[2016] A Wanting Bride

by Christian Michael

  She couldn’t believe this. “A lie by omission is still a lie.”

  He blew out a frustrated breath and paced back toward her. His hands lightly griped her arms so that she was forced to look into his face. The intensity of his gaze was overwhelming, his dark brown eyes boring into hers and his brow furrowed in concentration.

  “Look,” his voice softened, “I understand that you don’t want to lie. I don’t want to ask you to do that either. But I will introduce you as my wife—a truth—and that will likely be the end of the conversation. Will that suffice? Or will you feel the need to blurt out that Maddie is dead and gone?”

  The lightness of his words was betrayed by the look in his eyes. It wasn't anger she saw there but hurt. Deep hurt.

  “I—” she paused, trying to formulate her thoughts but he was so close and his hands were warm on her arms, causing her to be distracted.

  “Please.” His tone was gentle, kind even and it was her undoing.

  “All right.”

  “Thank you,” he said, dropping his hands from her arms and taking a step back. “They’ll be here in a few days. I’ll have Cook fill you in on what I’ve got planned but you shouldn’t have to do much with us if you don’t want.”

  She bit her lip, not responding. He continued, not needing her for the conversation.

  “I’ve got a lot of plans but it will be the dinner at the end of the week that I hope will truly seal the deal. If you can watch out for Minnie that would be a great help.” Then, turning to her he stopped on his way out of the room and said, “Thank you.” Then he was gone.

  Her stomach constricted as she watched him go. He was such a confusing man. One minute he acted like an overbearing monster, the next she saw the true depth of his emotions etched in those dark eyes. He tried so hard to hide the pain, but it practically cried out without him even realizing it.

  Minnie bounded into the room, a grin on her face. “Will you play with me?”

  The little girl was adorable and Belle didn’t even need to think about her answer. “Of course!”

  When the girl slipped her hand into Belle’s and tugged her outside, the heaviness of their prior conversation sloughed off and she felt lightness return to her. Everything would work out just fine. At least she prayed it would.

  ***

  Dennis dug his heels into the horses’ side spurring him on. He’d just about made it to the outer perimeter of the land that ran along the river and, so far, what he’d seen looked good. He’d had his men working on shoring up the back pasture fence but it was clear to him, and would hopefully be clear to his potential backers, that his land was fertile and perfect for ranching.

  If he could just make it through the end of this week, then everything would be all right. At least he hoped that was the case. But he couldn’t help feeling as if this meeting had him acting a bit shortsightedly.

  The memory of the feeling of Belle’s thin arms beneath his hands, her close proximity to him, and her impossibly wide, blue eyes captured his attention. He directed the horse toward the river for a drink, but his mind stayed with her.

  She was his wife. He wanted to treat her as a momentary person in their lives, his and Minnie’s, but that simply wasn’t true. He groaned with the realization that he hadn’t thought this out long term.

  “Dennis!” The shout behind him drew his attention back from where his horse had ducked its head to drink in the cool river water.

  “What is it, Ralph?” Immediately he was on alert, thinking something had gone wrong. That something wouldn't be ready for the visit.

  “Hold yer horses,” Ralph said, laughing. “Nothing’s wrong.”

  Dennis felt the fist of anxiety loosen in his chest. “You can’t do that to me, man.” He forced a laugh. “I’ve got too much riding on this visit.”

  “I know, sorry about that. I just wanted to check in and see what else you needed me to do. I was riding along the south ridge earlier and things are looking good there too. Thought I’d come out and ride the rest of your route with ya so we could talk.”

  Dennis felt even more of his anxiousness ease. Ralph was a few years older than Dennis but one of the hardest workers he knew. He would trust him, and his ranch, to this man in a heartbeat.

  “I’m just circling the corpse of trees and then heading back. Let’s go.”

  The two men directed their horses down the well-worn path, easy in silence for the first few minutes. Dennis let the beauty of nature that surrounded them sink in to his soul. Maddie had always said that God spoke to her through nature…he was beginning to think she had been right. Though he wasn’t exactly sure what God was trying to say.

  “You look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders, boss.” Ralph kept his gaze ahead, but Dennis knew he was paying closer attention than it appeared.

  “This visit. It’s just very important.”

  “Right.” He stretched out the word and Dennis knew another question was coming. “It wouldn’t also have anything to do with that new wife of yours, would it?”

  Dennis opened his mouth to say no, but stopped. He would be lying if he said that Belle wasn’t on his mind causing him to be distracted. She was pretty, stubborn, inquisitive, and looked so much like Maddie…

  “It’s just an adjustment.”

  “A good one? Or a bad one?”

  There wasn’t a simple answer to that question. “I’m not ready to try to love again.”

  The frankness of his words were a shock to him as much as he was sure they were to Ralph.

  “Getting over loss takes time. Just like falling in love takes time. I’d say you have plenty of both. Just make sure that’s what you’re doing…trying.”

  They rode in silence for several minutes until Ralph brought up ranch related things, giving Dennis an easy way out of deeper conversation.

  He didn’t want to think about trying to move past Maddie or trying to love Belle. He’d rather just ignore both things and focus on work, so that’s what he’d do.

  Chapter 4

  Belle straightened her shirtwaist in the wavy mirror then patted her hair, making sure it was secure. She was nervous. It felt foolish, but the feelings had welled up inside of her and all of Dennis’s talk of making sure everything was perfect worried her even more. She hardly knew Dennis and yet she’d have to play his perfect wife and mother to Minnie.

  At least that part would be easy. Minnie was the one bright spot in Belle’s day. The little girl was bright and seemingly unharmed from living with Dennis.

  Belle cringed at her uncharitable thoughts. Dennis wasn’t a bad person exactly, he was just…troubled.

  And yet, part of that brokenness drew her to him. It was completely foreign to her, but she wanted to mend the hurt he obviously felt. There was no chance she would be able to though, not with the crew of men who would be coming and the actives that had been planned. From rides around the property, a picnic, special dinners, and a women’s teatime, she knew she would be busy.

  But maybe, just maybe, she’d get a chance to talk with Dennis. To prod ever so gently into the hurt he felt to see if it was ever possible he could let some of it go. If he could, she wondered if that would change their relationship.

  Cook knocked at the door calling out, “They’re here.”

  One last look in the mirror and a few pinches to her cheeks to make them look rosy and she walked downstairs.

  Dennis stood at the bottom waiting for her and the look on his face nearly stopped her. It was a mixture of surprise and appreciation. So her new dress had been a wise decision. It was blue and would bring out her eyes, or at least that’s what Cook had said.

  “You look…nice.” His words came out slightly strangled and she wondered if it was so difficult for him to say something nice. Then she chided herself again for her inhospitable thoughts.

  “Thank you.” She wanted to compliment him on his attire, a fine suit in a rich, dark color that brought out the deepness of his complexion,
but she pressed her lips together. He had already turned away, to look down at Minnie.

  “And you, my dear, look positively stunning!”

  “Thanks Daddy,” she said, wrapping her arms around his legs and squeezing with all her might.

  “Now remember,” he said, looking at them both, “This is a very important meeting. Please be on your best behavior.”

  Thankfully he directed the last portion of his words toward his daughter but Belle couldn’t help but think he’d meant them for her as well. She wanted to remind him that she was a lady, but the door opened, sending golden sunlight into the room along with boisterous and loud conversation.

  The day flew by in quick succession but Belle found that it was easier than she’d expected to portray the doting wife. It wasn’t that she was acting, but she made an effort to be near Dennis, to engage in conversation when she could, and to be the gracious host. Several times she caught Dennis watching her as she interacted with the businessmen and she hoped that he was proud of her.

  At the end of the evening they all said goodnight, standing in the large main room, and Belle tried her best not to stiffen when Dennis came up next to her and dropped his hand to her waist as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

  The conversation continued around her but all of her focus was on the warmth at her back and the feeling of closeness and connection she felt to him.

  ***

  Dennis made sure his guests were happily situated, the three men and their wives in the guest rooms he was now happy he had. The house had seemed so large when they had bought it, but now he saw what Maddie had. She’d always been the visionary.

  He paused in the hall, frowning. This was the first time a memory of Maddie didn’t bring bitterness with it. Shaking his head, he turned to make his way to his room but knocked over a vase on the table. Before he could catch it, the glass vessel landed on the floor with a thud and broke into several pieces.

  Groaning, he went to pick them up but sliced a gash in his palm. He bit back a curse and, after more carefully collecting the rest of the glass and disposing of it, made his way downstairs to the kitchen to search for a rag for his bloody hand.

  Belle whirled around from the counter where she’d stood with her back to the door. Her eyes were wide in surprise but instantly they fell to his hand and she gasped.

  “Are you all right? What happened?”

  “I’m fine,” he growled. “Just sliced my hand on a broken vase.

  “Let me help you clean and bandage it.”

  He was about to protest but seeing as it was his right hand and he was right handed, he wasn’t sure he would do a good job. He fell silent and she retrieved cloth and a wet rag.

  She set to work diligently cleaning the wound but when she touched another cloth to it the sting jolted up his arm and he cried out, yanking it away.

  “What is that?” he demanded.

  “Calm down,” she said, rather straightforwardly. “It’s alcohol. We need to properly clean the cut.”

  He frowned but she gently pulled his hand back, shooting him a look before she bent over the cut again. He almost laughed at the stubborn look she’d given him. It was adorable.

  The thought caught him off guard, but it was true. When she was stubborn and stood up to him, he found her determination endearing. If he wasn’t so overbearing…

  “How is that?” she asked, leaning back to look at him.

  He turned his hand over, admiring her careful, tidy work. She really was amazing. She’d put up with his grouchy moods, talked with the businessmen and their wives like she had been born to it, and looked after Minnie with such tenderness.

  “Is it bad?”

  He blinked, realizing he hadn’t answered her. She was seeking his approval, something that caused his stomach to feel warm. “It’s great. Perfect. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome,” she said, smiling. She picked up the bandage supplies and put everything away. His eyes trailed after her, admiring her curves and realizing that her hair was hanging down in a long braid instead of piled high on her head. It was thick, the light brown color of her hair reminding him of stalks of wheat. How had he missed that before?

  “You did well today,” he said.

  He could tell his comment surprised her but he wasn’t sorry he’d said it.

  “I know how important this is for you.” She stood in front of him, leaning her hip against the tall counter. The look in her light blue eyes spoke of openness.

  Without realizing it, he leaned toward her. Her soft intake of breath from surprised him and made his pulse race. He reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, marveling at just how soft it felt, then he dropped his hand to rest on her upper arm.

  She felt warm under his touch and his stomach clenched. He wanted to kiss her, to pull her into his arms and push past the awkwardness of their first few weeks of marriage and the pain of Maddie’s death and—

  Maddie’s name in his mind was like a splash of cold water on his heated emotions. He dropped his arm and stepped back.

  “Thank you for—uh, for the bandage.” He staggered back then left the room, putting as much distance between them as possible.

  Chapter 5

  Belle felt the exhaustion of the week wearing on her. They wives of the business men were sweet women, but it was a lot of work to entertain them and be cheerful and happy the whole time when all she really wanted was a moment by herself to process her feelings for Dennis.

  They were in the sunroom enjoying tea and scones as the men were out on the ranch somewhere, likely riding horses and talking about the price of cattle. The women had ventured into various different subjects though they continued to come back to their children. Minnie was with Cook, but as the women talked Belle realized she felt as if Minnie was her own. In some ways that was true, but in others it was a lie.

  Dora, the wife sitting closest to her, turned to her as the other ladies talked. “You and Minnie look so similar.” She smiled sweetly but Belle felt a knot of anxiety in her chest. She didn't want to lie to this woman but it was getting dangerously close to that territory.

  Her thoughts flitted back to Dennis and how much he felt the future of the ranch rested on this whole week. But to be stuck between lies and their future was extremely difficult.

  “Dear?” Dora said, “Did I say something wrong?”

  “Oh, um, no,” she said. The words weren’t convincing though.

  “You seem…” she searched for the word, “Upset.”

  “It’s not that.” Belle shot a look at the other ladies who were deep in conversation about childbirth pains and decided to be up front with the woman. She cared about the ranch’s future and she cared about Dennis, more than she’d realized, but she couldn’t lie. “Minnie isn’t actually my daughter.”

  Dora’s eyes widened. “What?”

  Taking a deep breath, Belle told Dora the story of how she’d come to the ranch. She made sure that the woman understood Dennis hadn’t asked her to hide the truth out of a malicious or evil nature; he was just so committed to his work that he wanted everything to go smoothly.

  “Well, dear,” Dora said, smiling and resting her hand on top of Belle’s, “I’ll keep these things in confidence and I’ll keep you in my prayers.”

  Belle felt overwhelmed by the woman’s kindness but relieved as well. It was nice to have someone besides Minnie and Cook to talk to.

  “What about you Belle?” one of the other women said, breaking into their conversation. “Tell us about your Minnie’s birth. I’m sure Dennis afforded the best doctor for you,” the woman added. She was constantly talking about how her husband didn’t care enough for her.

  Belle reddened, not knowing what to say when Dora spoke up. “Oh ladies, let’s change the subject. Those days are long gone and probably better left in the past. Let’s talk about that beautiful dress you’re wearing Agnes. Did you make it yourself?” The women accepted her change in topic easily and Belle sent
her a grateful look as the conversation switched to dressmaking and fabrics.

  Belle felt the weight of the half-truths resting on her though. Dora knew the truth but the rest of these women didn’t. It wasn’t fair to them, and yet it wasn’t fully her choice. She’d just pray that she hadn’t ruined things for Dennis.

  ***

  Dennis adjusted his cravat and straightened his vest. Tonight was the big night. The dinner where Thomas Sullivan would announce his decision about the merger. Would he back Dennis? Would they join forces and grow their individual business to a size neither of them could likely imagine? He hoped so, but he was still worried.

  Overall the week had gone well. The men seemed entertained, the wives were happy under Belle’s direction, and when they were all together they got along splendidly, but was that enough?

  Business was more than fun and games. Business was, well…business. He was sure Thomas saw it that way. Though, every time Dennis had tried to bring up more of the hard facts about the business the man had turned his attention to some other meaningless things. Maybe that was just the way he did business though.

  Shaking his head, Dennis walked out into the hall in search of Belle. He wanted to check in with her before the dinner to make sure all arrangements had been made.

  He knocked on her door and waited. When she opened it his breath caught. She looked beautiful in a deep green brocade dress with her hair floating all around her shoulders. It looked as if she was in just about to pin it up but for a brief moment he wanted to throw caution and all other thoughts to the wind and pull her into his arms so he could run his fingers through it.

  “Dennis?” she asked.

  He blinked out of his thoughts and forced a half smile. “Um, I was just checking in with you about dinner. To see if everything is ready.”

  She frowned and worry immediately clenched in his stomach. Was something wrong?

  “Come in for a moment.”

  He almost said no, and then realized how foolish it was. They were married. It was fully appropriate for a husband to be in his wife’s room.