Most Unsuitable Courtship

by Clemmons, Caroline

  The preacher stopped in front of the trio of children. “We have a nice surprise. We’re going over to the church. I’ll let these two explain.”

  Rena hoped Storm would speak up. When he looked at her, she exhaled. “We are going to the church to be married so we can adopt you.”

  Susie laughed and clapped her hands. “Yay!”

  Lottie watched her sister and clapped too. Rena doubted the child knew why her sister was happy.

  Drew frowned. “I thought you was already married.”

  Storm knelt. “We gave everyone that impression so Rena would be safe. Now that we want to adopt you three, we have to really get married. You get to watch.”

  Drew’s face beamed. “You mean it? You’re gonna keep us?”

  His happiness reassured her they had made the right decision. Never would she forget her own desolation of having no home and no parents. She sighed. Another hasty marriage with no preparation or celebration.

  Storm hugged all three kids. “Forever. Rena and I are going to be married in a few minutes and you can be there.”

  Susie clapped her hands together again. “Really? Like when Missy Barnes got married and her sister was her flower girl? Can I be your flower girl?”

  Storm rose. “Sure. If we can find some flowers.”

  Rena lifted Lottie and took Susie’s hand. “You don’t have to have flowers to be the flower girl. You can both walk in front of us and be our flower girls.”

  Susie glanced over her shoulder. “What about Drew. Is he gonna be a flower boy?”

  Storm laid a hand on Drew’s shoulder. “Every groom has to have a best man to stand by him during the ceremony. That okay with you, Drew?”

  The boy’s chest puffed with importance. “You mean I’m a best man?”

  They entered the white frame church. Windows admitted sunlight into plain interior and created a checkerboard of light and dark across the floor. Dust motes danced along sunbeams and came to rest on the oak pew benches.

  Over the altar, a stained glass window depicted a white dove holding an olive branch. The bird flew over three empty crosses. Yellow panes created the illusion of Divine sunlight through clouds.

  She relaxed measurably. At least this wedding would be in a church by a minister instead of a hasty city official in a squalid office. Surely this was a good sign.

  When the other women realized there was to be a wedding, they separated a bouquet from the altar flowers and handed it to Rena. The gesture touched her and tears welled in her eyes. Such a simple thing, yet she needed this ceremony to be special.

  Mrs. Wells played a song that sounded vaguely familiar to Rena, and then the preacher performed the brief ceremony. Rena’s mind whirled with confusing questions. She couldn’t have recalled anything the man of God said.

  Afterward, Mrs. Wells and the other woman signed as witnesses. And that was it. For better or worse, she and Storm Kincaid became united.

  Before they left, Mrs. Wells stopped them. “I know a honeymoon with three curious children is not possible. My husband and I will come to the hotel this evening and you two can use our home for the night. We’ll watch the children for you.”

  She heard Storm exhale. “That would be real considerate. These three are too curious for a honeymoon.”

  Mrs. Wells patted Rena’s arm. “We’ll be over about seven.”

  Rena realized that meant she and Storm would be alone tonight. Not a real honeymoon, not like the family wedding celebrations lasting days she’d observed back in Bavaria. Food and beer and wine. Dancing and music. Laughter and conversations.

  The occasion of her and Storm’s marriage warranted no special celebration. But they would be together and private. No thin walls or nosy children. Thank goodness for that, at least. Wasn’t she nervous enough wondering what a real wedding night would be?

  Would he know what to do? She suspected he did. Worrying about tonight won’t help, concentrate on now.

  They left the church.

  “Why’d you give the preacher money?” Drew asked.

  “Because he performed the ceremony that married Rena and me.”

  “Ain’t that part of his job? I thought preachers married folks.”

  “Still nice to pay him. Preachers don’t make much money.”

  “I never been to church. Have you?”

  “Most Sundays when I’m home, my family goes to the Presbyterian Church.” He paused. “Rena, you have any objections to us going to that church and sitting with my family?”

  Did she? Her family had attended Lutheran services the rare times they went to church. Muti was buried in the cemetery beside the Pfieffersburg Lutheran Church. She and Abram fit nowhere and had never attended church services together. But surely God didn’t care in which building she praised Him.

  She smiled at her new husband. “Being with family sounds nice. And now we have a family, too.”

  Hadn’t she always dreamed of being part of a large family? With his two sisters, grandparents, cousins, nieces, and nephews, his family was even larger than she’d hoped for. Perhaps this marriage would work out for everyone.

  Susie tugged at her arm. “Are we ‘dopted now?”

  She took the girl’s hand. “Not yet, but you are ours. Is that all right with you?”

  “I want my Mama and Papa. But if they’re gonna keep being dead, then I want to stay with you and Storm.”

  Storm slowed his steps. “When we get to Kincaid Springs, I’ll make the adoption official. My grandpa’s a judge and my cousin and brother-in-law are lawyers. They’ll know how to fill out the papers so you’ll be ours forever. Do you care if we change your name from Hansen to Kincaid?”

  Drew frowned. “Can we keep both names?”

  “You want to be Andrew Hansen Kincaid?”

  “Don’t forget the Paul. Andrew Paul Hansen Kincaid.” He smiled up at Storm. “Sounds kind of important, don’t it?”

  Storm chuckled and ruffled Drew’s hair. “It does at that. You ready to eat again?”

  “I sure am. All this marryin’ makes a body hungry.”

  Rena joined Storm in laughter. Inside, a tornado twirled in her stomach. Maybe food would calm her nerves. If not, she’d collapse before bedtime.

  And tomorrow? Tomorrow they’d head for a showdown in Vernon. She almost hoped they’d find the bank had already been robbed and the outlaws had disappeared with the wind.

  Then her new husband would be safe.

  Then their little family would be untouched by more tragedy.

  Then they could go to Storm’s ranch and . . . and what?

  Had she forgotten her former life? You promised to avenge poor Abram. Now that you have a strong and handsome husband, have you forgotten your vow?

  Do you put pleasure from Storm’s passionate kisses above your pledge? Do you value safety more than honor? Since you were thirteen Abram allowed himself to be saddled with you. Have you forgotten his sacrifices?

  Shame on you. What have you become?

  Chapter Twelve

  Later that evening, Storm’s strong hand clasping hers sent shivers of anticipation through her as they walked toward the Wells home. In his other hand, he carried the new valise containing their change of clothes and toiletries. She justified the new purchase as required to hold the children’s new clothes. His smile as he’d disclosed the carpetbag touched a soft, inner place she held secret.

  She thought ahead to a real wedding night with a strong, handsome man she admired. Did she feel more for him? She didn’t know, had nothing on which to base an opinion. Her only love had been for her parents, and a similar familial fondness for Abram.

  Love for a man? Would she know when it came? She recalled tales of love in books she and Abram had read. Did such fanciful feelings truly exist?

  At least she acknowledged this man made her feel safe and protected. Even though she hated his commanding efforts on one hand, on the other she enjoyed the caring way he acted. Her senses jumbled with so much happening in rap
id succession. How could she decipher these confused emotions?

  He smiled down at her. “Nervous?”

  Shyly, she refused to meet his eyes. His presence calmed her, created a sense of safety. “Maybe a little. I am glad we will have the house to ourselves.”

  They reached the appealing cottage beside the church. Storm opened the door and she stepped inside. Timidly, she followed him into the bedroom.

  Small, like the rest of the home, this room displayed Mrs. Well’s touch. A beautiful quilt in blues and floral blocks in the flower garden pattern topped the mahogany bed. The armoire and chest matched, as did the bedside table and washstand. On the table sat a blue lamp with a white shade over the chimney. A religious print hung on one wall and a painting of a robin on a peach branch in bloom hung on another.

  “Oh, look how lovely.” Flowers in a blue vase decorated the washstand and more flowers in a green container sat beside the lamp.

  “Pastor and Mrs. Wells have been busy while we were dining.”

  A beautiful, lace-edged top sheet turned back ready for them. She touched the petals of a pink rose. “What a kind thing to do. I love flowers and worked hard to make them grow well.”

  He set the valise on a chair by the bedstead. “You deserve romance in your life, Rena. You should have flowers every day.”

  Hearing his declaration thrilled her. She clasped her hands to her heart fighting for something to say. “Isn’t that a lovely bed?”

  Someone, the pastor’s wife, no doubt, had created the wide bands of lace edging the pillow cases and across the top sheet. “It’s like a dream.”

  She sent him an appraising stare. “Your leg, it pains you, does it not? You are limping again.”

  “I just need to lie down, get off my feet. We’ve had a busy day.”

  “I think you should have seen the doctor.”

  “All I need is in this room.” He tested the mattress with his hand. “No squeaky ropes.” He swallowed as if he, too, were nervous. “Um, shall I step into the next room while you get ready for bed?”

  She twisted her skirt’s fabric near the waist. “I-I don’t know. What do married people usually do?”

  He smiled and tilted his head to study her. “I think the groom slowly undresses the bride.”

  Her mouth gaped and she fought to recover. “In the light? Are you sure?” The thought of him disrobing her heated her body. “It sounds . . . scandalous.” And wonderful.

  He pulled her near and slowly unbuttoned her shirt. “Not for a married couple.” Gently, he caressed her cheek and gazed into her eyes. “Trust is a part of marriage, Rena. Trust me to make love to you. Then we truly will be united. As one.”

  How could she resist those beautiful purple-blue eyes? She couldn’t even if she had wanted to, and she had no wish to refuse. She slid her hands up his muscular arms. “I do trust you, now that you promised you won’t leave me and go off without telling me.”

  “We’re partners now. A family.” He slid her shirt from her arms and unfastened her skirt and petticoats.

  “That sounds wonderful. We’re a family.” She repeated the phrase in her mind.

  Should she be helping him? She started on his shirt buttons.

  He cupped her face and kissed her, lightly at first. His kiss deepened and she melted into him. His tongue teased her lips until she opened them then thrust inside her mouth. Surprise and trembling turned to fire and she returned his probes.

  His embrace gathered her to his broad chest and she felt the hard press of his manhood against her abdomen. Instead of frightening her, heat gathered in her most sensitive place. Knowledge that she’d caused this change in him created a sense of power. He desired her as much as she craved him.

  He broke the kiss to flick back the top covers and scoop her onto the bed. He joined her. When he looked at her, his beautiful eyes had turned dark purple.

  “Your eyes are as dark as the storm clouds your mother named you for.” She untied her drawers.

  He stilled her hands. “Let me, please. I want to look at you, at every inch of you.”

  “All of me?” Had she turned wanton? She liked the idea of them knowing one another so completely. “Then I must see all of you.”

  “Gladly. You first.” He set to work rolling down her stockings. He kissed each leg as he worked toward her foot.

  When he had bared her, she didn’t know where to put her hands. She tried covering her breast with one arm and her mound with her other hand.

  “No need for shyness or embarrassment, my love. Not between us.”

  “But you have on clothing and I have on none.”

  His muscles rippled as he stood and quickly removed his garments. Soon he stretched out beside her wearing only the bandage around his injured leg. His strong hands skimmed up and down her body.

  “In spite of your hard work, your skin is soft and beautiful.” He lowered his head to rain kisses on her face and down her neck to her shoulders.

  She released a sigh of pleasure. When his mouth stopped to suckle at one breast while his hand caressed the other, she thought she might explode.

  He paused. “Ah, you enjoy this?”

  “Never has anything been so wonderful.” She clutched his head and pressed him back to her breast.

  He resisted long enough to say, “You’ll change your mind later. This is only the first chapter of our wedding night’s story.”

  She only gasped and sank into the pillow. Without taking his mouth from her breast, his fingers worked at the nub of her feminine place. Nothing could surpass the pleasure shooting through her, sending heat pooling deep within her. When her gasps grew, he broke away.

  No, she wanted more. Her arms circled his shoulders, pulling him toward her. His manhood pressed against her privates and her eyes flew open.

  His sweet, passion-filled eyes gazed into hers. “You’re ready. Don’t be afraid, my sweet Rena.” He pressed his tip at her entrance.

  She sensed her tissues stretching to accommodate him. He slid in slowly. When pain tore into her, she wriggled as if to pull away.

  “I know, my love. The hurt will be only this once and brief, followed by pleasure. Remember, you said you’d trust me.”

  She inhaled deeply. “Ja, then hurry. I do not like pain.”

  Covering her lips with his, his probing tongue matched his staff’s thrusts inside her. The temporary discomfort fled and a wonderful sensation overwhelmed her. Unable to help herself, she raised her hips to meet his strokes.

  Reality disappeared and she soared far above the town. She became a shooting star propelled across the heavens. Higher and higher she rose, burning with an inner fire. In a sweet crescendo, she burst like a holiday rocket, all colorful sparkles raining down onto earth.

  “Ich liebe dich.”

  Storm arched and threw back his head. “Ahhh, Rena.” He collapsed on top of her, his arms supporting his weight. Cradling her to him, he rolled to her side.

  Slowly their breathing returned to normal. She lay speechless in his arms. What had happened to her? She’d had no idea of the power of this mating thing.

  And she had told him she loved him. Thank goodness she had used Deutsch and not English. Perhaps he didn’t know the meaning of her words. Probably he did not even hear them.

  She nuzzled his muscular chest in a state of complete contentment. “And now, I will have a baby, will I not?”

  His embrace tightened. “If you do, that will be nice. Not every lovemaking produces a child.”

  She pulled away to gaze at him. “This happens a lot, what we just did?”

  He chuckled and slid his strong, callused hand along her skin. “I sure hope so.”

  She smiled then rested her cheek against his powerful chest. “Ja, me too.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Storm waked in a bliss-filled state with Rena cuddled against him. Their legs intertwined and he wondered again at her satiny skin. He stretched, smiling as he recalled their wedding night. Danged if marriage d
idn’t suit him.

  Did he love her? Not yet, but he believed he would come to, just as Pearl and Drake had. Not the best time to acquire a wife and children, but done is done. He sure couldn’t complain about the passion.

  He raised on his elbow and nuzzled her neck. “Morning.” His hardened staff pushed against her.

  “Mmm. This is a nice way to wake up.” She grasped his shoulders and pulled him to her.

  He raised over her, and then paused. “Are you too sore?”

  “Do not waste time with questions.” Her legs gripped his hips.

  He worshipped her body. He hoped he gave her as much pleasure as she gave him. Higher and higher he soared.

  The room and the house and the town disappeared. Only this woman and he existed. He lost himself in her. Lost his wariness with her. Lost his independence to her.

  He exploded and his seed spilled into her. Limp and sated, he dropped beside her. She turned and cuddled against him. Caressing her soft skin, he believed himself blessed.

  “You’re amazing, Rena. I’m lucky you responded to me.”

  “How could I not. You are everything I dreamed a husband would be. I am sorry you were pressured into this marriage. I promise to be a good wife to you.”

  “You were as compelled as I was. Do you regret our wedding?”

  “No. We did the right thing.”

  Light glistened off her ring where her hand rested on his chest. “Using the ring from Abram bothers me. A man should give his bride a ring. When we finish with this chase, I’m buying you a ring.”

  She leaned on her elbow to meet his gaze. “Such things are meaningless. The ring is a sign to others that I am married. What the ring looks like or its value means nothing to me. What matters is that you placed it there.”

  “Then it will matter more when I slide another ring on your finger.”

  “If it makes you happy. Men are very . . . I do not know the word. How would you say about staking your territory?”

  “Territorial.” He chuckled. “Yes, we are that. Also we wish to show the world how good we are at providing for our wife and children.”