Page 65 of Wagon Train Hope
“But kisses, gifts, and flowers are not what really matter.” His deep tone drew her gaze. “None of those tell you what’s in my heart. Irene—” He leaned closer, his breath brushing her cheek. “I love you.”
A joy bubble began in the pit of her stomach and raced upward to her mouth, erupting in a soft laugh.
He continued. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
“Now is good.” She leaned into his arms and lifted her face to his.
He needed no more invitation and claimed her lips in a deep, promising kiss.
“Walt, I love you more than words can tell.” She breathed the words against his lips, and he silenced them with yet another kiss. Then they sat arm in arm as the sky glowed pink and then faded to gray.
“Irene, will you marry me?”
“Not with a gun to my back. Or yours.” She laughed, though only a portion of her thought was amusing.
His arm tightened around her. His head tipped to hers. “Idon’t need a gun to make me see you are what I need and want.”
Too choked up to answer, she cleared her throat. “You are what I’ve longed for all my life. Someone who saw me for who I was and accepted it.”
The kiss he gave her erased every shadow of her past. Every doubt that she didn’t matter to others.
Walt wasn’teager for the evening to end. Not when he held Irene in his arms, and their hearts beat as one. His heart’s doors had opened to embrace change and, yes, even risk. Not that loving Irene was a risk, but life with her might include challenges.
He laughed at the thought.
She tipped her head back to look at him. “What’s funny?”
Her skin was soft beneath his finger as he stroked her cheek. “Me. I’ve always been so careful. It was an attempt to control what happened in my life. But now?” He grinned at her. “Now I find myself eager to accept challenges.”
“Are you saying I’m a challenge?”
“Only in a good way. I’m ready and willing to face a future with you.”
“Let’s talk about the future. What do you see ahead for us?” She nestled into his arms.
He pressed his cheek to her hair. “I see a ranch near the fort if that’s possible. I see us building a house and barn.”
“I’ll help.”
“Of course, you will. At least until the babies start arriving.”
A sigh breezed from her lips. “I hope we have lots of little ones.” She sat back, leaving his chest cold. “Do I have to wear dresses now?”
He caught her cheeks between his palms. “Irene, you should wear whatever you want. Though it might be nice if you donned a dress for church.” He lowered his head. “And maybe for our wedding.”
“I can manage that.” She pressed a fingertip to his chin. “When will we get married?”
EPILOGUE
Irene and Walt struggled with Gabe’s oxen, encouraging them to pull the wagon through yet another mud puddle. For two days, it had rained. Life for the travelers had become a challenge.
“I’m tired of being soaked to the bone,” she muttered, not caring if anyone or everyone heard her.
“Me too.” Bertie’s voice came from the wagon ahead. “Is this like Noah’s ark?”
The oxen reached solid ground, and Irene stepped back, as did Walt and Gabe, who had been pushing.
Ma made her way around the wagon, mud clinging to her shoes and the hem of her dress. “No, Bertie. This isn’t like Noah’s flood. It will soon let up.” She lowered her voice to mutter. “At least, I hope so.”
