In the past year, Samuel Marsh, a rather foul-tempered cowboy, had taken to pursuing Esme adamantly and would not take no for an answer. Since she lived in a poorly developed town, each man was law to his own and Samuel Marsh had decided that Esme and Sophie belonged to him. He even tried to forcibly move into her home several times and there was no one in town who would defend her and make him back off. He was a drunk who was becoming increasingly aggressive and handsy, not only with her, but with Sophia as well!
Out of desperation, when she had seen Kade’s ad for a mail order bride in the local market, looking for a young god-fearing woman who could be his wife and companion, she had written to him. After exchanging a few letters over the course of three months and fending off more advances from Samuel, Esme had despaired of ever getting a proposal from Kade. Finally, last month, he had asked if she would come out west and she had jumped at the chance.
Now, three weeks later, here she was. She prayed she had made the right decision, but honestly, what choice did she have? If she wanted to survive then she had to move. She hoped Kade would be a good husband and provider. For what it was worth, she liked Crystal and was comfortable with her already. Even Philip was likeable. She took those to be good signs of things to come.
The next morning, Esme woke bright and early when her little girl decided she wanted to try her hand at braiding her mama’s hair. Esme laughed and hugged Sophia. She mock-wrestled her down on the bed and tickled her until she squealed with laughter.
Esme sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled Sophie into her arms and rocked her as she said her morning prayers before leading Sophie in praying as well.
“Mama, where are we?” Sophie asked enquiringly. “Are we at Mr. Scott’s house now?”
“Yes darling we are. And I do believe it is time that we show our faces around here. Let’s go see if we can find Ms. Crystal so we can get ready this morning, hmm?”
Crystal was easy to find. All they had to do was follow the loud sound of hymns coming from the other side of the sprawling estate. For such an elderly woman, Crystal’s voice was sweet and steady and very strong. Esme hoped she could be half as lively and joyful when she was in her dotage as Crystal seemed to be.
She found Crystal standing on the porch, sweeping the morning dust off the steps and wiping dew off of the rails. Sophie, unaccustomed to being around other people as she was, timidly clung to her Mama’s hand and hid behind her skirts. Seeing their shadows in the morning light, Crystal looked up and smiled warmly.
“Well, good morning dear ones. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes,” laughed Esme, “we certainly did. I do apologize for missing dinner though; I am afraid we were both far more tired than I thought.”
“It’s no problem at all honey, I understand. I am glad you got to rest now,” Crystal said, clapping her hands together and pressing a finger to her lips, “I suppose you will be wanting to know where the outhouse is so you can get ready?”
When Esme nodded, Crystal motioned her to follow her lead. Sophie pulled on Esme’s hand, silently letting her know she wanted to be held. Esme picked her up and followed Crystal’s trail. As they walked, Crystal pointed out where the horses were shed and nodded in the general direction of where the cows and steers were herded. They passed a chicken coup and a sheep pen as well. As they walked, Sophie spotted several dogs playing with each other along the path and laughed delightedly.
“She likes dogs, then?” Crystal asked.
“Oh yes, if she could she would take every one she found home with her!”
“Well if she likes them, she can play with them. They are gentle animals. Once they have been introduced to her properly, they will guard her with their lives. But they’re not too keen on strangers so don’t let her go to them until after she’s been introduced to them. I think Kade will enjoy doing that. They’re his dogs, you see.”
Esme nodded.
“Ah, here we are. Now the boys – that’s Kade and Philip, dear – built these outhouses so that everyone could be comfortable using them. Those over there are for the work hands who live here and those who are hired during the season.” Crystal said, pointing to the left at some buildings further down from where they stood.
“These,” she continued, pointing to a sturdy red-painted building near them, “are for me, and now you and Sophie. They were made to take care of a woman’s needs much easier. Inside, there is a bath area as well, outfitted in those new-fangled indoor shower contraptions. They’re strange to work at first but they are heaven when you get used to them!”
She also pointed out another building a little further down from the red one and said those were for Kade and Philip. Both of the family outhouses were connected to a walkway that had a covered area that led back to the house which was convenient to use when it was dark or raining. Esme was charmed at the layout of everything she had seen. It had all been put together with foresight and it attested to the kind of family she was now going to be a part off.
Esme thanked Crystal and took Sophia to the women’s quarters where they performed the morning ablutions before joining Crystal back in the main house. Esme helped Crystal make breakfast while Sophie played delightedly with some kittens. Crystal explained that they would only be cooking for themselves and the boys. The hired hands were fed by the cook in the chuck wagon. Even so, Esme was surprised at the quantity of food they made for breakfast and wondered aloud if anyone could consume it all before it spoiled. Crystal just laughed and assured her the boys could pack away more than their share.
“Grandma!” A deep voice belted from the porch. “I have the milk and eggs out here; can you open this door?”
“Oh that’s Kade dear, come, let’s go meet him, shall we?”
Esme swallowed hard. This was the moment she had been trying not to think about. She gathered Sophie into her arms and they followed Crystal to meet the man for the moment of truth.
Esme was not at all prepared to see Kade. After seeing Philip, she had figured Kade would be handsome but she had not expected to be weak-kneed when she saw him. Maybe I am just nervous. Oh I wish I could check my hair and see how I look!
When Kade stepped into the house, he came to a stop upon seeing Esme and Sophie. He smiled kindly at them but could not think of anything to say. Luckily he was saved by Philip who stomped in behind him.
“Hey there Ms. Esme. Did you have a good night?”
Esme barely managed to tear her eyes away from Kade’s deep hazel ones to answer Philip. “Why, yes, I did, Philip, thank you for asking.”
“I see Sophie’s awake. How are you little one?”
Sophie ducked her head into her mama’s neck and stayed there while the adults around her chuckled at her shyness.
“Kade, maybe later today you can introduce Sophie to the dogs?” Crystal asked. “She was simply excited when she saw them this morning.”
“Sure, I don’t see why not. If you don’t mind accompanying us, Ms. Esme,” he replied, “I can show you around the land after breakfast. Do you ride?”
Esme nodded her agreement. “It’s been a long while since I have been on a horse, though,” she said apprehensively.
“That’s quite alright. We can ride double with Sophie in front, if that is alright with you.”
While Esme nodded, Philip interjected, “Well now that that’s out of the way, can we get started with breakfast? I am starving!”
Crystal laughed. “You’re always starving, Philip. But yes, everything is ready. Come along.”
Once they reached the kitchen, Crystal placed the milk to boil on the stove and placed the eggs in water to cook before showing Esme where the dishes were kept. Together they arranged the food and plates and everyone sat down to eat. The food was heaven on a plate and Esme ate appreciatively.
To support herself and Sophie, Esme had worked as a seamstress and had sold baked goods. It didn’t provide much of a living in the town she had lived in but it kept a roof over their heads and bread on the ta
ble. She counted her blessings that their fortunes were changing thanks to Kade and she and Sophie had more than enough to fill their bellies.
Later that morning, Kade escorted Esme and Sophie out of the house to where a saddled horse was waiting for them. After settling Esme on the horse, he handed Sophie to her and climbed on behind her. As they started off, Kade couldn’t concentrate on anything else but the woman who now sat in his arms.
This is going to be a long morning. When he had first seen Esme, Kade was speechless. He knew she was a widow with a young daughter but he had not expected her to be so beautiful. She had steel gray eyes which contrasted becomingly with her long black hair. Her lips were so red, he had thought it was painted until he watched her drink her coffee and none of the color wore off. She had a heart shaped face and her body was tall, willowy and full in all the right places. Kade was a tall man and most women barely reached his chest but Esme was tall enough to almost reach his shoulder. She smelled like jasmine and honey; Kade was intoxicated by the scent.
He liked her manner and the way she took care of her daughter and got along with his family. It gave him hope for the future. If they could all get along well, then it bespoke good tidings for a good marriage.
Esme for her part was trying to remind herself not to relax too fully into Kade’s arms. It felt so good to be held in the circle of strong arms again and she felt so safe and reassured. He smells good too. Like soap and cinnamon. Who knew cinnamon could smell so manly?
As they rode along, Kade pointed out some of the landmarks around them and told her anecdotes about the men who worked for him and about life on the ranch. He was charmed by her easy laughter and her genuine curiosity and warmth. She didn’t have a highbrow attitude either. Whenever he had to stop and talk to some of the men, she did not act as if she were better than them and he was glad for it. He had never liked arrogant women.
When they reached the end of his land, he tied the horse to an apple tree and helped Esme and Sophie dismount. Leading them to the banks of a creek nearby, he spread out a blanket and settled a picnic basket on top of it. As they dined and watched Sophia chase after butterflies, Esme and Kade talked.
He already knew of her life in the town where she came from and he had a deep respect for her already. Where most women would have despaired and given up, she had tried to carve out a life for herself after her husband died. He knew they hadn’t had much and he was determined to show her the finer side of life. He found his heart was already being stolen by Esme and her precious little girl.
Esme was, for the first time in a long time, finally comfortable in the presence of a man and she was glad for it. Kade was strong and dependable. He listened as she spoke and didn’t belittle her efforts to be independent in her life. He treated her with respect and, even better, he treated Sophie well. Not many men, especially men who had never been married before, would be willing to put up with another man’s child. Such willingness said good things of the man’s character. She was glad Kade was the man she was to marry.
As the days passed on into weeks, Kade and Esme got to know one another more. They laughed together and shared many confidences. A deep friendship bloomed between the two of them and they were both content to be with each other, even in silence.
One evening, a little over a month after Esme had arrived, Kade took her back to the creek where they had talked that first day after she had arrived. They left Sophie behind with Crystal. The child had bonded deeply with the elderly woman and the two were nearly inseparable. Everyone doted on her and looked out for her, from her soon-to-be uncle to the hired hands to the dogs that trailed after her wherever she went.
When Kade and Esme arrived at the creek, it was a little before sunset and the skies were painted with hues of pinks and oranges. There was a cool breeze floating in the air. Kade was nervous; Esme picked up on it and quietly wandered why. This was one of the few outings where they were alone. Usually Sophie went with them. As Kade helped Esme off the horse, his hands lingered on her waist and he drew her closer to him.
They stood like that for long moments, not quite touching, just looking at each other. Neither one said a word. After what seemed an eternity but was probably just a minute or two, Kade cleared his throat and turned to the creek. Taking Esme’s delicate hand in his own large grasp he led her over to the bank and leaned against a tree. He drew Esme closer to him, so that she was standing between his legs, and settled his hands on her waist. He had never been so forward with her before but she did not protest, indeed, she seemed to like his touch and that relieved Kade.
He reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a small box.
“Esme,” he said gently, releasing her, “These past few weeks with you have been wonderful and they have cemented in my mind the question of whether you were the one for me. I hope you feel the same way. I realize that when you came here, you had already accepted my marriage proposal but I feel we did not know each other then as we do now.”
Kade took Esme’s hand in his as he took a deep breath and released it. “I have come to realize that you are exactly the kind of woman I have always wanted. I thank God that he brought us together so randomly. And I can’t wait to build a life with you and Sophia. Would you do me the honor of allowing me to take your hand in marriage?”
Esme’s eyes filled with tears of joy and gratitude. Joy that the man before her was truly going to be hers alone and gratitude towards the Lord who had brought them together.
She couldn’t form the words so she just nodded her head and smiled. Kade’s own smile grew as he watched her reaction. He knew what she was saying and feeling, with or without the words. He withdrew the small sapphire ring from its nesting place and slid it onto her finger.
“When would you like to get married, Esme, love?” He asked gently.
“Soon” was her laughing answer as she gazed down at her ring in quiet awe. Looking back up at Kade, she whispered, “I can’t believe you are going to be mine.”
Kade caressed her cheek gently with a finger. “I was going to say the same thing about you.”
He tilted her chin up and leaned closer, pausing questioningly, seeking permission. Esme smiled slightly and pushed up gently on tip toes in answer, closing the gap between their lips. She rested her hands on his strong chest and he wrapped one arm around her waist and cupped the back of her head with the other. It started as a gentle kiss but increased in intensity as passion rose. She stepped closer to him and her arms reached up to twine around his neck as she opened her mouth to accept him a little more deeply. Their tongues entwined and they stood pressed together as close as they could get.
The sound of the horse’s whine broke into their consciousness and they pulled apart, staring at each other, breathing heavily. Kade started to apologize but Esme shook her head and smiled.
“Don’t be sorry Kade. I enjoyed that kiss and if that is anything to judge by, I would say we are blessed and will enjoy all aspects of our marriage.”
Kade laughed. He was very glad Esme was frank and open and as passionate, it seemed, as he. “Yes, I would say you are right. But I think it will be wise to proceed with caution from here on out until the day of our marriage, hmm?”
Esme blushed but nodded her agreement. She had always enjoyed the marital act and had wondered what it would be like with Kade. She was glad to know that the attraction between them was strong. She looked forward to their wedding night with anticipation.
“Kade?” She said haltingly, “Let’s not wait too long for the wedding, okay?”
Kade didn’t say anything. But he couldn’t stop smiling all the way home. I am a lucky man, indeed. As they rode, Kade held Esme tightly. He could help but bury his face in her neck occasionally and kiss it. He delighted in her reaction to him. She covered his hands on her waist with hers and leaned her head back onto his shoulder. Whenever he was distracted, focusing on the road, she would brush her lips against his neck to draw his attention back to her. ‘Tit for tat’, she tho
ught laughingly. I am going to have fun married to this man.
When they reached home, both of them reluctantly pulled apart. They had to behave with proper decorum, they were still unwed, after all.
When Crystal caught sight of Esme’s ring, she practically crowed with delight and Philip slapped Kade on the back in hearty congratulations. Kade told them that they would be married as soon as he could get it arranged with the preacher and Crystal immediately started planning what they would do.
The next morning, Kade, Crystal, Sophie and Esme headed into town to buy things the ladies would need. Esme had only come with a carpet bag which held two dresses for herself and three for Sophie along with toiletries and some toys for the child.
Upon Kade’s insistence and the seamstresses delight, a charge account was opened in the clothing store for the women. Kade realized that Esme was uncomfortable accepting the generosity and pulled her aside to reassure her.
“Kade,” she began, “this is too much! We’re not married yet.”
“I know love, but we will be. Let me spoil you and Sophie. What is mine is yours and I have more than enough to last us several lifetimes, by the grace of God. Besides, Esme, I trust you. I know you won’t go overboard but I also want you to spend lavishly for today. We only get to be married once, you know.”
When Kade kept cutting down her protests, Esme gave in. She had never had the opportunity to indulge in finery and she didn’t want Kade to think she was going to use him for his money. But he seemed to know her heart and he trusted her.
They set up a whole new wardrobe for herself and Sophie. As the wife of one of the richest men in a growing city, she would be attending many society functions over time so Kade insisted that she spoil herself to make all the other women jealous. Esme just laughed at his silliness and allowed him to dote on her and her – now their- daughter.
[2015] Western Love Page 4
