She handed him the glasses.
As the sky came alive with hues of yellow, orange, pink, and a thousand shades of blue, the cosmic lights reflected on Kitty’s beautiful face, rendering her even more beautiful than Bert thought possible.
After taking a few sips of wine, he leaned over and touched her hand. Her eyes rose to meet his as her cherry lips curled up in a shy smile. Stray locks of her hair danced with the evening breeze, flirting with her rosy cheeks as they floated about.
“Kitty.” He took a deep breath. “This place, wonderful as it is, does not match your beauty… inside and out.”
She tittered, slightly biting her lower lip. “I don’t know how to respond to that.” Helplessness was evident in her voice, confirming to him that wasn’t exaggerating when she said she had no experience with the opposite sex.
“The question that needs a response hasn’t been asked yet.” Shifting closer, he put down the glass and took her hand in his, gently pressing her palm with his fingers as he raised it to his lips.
He kissed her hand while gazing into her eyes, determined to make the moment count.
“What’s the question, then?” she spoke softly as she slowly blinked, and he knew that she understood why they were there.
His eyes remained fixated on hers. “Will you be my wife?”
“Yes.”
Chapter 12
The month that followed went by slowly, feeling almost like a year for Bert who simply could not wait for Kitty to be his lawfully wedded wife.
She and Fanny had been frantically preoccupied with the preparations, the dress, the food, the guest list, and everything in between.
He and Chuck, on the other hand, were grateful for how few the groom and best man responsibilities had been since they also had to keep up with their work on the ranch.
Maintaining the previous routine was easy since Bert did not want to disturb the ladies during those busy times. His accommodation remained as it was at Chuck’s cabin, yet he secretly made a list of all the things that needed renovation there once he moved back into the main house.
Chuck had been more than helpful as a friend and work associate, and Bert thought it would be the least he could do after all the priceless support he had been giving him throughout the past months.
On their wedding day in the newly built chapel in nearby Oklahoma City, Kitty’s beauty and grace struck Bert hard as he saw her walking down the aisle. She was absolutely breathtaking in her wedding dress, and loyal Fanny flapped about her like a mother hen.
“You look absolutely stunning,” he whispered with a grin as she took her stance in front of him before the preacher initiated the ceremony.
Her cheeks blushed and she coyly lowered her gaze, the translucent veil exposing glimpses of the soft brown locks that framed her face.
Once the ceremony was concluded, Mr. and Mrs. Biggum began to mingle with the guests. In spite of Bert’s popularity around the town, they aimed at making it a small, intimate affair with the attendance of a rather small crowd.
“Congratulations, boss.” Earl chuckled before introducing his young wife to the happy couple.
“Can’t wait to meet your children.” She tittered.
Fanny immediately appeared, as though out of thin air, politely giggling as she courteously touched the woman’s hand. “You must be famished. Let me show you to your table.”
As they walked off, she subtly turned around and winked to Kitty who threw her a kiss in the air.
Bert chuckled. “That was intriguing.”
“She knows I don’t like people rushing me into things. Especially the matter of procreation on my wedding day.”
“I agree.” He kissed her on the cheek. “This is our life now, my love.” Gazing into her eyes, he knew that he wanted her all to himself for at least a year.
Her eyes suddenly began to water, and he immediately pulled a handkerchief from his pocket. “What’s the matter, darling?”
She repeatedly blinked, quickly shaking her head. “It’s really nothing.”
“You must tell me,” he insisted.
“Fanny,” she sighed, her eyes aimlessly wandering about. “She came to chaperone me, and now we’re married; I’m afraid she’s going to go back to Chicago.”
Tenderly drying the tear that had rolled on her cheek, he smiled compassionately. “Oh, love. She’s like a sister to you, isn’t she?”
“She’s more,” she tilted her head, “more like a sister, mother, and best friend all rolled into one.”
“It must be difficult to see her go.”
Furrowing her eyebrows, she had a look in her eyes that let him know how helpless she felt. “If only there was anything I could say to make her stay.”
“But you did tell me that she couldn’t possibly live without purpose. The orphanage school is just that, isn’t it?”
“I know I’m being selfish, my love,” she explained with a faint smile. “But I secretly hoped that she would change her mind and stay at the ranch with us.”
“Have you spoken to her about it?”
“Only a couple of times, to which she repeatedly responded idle hands are the devil's workshop.”
“She’s a strong woman with a sense of resolve I have rarely witnessed. We can’t expect her to give it up.”
“I know.” She rolled her eyes. “Something in my heart tells me that—” She abruptly stopped her sentence.
“That what?”
“Never mind.” She shook her head, frustration evident on her face.
He lightly tittered. “I insist you tell me.”
“It’s not my place to tell, all right? It’s something I can only discuss with Fanny.”
Shrugging, he decided not to pester her any longer. After all, a bride is always stressed about something, and the last thing he wanted to do was add to her tension.
“What are you doing here in a corner, both of you, really!” Fanny emerged, smiling as always with her kind eyes upon them. “You must circulate amongst your guests.” She gently tugged on Kitty’s arm.
“I had something in my eye,” she lied.
The music began to play and the happy couple was claimed for a dance. While they swayed, Bert shrewdly watched out of the corner of his eye as Chuck asked Fanny to dance and she reluctantly accepted.
Something in her heart told her that… perhaps they were falling in love?
Fanny was certainly most comfortable when Chuck was in the room. But something about the way she danced with a resolute look on her face suggested that she was trying her best to conceal something.
The friendly smile that had never left her benevolent face was now gone, replaced by a stern expression that signified a steadfast attempt to not get carried away.
When Bert’s eyes finally left the dancers and went back to his glowing bride, he realized that she had been watching him.
“You’re thinking what I’m thinking, aren’t you?” she insightfully whispered.
“He never said a word to me.” He regretfully smiled.
She sighed, looking at them from the distance. “Nor did she to me.”
The party was more than perfect, with everyone dancing, eating, and drinking, shooting the breeze while the music played. It was a memorable day for Bert and he knew that he would never forget who had gotten him there in the first place.
If it weren’t for Chuck’s then ludicrous suggestion for him to write that advertisement in The Matrimonial Times, Bert would have never met his wonderful Kitty. And his friend would have certainly not danced the way he did that day—something Bert himself had never witnessed before.
When they eventually went back to the house, Mrs. Butler’s maids had rearranged everything in preparation to receive the newlyweds. Bert’s belongings had been moved back into the main bedroom, carefully and neatly arranged along with Kitty’s things.
Red rose petals were splayed out on the fresh silky sheets over the bed, with a fruit basket, a plate of nuts, and a bottle of champagn
e on the nightstand.
All as per Chuck and Fanny’s instructions… of course.
Chapter 13
Fanny’s last week on the property was an exceptionally emotional time for Kitty, for she had been through a significant number of changes in a very short period of time.
She had left the orphanage where she had spent the entirety of her twenty years of life. She had moved to a completely different city where she did not know anyone. She had fallen in love for the first time… and she had just gotten married after only six weeks of courtship.
And now… now she was losing her best friend who was moving halfway across the country with no promises to return.
It was bittersweet since Bert was certainly a great man and an attentive husband.
However, the impending separation still took its toll on her the morning of Fanny’s departure. But just as her good friend stood by her all that time, Kitty decided to repay her and be strong as they packed the last of her belongings and sealed her luggage.
Struggling to stop the tears from pouring out of her eyes, Kitty blinked quickly and forced a grin as she hugged Fanny. “I can’t put into words how much I’m going to miss you.”
“I don’t believe we need the words, Kitty Cat, for I’m going to miss you just as much.”
Gently breaking their embrace, Fanny pulled back as she gazed onto her friend’s grim face. “We must go now if I’m going to catch that train.”
The four of them remorsefully watched as Earl and the coach packed the wagon out front, carefully arranging Fanny’s bags and making room for everyone to settle comfortably.
Leaning over her ear, Bert quietly whispered, “Once she boards the train, I suggest we stay back and allow them a moment alone on the platform to say their goodbyes.”
Nodding silently, Kitty couldn’t help the solitary tear that dripped from her eye. Her husband’s hand found hers, squeezing it gently as he held it low by his side.
The ride to town was mostly quiet, with Chuck occasionally interrupting the silence by commenting on something or the other along the way.
While Fanny maintained her cheerful composure, lightheartedly acknowledging Chuck’s observations, Kitty heard the misery in the undertone of his voice. She also did not miss the desolate look in his eyes, despite his attempts to conceal them under the brim of his hat for the most part.
Upon arrival at the station, the four of them descended from the wagon. Kitty caught Chuck’s eyes as he received Fanny’s hand while she stepped down, noticing the way they took her all in, scanning her from head to toe as if he were attempting to take a mental photograph of her one last time.
Her heart ached for them and she couldn’t restrain the rush of emotions that flowed through her insides. Knowing full well that it was only natural to cry at these times, she let herself go as she said her farewells.
She was not only crying because Fanny was leaving. She was also secretly mourning the love she watched being conceived and aborted before it even had the chance to take its first breath.
“Promise to never stop writing,” she whispered.
“I can’t stop, even if I wanted to,” Fanny reassured her, wiping Kitty’s tears with her fingers. “You’re my little sister, silly!”
“You’re far stronger than I.”
“No.” She tittered, quickly turning around and taking Chuck’s hand as he helped her up the step. “I’m just older and wiser,” she hollered, teasing her with a big grin and teary eyes.
When Fanny settled in her seat by the window, Kitty felt Bert’s fingers tugging on her hand, a discreet reminder of their agreement. After planting a kiss on her fingertips and pressing them against the glass, she stepped backward as Bert took her back to the wagon, leaving Chuck behind.
“Dear Lord,” she whined as soon as they stepped into the vehicle. “I didn’t imagine it would be this difficult.”
She began to quietly sob against Bert’s shoulder as he comforted her, patting her arm and kissing her cheek.
Lifting her head up, she glanced at Chuck and Fanny as their lips mouthed words she could not hear. Fanny’s gracious smile still adorned her face, and Kitty was in awe of her friend’s unwavering command over her nerves.
Sorrowfully shaking her head, she moaned. “I can’t remember the time I lived without her.”
“I know that things are going to be very different, but sweetheart, you’re with me now.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “And she has an open invitation to visit whenever she pleases. She could just drop by at any time. She’s always welcome.”
“My love, you’re awfully generous. I truly appreciate it.”
“And I truly mean it. Whatever makes you happy.”
In spite of the conflicting feelings that were raging within her, Kitty did not want to divulge to her husband what she thought about Fanny’s life in Chicago.
Without a hint of a doubt, she was making a difference and fulfilling a purpose only a few adopted with such vigor and dedication. But Fanny was neither a nun nor was she incapable of aiming for more. She could teach anywhere, at any orphanage or school, and they would be lucky to have her.
But she absolutely did not need to banish herself away from the world and deny her soul the pleasures of love, and her heart the prospects of a happy family.
And Chuck. Poor Chuck, who seemed to have completely blossomed throughout the past six weeks. She had witnessed her husband’s best friend transform from a rough, somewhat cynical cowboy to an attentive escort for her Fanny.
“Chuck was never married, was he?” she blurted out.
“No. Never.”
“Was his heart broken?”
“As most men’s were.” He tittered.
“Was it recent?”
“Not particularly. Why do you ask?”
“I reckon I’m only finding out what a hopeless romantic I really am.”
“You weren’t before?” His eyes examined her.
“Perhaps—” She paused, her eyes turning to Chuck and Fanny. “Perhaps I wasn’t aware.”
He sighed, taking her hand in his lap. “Sweetheart, you can’t control everything.”
“But I can still observe and wonder,” she mused. “Don’t you agree?”
She remembered all the times they sat out on the porch at night, exchanging stories and jokes. Her mind recalled the way Chuck loved to brag about his past time adventures from when he was younger, especially when Fanny was around.
Fond memories of how he taught her friend how to ride a horse, milk a cow, and rake hay put a smile on her face.
If he did not truly care for Fanny, then what was that all about?
And he was, indeed, in love with her… then why was he letting her slip away?
Chapter 14
When Fanny accepted Chuck’s hand to help her up onto the train, he leaned closer, lowered his gaze away, and whispered, “May I kiss your cheek?”
At first, her eyes widened and she seemed taken aback by his request. But, being the strong woman that he had known her to be, she thought on her feet, graciously nodding. “You may.”
It was the first time for him to touch her beyond the appropriate meeting of their fingers.
When his lips made contact with her skin, he inhaled deeply and her light, momentary fragrance of jasmine invaded his nostrils. Her entire being was demure, and in spite of her obvious self-consciousness, she was utterly captivating to him.
Abruptly pulling himself away, he busied himself with helping her up and carrying her cases. He then became occupied with locating her compartment and settling her in, making sure she did not need anything else for the long journey eastwards.
“Thank you,” she repeated with every chivalrous gesture he made.
His mind was working at the speed of light, making imaginary lists of things she could use along the way.
It was the only defense he had against the emotions he was struggling to conceal. The way he was feeling at that moment took him by surprise, for it was d
ifferent from any other emotion he had experienced with any woman in the past.
It was all too new.
All too overwhelming.
And here she was, contently settling in her seat, her sweet eyes examining him with complete submission and acceptance of the events that were unfolding.
And that understanding smile. What was she suppressing behind that infinite courteousness?
It killed him.
“So,” he nervously sighed, instinctively touching the pockets of his jeans as if he were forgetting something. “You need anything else?”
Her eyes beamed with gratitude as she smiled. “Thank you, Chuck.”
The rude, harsh whistle of the conductor pierced through his ears, fatefully announcing that the train had mere minutes until its imminent departure.
Chuck’s eyes immediately darted out through the window and toward the wagon, where he saw Kitty breaking out in a fresh bout of tears.
Why was he so emotional?
“All right, then.” Lowering his gaze, he awkwardly marched down the narrow aisle and through the door, stepping down and out before making his way over to Fanny’s window.
“Well, I suppose this is it.” He nervously tittered from under his hat.
Fanny pressed her lips into a thin line and simultaneously smiled while tilting her head. Her eyes spoke volumes of codes he dearly wished he could decipher.
“I really enjoyed having you at the ranch,” he confessed.
“The past few weeks have been exceptionally special to me, too.” A shadow of sadness fleetingly flashed through her eyes. “I shall never forget them.”
“Best of luck, Fanny. With everything,” he spoke quickly lest his voice break.
“Thank you.” Her voice reached his ears as a chanted whisper, hitting the last fraying string of his racking nerves.
There she was… dear Fanny.
His only chance at a truly fulfilled life was separated from him by a framed sheet of glass. And he was resignedly… defeatedly allowing her to pull out of the station and never be seen again.
A Spinster in the West Page 5
