by Cyndi Raye
Luke leaned his tall frame against the railing while he waited for the whistle that alerted the town of the incoming train. He fingered his Pa’s gun with the pearl handle hanging in the holster on his right hip underneath his good Sunday jacket. A smile played across his mouth as he pictured the look on Samuel’s face the moment he noticed the gun.
Luke didn’t really care too much about keeping it. He figured he’d tease his brother, get him back for some of the tricks Samuel did to him. Eventually, he’d give the gun to Samuel. He’d also appease his Ma with three months of a marriage he had no intention of following through with. After that, he hoped his Ma would finally realize all Luke wanted was to take care of the ranch. He didn’t need a woman to interfere in their lives.
Luke’s little brother Samuel was an expert at shooting guns. He provided plenty of game and meat for the ranch on a daily basis. His Pa had always praised Samuel’s shooting skills whenever they were together. It was probably the one thing his brother had cherished about the times with their Pa.
Luke sighed as the rails began to rattle. The locomotive was almost here. She was almost here. On that train was the woman he was about to marry for three months. What kind of lady puts herself out there not knowing anything about a man except for the fact he owns a ranch with his brothers and Ma?
As the oldest, his duty was to protect the ranch and his family. He also had to appease his mother or she’d never give up trying to find a wife for all of them. He hoped this three month trial would make her realize marriage wasn’t in the cards for any of them. Luke was going to make sure of it.
Lucky for Luke he didn’t have to worry about being nice. Most people considered him a grump anyway. He heard the talk and didn’t care. For as long as he remembered if he kept to himself and didn’t talk much, the secrets of his family were safe. Anyone getting too close would be pushed out.
This notion of marrying a mail order bride was one of his Ma’s grand ideas. She kept saying how old she was getting and wanted to see them all happy. As far as Luke was concerned he’d be happier if no one minded his business.
The scowl on his face was probably the first thing his new bride-to-be would see, but he didn’t try to make it disappear. She may as well get used to it.
When he felt a presence, Luke looked up in surprise. His boots were stuck on the platform. The woman who stood in front of him was more beautiful than anyone he’d ever seen before. Her hair was so black it looked like there were shades of blue highlighting it. Her skin was like porcelain. He almost reached out to touch her ruby colored lips. He stared into her doe shaped eyes, mesmerized by their beauty.
“Hello,” she said, her voice as pretty as a songbirds.
Luke stared.
She tilted her head and stared back, then cracked a huge smile. “You must be Mr. Luke White. Hello, I’m Abigail Wheatland. How do you do?”
She held out her hand. He took it, dropping a soft kiss on her gloved hand. She took a step back.
“Hello,” he finally mastered his voice. “I’m Luke.”
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” she said, as if they had been plotting and planning this meeting for months and yet it had only been two weeks.
He didn’t dare fall into her trap. She was a witch, had to be. Her dark eyes bore into his putting some kind of darn spell on him. He shook himself, puffed out his chest and pushed his hat back. Spell or not, he couldn’t afford to let this happen.
“Let’s get to the church, time’s a wasting,” he told her, unsmiling. Holding out his arm, she gave him a look of confusion then snapped her lovely mouth shut and tucked her arm in his.
“I trust you have read the rules?” Her voice was kind yet business like.
“I did. Here are my rules, Miss Wheatland. I have no intention of taking you to the marriage bed. My Ma wants me married. I don’t want to be but because she is the most wonderful woman on the planet, I am appeasing her at the moment. In three months, we will have our marriage annulled.”
She stopped dead. “I’m certain those words you are spewing are not meant for me.”
“What? Of course they are.”
“I am sorry. If you want to fool your Ma it is your business. I am not going to marry a man who has no intention of keeping his end of the bargain.”
“Miss Wheatland. You are wrong. You wanted out of marrying an old man. I want to appease my mother. We both have our needs and can help each other. I’m sure you can speak to Miss Addie in a month or two and tell her our marriage isn’t working and to find you someone else by the time of our annulment.”
“I see you have it all figured out. I suppose I have no say in the matter?”
They were almost at the church. Luke turned to her. “Look, I don’t like people. I’m not nice. I like being out on the range away from everyone. I’d make a terrible husband. My life is on the ranch, by myself. Nothing more will ever take its place. I’m trying to be upfront with you before we walk through those doors.”
Luke figured it would scare her off. Perhaps even get her back on the train so he could go back and tell his Ma she had changed her mind. He’d give his brother the pearl-handled pistol and get back to ranching.
Instead, she squeezed his arm. “Let’s get on with it, then.” Her kind, beautiful eyes sparkled.
Luke was mesmerized. He stood there, staring into her eyes like a dumbstruck child.
She coughed. Placing a gloved hand over her mouth, Miss Wheatland coughed again, shaking him from the spell she most likely put on him.
She wasn’t backing down. He didn’t scare her off. Even though it was better if she ran the other way, he had to admit she had gumption marrying someone like him.
<><>
Abigail was afraid her teeth would rattle so loud the small gathering of strangers at the front of the church would hear. She was biting down on them, trying to keep herself from giving her groom a what for! How dare he assume she wanted to annul the marriage!
Instead of giving him a saucy piece of her mind, she gazed at him with one of the sweetest smiles she was able to muster. He would have to learn she was no one to trifle with.
Everyone knew Abigail was kind, generous and loving to most everyone she knew. When she got her dander up though, it was another story and by darned if this man got her riled from the get go.
Abigail was annoyed more than anything. Yes, he did manage to save her from a fate worse than death but that didn’t mean he could marry her then throw her out like yesterday’s biscuits.
What if she wanted to stay married to him? What if they fell in love?
“You may kiss the bride.” Abigail had missed most of the ceremony, automatically agreeing and repeating the reverend’s words. Instead, her head had been filled up with so much she hadn’t been paying attention.
When she turned to her new husband, he was staring at her as if seeing her for the first time. It was obvious he stood there waiting to kiss her. The words they had spoken a few moments ago were forgotten when he dipped his head and brushed his mouth over hers.
Abigail wanted to show him a thing or two. To be honest with herself, she wanted to know if he was attracted to her at all. He came off as if he wasn’t but she had to know.
She pushed her mouth harder on to his, taking a step closer. All of a sudden, his two arms were wrapped around her shoulders, his lips pressed harder against hers. Abigail was pleasantly surprised at his reaction. Perhaps he did think she was kissable after all. Even if he had no plans to make the marriage last more than three months, at least his kisses were pleasant.
Her hands instantly went to cup his face. She liked his kisses, a lot. But before she got to like them too much, he pulled back as if a whip had cracked him on the side of the head.
Five other complete strangers looked on, amused. The only thing Abigail was able to do was give them all a pleasant smile. After all, she was a married woman now, there was no reason to feel ashamed of a kiss like this one.
Luke bent close t
o her ear. “Your kisses are wonderful but it won’t change my mind.”
When she looked up at him, she saw amusement on his face. She smiled. “We best be on our way to the ranch, don’t you think so, Mr. White?”
The others congratulated the new couple, promising to come visit soon. They all had prior arrangements for the day but were happy to take the time to witness a marriage. Abigail figured she’d never see them again after this. She had no idea how people behaved in a small town.
One of the ladies introduced herself as Miss Addie, her match maker. “Welcome to Wichita Falls, dear. Now, I know you are not used to small towns, being you are from the big city of Philadelphia but we all look out for each other here. If you have any issues at all, please, come see me. I own the boarding house a few doors down.”
When Miss Addie said if there were any issues to come see her, she didn’t miss the fact the older woman looked directly at her new husband. Her brow went in the air. “Is there something I need to be aware of?” Abigail asked.
“No, I don’t think you have anything at all to worry about. Especially not after the kiss we all witnessed. But I like to make sure all of my brides know I am here if need be.”
“Thank you. I will come visit, perhaps in a month or two to let you know how we are faring.” When Abigail said this, she looked right into Luke’s eyes, who shifted away. He seemed uncomfortable all of a sudden.
Miss Addie didn’t miss a trick either. The thoughtful look on her face made Abigail realize the woman paid much more attention than what anyone realized. This was good, at least she hadn’t paired Abigail with a man who was worse than the one she had left in Philadelphia.
As they exited the church, Abigail stumbled on the wooden walk. She held a hand to her head as a wave of dizziness swept over her. Luke reached out to take her elbow. “Are you alright?”
“I’m sorry. I believe in my rush to get here I hadn’t eaten since yesterday.”
Luke nodded. “Well then, let’s be off to Jenna’s Cafe to fix the problem before heading back.”
Abigail frowned. “You believe I am a problem?”
Luke shook his head and smiled. “Not one bit, Mrs. White.” He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “but only for three months.”
“Not funny,” she shot back.
He gave her a genuine smile and held out his arm. She once again tucked her hand into his as they made their way to the small café sitting alongside a large three story hotel.
Jenna greeted them with her usual happy go lucky attitude. “Good morning folks. Come right in and have a seat. It’s not too busy today since it’s Saturday.”
They settled in the first table near a large picture window. Abigail was curious. She had never been to a pioneer town before. Her gaze fell upon the saloon across the street and watched as the barkeep swept the front porch, a towel thrown haphazardly across one shoulder.
“I hear congratulations are in order for our newly married couple. So, breakfast is on me.”
Abigail was taken back. “How did you know? We literally just got married?”
Jenna leaned down with a smile. “I hear you are from Philadelphia? Well, this town is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Everyone knows current business as soon as it happens. Trust me, I was shocked as well when I first came here. You will be fine.”
Abigail was not used to people knowing her business. In Philadelphia, life there was fast-paced. People hurried everywhere, ignoring other folks in their path. It was not often anyone tipped a hat these days except maybe in circles she wasn’t accustomed to.
She hoped the ranch Luke was taking her to was a good distance from this town. Even though she genuinely liked people, it was strange to her that people knew all about her. Did she want others knowing so much about her life? Abigail certainly was not used to country living.
There were a lot of things she hadn’t previously thought of before taking this journey and accepting the mail order bride proposal. When she agreed to the three-month arrangement, Abigail hadn’t given it much thought. In her mad dash to be away from old Mister Banners, any deal had been welcomed.
“Here you are, fresh eggs easy over and sour dough bread for dipping. Welcome to Wichita Falls, Mrs. White.” Jenna gave her a huge smile and left them to eat.
The food was really good. Abigail was hungry. She put her head down and ignored Luke as she filled her belly with the warm food. Finally, she scraped the last of her eggs from the plate, dabbed a napkin over her mouth and set it down on the table as she released a sigh. “Delicious!”
Luke grinned. “It’s good to see you are a hearty eater,” he told her. “My boys at the ranch can’t put down a meal that quick!”
“Are you saying -”
He held up his hand. “I’m not saying anything except I’m glad you like to eat.”
Jenna stopped to refill the cups. She leaned down and looked at Luke, shaking her head back and forth. “Luke, I’ve known you since I’ve opened my café and you never tell a woman she is a hearty eater. That’s like telling her she eats too much.”
Her words were meant for him but she said it loud enough Abigail heard. “It’s alright, Jenna. I’m starting to get use to Mr. White’s way of talking.”
Jenna looked at her. “It’s never alright when someone speaks like a fool. Mr. White owes you an apology.”
The two sitting across from each other were left staring after Jenna as she went to the next table. It was Abigail who broke a smile first. “Is she for real? How did she even hear what you said to me?”
“Seems everyone in this town knows everything. We better head back to the ranch.”
As they walked out the door, Luke turned back, stating loud enough for Jenna and the other guests to hear. “I’m sorry if I offended your sensibilities, Mrs. White.”
Abigail responded. “Luckily for you, I am not eating so heartily right now there’s room to accept your apology.”
She caught Luke’s face from the corner of her eyes. He shook his head, took her elbow and helped her into the buggy. It was time to find out what was in store for her next. She hoped the rest of his family was more pleasant than him.
Chapter 3
Two hours later, Luke turned the buggy off the main road on a wide lane that led to the White Ranch. Out front on a small metal gate swung partially opened, the name of their property was imprinted over top in thick, bold letters.
They traveled for awhile until he pointed. “That’s the main house, Ma’s house, where she lives along with my two brothers.”
She turned to stare at the large two-story house. It was plenty big for a large family. As they got closer, bluebonnets were scattered haphazardly in the yard surrounding the wrap around porch. Daisy’s took up the flower bed, along with small blotches of lavender. “It’s lovely.”
He turned the buggy to the left where a faded gravel road crossed over the yard towards the barn and a coral, along with a few other buildings that Abigail had no idea what they were.
The buggy kept on for awhile until Luke stopped in front of a log cabin structure. More bluebonnets grew in patches all around the cabin. It was less than half the size of the family house. She hadn’t seen it sitting amongst the row of trees at first. He held out a hand for her. “We’re home.”
“What? Home? Here?” What about the big family home where there would be people? This cabin was set back against the property surrounded on three sides by what looked like some brush and trees and near a small brook. If Abigail hadn’t been nervous before she was now at the thought of them being isolated from the rest of the family.
He shrugged, waiting for her to take his hand. “I’m afraid so, this here is my place.”
“Your place? Why, I was under the impression we would live with your Ma until the three months were up.” Abigail turned back, seeing the white clap board main house in the far distance. She would be able to walk if she had to but it looked so far away at the moment.
“I built this log cab
in a few years ago. It sits along the edge of our property line.” He pointed to the long expanse of meadow past the cabin, separated by a four foot fence made of wooden posts and wire. “That’s the neighbors land. We stay away from beyond the row of trees there.”
Abigail walked alongside him as he showed her around the place. There was a small well house along side the cabin where some of the food was stored as well as a lean to for firewood and shelter for the horse and buggy. She took everything in before heading back to the buggy.
“Where are you going?”
“To get my things. I hope this cabin has more than one bedroom.” She reached in the back to pull out her carpetbag. A hand clasped over hers.
“Let me,” he offered. Luke picked up her bag as if it weighed nothing. She knew better. Most of her belongings were in there, along with some presents she brought from Philadelphia. She hadn’t had time to bring anything more.
“Thank you.” Luke headed for the door, turning the round iron knob. It opened easily enough. She thought it was odd not to lock the door but supposed out here in the country there wasn’t many people to break in. Not like the city where robberies happened all the time and some homeless urchins crawled through open windows to forage food.
Inside, a large open room caught Abigail’s eyes. A large fireplace took up an area on one side of the wall, and a small settee with another arm chair were placed around a rug in front of the fireplace. It was a bit rough yet cozy and looked as if a woman had put some finishing touches here and there.
“My Ma decorated for me,” he told her, unashamed to admit such a thing.
“She did a nice job.”
“You will love her, I’m sure.”
“I hope so,” Abigail mumbled. She waltzed around the kitchen area, glad to see tidy rows of supplies on shelves near the cook stove. A large table was centered in the middle of the kitchen area with several chairs pushed tight against. Another large rug covered the floor underneath the table and plaid curtains hung over the small window.
“Come along, Abigail. I’ll show you the rest of the house.”