by Kit Morgan
Nate cringed. What was he going to think of all this?
Three
Libby felt like a swarm of bees buzzed in her head. She and her sisters were really here! The train ride from Beckham had been torture. Gwen complained most of the way, and Bonnie—when she wasn’t scolding them—would disappear for short bursts of time to leave them to fend for themselves. At first Libby labeled her a coward, and chalked up her frequent escapes to the back of the car as a way to free herself from Gwen’s incessant talking. But, if she or Bonnie had been locked in their room for two months, they might be talking to make up for lost time, too. Libby was sure of one thing, though; if Gwen didn’t stop harassing her about her cornflower-colored dress Libby had to leave behind, she was going to take advantage of Bonnie’s disappearances and whack Gwen upside the head! Their older brother, Hank, used to do it to them all the time as children when he thought no one was looking, and got away with it. Why couldn’t she?
The thought made Libby smile as she sneaked another peek at her intended. He was tall, much taller than she, but at five feet two-inches, that wasn’t hard to do. Nate Dalton had to be at least six feet, as was his brother, Walt. The third brother, the one they were waiting for, must be the same.
She watched in silence as the two men spoke in low tones. Gwen still looked annoyed, and Bonnie … well, she looked like she’d just been asked to eat glass. Libby stared at her. She caught the look, gave Libby a gentle smile, and turned away. What was wrong? Wasn’t Bonnie excited to be here? Hadn’t they gotten everything sorted out with the two brothers, and now it was only a matter of waiting for her groom to show up?
He showed up all right…
Bonnie took one look at him, and went stiff as a board. She watched as Walt met him on the platform, spoke a few words, and then led him to the rest of their company. Libby couldn’t figure out what her sister thought of the man she was to marry. He was no less handsome than his brothers, unless he had some horrible hidden deformity. Otherwise, he looked as good as the other men, which wasn’t hard to do. They were identical triplets, after all.
But Libby sensed something wasn’t right, and a cold shiver went up her spine. What if Bonnie didn’t like him? What if she wanted to leave and go back to Beckham? What if that meant they still had to marry the deacons from he… Libby straightened. Polite young ladies didn’t say, let alone think, those kinds of bad words.
But if Bonnie had a mind to go back, she knew that would be that. Judging from the look on Gwen’s face, she’d be all for it. Libby swallowed hard. What to do? She liked her gentleman, even if he did scare her to death. She’d never had a serious beau. Once they got a gander at Gwen, they dropped her like a hot potato! She had to hang on to this one!
“Mr. Dalton?” she squeaked as she watched Bonnie and her Mr. Dalton step to one side of the platform. Oh no! What if she was telling him right this minute that it was no deal?
“Mr. Dalton?” she said a little louder, though it came out barely above a whisper.
“Yes?” he asked, as he also watched the couple converse, his brow puckered in concern.
“When are we to go to the preacher’s house?”
“As soon as my brother gets over the shock, would be my guess.” His eyes flicked to her. “I have to admit, I’m still trying to.”
She sent Bonnie a worried glance, but she was busy speaking with her intended. Libby knew that look of hers, and knew whatever Bonnie was doing, she’d make sure it would work out. Bonnie always did. Why, then, did Libby feel so panicked?
She swallowed hard again, and gave Nate Dalton a shy smile. What if he changed his mind, but his brothers still married her sisters?! What would she do, then? A wave of dizziness struck, and she lurched to one side.
“Hey there, what’s the matter?” Nate asked as he pulled her to him. “Are you okay?”
She gaped at him and shook her head. “I’m fine! Long train ride.” She shot another glance at everyone else. Walt and Gwen were still intent on Bonnie and Bart. They must sense it, too! Oh, please, no!
Libby was pulled out of her panic by a strong hand on her shoulder. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
She nodded, not knowing what to say. Other than: I’m fine, but for the fact that I’ll die if my big sister spoils this for me!
“I’m sorry,” he said in a low voice. “I guess a puny piece of jerky isn’t enough to fill you up after your trip. I’ll see you get something more substantial after the wedding.”
“Wedding?” she croaked.
Their eyes locked. Heat pooled in her belly, and she couldn’t help putting a hand on her stomach. What was that about?
A sudden “Whoop!” from Walt Dalton pulled her out of Nate’s gaze. She turned, saw Bonnie and Bart embracing, and sighed in relief. “Oh, thank Heaven!”
Nate gave her a quizzical look, then smiled and sighed as well. “Looks like we’re in business.”
“Business?”
Nate smiled at her. “I hope you like cows.”
Libby grimaced. “Oh, yes, you’re ranchers. How could I forget?”
“Don’t feel bad, sometimes I do the same thing.” With that, he took her by the hand, and they went to join the others.
* * *
After further introductions were made between Libby, Gwen, and the newly-arrived Bart, the six departed for the preacher's house. Libby had been excited and scared all at once, up to this point. But now she felt as if she might lose her breakfast. Her stomach was in knots, and she felt as pale as Bonnie looked. Gwen— doggone her— still looked annoyed. Libby wished she felt annoyed. Anything would be better than the rising nausea she now battled. And she’d known what was coming! She couldn’t imagine how she'd feel if she was in Gwen’s position. She stared at her sister as she walked next to Walton in front of them. Gwen strode like a queen being paraded down the street. Libby could well imagine her expression, one that dared anyone to look at her, lest they have their head lopped off.
Libby sighed. How she envied her sister’s confidence.
Before long they arrived at the preacher’s, and Libby felt her palms begin to sweat. She chanced a peek at Nate, and noticed how tightly he held his jaw. Was he angry? Anxious? Having second thoughts?
She hoped it wasn't the latter, and that he was only nervous.
She wiped her palms against the skirt of her dress, and then balled her hands into fists as another chill went up her spine. Even after their long journey, she couldn't believe she was going through with this. Yet, she had to if she wanted to survive. Marrying Nate Dalton meant protection and provision, not to mention a chance at happiness. Of course, there was the fact that had she and her sisters stayed in Beckham, they’d be married to three old goats by now and doomed to live out their lives in misery. The mere thought made her tremble.
Nate bent to her. “You're shaking like a leaf. Are you all right?”
“I'm about to marry a complete stranger. How 'all right' are you?”
He let out a heavy sigh. “I understand. In fact, I'm not sure why I'm going along with this.”
She glanced at him and caught the confusion in his eyes. She bit her lip to keep it from trembling, too. “Then why are you?”
He looked her up and down, his eyes finally settling on her own. “It's a funny thing, really, when Walt does things like this. Bart and I are compelled to go along. I can't explain why, we just do.”
“If your brother stepped out in front of a train, does that mean you and your brother would do the same?” Her voice was terse, but his words stung. He made it quite obvious he didn’t want to marry her. He was going to do it because it was his brother's idea, not his.
“We’d best go inside,” he told her.
Libby glanced around and noticed the others heading up the front walk. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes in resignation for a second, and then let him lead her to the front door. Within moments, the three couples were ushered inside by the preacher's wife and, after brief introductions, the ceremony
got underway.
Libby eyed Walt Dalton, who looked immensely pleased with himself at the moment, as if he’d just conquered the world. Gwen, God bless her, still looked annoyed! Libby would have to lean too far forward to catch a glimpse of Bonnie, and so, not wanting to bring attention to herself, remained where she was. She so wished she could see her sister's face and draw comfort from it. She knew if Bonnie was as nervous as she, she would never show it. Libby, however, could never hide her emotions, and this particular occasion was no different.
Her knees started to knock.
Nate stared straight ahead as the preacher droned on, but soon it became apparent, judging from his one raised eyebrow and the slow turn of his head in her direction, that she was causing a distraction. She forced a smile and tried not to throw up. She almost jumped when she felt her hand engulfed by his and he gave it a gentle squeeze. She relaxed a notch at his touch, and noticed how large his hand was. Even more so, she noticed how good his hand felt.
Within moments, the preacher stopped and looked at each of them in turn, and then began to recite their vows. As a young girl, Libby had dreamed of a big, beautiful wedding. She’d envisioned herself dressed like a princess, all in white. She even wore a tiara. Gwen and Bonnie would be her bridesmaids, and Adelaide Tompkins, her best friend in Beckham, her maid of honor. Her father would walk her down the aisle with pride, and her mother would cry her eyes out when he placed her hand into that of her intended’s. They would face the preacher, say their vows and then…
“You may kiss your brides!”
Libby's jaw dropped like a brick. Good grief, had she even said, “I do?” She couldn't remember! She'd been so wrapped up in her wedding daydream, she wasn't sure if she was married. But then, Nate looked at her, really looked at her, took her other hand and pulled her around to face him. She was vaguely aware of Gwen’s gasp as Walt grabbed her and kissed her with everything he had. She still couldn't see Bonnie, only Gwen’s flaying arms waving behind Nate.
Was he going to kiss her like that? Was Bonnie, even now, trying to come up for air like Gwen? It was obvious her sisters’ husbands were happy to have wives! But Nate Dalton stood stock-still, and stared at her a moment longer before he finally bent down and, ever so gently, brushed his lips across her own.
Libby's knees knocked again, but it wasn't because she was nervous. Instead, a delicious chill went up her spine and she stared at him, wide-eyed. She'd never been kissed before, and wasn't sure what to expect. But why hadn’t he kissed her the same way Walt had kissed Gwen? She didn't see Bonnie and Bart’s kiss, but was sure it had to be the same. Was Nate Dalton displeased with her? Did she repulse him to the point he could only muster up a mere peck?
Libby tried not to cry, and forced a smile instead. She may yet be faced with a loveless, miserable marriage, but with one difference; Nate Dalton, with his dark wavy hair and rich brown eyes, was easier on her eyes than the old deacon her father had picked out.
* * *
He was married.
Nate stared at his new bride in utter fascination. He supposed he should count himself lucky she was so pretty. She was also quite innocent, he could see it in her eyes, and knew the kiss he’d just given her was her first. True, he could've claimed her like Walt had done her sister, but he didn't want to frighten his new bride. If he did anymore than what he had, he feared she might break. Her delicate features and ivory skin reminded him of a China doll, which gave him second thoughts about the little thing being a good rancher's wife. But it was too late now. They were married.
Slaps of congratulations, handshakes with the preacher, and the faces of three women in shock, followed. Within moments they were preparing to depart for home, and Nate couldn't be more ready. He’d entered unfamiliar territory today, and wanted nothing more than to surround himself with the familiar. Besides, his curiosity was peaked. He didn't know this woman, and wondered how he was going to go about the task. Talking wasn't his strong point, and she seemed the type to need a lot of reassurance. She reminded him of a frightened animal, one that, if you didn't calm it down quick, would attack you.
This was going to be a long ride home.
Fortunately, the journey wasn't as bad as he thought. He offered up snippets of conversation, and at one point even made her laugh. Bart’s new bride rode in the back of their wagon, and was amiable enough during the ride, and Walt… Well, Walt was Walt. He lit out of Weatherford as fast as lightning, and was the first to get home. Nate grinned as he drove. He didn't envy his big brother’s new wife. She was going to be surprised when she learned she couldn’t pull anything over on him.
Nate glanced at his own bride, and wondered if she had the same fire as her sister, or if she was more reserved like Bonnie. It was hard to tell. His little Libby had walls. He knew, if only because he had them himself. He'd been forced to build them long ago. What forced her to build the ones she had?
By the time they dropped Bonnie off at Bart’s and reached his place, the sun had set and there were still chores to be done. He helped his bride out of the wagon and walked her to the door of her new home. Pride welled up within him as he gazed at her and smiled. “We don't have much yet,” he told her, “but we will.”
She stared off into the distance where they’d left her sister Bonnie. “They're so close,” she breathed in disbelief. She looked at him, tears in her eyes, and smiled. “We’re so close!”
“Yes, Walt wanted things that way. His cabin is over that way,” he said and pointed. “You can see your sisters whenever you want.”
She choked back a sob. It was all he could do not to take her in his arms and comfort her. Was she happy, or sad? He glanced at Bart's cabin, and knew she was happy to find her siblings were her neighbors. But were there other reasons she’d be crying?
He opened the front door and stared at her. “Should I carry you over the threshold? Isn't that how these things are done? Er…do you know?”
“Do I what?”
He scratched his head and shrugged. “I think I'm supposed to carry you into the house. It's customary.”
Her eyes widened and she took a step back. “Are you asking… if I want you to?”
“Isn't that the polite thing to do?”
She closed her eyes and lowered her head so he couldn't see her face. The realization that he wanted to scoop her up and carry her into the house surprised even him. Unable to help himself, he reached out and put a finger under her chin, and then lifted her face so he could gaze into her eyes by the moonlight. When he did, he wished he hadn't. Libby Dalton, his new wife, looked as sad as sad could be.
Four
He didn't even want to carry her across the threshold? How pathetic was that? Libby bet Bonnie and Gwen were carried across their thresholds by their new husbands! Especially Bonnie, what with the way Bart held her at the train station. Maybe Bart waited until after she and Nate left to do it, but Libby knew he did!
But Nate Dalton? He wasn't so happy to be married.
Libby clenched her fists, stuck up her chin, and marched past him into the house. It was small, smaller than she’d expected, and even in the dim moonlight coming through the windows, she could tell there was no escaping the man she’d married. She’d trip over him in the small dwelling, and that would be on the good days. She swallowed hard and turned to face him.
He stood on the threshold and stared at her, his lips pressed into a firm line. “Right, then,” he said, then turned on his boot-heel and retreated to the wagon. He removed her satchel, returned to the house, and set it on the kitchen table. At least, she assumed it was a table, judging from what little light there was. After he lit a lantern and hung it on a hook, she could see it was indeed a table. A very nice one, too, with a cheery tablecloth that made her mouth curve into a smile.
He studied her, and then glanced about the cabin. “I hope you find it to your liking,” he said. “I’d best go unhitch the wagon and get a few chores done before supper.” He walked past her to the door and sto
pped. “Can you cook?” he asked, without turning around.
Here it was, the moment of truth. If he’d found her lacking as a wife before, she had no doubt he’d regret his choice to marry her now. “No,” she answered. “Not a whit.”
Again, without turning, he spoke. “You'll learn.” And, with that, he left the cabin and shut the door behind him.
Libby stood as an odd numbness took hold. He didn't want her, probably didn't need her. While her two sisters would no doubt be entering into marital bliss with their new husbands, she wondered if Nate would so much as utter a word to her. Ever. Lord knew he’d hardly done so on the wagon ride out. Why would she think he'd be any different once they arrived?
But now she was here, and very much married to him. All she could do was make the best of it, and be thankful her sisters were there to keep her company. At least they would be happy.
Libby let out a heavy sigh and studied her surroundings. A rock fireplace graced one wall of the cabin. A beautiful settee and two chairs sat in front of it. She walked to the area and smiled. For a rough and tough cowboy, the man had good taste. Like the tablecloth, a cheerily colored rug lay between the fireplace and settee, and a small table had been placed between the two chairs. The area was big enough for a third chair opposite the two, which would turn the arrangement into a lovely conversation spot. She stepped back into the kitchen area and took in the large cook stove. It frightened her. How was she ever going to please this man, when he already found her so lacking? She pushed the thought aside and studied the sideboard, small worktable, and the rest of the cabin. She then noticed the door near a bookcase, and came to the conclusion that it must lead to the bedroom. “Oh, good heavens…” she muttered.
Gathering her courage, Libby crossed to the door, put her hand on the knob, and opened it. With a gasp, she stepped into the room. “Oh, my word; how beautiful!”
