by West, Everly
Running his hand through his hair, he stared at the older woman. "Father kept pushing me to get into politics and I don't want to be a liar who goes around promising everything and delivering nothing."
With a sigh, he glanced up at this woman he loved. "Father wanted me to go to law school, do something productive with my life, but the more he pushed, the angrier I became. Since we arrived at Riverbend, I have been more at peace than I can remember. It's like I rediscovered what I enjoy. Like I've come home."
"You have," his grandmother said smiling. "This will always be your home as long as we're living here."
"I'll do everything I can to help you and Grandpa, but I'm still not certain about the ranch. Before I would take over, I want to be absolutely certain this is what I want to do."
"Understandable," she said, sipping at her coffee.
So many happy memories of his mother resided here, growing up here and his grandparents. No, he didn't want this place to be sold, but was he ready to commit to running the ranch?
Then there was Cora. In the last couple of weeks, he was starting to change his mind about marriage and his wife. He liked his obstinate bride and didn't want her to go to New York, but that was her dream.
"This marriage between me and Cora must be settled before I can promise you I'm not leaving," he said more confused than ever about his wife.
"What do you mean settled?"
In the next few moments, he gave her a quick rundown on how they were forced to marry. Shaking her head at him, his grandmother laughed. "That explains a lot."
Sitting in the kitchen, he gazed at the older woman he loved with all his heart. "The funny thing is I'm beginning to think I want the marriage to work. At first, I agreed to the annulment, but now I don't want this to end."
The thoughts he was having actually shocked him. But could he convince his wife that being with him instead of going east to school was more important? Would she love or hate him if they didn't end the marriage?
"Cora is a wonderful girl. You'd be lucky to have her for a wife. While I know she wants to go to this design school, what if she worked here designing women's fashion? Would that be enough?"
Would his wife give up her dream of attending school and remain here with him? "More than anything is she going to want to be with me? Will she want to be my wife? My lover? The mother of my children?
"All my life I never wanted more than one marriage and suddenly I want this one to work," he said, feeling more certain by the day that he wanted Cora.
His grandmother smiled at him. "You need to court your wife and show her what a wonderful life the two of you will have together."
Weren't those the same words his grandfather told him?
* * *
Later that morning, August watched as his wife came down the stairs. Her silky hair about her shoulders, the dress she wore showed off her impressive curves and all he could think about was last night's kiss. The one the broken bed slat so rudely interrupted.
What would have happened if they’d continued? And instead of being upset by the kiss, Cora laughed. They both giggled at the outrageousness of landing on the floor. If his grandparents heard them, they probably thought they were having the best sex of their young married life, but no, one simple smooch had done the damage. What would happen if they ever consummated their marriage?
All he wanted was to spend more time with Cora. Since she became ill, he wanted to protect her and learn more about her. Today he planned to ask her to go riding with him. With his grandfather resting comfortably, this seemed like the time to ask Cora to go.
"What are your plans for the day?" he asked.
She glanced at him. "Staying here and helping your grandmother. Maybe read a couple of fashion magazines. Why?"
Oh how he'd like her company to get to know this woman he married.
"Would you like to go riding with me? I need to check on the cattle in the north pasture and make certain there is enough feed. Then I'd like to show you some of my favorite places. The sun is shining; it's a gorgeous day and it could be fun."
A smile spread across her face and excitement brightened her eyes, telling him she wanted to go. Warmth flowed through him at the idea of being alone together.
"Let me change into an old dress I don't mind getting dirty," she said hurrying back up the stairs.
"I'll fix you kids a picnic lunch," his grandmother said, winking at August.
"Thanks, Grandma," he said, giving the woman an impulsive hug. "And you and Grandpa will be okay?"
For a moment, his grandmother looked at him like she wanted to slap him. "Of course. Now take your wife out to enjoy the sunshine."
In a matter of moments, Cora came down with her coat, hat, and gloves on.
"You look awfully dressed up," he teased.
"Oh no, these are all older and my hat should keep the wind off my ears. Don't want to become sick again."
His grandmother handed him a package of what looked like bacon sandwiches. "You kids have fun but be careful. Cora, don't worry about dinner. I've been cooking a long time."
After she'd gotten well, Cora had been helping his grandmother cook their dinners and cleaning up afterward.
"Yes, ma'am," she said as they walked out the door. "We'll be back before dark."
Taking her by the elbow, they went across the icy yard to the barn where he quickly saddled two horses. In no time, they rode into the bright sunshine toward where the cattle were kept. With Cora at his side, he made sure she knew how to ride.
"Your mother let you take riding lessons?"
She laughed. "No, my father insisted."
From the way she sat a saddle, he could tell she knew how to ride. While he wanted them to have fun, he also decided today might be a good day to talk to her about his life. To tell her the truth about his finances, because one night this week, he awoke and realized his wife thought he was wealthy. And he wasn't.
"Since I was a child. Father insisted his girls learn how to ride. Mother...she would prefer we never got on a horse. Her daughters were to be ladies." Cora shook her head. "Where we live, learning how to survive in the elements is important."
The woman's mother had no clue how vital it was in Wyoming to be taught how to sit a horse and build a fire.
"Speaking of your mother, there's something, we need to discuss," he said, biting his lip, nervous. His wife never mentioned money. Would abundance be as pertinent to her as it was to her mother? "That night in the library, your mother was under the mistaken impression I was rich. I'm not."
Cora started laughing.
"In all fairness, I resolved it would be best if I told you the truth. My father controls the family finances, and one of the many reasons we're here instead of in Cheyenne, is because I was tired of only receiving cash whenever I did something he approved," he said.
The recollection of their fights over his inheritance overwhelmed him. "My mother left me money in a trust, but he's in control and I doubt if I'll ever see a dime of that."
With a shake of her head, Cora stopped giggling. "Oh, August, you do realize my mother only wanted me to marry you for your wealth and prestige. Now you've whisked me off to a ranch where there is no society and you're broke. Mother would be so upset."
Uneasy, August stared at his wife, wondering what she thought, now she knew he had very little money. All the reasons she married him no longer applied.
"And you?"
A smile crossed her face as she laughed. "No, as long as we have plenty to eat, I'm not concerned. Your grandparents are really nice people. With the weather the way it is and now your grandfather, I assumed we would be here until spring or the annulment comes through."
There it was again, that horrible word that for some reason he didn't want to hear any longer. In fact, the term made his stomach tighten in pain.
"Today, let's forget about the annulment. As for how long we'll be here, I honestly can't say. With Grandfather not feeling well, I can't leave yet. Where wo
uld we go? Right now, I'm more at peace and I'm happy," he said. Gazing at her, he wondered if she understood she was part of the reason for his happiness.
Every day, Cora made him feel like a kid again. He enjoyed her company, her laughter, and her strength of will and the ability to stand up for what she believed.
"All right," she said, "let's pretend we're two people out enjoying the countryside, checking on cattle."
Staring at the beauty of the land, the memory of his grandfather and how the man's toughness seemed to be ebbing created a hole in his heart. But living here, could August fill his shoes and be the rancher his grandpa had always been? With sadness, he pushed his grandfather's illness out of his mind, resolving to enjoy the day with Cora.
"I like that idea," he said. "Though I have to admit, I may try to steal a kiss later. If our kiss can cause a bed slat to explode, what will it be like on horseback."
"Certain death," she responded. "A runaway horse could send you falling to the ground."
"What a way to go. Lips locked, facing eternity together."
No, August didn't want to die. Not yet. Not until this thing between him and Cora was settled. Right now, he needed to know if she was the right woman for him. Did they have a chance at making this marriage work?
A shy smile spread across her face. "August Moonlite, no wonder you are considered a ladies’ man. No wonder my sister tried to warn my mother about your dalliances."
With a jerk, he stared at Cora, a grin on his face. "Hattie warned your mother about me?"
"Yes, Mother told her the paper made up stories about you to make money."
A loud chuckle escaped from his chest. "Yet, your mother was determined I would marry you."
When they rode into the north pasture where the cattle were all eagerly awaiting him, Cora blushed and glanced at him. "You were the cream of the bachelors in her eyes. A governor's son, a wealthy man who would provide for her daughter. Once we married, she felt sure you would mend your evil ways.”
He stared at Cora, pulling his horse to a stop. "I'm none of those things."
The horse made a deep throated sound as they sat on their mares, looking across the land. An overwhelming sense of love overcame him. This was his home. "Sure, I'm the governor's only son, who is a disgrace because I won't work for him. Yes, I have money, but my father manages the trust, and I don't know if I'll ever see any of that money. Being here at my grandparents’ with you, I've been happier than I can remember."
With a nod, Cora smiled. "Yes, it's been pleasant. I'm not ready to go home."
"Maybe you should never return home," he said, hoping she would take that the way he meant it. That he wanted her to stay with him, but not convinced she caught his subtle nuance. Was he prepared to give her a one hundred percent commitment? No, but he didn't want her to leave.
* * *
August's words resonated with Cora while they scattered hay for the cattle. Even though he told her she didn't need to help him, with two of them working, the job took less time. This wasn't the first time she had helped someone feed livestock. Years ago, she assisted her father on a regular basis while her mother took care of her sisters.
On a small ranch, everyone took turns with the feeding of livestock in the winter. Just like Cora's family, August’s grandfather had built sheds where he stored hay in different pastures.
What did August mean when he said maybe she shouldn't go home? Did he think she should go straight to New York? Or should she stay here with his grandparents? Or what? Certainly, he didn't intend for the two of them to remain married, did he?
Glancing at him, she noticed the way his arm muscles bulged beneath his coat as he carried a hay bale and broke it open. They each began to scatter the feed for the cattle. A cow bumped into Cora and she turned around to shoo the animal away. "Hey, girl, one at a time. You'll get your fair share of the goodies."
The cow mooed and Cora stepped aside to let her at the hay on the ground before she went back and scattered more from the bale.
If she didn't have plans on attending school, and if August loved her, then yes, she would remain his wife. Did her husband want her? Sure, she had dreams, though lately she questioned whether or not they were logical. Were they like her mother said—the fantasies of a child?
She adored fashion. She cherished designing a dress or making it from a pattern. Either way, she enjoyed molding the fabric into an outfit women loved.
Could she do that anywhere? Did she want to sew for other ladies or the industry?
Wouldn't she be sewing and creating magnificent dresses for clients if she worked in New York fashion? But she would be working in the city in the heart of the industry.
What about this man made her question the dreams she'd held since childhood?
August turned and smiled at her. "That's enough hay to last them several days. Come on, there's a place I want to show you."
He placed his hands around her waist and helped her into the saddle. The touch of his hands even through her clothes had her breath catching in her throat. The man was her husband and his caress, his kisses, the feel of his body wrapped around hers at night seemed to have awaken the woman in her.
Her husband made her crave things she knew she shouldn't. Yet, she did.
"Come on," he said, climbing into the saddle. "We'll eat lunch at the next stop.”
Thirty minutes later, they pulled their horses to a halt in front of a dilapidated building. The roof looked sturdy, but the wood on the outside needed paint and the chinking between the logs should be replaced.
What about this place fascinated her husband? Why had he brought her here?
"As a boy, I loved to come here and spend the day. Once I even stayed overnight, but I got a thrashing for that one. My mother did not like to worry about her only child and I caused her a lot of grief that night."
"Why would you want to stay out here alone?" she asked as she stepped down from her saddle onto the ground.
"The excitement. The thrill, the fear," he said. "Kind of like marriage."
Reaching out, she slapped his arm with her hand playfully. "We haven't experienced a real union."
"Though we could," he said.
Uncertain if he was serious or if he was teasing, she shook her head. Not certain which one she wanted him to be. "Show me the inside."
"Let's have lunch," he said, grabbing their package his grandmother had made.
Since she didn't know the last time the cabin had been visited, she let him go first to scare any critters that might be taking shelter. When he pushed back the door, cobwebs and dust greeted them. "Wow, no one has been here in ages."
Inside, the building smelled stale and she didn't understand the fascination with the place. A small fireplace, a bed, a couple of chairs and a table were all that graced the shack. A few dishes stacked in a cabinet, but not much. Somehow this place meant something to him.
"This was grandfather and grandmother's first home," he said. "This is where they began the ranch."
Suddenly she understood his obsession with this shack.
"Oh," she said, looking around with more interest.
"My mother was conceived here. Here they drew up the plans for the new house."
"A lot of history is in this cabin," she said, wanting to understand everything about this place and its effect on him. Bessie told her they moved to the big house not long after Ellie was born. Here in this log cabin, Bessie and Isaac were newlyweds struggling to survive and build an empire.
"Yes," he said, gazing about.
An old blanket lay on the bed and he used the cloth to wipe the dust off the table and chairs. Then he pulled out a chair. "My lady."
"Thank you," she said, accepting his offer as he pushed it in. "You do this for all the girls."
A frown furrowed his brow. "Your sister was right. The newspapers do make up stories to sell papers, but some of them were true. Acting scandalous was a way to get even with my father."
A laugh came from
deep inside him as he spread their lunch on the table. "Date the most outrageous women in town. There was never any intention of malice toward these ladies. All the girls understood I was only interested in having a good time. Between my stepmother, father, and mothers throwing debutantes at me, I did everything I could to make myself less attractive."
Shame filled her as she thought of her own mother and the women in Laramie.
"Are you talking about women like my mother and the ladies of the Laramie group who all wanted their daughters to marry you? Only you were unfortunate to save me from getting hurt falling off a trellis."
Looking back on that night, she realized she had made a terrible decision and was lucky August caught her. Otherwise, she might have been seriously injured.
At first, it seemed like her world was ending, but now, she only felt confusion. What did she want? August or to be a fashion designer?
"Yes," he said. "With my mother's death, the rational part of my father died. Now he's married to the stepladder and all he cares about is making his cronies happy. Not his family."
In some ways, their parents were so much alike.
"Sorry, but all my mother thinks about is how to marry her daughters into money. The very reason I crawled out that window was to escape having to flirt with a man who knew my mother wanted me to act outrageous with him."
With a laugh, he reached out and took her hand giving it a squeeze. "I'm glad you weren't hurt that day."
"Me too," she said. "And I'm sorry for ensnaring you. That was never my intention."
"Yes, I know," he said. "But marriage to you hasn't been bad."
The words made her heart pound in her chest. What was he saying? What were they doing?
"Agreed, our marriage has not been unpleasant, though I still have a hard time saying Cora Moonlite."
"Say it again. I like hearing you say it," he said, his voice growing deeper. "There is a nice sound to your new name."
"Cora Moonlite," she said, feeling breathless, sensing this moment had meaning and not understanding why.
"You've told me a little about your family history and your father and your reputation as a flirt, but what about your mother? How did she die so young?"