Now as he made his way home at the end of the day, he wondered what she’d purchased and with what money. Although he kept money in the house, he doubted she’d found it and took it upon herself to spend his money. What he suspected was that she’d used her own, which flustered him. Why had he not thought to give her money for whatever was needed for the house?
Upon entering the house, the aroma of dinner made his stomach rumble and Sean shook his head at how easily he could become accustomed to having a ready meal at his own home at the end of the day. Admittedly, he looked forward to spending time with Judith and hearing about her day.
She was at the stove when he closed the door behind him. A faint blush colored her cheeks when she greeted him with a soft smile. “How was your day?”
Now it was his turn to feel like a schoolboy when his reply became stuck in his throat and he had to clear it. “Very good. I hope you found the mercantile to your liking. The Browns keep it well stocked.”
“Yes, they do. I met Lorna. She is quite lovely and very helpful.”
He made his way past the kitchen to the living room where Bethany lay on a blanket, fast asleep. “Has she been sleeping long?”
“No. She just settled, actually, right before you came in. I thought she’d wake at hearing your voice.” Judith had come up behind him. “She’s had a full day and will probably sleep until morning.”
“That, I doubt,” he replied with a shake of his head. “Bethany does not sleep through the night yet.”
Dinner was delicious and he asked for seconds. They discussed her purchases and he insisted on giving her money. He talked a bit about a horse that’d kicked the entire time he tried to shoe it. Finally, she let out a breath and he figured she’d discuss what had obviously been on her mind since he’d arrived home.
“I want to ask you if we could wait at least another week before getting married. I know your sister is making arrangements and understand that it’s not proper for us to live under the same roof without marriage, but I’d like to make a dress and get to know you better…before we…” She looked down at her clasped hands and blushed.
It was nice to know that she was frank and would discuss things that bothered her with him. He’d wondered how long to wait before getting married. Although Eloise had no doubt already made arrangements, they could be changed.
“I have no objection to waiting. Everyone in town is aware of the circumstances of your arrival and although it’s not common knowledge you live here yet, sooner or later, the gossip will begin. I am not worried about it and can ignore it, but I want to make sure you can. I won’t allow anyone to speak ill of you.”
He wasn’t keen to do what he was about to propose, but he wanted her to be comfortable. “I’ve decided to sleep at the stables from now until we get married. I’ll go after supper. It’s best that way.” He held his hand up when she started to protest. “There’s a small room in the back with a bed and a stove. I will come here for dinner and to see Bethany, then go back and spend the night there.”
“I feel terrible putting you out like that.” She looked around the space as if trying to come up with a solution. “Perhaps I can go and stay somewhere so you can be with your daughter.”
He would miss being with Bethany. But if he were to be honest, he looked forward to nights of uninterrupted sleep. “It’s only for another week. I’ll stop by and see her midday and in the evenings until she goes to sleep.”
When Sean covered her hand with his, it felt good that she didn’t pull it away, but instead turned it over and grasped his hand in return. “If you’re to be my wife, I don’t want us to start off on the wrong foot with people thinking ill of you.”
“You have been so kind to me.” Her eyes shined with unshed tears. “When I was told John died, I could not figure out what would happen to me.”
He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles, the action bringing awareness of how much he looked forward to spending his life with Judith.
After dinner, Sean collected his clothing and other things while waiting for Bethany to wake so he could spend time with her. Meanwhile, Judith cleaned the dishes and kitchen, then she sat on a chair and began to sew. He eyed the fabric. It was a light blue calico. “What are you making?”
Her eyes met his and she seemed unsure. “I am making curtains. The ones on the windows are threadbare and barely give any privacy.”
He’d not noticed until then, when he looked to the windows. The curtains, if one could call them that, were pieces of material he’d found and nailed up to the wall to cover each window. Eloise had laughed at his attempt to decorate and insisted on making curtains for him, but he’d told her to make him a shirt instead. Over time, they’d all become accustomed to the window coverings and not paid any notice. “I suppose they are in pretty bad shape.”
The sound of her soft laughter warmed his chest. Before he said anything stupid, like that he enjoyed the sound of her laughter, he walked out to the front porch. Father Patrick O’Reilly approached and gave him a stern look. “I hope you are not about to leave. I came to talk to you.”
Thankfully, the priest sat on one of the porch rockers and didn’t seem to expect to be invited in. With bright red hair and vivid, green eyes, the man was only about a couple years Sean’s senior. Father O’Reilly let out a sigh. “It’s been a busy day. I can use a sit down and more fresh air.”
“What happened today?”
“Marcus Melton finally passed. Went over to give him his last rites, I was almost too late. He died within minutes. Thelma was in terrible shape. The poor woman clung to the hope her husband would somehow recover from the brink of death.”
Sean hung his head. “It’s a shame. He was sick for a long time. Seems like death has been roaming around here for too long.”
“Two in a few days. I agree,” Patrick O’Reilly said and shrugged. “But such is the way of life.” He leaned forward. “Eloise came to see me. Seems you have found you a wife.”
“Yes, Father, I have.”
“Don’t go calling me Father. It only means you’re about to say something I don’t like.”
Sean chuckled. “Known each other too long when you can figure me out that easy.”
“Now what is the situation? Are one of you changing your mind?”
“She wants to wait an extra week before getting married.”
The priest surprised him by nodding. “I can understand that. The man she thought to be marrying died and now she’s about to marry someone else. If anything, at least she and John had written back and forth so she’d gotten to know him a bit.”
“I’m packing up a few things. Gonna stay at the stables until we’re married.” He didn’t say it to make any point, other than letting the Father know in case anyone asked or started to point an accusing finger.
“Can I meet the young lady? I hear she’s very attractive.” The priest’s eyes twinkled with mirth when Sean stiffened at his comment. Priest or not, another man looking at Judith bothered him. He’d not be comfortable until they were properly married.
“Yes, come on in. I’ll introduce you.”
Judith was surprised when the door opened and Sean entered with a priest right behind him. She lowered her sewing and got to her feet.
“This is Father Patrick O’Reilly,” Sean told her and motioned to the man who held out a hand with a friendly smile.
“Nice to meet you, Miss Murphy.” The priest was shorter than Sean and a bit thinner. He looked to be first generation Irish with red hair and bright green eyes.
“Please, sit down. I’ll make some tea.” She moved to the kitchen and both men followed her. As she placed a kettle onto the stove, they settled into kitchen chairs. “I take it Eloise spoke to you.”
“Yes, she did. Sean just informed me of your plans to marry in a weeks’ time.”
She looked to Sean who met her gaze with warmth. Judith was grateful for something to do in making tea when her cheeks heated from his regard.
�
�If you’d like, you can stay with me. I have extra rooms at my house,” the priest offered Sean.
She stole a glance to see Sean considering the priest’s offer. By the easy way they conversed, it was obvious they’d known each other for years.
Sean frowned in thought, then nodded. “I’ll accept your offer.”
Chapter Six
With Eloise and Lorna’s assistance, Judith’s dress was finished in just three days. The women sat in companionable silence sewing the last of the trim on the dress, while Judith completed hemming a new shirt for Sean.
“Are you sure you don’t need more help cooking?” Judith asked them again. “I hate all the work you’re putting forth for this simple wedding. I don’t imagine too many people will be present.”
Eloise shook her head. “Just my family, Lorna, Martin and the kids. Also, Father O’Reilly and I suppose, the boys who help out at the stables.”
“I’d prefer it small, so I’m glad to hear it,” Judith told them. In all honesty, she’d prefer an even smaller party.
That evening, she paced the room. Eloise had taken Bethany with her for a few hours to give Judith and Sean time alone. The closer it came to time for him to arrive home, the more nervous she became until she gave up pacing and went to the front door. On the porch leaning on a support with his back to her was Judith’s soon to be husband.
He held a bunch of wilted flowers in one hand and a package in the other. When he heard her step outside, he turned. “I was just about to come inside. I saw these on the side of the stables and thought you’d like them.” He held out the flowers and she took them and pretended to find them beautiful. In actuality, they were on the verge of death and she hid a giggle.
“They’re black-eyed Susans. So pretty, thank you.” Judith went back inside and he followed.
She made a big deal of putting them in a cup filled with water and then placed them by the window. “There. They look beautiful there.”
With a frown, he studied the blooms. Most hung down over the edge of the cup. “They’re pretty wilted.”
“The water will bring them back to life. Just wait and see.” Judith smiled when he looked less than convinced. “I made a pie for dessert at Eloise’s.”
Throughout the meal, the conversation flowed easily as they discussed things needed around the house and he filled her in on what happened around town. It was obvious they avoided any talk of their situation, of the upcoming marriage, of life together. Every time Judith wanted to bring up something personal, she couldn’t formulate what to ask.
Finally, they finished the meal and Sean leaned back. “You’re a very good cook. Thank you.”
It was gratifying to know he enjoyed her cooking. She didn’t consider cooking as one of her best attributes, but as long as he liked it, that was all that mattered.
She took the dishes to the sink, startled to find him beside her. Unsure what to do, she looked up at him. Sean took her by the shoulders and lowered down to press his lips over hers. It was unexpected and not at all what she thought kissing him would be like. The softness of his kiss made her wish for more. Never having been kissed before, Judith wasn’t at all sure how to respond.
What came naturally was to place her hands on his shoulders. Judith closed her eyes and allowed the sensation of closeness to envelope them.
Encouraged by her, Sean deepened the kiss, his mouth moved across hers in a disconcerting manner. She opened her mouth to breath and his tongue pushed past her lips. Sensations like she’d never felt flittered across her skin and then seeped in until every nerve came to life.
Sean pulled away, his wide chest expanding and retracting with each breath and she stared at it, certain she’d never breathe normally again.
“I need to fetch Bethany. Would you like to walk with me?” Sean asked, his eyes taking her in.
She fought the urge to grin like a loon. If the kiss was any indication of what intimacy would be like with him, the next few days would drag by.
Once she donned her shawl, he held the door open, allowing Judith to exit the house first. When her shoulder brushed his chest, Judith shivered in awareness. She pressed her lips together to keep from saying anything when he chuckled. Her future husband affected her too much. Whether good or bad, she preferred not to ponder on it at the moment.
Just as she stepped onto the porch, Sean took her arm and guided her beside the door. His eyes searched hers, the silence stretching into an uncomfortable length.
“Is something wrong, Sean?” Judith couldn’t figure out what he was thinking.
“I sometimes wonder why things happen as they do. It’s still hard for me to believe my good fortune at finding a wife. A woman like you is more than I could have ever asked for. I wanted you to know how glad I am.”
She couldn’t stop the smile forming, while at the same time her eyes teared up and she tried unsuccessfully to blink the tears away. “I, too, am grateful that coming into such a dreadful situation, things turned out as they did. If not for you and Bethany, I have no idea what I would have done. So far from home and anyone I know, I would have been lost.”
It was natural and so perfect when, once again, he pulled her against him. Judith relished the hardness and expanse of his chest, loving how protected she felt when leaning against the strong man. She lifted her face hoping he’d kiss her and to her delight, Sean covered her mouth with his. This time with urgency and possession so demanding she clung to him not wanting for it to end.
More in control than her, Sean lifted his lips from hers and pressed a soft kiss to the tip of her nose. “I don’t know how I will keep from touching you before we marry. I hope you don’t mind me being forward by saying this, but you tempt me Judith.”
As he’d echoed the thoughts she was having at the moment, Judith could only sigh and lay her head against his shoulder. “I will do my best to keep you from temptation, Mr. Montgomery.”
His chuckle delighted her as she floated down the steps and to the twilight over the road as they made their way to Eloise’s house.
“There you two are, just in time to sit down for dessert. I wondered what was keeping you.” Eloise studied their faces, her gaze lingering on Judith’s heated face and she gave her a knowing smile. “Well, no matter. Let’s eat.”
The family surrounded the long, dining room table. Judith and Sean sat at one end with Bethany in a cradle between them. The baby was propped up and she cooed happily making everyone laugh with her antics.
Judith’s heart threatened to burst from her chest in that moment. Looking around the room filled with the buzz of conversation and children’s giggles, she took in every single second never wanting to forget the first time she felt part of a family. The warmth of love filled the room and she sniffed, only to garner concerned looks from everyone.
“I’m sorry,” she said waving her hands. “It’s just tonight is wonderful. I am so happy.” Judith wiped at her eyes and sniffed.
Eloise leaned forward and grinned. “We are just as happy to have you in our midst. And very glad you and Sean are compatible.”
Judith laughed when Sean’s face reddened and she couldn’t help reaching to him and brushing her hand over his. “I think your brother and I will be very happy indeed.”
“When is the wedding?” Eloise’s husband, Jack, asked with a hearty laugh. “Not too far in the future, I hope.”
Sean rolled his eyes and Eloise gave Judith a wide smile. “I can’t wait for the wedding. It’s going to be wonderful.”
It was Judith’s turn to blush, but she didn’t mind at all.
That night, she lay in bed in the darkness unable to sleep with all the plans and lists of what needed to be done whirling in her head. The wedding would be in three days and she needed to finish Sean’s shirt. She’d purchased dungarees at the mercantile for him and then, as a wedding gift, a beautiful leather belt. In addition to the wedding preparations, there were house improvements that she hoped to get done before Sean returned home to live. Th
anks to Lorna and Eloise, they were almost done making a simple quilt and pillow set for the bed and she’d made matching curtains. The bedroom they’d share looked very different than when he’d left, already with embroidered doilies, fluffy pillows and every space had been cleaned and polished.
The kitchen had been cleaned to her satisfaction, but she hoped to get new dishes and cups. Hopefully, he’d have enough money for that. She was unaware of his financial status. As the only blacksmith in town, she imagined they were not poor, but other than that, he’d not shared. Not that there had been any time for it. The days were passing quickly.
Too fast and yet not fast enough.
Her body tingled in expectation of sharing a bed with her fiancé. The most handsome man she’d ever known. Of course, she’d had offers by a couple of men in the past. One in particular seeming to want to marry her, but neither had gotten past more than a walk or sharing coffee. Not that it mattered at this moment. Now she knew the reason for everything, why things had happened. Sean Montgomery and his beautiful daughter were waiting for her.
With a content smile, Judith allowed slumber to take her. Tomorrow, she’d start the day with purpose. She looked forward to it, especially when Sean came home for his meals.
After dinner, Judith watched Sean rock his daughter to sleep. The scene so tender, her heart melted. He was a wonderful father. He didn’t seem to begrudge being saddled with an infant. In fact, he relished his time with the baby; always ready to hold her, bathe her or do whatever else was needed.
Pulling two clean cups from the cupboard, she poured coffee into them and prepared for what had become a nightly ritual of spending a couple hours talking on the front porch to keep tongues from wagging too much. Although she suspected, in the people’s eyes, she and Sean had already consummated their marriage, she’d not noticed any outward shunning. Particularly since everyone knew of the upcoming nuptials.
Judith: Bride of Wyoming (American Mail-Order Bride 44) Page 4
