She could tell it had taken him by surprise. But he was going along with it. She really didn’t believe he would ever hurt her. The fact that it had shaken him when he’d yelled at her showed that he was a good man.
Christine vowed to herself and to God that she would do her best to love him. To open his heart and fill it with love and respect. To show him that he could trust her. Then again, thinking of the word trust, she cringed.
She’d not told him about Seth. Or that the real reason Marvin would come looking for her was to take Seth with him. If Marvin had Seth, then he had the farm. It would answer Everett’s demand and Marvin’s quest.
What if the two men worked together? They would each get what they wanted at the expense of her heart being ripped apart.
Marriage to Everett was the best option for her. He would keep her safe. In time, he might accept Seth as his own. She prayed they’d have children. She’d not signed on as a bride to be a barren woman.
Everett knocked on her door. “If you’re ready, we better be going.”
“I’m ready.” She dried her eyes and opened the door. He was standing before her. Clean and shaven. New suit on and even a bowler hat to replace the wide-brimmed plainsman he wore on the range.
Everett smiled at her, a pleasant smile. “You look wonderful. I’m proud to call you, my wife.”
“You look nice, too.” She put her hand in the crook of his arm, and he walked her to the buggy that Dusty had ready for them.
As they passed the corral, she looked at the black mare. She was a beautiful horse. Her coat was shiny, and she no longer paced about looking to escape. Perhaps the mare had realized she was better off with Everett. Like Christine had.
The ride into town was quiet. Everett pointed out different landmarks to her. She nodded but wasn’t really paying attention. She hadn’t told him the most important thing. That she had a son hiding out in Dusty and Margaret’s house. That Marvin was really coming for Seth.
She would have to trust that Everett wouldn’t let the man take the boy. Surely, Everett would see that Marvin was an evil man. Then again, perhaps Marvin would give up and not try and find her. That was it. She’d think that until a problem presented itself.
Today was her wedding day. Not that she was entirely excited, but it did give her a sense of security. Everett would take care of her. She knew that. Despite his odd way of thinking about children, he wanted to be a good man.
That he’d nearly come undone because he’d shouted at her gave her pause to wonder about him. She’d not even taken his shout as being unduly rough or harsh. Just a man ready for her to come out.
Then she wondered what it was he’d wanted to say. He’d never explained.
She nudged him. “What is it you wanted when you came into the house earlier?”
He looked at her, then at his hands. “Nothing. Nothing important anyway.”
She could see he was lying. So, she decided to go to something he tried to share with her to find common ground. “The black mare, she’s beautiful. How long before I can ride her? I’m sorry I didn’t see her potential.”
Everett smiled. “I meant her as a wedding present. I’m glad you see how elegant she is. You can name her. Her foals will carry the name you give them. She’ll be famous.”
Christine sighed but saw that he was happy when talking about the horse. She shouldn’t have slapped him the other day. But honestly, the man didn’t have the faintest idea of what talking about the mare’s ability to have offspring had done to her.
She wanted to scream at him that his sons and daughters would be beautiful too. That he’d be proud of them. Of Seth. Why couldn’t he see that?
At the day’s end, they were finally in San Antonio. He helped her down. “I figure we’ll stay a couple of days.”
Everett took her hand. “We better talk to the preacher first. See what time he can marry us.” His eyes looked at her, questioning her.
She knew what he was asking. She nodded. “Yes, to see if we need one or two rooms tonight.”
Everett smiled and squeezed her hand. “Let me take the bags into the hotel. I’ll be right back.”
Christine stood under a large live oak and enjoyed the slight breeze. Even though the sun was edging down for the day, it was still hot. Lively music played from somewhere down the street. Women in colorful clothes walked past her. The people seemed happy.
That was something she wanted. For herself. For Everett. She wondered if he’d ever been happy.
In minutes, he was at her side. “Let’s go. The church is right around the corner.”
“After we’re married. I’d like to get some of the colorful skirts and blouses the people here wear. They look comfortable and cool.”
Everett nodded. “Whatever you want. It’s yours.” He was quiet for a few minutes. “I didn’t tell you, but I’ve got plenty of money. Whatever you want, let me know.”
She put her hand on his chest. “You. That is what I want. I want us to be happy together. To love one another.” She stared into his eyes. Hoping that he would unlock his heart to her. And later to her son.
He stared at her. “I’ll try. I’m not one that’s good with feelings. I do want to make you happy.”
“Then that is how you will do it. Learn to love me and life. Open up, and don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you.” She meant the words surprising even herself. Suddenly, she knew that she was marrying Everett but not just for protection. She did love him. She didn’t know how it happened. Or why.
But as she looked at him, she saw past his strength and courage, and into the heart of a little boy that needed to know he was loved. The more she looked at him, the more she fell in love and wanted to heal the deep hurts inside him.
He was handsome. A man that any woman would want. And now that she saw his heart, she knew that her job as his wife would be to gentle him so that he could trust her. Just as he was gentling the black mare, she would gentle him. Not to control him, but so that he could trust her.
“Here’s the church.” He opened the door and held it for her.
Inside, she marveled at the high ceilings and how they kept the air cool. Everett led her to the front of the church.
“Pastor Blackmon, are you back there?”
Shuffling came from the office to the side of the altar. “Yes, my son. Is this the lovely lady?”
“Yes, sir. We’re ready to be married.”
The pastor looked around. “Let me find a couple of witnesses.” He went back to the office and soon came out with a man and woman behind him. “This is my wife, Abigail, and my good friend, Joseph. They have agreed to witness the ceremony.”
Everett took Christine’s hand. “We’re ready.”
Pastor Blackmon smiled at them and held out a Bible. “Put your hands on top of the Bible.”
The pastor asked their names and then wrapped a white ribbon around their joined hands. “Do you, Everett McNeal, promise to love and cherish this woman. Provide and protect her all the days of your life?”
“Yes, I do.” Everett glanced at Christine.
“Christine, do you promise to honor and respect with love and adoration this man all the days of your life?”
She looked at Everett., “I do, with all that is in me.” And she meant the words from down deep in her soul. Somehow, she knew this was from the Lord. It was His timing, His purpose, His provision for her and Seth.
The pastor tied the ribbon around their hands. “With this ribbon, I bind you in Holy Matrimony. Let no man come against this marriage. And for you two, I advise you to take the Lord into your home and let Him be head of your family.”
Christine darted a gaze to the pastor as he said family. She wondered if Everett heard the word. The distinction between marriage and family. She caught it, and hope fluttered in her heart. If the Lord was with her, she could endure.
The pastor smiled. “You may kiss your bride.”
Everett took her in his arms and kissed her gently. “I promise
you a good life.”
She smiled. “I’ll take care of you and love you.”
Christine noticed he winced, just for a flicker at the word love. But it would come. She knew it. With God, all things were possible.
Chapter 8
Everett took her to the hotel. Well, he’d married her. His future was set with Christine. He just hoped he hadn’t made a mistake. He’d seen her face light up when the pastor had said family. But he’d told her there would only be them. No children.
Still, something deep inside him had changed in that brief ceremony. She had said she’d love him. He didn’t say it, but his heart had agreed. No matter what he thought, he’d changed. He even looked at her differently.
Before, he’d admired her beauty and curves. The female part of her. But now, he wanted to please her. To love her. The person of her. His Christine. He held the door for her and followed her into the hotel.
He’d gone inside that church and come out someone else. Unfamiliar with the way he felt, he wasn’t sure what his life was going to be like. She hadn’t changed. But he had. Maybe it was his eyes. The church had been a little dark. Yet, he knew it was more than shadow and turning.
The clerk gave him the keys to the big room at the top left of the stairs. With a smile, the clerk nodded. “The honeymoon suite. I’ll have some champagne brought up for you. It’s complimentary.”
That irritated Everett. He’d meant it to be more a business arrangement than a marriage. A companion. That’s what he’d wanted. And intended to have. Still, when he looked at her, he wasn’t seeing a friend. That was part of what had changed in him and between them.
He wasn’t sure how she felt about the situation and figured he’d go slow with her. He could wait. Most of his best business deals were done with patience and outwaiting the other man.
But Christine was no man. Not at all. He held the door to the room for her and stepped aside.
She entered and gasped. “It’s beautiful. Oh, Everett, thank you.”
“I told you I was well off. Whatever you want, I’ll provide for you.” He watched her go around the room and look at the expensive paintings and sculptures. She lingered at the fruit basket on the table to the side of the room.
There was a patio with a table and two chairs. He opened the French doors and let in the breeze and music from below. “There is a nice view of the river from here.”
She stood beside him. A flowery aroma swirled around her. Intoxicating and delicate, she stole his attention.
Christine looked up at him and smiled. A real smile and then she kissed him. “I love you, Everett. I don’t know how, but at that church, I knew you were the man for me. The only man.”
He drank in her words. Her beauty. And that fact that she was his wife. She pulled him inside the room, and he shut the doors.
***
Later that night, Christine dressed and brushed her hair. “Where are you taking me?”
“To a special place to eat. Mamacitas. Best food east or west of the Mississippi.”
“Sounds wonderful.” She glanced at him. Not blushing but admiring the man she’d married. He was tender and gentle. And acted as if he loved her. Not that he’d admitted it, but she could tell. If she wanted it, he’d give her the moon.
How much easier would a child be?
He came behind her and took the brush from her. “You said you needed to tell me something earlier.”
She stiffened. Now was not the time. She didn’t want to ruin the time they had together. “Yes, but later.”
He grinned looking somewhat relieved. “All right. I’m going to have a big steak. You can get whatever you desire.”
“Sounds wonderful. I am sure I’ll get a pie. Dessert is important.”
He laughed. “A woman after my own heart.”
Christine stood and faced him. “Yes, I am. I want all of you, but especially your heart. I have a feeling you’ve kept it guarded and walled away from everyone.” She smiled and put a finger under his chin. “But I know something about you that I didn’t before.”
His eyes narrowed. “What would that be?”
“You have a heart. A big one. I heard it beating solidly in your chest, begging me to love you. That’s what I’m going to do, Everett McNeal.”
He kissed her. “That’s all right with me.”
She watched him put on his jacket and walk to the door. How things could change. Was it just a few days ago that she couldn’t stand to look at the man without getting so angry? And she’d slapped him.
But now, all she saw before her was the handsome man that she wanted to love. Not to tame or mold into what she wanted, but to love. To open that heart of his so he could enjoy life. Up until today, he had looked at her more as if she were a thing of beauty that he’d bought to impress others.
Now, she caught him looking at her with a different eye. As if he loved her. No, he wasn’t ready to admit it to himself. But soon, she’d get him to see that he’d changed. That he loved her as much as she loved him.
It must have been a miracle. God still did those. But something had changed in that little church. While they were being married, her heart had changed toward him. Yes, she still hoped he would protect her from Marvin, and eventually take in her son and give her children. But more than that, she wanted his heart to open and feel love and joy.
And somehow, she believed that had happened. Christine didn’t even think that Everett knew it yet, but she saw the difference in him.
They walked down the river and stopped at a gayly decorated diner with tables outside. Colorful lanterns lit the path while Mexican fiddlers entertained the guests. Everett seated her and then sat across from her.
The flickering soft light danced between them. He held her hand, lightly rubbing her fingers and looked at her. A questioning gaze in his eyes. “I never thought it would be like this.”
Christine nodded. “I’m happy, Everett. I truly love you.”
His lips turned up in a pleased smile. “I love you, Christine. I’ll live to make you happy.”
He ordered for them.
She couldn’t read the menu as it was in Spanish. Everett rattled off the items, looking proud but not of himself. Proud to be able to get her what she wanted.
The fiddlers came to their table.
Everett took her hand. “May I have this dance?”
She nodded and joined him. He put his arm around her and held her close. She laid her head on his shoulder and let him lead her around the dance floor. Under the dark skies and the bright stars, they danced.
Christine felt so loved. Wanted. Needed. It was all there, drawing on her heart. And she reached out to him with all the tenderness and love she could show. Running her hand on his back and looking in his eyes.
After the dance, the food came. She enjoyed the meal, and he’d been right. She’d never had anything so good. Soon they brought her the piece of pie, and they enjoyed dessert. But mostly, she enjoyed being with Everett. Being married to him. Being his wife.
***
Everett had never felt so complete with her. With Christine. It was as if he’d been waiting for her all his life. There was no lack. Nothing was missing in his life. Yet, as he reasoned about his joy, a warning niggle in the back of his mind sent off slivers of discontent.
Children. How was he going to keep children out of their lives? She would want them. Need them. All women did.
He awakened early and sat on the patio, watching the morning sun rise and scatter the darkness. Down below, children ran, laughing as they chased a chicken. He knew she wanted children, but he wasn’t ready to give her that. Anything else, but not children.
Everett focused on the morning view to take control of his thoughts that had dared to go to the dark places. It had been some time since he’d had the nightmare. Yet, last night. She’d awakened him, telling him that he was yelling in his sleep.
But he knew better. He wasn’t yelling. He was screaming. He never wanted to think of that d
ay again in his life. Never wanted to admit what hard, wicked blood coursed through his veins.
If his father and grandfather had done such evil, then he was capable of it, too. Never did he want to hurt Christine. If he had to, he’d never touch her again. If that was what it took to keep from being like his father, then he’d sleep in a separate room. Keep away from her as much as he could.
He frowned and looked at Christine still sleeping. Just seeing her covered form sent desire through him. But it couldn’t be. He’d have to stay away from her. He hoped that she’d understand.
He considered leaving her, but he couldn’t. She was attached to him now. He had made a vow to take care of her, and that’s what he’d do. He put his head in his hands and tried to dislodge the awful truth about his family.
But it wouldn’t leave. Always staying on the fringe, it haunted him. He looked outside and saw a young couple walk hand in hand. That’s what he wanted. He’d get Christine to walk with him, and they could be happy.
Still, he knew that was a lie. He would be keeping the one thing she wanted from him. But he had to.
Startled, he offered her the seat in front of him, but he didn’t rise to greet her.
“Everett, you look so troubled.” She came to him and sat beside him. “What’s the matter?”
He smiled and tried to cover his internal war. “Nothing. That was such a wonderful day. I’ll never forget it.” He took her hand. “What was the problem you needed to tell me?”
“Oh, that can wait. I don’t want it to spoil our time. How long are we staying?”
“I thought we’d go back tomorrow.”
“So, soon?”
“I’ve got a ranch to run.” He looked at her trying to keep the desire from his voice.
She rubbed his back. “I could stay here forever. Thank you, Everett.”
He smiled with his lips, cried with his heart, and then turned to look outside. How was he going to tell her that they couldn’t be together again?
Mail Order Christine Page 4
