Page 427 of Conveniently Wed
They rode past the white clapboard church that stood like a sentinel at the end of Main Street. The arched stained-glass windows and copper gilded steeple glinted in the reflection of the sun. Reverend Jude and his wife Betty had their parsonage on the same property. Katie’s mind went back to her wedding day. The scared, angry waif that had stood beside the tall, distinguished gentleman had changed. She’d been wrong. Josiahhad been kinder than she’d ever thought possible. She peeked up at his handsome face.
“What?”
“Can’t a girl smile at her husband for no reason?”
“I know you, Kat. Everything has a reason.” His eyes danced with merriment. “But you’re entitled to your private thoughts.”
Josiah stopped at the livery, swung from the buggy in one quick leap, and tied the horse to the hitching post. Then, he came to Katie’s side with his hand held out.
“A girl could get used to such chivalry,” she said.
“That’s the whole idea. You’ve never been spoiled. Don’t you think it’s high time?” He winked at her, then called to the man inside the stable. “Hey, Tom, can you give the horses a quick rub down and some water and feed? We’ll be back in a few hours.”
Tom’s head bobbed as he shuffled closer. “Yes, sir.” His curly gray hair glistened in contrast to his dark skin, and crinkled laugh lines circled his sparkling black eyes. He grinned widely, revealing a row of uneven teeth. “They’ll be rested and fed for the trip back.”
“Thanks.”
“Did you talk to Sheriff Holden yet? He say to be sure and let you know he wants to see you.”
“I’ll check in with him later.”
“Good thing. Cause troubles abrewing. Some of the townsfolk are getting downright nasty about us doing the jobs we always done. Say we’re taking jobs from them.”
Katie didn’t miss how Josiah nodded his head in her direction and widened his eyes at Tom in a message without words.
Tom nodded back. “We talk later, Mistuh Richardson.”
“My lady.” Josiah extended his arm. “Shall we?”
They walked arm in arm to the mercantile, and Katie blocked out the stares of far too many curious eyes. “Every time we’re in town the wordtroublecomes up. Are things getting worse?”
“Just some angry town folk trying to put pressure on me to hire only the white when my horses come in. I don’t give weight to their threats.”
“Threats?” She squeezed his arm.
“Idle threats. That’s why I think a community ball will lighten the mood and give people something fun to think about. Now, let’s talk about anything else. I’m not going to let the town gossip ruin a perfect day.”
“I’m looking forward to visiting Winnie again,” she said. “The two of us were the outcasts from under-privileged families, and now look at us. She married the store owner’s son and I married the richest man in the valley. Who would have ever thought? Not that I set out to snag the legendary Mr. Richardson. Truth be told, you scared the daylights out of me.”
He looked at her, a twinkle lighting his eyes. “And now?”
She smiled up at him. “I know you’re my gentle giant, Mr. Richardson. And as Delilah would say, I’m blessed to be your missus.”
Josiah swung an arm around her waist and pulled her close. He planted a quick kiss on her lips.
“You can’t be saying things like that in public, Mrs. Richardson, or I won’t be held responsible for my unmannerly show of public affection.”
She couldn’t hold in her chuckle.
“Did I tell you Robert received a furlough during the war and raced home to marry Winnie?” she asked. “I remember at their wedding how he stood and told everyone that if he died, he would die a happy man. I’ve never seen such a look of pure love radiate from a man before.”
“Hmm.” His brows lowered as he studied her. “Wish you had looked into my eyes at our wedding, rather than everywhere but.”
Her stomach flipped. “Our situation was different.”
“For you, yes, but not for me.” A shadow passed across his face.
He was right. She had ignored him as much as she could, and if she could marry him all over again knowing what she knew today, she would do things differently. If only her fears had not been so palpable and her anger so raw. If only her need to feel in love and memories of Charles had not been in her head. Was he still in her head? Just the thought of his name brought a kaleidoscope of feelings crashing in. She shuddered and shook them away. There were far too manyif onlys.
