Brides of Kansas

by Bateman, Tracey V. ;

  “Now there’s a lovely sight.”

  Cassidy gasped and whirled around. “Dell! You nearly scared the life out of me.”

  “I’ve told you before to be more careful. If I was—”

  “I know, I know.” Cassidy waved a hand in his direction and turned back around. “If you were an Indian, you’d already have my scalp.”

  “Exactly.” The amusement was evident in Dell’s voice.

  “You seem to be feeling better,” Cassidy observed wryly, scanning the water for Emily. She found the redhead not far from them, bobbing in the water.

  “Don’t go too far, Em.”

  “I’m not,” the little girl threw back.

  “As a matter of fact, I am feeling better.” Barefoot, with his trousers rolled up midcalf, Dell had waded through the water and now stood beside her. His gaze roved over her neck, a gleam lighting his eyes.

  She felt her cheeks grow hot and quickly buttoned her dress. Cassidy swallowed hard. Slowly she waded out of the water, with Dell following close behind.

  “Time to go, Emily,” she called.

  “Aw, Ma.”

  Cassidy’s eyes widened, and she stared in wonder at Dell.

  He grinned. “Well, it seems you have a new title. Better get used to it.”

  Tears swam in Cassidy’s eyes. The honor of being someone’s mother was something she could definitely get used to.

  Dell reached out and squeezed her hand. “This is cause for a celebration. Why don’t we stop here for the night?” he suggested. “We only have a couple hours left before dusk anyway.”

  “I thought you didn’t want to stop for very long during the day,” Cassidy reminded. “Seems to me I remember something about ‘sitting ducks.’”

  “Hmm. This is a pretty secluded area. We’ll just keep a close eye out.”

  With a shrug, Cassidy consented. “You’re the boss.”

  “Okay, then. Emily, stay in that water and splash all you want. We’re staying here for the night.”

  “Yippee!”

  Cassidy smiled.

  Later during supper, Dell ate ravenously of the catfish he’d pulled from the river. Cassidy sighed. It was good to see him well again.

  “Play ball with me,” Emily pleaded when the last bit of meat was flaked from the fish’s bones.

  “Oh Em,” Cassidy protested. “Dell probably doesn’t feel up to such activity this soon after his illness.”

  “Sure I do,” Dell replied, hopping to his feet for emphasis and sending Cassidy a broad wink. “Come on, Emily, I’ll toss the ball to you for a while. Then we’ll sit here and I’ll tell you a bedtime story. Would you like that?”

  Emily clapped her hands together. “Yes, please!”

  A smile touched Cassidy’s lips as the two played. Even her brother, though always a kind father, hadn’t been as involved with Emily as Dell was already. Cassidy sat in awe at the plan God had laid out before her. Her heart did a little dance. They would arrive at the ranch sometime late tomorrow, Dell had said. Cassidy sighed deeply, thinking of her new home. Thank You, Lord. She had thanked God so many times in the last few days that she was sure He was tired of hearing it. Well, not really, but her heart was definitely full of gratitude.

  The sun had completely vanished by the time the last dish was wiped dry. Dell and Emily had tired of the ball game, and the little girl sat enraptured by the fire, listening to Dell weave a tale about a beautiful mermaid locked away in the lair of an evil sea monster. Cassidy would have preferred hearing about Jonah and the big fish if Dell had to tell a sea story, but she couldn’t resist the romantic tale of the mermaid. She sighed audibly when the merprince rescued the young mermaid and whisked her away to his kingdom as his bride, thus ending the story.

  Dell glanced her way, lips pursed in an effort not to laugh. Blushing, she snatched up a small twig and tossed it at him. He threw back his head, his laughter ringing in the night air.

  With a lift of her chin, she stood. “Come on, Emily. Bedtime.”

  “Yes ma’am,” the little girl replied with unaccustomed compliance.

  Cassidy glanced at Dell and shrugged. She wasn’t going to quibble with a blessing, that was for sure.

  After the little girl changed into her nightgown, Cassidy reached over and gave her a kiss on the forehead. Emily grabbed her, pulling her close. “I love you, Ma.”

  “I love you back, sweetie. Very much.”

  “Do you think my pa would get mad if I called Dell ‘Pa’?”

  Taken aback, Cassidy sat on the edge of the mattress. “I think your pa is so happy that you have such a wonderful man looking after you, he doesn’t care what you call him.”

  “Think Dell would mind?”

  “I think Dell would love it, honey.”

  Emily seemed to consider the words for a moment, then nodded.

  “I guess I probably will, then,” she said matter-of-factly. She nodded, and the issue seemed settled in her little-girl heart as she stared up at Cassidy with wide eyes. “Can I say my prayers now?”

  Unable to speak past the lump in her throat, Cassidy simply nodded.

  Emily bowed her head and was almost asleep before she finished praying.

  When she returned to the campfire, Cassidy found Dell lying on his bedroll, hat over his face. He appeared to be sleeping, and relief mixed with disappointment washed over Cassidy.

  With a sigh, she strolled the few feet to the river and sat staring out at the reflection of the stars and moon in the perfectly clear night. Gazing at the still, inviting water, she yearned to immerse herself. Impulsively she stood, removed her dress and undergarments, and draped them over a bush. She knew she was alone; still, modesty prevailed, and she folded her arms across her chest while she waded deeper and deeper. Soon only her neck and head were out of the water.

  Eyes closed, she tipped back her head until her hair was fully wet, and the tension began to slacken in her shoulders as a gentle breeze blew across her face. With a contented sigh, she opened her eyes. A silhouette at the edge of the water captured her attention, and fear swept through her as her mind replayed Dell’s words about the Indians lifting her scalp.

  Slowly the figure moved from the shadow of the trees and stepped into the moonlight. Cassidy’s heart pounded in her ears as she recognized Dell. His gaze locked on to hers for what seemed like an eternity. Then suddenly, without a word, he turned and walked away.

  Cassidy drew a steadying breath and hastened from the river. Trembling, she dressed quickly and walked back to the campsite to find Dell lounging on his bedroll. Propped on an elbow, he stared into the fire. When she approached, his gaze slid up the length of her before locking on to hers. She shivered, hypnotized by the flicker of the campfire reflecting in his blue, blue eyes.

  “Sit,” he commanded softly.

  Her reply was halting, her voice sounding strange to her own ears. “I—have—to get the brush, or my hair will look terrible.”

  “Get it.”

  Once inside the safety of the wagon, she closed her eyes and shook her head in an effort to regain some semblance of control over her emotions before facing her new husband again. Grabbing the brush, she returned to Dell.

  “Come here,” he said. “Sit by me.”

  Slowly she complied, willing her legs to move—first one, then the other—until she reached him. She sat without speaking a word and brushed her ginger tresses until she felt the warmth of Dell’s hand covering hers. She turned to face him. The look in his eyes left her breathless.

  “Let me,” he said softly, taking the brush from her hand. With long, slow strokes, he smoothed the silky strands. Cassidy’s eyes closed involuntarily, and the contentment she’d felt during the dance at their wedding returned.

  “Tell me why you’ve never married,” Dell murmured against her ear.

  Cassidy felt herself stiffen. “Because no one ever asked me.”

  “Why is that?” he pressed.

  Pulling away from him, she took the brush
. “I think all the tangles are out now. Thanks.” She moved toward the safety of the wagon. “I suppose I’ll go to—”

  “Sleep out here with me,” he said softly.

  Her heart jumped into her throat at the melting glance he sent her.

  “We haven’t had a chance to discuss our new situation,” Dell pressed. “I don’t expect anything from you.”

  Cassidy nodded. “I’ll be back.” Grabbing a quilt from the wagon, she returned to his side.

  Dell took the quilt from her and spread it out over the ground.

  She sat. Leaning forward, she began to remove her boots.

  Dell raised a questioning brow in her direction.

  “I just can’t sleep with shoes on my feet,” she explained.

  With a grin, he took the boots and set them aside before dropping down next to her.

  “I didn’t mean to upset you earlier.”

  “Please, Dell,” she implored. “I just don’t want to talk about why no man ever wanted me before—” She cut off the rest of the sentence. After all, he didn’t really want her either—he only wanted a mother for his children.

  Dell stretched out on the pallet and looked up at her expectantly.

  Gingerly she lay back. His arm crept around her until he pulled her head onto his shoulder. His fingers delved into her hair.

  “What’s that scent?” he asked, his mouth against her temple, muffling his words. His voice was husky, velvety, and Cassidy’s stomach turned over.

  “Lilac water.”

  “Hmm.”

  “T–tell me about the ranch.”

  Dell gently removed his arm from beneath Cassidy’s head and propped himself up on his elbow. A faraway look came into his eyes, and when he spoke, there was pride in his voice. “We have four hundred acres of grassy fields and three hundred head of cattle grazing on the prairie grass.”

  Cassidy felt her eyes grow big as he continued.

  “I’ve worked hard to make it what it is. We thrive. My children are well taken care of…except for the fact that they haven’t had a mother.” His gaze roved tenderly over her face. “Until now, that is.”

  Dell’s eyes traveled to Cassidy’s lips, which parted slightly as she drew in a breath. His head lowered until he took her mouth with his own. Trembling, her arm clasped around his neck, and she returned his kiss.

  After a moment, Dell pulled away suddenly. “Maybe you’d better go on and sleep next to Emily,” he whispered.

  With a sudden burst of boldness, Cassidy pulled his head back down. He hesitated for a moment as his eyes searched hers. Seeming to find what he was looking for, he closed his eyes and reclaimed her lips.

  Chapter 6

  Cassidy woke the next morning enveloped in Dell’s strong arms. He stirred as she sat up. Staring down at his handsome face, she drew a deep, steadying breath as the memory of the previous night brought a blush to her cheeks.

  Dell opened his eyes and smiled. “Good morning.” His voice was low and husky from sleep.

  Cassidy’s eyes darted to the embers still glowing from the campfire. “Good morning,” she whispered, then stood. “I suppose I should get breakfast started.”

  “Cassidy.”

  Slowly she forced herself to meet his gaze.

  “You might want these.”

  Embarrassed, she reached out and took the boots he held.

  “Thanks.” She turned and rolled her eyes. Honestly. Can you make more of a fool of yourself, Cassidy Sinclair? St. John, that is.

  “And, Cassidy?”

  Inwardly she groaned, but she still turned back to face him. “Yes?”

  He opened his mouth, then closed it again, averting his gaze. “Never mind.”

  Anxiety gnawed at her stomach. “Something wrong, Dell?”

  He pulled his own boots on and stood. Coming close, he wrapped her in his arms. “Nothing’s wrong,” he said. “Everything’s right, and I don’t want to tempt the fates by saying too much.”

  Cassidy pressed her head against his shoulder. “I don’t believe in the fates. I believe in God, and He has been so incredibly good to me.” She smiled as his arms tightened about her. “All I’ve ever wanted was a husband and children.”

  “You certainly won’t be disappointed there. With five young’uns running around, you’ll have your hands full,” Dell said dryly.

  “I wouldn’t be disappointed to add a couple more,” she replied shyly, feeling her face grow hot again.

  Dell stiffened and held her at arm’s length. He stared pensively at her for a moment, then dropped his hands from her waist. “You’d best wake Em and get breakfast started while I tend the animals. We ought to be going soon if we’re to reach the ranch by nightfall.”

  A chill settled over Cassidy’s heart, replacing the warmth of Dell’s arms. What had happened? Disheartened, she headed toward the wagon to rouse Emily.

  After breakfast, they quickly loaded their things and were soon back on the trail. Dell rode his horse alongside the wagon, while Emily walked on the other side. Merrily she waded through the tall prairie grass, exclaiming over the sunflowers towering above her.

  Following a well-worn path, they trudged along, a tense silence filling the air between Cassidy and Dell.

  “It’s almost noon,” Cassidy ventured. “Should we find a place to eat dinner?”

  Dell shook his head. “My brother and sister-in-law live just a ways farther. We’ll be there within the hour and can have a meal with them.”

  “All right.” Silence once more permeated the air between them.

  Emily played alone, occasionally letting out a delighted squeal when encountering a prairie dog or chicken. When she grew tired, she climbed up into the wagon or rode with Dell.

  Cassidy’s mind wandered back to the morning conversation with Dell. What had she done? Then it hit her. Dell must not want to have any more children! Cassidy almost gasped at the revelation. Her eyes darted to Dell to see if he’d noticed, but he seemed lost in his own thoughts.

  Tears welled up in Cassidy’s eyes, though she fought desperately to push them back. Not have children! But her greatest desire was to be a mother, to bear her own flesh-and-blood child. Oh Lord, what will I do?

  She’d promised to love, honor, and obey her husband. God had already met her expectations and even given her more than she’d asked for. He would make a way for her. She had to trust Him.

  Caught up in her own thoughts, she jumped when Dell pointed to a small structure ahead of them.

  “There,” he said. “That’s where George and Olive live.”

  Cassidy’s gaze followed his pointing finger, and a bewildered frown creased her brow. “I’ve never seen such a home before.”

  He reined in his horse, and Cassidy followed suit with the team of oxen.

  With a low chuckle, Dell dismounted and offered her his arms in assistance.

  “You’ll get used to seeing soddies.” He set her carefully on her feet.

  “Soddies?”

  Dell nodded. “Trees are pretty scarce. Most of the homes you’ll see are made of turf.”

  “Do you mean to tell me that house is made of dirt?”

  “That’s right.” He looked toward the little house. “Anybody home in there?” he called.

  A wooden door opened, and a small brunette appeared, wiping her hands on her apron.

  “Dell!” He stumbled as she flung herself into his arms. “It’s so wonderful to see you.” She glanced over his shoulder with a frown, then turned her questioning gaze upon his face.

  Dell took Cassidy by the hand. “Olive, I want you to meet my wife, Cassidy. And this,” he said, reaching for Emily, who shyly took his other hand, “is Emily, my new daughter.” There was pride in his voice. Emily had been trying out the word “Pa” all day, much to Dell’s delight.

  Olive seemed flustered but recovered her composure quickly. Smiling, she grabbed Cassidy and gave her a tight hug, then repeated the action with Emily.

  “It’s so nice t
o meet you both.” Her brown eyes twinkled, and she seemed genuinely pleased. “Well, you must be starving. I was just putting dinner on the table. George is clearing the south pasture, but don’t worry, he’ll be back anytime.” She threw Cassidy a mischievous wink. “I declare, that man can smell my prairie chicken pie five miles away.”

  Dell chuckled. “Mind if I take care of the animals?”

  Olive waved her hand toward the barn, also made of sod. “Of course. Help yourself to feed and water.” Turning her attention to Cassidy, she offered a friendly smile. “Come in and rest while I finish putting the food on. You can tell me all about how you two met.”

  “Excuse me, ma’am,” Emily spoke up. “I need to, that is…” Her face glowed bright red.

  Olive nodded her head in understanding. “It’s around back,” she said with a small grin playing at the corners of her mouth.

  Emily took off running, and the two women turned back to the house.

  Cassidy relaxed as she followed Olive into the soddy. The interior of the rustic home was surprisingly cool, a welcome relief from the hot wind outside.

  Curiosity getting the better of her, Cassidy glanced around, hoping she didn’t appear rude but unable to stop herself. Rag rugs adorned the earthen floor in the attempt, she supposed, to give it a more homey feel. A rough little table sat in one corner, but there were no chairs around it. She wondered briefly where they would all sit for the meal. In one corner of the room stood a wood-framed bed covered with a patchwork quilt.

  The sound of Olive’s laughter interrupted her scrutiny. “The first time I saw a soddy, I felt exactly the same way,” she said.

  Cassidy ducked her head. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude.”

  Olive waved her hand. “No offense taken, really.” She let out a small giggle. “When Mother and I came out here from Georgia four years ago, I was appalled by the ‘dirt houses.’ Oddly enough, though, I’ve come to see that they are more practical than the cabins made of logs.”

  “How so?”

  “We’re snug and warm in the winter and nice and cool in the summer.” She removed a large iron skillet from the oven and placed it on the table. “Log cabins let in all the elements. Plus, the Indians can shoot flaming arrows until they run out of fire, but dirt doesn’t burn.”