Newlywed Christmas (Brides of Juniper Junction Book 4)

by Celeste Jones

  Clinton was the best calf roper in the area, though a couple of the previous competitors had made good times. It wasn’t just a matter of pride. There was a cash prize for the winner that would go a long way toward setting up their household in a few months, though they’d yet to make any definite plans.

  Clinton cared about the money, but he cared more about doing his best and winning. That’s what she hoped for, too.

  The sun was hot, and Josie tipped her hat to shade her eyes so she could see better. The crowd was in a festive mood. For one day, chores and crops and tasks and worries were set aside as the people of Juniper Junction and the surrounding areas gathered together for competition, food, drink, and fellowship. It was Josie’s favorite day of the year.

  Well, second favorite, after Christmas.

  But today, the crowd was charged with excitement and, her own pulse pounded, she gripped the rough wood of the bleacher seat and leaned forward, holding her breath. She glanced around the rails of the corral where men were placing bets amongst themselves while enjoying cigars and beer. It was a day of decadence for the usually hardworking and God-fearing people of Juniper Junction, Wyoming. Even Pastor Ellis had a drink in hand and a few dollars to wager on the outcome of the cowboy competitions

  Josie returned her eyes to focus on Clinton. Watching him filled her with pride and love. Not only was he the best calf roper for miles, but he was the most handsome man in the entire territory. At least as far as she was concerned, and that was all that mattered. Not only that, but he was brave, kind, hardworking, and a darned good kisser.

  She let out the breath she held and took in another quick gasp just as the starter gave the signal. Clinton and Dead Eye shot out of the chute and raced toward the center of the dirt arena where a calf ran across the space. Clinton grabbed his rope and easily lassoed the calf on the first try then leaped from Dead Eye with the horse still in motion, ran over and gathered the calf in his powerful arms, flipped it onto its back, wound the rope around its feet, and jumped back, hands in the air signaling completion of the task.

  The crowd, including Josie, rushed to their feet and roared their approval. Clinton nodded to acknowledge the applause and touched his hat before remounting Dead Eye and riding to the side to await the official results. Several people around Josie patted her on the back.

  “That fiancé of yours sure is fast.”

  “I think he was faster than last year.”

  “You must be so proud.”

  Josie beamed with happiness. And when the head judge presented Clinton with the gold cup and the cash prize, she shouted louder than anyone else then ran down to lean across the fence to congratulate Clinton. He stopped his horse, sprung over the fence, and pulled her into his embrace. Not caring about the crowds or propriety, he kissed her so hard she came up gasping for air. What would have been scandalous and embarrassing any other day of the year was simply par for the course on fair day.

  Once again, the crowd went wild, cheering and clapping.

  Later, after watching the rest of the competition then walking around the grounds where he was lauded by familiar faces and strangers alike, Josie and Clinton strolled through the nearly empty streets of Juniper Junction.

  “I think this year’s fair was the best yet.” Josie smiled with pride at her fiancé.

  “It was best because you were there to cheer for me,” Clinton replied.

  “I’ve always been there to cheer for you, Clinton,” she chided.

  They’d known each other for nearly as long as she could remember. And she’d loved him for almost the same amount of time.

  “I know, darlin’,” he clasped her hand in his, raising her fingers to his mouth, and placing a kiss on them, his dark eyes holding hers. Despite their years of friendship and, now, love, Josie still blushed.

  “Clinton,” she glanced around, “someone will see.”

  He pulled her down a side street and pushed her up against a building, his hands on either side of her head as he leaned over her, his handsome face filling her view. “Let them look. It’s no secret how I feel about you, Josie.” To prove his point, he lowered his face and covered her mouth with his. She melted into him, and he gripped her shoulders and held her in place, not that she had any thoughts of wanting to be anywhere but right there. Forever. When the kiss ended, she sighed and rested her head against his chest. His arms settled around her waist.

  “I wish today didn’t have to end.” Her voice was soft with sadness.

  “I know, darlin’,” he replied, equally subdued. “But, it won’t be long before we’re able to be together forever. Officially married. You’ll be Mrs. Ramsey. I like the sound of that.”

  “I do, too.” She hugged his waist, trying to burrow as close to him as possible. “I just wish you didn’t have to leave tomorrow.”

  “I’m a cowboy, sweetheart. It’s my job. No point in raising cattle if we aren’t going to get them to market.” He tipped her chin up and gave her a wink. “Right?”

  “Yes.” She couldn’t help but let his teasing tone lighten her mood, if only a bit. “I just never thought I’d miss you so much, and you haven’t even left yet.”

  “I’m going to miss you, too, darling.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “But this will be the last one. By this time next year, the railroad will be passing right through Juniper Junction. Can you believe it? We’ll be able to put the cattle on the train right here instead of taking them all the way to Monroe City.”

  “Progress is coming, even all the way out here.”

  “Yes, and that also means that this year will be the last chance I have to earn that big bonus Mr. Connor pays at the end of the drive. You know I’ll need that to take care of my new bride.” He pulled her close and squeezed her around the waist. “Come on, now, let’s not spoil our last night together with being sad. I’ll be gone just a few weeks, and that’s nothing compared to the rest of our lives, right?” He took her hand, and they continued down the side street until they were on the edge of town.

  “What are we doing out here?” Josie asked when Clinton led her to a small house, the very last one on the dusty street. It was really more like a cottage, though secretly she had always admired this little home with its cozy appearance, even though she’d never been inside.

  To her shock, he opened the gate, and they walked all the way into the yard. “Who lives here, Clinton?” She stopped, and he did, too. Her head tilted to the side. “We can’t just go into someone’s yard. Plus, practically everyone in town is at the fair.”

  “Come on.” He tugged her hand and stepped onto the front porch. “It’s okay, I promise.”

  She arched her brow at him skeptically, but went along. She could never say no to Clinton. When he opened the door and gestured for her to go inside, she hesitated but stepped on through.

  She could see nearly the whole house from the doorway, but it was just as sweet and cozy as she had imagined.

  “Clinton,” she turned to leave, “we shouldn’t be here. We’re trespassing.”

  “It ain’t trespassing if it’s yours,” he said. “Well, or gonna be.”

  It took a moment for the meaning of his words to hit her and then she whirled on him. “What are you talking about, Clinton Ramsey?”

  A big ole grin spread over his face and he picked her up and whirled her in a circle. “When you and Millie were in the baked goods tent, I used my winnings to pay for an option on this house.” He set her down and kissed her again. “Welcome home, Mrs. Ramsey.”

  “An option? What are you talking about?” She took a step back and studied him. “I don’t understand.”

  “I want to buy this house. With the railroad headed this way, property values are going to skyrocket, and there’s already a shortage of houses in the area anyway.”

  Josie nodded. “Yes, I’ve heard plenty of talk about that sort of thing at the general store.”

  “An option means that I paid the owner money to hold onto this property and not sell i
t to anyone else until Christmas. By then, I’ll have saved up enough money to buy it outright, and it’ll be ours, free and clear. Our own house. Just the two of us.”

  Josie let that all sink in. It was a surprise. She’d assumed they’d have to rent a place, though they hadn’t settled on anything yet. Leave it to Clinton to plan ahead and have such a clever idea.

  With a squeal she hugged him tight then stepped back and peered up at his handsome face. “Clinton Ramsey! Don’t you beat all.” She rushed from room to room on the first floor, a kitchen at the back of the house with a pump for water and a big pantry, a sunny room next to the kitchen that would be perfect for their kitchen table—when they managed to get one—then a front room and a bedroom.

  “I know it’s not the biggest house in town,” he said when she’d finished rushing around, “but it’s just right for the two of us and, by the time we have a family”—his eyes darkened and Josie’s tummy flipped—“we’ll be able to sell this and buy something bigger.”

  “Well, babies don’t take up too much room,” Josie said as they stood in the bedroom. “We could put the crib right over there.” She pointed to a corner then turned and smiled up at her handsome fiancé again. “Oh, Clinton, it’s just perfect. But you said you bought an option. What about the rest of the price? Can we afford it?” She hated to mar this beautiful surprise with mundane thoughts, but, even on fair day, you had to be practical.

  “Don’t worry, Josie. I’ve got it all worked out. With what I’ll earn from the cattle drive, plus what I’ve been saving up—I didn’t spend all my winnings from today on the option—I’ll be able to pay off the balance when I get back, even though Mr. Kent agreed to give us until December 25th to make the final payment.”

  “Mr. Kent?” Josie said in alarm. “Oh, Clinton, he’s the sharpest businessman in the territory. Are you sure you want to do business with him? I’ve heard lots of stories about him…” She felt her dream of life with Clinton in the little house on the edge of town start to fade away.

  “I know, Josie. I’ve heard those things, too, but it’s a fair price. I talked to him about it last week and had Charlie Howland look over the contract. He said it was pretty straightforward, we just have to pay the balance by December 25th...our wedding day...and we’ll have this house to spend our first night as a married couple in.” He kissed her. “And all the nights after that, too.”

  This time, he pulled her tight against his chest and kissed her hard and deep. There was no mistaking the effect on him as his denim pants left little for her to wonder about. Her hands roamed over his broad shoulders and along his back to his narrow waist and slim hips. Daring more than she ever had before, she slipped her fingers into the waistband of his pants and slid them from back to front, yearning growing in her as she touched the flesh beneath his waistline. They’d been engaged for a few weeks and had been sweethearts for two years before that. Her uncle wouldn’t let any man court her until she turned sixteen, though everyone in town knew there was no one for her but Clinton.

  But in all that time, they had kept things very chaste between them. It had nearly killed her to be so near to him and not be able to kiss and caress him the way she longed to do. He hadn’t even kissed her properly until they’d become officially engaged.

  He was sort of old-fashioned.

  When her fingers brushed the coarse hair beneath his buckle, Clinton pulled back, removing her hands from his pants and clasping them in his own. “Josephine Mae Lawson,” he scolded—his stern voice didn’t help matters at all, causing womanly awareness to bloom in her. “You keep your hands to yourself, young lady.”

  “B-but, Clinton,” she whined, tingles forming between her thighs. “I just...it’s just that...well, you’re going to be away, and I’m going to miss you and… and…” Her chest heaved with her breathing, and no doubt she was flushed from the scooped opening of her bodice all the way to the brim of her hat.

  Clinton turned her around and gave her bottom three hard swats before spinning her back to face him. “I know, Josie. I have needs, too,” Her heart sped up at his words. “But we are not a couple of rutting animals out in the hayloft, and we will wait until we are married, and that is final. Do I make myself clear?”

  She glanced at his belt buckle for a fraction of a second longer than she ought, just to make a point, before meeting his gaze. “Yes, Clinton.”

  Chapter 2

  “Josie, are you up?” Millie, Josie’s cousin whispered from her bed in their shared bedroom over the general store.

  “Yes, I haven’t been able to sleep all night.”

  “Me neither. We might as well get up and head out. Maybe we’ll have a little more time to say good-bye to Travis and Clinton.” Millie’s voice sounded as forlorn as Josie felt.

  Josie lit the lamp between their beds, and the two of them set about preparing for the day before the sun began to rise. At first light, the cattle drive would be on its way, and it wouldn’t wait for them to say their goodbyes.

  Before long, the two girls were rushing down the streets of Juniper Junction in the direction of the Windy River Ranch. Usually, the streets would have been empty at this time, but they were not the only members of the community heading out to see the cowboys off.

  Millie sniffled, and Josie gave her an elbow in the ribs. “Don’t you start, or I’ll start, too.”

  “Sorry,” Millie said. “I just can’t help but worry.”

  “I know,” Josie replied. “Me, too. But Travis and Clinton are good at their job, and they’ll watch out for each other. I’m sure they’ll come home safely.”

  “That’s not what I’m worried about,” Millie said, her voice rising higher with her anxiety. “It’s been six months since Travis and I started courting, and he ain’t proposed yet. What if he finds another girl down in Monroe City, or he just likes the city better. What if he thinks there’s nothing here for him to come back to?”

  Josie stopped and turned to her cousin and best friend. “Millie, you stop that right now. First, you’re starting to sound hysterical, and that’s not going to do anyone any good. Second, you know darn good and well that Travis is as smitten with you as any a man’s ever been. He’s just cautious. Taking his time to make sure. That’s all.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” Millie grabbed Josie’s arm. “Come on, we’d better hurry. I can see the first light of the sun over the horizon.”

  The two girls took off at an unladylike run that would give Aunt Joyce, Millie’s mother, fits. Not only were the two girls running, but they were running after men, something Aunt Joyce would never condone. Fortunately, Aunt Joyce and Uncle Carl were busy preparing to open the general store. They knew the girls, who were their only employees, would be out early but back in time to greet the day’s first customers. A lot of folks had stayed over in town after the fair, and Aunt Joyce and Uncle Carl didn’t want to miss any potential sales.

  More people waited to see the drive off than Josie had expected. It was a madhouse in the predawn light—cows, horses, people, wagons, and cowboys. Mr. Connor, who owned the ranch and was Clinton and Travis’ boss, was a decent man, but if the cattle didn’t make it to market, the whole town of Juniper Junction would suffer. The cowboys would return with money to spend, but if Mr. Connor didn’t sell his cattle, he might not be able to keep so many on his payroll, and that meant less money for people to spend at the general store or the saloon or any of the other businesses. And, a man without a job wasn’t likely to propose.

  Yes, this cattle drive meant a lot to the people Josie loved.

  But that didn’t make her hate the whole thing any less. Clinton would be gone for weeks and weeks, traveling over rough terrain with a thousand head of potentially dangerous animals who could stampede at the slightest provocation. Yes, Mr. Connor paid his employees well, including a bonus at the end of the drive, but they earned it with hard work, long days in the saddle, and dangerous conditions.

  “Josie, what are you doing here?” Josie
found herself pulled behind one of Mr. Connor’s many barns, gazing up into the loving eyes of Clinton.

  “Clinton, you knew I couldn’t let you leave without saying good-bye.” Josie gave him a brave smile. She refused to let him see her cry. That wouldn’t help matters at all.

  “I know. I’m glad you’re here.” He held her close to his chest for a long moment, his face buried in her neck while he took several deep breaths.

  “Clinton, what on earth are you doing?”

  “I’m trying to get the smell of you in my brain and in my lungs, so I’ll have it with me. You are the sweetest-smelling girl I know, and I’m going to miss you while I’m gone.” He cupped her face and gazed deep into her eyes. “You know how much I love you?”

  “As much as I love you,” Josie replied, her voice cracking.

  “More,” he said then drew her close for a soul-searching kiss. When their lips parted, he held her to him again. “I didn’t realize how hard this would be.”

  “Me neither,” she replied, fighting back tears. “But”—she pulled away from him. Much as she hated to, she didn’t want him to leave feeling as sad as she did—“I have something for you.” She reached into her bag, pulled out a square of cloth, and handed it to him. “I made this for you. It’s a bandana.”

  He held the item in his hand like it was precious metal. “Thank you,” he said. “You sure do good work. No wonder you’re the best seamstress in the county.” He ran it through his fingers and paused. “What’s this?” He squinted at some stitching in the corner.

  “It’s our initials,” she replied, shyly. “I hope you don’t think it’s too girly for you to use on the trail. I wanted to make it special.”

  “You make everything special.” He folded it up then tucked it into his pocket. “I’m going to keep this next to my heart.”

  Josie turned away, not wanting Clinton to see the tears in her eyes. He touched her chin and brought her face back around. “Don’t be sad, darlin’. The time’ll go fast. I expect you’re going to be busy making your wedding dress and maybe sewing up some curtains and other pretties for our little house, don’tcha think?”