Page 52 of Wagon Train Redemption
Before Carson hurried away to help, Angela grabbed his hand. “When are we going to tell everyone? And who is going to do the talking?”
“I’ll tell them before we eat. They’ll be pleased, I’m sure.”
She blinked several times.
Why did she look so frightened?
Angela’s nervestwitched up and down her arms and stirred restlessness in her stomach. Talking to Carson about a marriage of convenience was fine and dandy. Facing his mother and sisters and pretending it was something else—something even faintly like what they had—was a different matter. Not that she couldn’t pretend if she had to.
Carson helped her with the oxen. As soon as they were watered and grazing, he caught her hand and pulled her to his side. “I am not asking you to do anything you aren’t comfortable with. Tell me now if you want to change your mind.”
She filled her trembling lungs and held the air until steadiness returned. “I have not changed my mind.” Her chest deflated. “I’m only concerned that they might—” She wobbled her head.
“What?”
“Expect us to act like they do.” An almost inaudible whisper confessed her concern.
“As in—” And then he understood. “Ah. Would you feel comfortable if I kissed you in front ofthem?”
She tried and failed to keep from sucking in a gasp of air.
“Don’t answer. I can tell you find the idea objectionable.”
Must he sound so regretful? “It’s not that at all.”
“What is it?”
Her twisting fingers held her attention and spared her from meeting his demanding look. “I don’t know. One minute you’re my adopted brother. The next you ask me to marry you. You have to agree it’s a little confusing.” She brought her gaze to him. “At least for me.”
As they studied each other, a parade of uncertainties and confusions tromped through her brain. The way he cocked his head made her think he had similar thoughts.
He tossed his hat to the grass, pulled her close, and lowered his head until their breath became one. Their gazes disappeared in the other’s eyes, and her heart galloped erratically.
“Angela, I am going to kiss you and make you forget I ever played the role of a brother or anything else. If you have objections, you need to say so.”
Not a sound came to her tongue. Not a thought to her head.
“Fine.” He caught her lips with his. They were cool, firm, and—everything apart from his touch ceased to exist.
He lifted his head. “How was that?” His words flowed over her like silk. Soft, inviting.
She couldn’t look at him.
But he caught her chin and tipped her face up. “Angie, how was that?”
“I—I—” Her feelings were likely bleeding from her eyes—surprise foremost but so many other things. She had never been kissed and had no idea one kiss could carry so much…much…
Was there even a name for what she felt?
He chuckled, the sound low in his throat. “Perhaps it’s best if I don’t kiss you in front of the others.”
“I think that is a good idea.” Would he notice the sound barely squeaked from her throat?
“Supper will soon be ready.”
“I should be helping.” But when she made to hurry away, he caught her hand and stopped her.
“Let’s meander in a little later.” He drew her into the trees. “If we go there now, Ma will look at you and wonder why you look like that.”
