by Rita Hestand
"You are so beautiful. Why do you hide behind those ugly clothes? Don't you want a man to love you?" Josey insisted scowling as she helped to zip the dress.
"Didn't want anyone getting any ideas. Besides, when the right man comes along, he'll love me despite the clothes, and I'll know it's the real thing. I want a man to love me...not my body."
"Maybe, but you can't hide beauty, honey. And I think your Mr. Rusty sees right through your disguise. I've seen the way he looks at you." Josey hugged her then moved away and wiped the tears from her eyes. "I'm so happy for you."
Hannah opened her mouth to stay Josey's emotions, but then thought better of it. No use ruining Josey's dreams. From the time she was a small girl Josey had mothered Hannah and they had become family. Josey was as close to a mother as Hannah was gonna have and ruining this day for her would hurt her. She'd be quiet.
But when she zipped the dress, Hannah fit right into it, as though it had been made for her. Even Hannah couldn't believe it. She wondered wildly if she was being a bit too presumptuous about wearing this dress. Perhaps she should have stuck with the one she originally bought for the occasion, a plain white A-line dress, with no frills. Still, Rusty had gone to a lot of expense to prove a point, and this wedding dress would help drive home the fact that they were really getting married. They were going through all the motions...and emotions. Business or not, it was still a marriage and in the sight of God, she reminded herself. Could she possibly take such a vow and not mean it?
She glanced in the mirror and her eyes became big, pools of tears. Seeing herself as a bride shocked her into reality. Dear God, she was about to marry Rusty Travers!
The bodice was fitted, and her small but perfect breasts pouted pleasingly against the top of her gown. The long white puffy satin sleeves were adorned with pearls and lace. The skirt was long and full and the train dragged a good yard or two.
A knock came at the door, and Josey went to answer it. Jimmy came in.
"My God, Hannah, you're beautiful honey!" He cried lifting her into his arms and twirling her about.
Hannah laughed and cried and hugged her brother with all her might.
"I'm so scared." She admitted her knees knocking like two bongo drums against each other.
"Hey, he's a pretty nice fella. I just met him. He's sure acting proud as a peacock." Jimmy smiled at her as he set her down and eyed her again.
"You look like Mama." He said, his voice going low.
"I can barely remember her," she cried.
"Yeah, me too. If it weren't for all the pictures I probably wouldn't." Jimmy shrugged. "You've got to meet my wife. I'll call her in, if you don't mind."
Hannah wished she had a few more minutes alone with him, but he seemed bent on making introductions. Hannah felt awkward shaking hands with the beautiful blonde that waltzed elegantly into the bedroom.
Pam wasted no time in hugging her, "I'm so very happy to meet you Hannah. Jimmy's told me so much about you. I feel I know you."
Hannah smiled. She knew nothing of her except what Jimmy had managed to write in his letters. They were strangers, but the smile on her face told Hannah they would soon be friends.
Josey was introduced to Pam when she came back in with the long flowing veil and after a lot of making over her dress and the wedding arrangements; Hannah was finally alone in the room.
She glanced at the bed, her bed. Would Rusty expect her to share it? It wasn't part of the bargain and she couldn't think about that now. The wedding march was playing and Jimmy knocked to take her arm and guide her down the narrow little pathway of her living room to where her handsome husband-to-be stood staring. He looked at her from head to foot, and smiled as he took her arm from Jimmy.
Hannah couldn't take her eyes off Rusty. He was so virile and handsome today she lost her breath several times. Was she breathing? She doubted it.
Rusty was wearing a dark blue western suit, and bolero tie against a light blue silk shirt. He had a silver Stetson on and his boots were shined. The way his muscles stretched against his jacket when he moved, made Hannah twice as aware of him as she should be. She found herself looking at him closely, and liking the way his mouth twitched just a bit as he looked at her. She saw something in his expression that told her he was fulfilling his promise to her, and maybe more. Her heart leapt.
Hannah felt light headed, as though she weren't really here. As though all these people were watching her get married, thinking it was for real. There were a sea of faces behind her, but she didn't see any of them because quite frankly she couldn't take her eyes off Rusty.
The ceremony was over before she realized it, and the preacher was smiling and saying," You can kiss the bride now..."
Rusty turned to her, smiled devilishly down into her surprised face and took her mouth in a hot kiss that melted her bones, and had their audience sighing with pleasure. Her knees buckled for a fraction as his tongue slid warmly into her mouth and caressed hers. He seemed intent on relishing the moment, but even then he was holding her up, determined to get her through this moment of bliss without marring the perfect ceremony.
When he finally let her go, she heard the slightest groan, but couldn't decide whether it came from him, or herself. She turned away, to hide the desire on her face and smiled at the congregation that was now hovering around them.
"Okay, leave a little for the rest of us Rusty, " Deke chuckled as he took Hannah into his arms and kissed her lightly on the lips. Then Clint and Jake had a turn with her. Jimmy came to stand by her side. He kissed her and smiled into her worried eyes.
"You okay, sis?"
"Yes, of course," she managed brightly, hoping no one heard her knees knocking.
Rusty was by her side, holding her elbow, even it shivered. She was grateful for once to be held up; for she wasn't sure she could manage it. God, how could she keep her nerves from falling apart?
All her school friends stood waiting to tell her how beautiful she looked, her ranch hands looked a little stunned as they'd never seen the boss dressed like this.
One by one, they kissed her cheek and congratulated Rusty.
Then Burt walked up to her, his face serene, he shook Rusty's hand and looked into her eyes, "Be good to her."
"I intend to." Rusty answered meeting the warning with a smile.
Burt leaned over to kiss her cheek, and whispered, "If you ever need me..."
Hannah looked from one to the other, then Rusty whispered as Burt turned and walked away. "I invited him. I thought it only right."
Hannah nodded her approval.
Why was Rusty doing this? Why did he insist on all these people, all this expense? The flowers, she hadn't expected, all over her living room only minutes before the wedding. The actual wedding ring that matched the engagement ring...the one Jennifer should be wearing she reminded herself, trying to bring some level of sanity to the day.
Minutes later they cut the cake and he shoved a small piece in her mouth as a photographer captured the moment. Photographer? Where had he come from, she wondered? But it was the way he shoved it into her mouth, almost erotic in motion. No...she was over- reacting. He wasn't thinking those things. Was he?
"You've got one fine young man there Hannah. Be gentle with him."
Hannah wondered at Emma's words, but there was little time to ponder as a fiddler struck up the music and the dancing began.
Hannah met Clint and Abby, and Jake had come all the way from Peaceful for the event. There was no problem in keeping the names straight though, each Travers brother had a completely different personality.
Jimmy walked up to Rusty and shook his hand solemnly; he glanced at her and whispered, "We'll talk later, hon."
Then Rusty walked off with him for a few minutes.
Hannah wondered what Jimmy was saying to her new husband. She hoped he wouldn't talk about her job in Vegas. She wanted to do that personally, if the time ever came for it.
Jimmy had made no bones about the fact that he hated what
his sister had done for a living, but agreed it did put him through school and that it wouldn't be a topic for discussion. She only hoped he remembered that now.
She secretly wished she had more time to visit with Jimmy, but knew it wasn't the best time to seek him out. It had been a long time and there was so much catching up she wanted to do.
When a slow waltz filtered through the full living room, Rusty looked for Hannah in the crowd of people. It didn't take him long to spot her, she noticed. Then he took her into his arms. Hannah laughed and pretended a lightheartedness she wasn't feeling. Yet being in Rusty's arms again immediately brought the sexual tension front and center and Hannah struggled to remember that this wasn't for real and that Rusty didn't really love her.
Funny how that thought kept bouncing around in her head.
Mr. Simmons talked with Rusty for a few minutes afterwards and Hannah wanted desperately to know what he might have said, but there wasn't a time to ask. Maybe later, she told herself as she turned a smile on her guests and tried to keep focused.
Rusty showered her with attention and was quite the gentleman, kissing her on the cheek endlessly, nibbling on her neck and smiling as though he were the happiest man alive. Hannah tried to match him, but the quiver in her knees threatened to send her to the floor several times.
Altogether it was a day Hannah was ready to end. The tension between her and Rusty seemed electrical at moments and she had the greatest tendency to run. Her heart was at stake and somehow she had to remember this wasn't for real.
Then Deke got everyone's attention, by clanging his champagne glass with a spoon.
"It's pretty traditional in this family to have a honeymoon. And Rusty and Hannah are gonna have a great one. Me, Clint and Jake are seeing to that. We've made arrangements for a surprise honeymoon for the two of them. Their Lear-jet is waiting so we need to wrap things up here. While Hannah changes, we'll make arrangements to get as many to the airport as possible."
Hannah's eyes got big and she cut a glance at Rusty. Without a word, he gathered her in his arms, and brought her close, "Play along with this. If Simmons had any doubts as to my collateral, it will be gone now." Rusty whispered and then kissed her.
It was meant to be a small kiss of affection, but all the excitement keying the air at the moment as some wanted to ride to the small air strip to see them off caught and Hannah found herself drowning in the kiss. As though hanging on to her new husband was the last remnant of sanity left. He tasted so good, smelled so divine.
When they broke apart, Clint raised a whoop and several hats were tossed in the air.
He released her to Josey who whisked her off to the bedroom again to change. Hannah hurried her mind a blur of the events. Now what? A honeymoon was the last thing she expected. Her nerves were a frazzle. How could she cope with this added pressure?
But as she joined Rusty again she didn't see one sign of hesitation with him. In fact, he seemed almost eager.
Hannah stood frozen to the spot, until Rusty picked her up in his arms and carried her to the limo awaiting them outside.
Chapter Ten
The minute Rusty got behind the wheel of the jet, Hannah shut the cabin door and joined him in the other seat. She was full of questions, but her stomach churned for a few moments. Being in the plane made her queasiness return and she sat quietly for a while, trying to keep her stomach in control.
"H-how did..."
Rusty was busy with the instrument panel for several minutes and finally when airborne he turned to her, knowing she was full of questions.
"Calm down, Hannah. It's all just to impress your Mr. Simmons. And I'd say from his sheepish expression when he saw the Lear-jet, he was mighty impressed."
"Is it...yours?"
"No," Rusty answered checking yet another switch. "I've been taking flying lessons from a buddy of mine. It's a loan."
She nodded woodenly. "Well...that explains that, then, but..."
"No self-respecting groom would marry a beautiful woman and not take her on a honeymoon, now would they? Simmons would expect it. We had to come up with something."
"I see, so where are we going?"
"To Vegas!"
"Vegas...?" Her heart did a flip-flop and her stomach did a dive. Vegas! "But...the ranch....I can't just leave."
"It's all taken care of. Deke's letting several of our hands stay on the place till we get back."
Hannah slumped into the seat and laid her head back so she could rest it. She was tired, mainly from all the keyed up tension that had surrounded the entire ceremony, and now this, so unexpected. And Vegas!
"Don't fret Little Darlin'. This isn't costing us much, none of it."
"What about the limo?" Hannah protested.
"Deke took care of that. I don't know if he paid for it, or what. Knowing Deke it was probably just a return favor from a friend. You'll have to ask him."
Hannah shook her head in amazement. "Well, I have to hand it to you, when you set out to impress, you do a bang up job, Mr. Travers."
"Thanks, Mrs. Travers."
Mrs. Travers? The fact that she'd just married this man, legally, hit her again. Also the fact that he had done everything in his power to impress the banker, make sure he was at the wedding, and all her friends too, made her confident now that they would get the loan without a problem. The ranch was saved!
Elated and fearful of this trip, she gripped her chair arms. She should have told Rusty all about her job in Vegas, and then she wouldn't be facing it now. But how? What would he think of her? She'd have to wait till the right time came. And hope she didn't run into anyone she knew before that time came.
They landed on a small private strip just the other side of North Las Vegas and rented a car to drive to the hotel.
Hannah had an awful feeling that this trip would soon catch up with her, but there was little she could do. Until she could figure out how to break it to him, she had to trust her instincts to guide her. Surely he would understand.
But now they were truly alone. And that fact hit Hannah like a tidal wave. What was she going to do with her handsome husband now?
What did Rusty have in mind?
Rusty seemed unaware of her qualms as he escorted her into the lobby of Caesar's Palace. She felt the blood leave her face, as she walked up to the desk. Would anyone working here recognize her? Just down the street was Bally's and the Indigo Lounge where she'd worked. Had it only been a few months before that she'd been one of the line-up for the Jubilee Theater? As long as she didn't run into Vic she might be alright. At least until she found a way to tell Rusty about her life here.
Rusty not only took the keys to their room but signed them up for a tour of the Hoover Dam, a show, and took a brochure on the sites about town. He handed the brochures to her as he took her elbow and they followed the bellman to their room.
"You've picked a Spa Deluxe Room, one of our finest," the bellman said with a smile as he motioned for Hannah to enter the room.
Hannah was immediately immersed in fascinating decorum of gold's and ambers. The frosted glass windows that separated the huge bath from the double beds in the main room distracted while Rusty tipped the bellman.
"This is beautiful," she sighed as she sank herself into one of the big double beds and rolled on it.
"I'm glad you approve." Rusty chuckled.
"It looks terribly expensive though, Rusty." Hannah said thinking about the expense of it all.
"This room was reasonable, considering others, and for what we get. But don't get too comfortable. We'll dine at Terrazza's tonight, since it's in the hotel. They have fantastic rack of lamb. Then tomorrow we'll do a tour, see a show, and maybe even gamble a little." He teased with a gentle tugging of her arm. "So, change clothes if you wish, casual to dressy, and let's get a bite to eat before we call it a night. I'd like to walk down to the Bellagio and show you a beautiful display of water and lights tonight. You'll love it."
Hannah realized the depth of his intentions t
o show her a good time and she was overwhelmed.
Before she could object to his expenditures, he was shooing her into the luxurious bath and she was stunned at the magnificent marble counters and tiles. She felt like a Roman princess tonight. Could she possibly be dreaming?
By the pool an hour or so later, she watched the shimmering water play its magic on her heart. If this were a real honeymoon, she'd be so speechless. The succulent rack of lamb was dusted with pecorina Romano cheese. It tempted and delighted her taste buds. She totally approved of Rusty's choice.
Even later they walked to the Bellagio and watched along the walkway as the water and the beautiful colors and music brought it all to life.
Hannah had lived here for nearly three years and not once had she enjoyed the luxuries that Rusty was allowing her. She'd dreamed of staying at Caesar's Palace, at dining at an elegant restaurant, at taking the time to enjoy the sites of this magnificent tinsel town. But during that time she had worked her butt off to support her brother and father and hadn't had those luxuries. Now he was making her dreams come true, and offering her another world to discover.
As they slowly made their way back to the hotel, Hannah realized that Bally's was in between the two hotels. She held her breath as she passed the familiarly lit Bally's.
She had to tell Rusty about her dancing. Hannah refrained from going to the bed again, instead she sat on the floor, watching TV for a while, and then glanced at Rusty several times. What a handsome man she had married, a little too handsome. He still wore his western tux, and she had changed into a silk pantsuit, but looked dressy, Josey had told her.
Rusty ordered wine from room service and settled next to her on the floor
"I didn't even ask if you liked wine." He asked as he tried to put her at ease.
"It's just what I needed." She laughed, all the tension drained and replaced by a warm fuzzy feeling as she sipped the fruity wine. She wasn't used to wine but she knew enough not to gulp it down.
"Tomorrow we'll take the tour, how's that?" Rusty suggested as he took the last sip of his wine and then took her glass and set it aside.
