Joe glanced from one friend to the other and shook his head. “I guess you don’t know who you’re talking to. So I’ll let what you just said go. Men know to respect me now. Haven’t you heard I struck it rich? I bet I’m richer than all you Kavanaghs. If I’m saying I want that woman I want that woman and not you or anybody else is going to take her from me.”
The man standing on Kingsley’s right side lunged toward Clarissa. She screamed loudly. Donnell blocked the man until he backed off. But when Donnell turned back toward Kingsley, he found a gun in his face. Donnell didn’t move; he just stared.
“Whoa! Whoa folks what’s going on here?” The sheriff asked. “Put that gun down.”
Kingsley put his gun back into its holster. But he didn’t step back.
The sheriff put himself between Donnell and Kingsley. “Let’s work this out peacefully. Now somebody tell me what’s going on.”
“That there gal is my mail-order bride. I sent her a lot of money to get her here and I’m getting the feeling she ain’t gonna marry me. But she’s bought and paid for and she’s mine.”
The sheriff stared at Clarissa for a moment. “Weren’t you the one involved with Hank Thatcher?” He turned to Kingsley. “Did you buy her from Hank Thatcher?”
“Hank Thatcher is my father. Though I just met him a few weeks ago. He didn’t sell me to anyone. He has no right. I came to Texas as Mr. Kingsley’s mail-order bride but he never came to collect me. I waited and waited without any money and wondered what I was supposed to do. I had just enough money to rent a room for one night above the saloon. I’ve never been so hungry in my life. I was very frightened and didn’t know what to do. When I asked around no one had heard of Joe Kingsley. It was odd, very odd. Donnell Kavanagh was gracious enough to bring me out to his ranch and give me a place to stay. I stayed in a house by myself so there was no impropriety at all. In fact, Donnell tried to track down Mr. Kingsley. He discovered Mr. Kingsley was mining for gold and decided that gold was better than a mail-order bride. It also came to my attention Mr. Kingsley was indeed in town when I arrived. He took one look at me and said I was not good enough. I wasn’t pretty enough for him. I would say he’s the lowest of low.”
“Is this true?” The sheriff asked Kingsley.
“Well it ain’t a lie. She never found herself another fella so our engagement stands. I done told you she’s mine.”
The bells above the door of the general store rang. Dolly stepped out with both hands on her hips. She gave Kingsley her best glare. “Well that’s where you’re wrong. Donnell is going to marry Clarissa. He told everybody two weeks ago. We talked to the Reverend and all there is left to do is for the two of them to pick a date. So, Mr. Kingsley your claim is not valid. I want you to stay away from Clarissa.”
Donnell’s heart skipped a beat as his stomach dropped. Leave it to Dolly to marry him off any way she could. He took a deep breath but realized Dolly was only protecting Clarissa. “Why that’s why Clarissa is here today in town that is, she wanted to get a few things for her wedding dress.” He turned to put his arm around Clarissa’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “Isn’t that right, honey?”
Donnell felt her stiffen. “Of course, sugar pie.”
Kingsley narrowed his eyes and glared. “I don’t believe you for one red-hot minute. I think the best thing to do is for me and Clarissa to get hitched right now.”
Donnell wasn’t sure what to say. Somehow, he needed to outmaneuver Kingsley. He swallowed hard and looked into Clarissa’s eyes. “I agree. Let’s get the Reverend so Clarissa and I can get married right now.”
* * *
Her body trembled as she tried to decide what to do. For someone who didn’t approve of lies they certainly did fall easily from Donnell’s tongue. She stepped away from him so she could look him in the eye. If she saw something anything that would lead her to believe that he cared for her she would go along with his lie. She looked and looked and at first, he just returned her stare. Her back was against the wall and if she didn’t say yes Kingsley might just have a claim. Then she saw a flicker in Donnell’s blue eyes. If she was wrong, it would be the biggest mistake she ever made. But was this so different from being a mail-order bride again? Did Donnell realize how much he was giving up by marrying her? She would never be enough for him, and she certainly wasn’t pretty, that much she was positive of. His eyes grew softer, and she nodded her head.
“Yes, Donnell let’s do it now. I don’t want anything to ruin our happiness, and I certainly don’t want Mr. Kingsley’s proposal hanging over my head.”
Her heart warmed as Donnell kissed her on the cheek.
“I’ll go get the reverend,” he said.
John O’Rourke laughed. “I think Dolly beat you to it.”
Kingsley swore and spit on the ground. “I won’t forget this Kavanagh. Clarissa we could’ve been good together.” She watched as all three men turned and made their way back into the saloon.
Dolly hustled down the street with the reverend in tow. She was out of breath, but she was smiling. “I get to be maid of honor!” She made sure everyone stood in the proper places before she stood next to Clarissa. “It’s a wonderful day for an outdoor wedding.”
Chapter Twelve
Clarissa stood by the door to the house she’d been living in and watched as Donnell brought his things inside. He’d been almost silent since the wedding that morning. She grew more anxious with each breath. How was she supposed to act? Welcoming? Happy? Excited? Anxiety filled her and nothing else. At least with a mail-order arrangement the groom wanted to get married- with the exception of Joe.
Donnell did not look like a happy husband. He could be so stubborn. He might never care for her. A house with no smiles was what she imagined.
“I need to get to work.” He walked out the door.
Her heart plummeted. She knew but she’d hoped he’d show some type of affection. He barely kissed her at the wedding. He kept his body from touching hers the whole ride home, and when he lifted her down from the wagon, he acted as though she was as hot as coals. He let go of her so fast she almost stumbled. The he murmured something about getting his things and left.
Dolly smiled and hugged her. It had been so hard to keep a smile on her face, but she did for Dolly’s sake. Then Clarissa quickly turned and left.
The wish that he’d act differently when he moved in wasn’t granted. If she had a choice, she would have chosen Donnell but only if he’d chosen her too. She’d taken his freedom away from him and he’d probably never forgive her. Standing alone in the house she yearned for his arms around her. He could have stayed for just a minute or two. Now everyone will know he was forced to marry her.
And what about the children she wanted to have? The rest of the wives had been blessed and Gemma would have her baby in about four or five months. A child gave unconditional love didn’t it? Just once she wanted to know what it felt like.
Sighing she grabbed two sets of clean sheets and made up the bigger bed that she’d been sleeping in for Donnell. She made up the smaller one in the other room for herself. Then she moved her things into the smaller room. She’d let Donnell put his things where he wanted. Now what should she make for supper? It would be their first meal as husband and wife. Surely something special was called for.
She had venison Sullivan had shared with her, and thankfully she’d picked vegetables the day before. She couldn’t face anyone today. She couldn’t possibly have the happy glow a bride usually had. Maybe if she thanked him for his sacrifice it would make a difference. Yes, she would thank him and smile and act happy. That was bound to change things.
She got busy making stew and she also made cornbread to go with it. Soon the coffee was on the stove. Quickly she went and put on a pretty dress and took her time putting her hair up so it looked nice. The sound of the door opening set her heart pounding. She moistened her lips and went to greet him.
“Hello—”
Donnell frowned and interrupted her. “Get ready. We’r
e eating at the main house.”
She just stood and stared.
“Go on and fix yourself up while I wash.” He poured water into a basin and took it into his room.
Clarissa didn’t move. There wasn’t anything more she could do to make herself presentable. Her shoulders slumped but she refused to cry. Instead she took everything off the stove. Her food wouldn’t be needed.
Dolly probably wanted to do something special for them. If only she’d sent word before all the food was prepared. She grabbed her wrap and stood near the door.
Donnell hurried out of the bedroom and ushered her out the front door. Before he closed the door, he frowned at her.
He’d already said she wasn’t good enough or pretty enough. Funny that’s what Joe Kingsley had originally said. Donnell’s stride was long, and she had to practically run to keep up with him. She never put on her wrap. She’d seen Teagan and Quinn putting them on their wives. Maybe it would take Donnell a while to get used to married life.
Dolly opened the door before they even climbed the steps to the porch. She hugged Donnell and let go. Her smile dimmed a bit. Her gaze searched Clarissa’s before she hugged her extra hard.
“Everyone is here. We fed the children first, and Orla volunteered to watch then while we have a celebration supper.”
“That sounds wonderful, Dolly. Thank you for going to so much trouble for Donnell and me.” At his sharp look, she realized he didn’t want her to speak for him. He’d been a good man. What happened to her friend?
She was hugged by Ciara, Heaven, Sheila and then Gemma. “What a blessing it is to have you in our family,” Gemma enthused.
Everyone was seated, and it hurt to see the affection between the brothers and their wives. That was what she wanted, and her determination to have it grew. She listened while they all had stories to tell about their children. When she dared to glance at Donnell out of the corner of her eye, she could see his frown. Frankly, she was tired of seeing it, but she’d have to put up with it.
“You should have seen Donnell rescue me from Joe Kingsley!” Clarissa tried her best to sound excited.
Everyone wanted to know the story, and for the rest of the meal Donnell was at the center of attention. At least he wasn’t frowning and that was a good thing. Maybe he was just in a mood and everything would be fine. But she couldn’t help the doubt that crept into her mind.
At the end Dolly came out with a beautiful cake for their wedding. The icing was pure white, and Clarissa’s cheeks bloomed with warmth as she realized the meaning of the white icing. It was a symbol of the bride’s virginity.
“It is so beautiful, Dolly, thank you so very much for making this day special for us.”
Dolly put the cake in front of Clarissa and handed her a knife. Clarissa stood ready to cut the cake when Dolly made Donnell stand up too. “If you both cut the first piece a cake it’s good luck.”
Clarissa took the knife and gave it to Donnell. He held the knife and waited for her to put her hand on his and then he cut the first slice. He glanced at Clarissa and smiled. “It sure looks good. Thank you Dolly.”
Dolly beamed as she sliced the rest of the cake and handed it out to each. She went into the kitchen and grabbed the coffee pot then returned and poured everyone a cup.
Sullivan lifted his cup. “To much love, laughter, and children. That’s my wish for you.” Everyone lifted their cup and toasted to the couple.
* * *
Donnell wasn’t sure how much longer he could pretend to be happy. Just because they got married that morning everyone expected instant happiness from him. He didn’t work that way. Maybe one day he’d be able to look at Clarissa with love in his eyes, but he didn’t know when that would be. He felt things for her, but he wasn’t sure what it all meant. If she had really wanted to marry him, she wouldn’t have asked for the ads to be a mail-order bride.
Clarissa had icing at the top of her lip, and Donnell had the sudden urge to kiss her. He quickly turned from her. There would be no urges until he decided there would be. He glanced at her again and took his napkin gently wiping away the icing. It was going to be a fine line trying not to look like an idiot to his wife in public.
He was grateful that she understood. He noticed how she moved her things from the bigger bedroom. She was understanding, and he was happy he wouldn’t have a weeping woman on his hands.
It started getting late, and everyone needed to go and collect their children. It was always a long goodbye with his family. There were so many hands to shake and always a lot of hugs. It was a relief when he and Clarissa left the house. He noticed as they walked across the yard that she didn’t put her wrap around her shoulders. Right, because husbands usually did that for their wives. He’d have to observe and make a list of what he was supposed to do.
He opened the door and gestured for her to go in first. Clarissa sat in her rocking chair while he took a seat across from her. “What a day. I know when I woke up this morning, I wasn’t planning on getting married.”
She stiffened and lowered her gaze to her lap. “I know you didn’t, and I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I know this isn’t what you want and if there had been any other way, I would’ve taken it. You’re a good man, Donnell, and I’m sorry that you didn’t get to choose the wife of your dreams. I can cook, clean, do the wash, and stay out of your way. Actually, if you’d rather I can eat before you come home. So I agree, what a day.”
Donnell didn’t know what to say. He hadn’t looked at any of this from her perspective. Now he wasn’t sure how to act around her and that was unlike him. How did he show friendship and compassion without her getting the wrong idea? “I think it might take a bit of practice but we can share the house and give each other space. My routine is pretty much the same day in and day out, working the ranch. I think if we get that figured out will be just fine.”
She glanced up at him again, but this time he didn’t see anger on her face or in her eyes. Good, she was willing to make the best of it. It didn’t matter really. At least he already knew her background and all of her secrets. It was much easier than trying to find another woman to be his wife.
“Is there anything you need before I head into bed?”
“No, you go right ahead. I want to tidy up the kitchen and read my Bible before I go to bed. Donnell… thank you again for rescuing me. I know this isn’t what you wanted but I appreciate it so much.”
He nodded and lit another lamp to take into the bedroom with him. He didn’t say another word; he just went inside sat on his bed and wondered how it had all happened. He shook his head. Hadn’t he just promised himself he wasn’t going to look at the world in black-and-white anymore, that he was going to try to see the shades of gray? He had to admit she looked pretty in her dress tonight but he didn’t feel comfortable telling her so. He will have to try to do better. There was no sense living the rest of their lives in misery.
* * *
The next day Clarissa marveled at the way Donnell gave real smiles. Perhaps there was hope for them after all. She’d have to be patient, but last night as she lay in bed she realized she loved that ornery man more than she had thought.
Her heart was lighter when he headed to work. She looked around the house with a critical eye, trying to decide if she needed to change anything. She hadn’t looked at it that way before because she never planned to stay long. Curtains. She could definitely use new curtains. All she needed was the material and some sewing supplies. It wouldn’t cost very much at all.
She forgot to ask him if he was going to come in for the noon meal. She had bread baking in the oven, so she could make him a sandwich or something and hope it was good enough. Now what did he say about giving each other space? He was right his routine was pretty much the same every day. All she needed to do was to figure out her routine so they wouldn’t keep bumping into each other.
How do other brides feel when they first get married? She’d expected that marriage with Joe Kingsley would be awkward s
ince she didn’t know him. But what about marriages where the people knew each other? Did they experience awkwardness too? She wasn’t about to ask anyone. It would only embarrass Donnell. For now, she would have to keep her own counsel.
Noontime came and went without Donnell making an appearance. It made her both upset and relieved at the same time. She’d have to add respect to the list of things they needed to work out. She could go visit Dolly and Gemma but she knew she wouldn’t be good company. The whole house was clean so she sat in her rocker and read her Bible.
Later in the afternoon she put the stew back on the stove to heat. She put the coffee on to boil, but she waited before she put the cornbread back into the oven to heat. The days were beginning to grow longer and she waited and waited, but there was no sign of Donnell. She ate supper without him. Maybe he was trying to pretend she didn’t exist.
All this worrying was exhausting. She left a lamp on for her missing husband and then took one into her room. She changed into her nightgown, slipped into bed and fell asleep.
* * *
Donnell waited outside until he knew that Clarissa had gone to bed. The light in her room had just turned off. He was a coward. He wished he knew more about women. He’d had a long time to think out on the range, and he’d come to the conclusion that he would court his wife. Now all he had to do was figure out how to do that.
Chapter Thirteen
Donnell woke the next morning surprised the house was so quiet. He dressed and then walked into the kitchen. Clarissa must still be sleeping. He could just go to the bunkhouse and grab some coffee. Maybe he could grab some flowers on the way back. All women loved flowers.
He was heartily congratulated by the men in the bunkhouse and that actually made him feel good. He carried his coffee while he looked for flowers. There were some growing right in front of their house, how convenient. He picked a few of the pink ones and a few of the red. He carried them all in one hand and went back into the house.
Donnell: Cowboy Scrutiny: The Kavanagh Brothers Book 5 Page 9
