“I wouldn’t say that.” Warren pulled out a chair and sat and faced his father.
“You've been writing this woman for a while now, right? I’d think you’d have some sort of opinion on the matter.”
It was true. He did feel as if he knew a little of Hannah. She was a hard worker, loved the Lord, and found joy in life despite her circumstances. But what more did he know of her?
“My opinion is that I'm marrying her and will make the best of it.”
“I see.” Pa turned back to the dark leather and scrubbed on a stubborn spot. “Just make sure you do one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Make sure you love her like the Bible says a husband should.”
Warren let his father’s words sink in. He wanted to do just that, but he had no idea where to start.
Chapter 3
Hannah pulled the veil over her head and took in a deep breath. Her pale green dress wasn’t new and her shoes were almost worn through, and she hoped that Warren wouldn’t notice, or if he did notice that he wouldn’t care. She nervous flutters and rested a hand on her stomach and tried to quell the sensation.
She reminded herself there was no reason to be nervous. Warren was a nice man who had gone above and beyond in bringing her here. He had already proven his kindness but she worried about what life would be like once they were married. Could she be a good wife for him? Would she be able to support him and his position on the ranch? She knew that he cared deeply about it and his family.
The thought of meeting his father and brothers caused another flutter of anxiety. Drawing in another deep breath, she closed her eyes and lifted up a silent prayer.
Lord, calm my anxiety and give me Your peace. Please bless me and Warren and help me be a good wife. She said amen out loud.
She heard a light tap on the door and opened it. The pastor’s wife, Sarah Huxley, stood waiting with a bright smile on her face.
“You look lovely. Are you ready, my dear?”
Hannah nodded, not trusting her voice.
“Then come right this way. I’ll take you to the back of the church.”
Hannah checked her reflection one last time in the speckled mirror and was satisfied with what she saw. She turned and walked down the hallway. Sarah followed behind.
“No need to be nervous, dear.” Sarah gave her a kind smile and patted her on the shoulder. “All of the Doyle men are kind and respectable. You couldn’t be marrying into a better family.”
“Thank you.” Hannah cleared her throat and clutched her hands in front of her. She knew in her head she had no reason to be nervous, but her heart wasn’t so sure.
“As soon as the organ music starts, you go on down the isle. All right?”
Hannah nodded. “Yes.”
Sarah disappeared back down the hall and Hannah grasped the door handle. The cool metal made her hand even colder. She swallowed, licked her dry lips and waited for the music. After what seemed an eternity, she heard the organ music begin and she pulled the door open and stepped into the sanctuary.
The first few pews at the front of the church were occupied but the rest were empty. Hannah was thankful for that. They all stood and watched her as she walked down the aisle. She felt like she was floating in a dream. She pulled her gaze away from them and brought her gaze to Warren.
He stood strong and tall. His angular jaw and sharp features were more visible now that he wasn’t wearing his hat. His brown hair had been tamed and he stood with his hands clasped in front of him. She almost wanted to laugh at how out of place he looked. She hadn’t known him long, but she could tell he would rather be working with his hands than dressed in fine clothes.
She assumed the men who stood beside him were his brothers. The one on the right was just as tall as Warren, with sandy blonde hair. He looked to be a few years younger. Warren’s other brother was a bit shorter than the other two and had dark brown hair and a shy smile. If she had to guess, the second oldest would be Lewis and the youngest would be Benjamin. They were all strapping, handsome men.
And yet Hannah’s gaze was drawn to Warren like a moth to a flame. He would always be the most handsome man she’d ever seen or ever would see. She knew that in her heart.
At the end of the aisle, she took her place beside Warren. The pastor instructed them to join hands.
Warren was a bit uneasy as he took her hands in his. They were rough and work-worn but she clasped them firmly, and she looked up into his deep, brown eyes. She felt as if she could see his thoughts as they swirled in his mind, and she wanted to know what he was thinking.
The ceremony went by in a blur. Hannah tried to pay attention but she was distracted by her own thoughts as she wondered what the man in front of her was thinking about her, and what he was thinking about them.
They were finally pronounced husband and wife and Warren was given the instruction to kiss his bride. Hannah’s cheeks flushed pink, but she stepped forward to her husband.
His hands gripped hers like he was holding on for dear life, and he leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. The kiss was sweet and quick, and when she opened her eyes she thought she caught the hint of a smile as his hands relaxed.
“And now, friends and family, it is my pleasure to announce Mr. and Mrs. Warren Doyle to you for the first time.”
The people clapped and Hannah slipped her hand into the crook of Warren’s arm as they turned to face the aisle. She had come to Montana Territory entered this church as Hannah Parish and she was now leaving for her new home, Ruby River Ranch, as Mrs. Warren Doyle.
The buggy ride out to the ranch had an affect on Hannah. Warren directed the horses forward, but he found himself distracted by the beautiful woman next to him. His wife.
She was constantly turning her head one way and another, exclaiming about the beauty she saw. It made him proud to see. Proud of this territory and proud of his land. He felt responsible, though only in part, for the lands surrounding the ranch and to see her so enthralled with its beauty gave him a deep sense of satisfaction.
“How do you do it?”
He blinked, brining his eyes to hers. “Do what?”
“How can you get anything done?” she said, tossing up her hands. “I mean the land and the mountains are so beautiful. I do declare—I’ll forever be distracted.”
He smiled despite himself. “You’ll get used to it.”
“Oh I hope not.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really” she said. She shook her head for emphasis. “I don’t ever want to get used to beauty like this.”
She turned her eyes out to the pasture land to their right and he admired her profile. She was right. He didn’t want to ignore the beauty either, especially that seated next to him.
She had soft features and a round face that made her look younger than her twenty-four years. He grimaced inwardly feeling all of his own thirty-two years. Was she too young? Was he too old?
Hannah turned her eyes back to his and he felt foolish for being caught staring at her. But then again, she was his wife now.
The word wife struck him in a way he didn’t expect. He had no idea how to treat a wife. He spent little time with any women, let alone lived with one. He felt a pang of anxiety creep into his gut. He’d already set up a separate room for her, assuming she would want her own room for a time, but how did he begin to love her like his father had said he should?
“A penny for your thoughts?”
Her question jolted him back to reality. “Huh—what?”
“It’s a saying. If I gave you a penny, would you tell me your thoughts?” She smiled and her eyes twinkled. Their brown and green swirls in her hazel eyes amazed him, and he felt nervous flutters in his stomach at her gaze.
He turned his attention back to the road. “Oh, just thinking about ranch things.”
It wasn’t wholly untrue, but it wasn’t the complete truth either. He didn’t want to admit to her that he was a little afraid of her. The thought
was foolish, of course, and his brothers would tease him mercilessly if they knew, but he didn’t have a clue what to do with a woman. What should I say when I talk to her? How should I treat he? What does she like to eat? The answers evaded him. Lewis would know. He always knew how to talk to women. Come to think of it, he probably liked it more than he should have.
“I bet the ranch consumes much of your time.” She looked out at the scenery and tried to take it all in.
“It does.”
“Warren,” she turned to face him, “I would like to ask you a question.”
His gut clenched and he knew there was no way of avoiding her question.
“What would you like to know?”
“Will I—that is…are there things that I can do to help you?” Her eyes were wide and curious when he turned to look at her, and he felt some of his fear melt away.
“There’s always something to do on a ranch.” He wanted to ask her if she could cook and clean because that would be a definite bonus, but he didn’t want her to feel as if he had married her for a free house keeper.
“Good,” she said with conviction. “Because I aim to do my fair share.”
They had reached the lane that led to the ranch house, and he directed the horse down the familiar path. His smile was broad now, but he kept his gaze focused ahead.
“I’m sure you will.”
“Brother, you’ve done me proud,” Lewis said. He stepped forward and bowed low as he took Hannah’s hand in his. She smiled and laughed at the devilish twinkle in his blue eyes. “Hannah, I’m so glad to welcome you.”
Hannah’s gaze turned to Warren who gave his brother a disapproving look.
Warren’s other brother, Benjamin, stepped forward and repeated the same ritual. “Ma’am, I’m so glad to have you here. Welcome to our family.” His eyes were kind and he had a crooked smile that made him all the more endearing.
She marveled at the personality of each brother. They were so different and yet they were so identical in their mannerisms and looks.
“Thank you both for the warm welcome,” she said.
“Come on inside and I’ll introduce you to Pa.” Warren extended his arm and she gladly took it, relishing his strength and the comfort of having him near.
They stepped into the sprawling ranch house and her eyes grew wide. It wasn’t elaborate or ornately decorated, but it was furnished well and had an air of permanence. It was a house that would hold generations of Doyle’s for years to come.
Warren directed her into the parlor area and she saw an older man sitting in a large, stuffed chair. One leg was up on a footstool made from a tree round. He had wiry white hair and blue eyes that twinkled as he smiled up at her.
“You must be the missus,” he said, grinning. “I’m Matthew Doyle but everyone around here calls me Pa. I think you should to.”
She like him instantly and came toward him with her hand outstretched. “I’m Hannah and I’m pleased to meet you, Pa.”
He grinned and wrapped her hand in both of his. “I wished I coulda been there for your wedding, but I don’t ride so well these days. I’m glad you convinced my eldest to up and marry. Just how did you do that?”
She blushed and glanced back at Warren. “I’m not sure myself, but I think the Good Lord had a hand in it.”
“That He did, my dear. That He did,” Pa said.
She stepped back as Warren came forward. “I’m going to show her up to her room to get settled. Do you need anything?”
Hannah noticed the tenderness in Warren’s voice when he spoke to his father. She could tell instantly that he loved him very much. It touched her heart and showed her another side to this complex man who was now her husband.
“You go and do that. I’ll be fine.” Pa motioned them away but when he moved his elevated leg slightly she saw the lines of pain form on his brow. He wasn’t well.
“Follow me, Hannah.” Warren turned and left the room and led her upstairs. At the top of the stairs he turned to her.
“Pa’s an ornery one, but it seems like he may like you.”
She smiled. “I don’t think there’s a mean bone in his body. But I’ll be sure to keep an eye out.”
Warren smiled and her breath caught. She liked him like this—unguarded and relaxed. He turned toward the door on her right and opened it.
“This will be your room. It’s not much but—”
“It will be fine. Anything you have will be fine.”
“Hannah,” He paused looking down at her. “You’re a member of this household. I—I don’t want you to feel beholden to me.”
His words surprised her. She was strong willed and a hard worker, but she had gotten so used to doing everything possible to barely get by in New York and now he was offering her a share in everything. It was hard to comprehend.
“I’ll try not to,” she said, then looked down at the small valise he carried in his hand. “This is all I have.” She said it matter of fact, but a trace of sadness was in her voice.
“We’ll get you more things. I promise.” His tone was soft and drew her eyes to his.
“It’s not necessary, but thank you.” Then, in an impulse of boldness, she rose up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.
He left her alone to settle into her room but the scent of beeswax and the pungent aroma of wood smoke lingered in the air. These scents would forever remind her of him now. She knew he felt unsure around her, and she didn’t know how to change that. She thought about that and more as she unpacked her valise.
Chapter 4
Warren nudged his heels into his horse’s side and shouted to Blue. “Get ahead, there.” The dog took off to get in front of the cattle as they veered off the path. To his right Benjamin hollered and closed the gap. They were almost back to their pasture and Warren was looking forward to a hot meal. It had been a few weeks since his wedding and he’d been gone more than he’d expected, and maybe more than he would admit he wanted.
They needed to move a large herd that was meandering through a broken fence, and it would have taken longer to mend than it would to move the herd into this area of the pasture. When he told Hannah how long he expected to be gone, she hadn’t batted an eyelash. She’d only asked what needed to be done while they were gone and she accepted the workload with a nod and a smile.
He was proud of her for that, and it swelled in his chest. She’d taken to the ranch chores as if she’d been born and raised there, even stepping into the role as big sister to his younger brothers. Watching them interact was both entertaining and comforting.
She fit. Fit the family, fit the ranch, and even fit with him though he wasn’t sure he was ready to admit that.
“Easy there, Blue,” he cautioned. The dog slowed but kept pace with the cattle.
The ranch came into view as they rode atop a small hill and he took a deep breath. There was nothing like home. They were still a long way off but he had the sudden urge to ride ahead. He wanted to see his bride.
He stopped himself before he kicked his horse into a gallop. He wasn’t sure if he had the freedom to feel this way about Hannah. He thought that it was odd to think of his own wife that way, but he promised himself he would move slowly with her. He wanted to take the time to really get to know her and court her the way a normal couple would as they grew to love each other.
He slammed a fist into the palm of his other hand. He had no idea what she thought of him. She was a hard worker, but that didn’t equate to feelings, did it? How was a man supposed to know what a woman thought about him?
“Everything all right there, brother?” Lewis said, riding up next to him.
“Peachy.”
“I’d say you’re thinking about that wife of yours.” Lewis smiled, but it was with kindness and not his usual teasing. “She’s quite a woman. I really mean it when I say she’s good for you.”
Warren pictured her smiling face turned up toward his, framed by her soft hair. He wanted to run his fingers into it and pull h
er close.
“Hello? Am I talking to myself here?” Lewis waived a hand in front of Warren’s face.
“What?”
“I was saying,” Lewis said. “That you should take her out to a fancy dinner in town or something. Just the two of you. You don’t get much opportunity with us around all the time.”
Warren hated to admit it, but his brother had a good idea. “Maybe I will do that.”
Lewis smiled and maneuvered his horse away whistling something that sounded like Camptown Races.
Warren took stock of his brothers and the hired hands. They seemed to have the herd under control. He turned toward Benjamin and called out, “I’m going to ride ahead. See you at the ranch.”
Benjamin waved him on and he spurred his horse into a gallop. The ranch house came clearly into view and his smile broadened. As he neared, the door flew open and Hannah rushed out. She was waving a towel over her head.
He pulled the horse to a harsh stop in front of her and jumped off. He could tell by the look on her face that something was wrong.
“Hannah what is it? What’s wrong?” He gripped her shoulders gently.
“I—I didn’t know what to do. I’ve been up with him all night. He’s in so much pain.” She collapsed into tears and he awkwardly pulled her toward him. She rested her head against his chest and he wrapped his arms around her.
“It’s all right,” he said. “Calm down. What’s happened?”
“It’s Pa,” she managed between gasps, “He’s in so much pain and I think he has a fever. I stayed up with him to make sure he would be all right but he’s been mumbling nonsense and I’m so worried.”
A pang of guilt shot through him at her words. “Come on, Hannah, let’s get inside.”
She nodded, wiping at the tears. “Come quick.”
He followed her up the porch steps but she swayed at the top. He steadied her with a hand on her back and helped her into the house. She was half asleep on her feet as it was. He chided himself for leaving her for as long as he had. She had to take care of the ranch and animals as well as his father.
Hannah: A Bride For Cowboy Warren (Mail Order Brides For The Doyle Brothers Book 1) Page 2