Love And Hearts Ride West: Mail Order Bride: 16 Novella's Bundle

by Indiana Wake

  "That is generous of you, Mister Caloway,” she said swallowing to try and help the words come more clearly. “You have my gratitude for not demanding anything of me and for letting go of the promises made by my aunt. Thank you."

  "It was only the right thing to do,” Forrest said with a smile. “There is no need to thank me. However, I do have one request." There was a twinkle in his eyes as he finished.

  "And what would that be?" Cassandra asked warily.

  "That you and I try to be friends. Now, that the whole marriage thing is off the table, I would genuinely like to be your friend, if you'd be willing."

  More relief flooded through Cassandra. "Yes, of course, that would be nice."

  His smile grew wider. "And I have one other request. Please, do call me Forrest."

  Cassandra found herself grinning at him. "Well, Forrest, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

  “And yours," he said, grinning at her good-naturedly.

  Chapter 8

  That evening Cassandra was looking forward to dinner, she found herself genuinely wanting to get to know Forrest. Now, that they had decided on being friends and that she had cleared away the whole marriage situation, she could not help but want to know him better. There was something about him that was different from most men. He was rich but humble, good looking but kind and courteous at the same time. Somehow he had gained her respect by being such a gentleman, by releasing her from the promise of marriage. Then he had been the one to extend the hand of friendship. Most men would have stormed from the house and vowed to destroy her. Cassandra could not help but admire these qualities in him.

  Her heart pounded in her chest as she entered the dining room. Almost immediately her eyes landed on Forrest, only to find that he looked up at that exact moment. They looked at one another and Cassandra felt her heart beat faster, a thrill ran through her and her breath caught in her throat. What was wrong with her? Then she realized it was probably the worry about letting Amanda know what had happened. The last thing she wanted to do was let her sister down. Quickly she pulled her eyes away and approached the table. Lifting her skirts, she sat down in her usual spot. But instead of avoiding Forrest that evening, she turned to him and said, "Good to see you, Forrest."

  Forrest smiled wide. "And you Cassandra,” he said. They smiled at one another before Cassandra turned to talk to Sabrina.

  Edson and Amanda looked at one another with surprise. They had no idea what had transpired for Cassandra to be so friendly towards Forrest, but they were glad for it.

  Forrest turned to Cassandra. "I'd really like to see some of your art, someday if that is alright."

  Cassandra felt her heart beat even faster. What if he didn’t like it? What if he thought her painting silly or that he believed she had no talent. Her eyes flashed at him, what was wrong with her? She had never worried before about what people thought of her paintings, for they were for her pleasure only. Quickly she composed herself. "I think that can be arranged,” she said and then an idea came into her mind. “As long as you agree to play the piano for me again." Cassie turned to Amanda. "Forrest plays the piano magnificently. I bet he could give you a run for your money, he is that good."

  Color flamed Forrest’s neck and cheeks and he lowered his eyes. "I am not that good,” he said, “but I appreciate the compliment."

  "Oh, don't be so modest. It doesn't suit a man of your stature," Cassandra said, and she found she liked to tease this man. Watching his embarrassment was exciting, knowing she had caused it even more so.

  Amanda and the rest of the family were just watching and listening in like outsiders as they continued to banter. None of them could believe their ears and eyes that Cassandra was being so nice and friendly to Forrest. At last Jake got Cassandra’s attention and Forrest looked pleased and relieved at the same time.

  While Cassandra listened intently to Jake, Forrest turned to Edson. "If you don't mind, I'd like to help out a bit on the ranch. I am not used to sitting idle like this and it has been a few days now since I came here."

  "Don't you have men who do the work for you," Edson asked surprised that Forrest would get his hands dirty when he could so clearly afford as many men as he wanted.

  Forrest just shook his head. "I do have ranch hands and some very good ones at that, but I like to do some of the work myself. I enjoy the feel of the reins in my hands, the horse beneath me, and the open range before me. Also, I love the feeling of accomplishment I get when I see my hard work bear fruit. It is the most rewarding thing I can think of." But his eyes drifted to Cassandra.

  Cassandra heard this exchange and felt her cheeks blush as she felt his gaze on her. It impressed her deeply that he would still work his ranch and it seemed even Edson was impressed by this. Forrest was a good man who hadn't forgotten his roots and become blinded by his money. She could not help but soften towards a man that was so unaffected by wealth.

  Forrest could feel his eyes pulling towards Cassandra as he spoke. Color flushed her pretty cheeks and she smiled at him. He felt his heart flutter at this sign of friendliness and stared into her eyes for a few moments longer. Then she blushed and looked away. Silently, he berated himself for being so forward, he looked away and continued a conversation with Edson, making sure he didn't do anything that would have Cassandra back-paddling away from this newly found friendship. Like a seed, he intended to tend it and pour on water and the sunshine in the form of kindness and love. Maybe it would grow between them for he did not think that he could live without her. He did not think that he could go back to his empty house without this strong, intelligent and beautiful woman at his side.

  Chapter 9

  The next morning Cassandra came down to breakfast wearing a plain cotton dress covered with an apron. The first thing she saw as she walked into the room was Forrest. Leaning across the table, he was showing something to Jeremiah. The boy’s eyes were wide with delight and Cassie felt a surge of warmth towards him. Then he looked up and their eyes met. Heat rose from her stomach up her neck and face and seemed to tingle out of the tips of her ears. Gray eyes like a morning mist help her gaze and when he smiled it was like the sun coming out and clearing away her doubts. What was wrong with her? Quickly she looked away and her eyes fell on the worn gown she wore. It was ideal for painting. Was already faded so the paint would not spoil it but now she wished she could drop through the floor and come back in the room in one of her newer dresses.

  “Miss Cassandra,” Forrest asked. “Are you feeling faint?”

  His concern was like a metal spoon scratched across a pan and it grated on her nerves. Did he think she was weak? “I am fine,” she said. The disappointment on his face at her sharp tone made her cringe. What was wrong with her? “Perhaps a little distracted,” she added in a more even voice.

  At that moment, her two sisters and Edson appeared in the room and the conversation revolved around the children. Jake had been reading New Buffalo Bill Weekly for some time. It was a weekly booklet full of stories of daring cowboys and frontier adventures all packaged up for just a dime. She knew Amanda loved that he was reading so much.

  “I have an idea for my own story,” Jake said. “Can I tell it to you?”

  Amanda and Edson shared a glance. “We would love to hear it,” Amanda said.

  Jake began. “It’s about the Caloway’s.” Jake said and Cassie watched Forrest’s cheeks turn pink.

  Would her sister tell Jake it was rude to use the man’s name? But no Amanda would never do that and looking at Forrest’s smile he was pleased?

  “They headed West to Injun’ country a Pa and his two children. They had problems with the wagon…”

  Cassandra watched her two sisters. How happy they were. As little Jake told them about his story, they clapped their hands and exclaimed in delight. Maybe she should let go and join their fun. Jake was waving his hands around as he told how his hero would save the damsel in distress.

  “And then they gonna ride into a sunset,” Jake sa
id folding his arms and plopping back down into his seat.

  Cassandra could not believe how wonderful a story it was and she joined in with cries of well done. A smile had come to her face. This was a wonderful life and she needed to relax. Look at her sister. How happy she was made her think, maybe she could give Forrest a chance? But then she thought of Jake’s tale and how the man found a woman and fell in love. She wanted that, wanted love as well as a marriage. Wanted to choose her own husband.

  Breakfast went quickly. Jake spoke of all the ideas he had for stories.

  “Could I get some published?” He asked.

  Cassie looked up to see the hope in his eyes and egg on his cheek. It showed such a difference and melted her heart. What would her sister say? Would she ruin his dream?

  “I don’t see why not,” Amanda said. “Let me edit them for you and we will send them off.”

  Jake jumped up and ran around the table. “I love you, Mommy,” he said.

  Cassie felt tears prickle at her eyelids as she watched her sister wipe away her own tears and pull Jake into a hug. She should have known Amanda would never stop anyone doing anything, as she would not force her to do anything.

  After that, breakfast was a jolly affair and Cassie could feel Forrest’s eyes on her from time to time. For once it made her feel good but where did she go from there?

  “What will you be doing today, Miss Cassandra?” Forrest asked as they finished their meal.

  What could she say? She wanted to do a new painting, something that would be worthy of his scrutiny. After all someone who played such wonderful music may find her art rather poor. It was the first time in her life that she had worried about her paintings. They were hers and if people didn’t like them then that was fine, after all they did not have to look at them. So why was she worried about what Forrest would think? All this time he was looking at her, expecting a reply. “I have a few things I need to take care of,” she said.

  Forrest raised an eyebrow and then smiled. “That is wonderful but perhaps when you have time you would show me your paintings?”

  Cassie felt the panic hit her face and saw it reflected in the concern that crossed his. “Of course,” she managed, “perhaps tomorrow. Now if you will excuse me.” Quickly she rose and curtsied to the table. Heat flamed her cheeks and her heart fluttered in her chest. What was this man doing to her?

  Cassie almost ran from the room and out to the stables. As she entered her sanctuary calm overcame her and she looked at a picture of the plains and the distant mountains. Edson sat upon his favorite horse, an Appaloosa his shoulders back, a smile on his face. It was a present for Amanda, a thank you for looking after her so well and suddenly she wanted Forrest to see it. Then a sickly feeling started in her stomach. Fear traced a cold hand up her arms and the realization hit her. The paintings were a watered down version of art compared to his music. He was a master and she was… Staring at the picture she knew the shadow was wrong, the sky not quite how she intended. Frustration made her want to fling the picture against the wall but instead she knelt down and whispered a prayer. Often it would calm her mind when she opened up to God, but today it gave her more questions than answers.

  Standing, she returned to her easel and spent the morning trying to paint but her thoughts kept running back to Forrest. Why was she worried what he thought? How could anyone’s eyes be so insightful? How had he got so good with children? Realizing that the canvas was still blank, she packed away her paints and left the stable.

  Once back in the house it seemed so quiet. She moved down the hall, hoping against hope that she might run into Forrest. As fate would have it, her wish did come true. Forrest was approaching the family room just as she reached her hand out to open the door. He saw her and gave her a bright smile that for some reason was making her heart beat faster. She blushed slightly, smiled back and quickly averted her eyes, wondering what had come over her?

  "Where did you go off to after breakfast?" Forrest asked following her into the room.

  "Oh, I like to paint during the mornings. The lighting is just right for it," she replied.

  "Well, I hope I can accompany you soon and see some of your work."

  "Yes, soon but I believe you promised to play for me," she said, smiling at him mischievously.

  "Did I, really? Well, an honorable man never goes back on his word so I guess I'll just have to play for you now." And with a smile and a teasing look, he sat on the bench. Cassandra made to sit on one of the sofas, but Forrest patted the bench and motioned for her to sit next to him. She looked into his deep, mesmerizing eyes and felt drawn to him. She placed herself on the bench blushing profusely and refused to look up.

  She could feel him smiling at her before he turned to the piano. He placed his fingers on the keys, stroked it like a lover would his beloved and then began to play. The melody was so heartbreakingly beautiful that Cassandra could not look away from the beautiful fingers that were responsible for such captivating music. The music pulled on her heartstrings and made her feel alive, loved and alone all at the same time.

  When the last note came to an end, they both sat silently for a few moments. Cassandra was very aware of him sitting so close beside her. There were no more than a couple of inches between them and she wondered if it were appropriate. She could feel the heat coming off him in waves and it was sending shivers up and down her spine. If she were to lean sideways just a little bit, their bodies would be touching. Trying to calm down her racing heart and to let the effect of the music wear off, she took long deep breaths.

  She looked up to find him staring at her with a hooded expression. His eyes looked like they were screaming their emotions for the world to hear, but his mouth stayed locked shut. Cassandra felt herself wishing that his eyes weren't the only thing expressing their emotions. She gazed up at him and he gazed right back at her. His eyes grew fiery as he continued silently to look not just at her, but through her and into her very soul. Cassandra could feel her skin light up with the way that gaze seemed to be devouring her.

  Forrest leaned closer and Cassandra's heart sped up if that was even possible. She found herself looking from his mouth to his eyes back and forth. With a sigh her lips parted and she licked them in anticipation. Forrest’s eyes narrowed and darkened as they latched onto that motion. The look in them made her break out into delightful shivers.

  Imperceptibly slowly he moved towards her. His own full lips parted and Cassandra felt a groan escape from the back of her throat. Silently she begged him to be hasty about it, but about what? Closer he came, her breath was held, her chest ached, and there was but a butterfly’s wing between them. His breath was hot on her face and…

  The door burst open and the children ran in, laughing and talking all at once. The room was filled with joy and excitement, but Cassandra felt as if her heart had been torn open.

  Chapter 10

  Forrest jumped back and stood up. Cassandra let out a breath of disappointment and then it was replaced with embarrassment. Her face flushed hot and anger flooded through her. Was he thinking to ruin her reputation? Was he determined to take advantage, perhaps to get his monies worth?

  Cassandra stood and moved as far away from the piano as possible. She could not believe herself. She had been about to kiss Forrest and what was more she had wanted to. If the children hadn't barged in when they did… she might've actually kissed him and probably would have never wanted to stop. She couldn't get herself to look at him, but a quick glance showed his cheeks were beet red. What sort of man was he to take advantage of her when she was… when she was no longer to be his wife?

  Forrest had the presence of mind to recover from what had been about to happen and he turned to the children. "Didn't you kids go for a picnic with your mother and father?"

  "Yes, Uncle Forrest but it started to rain so we came back inside to play," Jenny, the eldest of the three, replied. "Would you play with us, please? I really want to learn how you made that boat with paper."

&
nbsp; “Oh,” Jake said and then covered his mouth with his hands. Giggles escaped through his fingers and he stamped his little feet on the floor. “You was gonna kiss Aunty Cassandra,” he said.

  Cassandra found her eyes drifting to Forrest’s without her permission, dying to see what he would say. He too was looking at her and when their eyes met, it was like a physical force. She was washed in a wave of tingling heat.

  “No, no I wasn’t,” Forrest said, turning back to Jake, but the way his cheeks glowed made a lie of his words. “I thought she had something in her eye. Now about that boat.” Quickly he grabbed a sheet of paper and crossing to the children he started to fold the paper. “Let me show you how it's done."

  Cassandra felt disappointment at his answer. For reasons unknown even to her, she had expected him to admit it. What she would have said once he did, she had no idea. Feeling both foolish and invigorated, loved and betrayed she excused herself and rushed out of the room. Up the stairs she pounded, into her room and she flung herself onto the bed. As usual, Sabrina was in the library and for once Cassandra was glad about it. She didn't think she could answer any questions about why she was so flustered and Sabrina would not have rested until she knew the whole story and her feelings as well.