Ben smiled and shook his head. “You make no sense, Molly King. None whatsoever.”
“Are you sure you want to talk about this in front of Matt?”
“He already knows everything that’s happened. As a matter of fact I think the whole city knows what happened.”
“I’m still angry with you, but the house is too far out for me to be there alone all the time, so I want you to live there with me, but until we are married on Sunday, you won’t be sleeping with me.”
“You know you’re being totally unreasonable,” said Ben, with a grin. “And Matt left the room, so we can talk about anything you want.”
Molly tried to sit up on the examination table but her bulk made it difficult.
“Take my arm and hold on.” He moved and pulled her up.
She hung her legs over the side and let them dangle. “I want to know why you suddenly decided you love me. What could possibly have changed? You still loved Julia, last I’d heard.”
He sat beside her. “I nearly lost you. It took that to make me realize what a fool I was and to know, in my heart, that you were the most important person in my life. But I’ve known I love you for the longest time.”
“What about the Julia?”
“I love Julia.”
Molly turned her face away, so he wouldn’t see the hurt.
He put his arms around her shoulders and with his finger brought her face back around so she faced him. She kept her eyes closed so he wouldn’t see the tears.
“Molly, look at me darling.”
Darling? That was new. She opened her eyes and looked into his tear filled ones.
“I made a lot of mistakes with you, with us. I thought my love for Julia was that a husband or fiancé would have, but I was wrong. I didn’t know until I knew I loved you that what I feel for her is friendship. Nothing more. You are the love of my life. I spent so much time missing out on that love. I don’t want to miss another moment. I love you, Molly McGregor King. You are my heart and soul. Without you I am an empty shell.” Tears rolled down his cheeks, but he made no move to release her hands and wipe them away.
Molly’s own tears fell unrestrained. What about the baby?”
“The baby is a bonus and I love him—”
“Her.”
Ben smiled. “Or her very much. But that doesn’t change my love for you.” He lifted his finger to her cheek. “Now why are you crying?”
“Because what you just said is beautiful.”
“It’s not so good if it makes you cry. Please, don’t cry sweetheart.”
“You called me, sweetheart.” She balled even harder.
Ben ran his hands through his hair. “Julia told me you would be emotional, but I never expected this.” He sat next to her on the table and wrapped his arms around her.
She leaned into him and sobbed.
He rubbed her back. “Everything is going to be fine.”
Molly sniffled and then hiccupped, but her tears stopped.
“Let’s go home, honey. You need your rest.”
She nodded and scooted off the table.
“Do you want me to carry you?”
“No. I’m perfectly capable of walking myself at least for another two months.”
Together they went back to the hotel.
Julia insisted walking was good for expectant mothers so unless she absolutely had to take the carriage, she walked.
Ben went with her on her strolls now. Since he’d decided to let his managers manage he had lots of time to spend with his wife. I like him being home with me. Even though we are apart, we’ve never been closer.
“Have you decided to forgive me yet?” He covered her hand in the crook of his arm with his hand as they walked.
She shook her head. “I don’t know. You know I shouldn’t.” She put on a fake frown. I should make you suffer like I have.”
He grinned. “But you won’t because you love me.”
She lifted a brow. “Awfully cocky about that, don’t you think.”
“Nope, because it’s true.”
“Maybe.” She smiled a little smile. Yes, she’d forgive him, but not until after their wedding on Sunday.
She’d talked to Walt, Matt’s grandfather, and asked him to walk her down the aisle and give her away at the wedding. He’d graciously agreed. Now all she had to do was not get to anxious about the ceremony. Even though they were all ready married, she felt as nervous as a first time bride.
CHAPTER 13
Saturday, Molly spent the day packing, forgoing her walk. She was moving to her new home. Ben was going with her, because she didn’t want to be by herself and she really had forgiven him.
He’d done everything she asked. On Sunday he brought her a box of chocolate candy, which she’d devoured in just two days and flowers, which managed to live for a week. On Wednesday, he took her to the theater at Schieffelin Hall for a performance of Lillie Langtry. Thursday and Friday, he ordered in intimate dinners in their suite for the two of them rather than going to the dining room.
She could barely keep her hands off him and couldn’t wait for their wedding tomorrow. Molly was tempted to let him into her bed tonight rather than waiting, but she’d promised herself she’d wait. She wanted their first time to be special. Well their first time in a long while.
Molly had asked her seamstress to make her a white wedding dress. She knew the idea was scandalous, but she hadn’t worn a beautiful gown to their first wedding. She made Ben go sleep at Matt and Julia’s tonight. She didn’t want him to see her before the wedding.
Now she was so excited she couldn’t sleep so she was still up packing what she hadn’t been able to complete during the day. All of Ben’s knick knacks, his clothes, and the special quilt his mother made him as a boy. The things she knew were important to him.
The baby seemed to be as excited as Molly was. She was kicking up a storm. Either that or she wanted her mother to quit and go to bed. That was what she should do, but anticipation of the coming events kept her from being sleepy. She glanced at the clock on the bureau. Two-thirty in the morning. Just the thought of the late hour seemed to make her tired after all.
She lay down on the bed on her side, the baby too big for her to sleep any other way. Thinking about tomorrow night and how Ben would hold her after making love. She shivered with pleasure at the picture in her mind and closed her eyes, hoping these final thoughts before sleep would bring on good dreams.
* * *
The next morning, Molly dressed with care. Lizzie who was standing up with her, came by to help her.
“Oh, Molly. This dress is just gorgeous. You’ve had it designed in such a way that even a woman who is not expecting could wear it.”
“I hope to someday pass it down to my daughter.” She rubbed her hand over her belly and looked down at her swollen body. “Hopefully, she won’t be with child when she gets married.”
“You weren’t with child when you married the first time.” Lizzie pointed out.
“True and that’s why I wanted a design that could be worn either way. I want my daughters to have the ability to wear this, whatever their situation may be.” Molly chuckled and knew that re-affirming their vows was the right thing to do.
Lizzie and Mal came to take her to the church. Everyone else was already there. She saw Ben’s surrey. He had parked it so it wasn’t blocked by anyone else. The Brandons’ walked up the church steps in front of her. Walt waited for her at the bottom of the the stairs.
“Are you ready, little lady?” Walt asked as she approached.
“I am.” She was more than ready. She wanted to be Mrs. Ben King in all ways again.
She took Walt’s proffered arm and together they walked up the stairs into the church and then down the aisle until she was standing next to Ben. He was resplendent in a black suit with white shirt and black cravat, tied perfectly. His wavy brown hair curled just above his collar and was not slicked down as was the practice of the day, but left to curl on its own.
He also opted for a clean shaven face which she preferred over the mustache and beards most men wore.
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” said the reverend.
“I do,” answered Walt. Then he took Molly’s hand and placed it in Ben’s
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to join this man and this woman in the bonds of holy wedlock…” The reverend went on with the service and Molly answered at the right time with a clear “I do.”
After giving a wide smile, Ben answered the same.
“Now by the laws of the City of Tombstone, the County of Cochise and above all in the eyes of our Lord, it is my pleasure to pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Ben placed his palms on either side of Molly’s face. “I love you so much, Molly King. Thank you for marrying me.” Then he touched his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. She tried to move back, but he dropped his arms to around her waist, leaned forward and brought her close. Then he kissed her. Really kissed her. One of those toe curling, soul searing kisses that she’d missed for the longest time.
The baby decided to kick and Ben pulled back with a laugh. “I guess she’s not forgiven me yet.”
“But her mother has. I’ve missed you so much.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. “Take me home, Ben.”
“We have obligations my love, back at the hotel. People who want to congratulate us, but more importantly, they want to eat Sadie’s food for free.”
Molly’s eyes widened and she leaned back to look at him. “But Sadie’s here.”
“She left her head cook to oversee the celebration meal.” He tucked Molly’s hand in the crook of his elbow. “Let’s lead the way to the hotel.”
She turned and smiled brightly to the waiting crowd.
All of a sudden, Mal Brandon stood and whooped. “Let’s get this party started.”
Molly and Ben laughed and walked down the aisle and through the doors into a bright sunny day. Ben helped Molly into the buggy. The hotel was several blocks from the church and even in the buggy, by the time they got there, Molly was tired and her back hurt. She couldn’t wait to take off her shoes and put up her swollen ankles.
Sadie and her cook, and wait staffs had outdone themselves with the decorations for the bridal lunch. There were signs of congratulations and the word cut out of paper hung on string. Streamers made of paper rings hung on the end of the letters ‘c’ and ‘s’ and each table had a vase of flowers or a small cactus that was in bloom.
Molly held Ben’s hand, happier than she’d been before and leaned into his side. “It’s beautiful.”
“It is.” Ben patted Molly’s hand. “They did a great job. I should give each of them a raise. As a matter of fact I think in honor of our marriage, I’ll give every one of my employees a raise.”
“Oh Ben, that’s wonderful.”
“And they have you to thank for that.”
She ducked her head at the praise. “All I did was fall in love with their boss, who did have the good sense to marry me. Twice.”
Ben took her hands and looked deep into her eyes. “I love you, Molly. I think I have from our first kiss. I just didn’t want to believe it.”
“But why wouldn’t you want to believe it?”
“Because it was scary, there was no safety net and what if you didn’t love me back?”
“But I do and have for the longest time. Since the first toe-curling kiss you gave me.”
“Toe-curling?”
“Yes, your kisses, your real kisses, not a brush of the lips or a peck on the cheek, they make me feel like my toes curl.”
“You mean this kind?”
He kissed her and this time she felt all the love he gave her. This kiss curled her toes and set her heart on fire.
He was the first to pull back. “A kiss like that?”
“Oh yes, just like that. Let’s do the wedding dance and get this party started. That way you can take me back home sooner.”
Ben had hired a trio of musicians. He had them play a waltz, took Molly into his arms and began to move.
It had been so long since she’d danced, Molly’s first few steps were halting, but Ben never let her falter. He tightened his arm about her waist, the baby snug between them, and led her into the dance. They whirled in circles around the dance floor until Molly was dizzy.
“Let’s sit down, please. My feet are killing me.”
“Of course, my love.”
He led her from the floor to the head table where they would sit with the wedding party of Matt, Lizzie and Walt.
Matt and Julia were still dancing, Walt was at the table eating and Lizzie was sitting with her family—Mal, her mother Atina, younger brother Jamie and of course, baby Roy.
“You best get some vittles in you, girl.” Walt grabbed another dinner roll. “I’m expecting to get you out on the dance floor before too much longer and I don’t want you to keel over from hunger.”
Molly sat down next to him. “I am hungry.”
“You rest here and I’ll get you a plate.” Ben left to get the food.
“What did you think of my wedding, Walt? Wasn’t it beautiful?”
“Yes, it sure was nice. I never thought I’d get to see Ben actually get married in a church. I always figured he do just what you two did the first time. Get married by the judge. But this, this was a nice wedding. I’m thankful you let me play the part of your father.”
“My parents are gone and my brother is off in Europe somewhere chasing his dream to become a concert pianist. I’m glad you didn’t mind filling in.”
“Nah, didn’t mind a bit.” He waved his hand. “Ben is like another grandson to me. He and Matt have been best friends for years.”
Ben returned with a plate heaping with different food offerings.
He grinned and set the plate in front of Molly. “I wasn’t sure what you would want, so you got some of everything.”
“Oh my.” Molly couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “You know all of the dishes are my favorite. Sadie did this on purpose, knowing I wouldn’t be able to make up my mind and I’d eat everything.”
“You know I did,” said Sadie as she walked up to the table. “I didn’t want anyone to leave this party hungry, including the bride.”
Molly shook her head and smiled. She looked around at all the people who’d come to celebrate with her and Ben. These were her people, her friends and some of them, her family now. Matt and Julia, Mal and Lizzie, especially. She didn’t know what she’d do without them.
As much as she loved these people, her body was calling to her. She needed to rest. Another hour and she’d be done. She’d have Ben take her back to the suite and take a nap with her. Then when they woke, she’d have him make love to her—almost like for the first time. They’d had relations before, but never when both of them knew they each loved the other. Today would be special. The first of a long line of nights and days to come. Times when they would love each other and create babies together.
Her daughter kicked. And then again.
The jolts made Molly sit straighter. She grabbed Ben’s hand and quickly placed it on her belly.
“Do you feel her? She’s excited.”
“So am I. Are you ready to leave yet? We can have our last waltz and I’ll dance you out of the room.”
Molly laughed.
Ben didn’t. He stood in front of her and held out his hand.
She lifted her eyebrows. “You’re serious.”
“I am.”
What a good plan. “Then yes, I’m ready to go.”
He signaled the band and they played The Blue Danube waltz by Johann Strauss II. The song was Molly favorite waltz, and even as they danced out of the room and down the hall, she heard the music play in her mind.
When they reached their suite, Ben opened the door. Molly started to enter but he stopped her.
“This time we’re doing this right.”
He bent and picked up Molly in his arms, carried her over th
e threshold and into their bedroom. The covers were turned down on the bed and a candle burned on each night stand. He laid Molly in the center and came down beside her.
“You are so beautiful. I’ve struggled very hard to keep from throwing you over my shoulder and having my way with you.”
Molly giggled. “You’re impossible. Can I tell you a secret?”
“Of course.” He stroked her hair and then took his finger and brought it down her cheek. “All your secrets are safe with me, my love.”
“I wanted to do the same thing with you.” She gazed into his eyes, happier than she’d ever been. “If you hadn’t been at Matt and Julia’s last night, I’d probably have brought you to my bed.”
“Is that so bad?” He made lazy circles on her belly and laughed when the baby kicked.
“No, but I wanted to wait for tonight. I wanted our lovemaking to be special and now it is. But please don’t make me wait any longer.”
“Your wish is my command and my desire.”
He helped her up and undressed her, then watched as she lay back on the bed. Next he was out of his clothes and on the bed next to her touching her, rubbing her belly and then bending down and kissing it.
“I love you Baby King. Do you hear me? This is your papa.”
Molly laughed and shook her head. “You are a crazy man.”
He took her into his arms. “I don’t know about that. She may be able to hear me and if she can, I want her to know I love her.”
Molly widened her gaze. “You’re saying her now, too. Will you be very disappointed if I’m wrong and the baby is a boy?”
“No. As long as we have a healthy baby with the right number of fingers and toes, I’m a happy man.”
He kissed Molly deeply. His tongue warring with hers, dueling, playing, tasting and loving. The kiss was one of those she did so love. The kind that curled her toes and warmed her heart and she knew now that she’d be getting those for many, many years to come.
Ben rose onto his elbow and took her breast in his hand. “You’re fuller, heavier than before.”
“Preparing for the baby.”
“I like it. There’s more for me to love and play with.” He rolled her nipple gently between his fingers, followed by his mouth. He suckled her.
Mail Order Baron (The Brides of Tombstone Book 3) Page 13
