by Leah Atwood
“Are you certain?” Holding her breath, she hoped. Prayed.
“Yes.” He squeezed her hands.
A wall in Tallie’s heart shifted, allowing a small opening.
“Will you marry me, Tallie Duncan? Will you join your life with mine and become my wife as we create a future in this unpredictable land?” His earth-colored eyes bore into her. “It’s not always going to be easy, especially as we learn to love each other, but I promise that I will always stand by your side.”
How could she say no to his fervent proposal? She opened her mouth to answer but was too choked up to answer. Moving her head up and down, she gave her answer the only way she could at the moment.
“Is today too soon?” The special moment between them ended when he released her hand, but his eyes still held gentleness and affection. “I thought if we marry now, we can catch tomorrow’s train to Weatherton.”
It was all surreal, almost too good to be true. Only hours ago, Roland had threatened her livelihood and here she was engaged to a man she didn’t know, but one she believed to be a good and kind person. “Today is just fine.”
Chapter 6
Jeremiah cast his eyes on Tallie one more time before going to fetch Miss Rohrer from the hall. Like magnets, their gazes collided. His breath shortened. Tallie was beautiful, more attractive than he could have imagined. She looked too young and innocent to have experienced all that she had.
When he’d first looked at her, a jolt of awareness shot through him. Right then, he knew that Tallie was his helpmeet, the woman with whom he was meant to share his life. He was grateful he’d not ignored the nudge to return. To think, he could have missed out on something wonderful.
And wonderful their life would be. Some things a man just knew, and that was one of them.
Miss Rohrer greeted him at the door before he’d managed to stop staring at Tallie. “Are you ready to visit the parsonage?”
“How do you know that’s what we decided?” Jeremiah suspected she’d been eavesdropping outside the door the whole time.
“You’re a wise man, Mr. Scott. You’re too smart to pass up a gem like Tallie.” She winked. “I had faith in you, although you had me worried for a half hour when you left earlier.”
“That was a thoughtless action on my part, but Tallie has agreed to forgive me and become my wife.” He took four long steps to reach his fiancée and supported her while she stood. “We’d like to marry today. Now, if that’s acceptable.”
“I will be your witness.” Miss Rohrer beamed.
“Where is the parsonage? Shall I procure a carriage?” Catching a glimpse of Tallie in her advanced time of expectancy, he wondered how much physical activity she could tolerate.
“It’s five buildings away from where you’re staying.” Miss Rohrer pointed to the east, a futile exercise since her finger angled to a wall. “I’m surprised you didn’t see it on your way from the boarding house.”
Jeremiah envisioned the facades he’d passed. Yes, now that he thought about it, he had seen it. He turned to Tallie. “Would you prefer to walk or ride?”
“Walk.” She darted a bashful glance at her stomach. “The activity often helps me to feel better when I can’t find comfort in a resting position.”
An uncomfortable thought flitted through Jeremiah’s head. He owed Miss Rohrer the remaining half of his fee but didn’t wish to pay in front of Tallie. Even though he was paying for a matchmaking service, under no circumstance, did he want to make Tallie feel unworthy, or that she’d been bought.
How was he to approach the situation? Unbeknownst to her, Tallie created an opportunity when she excused herself to the necessary.
Once she was out of sight, Jeremiah retrieved his billfold and withdrew the amount due. “Here is the remainder of your fee.”
She pushed the money away. “You are paid in full.”
“But you quoted me—”
“Consider it a gift, Mr. Scott.” Miss Rohrer winked. “Use that money for Tallie. She could use some pampering in her life.”
“I’ll treat her well and see that she lacks for nothing.”
“If you truly mean that, you will give her your love.” Leaning toward him, Miss Rohrer spoke in a solemn tone. “Rarely does someone touch my heart in so short a timeframe, but Tallie has. I believe in her, and I pray you do as well.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Tallie soon returned. The threesome walked through Cheyenne at a brisk pace. Jeremiah remained cognizant that his strides were longer, but only had to slow once for the ladies. They seemed to want this ceremony to occur with the same eagerness as he did.
Pastor Andrew Rock met them at the parsonage door, casting an adoring smile toward Miss Rohrer. “Good evening folks. Is this one of your couples, Lucinda?”
Jeremiah hid a grin. He wouldn’t be one bit surprised if there was a romance between Pastor Rock and Miss Rohrer.
“Yes, Pastor.” Tell-tale pink spots formed on Miss Rohrer’s face. She tugged at Jeremiah’s arm. “I’d like you to meet Jeremiah Scott and Tallie Duncan.”
“A pleasure to meet you. Can I correctly assume the two of you wish to marry?” The pastor looked at Jeremiah then Tallie, pausing to toss a smile Miss Rohrer’s way.
“Yes, sir.”
“When?”
“Today, if at all possible.” Jeremiah took the liberty of slipping an arm around Tallie’s waist, hoping she wouldn’t think he was too forward.
She rewarded him with a shy smile and made no move to escape his touch.
“I’m not opposed to couples meeting and wedding under unconventional circumstances, but before I agree to wed you, I need to know that you both understand marriage is a lifetime commitment.” Pastor Rock took on an authoritative tone without sounding haughty. “Do you each agree to enter this marriage with that belief and commitment?”
“Yes,” Jeremiah answered first, then Tallie.
“Very well.” Pastor Rock’s broad smile returned. “It is a fine day for a wedding. You folks head over to the church, and I’ll meet you there in several minutes.”
Keeping his arm around Tallie’s waist, he escorted her to the church. As far as churches went, it was nondescript with its white walls and steeple. It looked like a half dozen churches he’d seen from the train on his way out to Wyoming. When he entered the doors, however, a welcoming air enveloped him.
A wood stove in the front corner still warmed the building, and Jeremiah figured Pastor Rock had probably spent most of his day here. Miss Rohrer positioned herself by a window. Whether to give him and Tallie privacy or to watch for Pastor Rock was a matter of debate.
“Are you sure you want to marry today?” He angled his head so he could look directly into Tallie’s eyes. “If you’d rather wait a few days, we can. I don’t want you to feel rushed.”
“Today is perfect. You are an answer to my prayers.” Her eyes locked on his before she bashfully averted them.
The magnitude of her words rendered him speechless. To think, God had used him, a man whose own foolhardiness had almost cost him this opportunity, to fulfill Tallie’s supplications. It was an awe-inspiring thought that humbled him. Closing his eyes, he recited a brief prayer. First of thanksgiving, for Tallie’s entrance into his life, and then for wisdom, that he would be a good husband to her.
Her lashes fluttered. Long, deep brown lashes that brightened her blue eyes. He’d never seen lashes that dark on someone with such blonde hair. Reaching out, he touched them, then trailed his thumb down her cheek. “I’ll be good to you, Tallie. We’ll have a good life.”
“I know.” Her delicate throat constricted, and she swallowed. She opened her mouth, about to say something else, when a masculine cough interrupted them.
“Shall we get started?” The pastor stood at the pulpit with Miss Rohrer near him.
Jeremiah never saw or heard him come in, neither did he notice Miss Rohrer move. His attention had been solely on Tallie where it remained for the next fifteen minutes as
the recited vows that forever joined them.
“You may now kiss your bride,” Pastor Rock said, concluding the ceremony.
Lowering his head, Jeremiah brought his mouth near Tallie’s but paused when he saw her hesitation. Nervousness passed over her face and pink tinged her jawline and crept to her cheeks. Then something akin to trust and affection flickered shortly before she closed her eyes. Her chin tilted, raising her lips to his sweet and pure kiss that held the promise of love.
He’d only known Tallie for a few short hours, but she already had a piece of his heart.
Chapter 7
“What is our home like?” The plural possessive felt strange rolling off Tallie’s lips. Married for only one day, she still had to adjust her mentality.
Jeremiah sat next to her on the short train ride from Cheyenne to Weatherton. The sky was an ominous gray, but so far, there was no indication of an impending storm.
“It’s a one level log cabin. There’s a large living area in the front, along with a kitchen area. All three bedrooms are in the rear of the house.” His gaze settled on the faraway horizon. Nostalgia shadowed his face. “I’ve not been back in six years, but I don’t imagine it’s changed much within that time.” A worry line appeared above his brow. “I should have hired someone to clean it before I returned.”
She placed a hand on his arm. “I’m not afraid of a little cleaning. I’ve been doing it all my life.”
“But you shouldn’t have to. Your job right now is to rest and take care of that baby.” His lips pursed. “When we get to Weatherton, I’ll see if any of the women are searching for extra work. With Christmas approaching, I’m sure someone could use a little extra.”
“I’m fine, really. Women in my condition have been keeping house and scrubbing floors for generations upon generations.” She tightened her grasp. “Besides, I told you activity makes me feel better. If I sit too long, I begin to ache something fierce.”
“Do you need to move now? We can stand and go to another car if you’d like.” He looked at her as though he’d just realized he knew nothing about caring for an expecting woman but desperately wanted to please her.
“No. I am quite comfortable.”
His concern touched her, reaffirmed she’d made the right decision. He was the most accommodating husband a wife could ask for. Yesterday, on their wedding night, he’d slept on the floor so she could have the bed to herself. He’d made no effort to claim his marital rights, instead making sure she was comfortable in every way. She’d never felt so pampered, but did feel a touch guilty, as though she was taking advantage of him.
The balance between them seemed uneven, and she couldn’t figure out what he gained from the marriage. So far she’d done nothing but inconvenience him. What did he gain from taking her as his wife? She prayed she didn’t disappoint him.
“Once we arrive, I’ll have to stop at the livery. Ed, the owner, has a wagon waiting for me, and a pick of several horses.” When he moved his arm, she released it after realizing her grasp remained on him. “There are also some items that should have been delivered to the mercantile, but I’ll need the wagon first.”
“Then I’ll get to see the town before we go home.”
He smiled. “There’s not much to see, but it’s a pleasant town with lots of friendly folks. At least it was when I left.”
“I’m sure it’s lovely since it’s drawn you back after all these years.” Outside the window opposite of them, a reddish-orange butte jutted from the flat ground. She’d seen several of them along the way.
Jeremiah turned his gaze in the direction of hers. “They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”
“Magnificent.”
“They’re scattered throughout the land. There’s one near the edge of my land.”
“Will you take me to see it up close?” She remained fascinated by the landscape.
“Come spring, I will.” A pleased smile appeared on Jeremiah’s face. “The land gets to you, doesn’t it?”
“Yes. It’s so…” Trailing off, she searched her vocabulary for the proper word. “Free.”
“That’s a good way to describe it. Many people have started over here, received a second chance, but there’s a lot of toil and heartache.” His smile shifted to a crooked line. “It’s easier than it was two decades ago, but it’s still wild and harsh, which is why you won’t find an abundance of women here. The ones who do come, are those who followed their husbands.”
“If you’re trying to scare me off, it’s not going to work.” A lump of sentiment lodged in her throat. “I’ve not had a real home since I was seven years old. Now that I’m going to have one, I don’t intend to give it up.”
Jeremiah chuckled softly and coiled their fingers. “I can’t wait to see what our future holds.”
“Me either,” she whispered. “But I’m glad we’ll discover it together.”
Huddling with her in the seat, Jeremiah dropped his arm around her shoulder and pointed out their window. His face lit with excitement. “See those buildings in the distance? That’s Weatherton. We’re almost home.”
A tiny foot pressed Tallie from her insides She couldn’t help but think the little one was able to sense her mood. Every time she got excited about something, she became more active. Of course, she didn’t know if her baby would be a male or female, but she thought of her as a girl. In all her daydreams of rocking her and singing soothing lullabies, it was always a girl she cradled.
The locomotive slowed, eventually bringing the entire train to a halt. A small throng of people waited on the platform, crowding closer to the edge when the train doors began to open. One person tried to board the iron machine, but a porter restrained them.
Jeremiah unwound his hand and helped her to an upright position. While they waited for the car to clear, she arched her back, attempting to alleviate the stiffness in her muscles. Their turn to alight the train came, and Jeremiah kept a hand to her back as they walked down the aisle, then he stepped in front of her. He descended the steps first, then held his hand to assist her.
They stepped away from the platform and escaped the clamorous activity surrounding the train. Near the ticket station, the found a quiet corner to wait until the luggage car was unloaded.
Jeremiah fixed his eyes on her, exuding contentment and anticipation. “Welcome to Weatherton, Mrs. Scott.”
Chapter 8
Jeremiah sat on the bench of his new wagon, reins in hand. Beside him, Tallie was bundled in a threadbare scarf, heavy coat, and a blanket. Red circles from the cold covered her cheeks. The temperature had dropped overnight, ushering in December with frigid air.
Pushing the newly acquired team of workhorses as hard as he could without compromising Tallie’s safety and comfort, Jeremiah wanted nothing more than to be home. He was ready to start this phase of life and begin his future in Weatherton with Tallie.
He stole a glance at her, then looked again, settling his gaze on his exhausted new bride. Her eyes blinked and her head nodded. His heart went out to her. She’d not uttered one complaint, but he could tell the excitement of their sudden marriage and the travel, on top of her condition, had worn her down.
It was the primary reason he’d opted to pay for a room at the boarding house last night. Darkness had fallen by the time he’d marked off everything on his list to do in town. He could have driven them home in the dark, but he already knew Tallie enough to know she’d insist on cleaning the house and wiping down six years of collected dust before she’d rest. The first thing she’d done when entering his room in Cheyenne, and then last night in town, was tidy up, straightening the blankets and hanging their clothes.
Falling asleep on a bouncing wagon was a hard task, but Tallie accomplished it. Her head drifted down, and she leaned over, cuddling with him in her sleep. He moved the reins to one hand and slid his free arm around her waist so she wouldn’t fall over.
Who was he fooling? True, he didn’t want her hurt, but he had other motives—mainly keepin
g Tallie near him. He wasn’t sure what it was about her that tugged at his heart, but the need to be near her, protect her, grew every hour. Could it be the beginning of love?
Soon, they were on his property. Not much had changed on the landscape. He still remembered each tree, every bend in the stream and the ravine that cut across the north side. Fifteen minutes had passed before the buildings came into view. The house, barn, smokehouse—it was all there, waiting to be occupied.
He drove the team closer until he could see the barn with an unobstructed view. It looked usable, not much worse than it had when he’d left. Someone must have stopped by to tidy the front of the house. There were no dead weeds left over from summer, no layers of grime on the porch.
“Bless you,” he whispered to the air, thanking the unknown benevolent person.
Somehow he had to wake up Tallie, but he hated to do it. If he knew that the house’s inside was satisfactory, he’d carry her straight to bed and let her sleep some more, but for all he knew, the house could be littered with vermin.
Dropping a kiss on her silky hair, he brushed away the strands that had fallen from her knot. “Wake up, Tallie. We’re home.”
She didn’t budge.
“I’m sorry to wake you, sweetheart, but we’re at the ranch.” He gave her shoulder a shake. Her eyes opened but promptly closed.
Analyzing the situation, Jeremiah devised a plan. Tallie breathed peacefully against him, but he’d have to move her. He scooted to the edge, then lowered Tallie’s upper-half to the bench. Hopefully, she was a sound sleeper. For several seconds, he watched her, but she didn’t wake up. After tucking the blanket back around her, he hopped off the wagon and went to the house.
The door opened without any resistance. Stepping through the entry, Jeremiah scanned the place. Someone cleaned the inside of the house as well. There were no layers of dust blanketing the furniture and mantel, no cobwebs hanging from the corners. Nonexistent were the stale and musty odors he’d expected.