by Paty Jager
“Are you ready for this?”
His softly spoken question intruded her thoughts. The challenge of pretending to be something neither one wanted to be—married—had begun.
“What if he figures out we aren’t married?” Guilt picked at her conscience. This deception only really hurt them, but it still didn’t feel right.
“Just smile and don’t flinch if I put my arm around you.” He slid his arm down, circling her back, and squeezing her side with his hand.
She leaned into his side and would have sighed had she not caught herself. His touch would be easy to handle.
“That’s the way.” He slid his hand up to the center of her back and guided her to the doorway of a fancy restaurant.
Maggie’s feet stalled when the doorman opened the door and the inside sparkled with crystal chandeliers.
“You’ll be fine.” Ty whispered in her ear, moving her with pressure from his palm still resting on her lower back.
The heat and pressure mixed with the warmth of his whispered words on her ear and neck convulsed the area between her legs and sent shivers of desire dancing along her skin. The sensation pushed a gasp through her parched throat.
Ty looped an arm round her, drawing her to face him. “What’s wrong?”
She couldn’t glance at him for fear he’d see the desire in her eyes. Instead, she shook her head, avoiding his gaze.
He placed a finger beneath her chin and forced her to glance up. His searching eyes peered into hers, and she couldn’t hide. The flash of recognition in his gaze darkened to desire.
His head lowered slowly, his eyes holding her in a trance.
His lips brushed hers, once, twice, and settled.
The sound of waves whooshed in her head as his soft kiss touched her deep within her soul.
“Ahem!”
Ty’s head jerked up, his lips leaving hers wet and scorched. His arm drew her tight to his side as he turned them as one. Light-headedness made the man standing in front of them fuzzy. She blinked and willed her wits to come back to her.
“Mr. Ainsworth,” Ty said brusquely and out of character.
Maggie glanced up at Ty, watching the color drain from his face. Their kiss in a public place and his arm banded around her like an iron hoop on a barrel didn’t help her dizziness.
“Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft.” Mr. Ainsworth didn’t say any more. From the reprimand in his tone he didn’t have to. He pivoted and entered the restaurant behind the waiter.
Ty led her in the man’s wake. She wanted to touch her lips to savor the kiss and run hide. The conflicting emotions of elation and mortification banged around in her chest. How could she face Ty, let alone, Mr. Ainsworth after that wanton display? How could she face herself for that matter?
Ty squeezed her hand when they approached a table. She glanced up and found Mr. Ainsworth standing beside a woman seated in a chair.
“Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft, I’d like to present my wife, Mrs. Ainsworth.” Mr. Ainsworth laid a hand on the woman’s shoulder. He smiled down at his wife. “Nancy, this is Ty and, I’m sorry I don’t know your wife’s name.”
“Maggie,” Ty said, pulling out a chair.
Maggie sat and smiled at Nancy and then Mr. Ainsworth. She reached out a hand to the other woman. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
“Likewise,” Nancy squeezed her fingers gently and then fiddled with the napkin on her lap.
Ty took the seat to Maggie’s right, and Mr. Ainsworth sat to her left.
Ty captured her hand and squeezed. “About—”
“There’s nothing to explain.” Mr. Ainsworth cut Ty off. His gaze wandered to his wife, and he smiled affectionately. “There are times it’s hard to control your feelings, but you must work harder when in public.”
Maggie nearly choked on her sip of water. There wouldn’t be any more displays because after tonight she’d have fulfilled her commitment, and Ty should have more information for her.
Ty patted her back and started the heat simmering in her once more. She leaned forward to sever his touch and stop the heat coursing through her, but she caught both the Ainsworth’s watching her.
“This is a lovely restaurant,” she said, moving the conversation to safe ground.
Mrs. Ainsworth jumped into the conversation and by the time the waiter cleared their plates everything from the weather to what Mr. Ainsworth expected of Ty as the contractor of his gambling salons had been discussed.
Maggie had to admit she’d never thought of gambling as a business, but listening to the men talk about honest dealers and games of chance she had gained a new perspective.
“I’ve decided you and Maggie should use my quarters on the ships as you set up the salons.” Ainsworth’s statement took a minute to settle in her food induced stupor.
She shook her head and stared at Ty. This marriage wasn’t real. She had to find her sister not travel on steamships up and down the Columbia.
“Maggie planned to stay in Portland with family while I’m working.”
Ty’s unemotional response helped calm her nerves. He didn’t want to be on a ship with her either.
“Nonsense, we’ll be on the first leg of the trip, and Nancy would love to have company.” Ainsworth patted his wife’s hand resting on the table. “We’ll set you up in the stateroom next to ours.”
“I’d enjoy getting to know you better,” Nancy said watching her.
A groan bubbled in Maggie’s throat. “But I promised my sister—”
“I’m sure she’d understand.” Ty captured her hand and drew it to his lips. “You could visit her later.” His eyes pleaded with her to acquiesce.
How dare he? They couldn’t live together… Her insides quivered. Could she remain untouched being around him every day and night? And what about Lora Beth?
She shook her head. This was wrong. The whole charade was wrong. She wouldn’t be a part of it any more. Couldn’t. She had to find Lora Beth. It was becoming clear Ty couldn’t help. She needed to move on.
Maggie tugged her hand from his and stood. Ty shot to his feet, grasping her elbow.
“Excuse us. We need to talk. I’ll see you in the morning.” Ty shot Ainsworth an apologetic smile and maneuvered her to the door.
Five
Ty didn’t want Maggie’s sour disposition to influence what Ainsworth thought of him. He wouldn’t lose this chance to prove he was better than his family. He’d figure out some way to make it all work. One thing was certain, he wasn’t about to let Maggie Holmes out of his sight for very long. The brief kiss they’d shared before dinner struck him like a bolt of lightning. The zing and heat of that innocent kiss had awakened more than carnal thoughts. He wanted to protect this woman and keep her.
“Let go. You don’t have to pretend anymore.” Maggie yanked her arm from his grasp and spun to face him. “I can’t pretend anymore.”
“Let’s make it real.” The words slipped out of his mouth before the thought even formed in his head.
She took a step back, her eyes round and worried. Her hand clutched the locket. “We barely know one another. I have to find Lora Beth.”
Her astonished expression didn’t change the thoughts bouncing in his head. Marriage was perfect. He could keep her with him and help find her sister. His gaze slid to her hand clutching the locket as if it would conjure up Lora Beth. He slid his gaze to her bare, enticing shoulders.
“Mrs. Bancroft”—Ainsworth stepped out of the restaurant dangling Maggie’s lacy shawl—“you forgot this.”
Ty groaned inwardly, hoping the man hadn’t seen the discourse between them.
“Thank you.” Maggie fisted her hands on the corners of the shawl and whipped it around her shoulders, wrapping the garment and her arms around her like a shield. Her lips barely curved into a forced smile.
“I didn’t mean to cause a tiff between the two of you, Mrs. Bancroft.” Ainsworth tipped his head to Maggie. “But I would appreciate you considering my offer to travel with my wife and me. She h
asn’t been doing well lately, and I’d feel better knowing she has someone near her when I’m busy.”
Maggie’s expression softened, but her body remained rigid.
Ty took the opportunity to slip her hand into the crook of his arm. “We’ll discuss it tonight and get back to you tomorrow.”
Ainsworth nodded and strode back to the restaurant.
Ty marched her down the street before she could throw another fit in range of the Ainsworths.
“Why aren’t you taking me to the dress shop?” Her clipped tone made him smile.
“We need to talk somewhere private.” He knew of a park not far away.
She dug her heels in and pulled at his arm. “I’m not going anywhere alone with you.”
“You’re making a scene.”
Maggie’s curls bounced on top of her head as she peered left and right.
Ty grinned and tipped his hat to the two frowning women who watched.
“There’s a park about two blocks this direction. We’ll be out in the open.” He captured her hands, drawing her gaze. “We need to talk.”
She shook her head, but allowed him to lead her the two blocks and seat her on a bench under a street lamp. The sun’s fading yellow glow muted the evening sky. A man carrying a ladder and whistling a jaunty tune walked to the lamp post.
“Evening.” He placed the ladder against the street lamp and climbed up, lighting the lamp. He tipped his hat. Picked up the ladder and continued to the next one.
Ty took the time to clear his mind and decide the best course of action with Maggie. The picture was clear to him, but he wasn’t so sure she’d see it the same way. He had the means to help her find her sister. She had to stay with him.
He cleared his throat. “I’m your best shot at finding your sister.” He held up his hand when she started to speak. “Hear me out. I have the money and means to help you. And I am and will continue to help you, but I need you to marry me—”
“I’m not—”
He placed a finger on her lips. Soft flavorful lips he remembered well from their one brief kiss. “Hear me out. We’ll get married, I’ll buy you a wardrobe, and you’ll travel with me up the Columbia while I set up the sternwheelers with gambling salons. When we reach Wallula, we’ll get off the ship and continue looking for your sister.” He withdrew his finger. The simple act of touching her so intimately fuzzed his thought process. “Or we can part ways here with you knowing just as much as you did when you met me and no funds to track down your sister.”
Maggie stared at Ty. Her body shook with apprehension. He was right. He was her best means of finding Lora Beth. But having him purchase her clothes and treat her like his wife—her senses reeled at the thought of the payments of intimacy he’d expect in return. She couldn’t let him into her heart and risk having it shattered again. Everyone she cared about had been taken from her. Her parents, Lora Beth, Mrs. Freeman.
She fisted her hands, wrapping the shawl tighter around her. “I’ll only marry you if we don’t consummate the marriage and we go our separate ways when we find Lora Beth.” If she could keep her distance from him during the marriage she’d keep her heart whole.
Something flickered in his eyes before he lowered his lids. He held out a hand. “I’ll agree, but if you change your mind, I won’t hold it against you.”
The mischief dancing in his voice heightened her resolve. He dared her to keep the marriage one in name only. She’d prove to him he was nothing more than a means to find her sister. She had to keep it that way. If she loved him and lost him—she couldn’t even think of anymore loss in her life.
“Let’s go.” He captured her hand and drew her to her feet.
“Where?”
“To find someone to marry us. We might as well get it done tonight. We have a lot to do tomorrow to be ready to travel.” He led her out of the park.
“We should wait until tomorrow. It would be rude to ask someone to marry us at such a late hour.”
“Oh, no. We made a deal. We’re getting married tonight, and you’re not leaving my sight until we’re on that ship and the Ainsworths see us.”
“I said I’d do it. I won’t change my mind.” She studied Ty as they walked. “Why is this job so important to you? As you said you don’t need it.”
His brows met in the center of his forehead, and his jaw clenched. “My family has a reputation. Not a good one.” He stopped and faced her in the growing dusk. “I want people to respect me for who I am and what I can accomplish without resorting to my family’s tactics.”
“Where is your family? Don’t you miss them?” She didn’t understand not wanting to be near his family. Once she found Lora Beth, they’d get a place together and make up for the lost years.
“New Orleans. No, I could care less if I ever set my eyes on them again.” He continued walking. “There’s a church ahead, we should be able to get married there.”
Maggie dug in her heels and yanked her hand from his. “No. I can’t get married in a church, not when it isn’t a real marriage. My father…” Her chest ached, and she tried to breath. Panic paralyzed her. What would her parents think of this sham of a marriage and of her using a sacred union to find Lora Beth? Would they understand?
Ty pulled her into an embrace, shushing and holding her head against his chest. “If it’s that important to you I can find a justice of the peace. We don’t have to get married in a church.”
His strong arms held her so gently, and his soothing voice warmed her like bright summer sunshine. He made her feel cherished something she hadn’t felt since losing her parents. It wasn’t like she was marrying the first person who came along just to have a means to find Lora Beth. If that were so, she could’ve married the old man who asked Mrs. Freeman twice for her hand. She would’ve had all his money at his death and access to lawyers to help her find Lora Beth. Thankfully, Mrs. Freeman had turned him down. And there was no one left for Ty to ask for her hand. No one except Lora Beth. Wherever she was.
Ty had proven time and again he did care for her well-being and truly wanted to help. And he would get something in return. A chance to redeem himself. Though she believed he only needed to redeem himself in his own eyes. No one she’d witnessed treated him with anything other than respect. She inhaled deeply and thought of the end result. Finding Lora Beth.
“This is fine. Mama and Papa would understand why I’m doing this. It’s to reunite their daughters.” She glanced up. The concern in Ty’s eyes hitched her breath, her heart pattered in her chest. There were indeed worse people in this world she could marry.
He kissed her forehead. “You’re sure? I can find someone else.”
Her heart swelled at his kindness. “Yes. I’m sure.”
He gave her a quick squeeze and leaving an arm draped around her shoulders walked to the parsonage next door and knocked.
The door opened. A large woman crowned in a circle of blonde braids and a round pleasant face filled the threshold. “How may I help you?” she asked.
“We’d like to see the preacher about getting married tonight.” Ty smiled down at Maggie.
Her heart thumped against her ribs. They were going through with it. The weight and warmth of his arm on her shoulders comforted and drew her body to his.
The woman scowled. “And why are you needing to marry this night?”
“I have to travel out of town on business, and Maggie hasn’t any family to rely on so we decided to get married and she can go with me.” Ty continued to gaze straight into the woman’s eyes.
It wasn’t really a lie. He did need to travel, and she didn’t have any family here. She smiled at the woman and nodded, willing her to not dig any deeper. Her straightforward approach to all things made her a lousy liar.
The woman studied her carefully, scowling at her low neckline and tsking. “Come in and take a seat. I’ll get the reverend.”
Ty escorted her into the small sparsely furnished room, directing her to an upholstered settee. He sat next t
o her, placed his hat on his knee, and drew both her cold hands into his warm ones.
“Your hands are like ice. Are you sure you can do this?” The warble in his voice drew her gaze to his face.
“Are you having second thoughts?” If he wasn’t confident, she couldn’t go through with the marriage. His confidence bolstered her own.
“No. This is the best solution for both of us.” He rubbed her hands between his. “You do look like a bride in that dress.” He fingered a curl. “And your hair up.” He traced her cheek with a finger. “You’re beautiful.”
Her insides quivered, and her body warmed at his sweet words and gentle touch.
“My sister says you wish to be married.” A male voice boomed from across the room.
Maggie jumped, her gaze fastening on Ty. There wasn’t another she would marry under these circumstances. He cared for her and would help her find Lora Beth.
Ty stood, pulling her up beside him. “Yes, we’d like to get married tonight.”
The man studied them a moment before he motioned for them to follow.
Maggie’s feet stalled stepping through a door into the church. Memories of her father standing at the pulpit capturing the attention of even the smallest child with his words and enthusiasm warmed her, and at the same time left her hollow. She clutched her middle, doubling over in grief.
“What’s wrong?” Ty blocked the sight of the room with his body.
“Memories of Papa preaching… I haven’t stepped into a church since…I tried.” Tears of grief burned in her eyes and throat.
“Is there a problem?” The preacher’s voice filled the small building, resonating from the walls like the words of God.
“Her father was a preacher,” Ty said over his shoulder and drew her into his arms once more. “Is this another reason why you didn’t want to be married in a church? The memories?”
She wiped her nose on the shawl and shook her head. “I didn’t know I’d react this way. I’m sorry. I-I’m a mess. Are you sure you want to put up with me?”
