Page 5 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
Their study of each other continued. Again, he told hisself he liked her steady gaze. Seemed it would be impossible for her to have secrets. And she offered almost everything he wanted.
“The child is more’n welcome. And so are you.” Warmth pressed to the back of his eyes as he forced the other words from his mouth. “I want more’n a marriage in name only.”
“I understand.” Pink stained her cheeks and she nodded. “I agreed to marry you and I have not changed my mind.” Perhaps understanding his uncertainties, she added in a strong, promising tone, “I have found there are far more important things in life than education.”
“Such as?” What would a woman who had been to college and taught school for a few years consider more important than book learning?
“Kindness, honesty, and loyalty.”
“Ah. Couldn’t agree more.” No doubt there was a history behind her choice of words. Even as his own words came from his past. “Then if yer certain, what say we go to the preacher and get it done?”
Her nod was decisive. “I say we do it.” She put the picnic things together and called Susie.
With the colorful quilt in his arms, he led the way back to the wagon, helped them all to the seat, and turned back to town.
Preacher Ingram met them in his front room, crowded with furniture. His wife and neighbor lady were to serve as witnesses and smiled kindly.
“If the two of you understand the seriousness of this ceremony, that you are vowing before God to honor yourmarriage as long as you both live…” He paused and waited for them to both nod in agreement. “Then stand before me. Flint, repeat after me. I, Flint March—”
Flint promised to have and hold, to love and to cherish— Perhaps he should have asked for love to be erased from what he promised but then wasn’t it really what he wanted and hoped for—love to last through better, worse, richer, poorer, sickness and health? Course he was more’n willing to settle for better, worse, richer, poorer, sickness and health without love. Seems that should be possible. But forever was enough for him.
Miss Faraday spoke her vows. A smile warmed his insides at knowing that there was now a Mrs. March.
“You may kiss your bride.”
The preacher’s words rattled through Flint’s head. He hadn’t expected such gestures to begin right off and with people watching. No sir. He’d thought they’d be alone and taking their time.
The preacher cleared his throat.
Flint turned to his wife— what a strange word that was for him to use.
Her eyes were wide, perhaps a little afraid, a little hopeful, even a little wounded. Perhaps figuring he wouldn’t give her the kiss the preacher had called for.
Chapter Two
Brynlee stared at the man she’d married not a full minute ago. She’d expected things to be different now. She’d be accepted. Valued even. Not just for what she did— cooking, cleaning, child tending, or teaching— but for her. Herself. A plain old maid. Eyes too probing. Like a lizard, one young man had said when she refused to let him stare her down after he’d made an unkind remark. Everything else about her was unremarkable. Not just ordinary, but plain. She tried to blink but couldn’t force her eyelids to lower. He’d made it clear that this union was to include physical intimacy. Yet he couldn’t even bring himself to kiss her.
Why did she anticipate so much? Marriage was enough. Kindness, fidelity. She didn’t need more. The sound of him clearing his throat sent a shudder racing up her arms and into her heart.
“Do ya mind?” The words echoed in the silent, expectant room.
Was he asking permission to kiss her? Was he nervous rather than reluctant?
“Of course not.” She tipped her face toward him. Noted the fine lines in his face. Brown and white alternating. Weatheredand colored by the sun. Something about knowing he had withstood the forces of nature eased the tension from her limbs and warmed her inside. As he lowered his head, she closed her eyes.
The brush of his lips was as gentle as spring. His breath was warm and sweet. Smelling of coffee and the ginger cookies they’d so recently enjoyed.
“Auntie Bryn, you looks funny.”
Brynlee realized the kiss had ended but she stood with her eyes still closed and her face upturned. She opened her eyes.
Flint stood upright, smiling down at her. How long had they stayed thus?
“Congratulations, I wish you all the best.” The preacher’s words shattered the moment. His wife and the kindly neighbor added their best wishes.
A few minutes later, they were back in the wagon and headed out of town. Brynlee kept her attention straight ahead. Should she apologize for her temporary lapse of… of… whatever it was? Or let Flint draw his own conclusions? Did he think she was bemused? Or resistant?
“It’ll take us almost two hours to get to the ranch. You’ll be fine?”
