Stranger's Bride

by Denise Hunter

  Sara took her seat, and the steady stream of conversation came to an abrupt halt as Mr. McClain became aware of her presence. His face closed and he once again became the daunting image she remembered.

  Smiling broadly, Hetty solicitously filled the gap. “Hello again, Sara. I hope you found the room to your liking.”

  “Yes, it’s lovely,” she said softly.

  Hetty gave her linen napkin a flip and arranged it on her lap. “We’ve been here before and we recommend the fried chicken, if you’ve a liking for it. The dumplin’s are good, too, although not as tasty as mine, if I do say so!”

  “Amen to that, darlin’. This here’s the finest cook in the West, Sara. Look here; I got the waistline to prove it!”

  Hetty rapped him on the shoulder. “Gus, you don’t have a spare inch on that bony body of yours, and if that’s a reflection on my cookin’, I reckon I’m failin’ miserable!”

  Sara smiled as she watched the bantering between the couple. She let her eyes skitter over to Mr. McClain, wanting to share the light moment with him, and she felt the smile slide from her face as his stormy eyes collided with hers. The heat and volatility there frightened her. The planes of his face were hardened like they’d been chiseled from stone. She busied herself by placing her napkin in her lap the way she’d seen Hetty do.

  Hetty and Gus were still going at it when a serving girl came to take their order. When she left, an awkward silence ensued.

  “Nathan, is everything arranged at the church for tomorrow? Reverend Taylor expects us at noon.”

  “Yeah.”

  “What will you wear tomorrow, dear? Do you have a special gown?”

  “Well, it’s not new, but I consider it special.”

  Mr. McClain cut in unexpectedly. “You’re going to need more, from what I saw of that little travel bag.”

  All eyes turned toward him and Sara’s mouth gaped.

  “How many dresses did you bring?” he demanded.

  “I–I brought three. But I’m sure I can make do with—”

  “You can buy some more in the morning. You’d best take care of it here, there’s not much of a choice in Cedar Springs.”

  Hetty jumped in to smooth things over. “Oh, that sounds divine, dear. I can take you ’round the shops in the morning. Besides, you don’t want to be launderin’ two or three times a week.”

  “Really, Mr. McClain, it. . .it’s no bother. I don’t mind doing—”

  “It’s settled then. You’ll go shopping with Hetty in the morning.”

  Sara’s face heated. This man, a virtual stranger, was going to have to pay out money to outfit her. Then a new thought seeped into her mind. Perhaps he was ashamed to be seen with her. With fresh eyes, she discreetly examined her dress. The rounded white collar was a bit ragged on the edges and, if she were honest, not quite white anymore, but rather gray and dingy. The pleats that fell below her waist were sharply pressed, but the edges had faded to a chalky blue and stood out in contrast to the navy material. Even the ribbon in her hair, she knew, was worn and frayed.

  Humiliation washed over her. He was embarrassed to be seen with her.

  “And if we’re going to be married, you’d best call me by my given name,” he grumbled.

  The food arrived as a rosy pink climbed her cheeks, and she was saved further embarrassment as Gus said grace. Sara watched Hetty pick up one of the forks to the left of her plate, and Sara imitated the action.

  The silence of the hungry prevailed over the table and Sara was grateful for the excuse not to have to talk to Mr.—to Nathan—anymore.

  Suddenly, it registered in her mind what he’d said. If we’re going to be married. . . He did still intend to marry her. Relief, confusion, and fear battled for the lead in her head. She was relieved to have her future settled—to have some security and peace of mind. However, she couldn’t conceive why Nathan, who clearly found her loathsome, wanted to marry her. His aversion to Sara frightened her and she didn’t know what to expect from him. Hetty and Gus were at ease around him. But, then, he wasn’t angry with them.

  The meal continued, fragmented by bits of conversation. Sara was replacing the napkin on the table when she realized she hadn’t tasted a single bite of her food, so absorbed was she in her plight.

  Hetty’s coffee cup rattled as she set it back on the saucer. “Sara, why don’t I come to your room at 8:00 in the morning and we’ll go from there.”

  “That sounds fine, Hetty. Thank you.”

  Gus stretched back in his chair. “I don’t know about you-all, but I’m as tuckered as a new foal.”

  They agreed to turn in for the night and went their separate ways.

  In her room, Sara slipped into her nightdress, blew out the lantern, then climbed into the cozy bed. She expected to lie awake, sorting through her thoughts, but the soft bed lulled her and exhaustion came, bringing with it a veil of darkness.

  ❧

  Nathan knew he’d been testy, but he was so frustrated by the turn of events that he couldn’t disguise his feelings.

  He punched his down pillow and turned over to face the only window in the room. The moonlight shone through the white curtains, making them almost transparent.

  Why hadn’t he just settled for Laura Reed? He could have dealt with her nosy mother. Even Mara Lawton would have been easier to live with. No, he wouldn’t go that far. But at least there was no chance he’d grow fond of her, even as pretty as she was. It was no secret she would have married him, if he’d asked her, but God help the man who would have to live with her.

  Sara’s image surfaced in his mind. Mara didn’t hold a candle to her. Sara’s midnight-blue eyes were fringed by long dark lashes and set under a pair of finely arched brows. A tiny mouth that reminded him of a child’s matched her cheeks when a rosy blush swept across them.

  Yes, her appearance disturbed him, but that wasn’t all that bothered him. She had a helpless quality about her that made him instinctively want to protect her, and that went against all his plans for this marriage. He didn’t want her depending on him, any more than he wanted to depend on her.

  He must remain detached. It wouldn’t be easy at the beginning, but once she got the notion, it would work out. He had no choice now. What could he say? “My apologies, Miss Donaldson, but you’re too beautiful and too desirable, so I’m afraid I can’t marry you after all.”

  He supposed the good Lord must know what He was doing. Nathan’s favorite Scripture, Romans 8:28, came to mind and he silently considered it. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Well, that was some comfort.

  Still, if it hadn’t been for Pop and that will, he wouldn’t be in this mess in the first place.

  Nathan punched his pillow again and heaved his body over to face the door. He had a feeling it was going to be a long night.

  five

  The next morning arrived with the promise of a fine spring day. Outside, the birds were singing their praises and the sun was playing peekaboo behind white puffy clouds against a backdrop of blue.

  Sara and Hetty had shopped all morning and, despite the awkwardness of spending Nathan’s money, Sara had had a splendid time. Sara’s spirits were lighter today, perhaps because she had yet to see Nathan. She delighted in Hetty’s companionship and knew they would get on well in the years to come.

  Years. It seemed impossible to imagine this marriage lasting a lifetime. Was she fooling herself to even think it could? Even marriages based on love required hard work, she was sure. How could she expect lifetime commitment from a man she’d only met once?

  Hetty seemed oblivious to Sara’s deep thoughts as they shopped. In fact, Hetty seemed to enjoy the excursion immensely. She knew the latest fashions and served as an advisor as Sara tried on dresses. They’d settled on three. One was lilac, one
the color of an apricot, and the fanciest one was in a shade of russet. Sara had never spent so much money at one time in all her life. Her pangs of guilt were assuaged by ever-practical Hetty, who insisted she was simply purchasing the bare necessities. Besides, she was adamant about not wanting to embarrass Nathan with her appearance; she would make him proud to call her his wife.

  They concluded their morning with a cup of coffee in the hotel dining room.

  “You’re gonna be needin’ to get ready for the weddin’ soon, Sara. Would you like some help?”

  “Oh, yes, Hetty, please. You’re so thoughtful.”

  “Nonsense. It’s your weddin’ day. Anyhow, I’m gettin’ somethin’ out of this marriage, too. I’ve been at that ranch for the last eleven years with no female companionship. It’s gonna be heavenly to have someone to chat with during the day. And a Christian, to boot! I figure I’m truly the lucky one in all this.”

  Sara’s smile froze on her face, and she took her last sip of coffee to chase away the awkwardness. She hadn’t figured on that little fib being such an issue. She believed in God, of course, and she’d attended church occasionally with her mama. It had all seemed like a history lesson to her. The preacher had dwelled on this Jesus and His gruesome death. Sara didn’t see why he’d had to linger over that unfortunate event. It was all so long ago, and so irrelevant now.

  She’d just attend church with the other three, bow her head for grace, and nod her head a lot when the subject of religion came up. How hard could it be? She’d learn about their religion as time passed. Until then, she would just be careful to avoid getting into the specifics of their beliefs. Luckily, her mama had raised her to be an upstanding young woman, so she wouldn’t have to alter her personality or anything.

  Hetty graciously paid for the coffee, then said she’d meet Sara in her room in a moment.

  By the time Hetty tapped on her door, Sara had on her ivory gown. She opened the door to see Hetty clutching a bouquet of spring flowers and a small spray of crocus for Sara’s hair.

  Sara received the flowers and showed her in. “You’ve thought of everything! You’ve been so kind, Hetty. Thank you!”

  “Not at all, dear, I was happy to do it. I do love a good weddin’! Now, turn about and let me see you.” Sara did a modest pirouette. “Just as I thought. You look glorious! Let’s try your hair down, though; how does that sound?”

  “Oh, no, I can’t!” A hand flew to her hair. She couldn’t let him see her wild hair down. “I mean, I really prefer to wear it up. Look, we can put the blossoms here, in the back.”

  “Well, okay, if you think that’s best. I just adore long, curly hair, though. I’d venture yours is lovely all down around your shoulders.”

  Sara surrendered the flowers to Hetty, who pinned them in her hair.

  Since the church was just a short walk from the hotel, they’d agreed to meet Nathan and Gus there. Hetty insisted that Nathan shouldn’t see Sara before the ceremony. It was only “right proper,” she’d said.

  Hetty made another adjustment to Sara’s hair, then they began their walk to the church. When they reached the street, nerves began to set in. Sara’s legs wobbled like a rickety chair, and her heart fluttered at twice its normal pace. In thirty minutes she’d be a married woman. Oh, she hoped he wouldn’t be angry today. His stony silence had unsettled her terribly. Perhaps he’d be pleased with her since she’d done her best with her appearance. One thing was for certain: She could not look any better than she did right now. Each attribute was displayed to its best effect, from her carefully upswept hair to her stockinged feet.

  Hetty tried to maintain a conversation, but Sara’s heart just wasn’t in it, so Hetty let her agonize in peace.

  Soon they approached the small chapel. The wood building was painted white and topped with a bell tower. Clusters of trees bearing new green foliage isolated the church from the rest of the town.

  When they entered the church, Sara allowed her eyes to adjust to the dim light while Hetty laid her hat and reticule on a shelf in the cloakroom.

  Their rustling must have alerted the men to their presence, for when they rounded the corner of the sanctuary, three pairs of eyes were fixed on them. Hetty fell back and let Sara precede her down the aisle.

  Light filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting a golden glow on three men gathered at the altar. Nathan’s face revealed admiration, and Sara’s face began to relax in a nervous smile. But when she drew closer, she saw that the dimness must have deceived her, for Nathan’s face was as harsh and unyielding as the day before. Gray eyes went blank as he turned away.

  Her floundering spirits found reprieve in Gus’s wide grin. “Sara, you’re prettier than the first spring blossom, ain’t she, Nathan?”

  “Sure, she looks fine,” he said without looking.

  Somehow he made the compliment sound insulting. The pains she’d taken with her dress and coiffure were wasted on this man who clearly found her revolting. An uncharacteristic flash of defiance made her wish she’d worn her hair down, just to spite him.

  When they reached the altar, Sara joined Nathan in the center facing the reverend, while Hetty and Gus took their places. Nathan gestured to a short, balding man. “Sara, this is Reverend Taylor. Reverend, meet Sara Donaldson.”

  Reverend Taylor smiled and pumped Sara’s hand. “Soon to be Mrs. McClain, right Miss Donaldson?” His eyes twinkled.

  A pink blush swept across her face. “A pleasure to meet you.”

  The reverend opened his Bible and patted the stuffing around his middle. “Shall we begin?” He paused as Nathan nodded once.

  He read some Scripture related to marriage, then stopped to pray. Sara’s thoughts were tumbling to and fro. She hadn’t even been able to follow the reverend’s words.

  They raised their heads as the prayer ended, and Rev-erend Taylor instructed Sara and Nathan to face one another. When she turned, she noticed for the first time that he was attired in a suit. She fixed her eyes on the second button of the crisp white shirt.

  The reverend continued. “Nathan, take Sara’s left hand.” Sara transferred the bouquet to her right hand and yielded her left hand to Nathan, hoping he wouldn’t notice its trembling.

  “You may slide the ring on her finger and repeat after me,” said the reverend. Nathan received a ring from Gus and slid it on her ring finger.

  Sara gaped at the ring. It was old, perhaps a family heirloom, and its fiery diamond was set between two sapphires. The delicate band widened to a fan on both sides of the blue stones. As if through a tunnel, she heard Nathan repeat his vows. His voice was deep and, although Sara avoided his gaze, his words sounded sincere.

  Sara met Nathan’s eyes as he completed his vows. Next it was her turn, and her voice trembled as she delivered the words that would bind her to Nathan for life. When she finished, they turned to Reverend Taylor, who said, “I now pronounce you man and wife. What God hath joined together, let no man tear asunder. Nathan, you may kiss your bride.”

  Sara’s head swung around, and her lips parted in surprise, for in all the excitement, she’d forgotten about this part of the ceremony. Apparently Nathan had not, for he didn’t seem the least bit flustered.

  As she looked at Nathan, he dipped his head, and their mouths joined briefly. His lips were surprisingly warm and soft, and what she expected to be a disagreeable experience was a pleasant one indeed. When he withdrew, their eyes locked. There was a softness to his face that she hadn’t seen before. She absorbed the warmth in his half-shut eyes and the room shrunk to exclude all others. The spell was broken when the reverend spoke.

  “Allow me to present Mr. and Mrs. Nathan McClain,” he said with a flourish.

  Hetty hugged them, and there were handshakes and smiles all around as the group said good-bye to the reverend, then strolled out to the carriage.

  It was one of those moments that seem
ed otherworldly—almost as if it weren’t really happening. Perhaps this was because the experience was so out of the ordinary for her. After all, it wasn’t every day she married a stranger!

  When they reached the carriage, Nathan helped his wife up, and they started toward the hotel to collect their luggage.

  Nathan’s mind swam as he led the team onto the road. Somehow, last night as he tossed and turned, he’d convinced himself that Sara wasn’t as becoming as he’d thought. But today, when she walked down the aisle toward him, he realized what a featherbrain he’d been. His wife was a rare beauty. He should have known that if she’d managed to look so appealing yesterday, after traveling for days, she would look even better after a good night’s rest. A part of him was proud to have her as his wife. After all, what man wouldn’t be honored to have such a beauty on his arm?

  She’d looked wispy and fragile in that frothy getup. Her eyes had been wide and wary as she’d studied him, and he knew he’d let his guard down for a moment, had seen the relief in her face, before he’d replaced his impassive mask.

  His resolve had paid off throughout the ceremony, but when his lips touched hers, his intentions shattered. Her timid response shook him clear down to his fancy boots. He’d never been so affected by a simple kiss—had never felt a woman quiver at his touch and felt so virile for being able to elicit such a response. Her hair smelled of lilacs and she tasted as vibrant as spring. It took tremendous effort to damper himself down once again.

  If he had any hopes of continuing his plan, he must avoid kissing her again.

  “Oh, look!” Sara whispered, pointing at a gaunt, emaciated dog ambling along the side of the road. Nathan pulled the carriage to a stop at the hotel’s entrance. “It doesn’t look like he’s eaten in weeks.”

  Nathan strode into the hotel to collect the baggage, and Sara stepped down from her seat to approach the dog.