“No, we haven’t.
“Maybe you’ll be so kind as to accompany me to the picnic this weekend?”
“How about you get to feeling better first?”
“I will be right as rain first thing tomorrow. This never lasts. It’s just awful for a few hours.”
“I brought quinine, would that help?” Gideon just shook his head, closing his eyes momentarily in exhaustion. “The stuff is awful.” He lay there, half asleep and breathing softly.
“Why didn’t you want me to know?” Melissa finally asked, breaking the silence. He opened his eyes; she saw just how glassy with fever they were and instantly felt bad for waking him.
“What beautiful woman would want a sickly man?” he asked honestly with a sad smile. “You deserve so much better than this, Melissa.”
“Maybe this woman,” she answered shyly, resting her hand on his cheek with the cool cloth.
“Lord, I hope so, because you are all I’ve thought about the last few days,” he admitted thickly, swallowing his pride. He grasped her hand as it lay on his cheek. “There is something about you that is just right for me.” He held her other hand in his and kissed it. Poor Gideon’s lips burned with fever, but she was more than glad to see he wasn’t shaking anymore.
“Well, as much as it pains me to admit it, the picnic will be full of eligible young ladies, Gideon. Before you set your sights on me, perhaps you should take a look around first. I’m no prize,” she said quietly, thinking maybe it was the fever making him talk. She wanted to give him an out if he needed one, and nor did she want to set her hopes so high that she was left disappointed.
“Darling, you are the grand prize to me,” he whispered silently as he nodded off, exhausted.
8
Early the next morning, Melissa awoke expecting to see Gideon still in bed sick at the opposite end of the house. She had finally gone to her own room at the prompting of her mother. After nodding off beside Gideon’s sleeping form, it had surprised them both at her ease with him. Her and her mother.
“Come now, you both need some rest,” her mother encouraged, shaking her shoulders gently as she lay her head on his chest to rest. She had been so exhausted that she didn’t want to leave his side. Part of her got the idea to listen to his heartbeat to make sure he was okay, and promptly fell asleep. At some time during the night or early in the morning, apparently, he had awoken and left. Her mother sat alone at the table with a pot of tea steeping.
“Did he leave?” Melissa asked, completely shocked at the recovery.
“Yes, he said he was feeling much better, but,” her mother hesitated with a smile. “He claimed to ‘stink to heaven’ and refused to see his fiancée in that condition. Is there something you should be telling me?”
“The man was beyond delirious,” she replied evenly and looked away.
“He didn’t sound like it this morning.”
“Mother, I won’t be pressing the issue with him.”
“I don’t imagine you’ll have to. He seems to be quite a determined young man. That is one thing that always surprised me about vows,” she mused, reminiscing.
“You never know how you will react when it comes to ‘in sickness and in health’ or ‘til death do us part’ … until you actually get there. Looks fade, people grow fond of each other but that spark? That spark is what keeps the love there during the trials and after they are gone. Why do you think I miss your father so much? I miss his vitality. His spark.”
Her mother stared at her teacup sadly. “Yesterday was the first time I didn’t feel quite so lost. I got to share in the spark that is growing between you two.”
“Mother, I don’t think that – “
“Think what you want, Melissa but trust me when I say that man will not give up on you. I’ve seen that look before and was married to him for well over thirty years.”
“I love you, mother.”
“And I you. I’m very happy for you and know your father would be proud,” Eleanor informed her tenderly. “He would have adored your Mr. Ashton.”
Several days passed, yet Gideon stayed away from her. It was surprising and a little disconcerting. Melissa wasn’t sure why he was pulling back when he had pressed his case so much from the very beginning. Perhaps he was embarrassed at his words or regretted them. Either way, she would sit back and wait to see what happened.
She didn’t have to wait long. On her way home, she caught a glimpse of him far down the street. Melissa almost raised her hand in greeting, but then hesitated. Ladies did not wave down eligible young men, and the fact that he seemed to be hiding disturbed her. Why would he go to the general store unless it was for supplies for the ranch?
For the merest second, she thought it might have been for her? But as quickly as he entered, he exited once again. This time, he headed towards the bakery. Melissa stood on the front porch of the barbershop and counted the moments, waiting. This time, she did not see him leave. Whatever was he up to? Shaking her head, she walked back inside. She would not play these games. If he was interested, he would show up…and if he was not? She’d move on.
Melissa made her Washington pie just as her mother instructed. In fact, it surprised her to see her making one as well. She seemed in good spirits and informed her that she would be attending the picnic as well. That evening, Melissa was more dismayed than ever wondering where Gideon was at.
“Has your Mr. Ashton not contacted you?” her mother asked surprised.
“No; frankly I haven’t seen him hardly at all in the last few days.”
“Hmmm,” she replied evasively and went on with her mending.
“Mother, is there something I should know?”
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Melissa leapt to her feet excitedly and at the knowing look her mother gave her, she shrugged. “It could be anyone,” she said casually, grasping the doorknob.
“True,” she heard called out from behind her in the most know-it-all voice. “But it’s not and you know it.”
Opening the door, she felt her heart skip a beat as Gideon stood there in the dimming light. He was dressed in a dark suit with a thin tie around his neck. The mere corner of his badge peeked out from under his jacket, reminding her of why he was in town. There was an aura of danger that brought the Rangers. Danger that could take him from her.
“Miss Melissa,” he acknowledged politely.
“Mr. Ashton,” she said primly.
“Gideon,” he reminded her with a smile. “Would you come out and sit for a bit with me?” he invited, pointing at the bench near the window. Leaning towards the door, he politely asked, “Mrs. Miller, I’d like to have a few moments with your daughter?”
“Certainly,” she said easily, and shut the door, giving them some privacy.
“What is going on? You’ve been avoiding me” Melissa asked, and then cringed at just how it sounded.
“I missed you too,” he replied with a gentle smile.
“I thought I saw you earlier at the store, but then you disappeared again,”
“I was getting some things for the picnic,” he began and then stopped. “And a little something for you.”
“What?” she asked, wide-eyed. “Gideon, you didn’t have to do that!”
“I wanted my lady to shine on my arm, and I wanted to make sure that every man at the picnic knew you were mine. I bought you a little something I thought would look pretty on you and then something for me.”
“You did? What did you get?”
Gideon pulled out a lovely bonnet that she had admired in the window for quite some time. There were all sorts of shades of blue and yellow folded ribbon flowers on the brim. “It reminded me of the bluebonnet you tucked in your hat, only this one won’t wilt. How long did those flowers last anyhow? A day?”
Blushing, she smiled. “I still have the stems.”
“You kept them?”
“Of course, it’s not every day a handsome man shows up with flowers,”
“Melissa,
you should have flowers every day,” he said tenderly as he touched her cheek. Pulling back, he grimaced.
“What’s wrong?”
“I just realized that I am glad I bought the other item too.”
“What did you get?”
“Bullets.”
“What?”
“You look so beautiful right now, I can’t hardly stand it. That blue of your hat makes your hazel eyes glow and I will be fighting off men left and right for you.”
Melissa laughed aloud at the outrageous claim.
“I’m serious, Melissa,” he cut off her laugh and cupped her chin. “No one will ever take you from me, darling, or I’d have to hurt them.” His sincere dark stare surprised and humbled her.
“Really?”
“Really,” he vowed. Gideon leaned forward, claiming her lips. “Mine,” he whispered tenderly as he tasted her. “My Melissa Maeve Miller,” he teased. “Mmmm delicious, my love.”
This caused her to smile at the memory of when she had first met him. Had it been only days ago? He had worn his way right into her heart. “You know, we shouldn’t be kissing on the street like this in front of my house.”
“I agree, young lady!” came her mother’s voice from just inside the window.
“I will have her right in, Mrs. Miller,” Gideon returned. “She has just allowed me to escort both of you tomorrow to the picnic. Haven’t you, Melissa?”
She grinned as she heard her mother walk off muttering about how that handsome young man would say anything to get his way. “She knows exactly how you are, Mr. Ashton.”
“She’s right,” he teased, pulling her directly into his lap and kissing her thoroughly. At hearing a throat clear, Melissa stood quickly.
“You’d best behave,” she whispered.
“I think perhaps I should for the time being. Goodnight, darling. I will be here in the morning promptly at nine.”
9
Gideon arrived exactly at nine just as promised. He had borrowed a small wagon from the livery and tethered his horse to it. Politely, he helped each woman into the wagon and got them settled. Melissa saw the blanket and basket hidden under the seat. At her pointed look, he grinned.
“I thought we might make a day of this and picnic as well. It’s not every day you are lucky enough to be surrounded with beautiful women,” he teased. “I love the bonnet on you, Melissa. Blue suits you and you should wear it at our wedding.”
“You haven’t even asked!”
“Do I really need to?”
Her mother chimed in bluntly, echoing Melissa’s ‘yes’ at the same time.
“Duly noted,” he said with a grin and then got silent, staring ahead. Melissa and her mother just looked at each other, dumbfounded. Maybe the fever had gotten to his mind? She had heard of people acting differently after a high fever, but there were physical symptoms as well. He seemed fine other than the churlish smile plastered all over his face. That cad!
“You were teasing, weren’t you?”
“Of course, I was…and we are here.”
“You aren’t off the hook yet, Mr. Ashton!”
“Well now I know I’m in trouble- we are back to formalities.”
Melissa rolled her eyes as he hopped down from the wagon and aided her mother down first. She really liked that about him; he was always so proper and gentle with her as if he knew that she needed to feel included. It was thoughtful of him. He then helped Melissa step down, taking an extra moment to help her steady her footing. It was ironic that he did so, simply because she hadn’t needed the help. His dark eyes stared at her briefly, before he kissed her hand.
“Come, let’s get you ladies settled, before we make our way to the festivities.” Melissa linked arms with her mother and followed Gideon. He carried a large quilt and picnic basket for them. Several other quilts were strewn orderly about the shade under the evergreens. He picked a large tree a short distance away and waved her over.
Melissa took over while Gideon went to address where to put the wagon and horses. She found herself marveling over how it was nice to see his blond head peeping above some of the other heads in the growing crowd. She liked how tall he was and blushed as he turned to glance back and meet her eyes. Raising a hand near her collarbone, she gave a slight wave causing him to smile yet again. It was as close to an acknowledgement as she could get without being improper. Turning, she saw her mother’s happy expression.
“I do like him, Melissa”
Melissa didn’t answer; she instead went about straightening the quilt as it was spread across the ground. She liked Gideon very much, but she was so afraid of having any happiness taken away that she hesitated in acknowledging it. First, she missed her coming out. Second, her father returned but he wasn’t the same. Then he passed away? Now, there was a growing affection for Gideon and he seemed to be struck down by an episode of malaria. Was it fate? Was this God’s plan to take everything from her? Was he testing her?
“Eleanor Miller? Is that you? Look Trudy, Mrs. Miller has joined us. You must help us set up the pie eating contest, if you are available? We are a hand short,” Pastor Smith and his wife called out, inviting her mother to join them.
“Go. I am nearly finished and I believe I see Mr. Ashton returning,” Melissa instructed, kissing her mother on the cheek. “Have fun mother and I will see you shortly.”
With a nod, Melissa watched her mother link arms with Trudy Smith as they walked off towards the tables that were being set up in the far distance. She was so relieved that her mother seemed to be getting out of bed and dressing herself, instead of remaining despondent since her father’s passing.
“Care to look around?” Gideon asked behind her, wrapping his arms around her middle possessively. Melissa gasped until she realized it was him.
“You are too bold sometimes,” she chastised with a smile. “You’ll have me in trouble before I know it by being so forward.” She watched him run his palm over his face, to wipe the grin off. Looking stern, he bowed forward and extended his arm. She liked that she could see the laughter in his expression.
“May I escort you, Miss Miller?” he droned.
Giggling, she extended her hand. “Of course,” she replied and then whispered, “That’s a bit much, you know?”
“I thought so too,” he admitted and pulled her closely to his side, their arms linked. “This is infinitely much better.” Melissa said nothing, just leaning her head onto his upper arm, taking care not to crush her pretty new bonnet.
“I heard there is to be a pie eating contest, an auction and a small gathering to play music.” Melissa said idly as they walked along.
“Do tell, perhaps I’ll get that dance after all?” he asked, sounding interested. This grated on Melissa’s nerves. Wasn’t he just casually talking about marriage earlier? Perhaps this was his way of teasing her yet again. Well, she’d not fall for it!
“Oh yes, dancing and all sorts of merriment. Last year at the church picnic there was a contest of who made the best jams. My mother made a watermelon rind jam that was absolutely delightful and won second place.”
Melissa glanced up to see if he heard her, since he didn’t reply. Gideon only looked ahead and would nod his head occasionally in hello. This seemed almost odd to her. “Did you hear me?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said simply. “You made some jam.”
“Me?” Melissa said aghast. “Oh no! Mine was not edible. I didn’t realize that crabapples were so terrible and it was more like glue than jam.” Melissa bit her tongue, embarrassed. He didn’t seem to be listening, but rather staring at the crowd, his sharp eyes watchful and the smile gone from his face.
Melissa looked around for anything out of place. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ava Buchannan and Mr. Ellington also getting into line behind where she and Gideon stood. Families gathered in the shade on large colorful quilts. Tables were set up, with plates overflowing with abundance. It looked like just about everyone in town had turned up for the church picni
c.
“Are you alright?” he asked politely.
“Yes, just a matter of being a bit under the weather,” she replied, annoyed at being ignored and forgotten. She avoided his eyes, feeling mulish as she realized that he was watching the lovely Mrs. Buchannan. “My stomach is a bit upset.”
“Shall we leave then?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t rob you of your chance to breathe some fresh air, especially with all these lovely women about.”
“I can’t forget,” he mused idly. “Melissa, are you alright?”
“Of course,” she retorted quickly and removed her hand from his arm, pretending to straighten her hat. Melissa was so proud of herself for not sounding waspish or nasty about it. She was growing quite possessive and protective of her Ranger. It galled her to think of Gideon kissing Mrs. Buchannan or anyone else. She looked gorgeous today in the sunlight, smiling at everyone.
Melissa felt like she looked like a bedraggled cat with a pretty bonnet. Gideon walked forward and winked at Melissa, causing her to flush at being caught monitoring the situation. As he leaned in towards Mrs. Buchannan, she felt her hands clench painfully and a surge of jealously swamped her, making her feel even more out of sorts than before. Melissa was almost certain that if Gideon lingered in whatever he was saying that she would potentially injure someone.
Oh, my word! I am going to scream in a very unladylike tone, she thought wretchedly. Or be sick right here on the ground for everyone to see! He formally took her hand in front of everyone in line and kissed her knuckles affectionately.
As Gideon stood, he leaned towards her whispered to Melissa’s shocked expression. “You didn’t think that I didn’t notice my woman watching me? You weren’t jealous, were you? That is like comparing beef jerky to a succulent steak. You, my love? Make me hungry to sample those sweet lips of yours again and again.”
Melissa flushed bright red as she looked up at him. She couldn’t say a word when she saw the unbridled desire in his dark eyes. Instead, she nodded and took her place yet again at his side. Her stomach was settling down a bit and the sour sensation was gone, replaced with butterflies.
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