Words were not sufficient at this point, yet he had to say something to redeem his actions. One thing he knew for certain, he would not allow, under any circumstance, for her to leave angry with him and not wanting to see him again.
She pushed to her feet and, with assured steps, went to the wagon. “I am not sure what came over me. Excuse my outburst, please.” She straightened her shoulders. “We best get going. I need to get to Wilhelmina’s.”
Not waiting for his assistance, she climbed onto the bench and looked forward. Her straight back and lifted chin were a total change from the woman who’d just, moments earlier, cried against his chest.
Tobias settled next to her and took the reins. “When I am with you, I see things differently. I wanted to make you smile and, instead, made you cry.
“I feel like such a ninny for breaking down.” She let out a sigh. “I don’t know what came over me just now.”
“It’s understandable. I made you angry with my stupidity.”
“You don’t have to try to explain things. You have no intentions of marriage with me. I know you only came to the rash decision because your family is pushing you into it.”
Too confused to think straight, he remained silent. His emotions were going in different directions.
“I do want to get to know you better. Can I visit you, Lucille?”
“I don’t know, I will think about it.” It was nice to see the corners of her lips inch up. “I suppose I needed a good cry. I do feel better.”
Unfortunately, Marcus and Wilhelmina’s home was too close. That meant they did not have time to talk further. As much as he wanted to remain and speak to her, there was much work to be done at the ranch. So after ensuring an invitation for supper that evening, he was forced to go.
Chapter Ten
Thankfully, Tobias left soon after taking her to Wilhelmina’s house. Her friend’s keen gaze traveled over Lucille’s face, but she did not ask any questions until they sat at the kitchen table with cups of tea before them.
The newly built house made Lucille wish for a home of her own. Crisp, gingham curtains framed the kitchen window through which whispers of fresh air blew in. Birds chirped in the nearby trees, reminding them that spring was near.
“Whatever made you upset? Your eyes are swollen,” Wilhelmina asked.
On the short ride from where she’d stopped and spoken with Tobias, she’d asked herself the same thing. The only thing Lucille could fathom was that, somehow, his glum perspective on life had angered her to the point of losing control.
“I must have needed a good cry. Tobias made me so angry that I couldn’t keep from becoming more upset than the situation called for. It’s quite embarrassing, really.”
Wilhelmina shook her head. “Men do have a way of doing just that. They bring out our worst. Especially when we have feelings for them.”
“Oh, I don’t think this is the case,” Lucille replied quickly, her eyes widening. “The last thing I need is to develop feelings for Tobias Hamilton. He is much too glum and without decorum in my opinion.”
“You sound like Aurora,” Wilhelmina quipped, laughing. “She is always spouting off about how polite society should act.”
It was impossible to keep a straight face. “You’re right. I can’t believe I put it that way. I will amend my words and say, instead, he doesn’t know how to speak to a woman properly.”
“And yet, you are not indifferent. If you were then perhaps whatever he said or did would not affect you as much.”
The wind blew the curtains up, taking Lucille’s attention. “I will not lie. I find Tobias attractive and do think of him. However, I am going to focus elsewhere in my search for a husband. As you know, with the scarcity of women, I have my choice of men. Although it’s a bit overwhelming, it is a position I’d never thought to be in. There are plenty of honorable, handsome men in Laurel. Sheriff Blake, Elias Jones and the banker, to name a few.”
Her friend tapped her chin in thought. “I cannot picture the banker. But Blake and Elias are, indeed, handsome. Let me just say this.” Wilhelmina waited until Lucille met her gaze. “Once your heart chooses, there is little you can do about it.”
“Would you like to see the dresses?” Lucille stood and went to the carefully wrapped parcel. “I think you will love them. As we both know, Aurora has wonderful taste and a flair for choosing just the right colors.”
Although Wilhelmina could tell she’d changed the subject by the soft curve to her lips, Lucille was glad when she reached for the package. “I can’t wait. I only have two dresses that fit and it’s becoming quite bothersome to continuously wash one and then the other.”
While helping Wilhelmina prepare the evening meal, her friend’s words repeated in Lucille’s mind. Unfortunately, it was true. Her heart was already involved. Admittedly, his arms around her while she cried had been so comforting.
She stirred the sauce and contemplated that, although everyone was more than welcoming and had never made her feel like a burden, she needed to forge a future. To have a home of her own that would allow her to reciprocate the kindness would be a dream come true.
“Did you know Tobias is moving into another house?” Wilhelmina pointed through the window. “As a matter of fact, you can see it from here.”
Lucille moved to stand beside her friend and peered toward where she motioned. In the distance, she could make out a log cabin. Nestled between trees and a small barn, it was delightful.
“I didn’t know he built a home.”
“He didn’t,” Wilhelmina replied. “It was Eleanor and James’ home until their mother died. Now that the couple decided to remain at the large house, Tobias is moving into the empty one. As it is, he spends more nights in the bunkhouse with the ranch hands than in the big house.”
It didn’t surprise Lucille. Tobias was obviously a loner. “What about Jacob?”
Wilhelmina shrugged and then bent to check the pot roast. “He’s staying at the big house for now. Eleanor is not ready for him to leave. As much as I’m sure he wishes to be on his own, Jacob dotes on his daughter.
“How sweet.” Lucille smiled. “They are a wonderful family. You are lucky.”
“You can be as lucky,” Wilhelmina said and turned toward the doorway. “I’ll be back shortly. I’m going to check on the hens.”
“Hens?” Lucille frowned. How strange that her friend decided to check on chickens so late in the day. By the same token, she didn’t know much about ranch life.
“Do you feel better?” The familiar deep voice sent a shiver up her arms. Tobias was there.
Outside the window, she caught sight of Marcus and Wilhelmina walking toward the henhouse, no doubt a ploy to leave her alone with Tobias.
“I am fine,” Lucille replied while busying herself with the stove. “I trust your day went well.”
His long strides closed the distance between them and Lucille could not ignore his closeness. When she looked up at him, his gaze was dark and fixed. “Marry me, Lucille.
Unable to think clearly, she blinked and her mouth fell open. “What brings this about again? I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes. I promise to be a good husband and to work hard. I need you to be my wife. I can’t stop thinking about you.”
The words floated in the air and swirled above her head. He needed her? What did that even mean? Surely it was a physical response he spoke of. Although warning bells sounded, Lucille could only imagine the man standing before her as her husband. No matter how many ways she’d attempted to think of other men and justify why Tobias was the wrong choice, in the end it was clear.
There was no one else.
“I will marry you, Tobias. However, there are some things we must discuss.” Before she could continue, he pulled her close, his mouth over hers.
The feel of not only his lips pressed on hers, but the hardness of his body was more than overwhelming. Her head spun and heat rushed to the center of her body from every extremity. Certainly,
there had to be something wrong with her as breathing became hard and her legs threatened to buckle.
When he lifted his head, Lucille continued to cling to him. Finally, when she was reasonably sure her knees would hold, she took a step back.
Not one minute too soon, because Wilhelmina’s voice flowed in before her friend crossed the threshold. By the flushed faces, her friend and husband had probably been doing much the same as she and Tobias.
“She said yes,” Tobias blurted at the astonished couple whose eyes went from him to Lucille.
Still as a statue, Lucille’s wide gaze traveled across from Tobias to the other two. “I did, didn’t I?”
“Yes, you did.” Pride surged and Tobias accepted his brother’s bear hug.
At the same time, Wilhelmina immediately began to cry through a wide smile. “Oh my goodness, I am so happy for you. A bit confused, but so very happy.”
Lucille met his gaze over her friend’s shoulder and Tobias couldn’t help the smile stretching across his face. The decision had been made. No matter the doubts or the dire expectations, he would ensure that Lucille was happy and safe. More than anything, he would protect her with his life. Nothing would ever happen to Lucille as long as he lived.
Once Tobias made the vow, the cloud of dread lifted and, finally, air filled his lungs completely.
“We’ll have to go to the big house and tell the rest of the family as soon as we finish eating,” Marcus told the group. “Eleanor will be ecstatic. She’s been talking nonstop about how much she wishes you two would come together.”
“That’s true,” Wilhelmina added wiping at happy tears. “She’s going to be uncontrollable.”
The family would be there and ensure he and Lucille were surrounded with love. The only thing Tobias would worry about was providing his wife with a good home. And from how hard his heart pounded, it wouldn’t be long before he grew to care deeply for the beautiful woman.
“I can’t believe it,” Eleanor repeated for the fourth or fifth time as, once again, she hugged Tobias. “I’m so happy.”
Everyone continued talking at once until Lucille thought she’d faint from all the questions and new things to think about. Through it all, her gaze kept going to Tobias who good-naturedly accepted the banters directed to him by the men. It was the most she’d seen him smile and it made things settle better in her mind. Once Aurora was informed, everyone would know and the wedding plans would begin.
At the thoughts of marriage, her breath caught.
“Is something wrong?” Eleanor touched her shoulder. “It’s a great deal to take in, I’m sure. We need to give you time to become adjusted to the idea.”
“I am not sure about anything at this point. Tobias and I have not made any decisions.”
At hearing his name, her intended turned to them. “I’m leaving all the decisions up to the women. I’m being advised not to say anything about it.”
“I didn’t say that,” Marcus replied, his brows lifted. “What I told him was to agree to whatever he was told.”
Wilhelmina frowned. “I believe if I’d left it up to you, I would still be at Pastor Ward’s house waiting for you to show up.”
Marcus cleared his throat and the other men laughed. James stopped laughing when Eleanor directed a glare in his direction. “James was barely functional at our wedding. I will dare to say he probably doesn’t remember a thing.”
“I was ill,” James said, finding interest in his boots.
Marcus nudged his brother-in-law. “Whiskey does that to a man.”
Once again, everyone laughed and, for the first time in her life, Lucille felt a true part of a family.
Tobias’ eyes met hers. “I want you to always be happy.”
“Right now, I am very happy,” she said and then sniffed. When everyone looked in her direction with differing expressions of concern, she laughed. “I’m so happy. It’s making me weepy.” Lord, had she made the right choice? Had she been too rash in accepting?
Their jovial conversation and laughter along with the light from the lanterns inside traveled through the windows out into the darkness of the night and the stars twinkled in return.
All was right in her world at the moment.
Chapter Eleven
“I really think you’re being stubborn. A bride should always wear white.” Aurora’s pursed lips and crinkled brow emphasized her words. “Honestly, Lucille. You have some of the strangest ideas sometimes.”
The silky sky blue fabric made her want to cry as it slipped past her fingers. “It’s only available in blue. It’s so beautiful.”
Her friend lifted a corner of the fabric and sighed. “It is soft. I have to admit it’s quite beautiful. More appropriate for an underskirt or chemise in my opinion.”
Gemina neared and huffed, looking from one to the other. “Make an underskirt, bring the hem of the dress just a bit shorter, so the blue will show. I would also make a chemise, that way you can get more use out of it.”
“I agree,” Lucille said. “It’s not that I am trying to be difficult, it’s that I hate purchasing such fine fabric only to wear a dress once.” Lucille let out a breath.
“Now, you’re being silly,” Aurora laughed. “A white dress can be worn more than once. Add colorful sleeves or ribbon later and you can wear it for special occasions.”
Gemina clapped. “Very smart, Aurora. That is such a good idea.”
Knowing she’d lost the battle, Lucille nodded. “Very well, I’ll take both.”
Tobias had been more than generous giving her a rather large sum for anything she would require. Although they planned an intimate wedding, he’d insisted she spend all the money on preparations for herself.
Most of it was tucked in a small box on her dresser. The money would be better used to purchase necessities. Other than a couple dresses and some underclothes, she really didn’t see a need for much else.
That afternoon, he would come and pick her up so they could walk through the house. As much as she looked forward to it, it would also be the first time they’d spend time alone since becoming engaged.
The day after he’d proposed, the Hamiltons accompanied her back to be present when they shared the news with Evan and Aurora. Only Jacob and James had remained back at the ranch.
Now, as she perused the collection of ribbons and notions, her mind wandered to what the near future held. In just a week, she’d be married to a handsome but somber man.
In truth, his good qualities outnumbered the bad and he’d promised to work hard and provide for her. She had no doubt that with him, she’d always be safe and protected. For her part, she’d care for the home, ensure meals were prepared and do her part to bring happiness to his life.
A woman entered the mercantile with a young girl in tow. “Good day, ladies.”
Gemina’s smile seemed forced as she looked to the lady who’d arrived. “Mabel, it’s a surprise to see you here.”
Mabel slid a glance to Lucille and Aurora, who’d returned her greeting. “Yes, well, Clara insisted we go for a stroll. My cousin is unwell, so couldn’t come and fetch what we needed.”
The woman’s eyes focused on the blue satin Lucille held. “I would like to purchase all of that fabric.” She pointed at the material and walked past without waiting for a response.
“I’m sorry Mabel, it’s sold,” Gemina said not looking one bit sorry. “I do have some beautiful blue muslin that just arrived.”
“Are you going to purchase all of it?” The woman turned on her heel and neared Lucille, her eyes roving from her neck down. “Surely you can’t afford it.”
“Mother,” said the daughter, Clara. Her wide eyes were followed by a bright flush across her cheeks. “Don’t.”
Lucille and Aurora exchanged glances. When her friend’s lips curved in understanding, Lucille almost laughed out loud.
With an innocent expression, eyes downcast and soft smile, Lucille lifted the fabric bolt and slid her hand over it. “I am going to pur
chase all of it, but even if I didn’t, there wouldn’t be enough fabric left for someone of your girth. Hopefully, you were planning to purchase it for your daughter and that is why you deem it necessary to be so unpleasant.”
The woman gasped. “Obviously you have no idea who I am.”
“I am perfectly aware, Mrs. Wilson. You are the mayor’s wife and not very well liked in this town.”
Gemina attempted to hide a chuckle with her hand and Aurora coughed while, to Lucille’s surprise, Clara laughed out loud.
Mabel Wilson’s mouth fell open and she looked from one face to another. “Well, I have never been so insulted. My husband will be hearing about this.” She glared at her daughter. “Come, Clara. This was a horrible idea.”
She batted thread spools with her hand sending them flying and then stormed from the mercantile.
“I’m sorry,” her daughter mouthed and rushed after her mother, ringlets of red hair bouncing around her shoulders.
“Well, that was certainly interesting,” Gemina quipped, her eyes sparkling with delight.
“That poor girl,” Aurora exclaimed. “She seems sweet.”
Gemina huffed. “Cloistered is more like it. May as well be in a convent. She rarely is seen out. If I remember correctly, Clara is about to turn sixteen, will be of marrying age soon. I cringe to think who, if anyone, her mother will approve of for a husband.”
“I saw a spark in her. Perhaps because we’re both red haired and I can relate, but I wouldn’t worry too much about Clara Wilson.” Lucille bent to help the others retrieve the spools of thread. “That said, I pity the poor man Clara chooses. No one deserves that woman for a mother-in-law.”
For the fifth or sixth time, Lucille peered out the window. Tobias had not yet arrived. If he didn’t show up soon, her nerves would drive her crazy. She bit at her thumbnail and wondered what took the man so long. He’d promised to be there early and it was past ten in the morning. After what happened with the outlaws, worry edged in and Lucille attempted to ignore it by going to a nearby chair.
Lucille, A Lucky Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 3) Page 7
