Tramp's Bride

by Kathleen Ball

  Tramp took her into his arms again. “You realize that if we do this, we’ll have to get married for sure. There’d be no walking away from each other, no changing our minds, and I want the marriage to be a real one.”

  “Of course it’d be real. I’ve never heard of a fake marriage.”

  Tramp slowly let her go and walked over to his horse Jack. He reached into the saddlebags and drew out some oats. Taking off his hat he threw the oats into it and then he put it in front of Gold Dust. “Now I’m just going to give you a little at a time. I’m not sure how you ended up so skinny, but I don’t want to overload your belly. Small and frequent feedings will be the way of things for a while.” He stood there in front of Gold Dust, holding out his hat until Gold Dust ate every last oat. “I’m not sure you understand what I mean by a real marriage. There can be different kinds of marriage. For example a marriage of convenience.”

  Ilene shook her head as she stared at Tramp. “I’m not sure I know what that means.”

  Tramp slapped his hat against his thigh before adding a bit of water to his hat for Gold Dust to drink. “I guess what I’m trying to say is I want you in my bed. I want to have the usual relationship a husband and wife have.”

  Her face heated as she looked at the ground. She’d been trying to avoid this very thing, but now she really didn’t have a choice if she wanted to save Gold Dust. She’d have to join with the rest of the women in their pain. She’d end up just like her mother crying and pleading every night. Or perhaps she’d be the type of woman that woke up every morning with fresh bruises on her. She lifted her head and stared at Gold Dust. She could do this, she could be a good wife if she had to.

  “Would being married to me be so bad? I mean we’re already friends, and we get on just fine. Besides I like having you in my arms.”

  She felt his eyes on her. He was waiting for an answer, and part of her just wanted to run. She was downright scared. “Yes I mean no. I mean yes I’ll marry you.” She glanced at him quickly and was surprised at the look on his face. He seemed happy about this marriage thing.

  The next thing she knew she was in Tramp’s arms and he was swooping down to kiss her. Her body tensed and she put her hands between them fully intending to push him back. His strong lips on hers ceased all thought. She’d never felt anything so intense before. She’d never felt so close to anyone before. She opened her mouth to him and he caressed her tongue with his.

  Her heart felt so full of wonder, hope, and love, it shook her to her core. She managed to get her hands out from between them, and she put them around his neck before she knew it, she was pulling his head down for more kisses. She opened her eyes as they kissed, wanting to see what he looked like, fully expecting him to have his eyes closed. But they weren’t. He was watching her too. She wondered at the look in his eyes. He looked happy, but that didn’t mean he loved her.

  He stopped kissing her and caressed her cheek with his calloused hand. Staring into her eyes, he smiled. “I’m looking forward to being your husband.”

  Tiny chills went through her body at his words. Part of her wanted more than kissing but a bigger part of her was afraid. She had no words to express how she felt so she simply nodded and hoped she was doing the right thing.

  “I’ll head back to the house and grab enough stuff for us for a few days. I’ll let Shannon and Cinders know what’s going on. Is there something I could bring for you?”

  “A change of clothes would be nice. I’m so relieved we plan to save Gold Dust. If you hadn’t have come when you did I would have put her down.” The thought of what she had almost done made her shiver.

  “We still might have to put her down, but this way we are giving her a fighting chance. I’ll be back in a couple hours. In the meantime, let Goldust rest. I’ll get something to put on her leg.” He pulled her close again and gave her another kiss before he left.

  Tramp dreaded the questions he’d get from Shannon when he told her his plan. Even he wasn’t sure if it was a good plan. Somehow, he had ended up proposing to Ilene for real. Shaking his head, he wondered what had gotten into him, insisting on making their marriage real. That had not been his plan at all. The original plan of her leaving and breaking off the engagement was the plan he wanted. Wasn’t it? Oh heck thinking after kissing was never a good idea. He rode to the barn and jumped down off Jack’s back.

  “Rollo, would you mind feeding and watering Jack here? We’ll be riding back out in a little bit.”

  Rollo nodded. “Sure thing, boss.” He grabbed the reins and led Jack into the barn.

  Tramp headed toward Shannon and Cinders’ house. Shannon was sitting in the rocking chair rocking Olivia just as she did every day.

  “Hello, Tramp, beautiful day isn’t it?” Motherhood suited her. She was more lovely than ever.

  “Hello to you too. Ilene found Gold Dust, and she’s been hurt. I mean to bring the horse home slowly. Might take a couple days. I’m gonna need some supplies for me and Ilene.”

  Shannon’s eyes widened. “What exactly do you mean by you and Ilene?”

  Tramp shrugged. “You know Ilene, she’s very headstrong. I told her that me and the boys could handle it, but she wants to be with Gold Dust. I figure since we’re getting married anyways, it doesn’t make much difference if she stays out there with me.”

  Shannon bit her lip and appeared lost in thought. “She’s a grown woman, and she’s made her choice. She chose you, and that’s fine by me. Cinders and I will bring the pastor out to you after church tomorrow. He loves Cookie’s cooking so I’m sure he won’t mind.”

  Tramp leaned down and gave Shannon a quick peck on the cheek. He stood and smiled. “That sounds great thank you, Shannon. I need to get the supplies I don’t want to leave Ilene out there by herself for too long. You know for such a shy gal, Ilene has a stubborn streak in her. Did I ever tell you the first time I met her she pulled a shotgun on me?”

  Shannon laughed. “She’s got a lot of grit and gumption. She’s braver than she knows. Sometimes she’s just a bit unsure of herself, but if anyone can help her get over that it would be you. Now, get the things you need to go. You don’t want to leave her out there by herself too long.”

  “I’m gettin’. I’ll see you tomorrow. Just head toward the old pond and you’re bound to see us.” He went into the house and grabbed some salve for Gold Dust. Cookie always made the best salve. Next, he grabbed some food and put it all in a burlap bag.

  Shannon hurried to her bedroom and came out with a burlap wrapped package. “I made this for Ilene. It’s a dress. I saw how you both looked at each other and decided she needed a wedding dress.”

  He took the package from her. “I know she’ll appreciate it.” He nodded to Shannon as he went back out the front door and made his way to his house.

  His house. That was the way he thought of it all along. Soon enough he’d think of it as his and Ilene’s house. His heart turned over, remembering the kiss he had shared with Ilene. She was one heck of a gal. He grabbed some clothes for the both of them and a few supplies before he hurried back out the door and rushed to the barn.

  After thanking Rollo, he re-saddled Jack. Soon he was on his way back to his lovely bride to be. Their marriage should be a good thing. He’d sensed a bit of reluctance on her part, but she’d get over it. Did she even know what a wedding night entailed? Tomorrow, she’d be his wife and he couldn’t get the smile off his face as he rode.

  It wasn’t a far ride to where he’d left them. Ilene stood under the canopy of trees and talked to Gold Dust as she stroked her nose. It would have been a perfect sight if Gold Dust wasn’t in such bad shape. They’d get the weight back on her with care and time, but who knew how much the horse had suffered in the last few weeks?

  If anyone could sweet talk a horse, Ilene probably could. He’d never seen her in action, but he’d be interested in watching her do just about anything. When he’d started to feel this way about her he wasn’t sure.

  “Howdy. Shannon sa
ys hello.” He jumped down off Jack and gathered the items he’d brought. The first thing he got out was the salve for Gold Dust’s leg. He patted the distressed horse on her side and went to bend over to lift her leg. Without warning, the horse kicked out. Tramp jumped back in the nick of time.

  “Whoa, Gold Dust,” Ilene said. “Do you have a rope?”

  I’ll get it,” Tramp said as he watched Gold Dust settle down. He went back to Jack and removed the rope he had hanging from the saddle. As he walked back to Ilene, he said softly, “I’ll put it around her neck.”

  “No, just give it to me.”

  He wasn’t happy about it, but he handed her the rope. “You could get hurt you know.”

  “I know.” She looped the rope around the horse’s injured leg and gently lifted it. Gold Dust stood perfectly still. “Hand me the salve will you?”

  Tramp handed it to her. “I thought you’d never really been around horses before.”

  “I haven’t. It’s fine Gold Dust. This will help you walk better. Yes, girl.” She rubbed some of the salve on the leg.

  Tramp was ready to grab Ilene out of the way if the horse became unwieldy. To his surprise, Gold Dust turned her head and looked at Ilene, and then looked straight ahead again. Tramp had never seen anything like it.

  Ilene stood and released the rope. “There. The first of many hurdles, I expect.”

  “I brought another bridle but I don’t think she’ll allow it.”

  “Probably not. Her face is so cut up. For now we’ll just let her be. I doubt she’ll wander far. We can try to get the rope around her neck tonight but I’m not sure. We’ll wait and see.”

  Tramp nodded, keeping his eyes on Ilene’s face which was so full of excitement. He smiled. “You light up when you talk about horses.”

  “I’ve been blessed. I’ve received many gifts from God. I have skills for baking, and now I have skills to help horses. It fills me with joy. I just hope I have the skills necessary to make a good wife.”

  “Oh, about that. We’re getting hitched tomorrow. Shannon is bringing the pastor here after church.”

  Her body stiffened and her smile drooped. “Tomorrow?”

  “Ilene, tell me what’s wrong. What is the real reason you turned down every proposal?" He tried to make his voice as gentle as possible.

  She turned her back on him and walked a few steps away. “I’m afraid. You see, growing up in the tenements of New York, the walls were thin. Most families couldn’t afford their own rooms so we were squeezed together without room for privacy.” She paused for a bit. “The married couples weren’t discreet or quiet. What I heard from most women were terrifying screams. There were pleas for the men to stop. I’m afraid. I know all married women go through it, but I’m not sure if I can. I’ll only disappoint you.”

  Tramp walked over to stand behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “It isn’t always like that. If a man cares and takes his time, it can be very pleasant.”

  “Pleasant?” She turned in his arms and gazed up into his eyes as though she was searching for the truth.

  “Yes, my sweet, pleasant. There are some women who enjoy it.”

  “I don’t see how—”

  He bent his head and touched his lips to hers very lightly. He gave her a few gentle kisses before she wrapped her arms around him and brought his head down for a proper kiss. This time it was she who deepened the kiss and his heart began to thump.

  “My knees feel weak, Tramp.” The questions in her eyes delighted him.

  “That means we’re meant to be together.”

  “Did anyone else’s kiss make you feel that way?” she asked.

  “Not like yours, never like yours.”

  She nodded as she broke from the circle of his arms. She appeared to be confused and uncomfortable. “I guess we should gather wood for a fire,” she suggested.

  Feeling her need to be alone, Tramp nodded. “I brought some soap. I figure we can take turns bathing in the pond. I want to look my best for the wedding.”

  “Me too, thank you.”

  Later that evening, Ilene placed her bedroll near the fire. She was too keyed up to sleep. Perhaps she should have gone back to the ranch to sleep. She could imagine the scowl on Edith’s face when she heard. Tramp had brought her a nightgown to wear but she didn’t feel brave enough to change into it. It was nerve-racking enough bathing in hearing distance from him. Of course he was the perfect gentleman but she couldn’t get rid of the panicky feeling inside of her the whole while.

  She took Tramp’s bedroll and placed it on the other side of the fire but further back from its warmth. She glanced at him and blushed at his amused smile.

  “If you move it any farther away, I’ll be in the next county.” He patted the ground next to him. “Come, sit beside me.”

  “I’m too antsy to sit.”

  “Suit yourself. I’m going to turn in soon. Did you want to get changed? I’ll turn my back.”

  She hesitated for a moment. “I’ll change under the covers.”

  “Nonsense. Here I’ll hold up the blanket and you can get changed. I won’t look.”

  She grabbed her gown and a blanket and waited for Tramp to stand. She handed him the blanket. “No peeking.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He held up the blanket and turned his head.

  She hurried as fast as she could, while constantly checking to be sure he didn’t look over the blanket. “You must think me silly. I mean we are going to be married tomorrow, but I don’t know…the whole thing makes me nervous.” She finished changing and hurried to slip under the covers.

  Tramp laid the blanket back on his bedroll. “It’s only natural to be nervous. It’s a big step and shouldn’t be taken lightly.” He began to take off his boots.

  “We aren’t taking it lightly, are we? I mean, you do like me, don’t you?” She held her breath while waiting for his answer.

  “Of course, I like you. Ilene, this has nothing to do with the house or saving your reputation. Those things matter, but not enough to tie myself to one person.”

  He took off his shirt, and her jaw dropped. She’d never seen muscles like his. He was well chiseled with a sprinkling of dark hair on his chest. She shouldn’t look, but she couldn’t turn away.

  “But you’re tying yourself to me.”

  “Because I care for you. You make my days better.” He climbed into his bedroll, which he moved closer to her and the fire. “Good night.”

  “Good night.” He snored lightly and she smiled. I make his days better. Maybe she was supposed to say something back. Dang it all, she was too awkward to be his wife. She’d just embarrass him wherever they went. Her heart squeezed. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. She tossed and turned for what seemed like hours before she finally slept.

  The heavenly smell of coffee woke her, and she sat up, stretching her arms above her head. Tramp sat with his back against a nearby boulder, watching her. His hair was mussed from sleep and he looked very appealing. “Good morning.”

  His smile was wide and it went straight to her heart. “Good morning.”

  “How long have you been up?”

  Tramp rose and poured her a cup of coffee. Leaning down, he handed it to her. Then he refilled his own cup and sat back down. “I was up with the sun. I tended Gold Dust. I was surprised she let me near her. She ate some. I’m trying small but frequent feedings. Then I made coffee, and I’ve been watching you sleep. Did you know you snore?”

  “Snore? I think you’re imagining it. You’re the one who snores.”

  He laughed. “I probably do.” His laughter faded to a tender smile. “You’re as pretty as a picture when you sleep.”

  Her face heated. “You’ve seen me sleeping plenty of times. You don’t have to give me compliments. I don’t expect them.”

  “But you should, expect them I mean. You’re probably just not used to them but you deserve them. You can ask anyone. I’m not one to give out compliments. You’re very pret
ty. I like the way your eyes sparkle when you’re mad. Your hair is glorious too.”

  “Glorious? Are you serious?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “I’m going to go to the pond and wash my face. I’ll be right back.” She got up and wrapped the blanket around her then hurried off. Kneeling on the bank, she peered into the water and studied her reflection. She wasn’t bad looking. But glorious? He was just trying to put her in a good mood. It was their wedding day, after all. She washed her face and returned to camp.

  Tramp stood as she walked back into camp. He held a package in his hands. “Shannon sent this for you.”

  Taking the offered package she quickly untied it. Inside was the most beautiful lilac dress she’d ever seen. It was much too good for the likes of her to wear. Holding it up against herself, she looked down at it in awe. It looked like a high society ball gown. “Oh my.”

  “Shannon made it for you.”

  “It’s the nicest dress I’ve ever seen.” She turned it this way and that examining the fine stitching. Tears filled her eyes. “I hope I do it justice by wearing it.”

  “You’ll be the most beautiful bride ever.”

  Once again, she had him hold up the blanket as she dressed.

  This time, she didn’t peek at him while he put on clean shirt. Not that she wasn’t tempted. “They should be here soon, don’t you think?” She tidied the campsite, trying to hide her nervousness by keeping busy.

  “That they should. Ilene, stop fussing.” He stood in front of her and took both her hands in his. “I will be a good husband to you. You don’t have to worry, and I will never make you scream in pain. I want us to have a good life together. Does that help? I want this to be a wonderful day that we will remember forever.”

  “I guess I am a bundle of nerves. Having you here with me helps. I’ll be a good wife to you, Tramp. I care for you too.”

  Tramp pulled her into his arms and was just about to kiss her when they heard the wagons coming their way. They stood side-by-side, holding hands as they watched all the wagons approach.