Page 29 of May I Kiss the Bride
But that’s exactly what happened. Reynold Christensen walked out of the reception room and onto the street, replacing his hat and striding away.
Viola’s stomach dropped to her feet. Donna set in with the comments immediately, but Viola hardly paid attention. Ten minutes later, they headed to the church social, arm in arm, but Viola could only think about Rey walking out of the nursing school. His cowboy hat atop his head, his long strides taking him farther and farther away.
He hadn’t come for any specific reason, which meant he’d come to see her. Was he doing other errands in Cheyenne, or was he heading back tonight?
Every word that Donna spoke now felt like cat claws scraping Viola’s skin.
The church social didn’t settle her heart or her mind. People milled about, and Viola introduced herself over and over. Finally, she told Donna she had a headache and would walk back alone.
“It’s dark out,” Donna protested.
“I’ll keep to Main Street,” Viola said. “Besides, there are plenty of people out walking. It’s early yet.”
She hurried along Main Street, keeping her eyes peeled. Maybe Rey hadn’t left yet. Maybe he was loitering on the street, waiting for another chance to speak with her. But, of course, he wasn’t loitering. She reached the nursing school without seeing him at all. He was truly gone.
She walked through the darkened building, her thoughts mulling over every word of their conversation. But mostly shethought of the way he’d looked at her. If she wasn’t imagining things, the man was interested, just as Aunt Beth had stated.
Well, he’d get her letter tomorrow probably, and then maybe they could start some sort of correspondence.
Her step paused when she reached the reception room. In the light of the moon filtering through the windows, she saw an envelope on the floor by the door, as if someone had slipped something beneath it.
She crossed the room and picked it up. The envelope was sealed, and on the front, her name was scrawled across in bold penmanship.
Her breath shortened as she opened the envelope and tilted the letter toward the moon to read the words.
Dear Viola,
I should have expected our meeting to have an audience, but somehow I didn’t plan for that. There are a few things I’d like to say to you, but they will have to wait until tomorrow. That is, if you can find time to get a way for a short walk? I’ll be waiting across the street at 7:00 a.m., if that’s not too early. I am happy to see you’re doing well, and I’m sorry about the friction with your family. Your aunt told me a few things.
Take care,
Rey
She read the words more than once until she’d practically memorized them. He hadn’t left after all. For some reason, she found that a very important detail. She’d find a way to meet him—a way that wouldn’t be interrupted by Donna or anyone else.
WHEN 7:30 ROLLED AROUND, REY still didn’t give up. Oh, he had all kinds of worries. Maybe Viola didn’t get his letter. Or maybe she did but slept in. Or maybe she couldn’t meet him after all. Or maybe she didn’t want to.
He knew he’d surprised her the day before, but she didn’t seem put-off by it. No, she was very agreeable and friendly. She’d hardly taken her eyes off of him, and he’d found that most gratifying.
Seeing her again had confirmed what he’d been feeling and what he could no longer deny.
He wanted to court Viola Delany. Well, he wanted to do more than court her, but courting would be the first step. She had just started nursing school, and that needed to run its course. Maybe she’d want to work in a bigger city versus a small town like Mayfair anyway. But should that prevent him from visiting her every so often? Taking her on walks? Going on rides? Sharing a meal or two?
He had hoped that this morning would be the start of their future … but if she didn’t even show up, maybe he’d been mistaken. About everything.
The closer it grew to 8:00, the more his hopes seeped out. Finally, he turned from the nursing establishment and began walking to the corral where he’d boarded his horse. The ride back to Mayfair would seem twice as long, that he was sure of.
“Rey!” someone called after him.
He thought he was imagining it at first, but when he heard his name a second time, he whirled around.
Viola was hurrying across the street, one hand on her hat, the other gripping a narrow book.
He stared as she closed the distance between them.
“You’re still here.”
Her gray eyes could have leveled him, but somehow he remained upright. “I’m still here.”
