by Danni Roan
“If you’re both sure,” Maud finally said, still looking a bit shocked.
Smiling, Cam leaned down and kissed Quil on the cheek. “Thank you, ma’am. I’ll do my best to make her happy.” His eyes turned to Aquila, trying to make her see he could be trusted.
“Spice is back.” Sara’s voice drifted into the room brightly as she entered, then stopped short to stare at her family. “What happened?” she asked, confused by the scene.
“Aquila just got engaged!” Priscila replied excitedly. She was pink with the effort of being still while her sister and Mr. Royal had made their announcement, but now it all burst out. “Their getting married!”
Sara gaped. “What? How?”
“And we’ve just got three new hands,” Prissy added, “What an exciting day!”
***
“What?” Rafe asked incredulously. “Quil’s getting married to Mr. Royal?”
“That’s what I just said,” Sara commented, her voice sounding disgruntled.
“But how, why?” Rafe couldn’t get his head around it. “I mean they barely know each other. No one really knows anything about the man.”
“It didn’t take us long to know,” Sara said reasonably, “I knew how I felt almost right away.”
Rafe pulled her to him. “Yes, but we practically grew up together.”
Sara smiled, tracing the buttons on his shirt. “True, but we never really mingled. I don’t think you ever said anything to me.”
“We know each other better now, though,” Rafe offered, kissing her on the nose. “I know you’re the most wonderful, clever, caring, and prettiest girl in the world,” he added, punctuating each complement with a kiss.
“Go on,” she prompted, resting her head against his chest.
“I know you’re funny and very good at finding out information about people and that your family means the world to you.”
“And you,” Sara said, tipping back her head, “You mean the world to me too.” She kissed him softly, then pulled out of his arms. It was getting harder and harder to say good-bye each time they met, but she couldn’t bear not seeing him, either.
“Do you think he loves her?” Rafe finally asked.
“I don’t know. He looks at her kind of funny,” Sara admitted, “like he’s surprised by her or something.”
“Quil’s a smart girl,” Rafe said, “I’m sure she’d know if Royal was lying to her.”
“I guess it’s just one more thing to add to my prayer list,” Sara said, turning and looking at him again. “It seems another prayer has been answered, surprisingly enough,” she said, looking him in the eye. “You can’t imagine how surprised I was when William showed up, asking about work.”
Rafe had the decency to blush. “Well, we did have to look at the books carefully, what with new expenses.” He smiled wickedly.
“You mean you let them go so we’d have dependable help.”
Rafe shrugged, turning his hands up as if he didn’t know what she was talking about.
“It was sweet of you,” Sara said.
“I only want to help, and if we could ever figure out how to fix this problem between my Pa and your Ma, things would change forever and you’d never have to worry again.”
He kissed her, trying to make her know the depths of his feelings, his need and his love.
“I’d better go,” she whispered breathlessly when he released her. “I’ll do my best to find out,” she added, then was gone.
Chapter 9
“I can’t believe you’re marrying Mr. Royal,” Prissy said, watching her sister pressing her best dress. “It all seems rather unromantic somehow.” The younger blonde woman wrinkled her nose. “Where’s the courtship, and flowers? All you got was a bunch of boring old numbers and bag full of peppermints.”
“The peppermints are for Herman, not me.”
“You mean he didn’t even give you candy?” Prissy was shocked.
“It’s not like that Pris,” Quil grumbled. “We just sort of fell for each other. We, well, we want the same things,” she offered, her brow puckered.
“Don’t look so thrilled,” Prissy chided. “I guess if you really love him it will be alright. Did he kiss you yet?”
“Priscilla Adams!” Quil practically shouted, turning astonished eyes on her younger sibling.
“Well, I just thought his beard would be scratchy, is all,” Prissy replied, straightening her skirt and giving her hair a toss. “I mean it’s terribly scraggly, don’t you think?”
Aquila pulled in an exasperated breath. “Mr. Royal is very handsome,” she said, “and beards can be trimmed.”
“I always knew you were odd, Quil,” Prissy said, rising and turning away. “Maybe once you’re married you’ll have more sense,” she said, flouncing away.
Aquila shook her head and turned back to her dress. She and Cameron had told her mother they would like to be married soon, and she had agreed.
Maud, like any sensible mother, didn’t like the idea of her engaged daughter and her fiancé gallivanting all over the ranch as of yet unwed. Young people could be so impulsive.
Quil dressed slowly, then smoothed her skirts and gazed into the mirror. Could she really do this? Could she marry a man who was practically a stranger to assure the welfare of those she loved?
“At least he’s not ugly,” she said to her reflection as she straightened her brown locks.
***
Cam moved to the small mirror by the washstand in the bunk house and lifted a pair of scissors, tugging on his beard and snipping off a bit carefully.
“What you doin,’ young fella?” William asked from his bunk.
“I thought this fuzz on my face could use a trim,” he replied, pulling another hank of the dark hair and preparing to cut again.
“Why don’t ya let Rock do that,” William called, “he trained ta be a barber when he was a youngin,’ ya know.”
Cameron turned to study the big man stretched out on another of the bunks. Rock seemed a fitting name, but he wondered if the lunk of a man should have been called boulder with his wide shoulders, thick chest, and large, square face.
“Yep,” Billings called from the table, “he didn’t stick though; couldn’t stand the blood.” He chuckled softly.
“Ah, be quiet,” Rock rumbled, “I can give ya a good close shave, though, ifn’ ya want.”
“That would be greatly appreciated,” Cam agreed.
“Bill, you get some hot water goin’ and Mr. Royal you sit easy here.” Rock pulled out a seat and lifted a small towel from a rack. Moments later he had a thick lather spread along Cam’s neck and face.
“So you’s gonna marry our little Quil, are ya?” Williams asked as Rock pulled a well stropped straight razor over Cam’s chin.
“Uhmh,” Cameron hummed the affirmative.
“I knowed little Quil since she was knee high to a short sheep,” Rock said, the cold razor making a clear shick, shick sound over the thick foam. “I’d hate to think you was takin’ advantage of her somehow,” the cowhand stated, the edge of the blade resting against his foreman’s throat.
“I’d sure be put out if someone was to mistreat one of the Adams’ girls in anyway,” Billings added.
“You ain’t gonna hurt our little sweetheart, are ya?” Williams chimed in. “I’m pretty sure you’re a careful man who would never take advantage of them women,” he added, a hard glint in his eye.
Cam didn’t move, his breath frozen in his throat. He was afraid to breathe, but he needed to reply, the razor moved, trailing a clean path through the hair and cream on his neck and he spoke.
“I assure you gentleman my intentions are beyond honorable,” he said, his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously.
“I sure hope so,” Rock said, wiping the foam off the razor. “She’s a good girl and they’s fine people.” His steady hand continued with the blade until Cam’s face was completely clean.
After the work with the razor, Rock lifted the towel from a pan of hot
water where it had been soaking, rung it out and wrapped it expertly around Cam’s face.
“Well at least you clean up real good, son.” William grinned, now standing over Cameron and looking at his fresh face. “I reckon Quil won’t even mind if you kiss her now,” he added with a chuckle.
Cameron pushed himself to his feet, his dark eyes flashing but his conscience protesting. Quil had asked for this, she’d practically begged him to marry her. Drawing a deep breath, he exhaled, releasing the pent-up stress with it.
“Gentleman, I know you don’t know me and I appreciate your concern. I even welcome it, but I promise I won’t hurt that girl.” He paused, looking each man squarely in the eye. “I care for her.” He paused again, realizing that he did care for her. Perhaps he didn’t love her, but he cared enough to see that she and her family were secure.
The other men stood, still studying him skeptically.
“I’ll do my best by her and her family. It’s all I can do.”
A heavy silence filled the comfortable spaces of the big bunk house as a minute ticked slowly by.
“I reckon that’s good enough for us,” William finally said, extending his hand.
Cameron sighed and took it with a hearty shake. Well, there was one obstacle out of the way.
“I reckon we’d best get you to the church on time then,” Billings said, plunking his hat on his head with a wide grin.
Together the men exited the building and headed for town.
***
Quil and Cam had agreed that they should have a small, discreet wedding and it was exactly what they had planned. They had sent word informing Pastor Dalton that they’d be along Saturday morning for a simple ceremony.
Arriving at the church with her family, Quil was startled to see buggies, wagons and saddle horses clustered around the little white church with the red doors.
“Mama?” Quil questioned, “Why are there so many people here?”
“Gossip,” Maud Adams replied flatly. “In a small town like Biders Clump everyone knows everyone else’s business.”
Aquila blushed. “I didn’t want a big wedding.” She dropped her eyes, chewing her lip nervously.
“Quil, is there something you’re not telling me?” Maud askes gently, laying her hand on her daughter’s arm. “I don’t want to see you get hurt and there’s no shame in backing out of this if you aren’t sure.”
Quil started, her wide eyes going to her mother’s face. “No, oh no, Mama I couldn’t do that.”
Maud studied her daughter’s face carefully, trying to read what was going on in her head, but aside from a slight nervousness, she couldn’t see any deceit.
“You like this young fellow then?”
“Yes.”
“Aquila?” Her mother’s voice was sharp, accusing.
“I’m more than fond of him, Mama. He’s a good man, I’m sure of it and I want to marry him and build up the ranch together.”
Maud squeezed her oldest daughter’s hand. “If you’re sure, but it’s not too late.” At least she hoped it wasn’t. Perhaps she should pay closer attention to her daughters in the future.
Quil smiled brightly, pushing away her own doubts and fears. She was securing the future of the ranch and all those who depended on it. In a year or two, Cameron could go to a judge and annul the marriage with no real harm done.
“You’ll see Mama, everything will work out fine,” she said brightly, jumping out of the wagon and heading for the church.
“Not that way!” Sara yelped, stopping her oldest sibling at the door. “Don’t you want to freshen up a bit first?”
Quil gaped at her sister. “No, no I don’t,” she stated firmly, “I’m ready to get married and get this whole thing over with.”
Sara’s eyes widened with surprise. This was certainly not the attitude she was going to have on her wedding day. “Well at least let me check that everyone’s ready.” she said, opening the doors and slipping in.
“Now don’t you look perty,” a rugged voice spoke as George Olson and Polly approached. “Polly was waitin’ on her apple pie ta finish so we’re runnin’ a bit late,” he said with a grin. “On the other hand, it gives me the perfect chance to offer my services.”
“Services?” Quil asked. “What services?”
“I’d like to offer to walk you down the aisle,” George said, his soft brown eyes twinkling brightly. “It’d be an honor to lend my arm to one of the Adams girls.”
A bright tear sprang to her eyes and Aquila took his arm. “I’d be honored to have you walk me down the aisle,” she said. “Mama?” She turned to where her mother had come to stand behind her.
“I think your Pa would have liked that,” Maud said, her eyes full of memories. “Thank you, George.”
“You come on with me,” Polly Esther said, handing her basket of goodies to a young woman who carried them around to the side of the church. “We’ll walk in together, Maud.”
The door opened then and Sara peeked out. “All ready?”
Quil rolled her eyes at her sister. Did everyone have to interfere in her affairs? “Yes, we’re ready,” she said, letting her mother and Polly enter and find a seat at the front. “Can we do this, please?’
Sara pulled a face. “Alright, alright. I’ll walk down to the front with Prissy and then you come. Mrs. Dalton’s playing the piano for you.”
“We know what to do,” George said with a grin. “This ain’t my first rodeo ya know,” he added with a chuckle, winking at Quil and making her smile.
George opened the bright red doors wide and giving Quil his arm, stepped inside. As was evidenced by the number of conveyances parked outside, the church was packed with all the folks from Biders Clump.
From shopkeepers to cowboys to sheepherders and everything in between, everyone had turned out. Even Mr. Williams, the banker, sat next to his daughter, shooting disparaging looks at the young man in the pew behind them.
“I should have known everyone would come for a wedding,” Quil grumbled.
George patted her hand where it rested on his arm. “Is there anything you need to tell me?” he asked kindly.
“No Mr. Olson. Cam and I are well suited, so let’s get this done with.” To her surprise the old man chuckled and took a step forward.
Cameron Royal stood at the front of the church, wondering what had made him agree to this craziness. He was nothing but a simple cowboy, a man trying to make a living and do the best he could.
The back doors opened and Quil walked in on George’s arm. She was pretty in a spring dress of cream with little flowers all over it. Aquila Adams was a fine woman, the kind a man could build a real life with.
Instead, they were having a sham marriage that would benefit her ranch, her family, and even him, but would leave Quil forever alone. A strange sadness filled his heart as he watched her walk down the aisle, her face serious, her eyes determined.
In all his life, he never thought he’d be marrying a girl like her and right there, at that very moment, he determined to make it a good marriage even if it was only pretend. This young woman had the heart of a lion, surely helping her was the right thing.
As she drew closer, something warm and soft shifted in Cam’s chest. He suddenly felt protective of this brave, young woman who would put others before herself. He smiled, and as she took the steps to the little platform, she lifted her eyes and smiled back.
George laid her hand in his and winked. “New things comin’ son,” he whispered, then went to sit next to Polly and Maud.
The words from Pastor Dalton’s lips seemed only a background noise as Cam studied the girl before him. He responded to the preacher’s prompts, replying with an I will or an I do as needed.
It almost came as a shock when the plump clergy man smiled brightly, wiggled his bushy brows and intoned, “You may now kiss the bride.”
Quil started, her eyes wide as the words sunk in. They hadn’t discussed the kiss in this bargain.
Cam pulled the pret
ty young woman close with a grin. If he was going to be married, he might as well get some enjoyment from it. His mouth descended on hers, possessing it in a warm, sweet kiss that lingered a little longer than he’d planned.
When he finally pulled back, his heart was pounding in his chest. He hadn’t expected her to respond to the kiss, and judging by the bewildered look on her face she hadn’t expected to either.
“I now give to you Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Royal,” Pastor Dalton announced cheerfully. “What God has brought together, let no man set asunder.”
Cheers and applause filled the little church as together Quil and Cam stood there, still a bit dazed from the kiss.
“You have to leave now,” Sara hissed from her sister’s side, looking toward the door.
Quil tugged on Cam’s hand, pulling him off the platform and into the center aisle. People around them began to chuckle and with a grin, Cameron wrapped his arm around his bride’s waist and hurried her out the door.
“Thank heavens that’s over,” Quil said as they stepped into the bright morning sun.
Cameron pulled her close. “Are you alright?”
“I will be,” Quil replied, looking anywhere but at him. The kiss had unsettled her somehow and the way he was holding her close made her feel strangely warm and tingly.
“There you are,” a sharp voice called. “Come along, come along.” Mrs. Bentley chided, beckoning with her hand. “The wedding luncheon is over here in the shade.” She beamed at them expectantly.
Quil gave a low groan.
“Come on,” Cam encouraged, “we’ll have a bite to eat and play house a bit, then head home.” His arm tightened around her slim waist as he turned her toward the long row of tables set up on the far side of the church.
Quil looked up at Cam as they approached the tables. She was grateful for the strong arm that encompassed her, providing support.
Smiles and warm wishes greeted them as they were ushered to a table laid with a bright festive cloth where her family were already seated.
“Now don’t you two look handsome together,” a sweet voice piped up from the serving table. “Ain’t you lucky Maud, having such a handsome son-in-law?”
