The Mercantile Owner's Bride

by Cheryl Wright

  They stood there for what seemed a lifetime.

  “I don’t know about you,” she said forcefully, but I want some of that pie I slaved over for hours.”

  The pie was tempting, there was no doubt, but given the choice, he’d hold his wife in his arms until eternity.

  * * *

  Phoebe vowed that tonight she would tell her husband everything.

  She would not fall asleep before he arrived like she usually did. She swore to stay awake and confess to all her sins.

  Not that they were her fault, because she was a victim of circumstances, but that didn’t make it any better.

  She went to the bathroom for her ablutions, her heart racing at the thought of what she was about to do. As she brushed her hair, she knew she was stalling for time.

  Standing in her beautiful nightgown, staring at her reflection, she wondered what his reaction would be.

  Would he send her away once he found out?

  “Edward,” she said quietly, finding him already in the bedroom. “I want to you know, you’ve done far more for me in these short weeks, than anyone has done in my entire life.”

  He pulled her into a big bear hug. “Then they’re fools,” he said against her hair.

  She rested her head against his chest. She’d hit the jackpot with this man. With Edward. She’d been right about him, he was kind. He cared about her, even though she was still a virtual stranger.

  She hoped that would change someday soon.

  She looked down at the bed he had turned back, ready for them.

  She remembered back to the first time she’d slept with Edward. She’d been terrified as it would be her first time sharing her bed with a man. In some ways, tonight was worse.

  Tonight, she would reveal her sordid life story.

  As she climbed into bed, Edward sat on the opposite side, removing his shoes and socks. When he began to unbutton his shirt, she turned away. She’d never seen a man undress in her life and wasn’t about to start now.

  She heard the wardrobe door open then close and felt his weight on the bed. He turned off the light and shuffled across toward her.

  His arm came around her, resting on her belly. She stiffened.

  “Do you mind?” he asked gently. “I’d like to hold my beautiful wife, if that’s alright?”

  Had he predicted she was preparing to bare her soul? To put herself out there to him?

  “I don’t mind,” she finally said, relaxing. If she was truthful, she liked the feel of him against her. And she certainly enjoyed being held by him.

  It was a nice feeling and made her feel warm and fuzzy inside, even though she knew she shouldn’t.

  She found herself shuffling even closer toward him. The closer the better. “This is nice,” she said softly. “And the bed is very comfortable. I’ve only ever slept on hard mattresses until I came here.”

  His grip tightened on her and he pulled her a little closer. “Phoebe,” he said softly. “I know your arrival here was urgent, and we’ve skirted around it a lot, but would you mind telling me the circumstances?”

  She stiffened again.

  “I’ll understand if you don’t want to.”

  His words were quiet and comforting.

  She hesitated at first, but then let it all spill out. By the time she finished, tears were rolling down her cheeks. She hadn’t realized how terrified she’d been until this moment.

  He didn’t say a word, just held her tightly. Had she repulsed him that much?

  Finally, he broke the silence. “I’m so sorry you had to endure that, Phoebe,” he said next to her ear. “I want you to think of our marriage as a new start to your life.”

  She nodded – she would happily do that if she could.

  “It’s been a new start for me as well,” he said. “I wasn’t living before. You’ve brought sunshine into my life. Into my heart.”

  Phoebe fell asleep in the arms of her husband. She realized later, she wouldn’t want it any other way.

  Chapter Eight

  “There’s a dance Saturday night,” Edward announced. “It will be the highlight of the month.”

  Phoebe’s eyes sparkled and heat colored her cheeks. “Oh yes please!”

  He watched her pace the floor. “But what should I wear? I don’t know about such things,” she said, a scowl on her face.

  “Phoebe,” he said, strolling over to her and taking her by the shoulders. “It’s not a big deal. Honestly.”

  “It’s a big deal to me,” she said, pouting. “I wouldn’t know what to wear though.” She sighed as he let go of her.

  “You can wear your Sunday best if that’s what you want, my love.”

  He had felt even closer to Phoebe since she’d disclosed her past life, and he loved her even more for the trust she’d placed in him.

  Despite all that, they still hadn’t consummated their marriage.

  He couldn’t wait for the day they had youngsters running around, although there would have to be ground rules. They couldn’t have children running in and out of the Mercantile, torturing customers with their antics.

  He couldn’t help but smile at the thought.

  “What are you smiling about?” Her words brought Edward out of his revelry.

  “Nothing really. Oh, we have to provide a plate of food,” he said. “For the dance. Everyone contributes something.”

  A slow smile crossed her face. “At least I can cook now,” she said, tapping her chin. “What should I take?”

  The store was void of customers, and Phoebe had been helping out. Even with her store apron on, she looked stunning. What had he done to deserve such a beauty?

  “Cheese biscuits perhaps,” he offered. “Or maybe some muffins. Those you made the other day were delicious.”

  She blushed at his compliment.

  “I’ve been thinking,” Edward said, completely changing the subject. “How would you feel about supplying the store with your delicious baked goods?”

  Phoebe frowned, then thought for a minute. “What would that entail?”

  He rubbed a hand across his chin. Why his previous supplier, the sheriff’s sister, had to move away and open her own bakery, he’d never understand.

  “Muffins, oatmeal cookies, pound cake. That sort of thing. And not every day.”

  She frowned again. “If I could rotate through them, and not have to make them all every day, then perhaps.”

  He nodded. “That sounds quite practical,” he said.

  “I won’t let you down, Edward. I appreciate your trust in me.” Phoebe almost knocked him over in her haste to hug him. For the first time ever, her lips covered his. It was a chaste kiss, and one meant to be in thanks, he was sure. He saw it as a first step toward making their relationship more intimate.

  He stared down at her for a few moments, then his arms went gently up around her, and he deepened the kiss. Not too much though, but enough to let her know he liked it, and also to convey it was quite acceptable. Her eyes were closed, and her face relaxed. She even looked like she was enjoying it.

  The tinkle of the bell had her stepping away from him in record time.

  The timing had him cursing under his breath. “Good afternoon Mrs Grogan,” he said, as he reluctantly stepped away from his wife and toward his ill-timed customer.

  * * *

  Phoebe’s heart pounded.

  She was so excited about going to the dance tonight. “My cider cake should be cooled now,” she told her husband.

  “You go and get ready. I’ll be closing the store soon.”

  Phoebe finished preparing supper. They didn’t need much because there would be a heap of food at the dance, Edward had told her.

  She couldn’t wait.

  She pulled out one of their best plates and proceeded to cut the cider cake into pieces. She carefully laid it on the plate, then set it aside.

  The soup was almost ready, and the hot cakes were cooling. She set the table, then went to the bedroom to set out her clot
hes.

  Edward had surprised her with a big box of clothes. Dresses of all sorts, casual and formal. Shawls and coats, and plenty of undergarments.

  He was beyond kind.

  She chose one if the dresses for the dance, her favorite out of all the dresses he’d bought for her. The dress had tiny blue roses printed on the material cream colored soft material. It had a high neckline made of lace, and buttons down the torso, complimenting the layered material. The sleeves were long, puffed at the shoulder, and buttoned above the wrist, with matching lace cascading over her wrist.

  It was the most beautiful dress she’d ever owned. He’d also bought her a matching pale blue shawl.

  Edward really did spoil her and she could imagine how other women would be envious of her.

  She had just finished placing her flowered hat on her head when Edward said it was time to leave.

  Phoebe scooped up the plate of cider cake, which she had covered with a pretty kitchen towel, and prepared herself for the unknown.

  These last weeks had been a journey of unknowns, most of them delightful to the new bride.

  She made her way downstairs, and Edward hooked his arm through hers.

  It was a little chilly outside, and she pulled the shawl up around her shoulders. “You’ll have fun,” Edward said gently. “You’ll see.”

  “I’m not worried,” she replied, then stared into his eyes. “Alright, maybe just a little. I won’t know most of those people.”

  He patted her hand. “You soon will.” He smiled at her and they continued the short trek to the church hall.

  She heard faint music as they approached, and her heart did a flutter. Of course, she knew there would be music, it was a dance, but she tried not to get her hopes up.

  When they arrived, there were a few familiar faces. Mrs Jensen was there, along with Mrs Green and Mrs Jackson. Their husbands were also in attendance. The men were congregated in one corner, with the women in the other.

  Music played in the background.

  Mrs Jensen approached them. “Phoebe, it’s so nice to see you, my dear. We don’t get to see a lot of you.”

  Phoebe still held onto her offering for the night. “Let me take that, my dear. In fact, you come with me and I’ll introduce you to some of the other women.”

  She looked to Edward for reassurance and he nodded. “I’ll be right here,” he told her.

  As she walked away, Phoebe glanced back over her shoulder, but realized she was being childish. Her husband would still be there when she got back. He told her he would, and she trusted him.

  In the kitchen she was introduced to more people than she’d ever remember, then they returned to the main hall.

  The musicians tuned their instruments for the last time, and one shouted above the din. “Prepare to dance!”

  A circle was formed, and Edward invited her onto the floor. Phoebe was quite dismayed to learn she would be shuffled about the room, a new partner for each round. She did eventually land back with her husband, but then the music stopped.

  What a disappointment.

  Everyone had taken a seat when soft music began.

  A young man bolted up and asked her to dance. “You look so pretty,” he told her, a glint in his eye.

  “I, I…” She didn’t know what to do or to say.

  Edward stepped behind him. “Are you asking my wife to dance, sonny?” he asked, his annoyance evident. The potential suitor scurried off, leaving Edward grinning after him.

  “May I have this dance?” he asked, a grin still on his face.

  Phoebe looked around. Only a few couples were on the dance floor, and she didn’t want to make a spectacle of herself, but Edward insisted.

  He pulled her to her feet, and his arms went around her. Slowly, one by one, more couples joined them, making Phoebe a little more comfortable.

  She gazed into his eyes. Edward looked relaxed and very happy. He seldom presented that way in public. She rested her head against his chest and relaxed into him.

  They gently rocked to the rhythm of the music, moving as one. Phoebe felt more connected to Edward than she had ever been.

  He suddenly leaned down and kissed her cheek, and she felt the heat creep up her face. “Edward!” she whispered.

  His voice was soft in her ear. “I’m allowed,” he said quietly. “We’re married, remember?” He chuckled and straightened up.

  She felt several eyes on them.

  The music suddenly stopped, and everyone clapped. As they were about to return to their seats, the music started up again. This time it was even slower than before.

  “Stay with me, Phoebe?”

  She was enjoying herself. It might not be the sort of dancing she was used to, but she loved any kind of dancing.

  She nodded as she looked into his sparkling blue eyes. This time he led her outside the hall, despite her protests.

  “It’s less crowded out here,” he said. “But we can still hear the music.”

  He put his arms around her again, only this time more intimately. One hand sat on her waist, as the other came up her back. She leaned into him, and he pulled her even closer.

  The music was calming, and they gently rocked to the beat together. Edward let go one of his hands and used it to lift her chin, until they were staring into each other’s eyes.

  The moonlight played across his face, softening his features. “Phoebe,” he said softly. “I am so in love with you.”

  He stared at her and waited for her reaction. She licked her lips and gazed at his mouth.

  His head came down and his lips covered hers. A tingle went down her spine and her heart fluttered.

  One hand went up her back, and the other caressed her cheek. She heard herself groan.

  He suddenly pulled back and looked about, for witnesses to his indiscretion no doubt, and she felt bereft.

  “Edward,” she whispered. “I love you too. I have almost from the day we met.”

  He lifted her in his arms like she was a child and swung her about.

  “Edward, you put me down this instance,” she said emphatically.

  He put her down but stood grinning at her.

  “What?” she asked, hands on her hips.

  “You’re such a tiny thing, but I love it when you’re forceful,” he said, right before he swooped in and kissed her again.

  They walked home in silence after the dance was over.

  “I had a wonderful time,” Phoebe said gazing into her husband’s moonlit face.

  “I did too.”

  She’d enjoyed the music and danced most of the night away. She only stopped to help the ladies in the kitchen, which didn’t take very long. The clean up afterwards was more time consuming though.

  They were totally alone on the street. Most people had arrived by wagon; they were lucky to live so close.

  “Edward,” she said softly. “We’ve been married for a while now…”

  “Nearly three months.”

  “And we haven’t… you know…” She felt herself blush, thankful for the darkness surrounding them.

  “Consummated our marriage?” he said with a chuckle.

  “Uh, yes,” she whispered, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

  He patted her hand.

  “I think it’s time,” she said, feeling rather starry-eyed and dreamy after the time they’d spent together. She’d seen a whole new side of Edward tonight, and it certainly didn’t upset her.

  The stuffy Mercantile owner was gone, and the romantic husband had stepped in. Not that he wasn’t romantic at home, because he was. He plowed her with gifts on a constant basis and praised her every chance he got.

  When they arrived at the Mercantile, she turned to face him. “Edward,” she said quietly. “I’ve never had any contact with children. Except at the orphanage.”

  There, she’d said it.

  He stared into her blue eyes, then leaned in and kissed her. His arms wrapped around her, then he reached down and lifted her gently.
<
br />   “What are you doing?” she whispered.

  “Taking you to bed.”

  As much as she was apprehensive, she was ecstatic to finally become a real wife to her wonderful husband.

  Chapter Nine

  A few weeks later, Sheriff Angus Doyle strolled into the Mercantile, determination written all over his face.

  “Phoebe,” he said quietly. “Could I have a word?”

  She stared at him, her heart racing. Had the law finally caught up with her? She straightened up from the task at hand, stacking the shelves with new supplies, her hands visibly shaking, sick dread washing over her. She should have known her happiness couldn’t last.

  Edward strolled over and stood steadfastly by her side. “What is it, Sheriff?” he asked, his voice gruff.

  Sheriff Doyle looked around. There were customers in the store, and Phoebe wondered if he would embarrass her in front of them.

  His voice dropped to barely above a whisper. “Come to the Sheriff’s office. The sooner the better.”

  She nodded and finished up her task.

  Her legs felt weak, and she felt sure she would faint, but she wasn’t going to show weakness in front of her husband. She wouldn’t allow herself to faint. Nor would she become hysterical.

  It was time. The sheriff had discovered she was a wanted woman, and was about to deal with her. She’d be locked in jail within the hour.

  Stony faced, Edward stood close to her, giving her much needed support. “Don’t worry,” he said quietly. “We’ll sort it out.”

  Tears stung the back of her eyes, but she refused to allow them freedom.

  They hugged each other – they knew this day may come.

  Edward dealt with the remaining customers, then put up the closed sign.

  “Ready?” Edward was white as a sheet, and she was certain she would be too.

  She nodded and started for the door despite her lightheadedness. Edward pulled her close and gave her the support she needed.

  He locked the door to the Mercantile, then they slowly crossed the road to the Sheriff’s Office, her mind racing.