by Danni Roan
“No,” Spencer grinned, casting a glance at his son. “You’ll figure it out on your own.”
Chad rolled his eyes. “Grown-ups are confusing,” he grumbled turning to peak out the door of the small parsonage. “They're coming.” The boy said bouncing with excitement. “I can see Daliah with Christina and they have a basket of flowers.”
Dan swallowed hard calling himself every kind of fool for going through with this. He kept telling himself he was looking out for Rosa. Raul would want to know she was safe and taken care of, but other thoughts kept zooming to the surface of his brain.
Over the past week, he had spent a good deal of time with Juan Xavier, and the man had grilled him extensively about his ranch, his job as mayor and his character as a whole. He had done his best to be respectful and to convince the man that this was a real marriage.
He and Rosa had determined that they should keep things simple and had informed her father that they had only realized when Dan rescued her that there was anything between them. So far, the ruse seemed to be working, and he hoped they could get through the ceremony without having a fight.
“Time to go little brother,” Spencer said slapping him on the shoulder and hurrying him around to the back door of the church.
In a matter of moments Dan was standing at the front of the church the eyes of the town’s people gazing on him approvingly as he awaited his fate.
***
Rosa took her father’s arm as Ellen smoothed her train behind her.
“You look so like your mother,” Juan Xavier said his dark eyes filling with regret.
Rosa stared at the man she barely knew for a long moment then nodded once. “I believe we have a wedding to attend.”
The doors before them opened, Jubal and Joseph Hampton beaming at them from each side of the aisle. “It’s about time,” they whispered and Rosa shifted nervously on her father’s arm.
“Christina,” Rosa whispered watching as Daliah led her toddler down the aisle tossing flowers on the floor with abandon. Rosa’s heart swelled, and a spark of joy lit in her soul. Her daughter would never know the pain and shame that Rosa had. She was free of the darkness that had plagued her life.
Taking a deep breath Rosa lifted her chin then paused as her eyes met the simmering blue of Dan’s.
A bright smile flickered over her face as she smoother her skirt while the man gaped. He looked like a fish out of water, and she wanted to place her finger under his chin to snap his mouth shut.
Squeezing her father’s arm Rosa poured all the joy, hope, and cheer she could find into her smile. She would convince her father that she was ready to become the loving and adoring wife of the man who stood at the front of the church. She could do this. She could make him believe then go back to the way things were.
***
Dan felt his jaw go slack and he stood gaping at the vision that had entered the church. Rosa, dressed in some shimmering gown stepped into the aisle like a queen walking to her throne. Her face glowed with joy and love and his heart jumped at the sight of her. She was breathtaking, and he couldn’t breathe as her radiant eyes met his.
The look she bestowed upon him filled him with light, and he knew he was lost. There was no coming back from this. He knew, as surely as there was a sun in the sky, that he loved Rosa Rodriguez. He couldn’t pin point the moment it had happened, but he knew that no matter what he told himself the truth was there. He, Dan Gaines, was in love with Rosa.
Rosa’s hand came to rest on Dan’s and he turned snapping his mouth shut as his eyes studied her face. In all the history of weddings, he was sure that there had never been a more beautiful bride, and his heart tugged toward her.
The preacher was saying something and Juan Xavier replied releasing Rosa’s hand and stepping back leaving the two of them alone.
“You look beautiful,” Dan whispered but Brandon cleared his throat drawing his attention.
“Dearly Beloved,” the spindly preacher with a mop of dark curls on his head intoned but Dan barely heard the words. His eyes kept flicking back to Rosa and the bright smile and shining eyes she bestowed upon him. It was a like a dream. A perfect wonderland, where he would be her husband, and they could spend their lives filling each day with love.
“Dan,” Brandon said bumping Dan’s elbow. “You need to repeat the words.” He nodded toward Spencer who was holding out a small gold band and Dan flushed.
Taking the ring from his brother, Dan set it at the tip of Rosa’s delicate finger, and repeated the words the preacher gave him. His eyes were locked on Rosa’s, and he saw something flicker in their depths. Laughter? Hope? Love? He wasn’t sure what it was, but as he said his vows each one became very real and something solid seemed to settle in his soul. He would protect, care for, and provide for Rosa. He would keep her safe and happy even if that meant turning away from her and letting her have the life she wanted without him.
As Rosa began to speak Dan’s eyes flickered toward Juan Xavier who beamed with joy and delight. At least they had fooled her father and soon Rosa could find her peace once more.
Rosa’s voice was a breathy whisper as she spoke the words of devotion, obedience, and love before the entire town and Dan turned his eyes back to her encouraging her with his thoughts. I promise you’ll be safe. He thought. I promise you’ll be provided for. I promise you’ll be loved.
A moment later and he was being instructed to kiss his bride. His lips fell on Rosa’s as he put every hope, desire, and promise into that gentle brush of lips.
***
After the wedding, the party seemed to go on forever, and Dan was exhausted with well-wishers, dancing and food. He was looking forward to taking Rosa and Christina home to the ranch and settling them in the rooms he had prepared. He hoped that Juan Xavier would leave sooner rather than later now that his daughter was wed. He wasn’t sure how long he would be able to live with the woman without making a fool of himself.
The old cook, his ranch hands, and the house help would be a buffer between them and would hopefully make life more bearable once they made it home.
“You make a very handsome couple,” Juan Xavier smiled stepping up to Dan and patting him on his shoulder. Rosa was making the rounds talking and chatting with the women of Needful, her cheeks rosy with exertion and excitement. It was an amazing party and behind them a group of men started playing another slow song.
“I have one more gift for you today,” the shorter man said. “There were many things I never was able to do for the woman I loved,” he said his eyes full of deep sorrow. “I am not proud of what I did,” he continued. “I have made many mistakes, but I am trying to make up for that now. I seek,” he paused looking for the right word. “Absolution.”
Dan nodded taking the man at his word. He obviously regretted the lost relationship with his daughter and readily admitted that he had not lived his life in the best way.
“Juan Xavier,” Dan started. “You don’t need to do anything else for us. You know I’ll take care of your daughter.”
For a long moment the older man said nothing as he studied Dan’s face. “I believe this,” he said. “This I do not doubt. I know that you will do everything possible to make my daughter happy and to provide for her, but do not be fooled. Like her mother, I know that sometimes Rosa does not know what is best for her.” Juan Xavier chuckled, startling Dan, but then he continued. “You are good for her but she is stubborn, independent, and full of fire. Do not give into her if you love her. Be her match.”
Dan blinked shocked at the man’s words, but was startled when his father-in-law pressed something into Dan’s hands. “Your honeymoon,” Juan Xavier tipped his head spinning on his heels and striding away.
Dan looked down at the small packet in his hands and his blood turned cold.
“Dan, are you feeling all right,” Daliah and Spencer stepped up before him. “You look pale.”
Dan peeled back the flap on the envelope and pulled out the steam boat tickets neatly wri
tten out in his name. Juan Xavier’s final gift might very well be the death of him. He would never be able to survive a week in the same room with Rosa without losing his mind.
Daliah pulled the papers from his hands scanning them and letting out a little gasp. “This was not a part of the plan,” she whispered handing the packet to Spencer. “What will you do?”
“Daliah?” Rosa whirled up to them dancing Christina on her hip. “Is something wrong?”
Daliah turned meeting Rosa’s dark eyes. “You’re father,” she said licking her lips nervously. “He left you a final gift.”
Rosa looked between Daliah and Dan a feeling of dread filling her heart.
“He planned our honeymoon,” Dan whispered all the blood draining from his face.
“What?” Rosa looked at the papers Spencer handed her and gasped. “We won’t go.”
“If we don’t he’ll never leave,” Dan said knowing it was true. Juan Xavier had a ready crew of trusted men who would tend to his business interest in Mexico. He could be gone from home for a long time if he chose to.
“I won’t.” Rosa’s statement was emphatic.
Dan closed his eyes turning to look at her. “I don’t think we have a choice.”
“But what about Christina?” she bulked. “I cannot just leave my daughter.”
Christina reached for Daliah with a giggle and the other woman took her in her arms. “How long is the trip?” the town healer asked.
“Four days,” Dan said peering at the pages over Rosa’s shoulder once more.
“Ah, there you are,” Juan Xavier called hurrying to them and wrapping an arm around both of them. “You are happy yes? It is my gift to you. Your mother always wanted to go on a paddle wheele boat. I did this to honor her.”
Rosa tried to force a smile, but it felt odd on her face. “I don’t think we can just leave,” she tried. “I have Christina, Dan has responsibilities.”
“You have friends here; this town will not blow away on the wind if you take a few days to be alone.”
Rosa looked between her father and the man she had just wed, fear clutching at her heart as she noted the glint of suspicion in Juan Xavier’s eye.
“Perhaps we could go later,” Rosa suggested. “After we are settled.”
“Is there some problem?” Her father’s voice turned harsh as his expression darkened. “Will you not take this gift from me? You need to be alone so that you will know who you will be together.”
“We’ll go,” Dan replied quickly wrapping an arm around Rosa and pulling her close. “I’m sure Spencer and Daliah will be able to look after Needful and Christina for a day or two.”
Rosa tipped her head up looking at the man, her eyes hard. Closing her eyes for a moment Rosa forced her temper back down. She trusted Daliah and the Hamptons to look after her daughter, but could she trust herself alone with Daniel Gaines. So far, he had kept his word at every turn, but this would be much more difficult.
Opening her eyes she plastered a smile to her face and sighed up at Dan. “It will be a lovely rest,” she said hoping he would understand her meaning. “Thank you, father.”
Chapter 19
Juan Xavier waved to his daughter as she stood at the rail of the large white boat that would ferry her along the dark waters of the big river. He had given her this gift, this chance to have time to be a good wife to her new husband. He had missed so much of her life after she had married Raul, and he couldn’t blame her for not wanting anything to do with him. He knew his sins were many, but he was trying to set things right.
Rosa had felt the shame of her childhood more keenly than any of the others. His sons had come to him to work at the ranch as soon as they were old enough, and the knowledge that they were his own flesh and blood had been enough to silence the harsh whispers of society.
Rosa however had not been privy to that kind of protection. She had discovered the truth as a girl and had carried his guilt with her for far too long. When she had married Raul and left to start a life on her own, he had been happy for her though a tiny piece of his heart had gone. Now he had a chance to start over just like Rosa.
When his first wife had died he had wanted to marry his true love immediately, but she had waited. Waited until her other children were old enough to understand and accept the truth. When they were wed, his family had finally become legitimate taking his name for the first time and finding their place in society anew. His life with Rosa’s mother had been too short, and now he had only her three brothers and younger sister to love.
He lifted his hand again as he smiled at his daughter confident that now he could go home. In time he would come again and perhaps what he had done for Rosa would soften her heart toward him. For now he would entrust her to the loving arms of her new husband. Dan was a good man, better than he had ever been, and he loved Rosa.
“We ride,” he called turning back to his men who had accompanied the couple all the way to the river to see them safely aboard. “Rosa will be happy. We go home.”
The men cheered and turned their horses toward home following him back to their own land.
***
“Are you sure we can’t get off at the first stop and take the stage home?” Rosa asked as she watched her father and his men ride away. “We could be back in Needful tomorrow and you could go home.”
“Rosa,” Dan said patiently, taking her hand and placing it on his arm. “We’ll only be gone a few days. Why don’t you try to enjoy the trip? I’ve never been on a steam boat before, it could be interesting.”
Rosa sagged in defeat. She had known he would say something reasonable like that, but she hated being away from Christina. Besides, she wanted this pretend marriage to end sooner rather than later. She was getting entirely too comfortable with the rancher.
“You don’t think father will come back do you?” she asked her eyes wide with fright.
“Not for a while anyway,” Dan said. “We’ll worry about that when the time comes.” For a moment, his eyes grew serious, and he wanted to pour out all the thoughts that kept racing through his head. He wanted to tell her that everything would be all right, and that he would love and protect her forever if she would only allow it. Instead he grinned wickedly and turned her down the wide expanse of deck. “Let’s find the dining hall,” he laughed. “It’s time you let someone else cook for you.”
Rosa looked up at Dan surprised by his glee and smiled. It might be nice to let someone else spoil her for a bit. “Do you think the food will be good?”
“I’m not fussy,” Dan laughed, “but I’d bet it’s got to be or people wouldn’t pay to eat it.”
Rosa smiled feeling a weight slip from her shoulders at Dan’s jovial tone. Perhaps she would be able to get through this trip without losing her mind. She would do her best to enjoy this honeymoon even if she did not love the man she was with. She studied his handsome face wondering if she ever could.
An older couple strolled by taking the evening air and Rosa wondered what they saw when they looked at her. Her dark eyes turned to Dan studying him. He was a handsome man, though rather thin in her opinion. He was still smiling and it did something to his face. Gone was the serious, insistent man from Needful, replaced by someone who seemed to be enjoying these moments with her.
“Something smells good,” Rosa mused as they approached a brightly lit narrow room on the top deck. “I think we are in time for dinner.”
Dan pulled his tickets from the pocket of his coat showing them to a waiter who seated them at a long table full of other passengers. He gazed around curiously taking note of the surrounding people. Several older couples sat together chatting or sipping wine. He was glad he had decided to wear his suit for the trip, but tugged at the collar of his shirt trying to ease the tug of his tie.
A few families sat along one side of the table and two dark men watched the guests from each corner of the dining table.
Dan helped Rosa to a seat feeling the eyes of the men fall on his lovely pseud
o-wife. She was more beautiful than she knew, and he wasn’t surprised at the attention she received.
Dan slipped into the seat next to Rosa scooting it a little closer and leaning in to her as if to tell her a joke.
“I don’t like the looks of those two men on either end of the table.” Dan was careful to keep the smile on his face. “Please watch yourself if you go out on your own. Now smile as if I said something funny.”
Rosa tittered softly turning to look at Dan as her eyes flicked down the table. The man in the black frock coat did look rather sinister with a small black beard and thin mustache.
Rosa leaned into Dan and the heady aroma of her perfume swamped his brain as she whispered in his ear. “They do not look trustworthy.”
“Oh look Harold,” a buxom woman in a gaudy dress said. “We have newlyweds on board.” The woman’s gray eyes twinkled with delight as she wiggled her fingers in the direction of Dan and Rosa. “I’m right aren’t I?” she beamed.
Dan draped his arm around Rosa giving everyone a delighted grin. “You have a good eye,” he grinned. “How did you know?”
“It’s all the whispering.” The portly man at the woman’s side huffed. “When you’ve been married as long as we have, you see things,” he added touching a finger to his nose. “I’m Harold Fritz,” he offered jabbing a thumb in his direction, and this is my wife “Matilda. Say hello Matilda.”
“Hello,” the woman offered with a wink and a grin as she toyed with the string of pearls around her neck. “I hope you have a lovely time. Steam boats are so relaxing.”
From the corner of his eye Dan saw one of the men rise, excusing himself politely as he pulled a long slim cheroot from his pocket and stepped out the door. There was definitely something not quite right about him or the other one who was focused on his food. They would bear watching, and he would keep Rosa close just to be safe.
Chapter 20
Dan led Rosa to their room after dinner his nerves jangling at every sound. He had never traveled by steam boat before and had no idea what to expect. Perhaps they would have two small beds and a changing screen so that he could afford Rosa her privacy. He tugged at his collar again as the night grew suddenly warm.
