Then Max stepped toward her, gripping her arm so she’d meet his gaze. “Look, darlin’ I’m the best thing that’s gonna happen to you, you hear? You ain’t got no hope unless you marry me so you’d better get used to the idea.”
Leaning away from the stench of his breath she merely nodded—it was all she could manage. Then, with a look over his shoulder he let her got and stepped out of the hotel, pulling his hat down low and yanking a rag up to cover the lower half of his face.
Her hopes sank. Even if she thought Max had no legal pull over her, she couldn’t afford a lawyer just as she couldn’t afford to leave town either. It was hopeless. She was stuck in Little River and would be forced to marry the cruel Max Mills.
Dear Lord, help me!
***
Raymond knew better than to go back to the hotel where he was sure to see Dora, but that was exactly the reason he would go back. He should stay away…but he knew he couldn’t. His callous words to her still haunted him. Was he really willing to let her stay in Little River while he left for who-knew-where? It was selfish of him, and yet his fear was leading the way, convincing him he wouldn’t be a good husband.
He walked up the creaking wooden steppes to the hotel and took a breath to steel himself as he walked in. It was darker inside, but his eyes adjusted quickly to the dimness. Looking around, he spotted Dora walking back to the kitchen. The hotel restaurant wasn’t too filled with patrons since the hour was mostly after supper. He wondered if he could steal her away for a word.
Fear clenched his gut. He hadn’t planned out what he would say, just that he knew he had to talk to her. Had to see her again.
He boldly walked up to the kitchen door and peered inside. It was just Dora and the cook. “Excuse me?’
Dora whirled around, her eyes wide and a look of shock on her face that soon turned to pleasure. “Raymond.”
He grinned, shooting a look to the cook. “Mind if I talk to her for a moment.”
“Go right ahead,” he said, sighing in resignation.
Raymond grinned despite his nerves and Dora joined him as they walked to a quiet part of the hotel lobby.
“I’m surprised to see you here,” she said.
He frowned, swallowing. “I’m sorry—about the way I left before. I…” he wasn’t sure how he wanted to say this. Wasn’t sure what to say.
“Raymond, I have to tell you something.”
Her tone made him look up at her. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
She looked down, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. “Max Mills—Hank’s brother—came to see me today.”
It took him a second to remember who Hank was then it dawned on him—he was the man she had come out West to marry.
“All right,” he said, hesitantly.
“He claims that he has a legal right to…to marry me.”
The breath left Raymond’s lungs. “What?”
“I don't know, but he says he met with a lawyer and Hank’s contract with me is now his contract or something like that. I can’t afford to hire a lawyer to find out if that’s true and I’m afraid he’ll force me to marry him. He’s not a good man,” she added, her face becoming paler.
“That’s absurd. He can’t just claim he’s going to marry you.”
“But apparently he can.”
Raymond reached out and pulled her hands into the warmth of his own. “Look at me, Dora,” he said, waiting until she did. “I won’t let him force you to marry him. I’ll go to the sheriff if I have to, but I won’t let it happen.”
“But…why?”
He was shocked at her question. “Why? Because I care for you.” The words were out before he could stop them, but he realized quickly that he didn’t want to stop them. He was happy he’d finally said it, especially knowing that he meant it.
“Really?”
“Yes. I should have told you before, but I wasn’t sure…well, if I’m the type of guy that can say that to a woman.”
“What do you mean?”
He shrugged. “I’ve been a wanderer pretty much all my life. I don't know how to settle down but…for you I could try.”
The smile on her face warmed the deepest parts of him and, without hesitation he leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
“Dora, we need your help here.” Cook said, stepping into the lobby for a moment.
“Coming,” she called out, but her eyes quickly returned to Raymond’s. “Can I see you tomorrow?”
“You can count on it,” he said, then watched her go.
He’d figure out how to stop Max no matter what—there was no way he was letting someone else get his girl. No way, no how.
Chapter 6
Dora pulled on her gloves as she walked down the stairs of the hotel to head outside for a walk. It was a lovely day and the fresh breeze would do her good. It would hopefully take her mind off the fact that she wasn’t sure what would happen with Max, but that she trusted Raymond to do as he’d said.
Her pulse still picked up at the thought of Raymond admitting his feelings for her. Could it be true? She still felt like she had imagined it all.
Just as she stepped outside though, a firm hand gripped her shoulder. “Tryin’ to run off with that fella I saw you with yesterday?”
She gasped, trying to tug her arm from Max’s vice like grip. “Let go of me.”
“How’s about this,” he said, leaning closer. “We’re going to the church to get married—today.”
“What?” she yanked harder but he wouldn’t let go of her arm. His fingers would leave bruises, she was sure of it.
“No. I’m not going to marry you. I’m sorry—but I don’t believe in the validity of the documents you claim you have or the lawyer you talked to.” She’d been bold, but she didn’t regret it. This was the gumption she’d tried so hard for!
“I don’t think so. And you want to know why?”
Fear coursed through her at the look in his eyes. “W-why?”
“Because I’ve got no problem putting a bullet through that man-friend of yours.”
Dora felt the fire leave her at Max’s words. He would hurt Raymond? No! She couldn’t let him do that. She cared for Raymond too much and she couldn’t see him come to harm. She just couldn’t.
“No, please—”
“So, you’ll stop fightin’ me?”
She swallowed. Could she go through with this? It would mean separation from Raymond, but that would also ensure his safety. It was the only way.
“Y-yes. But—you have to promise not to harm Raymond. Do you promise?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“If I go with you to the church you won’t harm him,” she said again.
He nodded, his grip relaxing slightly. “I won’t touch him.”
“Fine,” she said, swallowing down her fear and the devastation that came with her words.
***
Raymond pounded up the steps to the hotel. He was still burning mad from what Dora had said about this Max fellow saying he had a right to marry her. It was completely foolish and he knew it, but he realized Dora wasn’t in a position to see that. How could she?
After they’d talked, he gone to the sheriff first thing. The man had heard his story and then, after asking several questions and taking notes, he pulled out a stack of wanted papers. There, nestled among them, was one for a Max Mills. Wanted for murder.
Raymond’s blood had run cold, but he’d held off going to see her that night. He’d already disturbed her once during her work and he didn’t want to jeopardize her job. At least not yet.
The sheriff had assured him he would scour the town for the man, sure that he was hiding somewhere within the town’s limits, and Raymond had left, feeling accomplished. Now all that was left was to tell Dora how he’d solved the problem and…well, he was going to ask her to marry him.
A grin split his face. Raymond Ellis was going to settle down.
He walked up to the desk and the older man behind it. “Hello,
can you tell me what room Dora Sullivan occupies?”
The man narrowed his gaze.
“I don’t mean to go into her room,” Raymond added quickly, “I just wanted to see if she’d like to take a walk.” He was blabbing and felt foolish, but the man’s gaze made him want to fully explain himself.
“She’s gone.”
Raymond’s eyes widened. “What?”
“Saw her dragged off by some tall man not too long ago. Looked like they were heading toward the north end of town.”
Raymond searched his memory. North. What was—the church was that way!
“Thanks,” he called out behind him though he was already leaving.
He took off toward the church but skidded to a stop at the sheriff’s office. After explaining what was going on, the man and his deputy joined him and they raced to the church.
“Hold up now, son,” the older man said, placing a hand on his arm when they stopped in front of the building. “We go in first.”
Raymond wanted to argue—he wanted to get to Dora as soon as possible—but he also realized the sheriff knew exactly what he was doing. He nodded once.
The deputy took the side door and the sheriff the back, with Raymond right behind him. When they burst into the room Raymond’s heart jumped. Dora was at the front of the church with Max standing next to her, a startled preacher in front of them both.
Was he too late?
***
Dora knew with every bone in her body that this was wrong. She didn’t want to marry Max, but she had no choice. But, as they were about to start the ceremony, the doors burst open and men started shouting.
Startled, she and the preacher dropped to the ground leaving Max standing.
“I said put those hands up,” a hard masculine voice said.
From her vantage point on the floor she looked up and saw the defeat on Max’s face. Slowly, he lifted his hands and her hopes soared. She was saved!
He was rushed off by two men and suddenly Raymond was there, his arms encircling her waist and drawing her toward himself.
“W-what happened?” she asked, her voice muffled against his shoulder.
He pulled back far enough to see her. “I found out last night that Max Mills is a wanted man.”
She gasped. If only she’d known!
“I came to see you at the hotel but the manager said you’d left with Max. I got the sheriff and…here I am.”
“I can’t believe it,” she said, tears filling her eyes. “I almost married him—but it was because he said he’d hurt you.”
Raymond laughed. “Well, he’s not going to hurt anyone. Not anymore.”
Dora could hardly believe it. Here she was, only hours after she thought all hope was lost and that she would be married to Max, but instead she was in Raymond’s arms.
“You were coming to see me?” she asked, a coy smile lighting her face.
“Well,” he said, pulling her closer, “I wanted to ask you something.”
“Oh?” she said, her eyebrows arching.
“Yes. It seems that there’s something about Little River that calls to me. Or maybe it’s someone.”
His grin was intoxicating. “What are you saying, Raymond?”
“I’m saying that I think I’m ready to settle down…and I can’t think of a better town—or a more beautiful woman—with which to spend my days.”
She gasped tears in her eyes.
“Dora, would you consider marrying a wandering man like me?”
“Do you mean it?”
“Of course I do,” he said smiling.
“Yes,” she laughed, “Yes! I would like nothing more than to settle down with you.”
He joined her laugher, the sound reverberating through him and causing her to laugh again in response. Then, slowly at first, but leaning in faster, he bent down and she closed her eyes to accept his kiss. His lips pressed into hers and she felt the security of his arms around her.
She had come to Little River to marry without a hope of love, but God had proved to have other plans. Much better plans.
“Let’s settle down together,” he whispered.
Now, looking into Raymond’s eyes, she knew he was part of God’s plan. And what a good plan it was.
THE END.
Winning Her Heart
Christian Romance
CHRISTIAN MICHAEL
Prologue
Becca Stanley kept her head down as she left third period English and headed towards her last class of the day, Algebra II, with Mr. Rathburn. They had an exam that day and math was her worst subject by far. An otherwise straight-A student, Algebra was her Achilles heel; without fail she always managed to get a low C. I don’t know how I even manage to get that much! Dang it what’s the last part of Distance? Square root of umm… x two and one squared…was it plus or minus next – plus, that’s it. Plus y two and one squared. OK good. I know that one. What’s next? Oh crap I’m here. Oh Lord, help me now. The bell rang as she took her seat in her usual spot, the corner seat in the back row.
Just as Mr. Rathburn got up from his desk to lock the door for the exam – late students weren’t allowed to take the exam and there were no make-up tests – Greg Fields, the school’s star quarterback, literally skidded into class.
“Close call, Mr. Fields,” Mr. Rathburn said dryly as he locked the door, “I trust you actually studied for this test seeing your playing privileges hinge on the results?”
“No sweat, Mr. Rathburn, “Greg said as he headed towards the only empty seat, “I’ve got this one in the bag.”
Mr. Rathburn made a choking sound in the back of his throat, something like a cross between a cough and a disbelieving snort, while he passed out the tests.
“Hey Becks”, Greg said as he sat next to her, “how you doing?”
Becca blushed but greeted him steadily before writing her name on her copy of the test.
“Okay class, you know the rules.” Mr. Rathburn’s voice punctuated clearly, “Head’s down, only pencils are allowed on your desk. Put away the calculators, you won’t need them this time. You have until the bell to finish. I suggest you make wise use of your time, you’re going to need every minute.”
Becca tried to keep her attention on the test but her mind kept straying to Greg Fields. Why did he have to sit next to me?! On today of all days! She had known Greg all her life, they were neighbors when they were kids. Ever since then, Becca had had a crush on Greg – and he knew it too! But as high school boys were wont to be, he was inconsiderate of her feelings and teased her mercilessly.
The other kids at school took their cue from him and they had no problem poking at her because they all knew Greg was out of her league. Short and chubby with glasses and a bush for hair, no one would ever say Becca was attractive, or even cute. If they were nice, they would say she was adorable and had a nice personality. Which, as everyone knows, is just code for no-boy-in-his-right-mind-would-date-her. If people weren’t nice – say, for example, most high school girls – they called her the Ugly Duckling.
Becca rushed through her exam as fast as she could while still trying to solve all the problems correctly. She was the first to finish. She turned in her paper, gathered her stuff and left the school in record time and headed to the ice-rink where she knew she wouldn’t need to even worry about Greg or the fact that Prom was coming up and she would be home because, really, who was going to ask her out? High school was a popularity contest and seeing as how she was the dead bottom of the pack, no one would commit social suicide and risk being associated with her.
Truly, though, she really didn’t mind. Becca was an only child and her parents weren’t what one would call involved. They were usually travelling – both her parents were in the airline industry as captains of commercial liners. Both made more than enough for the three of them to live comfortably.
While she had no doubt her parents loved her, she recognized at an early age that they were too involved in themselves, each other and their careers t
o pay her much mind as long as she stayed out of trouble. She was used to taking care of herself and for all the fact she tried to hide among the masses in school, Becca was actually pretty self-assured. She knew who she was, she knew high school wasn’t forever, and she knew she could make something of herself if she wanted to. She just wished she wasn’t so obviously in love with Greg Fields.
At the rink, Becca wore her usual training outfit of leggings and a long sweatshirt. She knew that she should wear something more formfitting to make her spins tighter and cleaner but such outfits made her feel too exposed, even when covered from neck to toe. She was well-endowed and she didn’t like the looks that came her way from guys when she wore tighter clothes. They were always ogling her body and they didn’t care about who she was. She had learned her lesson well from the one summer fling she had when she was sixteen, two years ago.
Henry Miller was a handsome boy and Becca had been flattered by the attention he paid her. He was sweet and cajoling and captivating. One day, he had asked her to meet him at the rink for a date to watch the first of the season’s amateur skating shows. Henry was already there when Becca arrived earlier than they had planned; she saw Henry sitting with Greg and some of the other football players. She gathered her courage and made her way to them with as much of a confident smile as she could muster. She was proud that she had managed to catch the attention of a handsome guy like Henry.
She stopped in her tracks a couple rows behind them though when she heard her name spoken.
“Yo, Henry,” one of the guys, Devin, said. “Heard you’re going out with Becca Stanley. What the heck, man? Didn’t know you were interested in Ugly Ducklings!” This provoked a round of snorts and laughter from the pack.
“Oh no, dude, I’m not interested in her face,” Henry said gamely, scratching his head. “It’s the rest of her that’s got my attention – know what I mean? I’ve got her right where I want her too. She’s practically putty in my hands. I bet I can get her to give it up tonight!”
[2016] My True Love Page 13
