Placing her hands on her hips, she stared him down. On the inside, he jumped for joy because she had some moxy and this is what he needed right now. They could dissolve the marriage once this expedition was over. With a heavy sigh, she answered him. “Fine. Turn around so I can grab a few things.” He tossed her the bag and then turned around.
His proper and holy brother helped his new bride in the wagon and started on their new life. He didn’t have time for God in his life, no matter how many times Jedidiah tried to force his faith on him. His faith died the day Ma was killed.
A movement to the left caught his attention. Two men came with equipment for camping. It must be the men they were to meet up with. Obadiah decided to walk behind them to watch their moves. These expeditions weren’t always safe and this is why he took a bride. He’d have leverage if something happened. Many of them wouldn’t hurt a woman, so they’d be safe. Safe to carry out his plan. Justice, money, and revenge all wrapped up in one.
They nodded at one another as they passed. Obadiah pulled out the telegram paper with the details. They would leave soon.
“I guess I’m ready.” Esther’s words interrupted his thoughts. This marriage thing would take some getting used to. He only hoped she wouldn’t slow him down.
“Are you going to tell me what this is about?”
“Work. They need some men and a woman to come and explore the land. Map it.” He shrugged his shoulders not sure what else to tell her. He wasn’t even sure himself. His instincts with mother earth would help him with the journey more than the other men. If he got a chance to kill the man, then no one would question. A lot of times men didn’t come back from these expeditions. Bears got a lot of them and if they didn’t then a mountain lion. This time he wouldn’t go to jail though.
He took the bag from her as they began the walk to where the other men were waiting. The man in charge had grey hair, balding on the top, and wore a black suit with straight lines ironed down the pants.
“I’m glad you men and the ladies have decided to come and help my company out. We’re also helping our nation.” A cigar hung out of his mouth, bobbing up and down as he spoke. Obadiah didn’t trust him. The sly look in his eyes told Obadiah to keep an eye on him and make sure he paid the amount they had all signed on for. He’d need this money to help start his family. He didn’t want to tell Esther that they had no money to their name. A man should provide for his family. His Pa always told him and Jedediah this fact.
“I’ll meet those of you who survive the journey in two months.”
A gasp came from Obadiah’s left. His wife couldn’t keep it in. He gave her a sideways glance, raising a brow. She must keep her emotions hidden or they’d never get through this. He needed a tough woman by his side. A soft one would crumble with him as a husband. Grabbing her hand, he squeezed to try and tell her. He didn’t expect her to understand as they didn’t know each other very well at all.
The way she clutched his hand surprised him. Warmth flooded him. Her small hand looked so big in his. Tan and creamy white side by side. He’d never touched a woman before. Why did he want to protect her? It had to be because of how small she looked beside him. He jerked his attention back to the boss as he talked to each person going on the journey.
“I see you brought your little woman along.” The boss stopped in front of Obadiah and Esther.
Her nails dug into his palm.
“Yes, sir. I saw in the ad you wanted couples and this came at a good time for us.”
“Sir.” The sweetness of the word came off too sweet with the edge Esther’s expression added. She smiled at him, eyes narrowed. “I might be small, but I can do what is needed.”
A deep belly laugh burst from the boss. He shook ashes on the ground before putting the cigar back in his mouth, offering up a smile to himself. The way Mr. Fisher gazed at her made Obadiah want to punch him. This man claimed to be a Christian and nothing in his eyes matched those words. He didn’t blame him as she was pretty. Blonde hair piled on her had in a twisted braid. Two strands curled around her full cheeks. Her lips pursed together, soft and kissable. A purple dress with layers and ruffles accented her body.
“I do believe you’ll have your hands full with her.”
Boy was he right Obadiah thought What had he gotten himself in to? Nothing could be done about the situation for now. “You may be right.”
Esther turned her dark green eyes his way. Hot. Fiery like the end of a pipe smoked around the circle. Before she had a chance to respond, he lifted her off her feet carrying her away before she ruined his chance to even start his plan. Another gasp came from her lips. She smacked his hands.
“Put me down this instant.”
“No.”
Folks walking on the boardwalk turned to look in their direction. Judging him. Always judging him because of his heritage. The trouble he got in to. The mayor and his wife came out of the mayor’s office. They were the worst of all. He did have to admit that he enjoyed seeing her snobbish face show her shock.
“If you don’t put me down right now, I will scream for help. So help me! Obadiah!”
His name coming from her lips was the best thing he’d ever heard. One day she’d say his Indian name as well. Blood rushed through him at the mere thought. He smiled knowing she couldn’t get out of his grasp. She wiggled in his arms. Beating with her fist on his back. It didn’t hurt. She weighed nothing. He could carry her all day.
“No one will come.”
“Yes, someone will. I-I know the mayor.”
He laughed. The man was scared of those of the tribe. They’d not even done a thing to him, his family, or this town, but he still ran away whenever the tribe came around. Not everyone in town was this way, but the mayor and his wife were, so if she wanted to scream for them, she could try but they would be of no help.
“You! you, irritate me!”
“Same to you. Now be quiet and I’ll put you down.”
Esther hit him again, but her body relaxed a little. She sighed against him. It didn’t take much to get her going and he thought this might be actually be fun. They’d need a way to stay sane on this adventure. Maybe he would get on her nerves and she’d want out and he could go back to his quiet life and move up in rank within his tribal family. It wouldn’t be easy, being part white man, but he knew he was respected in the tribe.
He put her down. Their closeness made him clear his throat. Her cheeks rosy, eyes shining like an emerald stone. Her hands were pressed against his chest. He felt flames, simmering from her touch. His hands holding her hips, keeping her in place. She didn’t try to fight. Her face flushed, and she looked away from him, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth.
“I didn’t grab you to be rude.”
She shot her gaze up, twisting one side of her mouth. Esther didn’t believe him and he didn’t blame her.
“Let me explain. I didn’t want you to be rude to the boss. This man could take us off the list and then we’d be without the money.”
“But the way he spoke to me.” She replied, the quiet words coming out fast.
“I know. He shouldn’t have.”
***
Esther tried hard not to let anger bubble to the surface. The way the man spoke to her reminded her of the man to whom she had owed money. As if he owned her and every other woman in the world. As if they were beneath him and he planned on keeping them there. She wanted more to life than that. She had dreams and thoughts. She prayed her husband wouldn’t be the kind of man who thought they could treat women in a disrespectful manner.
She fell in line next to Obadiah as they made their way to the trail. Two whole months on their own in the wild. No contact with Ruth. This wasn’t what she had expected. She should have known better than to trust the future as her life had not started easy, and so of course, her marriage wouldn’t be easy either. To be honest, the idea of mapping out the trails did sound like fun. She wasn’t so sure about the camping part though.
“I’ve
wondered something since I spoke with Mrs. Smith.”
He stiffened a little next to her at the mention of the mayor’s wife. Obadiah didn’t look at her, eyes fixed on a big stick in his hand. As they walked deeper into the woods, the trail was narrow without much clearing alongside and she wished she’d thought to grab a stick too. He stayed ahead of her, pushing the branches out of her way. “Why does she not like you?”
“She’s scared of me and my tribe like most white people.” He shrugged his shoulders. “We’ve never hurt anyone in town.” An edge to his voice as he spoke about the woman and white people in general. Maybe he wouldn’t like her either because she was white? Her eyes roamed the thick brush. The leaves were green, bright for now. By the time they returned, they’d be turning colors for fall and maybe falling to the ground as a blanket for the coming winter.
A small part of her worried that her husband might kill her, maybe leave her in the woods to never be seen again. It wasn’t like anyone would claim her but her best friend Ruth. The thought made her sad. No family. No one to love her like a Ma and Pa were supposed to. With this man, she may never experience the love of a spouse either.
“Have you hurt anyone?” Words tumbled out of her lips. She didn’t mean to speak them out loud.
Obadiah stopped, turned around, and stared in her eyes. A warrior. The muscles in his face tightened. Brown eyes, turning a darkened shade of black mixed with a smoky grey. His shirt was taut against his chest. She cast her attention down not meaning to bring up a sore subject for him. “Yes. I’ve done what was needed to protect my family.”
“You’re safe with me. I’ve never hurt a woman and won’t ever. I know it is hard to trust someone you don’t know.”
No kidding. She wanted to learn to trust him but was afraid it wouldn’t happen. “I didn’t mean to upset you”
“You didn’t. People like her who act as she and her husband do bother me. I’m part white, too.”
Esther blinked. She wouldn’t have guessed. He had the coloring and facial features of an Indian. Turning back, he started back on the trail again. She figured it best to keep quiet for a while and to think about what he told her. Good information for her to know. She relaxed some as they walked, adjusting the sack on her shoulder. Flowers bright in color, red, yellow bloomed off to her left. The mountain came into view as they came into a small clearing. Breathtaking views.
Chapter Three
Obadiah dropped his bag to the ground and stretched. They’d been walking off and on for four hours. The good thing about his wife was she didn’t complain and kept up with him and the men, and even tried helping to clear the way. The other two men began setting up camp a little north of them. It suited him fine that they gave them space. It gave him a chance to watch them, learn their ways and habits. He remembered the man who killed his Ma carried a small gun on his left hip and a knife on the other side.
Before he attacked, he’d have to make sure both of those items weren’t attached. Obadiah never carried a gun. He preferred his fist or a knife. It was easier to do it and get out fast. He did bring a pistol in case they ran into a bear or mountain lion. Esther unrolled the tent, helping him to get it tied down and set up before sunset. He pulled the rope tight against the wooden pegs. He didn’t want to say anything but he noticed her callused hands and wanted to know how she had gotten them.
He didn’t doubt her work ethic. She wasn’t a soft woman who wore gloves or shirked a job.
Did she grow up working hard on a farm? The questions began to swirl. Deep inside, he knew she’d had a hard life but he couldn’t explain how he knew. She cared for herself with little hesitation and some spitfire, as if she had had to fight for many things. Had someone hurt her?
“I’ll get this side.” Her voice cut through his thoughts. He shook his head and turned his attention to her.
“No, woman. I’ll handle getting the rope tight enough.”
Esther straightened, placing her hands on her hips. A smoky, pointed stare was aimed at him. He had a feeling he’d be seeing that stare often. If anything, he could help her and let her not have to worry for a while. To handle the cooking and have a rest from fear. Dirt smudged her face from the walking and dust covered her dress. He hated that she’d ruin this dress, and as he hadn’t disclosed their plans when she arrived, this was his fault. Once they got paid, he’d go to the mercantile and have a new dress ordered.
“Husband,” the one word, minced, cool and hard pointed at him. His lips curled into a smile, trying hard not to laugh. Her eyes narrowed to small slits, lips pursed together in a thin line. “I can do the same work as a man.”
Obadiah chuckled, letting out a low whistle to distract the men. They’d turned in their direction to watch the interaction with interest. He didn’t need the men finding out that they’d not been married very long. On the application, he had had to write that they’d been married for two years. They wanted someone in a solid relationship. There wasn’t any way he’d let James the man who killed his Ma, get away from him.
“I know. Let me.”
He’d not finished speaking the last word before she bent and tugged on the rope and loop he’d made. A loud grunt came from her. He stood to his full height, crossing his arms, watching as she struggled. The stubborn streak he had suspected ran deep was out in full force. She wouldn’t ask him for help even though he knew deep down she was having trouble. He laughed as a curse came from her lips something he’d not heard from a woman before.
With a loud grunt, she placed the loop over the peg he’d driven into the ground earlier. She did a little dance and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. The smile on her face lit up every feature. She turned in his direction. He swore his breath caught as the sun sparkled off her sun-kissed blonde hair. Beautiful. It wasn’t the first time since they’d meet he’d noticed her but he was certain it wouldn’t be the last.
“See,” she stretched her hand out to make her point. He nodded, not able to speak. It was the first time he’d been lost for words around a woman. Obadiah walked to where she stood, stooped down, and ran a hand up the rope, tugging to make sure it wasn’t going anywhere. Solid. The tent didn’t budge. Not many women in his tribe could get it this tight.
“Good job.”
Esther offered a big smile to him and he couldn’t help but to smile back. He made a note not to underestimate her again. For the second time today, he wondered where she had become so tough, knowing how to do things that most women didn’t. He hoped soon she’d tell him more about her past.
The sun started to lower in the sky. He needed to finish their prep work and not be distracted by his wife. The other men already had a fire going.
Turning he picked up sticks, some small and some bigger. As bad as the storm that came through two days ago was it helped him to be able to get the limbs needed. Crunching came from his right and he didn’t need to turn to know she’d come over to him. They worked side by side gathering firewood. He reached for a stick as she did. Her hand covered his, brushing against him.
Sparks simmered on the surface. He heard the sharp breath she took, pulling away from him. She turned her head toward him, her big eyes looking at him. Esther bit her bottom lip and he watched. What would her lips taste like? Where had that question come from?
“I-I’m sorry.” She muttered low, slowly taking a breath. He watched as she tried to hide her suddenly dry throat. The way she lowered her gaze, then looked at him through her lashes had him wanting to kiss her senseless.
“Don’t be.” He touched her chin, rubbing his thumb over the silky skin.
Esther blinked at him a few times before she pulled away. He wanted to draw her back to him but decided not to push her. Her presence was everywhere. Her scent lingered with the smell of lilacs mixed with jasmine. He needed to breathe air without her scent in it or he might lose his mind. Obadiah stood, walked over to where he’d build the fire and began putting kindling down in a pile before setting the larger sticks down.
Obadiah picked up a stick, placed it in the hole, and rubbed it back and forth. Smoke began to come out. His wife said nothing but stood watching him for what felt like hours.
“How did you learn that?”
“What?” He didn’t look up as he gathered the black ashes, placing them on top of the block.
“To make that?” Esther pointed to the block. She handed him the grass mixed with corn stalks. He nodded as he took them.
“My Pa.” He put the hot ashes into the grass mixture, careful not to smother the smoke. Folding the one side over the other, he blew into it. He waved the grass mixture back and forth in the air. Her gaze followed his motions. Her brows rose high into her hairline. He continued waving, stopping for a second to blow and then waving it again. Flames came through finally. Patience was needed to do this. It couldn’t be rushed, and once it was going well and hot, it would stay lit all night. Most white men didn’t understand. Placing the starter on the ground, he placed sticks on top. They slowly grew into light and heat enough for them to cook with.
The other men looked his way, wanting to know his secret. You don’t know everything. Soon. Satisfaction flowed through Obadiah like the river behind them.
“Must be mighty nice to have a Pa around.” The longing in her voice had him wanting to take her in his arms, holding her close to let her know she wasn’t alone now even if they didn’t know one another. The sadness in her eyes tore at his chest.
A Bride For Obadiah Page 2
