by Cyndi Raye
Standing in front of the mirror, Nora didn’t feel nostalgic at all thinking about the day she wore it to marry Robert. Her heart had been broken and there was no turning back. She wanted to remember the good times but their life together had been hard work. In the beginning, he was kind and gentle and she’d cherish those memories. But now, she wanted to move on and make a new life for herself and the White Ranch.
Her dead husband had already been wiped from her mind. As far as Nora was concerned, it was here and now that mattered. This dress now represented a new way of life for her. She was going to wear it not only tonight but on her wedding day as well.
Her wedding to Rusty.
Because even though she wanted a grand adventure, she wanted a life with him more. It hadn’t taken her all but five minutes after reaching the city to figure this out. But it didn’t hurt a girl to have a little fun in the meantime. Plus, she told him they had to each try a few new things out first before making a decision.
It mattered to Nora that this time things would be done right.
She hoped he would ask her again to marry him. What if he didn’t ask her again?
What if, after spending time with her, Rusty decides he doesn’t want to marry her after all? What if he goes out in the city alone and finds someone else? Was this a chance she was willing to take?
She had to do this, to make sure Rusty would never change his mind and want someone else, like her husband had.
Not that Rusty was even close to Robert in character. He was the exact opposite.
He wasn’t going to get away from her.
No way.
What she was doing was for their own good. Then they’d both be certain they wanted each other. Robert’s infidelity had turned her into a woman who was afraid to trust.
And she trusted Rusty with her life.
But maybe not her heart.
It was hard to let go and love someone new.
Even though she’d known Rusty for a lifetime.
A loud knock shattered her thoughts. Nora smiled at the image in the mirror. Her hair turned out perfect. She gave herself one last look before heading towards the constant knocking.
For a suitor, the man was so impatient!
Chapter 5
Nora smiled when Rusty’s mouth dropped open.
“You best shut that jaw else you’ll be drooling all over your shirt collar!”
“My Lord above, Nora, you are as beautiful as the day is long.”
Rusty stood there in the door way holding a small bouquet of pink and white flowers. The knuckles on his fist were white. “Thank you for the compliment, Rusty. You are about to crush the stems if you don’t hand them over!”
He actually looked embarrassed. Gazing down at his hands, he loosened the grip causing the whole bouquet to slip from his hands. “Dog gone it now look at what I did!”
Rusty and Nora bent over at the exact same time to pick up the bouquet and bumped heads. “Oh, dear!”
Rusty took hold of her arms and held her out in front of him, studying her face to make sure he didn’t hurt her. “I am so sorry, Nora, this isn’t starting out good at all.”
She laughed at the sheer panic on his face. Then she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a hug. “You are doing fine, Rusty. We both are a bit nervous and not good at this courtship stuff at all. Why don’t we just forget the formal stuff and act like ourselves.”
“Well, I thought I was.”
Then he laughed. Like the old Rusty she’d known so well, not this stiff-necked man in a suit trying to impress her.
She laughed too. “Mr. Rusty Rivers, you clean up mighty fine.” He wore a black wool double-breasted frock coat that stopped at his thighs and a pair of walnut canvas trousers. His beard was neatly trimmed and those red tresses she loved so much were neatly cut. It was almost too much. She actually preferred the scattered Rusty look but this was nice, too. The fact was he was trying to impress her.
Didn’t he know he already had?
“Let me have those flowers, Rusty.” He handed them over, the bouquet looking rather shabby with some of the pink petals lying on the floor.
“I’m sorry they are a mess.”
“Oh, Rusty, they are beautiful. I’ll place them in this jar on the dresser.” After adding some water from the pitcher, she took one of the pretty pink flowers from the bunch and looked in the mirror, careful to place it in her hair.
She turned.
Rusty was staring at her open mouthed again.
“I’m ready to go to supper.”
It took him a moment to move, then he held out his arm and opened the door at the same time she reached for it. Fumbling around, they actually made it through the door and down the stairs without incident.
An attendant stood at the entrance to the hotel’s restaurant, offering to seat them. There was quite a bit of activity this time of day as everyone who stayed at the hotel seemed to be in the dining room for supper.
Nora and Rusty were placed along the wall in a quiet area of the room, away from the center of attention. She was glad they wouldn’t be dead in the middle of all the activity. Even though she was so excited for the play, she wasn’t used to all the noise.
After they ordered, Rusty reached across and took her hand. “Nora, I know you are wanting a grand adventure and I’m going to make sure your evening is exquisite.”
Nora tilted her head, watching Rusty as he struggled to please her. He seemed uncomfortable. “Are you having second thoughts about escorting me to the Opera House tonight, Rusty? If so, no need to worry, we won’t have to stay long. I’d like to see what it entails.”
He shook his head and patted her hand. “I’m fine, Nora. Don’t worry about me. Although, I do have a surprise for you.”
She looked down to see his hand over hers. It felt nice and seemed right. When he mentioned a surprise, she perked up. Maybe he seemed a bit nervous but that didn’t mean Rusty wasn’t trying. Perhaps she needed to stop worrying about him. “A surprise? For me, Rusty? What is the surprise?”
She lifted a hand to the flower in her hair. He had already given her a gift. Yet, she was curious what else he had in store.
Rusty reached into the pocket of his wool coat. “I thought of you when I saw this.”
He handed her a gold pin with a beautifully carved horse made out of a fine silver. It was perfect for her riding outfit but she was wearing it tonight to go to the Opera House. “Would you help me?” she asked.
He seemed surprised. “You’re putting it on now?”
“Of course, why wouldn’t I wear such a wonderful gift?”
Rusty looked around first before pushing his chair back. He gave her a hand, pinning it to the high part of her collar. He stood back and nodded. “Beautiful.”
She smiled. “You do have good taste in gifts.”
Rusty bowed then sat back down, grinning. “I meant you.”
She actually blushed. Nora had thought she was too old to do so but once again she was proven wrong. This journey she was on was proving to be somewhat exhausting and yet exhilarating at the same time.
As they ate supper, Nora realized Rusty was going along with the motions of escorting her but in reality he probably would be even happier to sit here and talk the rest of the night.
If she was to be honest with herself, she’d rather enjoy a cup of coffee and talk, too.
Why did she have to go to the Opera?
She didn’t. But, because she set this in motion, Nora wanted to see it through. A woman deserved to be pampered and escorted around this big city. Even if she was having second thoughts and was dying to get back to the ranch. She wanted to at least give it a day and see a play to boot.
“Nora, you deaf?”
“I’m not deaf. Are you? Maybe I answered and you didn’t hear me.”
“I’ve been watching that pretty mouth of yours and it ain’t moved since I spoke to you.”
She dropped the napkin on her now empty plate. The mom
ent she did so, one of the staff took it away. “Okay, I admit I was wool-gathering about the play tonight, so no, I did not hear you.”
“We should probably get going.”
“Yes.”
Rusty didn’t make an effort to leave the table.
“Rusty? What else do you have up your sleeve?”
He smiled, his left cheek twitching. “I guess you do know me more than anyone else, Nora. I was going to wait until later to tell you but I can’t.”
“Oh? Tell me what?” She was curious now. Rusty didn’t ever get excited about anything unless it had to do with the ranch.
He opened his coat and pulled out a card. “Take a look at this.”
Nora read the invitation from top to bottom. Confused, she read it again. “Rusty, how did you get this?”
He shrugged. “I guess I know people of importance.”
Nora didn’t say anything for a moment and then she grinned. “I guess it don’t matter how you got this but I am impressed, Rusty Rivers. You have done well.”
Rusty helped her with her chair. “You leave it to me, Nora. I’ll show you the best time of your life, in this city or at home. Where ever you go, I’m going to be there with you and for you.”
Nora turned to him as they went to leave. “Rusty, what a romantic thing to say.”
“And I can be romantic, too.”
They stood in front of the hotel, her arm tucked into his. When Rusty turned, she lifted her face to him. He looked so serious all of a sudden. Nora wasn’t sure but it looked as if he may try to kiss her.
“Rusty?”
He didn’t say a word, but splayed his fingers across her cheek. “You are my life, Nora White.”
She almost swooned as he dipped his head and kissed her so softly at first she wasn’t sure if he actually did so. As her eyelids fluttered shut, his kiss deepened, and she felt herself move forward into his arms. It was their first real kiss and it was perfect.
“Are you planning on going to see the show?” a voice asked, interrupting them. Nora and Rusty both stepped away at the same time. A tall, friendly looking man with freckles across his face and a rather large stove-pipe hat stood there with a crooked smile. “I can escort you both to the show if you’d like?”
Nora was the first to recover. “Of course.”
As they made their way down the boarded side walk, Nora noticed several others were also being escorted to the show. The theatre group was all over the city tonight making sure to bring people in to see the play.
The memory of Rusty’s kiss was still on her lips. She turned to see how he was faring. He appeared normal except for the fact he was way too quiet. She gathered it had him in a dander, too. They had never kissed this way before. A peck on the cheek here and there, a hug like old friends but never, ever a kiss that shot fire in between her toes!
Nora sighed with relief when he finally turned to give her a big smile. “Let’s enjoy the show,” he said before buying their tickets at the box office. They found some seats about halfway through the theatre. Thick curtains covered most of the stage while the sound of footsteps were heard behind it.
Excitement tore through Nora. This was the first time she was ever in a theatre. The room was lavish, with oil lamps flickering all along the fancy dark wooded walls. Their seats were cushioned and soft, the intricate detail of the wood carved throughout its frame. Nora honestly felt as if she were royalty.
Rusty took her hand, holding it gently in his own. She gazed over to give him a smile and caught him watching her. All she was able to do was smile back, remembering how his mouth felt on hers.
The moment the show started, the lights were doused, leaving only a few flickering lamps that cast shadows over the crowd. The whole room quieted as they waited in anticipation for the curtains to be drawn.
Nora wasn’t disappointed. The whole show was a hit. She clapped along with the others as the lights came back on in full force.
Rusty grunted. “That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.”
“No?”
He stood, holding out a hand to help her up. “How like you this play?” he teased, using Hamlets own words.
“Me thinks you tease too much, sir.” Nora told him, taking his hand as they made their way out of the theatre. She waited while Rusty stopped to ask directions to the Field’s post-theatre party. When he showed an employee his card, they pointed and gave directions.
“You’ll know the moment you get there. You can’t miss the house, it takes up the size of a city block.”
Rusty and Nora began to walk away from the center of the city towards the residential district. It appeared as if others were walking to the Field homestead so they fell in behind a small crowd that left the theatre the same time they did.
“The man who gave us directions was right. Take a look at this place!”
Nora didn’t know where the house stopped or started. It appeared out of nowhere, candles lit in the windows, an iron gated fence keeping trespassers out except for the large open gate where a tall man in a black suit stood checking each persons card.
Nora and Rusty made their way inside. “I feel as if I am surrounded by royalty. I am not dressed for this type of posh entertainment.”
Rusty tried to reassure her. “Nora, you look beautiful. These fancy ladies can’t hold a candle to you.”
She blushed. It was a sweet thing for Rusty to say but Nora was truthful to herself if nothing else. Her plain looks didn’t compare to these flamboyant women who wore tons of jewels and tiara’s that sparkled in the candle light. She wore a simple gown of cream color with her hair in a braided bun and a flower attached.
Rusty turned her to him, clasping his hands on her shoulders. She had no other choice but to look into his eyes. They sparkled with merriment. “Nora White, are you here to have a grand adventure?”
She nodded. “Of course I am.”
“Well, then. Let’s have a glass of champagne and enjoy the entertainment. I’ll be right here if you need me.”
He was right. She was here to have fun. She had asked for this and now it was here in front of her to enjoy. Why not?
Throwing her shoulders back, she picked up a glass of champagne when a waiter held out a tray. Rusty refused. “I’d rather have a whiskey,” he complained.
“Oh, come now, Rusty. You must live this grand adventure with me.” Before the waiter walked away she picked up another glass and handed it to him.
He took it reluctantly, sniffing the liquid and wrinkling his nose. “Stuff always made my nose itch.”
“You don’t sniff it, Rusty, drink it.” She laughed softly when she went to take a sip and it actually did make her nose twitch, too.
“I told you,” he said, puffing out his chest and laughing out loud.
It wasn’t long until most of the cast members showed up at the party, bringing along the merriment and camaraderie that went along with a troupe of actors.
Rusty and Nora stood on the sidelines talking and watching. It was nice to sip their champagne and laugh. A few others introduced themselves but the majority of wealthy attendees stayed in small circles amongst themselves. Nora didn’t mind one bit. She had no desire to mingle with others who looked at her with disdain. Was it her gown? She didn’t much care. Nora was having fun.
Rusty hiccuped, causing Nora to laugh out loud. A few heads turned while some frowns appeared before turning away. “I suppose we aren’t quite as dignified as this crowd,” Nora told him.
He smiled, taking another sip while pointing his pinky in the air. “To be or not to be, this is the question,” he mimicked.
“Oh, Rusty, you make me laugh,” she told him. “I’ll bet you memorized those two lines while sitting in the theatre bored with the play.”
“You got me there, Nora. It was nice and all to see you enjoy yourself though.”
She balanced the empty champagne glass in her hand. “I have to be honest here. I enjoyed sitting with you in the theatre and watching all
the characters but I had no clue what they were talking about either.”
She watched his shoulders relax at her confession.
“I’m relieved to hear it because I wasn’t sure what we’d talk about during our evening rides on the range. I can’t quote Shakespeare. I can quote cowboy though. Howdy, Ma’am,” he said and tipped his hat.
Nora flung her head back and laughed out loud, drawing attention from a small theatre group that happened to be standing in a small circle across the room. One of the actresses turned her head and her eyes widened when she saw Rusty standing there.
“Rusty! Oh, Rusty!” She waved and excused herself, hurrying across the room. “Oh my goodness, is it really you!”
Rusty sucked in a deep breath. Nora saw him stiffen and then hold open his arms. He took a few steps forward. She wrapped her arms around his neck in a familiar way.
Nora looked around for another waiter. As if he read her thoughts, one appeared with a tray filled with full goblets. Nora snatched one from the oval tray and gulped it down like water.
After what seemed like hours even though it was mere seconds, Rusty motioned her over. “Nora, meet Millie Omaha. We grew up in the same town. She ran off to become a vaudeville star!”
Nora gave a polite nod and smile, uncertain if this woman was a friend of Rusty or much more. He seemed shocked when she first recognized him.
“Why don’t you come meet my friends?” she told him, looking at Nora in a friendly way. The woman tried to include Nora and she was grateful.
She refused. “I want to try some sweets at the food table,” Nora told them. “You go on, Rusty, enjoy time with your old friend.”
Rusty looked confused. He shook his head. “If you aren’t coming, then I’ll stay with you,” he told her.
Nora held up her hand, giving him one of her down to business looks. “It’s fine, Rusty, really. I want you to enjoy yourself.”
Rusty watched her with guarded eyes then turned to Millie. He took her arm as she led the way to her group of friends. Nora had to grin when he looked back several times, making a face at her. She waved him away, shaking her head.
