, Jamie, and Sammi. We’ve always helped each other and had fun.”
Joe’s expression sobered a little. “Sometimes friends are better to have than some family.”
Lacey said, “Yes. I agree.”
Joe smiled again. “Now, I won’t see you tomorrow because you’ll be busy and then there’s the whole ‘not seeing the bride before the wedding’ thing. The service is going to be a private one, with just Jamie and Luke as witnesses. I know that this is not the kind of wedding a girl dreams about, but I’m afraid it has to be this way. I hope you understand.”
Lacey felt a little regretful about not having a bigger wedding, but she didn’t know anyone else here, and she didn’t have anyone to give her away. “It’s perfectly fine, Joe. I’m not naïve. I know that this is not a real marriage and I fully understand that.”
Joe was relieved. “I just want to be completely honest with you, Lacey. Now, there is something that I need to do, however.”