The applause surprised both of them as they walked arm in arm down the aisle and then climbed into a carriage rented just for the occasion. Juan heard Brent begin to cry. He jumped out, took his son from Carlos, and handed him up to Sonia before he got back in.
Never in his life had he expected to have a wife and child. He’d never imagined a woman working next to him, making their dreams come true. Most of all he’d never imagined loving a woman so very much. It never occurred to him that his heart was big enough to hold such a love. God had blessed him. He’d probably blessed him all along, but Juan had never looked for the blessings. He only saw what was wrong, not what he should be grateful for.
From now on he would look for all the many blessings each day brought.
“What are you thinking about?” Sonia asked.
“How much I love you, and what a blessing both you and Brent are.”
Tears shimmered in her eyes. “You are the true blessing. You opened your heart to us and you gave the people in town a chance. Now, I do have a question for you. Do you still want to have children with me?”
Juan gazed at her and could tell his answer was of great importance. “Of course. I want to experience everything that life brings with you.”
“I’m so glad the wagon wheel broke and I never made it to David Winstone. I’ve loved you all along, and I felt as though my heart was breaking when I left.” She glanced down at herself. “So, what do you think of the dress?”
Juan laughed. “You look lovely.”
“Not too many bows?”
“I’m not sure if I should answer that.” He grinned.
She grinned back. “Scarlett’s idea and since everyone is encouraging her to help us less stylish women, I didn’t have much choice. I think she put on all the bows on purpose. I’m going to suggest she wear this dress when she weds.”
That took him aback for a moment, and then he chuckled. “You’re a minx. I think you look amazing with or without bows. Well, will you look at that? They all beat us to the house.” Juan reached out and gave her hand a squeeze.
“I was wondering why you were driving the back road so slowly. I guess I was left out of a few of the plans.”
Juan reined in the team and put on the brake. Sonia handed Brent to Mercy and waited for her husband to lift her from the carriage. Her husband. How many sleepless nights had she spent with her heart shattered, yearning for someone who loved her? Now her heart was about to burst but for a good reason.
She smiled into Juan’s eyes as he lifted her down and then he pulled her into an embrace. “I missed you all week,” he whispered into her ear. She shivered at his warm breath.
She was sorry when he let her go. Too many people wanted to congratulate them, and the next thing she knew, she was on one side of the crowd while Juan was on the other. Finally, she excused herself to go find her husband. How she love the word husband. A real husband. For she didn’t count Roger as being a husband.
She found Juan, and he seated her at a table and went to get her a plateful of food. She twisted and turned, trying to see Brent. Finally, she saw him. He crawled over to her, grabbed her chair, pulled himself up, and laughed. She smiled back at him. Then he let go of the chair and took a few steps before falling on his backside.
“Oh my! Brent what a big boy!” She looked around and was thrilled to discover that Juan had seen it too.
When everyone had a plate filled, the minister said grace. A calming serenity came over her, and she knew they’d be just fine in their married life.
“I want to take you home,” Juan whispered to her after they ate.
Her face heated and she knew it had grown bright red when Cindy giggled. Cindy had put slices of cake in front of them. She waited for Cindy to pass. “Juan, people can hear you.”
“You are rather cute when you’re embarrassed.”
“I am not.”
“Am too,” Brent chimed.
“I think we need to eat our cake so we can dance,” she suggested. It took longer to get the icing wiped off of Brent than it did for him to eat it.
At last, the fiddles were being tuned and Juan stood, holding out his hand to her. Her heart beat faster as she took his hand and stood. He led her out to the area that had been roped off for dancing. His brothers and Smitty had made a real wooden one out of smooth planks Greg had gotten from a nearby mill. Smiling, Juan took her into his arms.
Her eyes widened as he led her into a waltz.
“Ma, made us learn,” he whispered.
“I knew she taught you to dance, but the waltz? I’m glad.”
The surprise on the guest’s faces was a great sight to see. They probably thought her husband an uncultured bum. But to their credit, they’d kept any such thoughts to themselves. She hadn’t heard one derogatory word or seen one slight.
The sun was going down, and the lanterns were lit. Her feet were worn out from dancing with every male there, it seemed. She sat down and watched the others dance. She also saw Juan having whiskey with his pa and brothers.
Lynn sat next to her. “We’re going to take Brent for the night so you two can have a bit of privacy.”
Once again Sonia felt her face heat. “Can I ask you something?”
Lynn nodded. “Of course.”
“Juan said that it was supposed to be pleasurable, but I’ve been married before and I know how painful it is. I’m not sure what to do. I’m afraid. Is he right at all?”
A sweet smile graced Lynn’s face. “I’ve been married twice, and each man is different in their tenderness. That’s how it’s supposed to be, though, sweet and tender. I think loving the man you’re with will be the difference. Try to relax and just concentrate on Juan and his love. I think you’ll be surprised.”
Sonia stared into Lynn’s eyes and was convinced she was telling the truth. “Thank you. I was so afraid.”
“It’s natural to be afraid when we’ve been abused before. Go get your husband. I’ll take care of Brent.”
“I want to say goodnight to Brent.”
“Of course you do, but it’ll only make him cry and in the end you’ll give in and take him with you. He’s playing with the kids, and Cindy is with him. You’ll see him tomorrow. Go.”
“Thank you. We’ll come and get him nice and early.”
“You two enjoy your morning. Don’t even think about coming over until noon.”
Sonia leaned over and hugged her new mother-in-law. “I’ll go get Juan. Good night.”
She stood and as she started to walk toward Juan, her nerves took over and she stopped and stared at him. Blood pounded in her ears. What if Lynn was wrong?
Juan drank a bit of whiskey and turned his head. There stood his bride with a stricken expression on her face. What could be wrong? He handed Greg his glass and walked to her. He cupped both of her shoulders in his hands. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”
“It’s time for us to go. Lynn is keeping Brent here for the night.”
He frowned. “Isn’t that a good thing?”
“I’m scared.” Her voice quivered.
“Brent will be just fine.”
“No, I… Never mind let’s go home.” Her smile wasn’t convincing, and Juan wondered what had happened.
They headed for the carriage, and as they started to leave, people yelled their goodbyes and well wishes. Juan smiled as he waved back, but he noticed the effort it took Sonia to wave and act happy.
He flicked the reins and drove off. Did she regret marrying him? That was all he could imagine to be wrong. His heart squeezed. Was she scared that she was stuck with him now? He dreaded arriving at his cabin. She’d tell him it was over, and she’d leave.
The cabin came into sight, and he gave her a tight smile. “I’ll help you down and then take care of the horses.”
This time he didn’t take her into his arms; he merely held out his hand for her. He didn’t understand her confusion. Heck, he didn’t understand anything.
“I’ll wait out here f
or you.” She couldn’t hide the fact she was shaking.
“Go on in if you like.”
“Aren’t you going to carry me over the threshold?”
Why was she doing this? It would be torture to hold her again. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He led the horses to the barn and unhitched them. He took his time making them comfortable and giving them extra feed. He glanced toward the house a time or two, but she still stood by the door.
Finally he had to go in. Even if it was goodbye, he’d treat her with all the love he had. He didn’t want to be like Roger in any way. He walked toward the house and climbed up the steps. Her face appeared pinched in worry. He scooped her up, reached to open the door, and carried her in.
She laughed.
“I think we need to talk, Sonia.” He set her on the settee and then closed the door. Feeling strangled, he then took off his tie and unbuttoned the first few buttons of his shirt so he could be comfortable.
He sat down in a chair near her. “If you want to end our marriage, please let me know now. My heart is breaking at the thought, but it’s better to know than to wonder. You’ve been unhappy since we started to leave the reception. I’m not sure what happened, but it hurt to look at you—”
A dainty giggle stopped him.
“And now you suddenly laugh?”
She put her hand over her heart. “I never meant to worry or hurt you. You once told me that the marriage bed was a good place, but I can’t help but remember the pain and the hitting. I asked Lynn, and she said it was pleasurable if you love your husband. I’m just so scared. I love you but what if I can’t or if it hurts?”
He stood and went to the settee. Then he scooped her up and carried her into the bedroom and gently placed her on the bed.
“If at any time you feel uncomfortable, or if you just want to stop please tell me. I can promise there will be no hitting, and I’m hoping there won’t be pain. I planned to woo you and love you and be gentle with you.”
“I have a say? I-I can say stop without getting hit?”
“Sonia, have I ever hit you? Have you ever heard of me hurting a woman? You have the biggest say. We’ll start with a kiss. Will that be fine with you?”
Her hand stopped shaking, but she looked doubtful.
Juan lay next to her and gave her a sweet, gentle kiss. He didn’t touch her, he just kept kissing her. Finally, she wrapped her arms around his neck, and he knew they’d be just fine.
Epilogue
Three Months Later
Juan sat on the porch steps drinking coffee and watching the sun rise. He praised God for the many blessing He’d showered on him and his family. Brent was running and talking. He’d caught up to other children his age. Sonia was with child. After not wanting a child of his own, Juan thought himself to be more excited than anyone about the baby.
Sonia slept in a bit longer these days, and Juan had gotten into a habit of drinking coffee and talking to God.
Winter would be upon them any day now, and he’d been busy preparing for a storm he was certain was coming their way. He’d tied a rope from the house to the barn so he wouldn’t get lost if the wind or a total white out made it so he couldn’t see. He’d also laid up extra supplies in the barn in case he got trapped there. Then he and Greg ran a line from Juan’s house to Greg’s house. Mostly because the women had so many what-ifs that Greg and Juan had quickly just strung it.
His brothers had helped to add to the cabin so Brent now had his own room. They’d add another come spring.
Sonia was happy, and her happiness was his happiness. Love, patience, and tenderness helped her to overcome her fears of intimacy.
The door opened behind him, and Sonia pushed him to the side so she too could enjoy her coffee and the sun. “Do you feel the chill in the air? There’s that crisp smell of winter too.”
“I have a feeling it’s going to be a bad one.”
“Brent, the baby and I have someone to help keep us warm. You give off a lot of heat at night.” She smiled. “What are you feeling? Boy or girl?”
“Oh no, we’re not having this conversation the whole time you’re with child. I never win. If I say boy, you ask if I hate girls. If I say girl, you say I must think one boy in the family is enough.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t do that. Do I?”
He laughed. “No of course not. I made the whole thing up,” he teased.
“We can start discussing baby names. That will be fun.” Her eyes twinkled.
He shook his head and laughed some more. You already have them picked out, don’t you?”
She shrugged. “I have no idea what you mean.”
Juan put his cup down on the porch and then did the same with hers. Then he pulled her into a loving embrace and kissed her. “I never get enough of your kisses.”
“Good. That’s one of the keeping warm plans I have.”
The End
I'm so pleased you chose to read Juan, and it's my sincere hope that you enjoyed the story. I would appreciate if you'd consider posting a review. This can help an author tremendously in obtaining a readership. My many thanks. ~ Kathleen
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Upon hearing screams, handsome rancher, Foster O’Donnell races to his barn and finds a stranger giving birth. When he tells her his name, she screams he can’t be Foster O’Donnell. Foster O’Donnell is the father of her baby. Can Christmas change their mutual distrust? Will Foster and Ginger find The Greatest Gift?
Get Started Here
We’ve Only Just Begun
Susan jounced in the saddle as the horse careened through the streets of Independence, Missouri. Being jarred sideways, she grabbed for the pommel but her sweat-slicked fingers began slipping off. Another good jolt and she would find herself beneath Sunshine’s hooves. Frantically grasping the pommel with a solid hold, Susan closed her eyes and said a quick prayer. Her life couldn’t end this way, it just couldn’t. It had been a struggle to make her way to Independence. It was supposed to be a brand new start.
“Umphh.” Strong arms wrapped around her ribs and hauled her out of harm’s way. His firm grip hurt but it was much better than being run over by a horse. She found herself practically sitting on the stranger’s lap while he held her tight against him. His hard chest and the warmth of his body made her forget her pain. She’d barely been able to catch her breath until he slowed his horse. She gasped when she found herself moving through the air again as he handed her to another man on the ground.
Once free of the other man, she turned to thank her savior and was dumbstruck. She opened her mouth to thank him but words escaped her. She’d never seen a man so tall before. He towered over her by a few feet. Slowly she worked her gaze up from his dusty boots, along his legs that seemed to go on forever, to his trim waist and then to shoulders as broad as a barn. She gulped. She had to crane her neck to take in the strong, angular chin, the firm lips. Holding her breath, she met his blue eyes, and her heart stuttered at the fury they contained.
“You could have been killed! You shouldn’t be on a horse if you can’t control it. Where are your parents? Surely they don’t allow you to ride that horse all over town.” His voice boomed, and the crowd that had already gathered grew larger.
Flames of embarrassment licked at her cheeks. He’d chastised her as though she was a child. A child she certainly was not. “I thank you for coming to my rescue. You risked your life to save mine, and there is no way to repay your bravery.” She hoped she sounded like one of those rich Southern ladies. People never messed with a Southern lady.
She turned to the other man and blinked, struck by the resemblance to the man who had rescued her. “Thank you kind sir.” She raised a hand to make sure her hair was still up and suppressed a groan. Some of the strands still remained secure but most had haph
azardly come loose and her tresses had all fallen every which way. So much for being a fine, Southern lady.
She gave them both a curt nod and then spun on her heel in the direction she assumed Sunshine went. The crowd was bigger than she’d thought as she made her way through it only to find her Sunshine eating hay out of cart. She marched up to her horse and grabbed the reins. “All this for some hay? Oh, Sunshine how could you? You had plenty of grass to eat, and we’ve only been away from home a little over a day.” Her shoulders slumped as she sighed. She needed a place to repair herself before joining a wagon train and she needed to find one leaving soon.
“Ya’ll have to pay for that there hay your horse ate. It’s not free you know.” A burly man with greasy blond hair approached, and as he came closer she could smell his filth. He had a gleam in his eye she’d seen before and she had no intention of being a victim.
“How much?”
The man smirked as he looked her up and down causing her to shiver. “I’m sure we can work something out.”
“How much do you charge for hay? Do you charge by the pitchfork full or cart full?”
His bushy brows came together. “I um, well—”
“It’s not your hay, is it?” She put her hands on her hips. If he hadn’t had smelled so fowl she would have taken a step forward. “How dare you try to steal money from me! I suggest you leave.” She hoped he left before the real owner of the hay came by.
“I’m sure we’ll run into each other again soon.” He smirked at her again before he turned and walked away. Her stomach clenched at the possibilities of what could have happened with such a lecherous man.
“He gave up easily.”
Startled, Susan’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly glanced over her shoulder and nodded to the man who’d rescued her. “I never did get your name.”
Juan Page 13
