Battered Soul: Mail Order Brides of Spring Water Book Three, page 12
“What is it?” Georgie whispered.
“It looks like four men, and one is wearing a Confederate Soldier’s hat.”
“Are their guns drawn?”
Iris sighed. “It looks as though the men know them.”
Georgie hurried to the window. “They look happy to see each other. I wonder who they are?”
“I suggest we put the rifles away before we go outside.”
Georgie chuckled. “Good idea.”
Iris followed Georgie outside and joined in the merriment. The men had served under Parker in the Confederate Army. They were first introduced to Fletcher Taylor, a tall man with brown hair and blue eyes. Next was Joe Kelly. He had longer brown hair and big brown eyes. His shoulders were wide, but he was a bit on the skinny side. Ross Carter had blue eyes with sandy hair and Noah Ward had a great big smile. He had blond hair and blue eyes and he wore a beat up Confederate hat.
They were all polite, but as soon as they found out that Iris was single they all smiled and tried to catch her eye. It was funny, but the look on Lex’s face alarmed her. He looked fit to be tied.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll get supper ready as quickly as I can.” She hurried inside and let the laughter she’d been holding in out.
Humming again, she worked quickly. Most of the meal was done when she heard someone walk in behind her.
“Why are you so happy?” Lex asked.
Without turning around she answered him. “What makes you think I’m so happy?”
“All the humming you’re doing. I’ve never heard you hum while you cooked before.”
She turned, and her heart sped up. Lex stood there with his arms crossed in front of him with an unsettled look in his eyes.
“I don’t think our relationship can stand any games, so I’ll tell you the truth.” She lifted her chin a bit defiantly. “I was humming after seeing you at the corral. I realized I hadn’t hummed since before the war, and it made me extra happy. Now, be with your friends, and I’ll hum when I want to.”
He shook his head and smiled before he stepped forward and kissed her on the lips. It was a quick kiss, and he left without another word.
Iris touched her lips and smiled. He was jealous, always a good sign. The kiss was an even better sign. She would not allow any further misunderstandings to ruin what they might have. It was nice he had his friends here, but she wasn’t interested.
* * *
Willis liked the men, but if they kept talking to Iris, he would have a big problem with them, especially Noah. They all complimented Iris on her cooking, but Noah talked too much and he smiled too much. He hadn’t been that way when he was in the army.
“Thank you, Noah, but don’t think I can accept. I think Lex and I may have an understanding.”
All four of them frowned as they turned toward Willis.
“What does you ‘may have an understanding’ mean?” Fletcher Taylor asked.
“Not that it’s any of your business, Taylor, but a lot has happened and we’re making our way to each other again. I’d appreciate it if you all wouldn’t ask Iris out on walks or anything else.”
Georgie and Parker’s lips twitched.
“So you’re courting?” Joe Kelly asked.
Iris stared at Willis, waiting for an answer.
“I’ll let you know after we take a walk this evening.”
“Let him be. Don’t you see the way they look at each other?” Ross Carter asked.
Willis stood up. “Georgie, Parker, would it be fine with you if Iris and I skip dessert and start our walk now?”
“That’s a wonderful idea!” Georgie said with almost too much enthusiasm.
Willis walked to her seat. “Miss. Sands, will you do me the honor of walking with me?”
Her smile was the biggest he’d seen in a long time. “I’d love to Mr. Willis.” She hopped up, and when he offered his arm she took it.
Chapter Twelve
“Thank you for rescuing me, Lex.” Iris gave his arm a light squeeze.
“Iris, I planned to court you nice and slow. I didn’t want to frighten you and lose you again. I’m not sure slow will be possible with those four around.”
“You don’t like them?”
“They’re family, but in this case they are handsome men and you’re single. I may be speaking out of turn, but I need you.”
“Needing a person is nice,” she responded hesitantly.
“We’d be able to get the house before any of them.”
Iris stopped and drew away from him. “Is that what’s bothering you? You might not get the house? I know you spent a lot of time on it. I’d like to go back now.”
“No.”
“No?”
He took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m doing this all wrong. Iris, when you pushed me away you took my heart, and I never got it back.”
“You want it back?” She furrowed her brow.
“Darn it, Iris, I love you, and I don’t know how to tell you.” He looked defeated.
“I love you too, Lex. I need you, and I want to live in that house with you.”
“You do?”
“Lex, kiss me and ask me to marry you.” She smiled widely.
He pulled her into his arms until they were as close as possible and covered her lips with his. It was a beautiful tender kiss, and it almost brought tears to her eyes. If she hadn’t been worried that he’d misinterpret her tears she would have cried.
He got down on one knee and took her hand. “Iris Sands, will you do me the extreme honor of becoming my wife? I know I’m far from perfect, and somehow we took a wrong turn, but I love you with all that’s in me.” His eyes were full of love.
Her heart filled, and it didn’t hurt. “Yes! Yes, I’ll be your wife!”
“Looks like she said yes!” Georgie yelled for all to hear. Veronica and Max, Glory and Kent all came out of their houses.
“So much for private moments,” Iris whispered to Lex.
It appeared the congratulations were never going to an end. She wanted to be alone with Lex. She wanted a kiss, a long kiss, from him. But she hugged them and shared their enthusiasm.
Georgie grabbed her hand. “We have so much planning to do!” She led Iris toward the house.
“Wait!” Lex shouted. “We’ve hardly had the chance to discuss the whole thing ourselves. You only get engaged once. Can we please enjoy it for the evening? Just the two of us?”
Iris wanted to call him her hero, but she bit her tongue.
“All right folks, let’s let them have their privacy. Enjoy it while you can, Willis. Once the women take over, you’ll be lucky to catch a glimpse of Iris.” Parker laughed while Kent and Max nodded solemnly.
Lex took her hand and pulled her to him while they waited for everyone to go away. “Iris, it’s up to you how quickly you want to get married or if you’d like me to court you and take it slow. I want you to be sure about this.”
She leaned in and kissed him tenderly. He pulled her close so their bodies touched and then deepened the kiss. His tongue licked the seam of her lips and she opened for him. He tasted wonderful. She bet he’d chewed on mint leaves and she’d somehow missed it. She wrapped her arms around his neck and broke the kiss laying her cheek on his muscled chest. Home. This was her home wherever Lex was.
She closed her eyes and sighed, enjoying the closeness she felt. After a moment, she opened them and caught sight Fletcher leaning against the bunkhouse, watching them. She turned her head and laid the other cheek on Lex’s chest.
“We’re being watched. Do you really trust those new men? Where have they been the last few years?”
He stroked her back as he held her. “They went out West to join the cavalry, but killing Indians didn’t sit well with them. They didn’t join. I know they gave a brief history of where they’d been but truthfully my mind was on you, and I didn’t pay much attention. Come walk with me.”
She pulled away, and he caught her hand, entwining his fingers with hers. “Happy?” he asked.
“I am.”
“You sound surprised.” He stopped and stared into her eyes.
“I was too afraid to be near you. It hurt so unbearably when I walked to the gallows, and I knew my heart couldn’t endure the pain again. I thought it would break me, and I wouldn’t be able to put myself together again. It was so painful to see you.”
“That’s why I left. I couldn’t be near you knowing I was causing you to be unhappy.”
“I’m so sorry you had to leave your home. I left so maybe you’d come back where you belonged.” She squeezed his hand. “It’s scary to love someone so much, but you are my entire world. I only caused more heartache and prevented none. I would cry myself to sleep because I was so empty without you. I’m sorrowful I put you through it.”
In the moonlight, she could see his expression of tenderness. “I don’t want to talk about that anymore. I want to talk about our future. I need to know we both want the same things. I want to love you forever and have a family with you. I want someone who will be my partner in life. I need someone who I trust to give me advice when I need it; someone who will understand me. I would like to stay here and have this be our home. Having you in my bed would be great too,” He grinned shamelessly.
Her face heated, and she shook her head as she tried not to smile. It was a battle she lost, and a wide smile spread over her face. “It sounds to me like we want the same things, Lex. I want to be with you too. How quickly can we get the house ready?”
“It is ready. They know me better than I know myself. They finished it, and Kent and I made some furniture. The women braided some rugs, and I heard there is fabric inside for curtains and such.”
She clasped her hand over her mouth as tears filled her eyes. “They really love you, Lex.”
“They love us both.”
“How quickly do you think we can get married?” she asked.
He threw back his head and laughed. “As soon as Georgie can arrange everything, probably before the week is out. I guess it would depend on what dress you want and how fast can someone make it?”
“I’m so excited, Lex.”
“Me too, honey, me too. I’d best walk you home.”
They walked arm in arm. “Iris, you’re beaming.”
“I feel like I am. Happiness will do that.”
As they approached the door, he saw the curtains rustle inside. “They’re watching. I’d best make this kiss quick.”
He leaned down and kissed her, but when he tried to lift his head, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him back down for another kiss.
“I don’t care, let them watch. I love you, Lex.”
“And I love you. Sleep well.”
The door opened, and Georgie pulled Iris inside. “Night, Willis.”
“Well? What’s the plan?” Georgie asked.
Iris smiled. “As soon as we can arrange it, we’d like to be married.”
“I knew it. We only have three days. I have the ladies all on standby to cook. The wooden dance floor is here and ready to be laid out. We couldn’t plan on flowers too far ahead, but Glory will take the children on one of her nature lessons and have them pick wildflowers.”
“Oh my! All we need to do is talk to Reverend Shaw and decide which dress I should wear. How did you get it set so fast?”
“We all knew that you and Willis were meant to be!”
Parker chuckled. “With a little help from my wife. She sent you to Button Hills on purpose.”
“I figured that was what she did.”
“Oh, you two busybodies. Listen, the Preacher is available on Saturday and don’t worry about the dress. I want to surprise you with it.”
Iris’ jaw dropped. “Sounds like I just have to show up.”
“Is that good or bad?” Georgie fretted.
Iris smiled. “It’s very good. Thank you!”
Chapter Thirteen
Georgie buttoned the back of Iris’ wedding dress as Iris studied herself in the full-length mirror. The dress was so beautiful it brought tears to her eyes.
“How? When?” Iris was stunned. The dress was a butter yellow color with yards and yards of white lace over the top. The sleeves had a good three inches of lace as did the bottom of the dress. “I’ve never seen anything like it, and lace is so scarce.”
“Nancy Mathers made it. She’s a real miracle worker. I love her dress shop. She’ll be at the wedding. I was excited about the lace too. We tried it over so many colors but the yellow is perfect. I thought it would be such a lovely contrast to your red hair.” Georgie fussed with the dress until it was perfect.
“Oh look!” Georgie gestured out the upstairs window. “I think everyone is here.”
“I’m so nervous, and I’m so excited!” Iris exclaimed.
Georgie opened the bedroom door and led the way. Iris hesitated for a moment and then followed her outside. The sun was shining, and the breeze was perfect. Looking ahead, she saw people standing with an aisle kept open between them all.
Veronica signaled for Iris to start down that aisle. Taking a deep breath, Iris smiled and walked. She felt so beautiful in her dress. She came near the crowd, nearly overwhelmed by how many people were in attendance, and she knew most. It was amazing that she’d spent a year in a cellar, and now here she was getting married outside in the bright of day.
Glory hurried after her with flowers. “Iris,” she whispered urgently.
Iris stopped and took the bouquet, nodding her thanks. She continued on to Lex. He was so handsome in his dark suit. His boots even looked new. He shifted his weight from one leg to the other, and it was nice knowing he was as nervous as she.
His smile gleamed as she stopped at his side. “You look gorgeous,” he whispered.
Nothing could be as perfect as this moment. Looking into his eyes, she could see his love for her, and she hoped that he could see the same in hers. She murmured her vows and was surprised but pleased with the ring he put on her finger. She wasn’t sure if the sparkling diamond was real or not, but it didn’t make a difference, for their love was real. The kiss they shared at the end had every nerve in her body tingling. They turned toward the crowd, and the congratulations started. Even the freedmen and their families were present, and that endeared Parker, Kent, and Max to her for making such a community happen. People were accepting of each other. She hoped that Fletcher Taylor, Joe Kelly, Ross Carter, and Noah Ward would continue in the good works. She had a feeling they’d be like family soon.
She sought Nancy Mathers out and thanked her for the lovely dress. She was such a nice woman. Iris wondered why she hadn’t ever married.
As they walked through the crowd amid well wishes, she held onto Lex’s hand, and her heart was so full she thought it would explode. “This is my home, and my heart is here. Lex, I love you,” she whispered.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She wished they could leave early but everyone had spent time planning the day for her. The food was delicious, and when she and Lex had the first dance she felt like the belle of the ball. They mingled and laughed and were happy when the sun started to go down. The party wound down as most people needed to get home before dark.
* * *
“Let’s go,” Willis whispered, his eyes full of excitement.
She nodded eagerly and held his hand as they went to their house.
Willis opened the door and then turned back sweeping her up into his arms. She was joyful as he carried her over the threshold. He held her in his arms and soon she was wiggling to get down.
“I want to see the house.”
He watched as she went from room to room and exclaimed in delight. Turning toward him she shook her head. “How did you have time to make all this furniture?”
“How do you know it was me?”
“I’ve seen your work before, and from the beauty of each piece I know this to be yours.”
He walked to her and pulled her into his arms. “Kent helped. It’s beautiful because I was making it for you.”
“You sweet talker, you,” she teased. “I’m serious. I absolutely love this house, and I can imagine many good times and good memories we’ll have. The wedding was wonderful wasn’t it? When I saw my dress my eyes teared.”
“Nervous?”
“Why do you ask?”
He chuckled. “You’re talking nonstop. We don’t have to tonight if you don’t want to.”
She hit his shoulder with his hand and giggled. “Trying to get out of your duty to me? I think I’ll just have to insist that you do right by me.”
He grabbed her up into his arms again. “Do right by you? I think I can do that, and it won’t even seem like a duty to me.”
Heat rushed to her face and her eyelashes fluttered.
“I am a very lucky man,” he murmured. “Very lucky indeed, to have you for my very own.” He cleared his throat. “I should have asked you earlier, but do you have questions? I know you’re a virgin.”
“I never claimed I was.”
He laughed. “I could tell by our first kiss. It enchanted me that you didn’t know how. I’m glad to teach you anything you’d like to know.”
She hid her face in his neck. “I don’t know what I want or need to know.”
“Well first, I will take you into the bedroom, and then it’ll probably take me a good hour to unbutton all those buttons on your dress. The rest will be done slowly and with much love.” He smiled when she kissed his neck.
Then he whisked her up and carried her into the bedroom. The big rope bed had a new quilt on it, which had come from her friends in Button Hills. When they’d heard her real story, they thought it was the most romantic thing they’d ever heard.
“I love you, Mrs. Willis.”
“I love you too, Lexington.”
He dropped her on the bed and tickled her. “I hate that name.”
She tried to talk, but she was laughing too hard. “I promise to never call you anything but Lex from now on.”
