Joshua looked over at Laura. She was outfitted in a delicate white dress which had been altered for her by Mrs. Cole. It was the same dress her mother had married her father in. At the ranch Laura had been almost overcome when she'd seen herself in the mirror. Joshua thought she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, but he knew he'd have to wait a while before he could tell her that. He wondered how he was going to tell her, what kinds of words he would use. Joshua knew he'd never been the most articulate of men, and his experience with women had been limited. He'd spent most of the past few years building up the ranch. The last thing he'd needed was to waste his time and energy on wooing the local women of Great Falls.
And now he was married to Laura Thorne.
He could hardly believe it. He marvelled at how quickly it had all happened; how the curious sequence of events had led him to be standing here, at the altar with the woman he had grown up with as a friend and family acquaintance; the only girl he had ever really had any kind of feelings for.
Laura gazed back at him, standing with her hands clasped demurely in front of her. She looked serious and thoughtful. Joshua felt for her in that moment. He'd been the only one to witness the pain and confusion that had driven her to run away, to seek a life with a total stranger. That would have been and unthinkable life. For a brief moment he felt that he had rescued her from a fate worse than death. But he wondered if he had it in him to make her happy. For that was the real reason why he was standing here. He was making a promise to spend the rest of his life with this beautiful woman; he was giving his word that the only thing that would ever matter to him would be her happiness; he was taking on the wonderful responsibility of providing for her and any family they might have in the future. That thought brought him back to the moment.
"You may now kiss the bride," the Reverend Murray said with a gentle smile.
Joshua leaned in close to Laura. She smelled beautiful. The heady scent of flowers and delicate perfume filled his senses as he touched his lips briefly to Laura's. She responded to his kiss with a momentary, slow movement toward him that was just as quickly over. She drew her head back and peered into his eyes. Joshua saw a curious flatness in their expression that took him by surprise.
The Reverend Murray shook the hands of the bride and groom.
Eli smiled. "Congratulations, Laura. Joshua. You look like the perfect couple," he said.
Laura turned and gave her brother a courteous but cool look. "Thank you Eli. I can see that you really mean that," she said coldly.
Eli shook his head, but continued to smile.
Joshua gave Eli a hard look. The man didn't have a sensitive bone in his body. There was no way Joshua was going to allow Eli to spoil this moment, this perfect day. Joshua didn't like the way Eli had spoken to his new wife. Eli eyes narrowed when he saw the way that Joshua had looked at him.
They made their way down the aisle and out into the autumnal sunshine. It was a beautiful day for a wedding, Joshua thought. The wide street was quiet. There were few people around. Joshua felt a moment of disappointment that the usual sight of a celebrating crowd was absent from their special day. There was no applause or hats flying in the air. How nice it would have been if his brothers could have been at his wedding. But the truth was they were a long way away in distant parts of Montana. He'd let them know in due course, and he was sure they would be happy for him.
He glanced over at the buckboard. Eli's horse was tied to a hitching rail.
Joshua went to the buckboard and extended a hand to Laura. "Can I assist you ma'am," he said with a mischievous smile. He was glad to see that Laura smiled back at him. Her mood had been up and down all day, and he wanted so badly for her to have good memories of their wedding day.
She took his hand and he helped her up onto the buckboard seat. He went up and sat next to her. Turning to Eli he spoke. "We'll see you back at the ranch."
Eli got on his horse, smiled and flicked the reins, moving off up the main drag of the street.
Once he had headed off Laura's shoulders sagged and she sighed. "Thank goodness he's gone," she said.
Joshua moved the horse on and the buckboard started to roll forward. "We'll take our time getting back to the ranch."
"Let's not make it too long. Mama wants to see us as soon as possible. There's no telling what mischief Eli will get up to before we get there," she said.
"At least he came and did what he's supposed to do," Joshua said.
"Giving me away? Did you see the look on his face?"
Joshua shook his head. "I know. He's a strange character. But he is your brother," he said.
"Let's not talk about him," she said. She leaned in closer and hooked an arm into his. Joshua looked at her with surprise. She smiled at him. "Let's just enjoy our first ride together as man and wife."
Joshua's brows raised in surprise at Laura's sudden display of closeness. He could certainly get used to this, he thought. The minute Eli had left, Laura had been transformed. Her eyes had brightened and a tiny, contented smile had finally appeared on her face.
"Are you happy?" Joshua asked quietly.
Laura leaned in closer to him and nodded. She lifted her eyes and peered at his face. "And you? Are you happy Joshua?"
He looked down at her and nodded. A sudden impulse rose in him and he leaned his head forward, planting a kiss on her forehead. The sensation of the softness of her skin on his lips made him feel a surge of emotion. He paused briefly, inhaling the delicious scent of her hair.
When he looked down at her, he saw that she was surprised.
"How could I not be happy, now that you are my wife. Do you realize how amazing this is? All these years we've known each other. And now we're married," he said, the enthusiasm filling his voice.
He immediately regretted his outburst when he saw how she reacted to his words. Her brows furrowed, her lips tightened, and she lowered her head, averting her eyes.
He tried to see her face, lowering his head, desperate to see her expression, but she resolutely kept her features from him.
Joshua felt her shake slightly against him. He pulled the buckboard to a halt. He cupped her chin and raised her face. Her moist eyes caused a lump to rise in his throat.
"Laura. What's the matter?"
She shook her head and swallowed. "It's fine. Let's get back to the ranch. Mama's waiting."
Joshua used the pad of his thumb to wipe the tear from her cheek. He held her body tight against him and he noticed, with a reassuring pulse in his heart that she didn't try to pull away from him.
He took the reins tight once more in his other hand and, with a flick of his wrist, moved the horses on.
****
They arrived back at the ranch to find a huge welcoming reception had been set up in the yard in front of the house. Tables had been laid out and covered with food and drink. There was obviously going to be a party.
Joshua had never been one for parties. His life had been all about hard work and sacrifice, but he had to admit that today would be an exception. If he couldn't celebrate the joyous union with Laura, then there had to be something seriously wrong with him, he thought.
All the ranch hands were there. Spontaneous applause broke out as Joshua pulled the buckboard to a halt and helped Laura down off the seat. Joshua felt an irresistible rush of pride as he watched Laura step down, all evidence of her previous upset replaced by a wonderful, wide smile. She looked so darned beautiful. Standing by her side, with everyone around smiling and clapping, made Joshua convinced that, whatever the circumstances of their coming together, he had done the right thing in marrying Laura Thorne.
Eli stood at the front door of the ranch house alongside Mrs. Cole, who was inevitably and uncontrollably overcome, crying into her apron.
Laura took Joshua's elbow. "I want to go up to mama right away," she said. Joshua nodded and followed Laura into the house, leaving behind the cheering well-wishers.
Upstairs they made their way to Belinda's room. Laura
knocked gently on the door. Belinda's voice called to them from inside. They entered and saw that she'd already been helped to sit up. A thick bunch of pillows supported her. The first thing Joshua noticed was the transformation in Belinda's face. It was lit up with an eager, joyous expression as she watched Laura and Joshua make their way into the room. Joshua was suddenly conscious of how he and Laura looked as a couple. Belinda's eyes were wide and her smile was even wider.
"There you are," Belinda said extending her arms in welcome. "The newlyweds. Come here, Laura. My baby. You're all married now," Belinda said.
Laura went to her mother, sitting down on the side of the bed and hugged her tight. Joshua watched as mother and daughter shared a private moment that obviously meant a great deal to both of them, judging by the muffled sobs that he was sure he could hear.
Belinda looked at Joshua. "Come here, Joshua. My son-in-law at last. Let me see you. My oh my. You sure look handsome in that suit," Belinda said.
Joshua felt himself blush as he went to Belinda and sat down on the edge of the bed. "I'm sorry you couldn't come to the wedding," he said to her.
"It doesn't matter. I'm sure it was beautiful. Look at me," she said. "You wouldn't have wanted me there, spoiling the whole thing."
"Hush mama. Don't say such a thing," Laura said and looked at Joshua. "Isn't it silly of mama to say that?" she asked him.
Joshua was momentarily taken aback by Laura's question. "Sure. We missed you. If you could have been there it would have made a perfect day even more perfect. If that makes any sense," he said noticing the approving grin Laura was giving him.
Belinda waved a hand. "Tush. You and your flattery," she said with a smile. "All that matters is that you two are man and wife. I'm sure the ceremony was perfect."
Laura frowned. "It would have been. Eli was there. He almost did enough to spoil it," she said.
Belinda frowned. "Laura. Don't say such a thing. Eli's real happy to see you married. He told me so himself," Belinda said.
"I'll bet he's happy to be getting rid of me," Laura said.
Joshua was concerned that Laura was starting to get herself riled up. It seemed that any mention of her brother just set her off. He reached over and touched Belinda's hand. "Are you coming downstairs, Belinda. Look's like Mrs. Cole has put together quite a spread."
"Call me mother, Joshua. That's what I am from now on. Your mother."
Joshua smiled at her and nodded. "Okay. Mama. I'd love to see you downstairs."
Belinda shook her head. "It's enough that I've seen you two like this. Married and happy." Belinda clapped her hands and smiled. "You've made my day. The both of you. Now get along and have some fun on your wedding day. Don't mind me. I'll be fine. Mrs. Cole's bringing me something. Cake, I think."
"Are you sure, mama?" Laura asked.
Belinda nodded. "You don't know how much this means to me. Seeing you two like this. This is one of the best days of my life," she said.
Laura hugged her mother again. After a few moments Joshua stood and reached over to Laura. She looked at his extended hand. Her eyes narrowed in puzzlement. Then she reached over and took his hand and they both stood at the end of the bed.
Belinda smiled and cocked her head. "Look at you two. My! What a pretty couple you are," she declared.
Joshua looked down at Laura and saw the happiness written large on her face. For the first time that day he truly felt he had done the right thing. This whole thing wasn't only about himself. This wedding, this marriage was all about this wonderful woman, Belinda, who had been so kind to him over so many years. It was also about the equally amazing young woman whose hand he was holding. He looked at Laura and felt for the first time in his life that he had done exactly what life was asking him to do.
They turned and went to the door. With a last glance back at the bed Joshua was pleased to see that they had just made the most special woman in both their lives, one of the happiest people in Montana.
CHAPTER NINE
"And this is our room," Joshua said standing at the open door to one of the upstairs bedrooms on the McKenzie ranch. He invited Laura to step inside with an extended hand. Laura felt her booted feet freeze at the entrance. She looked inside at the wide double bed, the dressing table with white bowl on the top, the thick decorated rug that covered the floor, the high wooden wardrobe, half opened revealing all of Joshua's clothing hanging neatly there. He wanted this to be the bedroom they shared, right from the start, from their very first night as man and wife.
She frowned and glanced at Joshua.
"Our room?" she asked in as noncommittal a way as possible.
"It's kinda homely. Don't you think?"
Laura thought about the last few hours. It had truly been a day to remember.
They had arrived minutes before at Joshua's ranch to find it mostly deserted. The majority of the ranch hands were still over at the Thorne ranch enjoying the party. Over there, Joshua had suggested to Laura that they both make their way home to his place, leaving the celebration still in full swing. Once word had gotten around that the newlyweds were leaving there had been a gathering of folk in the yard, as Joshua had helped his new wife up onto the buggy. Laura had seen an eager eyed and smiling Belinda look down from her bedroom window, waving to the departing couple. There had been cheers and hats flying in the air as Joshua had driven the buggy away from the Thorne ranch, and then they were alone and driving along the trail back to Joshua's spread.
Joshua and Laura hadn't spoken much on the journey home. The full moon had illuminated the trail. Joshua knew the way to the ranch well enough to guarantee a safe journey to their new home. For that was what it was.
Their home.
Laura had felt a rush of relief at leaving the celebration behind. It felt curiously calming to be alone with Joshua. He'd always had that ability to settle her, even at the worst of times. And now was no exception.
Now she was at the ranch with Joshua. The place that until today he had called his own. Did he really expect her to just arrive at his place and be instantly at home in what had been, until today, his own private space?
Joshua had taken her on a brief tour of the ranch house. She had to admit it was well cared for. Mrs. Bell, Joshua's housekeeper, seemed to have done a good job of keeping the place clean and tidy. There were many signs of Joshua's personal taste around the various rooms. In spite of herself, Laura was momentarily fascinated to see the kinds of furniture he had filled the house with. His taste in curtains and rugs wasn't exactly to her liking, but he had a charming way of deflecting any criticism of his choices in decor.
It had felt strange to arrive at the ranch house when there was virtually no-one around. Because of the dark she couldn't see beyond the house. That would have to wait until morning.
Right now the only thing she had to consider was something that she really hadn't given much thought to, prior to arriving at the ranch with her new husband.
Husband!
Joshua McKenzie was her husband.
Standing at the threshold of the bedroom, looking at the tall handsome man who had been her friend for so many years, she could hardly believe that he was now her husband. And that she was his new wife.
Joshua had a look of patient expectation on his face and she knew he was waiting for an answer. But, right now, she knew she couldn't give him the answer he wanted.
She tightened her lips and merely nodded, reluctant to encourage him. This was all moving way too fast. They were barely married; they hardly knew each other; they were virtual strangers; they'd hardly kissed. The list could go on and on, she thought.
"This is where you think we can sleep?" she asked in a quiet voice. "Together?" she managed to finally say after a long pause.
Joshua smiled softly and nodded. "Since we're man and wife, I guess it makes sense. Don't you think?"
Laura fixed Joshua with a look. Was he being serious? Did he really expect them to share a bed on this, their first night alone together. The butte
rflies in her belly started fluttering like crazy. The look in his eyes told her he was deadly serious.
"If you're not sure..." he began to say.
"It's just been a busy day, Joshua. I don't know what to say," she told him.
Joshua nodded. She thought he looked deflated, even crushed at her response.
Joshua leaned back against the door frame. It was clear to Laura that he was working hard to contain the emotion in himself. She could see it in his eyes. There was a sudden flash of what she thought looked like deep disappointment.
Then Joshua straightened up and cleared his throat. He reached over and stroked her cheek softly with the back of his fingers. "I know this isn't easy for you. I don't want to put any pressure on you. If you like you can have the other room," he said gesturing to the door on the other side of the hall.
Laura turned and glanced at it. Was that what she wanted on her wedding night? A night alone. When she thought of what her wedding night might have been like with Bewly, being with Joshua suddenly seemed like a truly attractive option. But those darned butterflies wouldn't stop their crazy dance inside her tummy. She didn't know what she should do.
As if sensing her mood and the confusion she was experiencing, Joshua stepped across the hall and opened the door. "Let me show you the room. I think you'll be pretty comfortable in here," he said. Laura stepped inside and noticed immediately that Joshua didn't follow her into the room. There was a wide bed, chest of drawers, dressing table and wardrobe. It looked like it had already been prepared for her.
"I had Mrs. Bell make it up for you," he said.
Laura turned and frowned. He'd already known that she would be reluctant; had already anticipated her hesitation. She smiled at him. "You shouldn't have gone to such trouble on my behalf," she said to him.
Joshua smiled. "It's nothing. You've had a hard time lately. I know that. You'll benefit from some rest," he said.
Joshua's Montana Bride (Sweet, Clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers and Brides Series) Page 5
