by Danni Roan
“It certainly is a lively church,” she observed as she and Theo left the church, stopping to chat with friends along the way.
“Here’s your basket,” Olive said, walking up to Teddy and handing him a large basket before handing over an old quilt to Amanda. “You’d best find yourself a nice place to eat and get settled before the good ones are all gone.” She turned, gazing out across the open grass and few shady spots around the church. “It seems a bunch of other folks had the same idea as we did.”
Amanda laughed, watching as Olive hurried back to Orville, waving the family toward a tall old tree.
“Where would you like to sit?” Teddy asked. “There’s a spot there by the woods if that suits you.”
“That looks lovely,” Amanda smiled.
They had only gone a few yards when a rough voice accosted them.
“Now isn’t that sweet,” Mr. Alder stepped out of the shade of the church building. “Why Teddy, I do think you’ve got yourself the prettiest girl in town.” The older man’s eyes raked Amanda with approval, but she ignored him. She had ignored rude men in her life, and this small man would not upset her.
“Now, darlin’ if you get tired of trying to live rough with this cowpoke, you know you can always come to me. I’ve got a nice place above the saloon and enough money to buy you all the fancy dresses you want. Why I don’t even care if you’ve been taken by young Teddy here, I like women with a few miles on them.”
Teddy’s fist connected with Alder’s nose in a sickening crunch before Amanda had time to let loose with a scathing remark.
“Why you oaf, you hit me,” the bartender grumbled. “I was just havin’ some fun.”
Teddy pulled back his fist again, but a steel grip wound around his wrist, arresting his momentum.
“Amanda, you’d best come with me,” A woman’s voice whispered in her ear as she gaped in horror at her husband’s bloody fist and the saloon owner's gushing nose.
“Theodore,” Pastor Barton spoke, his voice a sharp bark as he held to Teddy’s arm. “I’d like a word with you.”
Amanda watched as several men came to attend to the saloon owner while her husband was pulled away by the preacher.
“Why did he do that?” She asked, turning toward Beth, who now held both quilt and basket in her hands. “The man wasn’t worth it.”
“Come sit down and we’ll talk,” Beth said. “I’ve already started on your first dress,” she added, hoping to distract Amanda from the unpleasantness of a moment ago.
Amanda followed the preacher’s wife to a spot near the trees that she and Theodore had been headed to. Soon she was sitting on the blanket sipping cold tea and wondering when Teddy would return.
***
“I’m afraid that was not a very wise thing for Teddy to do,” Beth said. “I know he feels like he isn’t good enough for you, but he’ll get over that in time.”
“He isn’t good enough for me?” Amanda turned wide eyes on the pastor’s wife.
“Of course,” Beth smoothed her skirts then met Amanda’s eyes. “Teddy is a simple man. He’s carrying a lot of weight and leftover hurt from the war, and now, he’s married himself a real lady. I’m sure he feels like he’s the luckiest and most undeserving man in town.”
“But why? I’m useless as a wife. I can’t cook or clean. I had to stop helping Rosa with the dishes because my hands were so raw.” Amanda lifted her gloved hands in supplication.
Beth settled her hands over Amanda’s. “Those things you can learn,” she said. “But Teddy knows he’ll never be a gentleman. He’s just a cowboy who married a lady.”
Amanda shook her head. “He shouldn’t have hit that man. I know the creature was being odious, but he wasn’t worth our time.”
“Teddy was defending your honor.”
“My honor doesn’t need defending,” Amanda sighed. “I’ve had all sorts of insults tossed at me over the years in the city. Some men are simply rude. The best thing to do is to ignore them.”
Beth smiled. “We know that, but men sometimes don’t see it that way.” The young woman leaned in closer to Amanda and grinned. “To be honest, I think Mr. Alder deserved it. He’s been trying to filch on his agreement with Brandon. The man thinks that because he takes money from poor, hard-working miners, farmers, and cowhands, he’s a big deal. Maybe this will bring him down a peg.”
Amanda gaped at Beth then broke out with a laugh. It had been silly of Teddy to do what he did, but it was also sweet in a misguided sort of way.
***
“Now preacher,” Teddy started as they walked into the church. “Don’t start lecturing me on turning the other cheek and the like. Alder shouldn’t have said such a thing to my wife.”
“No, I don’t suppose he should have, but do you think he deserved a punch in the nose?”
Teddy scuffed his foot on the plank floor, just inside the church door. “It seemed like the thing to do at the time.”
Brandon chuckled. “I’m sure you aren’t the first man to think that. I believe Alder is looking for attention is all. Things are quieting down here in Needful, and folks don’t look so kindly on his presence as they used to.”
“He still has plenty of business, though.”
“That’s true, but don’t let him get under your skin. He isn’t worth it.”
“That’s what Amanda said as well.”
“She’s a smart woman.”
“And too good for me,” the words leapt from Teddy’s mouth so fast he couldn’t recall them.
“So that’s the problem,” Brandon nodded. “I thought there might be more to your reaction to Alder. Teddy,” Brandon placed a hand on Theodore’s shoulder. “That girl chose you. Don’t shame her by second guessing her choice.”
Teddy stood, shrugging off the preacher’s hand. “But she’s a fine lady, and I’m just a cowhand.”
“That’s not true.” Brandon stood, meeting Teddy’s hot gaze. “You’re far more than a cowhand. You’re a good friend, loyal, hard-working, and true. I know Dan trusts you, not only with his cattle but with his life.”
Teddy dropped his gaze, his mind racing back to the war and his foolish acts of what Dan called bravery. “I look out for them I care for.”
“And that is why Amanda will grow to love you. Let her see the man inside. Don’t hide who you are, worrying about what you can or can’t give that girl. Maybe she is a fine lady, but she has made her choice, and with love, understanding, and care, she’ll find her way as your wife. The two of you stood before me last week exchanging your vows. I didn’t see any hesitation in her words.”
“You really think so?” Teddy looked up, meeting the preacher's gaze once more.
“Teddy, a woman doesn’t just want things, she wants love. You could give her the world, but if you couldn’t love her, she would always be lacking.”
“I don’t know, Preacher. She’s always had everything she wanted. How will she adjust to life as my wife?”
“Make her a part of that life,” Brandon said. “Share everything with her, your job, your finances, and your worries. Build a partnership where she’s as much a part of your world as the very breath you breathe.”
Teddy scratched the back of his neck. “You really think it will make a difference?”
“I know it will.”
“I reckon I’d better join my wife.” Teddy grinned. “She’s expecting a picnic.” Teddy turned, walking out the door pondering the preacher’s words.
Chapter 15
“Theo?” Amanda asked as her husband returned, slumping to the blanket she had spread in the shade of the trees. “Do you want to go home?”
“No,” Teddy shrugged, dropping to the blanket, his head hanging. “I promised you a picnic.”
Amanda looked at her dejected spouse, wondering what she should do. Reaching out, she pulled his hat from his head, placing it next to her knee. “Oh, your hand,” she said, pointing at his battered knuckles. “Let me see.”
Teddy reached ou
t his hand, flinching as Amanda wrapped her handkerchief around it, tying it off with gentle fingers.
“Why did you do it?” Amanda asked, waiting until Theo met her gaze. “It wasn’t worth it.”
Teddy shook his head, shame making his face flush. “He shouldn’t have said what he did,” he tried, hoping to justify his actions.
“No, but what he says shouldn’t determine your behavior.”
Teddy offered Amanda a half-grin in acknowledgment of her words. “It’s true,” he finally spoke. “You should have married a man who could give you all the nice things you’re used to. A nice house, servants, fancy clothes.” He lifted the soft ruffle around her skirt as sorrow and shame washed over him.
“If that was all I wanted, I could have stayed home. My step-father would have found an appropriate man for me to marry, someone who would bring more wealth to the family through land, investment, or assets. I didn’t want that.”
“But I’m just a cowhand,” Teddy objected. “I have a tiny house, and you have to learn to do all the things you always had done for you. It doesn’t seem fair.”
Amanda grinned, reaching for the basket and placing the food on the blanket. “Theodore, I chose you. You may not have all of the things I grew up with, but you’re honest and true. That is what I need more than anything else. When I left home…” Amanda paused, handing Theo a plate. “It wasn’t just that I didn’t like my step-father. I thought he was a rude and greedy man, but it was more than that.”
Teddy took the plate Amanda offered, meeting her eyes as curiosity got the best of him. “Did he behave inappropriately?”
“No,” Amanda shook her head. “At one point, I went into town to meet a friend for tea. While we were out, I saw my stepfather with another woman.” Amanda’s cheeks flushed as she continued. “She did not appear to be a woman of good repute.”
“And that’s why you left.”
“I tried to speak to my mother, but she wouldn’t listen. She said that her new husband was a good man and that he would never do anything to cause her pain. When I tried to argue, she told me that if I was going to spread lies about the man she loved that I should leave.”
Teddy’s eyes widened at the words, and he reached for Amanda’s hand, giving it a soft squeeze. “I’m sorry.”
“Perhaps you aren’t rich and you don’t have all the fancy things I grew up with,” Amanda continued. “But you are honest. When you told me you would provide for and protect me, I knew it was true.”
Teddy’s lips twitched into a sad smile. “And love,” he said. “I’m already half in love with you, and I want that to grow.”
Amanda smiled, dropping her eyes shyly. “I like you too,” she admitted, her heart fluttering. “I look forward to learning to love you more each day.”
Amanda finished filling her plate and picked up a fork, taking a delicate bite of the delicious meal prepared for them. She still wasn’t happy about Teddy’s behavior, but she could understand how he felt. It wasn’t fair that a good man like Theodore had to scrape for everything he had, while men like Mr. Alder grew fat and rich profiting from the vices of other men.
Together they ate in companionable silence, finishing the meal as the sun grew high.
“How about a stroll to the stream?” Teddy asked, handing his plate back to Amanda, who packed it carefully into the basket. “It’s pretty this time of year. Shallow, but pretty.”
“I think I’d like that,” Amanda grinned. “Then, we can take this back to the Hampton House, settle up, and head home.”
The way Amanda said home filled Teddy with joy, hope, and cheer. After so long with nowhere to truly call home, he felt that anywhere with the beautiful woman who had become his wife was truly home.
“It is pretty here,” Amanda said a few minutes later as she walked arm in arm with Theodore under the shade of twisted cottonwoods growing along the stream.
“It’s cool and quiet,” Teddy agreed. “I always like comin’ along here on a Sunday. Back home, we had a stream that flowed through the property.”
“You never told me where you were from,” Amanda said.
“Kentucky,” Teddy said, still walking. “It was a long time ago, and there’s nothing there now. My folks died while I was away fighting’.”
“I’m sorry.”
Teddy turned, looking down into blue eyes filled with compassion. “I was angry a long time,” he said. “It was a bad time, but I’m learning that God has a plan for each of us. A path that’s different than anyone else’s.”
Amanda stopped, turning to look up into Theo’s face, hidden in shadow by his new wide-brimmed hat. Reaching out, she pulled the hat from his head, letting it dangle from her fingertips as she smiled up at him.
Teddy touched Amanda’s face, brushing her cheek with a gentle hand. “You’re sure pretty,” he drawled.
Amanda blushed, liking the feel of Theo’s hand on her face. “Thank you,” she blushed.
Teddy leaned in, brushing Amanda’s lips with his. Somewhere between the moment he had punched the saloon owner in the nose, and now, he realized he already loved his little wife. He didn’t care if she ever learned to cook, clean, or do the wash. She was exactly what he needed.
***
“You come to see us anytime you want to now,” Olive said as Teddy and Amanda prepared to depart. “You’re welcome to pop in for tea and a visit whenever you can.”
“I will,” Amanda promised, squeezing the older woman’s hand. “Now that I have a horse to ride and a proper saddle, I can come to town anytime I need to.”
Teddy raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. He wanted Amanda to feel free to come and go as she pleased, but he didn’t like the idea of her traveling to town alone.
“We’ll see ya next week,” he offered, waving at the Hampton’s. “We have a busy week ahead.”
Amanda waved, giving her friends a backward glance, as Teddy helped her up onto Pal’s back. “I’ll have to have you come visit as well,” she called, her eyes falling on Ellen. “As soon as I learn how to make a pot of tea.”
A soft titter of laughter followed the couple down the street toward the ranch.
“I can’t believe you said that,” Teddy grinned.
“Why not?” Amanda smiled at her husband. “Everyone knows I’m all but useless in the homemaking department. That doesn’t mean I can’t learn. Besides, if I can’t learn to laugh at myself, I’ll make life miserable for both of us.”
Teddy reached across the space between them, taking her hand. “I knew there was a reason I liked you.”
Amanda grinned, a wicked gleam entering her eyes as she released Theo’s hand and urged Pal into a run. “Catch me if you can.”
With a sharp laugh Teddy, kicked Pepper into a run to match Pal. His little wife did have pluck; it just took some time for her to show it.
Chapter 16
The sound of galloping hooves filled the evening as Teddy raced to keep up with Amanda. Her dark hair had come unpinned and flowed behind her, making him grin. He had never seen a woman ride like that, and it made his heart swell with pride as they thundered toward the ranch.
The girl was full of a spark that had remained hidden, but now flared into flame. If only he could love her well enough, perhaps some of that same heat would glow in her eyes for him. She was beautiful, smart, funny, and could ride like the wind.
Together they galloped over the hill, making the turn toward the ranch. Dark clouds crested the horizon to the east, as the sun slipped lower on the horizon, painting the sky a glowing blood-red in the wake of the oncoming storm. Mounds of black clouds were painted in steaks of pink and gold as the thunderheads broke in the distance.
Teddy pressed his hat tighter on his head as the wind kicked up dust, blowing it into a whirlwind of grit. “Amanda, make for the ranch,” he shouted over the gusting wind. “A storm’s coming.”
Amanda nodded as a flash of lightning sizzled on the distant hills, shattering the sky with a roar.
Leaning over Pal’s neck, Amanda urged the horse to quicken the pace, hoping to outrun the sheet of rain sweeping toward them in a curtain of gray.
Pepper stretched out, ears flat along his neck as he felt his rider’s desperation, driving past, Pal.
Teddy looked back over his shoulder as Amanda gave the little palomino her head, hoping they would make the safety of the ranch before the storm reached them.
Another lightning strike split the sky as wind flattened the long grass along the prairie, and Amanda screamed, watching as Pepper stumbled, toppling forward, and taking Teddy with him.
