The Husband Hunt (Smoky Mountain Matches)

by Kirst, Karen

  He was certain that his absence would be best for everyone.

  “Have you had another argument?” she ventured, clearly upset. “After you’ve made up, you’ll regret not going.”

  “I can’t explain right now.” His voice was gruff. “Please, just accept my decision.”

  Pa squeezed her shoulder, urging her to leave him be. “We need to get going, Mary. The reverend wants me there a little early.” Wise eyes brimming with sympathy, he patted Nathan’s hand. “Let me know if you need to talk later.”

  Emotion welled up. “Thanks, Pa.”

  For too long, he’d convinced himself he was content with his single state, determined to avoid messy, unpredictable relationships he couldn’t control, that wouldn’t fit into his neat, tidy world. Too late, he realized his world was awfully lonely without Sophie in it. Staid. Boring. Colorless.

  He wouldn’t have a marriage like his parents’. Wouldn’t be blessed with a loving wife and children like his brother.

  You have no one to blame but yourself, O’Malley.

  Josh and Kate lingered after their parents left.

  “Sophie won’t understand.” His brother studied him intently.

  Above him, a door closed. Footsteps echoed along the hallway and Caleb appeared at the top of the stairs sporting his Sunday best, a deep brown suit that hadn’t gotten much wear in the past years. He’d even shaved and slicked his midnight-black hair away from his face. His dark brown gaze rested on Nathan, his knowing smirk flashing.

  Descending the stairs, he announced nonchalantly, “He’s not going because he’s in love with Sophie.”

  Nathan winced, anticipating Josh’s reaction. “Thanks, Caleb.”

  “No problem.” He passed by and, circumventing the couple, went to retrieve his hat.

  But his older brother didn’t laugh or act surprised. “I was wondering if you’d ever get around to admitting it to yourself.”

  Kate’s eyes grew round. “You knew and didn’t tell me?” she addressed her husband.

  Pulling her arm through his, he said, “I wasn’t certain, but I’ve long suspected. He and Sophie have a long, turbulent history. There was too much friction for there not to be something below the surface.”

  “That’s what I told him.” Caleb leaned against the door and folded his arms, observing the fallout of his treachery with open interest. “Opposites attract, I’ve often heard.”

  Nathan held up his hands in surrender. “I admit it, I love her. That doesn’t change anything.”

  Caleb consulted his pocket watch. “She’s not shackled yet.”

  “If you love her,” Kate earnestly urged, “you have to tell her. Give her the chance to make an informed decision.”

  “It’s too late. Everyone’s expecting her to marry Frank. Guests are probably arriving as we speak.” He couldn’t stop what was already set in motion.

  “You mean to tell me you’re going to sit around and sulk while the woman you love marries another man? Don’t make the same mistake I did.” Josh glanced at his wife with reverence and love that mirrored what Nathan felt for Sophie. “I let my foolish pride almost rob me of the most precious gift God has ever bestowed upon me.”

  His sister-in-law’s lips trembled and moisture glistened in her eyes. Sophie would never look at him that way. He’d blown it too many times. “You’re forgetting something. I asked her to marry me once already, and she turned me down.” Scrubbing a weary hand down his face, he stepped down and moved to the window, pushing the curtains aside. “I somehow doubt that after the countless lectures and set-downs I’ve subjected her to she’d harbor any tender feelings toward me.”

  “You won’t know until you try,” Josh prompted. “Isn’t she worth the effort?”

  * * *

  Nathan’s father was waiting for Sophie on the church steps. He smiled when he saw her and came to help her alight the buggy. “You make a beautiful bride, my dear.” He reached to take her hand.

  Sam was like a favorite uncle, a man of integrity who’d raised his sons to love and serve God and to respect others. He was the perfect choice to give her away. If only... But no, she couldn’t allow regrets to distract her from her course.

  “Hold on a second, Uncle Sam.” Clutching Sophie’s bouquet, Nicole descended and hurried around to her side. “I’ll hold up her skirts so they don’t get dirty. Can you take the flowers, Sophie?”

  Wagons lined the parking area. Horses belonging to single riders shifted in the shade provided by the copse of trees surrounding the building. Had all the Gatlinburg residents turned out for her wedding?

  With each step, panic built in her chest. While her hands and feet were blocks of ice, perspiration dampened her nape and forehead.

  Think of Will, she repeated again and again.

  Sam swung open the heavy oak door. They entered the alcove and Nicole rearranged Sophie’s skirts. Straightening, she smiled with satisfaction. “You look stunning, if I do say so myself.”

  Sophie focused on the young woman who’d freely given of her time and talent. Her raven hair had been swept up in an intricate French twist, random glossy curls left to sweep over her shoulders. The elegant lavender outfit enhanced Nicole’s pale, creamy skin, the perfect foil for her wide violet eyes.

  She clasped her hand and squeezed. “I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done, Nicole. If it weren’t for you, I’d still be sporting a braid and overalls.”

  Color blossomed in her cheeks. “It’s been a pleasure dressing you.”

  Hushed conversations died down when the piano music began. Sam extended his arm. “It’s time.” A hint of apology behind his spectacles put her on guard.

  Nicole went ahead of them to find a seat. Sam paused in the entryway. When she caught sight of the guests packing the pews—far more than attended Sunday services—her throat closed up. Her fingers clutched his suit sleeve.

  Reverend Munroe was there conversing with Frank.

  Instead of observing her groom, Sophie’s errant gaze swept the crowd for a dear, familiar face. The O’Malley clan occupied the first two pews. Josh and Kate, Caleb and Mary were seated together. Alice, Nicole and the twins shared space with Megan and Lucian. Nathan wasn’t there. Her stomach burned with disappointment.

  She glanced up at Sam. “Nathan isn’t coming, is he?”

  He frowned. “I’m afraid not.”

  “Perhaps it’s for the best,” she murmured, earning her a curious look. He didn’t question her, however. There wasn’t time. The music swelled, cuing the start of the ceremony. When the reverend and Frank left off speaking to focus on her, the guests turned as one to get a glimpse of the bride.

  Sophie felt light-headed. Focusing on her little brother, handsome and grown-up-looking in his very first suit—a gift from Cordelia—and seated in the front row beside their aunt, she forced her feet to move.

  I’m doing this for him. For our future.

  She willed her gaze to Frank. He was smiling, a serene smile, his brown eyes full of admiration. Frank’s a good man. No...he’s a great man.

  But you don’t love him, her heart accused. You love Nathan. Always will.

  By the time they reached the altar, her throat was so dry she wondered if she’d be able to recite the vows. Sam handed her off to Frank, who held both her hands. If he noticed their dampness, he didn’t let it show.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today—”

  The rear doors banging open startled the reverend, and nearly everyone in attendance jerked in their seats. Boots thundered on the floorboards. A disheveled man rounded the corner, a man whose face was set in determined don’t-mess-with-me lines.

  “Nathan,” she whispered, heart leaping at the sight of him.

  What was he doing here? What on earth could have possibly poss
essed him to disrupt her wedding?

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Nathan shrugged off the weight of all those stares, his sole focus the beautiful bride at the altar. He strode toward her, rumblings forming in his wake.

  “What’s he doing?” A little girl’s voice carried.

  “Is that Nathan O’Malley?” Another man peered after him. “I thought he was the shy one.”

  Frowning deeply, Frank dropped Sophie’s hands. Bonnie popped up from her seat, waving her handkerchief like a white flag. “What’s the meaning of this? Aren’t you going to do something, Reverend?”

  Nathan ignored them all. This was his Sophie. His friend. His girl. He didn’t know if she could ever love him, ever want him, but he couldn’t let her go without trying to find out.

  When he reached her, she stared at him as if he’d dropped down from another planet. “Nathan?”

  Without a word, he bent and tossed her over his shoulder. What they had to discuss couldn’t be done in front of the entire town. Sophie’s outraged gasp was punctuated by a few of the spectators’.

  He leveled a challenging gaze at Frank, who stood watching in wide-eyed shock. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let you marry her.”

  Swinging around, he winked at Will, who responded with a huge grin. Cordelia looked like the cat that had caught the canary.

  “There won’t be a wedding here today, folks. You may as well head on home.” Tuning out the resulting uproar, Nathan strode for the exit with his precious cargo.

  Outside, Sophie’s fists pounded his back. “Put me down this instant, Nathaniel James O’Malley!”

  “Your wish is my command.” Reaching a nearby tree, he set her sideways on his horse and vaulted up behind her.

  Sapphire eyes as wide as saucers, she sputtered, “Wh-what do you think you’re doing?”

  Nudging Chance into a trot, he grinned like a fool. “Rescuing you, what else?”

  Her mouth fell open. Although he had his arms securely around her waist, she gripped the saddle horn with one hand and his forearm with the other. Wisps of honeyed hair danced around her forehead and temples. The scent of spring meadows enveloped him.

  “Who are you?” she demanded, eyes narrowing. “Did you fall and hit your head? Stay outside in the sun too long without a hat?”

  “Nope. I’m thinking more clearly than I have my entire life.”

  She studied the passing landscape. “If you don’t stop this horse right this minute and tell me what’s going on, I’m going to jump off.”

  There was just enough heat behind the words to make him slow Chance. They’d ridden north of town toward the river and adjacent fields where his family often picnicked and had the whole countryside to themselves. Safe enough, he surmised, given the likely chance she’d give him an earful once they dismounted.

  She didn’t prove him wrong. The instant her white kid boots hit the ground, she rounded on him, frothy skirts billowing around her like a bell, and shoved his chest. “What’s gotten into you? How dare you humiliate me like that, tossing me over your shoulder like a sack of sugar! I’ll never hear the end of it!” She shoved him again, forcing him back a couple of steps. Red seared her cheekbones. “And what about Will? Do you want me to lose him? Is that what you want?”

  Capturing her wrists, Nathan circled them behind her back, a move that brought her flush against his chest. She was a radiant vision of loveliness—her skin flushed with exertion, eyes brilliant fire, fine eyebrows arched in defiance.

  “Are you finished?” he intoned, face angled downward.

  Tears glistened. “I was prepared to give you up.” Her voice quivered. “How am I supposed to do that now?”

  The abject misery in her pale countenance made his heart ache. His stubbornness and pride had caused her this anguish.

  “I don’t ever want you to do that,” he whispered softly. “Not ever.”

  Overcome with emotion, he lowered his mouth to hers.

  * * *

  This was all a wonderful dream. A delicious, lovely dream. It had to be. Dreams didn’t come true in her world.

  When she wiggled her wrists, he instantly let go, instead settling his hands around her waist in a possessive move that thrilled her. His lips were sure and firm against hers, seeking reassurance, giving love. Going up on her tiptoes, she framed his face and tugged him closer, the light stubble on his lean jaw prickly on her palms. A low moan slipped past his lips.

  Easing back, he rested his forehead on hers. “I’m sorry I embarrassed you. I couldn’t let you marry Frank, not without telling you how I feel.”

  Sophie’s heart flip-flopped. Could this be real? Could Nathan truly want her?

  Caressing her cheek, he smiled tenderly, beautiful eyes bright with a fierce, blazing love that literally took her breath away.

  “For the longest time, I couldn’t see past our friendship, our history, such as it is. When you blossomed into this amazing, lovely young woman before my very eyes, I was blown away by the strength of my attraction. To say that I was confused is an understatement. Here you were, my neighbor and friend, younger than me by several years and someone I felt extremely protective toward. I wasn’t supposed to think of you in a romantic way. It felt wrong. I fought it with everything in me.”

  The insight thrilled her. He’d been as drawn to her as she’d been to him. Assuming he was referring to her transformation, she said, “Nicole is gifted at what she does.”

  “No, Soph—” his gaze grew intense “—I’m talking about before the dresses and sophisticated hairstyles. It started months ago, way back in early spring. To me, it doesn’t matter what you wear or how you style your hair. You could wear a flour sack, and you’d still be the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”

  Her lips parted. “You’re serious?”

  “Very much so.” He nodded gravely. “Remember the night we played Blind Man’s Bluff?”

  How could she forget? She’d been humiliated, thinking he’d kissed her out of pity.

  “I desperately wanted to kiss you for real, but I was afraid of my own reaction. That’s why, at the last minute, I settled for a chaste one on the cheek.”

  “Then the comments started and you gave in because you felt sorry for me.”

  “Pity had nothing to do with it.” He laughed suddenly, shaking his head. “That embrace rocked me to the core. I knew then that I was in big trouble.”

  Growing serious once more, he skimmed her satiny sleeve. “The moment I saw you in this dress, the truth of how I felt about you hit me like a ton of bricks. There was no more denying it. I love you, Soph.”

  She could hardly process the words she’d never imagined she’d hear. “That was days ago. Why didn’t you say something?”

  A grimace twisted his lips. “I didn’t think I had a chance with you. Not after the way I’ve acted...like an overbearing big brother more than a friend.”

  No chance with her? “Nathan, I’ve loved you since I was fourteen years old. No amount of lectures or disagreements could’ve changed the way I felt about you. You’ll always have my heart, my love and affection, my respect.”

  Eyes sparkling with happiness, he released her and, digging in his pants’ pocket, produced a sapphire ring that flashed and shimmered in the sunlight. When he dropped to one knee and took her left hand in his, Sophie’s heart began to pound.

  “We’ve known each other all of our lives. There are no surprises and, after today, no secrets between us. We’ve seen the good and the not so good in each other, we’ve hurt each other, too, and yet our bond has remained unbreakable. You are vital to my happiness, Sophia Lorraine Tanner. Will you marry me? My best friend and my dear, sweet love?”

  “I want that more than anything in the world.” Smiling down at him, she lovingly cradled his cheek, heart bursting with a jo
y she couldn’t contain. Nathan wanted her for his wife!

  Grinning, he stood and pulled her close. “You’ve made me the happiest of men.”

  Hands curled around his neck, she stroked his hair. “I’ll always have a tendency to act impulsively.”

  “And I’ll probably always be tempted to scold you when you do.” He smiled ruefully.

  “We will have differences of opinion,” she warned. “We’ll argue.”

  “I figure that’s standard for most couples.” Arms looped around her waist, he held her snugly against him. “The fun part is making up.” He waggled his eyebrows before brushing a soft, all-too-brief kiss on her mouth.

  “Nathan, what about all those people? They bought gifts. They came expecting to see a wedding. And poor Frank? Here I am rejoicing over my happiness while he’s left to face the crowd alone. I feel awful about that.”

  A line appeared between his brows. “Since I’m the one who kidnapped the bride, I’ll go back to the church and explain everything to the crowd. Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do to help Frank. He’ll have to come to terms with the fact that I love you, and I’m not willing to give you up.”

  Sliding her hands to his chest, she smoothed his shirt collar. “He’s not suffering from a broken heart, I’m sure. However, he must certainly be feeling humiliated at being abandoned at the altar.”

  “I’ll pay him for the supplies he used to add on to his barn.”

  “And I’ll return the gifts.”

  “You may want to hold off on that.” He smiled. “I want to make you my bride as soon as possible. After I’ve had a chance to court you properly.”

  “Oh? What do you have in mind, Mr. O’Malley?” she prompted, the church guests already forgotten. The prospect of being courted by him intrigued her.

  “Hmm...let me see. I’m thinking picnics by the river. Chess games if you agree to allow me to win sometimes.” He winked. “Flowers. I’ll shower you with flowers and baked goods.”