Shannon laughed. “That was another accident. A long story, I’m afraid.”
“Little lady, you need to take better care of yourself,” he said, pushing the stool to the side. Then he went to the backroom.
It was just a moment before Doc Lindsey was back with the crutches, which were no more than long sticks with makeshift pads on the ends. She slipped gingerly off the table making sure to land on her good foot; she balanced herself with a hand on the table. The doctor placed each crutch under her arms, then helped her stand.
“How’s that?”
“Not tae bad,” Shannon said. “I think it wull take some getting use tae. Is there anythin’ I can do for the pain?”
Doc Lindsey nodded then fetched a little brown bottle which he showed her before removing the cap. “This is Laudanum.” He gave her a spoonful. “Take a teaspoon before going to bed and it will help you sleep. You can take some in the daytime if you’re in a lot of pain, but try to make do without. It can become habit forming and may make you sleepy.”
“Thank ye,” Shannon said while she hobbled out into the waiting room, wondering where Luke had gotten too.
She didn’t have to wonder long because he swept into the office with a big smile which automatically made her suspicious. When did Luke ever smile?
“How is she, Doc?” Luke asked.
“She’ll live. Lucky gal nothing broken,” Doc reported then filled Luke in on what Shannon should and shouldn’t do. Luke paid the doctor, then slipped the bottle of Laudanum in his pocket.
He held open the door for Shannon so she could move through it easily. When she’d started for the wagon, Luke caught her arm. “Not so fast. We need to go and see the Miller sisters.”
Shannon was too startled by his suggestion to offer any objection. “I dinna think ye like them.”
He helped Shannon along the boardwalk. “I have to amit they take some getting used to, but I knew they would want to witness our wedding.”
She stopped. “What?”
“Didn’t we discuss getting married on the way into town?”
Shannon was totally bewildered at Luke’s behavior. “Aye. But I dinna think it would be today!”
Luke shrugged matter-of-factly. “No time like the present.”
Shannon knew she should feel some semblance of happiness. Her mind refused to register the significance of his words. Luke was really going to marry her and not send her back on the stage, but actually marry her. “What about the children?” She asked. How were they going to feel when Luke told them she was their new mother?
“Well.” Luke frowned, realizing that he really hadn’t thought of the children. “I’d like for them to be present. However, I’ll be leaving once they come home tomorrow and there will not be much time. I want to get this out of the way.”
Shannon gaped at him. “Ye are romantic. I’ll give ye that.”
Luke held the door open to the Dry Good Store, and she was glad that he did have the decency to look embarrassed. “I’ll admit it isn’t the best way, but I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
Shannon started to tell him he didn’t owe her anything, but she realized this was a big step for Luke. She knew that she already loved Luke and his children, and wasn’t this one step closer to having the family she’d always wanted? Shannon just hoped that Luke would one day love her.
“Here they are.” Thelma swept to the front of the store to greet them. She clapped her hands together. “We’re so happy you’re gettin’ married.”
“How did ye know?” Shannon asked, puzzled when she’d just found out herself.
“Luke came by and told us while you were at the doctors.”
“’Tis kind o' sudden,” Shannon murmured as she hugged Thelma.
“Nonsense.” Emma joined them. “There's no time like the present and it's about time that Luke came to his senses.”
Luke frowned, a shadow of annoyance crossing his face. “Thank you, ladies, for you vote of confidence.”
“If we didn't think you were right for each other,” Emma said, pausing until Luke turned back around. “We'd tell her to run.”
Shannon started laughing. Luke shook his head. He made his way to the back of the store where a short man in a brown suit stood. She assumed he was the preacher since he clutched a bible in his hand.
Thelma took Shannon by the arm, gaining her attention. “Let’s get you changed.”
“I beg yer pardon,” Shannon said as she hobbled to the back.
“You might not be having a fancy wedding but, at least, you’ll have a wedding dress,” Emma said. “It’s the least we can do.”
“Ye huv such a dress?”
“Come on in the back with us,” Emma said as she opened the door behind the counter. “We’ll be right back, gentlemen.”
Shannon felt like she was in a fog, everything was happening so quickly. She adjusted her breathing once she realized she was breathing too fast and becoming light-headed. It wouldn't be good to pass out on the floor and have to turn around and head back to the doctor’s office.
Thelma held out a white grown of satin and lace. “Here it is.”
“Oh my.” Shannon covered her mouth with her hand and one of the crutches crashed to the floor. “’Tis beautiful.”
Emma stooped over and picked up the crutch. She propped it against the wall and then took the other one and did the same. “You’re not going to need these for a few minutes, honey. And by the looks of these crutches, he needs to take better care of you.” Emma clicked her tongue. “Now, let's get you dressed so you won't have an impatient groom.”
“I'm not tae sure about him bein’ impatient,” Shannon murmured as she slipped out of her clothes. “He doesn’t seem tae be too romantic.”
“Nonsense,” Emma scoffed. “Most men aren’t. But we can see that he honestly cares about you. There is something in his eyes that makes him look like he's alive again. And believe me that’s saying something because he has had that dead look for a long, long time. I think you’re going to be real good for him, honey.”
“I hope yer right,” Shannon said. She turned around with a hop. “How do I look?”
Thelma clapped her hands together. “Beautiful, child. This was my wedding gown once upon a time. When I was much smaller.” She smiled then added, “And younger. Here, let's get you back on those crutches. Don’t want you falling down.”
Shannon limped from the back room over to where Luke stood. Despite the crutches, Luke couldn't believe how beautiful she looked in a vision of white satin, and he said so, “You look lovely.”
“The crutches dinna help.” Shannon smiled as she joined him. They faced the preacher, then Luke whispered, “I barely noticed.”
Something in Shannon’s stomach fluttered.
The ceremony was short and the only part Shannon remembered was when the preacher said Luke could kiss the bride. What started out as a simple kiss engulfed into flame of passion once she slipped her arms around his neck. The crutches fell to the floor with a bang and were forgotten. They only broke apart when the preacher cleared his throat. . . twice.
Flustered, Shannon pulled back. She hoped the kiss affected Luke as much as it had her. No one could kiss like that and feel nothing so Luke must feel something for her. Finally, she turned to shake the preacher's hand and then Thelma and Emma’s.
Shannon changed back into her own clothes even when Thelma insisted she wear the gown home. “I canna risk something happening tae yer gown.” She’d never forgive herself.
After that, Shannon didn't remember anything until they had reached the ranch. The medicine had made her numb, but at least her foot didn’t throb anymore.
***
Once they were back at the ranch, Luke cleared his throat to gain her attention. “It's late. Why don't you get what you need for tonight?” He sounded so business-like that she frowned. “Tomorrow Maria can move your things into my room.” He climbed down off the wagon and came around to her side. “I’m going t
o take the wagon to the barn. We can tell Maria and everyone our news in the morning. The children should be home by then.”
Shannon managed to nod.
He reached up and helped her down then grabbed the crutches out of the back of the wagon. “Are you all right?” Luke asked. “I don’t ever remember you being this quiet.”
“Aye. ’Tis just . . . ye huv tae admit it has been a vera busy day. I kindna feel like I'm dreamin’, and I’m waitin’ for someone tae wake me up.”
Luke smiled at her. “I feel the same. A lot has happened today, but I guarantee you’re not dreaming. Run along and get your things, and I’ll be in shortly.” He looked like he wanted to swat her on the backside as he would a cow to get her moving along. She was glad he didn’t . . . he’d probably knock her off her crutches.
Shannon frowned at his words, but she knew what he meant. Or did she? Was he anxious to get her into his bed? She’d been rushed all day, and she was sleepy from the medicine, which she thought could be making her irritable. Instead of saying something she might regret later, she simply nodded and stumbled into the house, thankful that everyone was in bed.
Once she had moved a few things to Luke's room, she changed her clothes, wanting to be finished before Luke came back. She was nervous and unsure what to expect. She yawned. Would he want to make love to her? It was their honeymoon. She wasn't sure what she should do so she hobbled over to bed and, being very careful of her bandaged foot, climbed under the covers. She definitely didn’t feel desirable with crutches under her arms.
When Luke entered the room, he smiled. “I see it didn't take you long to slip into bed.” He kicked off his boots, then stripped quickly out of his clothes before he turned off the lamp next to the bed.
Luke crawled under the covers, reached over and pulled Shannon close to him. “You don't have to be so tense,” he murmured. “I know we’re still practically strangers . . . well except for last night.” He paused and swallowed hard. “I’ve been thinking. I’d like to take things slow between us. We’ll not make love tonight, partly because I don’t want to kick your foot and further injure it.”
And the other part, Shannon wondered, not sure if she was disappointed or relieved over his concern for her injury. Nevertheless, she took a deep breath and relaxed. “I think ’tis a good idea. It has been a verra long day.” She yawned again. “Sorry. I want ye tae know I will make ye a good wife.”
“I don't doubt that, Shannon.” He placed a light kiss on her forehead. “Let's get some sleep. Tomorrow will be here before you know it.”
Chapter 13
Shannon awoke with a jerk. It took her a moment to remember why she was in Luke’s bed. The laudanum from the night before made her head feel fuzzy. She frowned. When she should be absolutely happy that she’d married the man she loved, she felt unsure of herself.
Every muscle in her body ached this morning as she struggled to sit up in bed. In doing so, she bumped her foot and yesterday’s events rushed back to her.
No wonder she was sore. She felt as if the cattle had run over her instead of around her and her foot throbbed. She really didn’t feel like a bride, but sitting here in bed with her troubled thoughts would get her nowhere.
A knock on the door caught her attention. “Come in,” she called.
Maria swept into the room with a robe thrown over her arm and a bright smile. “Congratulations! Señior Luke told me you were married yesterday.” She smiled and gave a nod of approval. “I’m so happy for you, sí. Now the niños will have a mother again.”
“Thanks. I’m so happy ye approve,” Shannon murmured as she held her hand out for the robe. “I think I’m going tae need some help, Maria. I’m very sore from my little adventure yesterday.” Shannon groaned as she swung her legs off the bed. “I huv muscles that I dinna know I had.”
“Sí, I thought as much. You’re very lucky the cattle didn’t trample you,” Maria said as she helped Shannon stand. Maria grabbed the crutches propped against the wall and handed them to Shannon. “I prepared a warm bath. I hope it will help with your soreness.”
“Oh, thank ye,” Shannon said gratefully as she hobbled behind Maria to the bathing room. Once she’d removed her bandage from her black and blue foot she sank into the warm water. “Oh my, ‘tis heaven,” she sighed, then she glanced up at Maria. “Do ye huv a hand mirror?”
“Sí.” Maria turned and walked over to a brown dresser where she retrieved a small oval mirror and handed it to Shannon.
“Oh my! ‘Tis something,” Shannon commented as she took in her appearance. The lump on her forehead had gone down some but there was a bruise on the side of her head where she’d been hit, and a couple of scratches on her cheek. “I wasn’t a verra pretty bride.”
“Oh, no, señorita. I don’t think Señor Luke was thinking about that.. He seemed so worried. He has not acted that way since his wife was sick.” Maria placed a couple of towels close to the tub, then continued, “I believe he cares for you very much, señorita.” She blushed at her boldness.
“Thank ye fer saying so, Maria. “Shannon lathered her arms with the bar of soap then rinsed them off. “Everythin’ has been so sudden I’m not sure how I feel. If ye will help me wash my hair, I might feel more like a woman.”
Later, as Maria dried Shannon’s hair, she said, “The niños, they will be back today. They will be surprised they have a new mother.”
“I hope they wull be happy,” Shannon said, but she had her doubts.
Sometime around noon Travis and the children returned home. Luke called for Shannon to join him and together they went outside to greet everyone.
The wagon lumbered to a stop and then Travis who had been riding behind the wagon trotted up to where they stood. Instantly, his smile faded.
“What the hell happened to her?”
“I married her,” Luke replied.
“What!” Travis shouted and rolled his eyes heavenward. “Did you have to beat her first so she would say yes?”
Shannon laughed. “I can see where ye might think that.”
Luke smiled, too. “Shannon was caught in the middle of a stampede and lived to tell of it.”
“I’ve only been gone a couple of days and everything seems to have happened while I was gone.” Travis shook his head as he dismounted. “How the hell did she get in the middle of a bunch of cows?”
“Long story,” Luke said.
The children who were stepping down from the wagon hadn’t paid any attention to the grownups as they had been asleep and only woke up once the wagon had stopped.
Toby was the first to reach his father. “Did you miss us, Pa?” He didn’t give his father a chance to answer as he hugged Luke’s leg.
“Yes, I did,” Luke said. He reached down and ruffled Toby’s hair. “How was your visit with your aunt and uncle?”
Molly shuffled over and hugged her father, too. “Aunt Ann is going to have the baby very soon. She’s huge.” Molly held her arms in a big circle in front of her stomach.
“I bet she is.”
“Miss Shannon, why are you propped up on sticks?” Toby asked.
“I had a small accident, Toby, and bruised my foot. I must use these,” she shook a crutch, “for a few days tae help me walk.”
Toby scrunched his nose up looking very serious. “You’re going to have a hard time playing hopscotch with me.”
“Aye, but ye can practice until I’m well again.”
“I have some good news for you two,” Luke said, sliding closer to Shannon.
“What Pa?” Toby asked.
Luke slipped his arm around Shannon. “While you were gone Miss Shannon and I got married. You now have a new mother.”
It was as if time stood still, Shannon thought. Molly hadn’t even said hello, and she appeared very unhappy. Toby looked confused. His mouth had fallen opened.
“I don’t want a mother!” Molly screamed and ran toward the house.
“Does that mean no more school work?” Toby asked.
“Afraid not,” Shannon said with a smile. “We wull continue with the lessons same as before. Remember ye want tae be smart like yer father.”
Toby thought for a moment. “Do I have to call you, ma?”
“Ye can call me whatever ye want and feel comfortable with.”
“Fine,” Toby said with a shrug. “I’m hungry.” He turned and ran toward the house.
“You’d think that they get a mother every day,” Shannon mumbled. A wee bit of her had hoped they would be happy, but that was probably too much to hope for this soon. Change was always hard. She knew that firsthand. So she’d work with the children and hope they would learn to love her.
“It’ll take some adjustment,” Luke said with a sigh, but he gave her waist a reassuring squeeze. “They will come around. I’ll go speak to Molly.”
After Luke had gone to the house, Travis strolled over to stand in front of her. “Well, I’ll tell you.” He pulled her to him in a big hug, knocking the crutch from beneath her arm, “Welcome to the family. This group has needed someone ever since Ruth died.”
Shannon tilted her chin up to look at Travis. She smiled her appreciation. “Thanks. I believe we all wull huv some adjusting tae do.”
“Luke is right. The kids will come around. They didn’t like the fact you had been hurt back in town.” Travis released her, then stooped to pick up her crutches. “Luke and the children need you.”
“I’m not tae sure.”
“Trust me.” Travis reached out and squeeze her arm. “My brother has been a shell of a man since his wife died. He’ll always blame himself for her death.”
“Why?”
“Ruth wasn’t crazy about living in Texas, but Luke promised to build her a big house. They were happy but Ruth tended to get sick often, and then one time she came down with a raging fever they couldn’t control. Believe me, Luke and the doctor tried everything, but in the end Ruth was too weak to fight. My brother always blamed himself.”
Western Seduction (The Seduction Series Book 2) Page 14