Tramp's Bride

by Kathleen Ball

  Ilene stopped pacing and gazed at him. “Oh, really?”

  Tramp took a deep breath, feeling like a fool. What if she said no? He squared his shoulders. “If you marry the owner, you’ll be able to live in the house forever.”

  Her jaw dropped, and she turned away from him. The silence lengthened until he wanted to take his offer back. Perspiration formed on his brow, and his heart sank. “Oh heck, I’ve put you in a bad position. Of course you’re not interested in marrying me.”

  She turned and covered her red cheeks with her hands. “I accept. I’m just sorry it’s not a love match. You can take the offer back if you like. It seems spur of the moment.”

  At least he knew how she felt about him. It wouldn’t be honorable to withdraw his proposal, and she’d already had one rejection today. “Of course, I want to marry you. It would solve both our problems. You get to live in the house, and I get Ava off my back. I think it’ll be just fine. We get on together, and we have the horses in common, and I can’t wait for you to fully heal so I can try your baked goods.”

  She nodded and gave him a smile that didn’t reflect in her eyes. “Yes we do have a good foundation to build on. We haven’t worked together with the horses but I think we’ll get on just fine. Thank you so much.” Her eyes softened. “I really don’t know what I would have done without you these last few weeks, and now this.”

  “I just helped out is all.” There was an awkward silence between them. He tried to find something to say but failed. Thankfully, Cecily came through the door.

  She smiled at them both. “Ilene you look better. I’m glad.”

  Ilene nodded.

  “You might as well be the first to know. I asked Ilene to be my bride,” Tramp said with what he hoped was pride in his voice.

  A wide smile spread across Cecily’s face. She walked to Ilene and gave her a big hug. “How exciting! I’m so happy for you both. When is the big day?” She took a step back and held on to both of Ilene’s hands.

  “My goodness we haven’t gotten that far yet.” Ilene smiled the first real smile he’d seen in a long time.

  “There’s time enough for the details later. I best get Ilene back to the mercantile so she can catch a ride home with Cookie.” Tramp held out his hand and was pleased when Ilene dropped Cecily’s hands and took his.

  “Congratulations again, and if you need any help let me know,” Cecily offered.

  Ilene nodded. “Thank you for everything, Cecily. I’m sorry I showed up at your door crying.”

  “Awe, honey, that’s what friends are for.” Cecily led them to the front door and opened it for them. “Now shoo, go be happy.”

  They walked for a few minutes, and when he glanced down at her, Tramp was surprised to see Ilene crying. He stopped and turned her toward him. Her damp eyes tore at his heart. “If you don’t want to marry me it’s fine. You can still have the house.”

  She nodded and wiped away her tears. “You are the nicest man I know, and I’d be honored to be your wife.”

  “Then why are you crying?”

  “Cecily called me her friend. It’s been a very emotional day. First Mrs. Plunkett and then Judge Gleason making me feel so awful. Now you came to my rescue, and someone besides Shannon called me her friend. It’s just so much.”

  A smile tugged at his lips. “I came to your rescue? I must be one heck of a guy.”

  “I bet the whole town knows I made a fool of myself asking the judge to marry me.”

  “Let’s not worry about it. Besides, I’m the winner, and Gleason is the foolish one. You ended up with a much better catch.” He chuckled as he put his arm around her shoulder. “Let’s go, I’m right here beside you.”

  His words coursed through her, leaving her feeling warm inside. Tramp was so different from Judge Gleason. Her face heated, remembering how the judge’s eyes opened in surprise and then filled with something akin to disdain. He was polite in his rejection, but it shamed her. The townspeople thought badly of her. She hoped she’d never made any one of the men who had proposed to her feel so low.

  Tramp gave her shoulder a slight squeeze, and she gazed up at him, almost tripping. He was doing so much for her. She thought for sure her heart skipped a beat when he smiled at her.

  “Don’t worry,” he said. “You’ll be the envy of most of the women once they hear we’re engaged.” He winked at her.

  Her heart lightened at his words, and she laughed. “You think mighty highly of yourself.”

  “It’s just the truth. Come, let’s tell Edith the good news. Telling her is like telling everyone. She’ll spread the word.”

  He seemed so sure of himself, and part of her wanted to just sit in the wagon and wait for Cookie. But for Tramp’s sake, she’d brave it out. Closing her eyes briefly, she said a quick prayer before entering the mercantile. The bell above the door sounded louder than usual, and she wanted to cringe.

  “Good Morning, Tramp. It’s nice to see you,” Edith said cheerfully before she frowned at Ilene.

  Tramp took her hand and led her to a small seating area next to the front window. “It’s a great day. Ilene has just consented to becoming my wife.” Before Edith had a chance to respond, Tramp sat down on a dainty settee, pulling Ilene down next to him.

  Edith’s jaw dropped for a moment, and then she frowned. “One proposal a day isn’t enough for you?” The bite in her voice sent a chill down Ilene’s back.

  “She won’t have to turn anyone else down. I’m not letting her go,” Tramp said lightly.

  Edith crossed her arms in front of her and tapped her foot. “I’m not sure I want either of you in my store.”

  “Of course they’re welcome.” Everyone turned toward Cookie, who had come out from the back room. “I hear congratulations are in order.” He walked over to the couple. He took Ilene by the hand and pulled her up into a big hug. “Happy for you, Ilene.” He stepped back and smiled at her. When Tramp stood, Cookie hugged him too. “It’s good to know you’re home to stay.”

  There was a bit of moisture in both men’s eyes, and Ilene’s heart was happy for Tramp. There was a loving bond between the two.

  “Humph, Tramp, you can’t make her respectable now. Her reputation is too far gone. Then to ask the judge, of all people, to marry her? Who does she think she is going after a man of such high morals and such high standing in the community? It’s an outrage.”

  Tramp stiffened at her side. “I’m not one for gossip, never have been. But I do take exception to you insulting my intended. Come on, Ilene let’s go. Cookie, we’ll see you at home.”

  Cookie shot Edith a sharp glance. “Wait you’ll need the wagon.”

  “No, Cookie you stay. Ilene and I can ride double.” Without waiting for a reply he whisked Ilene out of there.

  As soon as they were on the boardwalk, Ilene pulled her hand out of his. “I can’t ride a horse yet.”

  Tramp touched her arm. “You’re shaking. Come on, I’ll cradle you in front of me.”

  She hesitated then nodded. “The sooner I get out of here the better.” She walked quickly to Jack and stood beside him waiting for Tramp to mount up first. As soon as he was in the saddle she put her good foot into the stirrup, and with Tramp’s help she was soon sitting sideways in front of him. His body was so close to hers, and she felt as though she could draw from his strength.

  “Are you comfortable?”

  Ilene nodded, and off they went. Not wanting to see censure in anyone else’s eyes, she kept her head down until they were out of town. Slowly, she relaxed as they rode. Tramp kept the pace to a slow trot. Cocooned between his arms she felt safer than she had in a very long time. There was bound to be more fireworks when they got back to the ranch. The Plunkett’s were going to have fits.

  As soon as they reached the edge of the ranch Tramp pulled up the reins and they stopped. “Why are we stopping?” she asked

  “I think we need to stretch and rest a bit, plus I want to talk to you.”

  A feeling of dr
ead spread within as she waited for Tramp to dismount and help her down. It had all been for show. The proposal hadn’t been real. Her heart beat painfully against her chest. Once a fool, always a fool. Part of her wanted to just crumble, but a bigger part of her was determined to get on with her life. So, her money was gone and she’d have to live in a wagon for a while. Things could be worse. Couldn’t they? No matter how hard she tried she couldn’t get the lump in her throat to go away.

  Tramp shifted his weight from one foot to the other as he gazed at the horizon. He seemed to be at a loss for words.

  “You said you wanted to talk, but you don’t have to. I already know what you’re going to say.” She put up her hand when Tramp opened his mouth. “You’ve done so much for me and today you tried to save my reputation. But you don’t have to marry me. I appreciate all your kindness and your sense of chivalry, but really it’s not necessary. I’m going to save enough money to move on. So you see, I do have a plan and you don’t have to feel sorry for me or marry me out of pity.”

  Tramp took off his hat and slapped it against his thigh a couple times. Finally he looked at her. “I already told you, you’d be doing me a favor by marrying me.”

  “Tramp, you know you can dance out of that situation with Ava. All you need to do is sit down with her, her parents, and Cinders and Shannon. That way there are witnesses when you tell her that you’re not going to marry her. So you see, you don’t need me. But since you’re not going to marry Ava I still have the problem of where to live. Cecily and Shane have an extra room, and I could stay there for a while.”

  “If you are still hell-bent on saving enough money to move on you have to be at the ranch. Working with the horses is your job, and if you want to get paid you need to do your job. I have enough money saved to lend you what you need to start baking again. This way you’ll have your money saved in no time. In the meantime, I’ll sleep in the bunkhouse.” His brown eyes probed hers, and she wondered what he was really thinking.

  “So no wedding?” Her heart squeeze painfully as she waited for his answer. Why did she care for him so much? He made it clear more than once he didn’t want a wife.

  “I don’t know. The cat’s out of the bag, and I don’t know how we are going to say the wedding’s off when we just told Cookie and Edith we’re getting married. I say we should just go along with it. I’ll stay in the bunkhouse and you can save your money. We don’t have to have a wedding right away, and this way when you leave we can just say we decided it wouldn’t work after all.” He settled his hat back on his head and held his hand out to her. “We’ll have to act happy about our exciting news. Do you think you’ll be able to pull it off? I know how you hate fake smiles, so let’s just have fun. Deal?”

  He was offering her everything she wanted: a place to live, her job working with the horses, and a loan so she could start baking again. Somehow, though, it left her feeling lonely as though she was on her own once again. For his sake, she’d smile and have a good time when they told Cinders and Shannon the great news. He looked so sincere and so handsome, it’d be hard to leave, but she still had time to spend with him. “Yes, let’s go and celebrate our independence. After all you’ve done for me I can put up sitting next to you for the rest of the day. You do realize we’ll have to play the part of the couple in love.”

  Tramp smiled. “I think smiling at each other, me holding your hand and giving you the occasional peck on the cheek will be easy enough. After all we’ve become good friends. Let’s get you back up on the horse and head for home.”

  As soon as the house was in sight, they could see everyone watching them ride in. Ava’s eyes flashed with anger, and her parents joined her, both looking hot under the collar. Shannon was on the porch rocking Olivia. She stood walked down the steps and waited for them to ride in.

  “Here we go darlin’.” Tramp gave Ilene’s waist a slight squeeze. “I do believe this might even be a good time. Don’t let the Plunketts intimidate you. After all, you’re my intended now, and I’ll be at your side.” He stopped his horse and got down. He immediately reached up for her and she gasped when instead of putting her down he swung her up into his arms and carried her to Shannon’s front porch. He set her down on the bench and took a seat right next to her while drawing her hand into his.

  Shannon hurried behind them eyes full of curiosity. “What are you two doing? I’ve had to spend most of my morning listening to the Plunketts’ plans for Tramp and Ava’s marriage. And you show up looking like a couple in love?”

  Ilene’s face heated, and she knew it had turned fiery red. She opened her mouth to explain, but Tramp beat her to the punch.

  “Ilene has consented to be my wife.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it.

  Shannon’s eyebrows rose. “I’m confused. Ilene, didn’t you tell Mrs. Plunkett that she could live in the house and you’d live in the wagon?”

  “Yes, I did but that was before I found out that Tramp and Ava were not getting married. He never asked her, he never flirted with her, and frankly I have no idea why she would think they were engaged.”

  Shannon smiled, stood, and handed Olivia to Tramp. She then helped Ilene to stand and gave her a big but gentle hug. “I’m so happy for you, Ilene, so very happy. Tramp is really getting a prize. Best of all you’ll be able to stay right here on the ranch. I was worried that you’d leave, and I’d be so lonely without you.” She stepped away from Ilene and bent down to give Tramp a kiss on his cheek. “Congratulations!” She took Olivia from him and sat down in a rocking chair.

  Tramp stood and put his arm around Ilene’s waist. “I’m one lucky cowboy.” He turned and kissed her cheek.

  Ilene couldn’t help but stiffen at Tramp’s kiss. It made her heart flutter, and that she couldn’t allow. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Ava and her parents all marching in their direction with great big frowns on their faces.

  Mrs. Plunkett arrived first with her hand over her heart. “My word is this any way for an engaged man to act? Ilene, kindly step away from him. This is just unseemly.” She shook her head and directed her gaze to Tramp. “I finished measuring windows for new curtains, and I have a list of other improvements I plan to make.” Then she stared pointedly at Ilene until Ilene’s knees went weak and she sat down. When Tramp sat next to Ilene the look of fury on Mrs. Plunkett’s face was downright scary.

  “Tramp, would you mind explaining yourself?” The pastor asked. He crossed his arms and tilted his head, waiting for an answer.

  Ava climbed the steps, gave Tramp the evil eye, and then she proceeded to push Ilene off the bench.

  Ilene landed with a thump and lay still for a moment trying to figure out if any part of her was reinjured. She started to get up but Tramp was by her side in an instant. He knelt down next to her and cupped her cheek with his hand. It was such a sweet gesture, and she wished with all her heart that it was real.

  “Ilene, are you hurt?” He didn’t wait for an answer, just helped her up and seated her back on the bench. He turned and shook his head at Ava. “What is wrong with you? Ilene has done nothing to you, and it’s unconscionable that you would push her. She’s still healing from her fall from the horse.”

  Ava put her hands on her hips and took a step forward toward Tramp. “You’re my man, and she shouldn’t be enticing you. I see the way she looks at you. She wants you for her own, and if you can’t see that, then you’re a fool. I’m sure Shannon will see to it that Ilene gets home. I think you should spend your time with me.”

  Ilene briefly closed her eyes. Was it so obvious how she felt about Tramp? Ava said she could see it, and maybe everyone else did too. Her heart hurt. This engagement was not a good idea. There was no way she was going to be able to walk away unscathed.

  “Ava you know I never asked you to marry me. Not once did I even suggest such a thing. I haven’t courted you I haven’t toyed with your emotions or otherwise. You keep telling people we’re getting married but that’s not the truth, and you know i
t. It’s time to put all this nonsense to an end once and for all. In fact, I have asked Ilene to be my wife, and she did me the honor of consenting.” He folded his arms in front of him and stared at each of the Plunketts, one at a time, as if he was daring them to deny what he said.

  Pastor Plunkett stepped forward. “Of course, you’ve toyed with her emotions. Why would she tell us not once but twice you proposed? It makes no sense. Ilene seemed to know. She was willing to move into our wagon after you and Ava were wed. I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist that you keep your promise of marriage to my daughter.” His voice grew louder with each word until everyone within the area all turned in their direction.

  Tramp lowered his hat and widened his stance. He looked like a man who’d had enough and was trying to rein in his temper. “Out here in the West, a man’s word is his bond. Calling a man a liar is about the worst thing you can call him. I’m sure you didn’t mean to insult me by insinuating that I proposed to Ava. I told her we’re not getting married. I told her I never asked her to be my wife. I think, as her parents, you need to have a long talk with her about what being truthful means. I refuse to allow her to drag my name through mud due to a lie. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we were celebrating our good news here with Shannon and we’d like to get back to it.” Tramp stepped forward until all the Plunketts had left the porch and gone back to their wagons.

  He sat down on the bench next to Ilene and took her hand in his. “That girl is plain loco, and the fact that her parents believe her makes my stomach turn. I’m hoping this is the end of it.” He gave Ilene’s hand a quick squeeze as he smiled at Shannon. “This is supposed be a happy day, and I’m sure sorry that Ava tried to ruin it.”

  “Ava can’t take away the happiness that’s in your heart. Anyone who looks at the two of you can see how much you love each other. I saw it a while ago, and it amused me to no end that neither of you seemed to know how the other felt.” Shannon stroked Olivia’s back when she started to fuss. “Before long, you’ll have one of these too. Just imagine your children and mine will grow up together.”