Audrey nodded. “I understand. Really, I do. Sometimes I’m so afraid of saying or doing anything that might be misconstrued, I just want to shut down.”

  “We are a pair, Audrey James.” Hunter took both of her hands and held them in his own. “Now you know the terrible truth about me, will you marry me?”

  “Yes, I will,” Audrey said. Hunter rose and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

  “Thank you for listening to me and agreeing to the marriage. I’ll stop by the church and see when Pastor Elkins can perform the service.” He gave her hand a squeeze and headed down the steps to where a horse was tied to the fence.

  “Wait!” Audrey said. “I’ll need time. I need a dress, shoes…”

  Hunter turned and looked at her again. “This isn’t a real wedding, Audrey. It is a marriage of convenience. We both get something.”

  “I won’t get married unless I have a proper dress and Rosalie stands with me.”

  Hunter thought for a moment. “That’s fine. But you have until Sunday.”

  “Sunday? But that is the day after tomorrow!” Audrey cried. “Why so quickly?”

  “Because we will most likely get married after church services on Sunday. I have to get back to the farm and I can’t break away during the week.”

  Audrey watched him turn and walk away. “Hunter?” He stopped and looked at her once more. “Do you think that you might grow to love me, the way you did Ellie?”

  Audrey watched in fear as his eyes hardened once more. “No, Audrey, I won’t. I vowed I would never love anyone else again. We will consummate the marriage, and I hope that you give me more sons, or even another daughter, but I will not love you.” Audrey gasped as she looked at him. He continued, “I may care for you in time, but I have no space in my heart for another woman. I'll offer you my home, my bed, my protection and I’ll treat you with respect and kindness. It goes without saying, that I’ll provide for you and your needs. However, it won’t ever be on such a grand scale as this.” Audrey fell back in her chair. “You heard the awful truth about me, and you now know this. Are you still willing to marry me, or do you want to get on that next train headed east?”

  Audrey thought for a moment. A loveless marriage was not what she dreamed of, but she would be married. She nodded. “Yes, Hunter. I’m still going to marry you.”

  Audrey’s father returned home later than expected. She waited up to tell him what had occurred that afternoon, but he knew already.

  “Are there no secrets in this town?” she lamented.

  Her father chuckled. “I ran into Hunter. That is how I know. Seems like a decent fellow. He asked for your hand.” He looked at Audrey with amusement. “What a joke,” he chuckled. I didn’t even realize you were being courted! Why didn’t you say anything?”

  Audrey looked at her father in shock. “I didn’t think about it?”

  Her father looked at her with a puzzled expression on his face. “I don’t know how you didn’t. It isn’t every day that you get engaged.”

  “Did he say where or when we were going to be married?” Audrey asked. “I was hoping to find a dress to wear.”

  “Yes. You will get married in the parlor.”

  “Here?”

  “Yes. Pastor Elkin will be by tomorrow to perform the ceremony.”

  “Tomorrow? I thought I’d have at least until next week.”

  “Hunter was visiting Pastor Elkins and I happened to be there. Tomorrow is soon enough.”

  “But I wanted a dress. What about flowers? A reception?”

  “There will be none of that, now, Audrey. Hopefully this will quash the rumors of you and that drunkard.”

  “What about a dress?”

  “You can wear your mother’s dress. I’ll have Hilde pull it out and get it ready for tomorrow.”

  “I need to let Rosalie know. I want her there with me.”

  Her father nodded. “You can either go now, before it turns dark, or first thing in the morning.”

  Audrey ran from the room. “I’ll be back shortly,” she called to her father. She threw open the front door and raced down the path towards the Davis farm as fast as her legs would carry her.

  Chapter 7

  Audrey stood in front of the fireplace in the formal parlor. She held a bouquet of large daisies; her favorite. They were a gift from Hunter and the boys, he told her. Josie had wrapped them in a green ribbon.

  Her father sat on a Windsor chair, while Josie and the boys sat on the small settee. Willow bounced happily on her lap.

  Paps stood next to Hunter, who was looking at her with a stern expression. Her breath caught at the thought of this man being her husband in a few short minutes.

  “You look lovely,” Rosalie whispered. She was standing next to Audrey. Eden nodded. She was standing on the other side of Rosalie.

  “Thank you,” she mouthed. She was wearing her mother’s wedding dress. It was a simple cream with a band of brown and yellow embroidery on the bottom. The sleeves puffed out from the shoulders and then tightened around her hands. The bodice came to a V at her waist and was pleated in the chest. There was no lace anywhere on it, much to her disappointment.

  Audrey looked at Josie with the boys and Willow. Those would be her children in a few minutes. She vowed to love them with everything she had inside of her. Josie gave her a smile and pulled Gunner close to whisper something in his ear. Gunner’s face broke in a huge smile and he waved at Audrey. She gave him a little wave back.

  Pastor Elkin cleared his throat and started reading solemnly from the bible. Soon she was repeating her vows and watching Hunter slide a thin gold band on her finger. “I purchased it yesterday,” he said, quashing any questions she had running through her mind.

  “You may kiss your bride,” Pastor Elkins said. Audrey felt Hunter place a hand around her waist and pull her closer. His other hand tilted her chin. She saw him lean down and closed her eyes. She wanted to savor the kiss and commit it to memory, since it was her first; and most likely her last.

  His lips felt firm against hers. She tried to flatten her lips, but she couldn’t. Instead she held her bouquet tightly so her arms wouldn’t reach up around his neck.

  A warmth passed through that kiss and she felt the tingle all the way to her toes. She wished it could go on forever. Suddenly he pulled back and he looked at her with those warm brown eyes. He gave a wink before turning to the boys and holding his arms out.

  Reid came running and jumped into Hunter’s arms. Gunner wrapped himself around Audrey’s waist.

  “Are you really our Ma, now?” Gunner asked.

  Audrey looked at Hunter. He gave her a little nod. “I guess I am,” she said, hugging the boy back.

  “Can we call you Ma?” Reid asked.

  Audrey tapped his nose. “I would like that immensely.”

  “Congratulations, daughter,” Audrey’s father said, coming and giving her a kiss on the cheek. He shook Hunter’s hand and then held his arms out to Reid. “That makes me your grandfather,” he said, collecting the young boy in his arms. He took Gunner by the hand. “How about we go get some sandwiches and have some cake?” he asked, leading the boys towards the dining room.

  Rosalie took the flowers Audrey was holding and followed the small party from the room. Pastor Elkin and Josie followed, carrying Willow. Paps and Eden following right behind. Eden was feverishly talking to Paps about something as her hands were flying in the air. Hunter and Audrey were left alone in front of the fireplace.

  He acted as if wishing to say something, but then he stopped and put his hands to his side.

  “I can’t believe how fast that was,” Audrey said, trying to fill the silence.

  Hunter opened and shut his mouth several times. “You look beautiful,” he finally said.

  Audrey looked down at her feet, before lifting her face to stare into his eyes. There was something else in his face other than confusion. He almost seemed happy, as if his whole demeanor had relaxed. “Thank you,” she said. “It was my mother’s dress.”

  “If your mother looked anything like you, then your father was definitely a lucky man.”

  “We should probably join the others,” Audrey said, pointing into the dining room.

  “We will. I’d like to head back to the farm right after lunch.”

  “So soon?”

  His lips pressed into a thin line. “I have animals to take care of, Audrey. I can’t be gone from the farm for long periods of time.”

  “Oh,” Audrey replied, disappointment seeping into her voice. “I haven’t had a chance to pack anything.”

  “Just pack what you need, and we can come back during the week to get everything else.”

  Audrey nodded and headed into the dining room to celebrate her wedding.

  Hunter watched his wife’s retreating figure.

  His wife.

  He was married again, even though he didn’t expect he ever would be. He knew it was a relief to Audrey as well. He was ready to head home, but he knew that he should make polite conversation and let Audrey have this time with her family and friends.

  He followed her into the dining room where the table was laden with small ham and cheese sandwiches, several types of salads, lemonade and coffee. There was a small cake on the sideboard. Hunter was amazed that they were able to put together such a feast in a short amount of time.

  “Eden and Rosalie helped,” Audrey said answering his unspoken question.

  The boys were munching happily and talking to Audrey’s father. They didn’t have a grandfather, as Ellie’s parents moved back east and his own had died years ago. He smiled watching them interact with the elder James.

  When they were done eating lunch and had finished their cake and coffee, Hunter stood, signaling that they had to get ready to head back to the farm. The boys started to moan.

  “Not to worry, young man,” Mr. James said to the boys. “You are more than welcome to stop by anytime.”

  Audrey put her hand on Hunter’s arm. “I’ll get changed and be right down if you want to hitch the team.”

  “I’ll help,” Rosalie offered.

  “Me too,” said Eden.

  “Can we come with you?” Gunner asked.

  “Of course. You can help me pack.” The boys followed the ladies.

  “I need to leave as well,” Pastor Elkins said. He shook Hunter’s hand. “You did very well, young man. I hope to see you in church on Sunday.”

  “I’ll walk you out, Pastor,” Paps said.

  “I need to change Willow. Is there somewhere I can do that?” Josie asked.

  Mr. James pointed to a room across the foyer. “Use my office.”

  Once Josie left, Hunter was alone with his father-in-law.

  “You seem in a mighty big hurry, son,” Mr. James said.

  “Just need to get home and feed the livestock.”

  Mr. James didn’t appear to believe him. “You have a mighty fine family, Hunter.”

  “Thank you. I’m just anxious to get them home.”

  “Let’s walk out and get your wagon hitched.” Hunter and Mr. James went to where the horses were tied up in a lean-to. Mr. James went to take one of the bridles off the nail on the wall.

  “Let me do that. I don’t want you to get your suit dirty.” Mr. James handed Hunter the bridle.

  “I wanted to talk to you before you take Audrey back to your house.”

  Hunter paused. “About?” he asked, lifting his eyebrow.

  “She seems to be hard as nails, but she is actually a tender soul under there. She is just like her momma in that regard. I’m sad that Margaret couldn’t see our daughter get married today. I’m just saying, be gentle with her, Hunter. She has a stubborn streak the size of the all outdoors; and she will drive you insane. Patience will go a long way.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “Here you are!” Josie said, carrying Willow and a basket over her arm.

  “Miss Josephine,” Mr. James said with an exaggerated bow. “It was certainly a pleasure meeting you today. Please know that you are welcome here anytime.” He tapped Willow’s nose. “And you too, little lady.”

  “Thank you. We will definitely stop by and visit again.”

  “Be sure to take the rest of the sandwiches and cake. It will be too late to start dinner once you get home.”

  “Thank you, sir. I appreciate that,” Hunter said.

  It only took a few minutes to hitch up the horses and get Josie and Willow settled into the blankets on the back. A few moments later Gunner and Reid came running from the house, with Rosalie and Audrey behind them.

  “I packed up a basket for you,” Rosalie said, placing it in the back of the wagon. She lifted the boys up and they scrambled over to sit next to their aunt.

  Audrey put her one carpetbag in the wagon. “Is that all you need?” Hunter asked.

  Audrey looked at the bag and blinked a few times. “You did say I could come back this week. So, I just brought a skirt and a few blouses.”

  Hunter nodded. Audrey went and said her goodbyes to her father. He would swear that the old man wiped his eyes and pulled his daughter closer before pushing her away with a light shove. “Go home with your family, Audrey. And be sure to bring my grandsons back for a visit.”

  Audrey nodded and allowed Hunter to assist her to the front seat. “Would you like me to hold her?” Audrey asked Josie, pointing to the child on her lap.

  “She would probably like that. Just be sure to not let her grab anything, because it will go right in her mouth.”

  Audrey nodded and held her arms out for the toddler. Willow reached back and was soon settled in on Audrey’s lap. “Are you ready, husband?” Audrey said looking forward.

  Hunter climbed in next to her. He gave a quick glance to Josie over his shoulder before looking at Audrey. “That I am, wife.”

  “How much farther?” Audrey inquired. She had never been to the Lawson farm. She never had a need before. She wondered if it was as large as Paps’s ranch. Paps had a huge home with two levels and a kitchen in a separate building off to the side. It kept the house cooler in the hot summer months. Audrey loved visiting Paps’s house. The river ran right along the edge of it and he had several large outbuildings and other houses on the property. It was very grand indeed.

  “Not too much,” Hunter replied. “We are about a mile outside of town.”

  “I think she likes you,” Josie said, pointing to Willow. “She doesn’t take to too many people.”

  Audrey looked down at the little girl in her lap. Willow had both fists full of a pearl necklace around Audrey’s neck. She gummed the necklace then laughed with glee.

  “I’ve never held a baby before,” Audrey said, kissing the girl on her forehead.

  “She isn’t a baby anymore. Pretty soon she will be running faster than her brothers.”

  Soon Willow was sound asleep in Audrey's arms. Even Audrey was soothed by the gentle rocking of the wagon. The rest of the ride occurred in silence and Audrey looked back to see the boys sound sleep on the blankets. Josie was rubbing their backs.

  Audrey wondered if Josie was going to return East now. She didn’t relish the idea of sharing a house with another woman, even if it was Hunter’s sister.

  It wasn’t much longer when they crested a hill leading down into a small valley. There appeared to be a shack, along with a small barn and several fields of wheat rising in the sun.

  A feeling welled up in Audrey’s belly. That wasn’t the house, was it? It couldn’t be the house.

  Her greatest fears were confirmed when Hunter pulled the wagon in front of the house and put the brake on before hopping down. “Welcome home, Mrs. Lawson,” he said.

  Audrey tried not to show her dismay. The house was much smaller than the one she had been raised in. It was a large rectangle, made of hand-hewn boards, with a porch all around it. She could see a chimney rising from the roof in the middle of the house.

  “Is this where you live?” Audrey asked.

  Hunter must have heard the disdain in her voice as a frown appeared over his face. “It is where you live. And me,” he said thumping his chest. “And the children. And Josie.”

  The boys scrambled out of the wagon and ran up the steps hooting and hollering.

  “I hope the inside is better,” she murmured.

  “It isn’t much, but it is home.”

  Hunter’s face twisted as if he was going to say something. But instead he took a deep breath. “I told you it wouldn’t be what you are accustomed to.”

  “I didn’t realize I’d be living in a hovel.”

  “I’ve not had time to fix it up. It may not be pretty, but it was good enough for my grandparents and it is good enough for my family. The inside is warm, and the children are happy. That is all that matters to me. Let’s go inside.”

  Audrey turned to look at her new sister-in-law. Josie avoided her gaze and hurried the boys inside. “I guess we should go in then,” she concurred, allowing Hunter to assist her to the ground. She put Willow on her hip as she had seen several other women do with their babies.

  Hunter carried her bag in one hand and placed his other at the lower portion of her back, guiding her up into the house. When they reached the door, he opened it and motioned for her to enter.

  It was larger inside than it appeared outside. The house was one great room with doors on either side of the main room. There was only sparse furniture adorning the interior. A large table took up most of the room. A cast iron stove stood against the back wall. Its chimney disappeared into the wall. Audrey could see that it was a heat source, that doubled as a cooking area.

  As she looked around the room at the dust collecting on most of the surfaces she felt as if she was suffocating.

  “Can we open the window?” Audrey asked. “A breeze might help with some of the stuffiness.”

  Hunter placed the bag down and opened the window next to the door. “Better?” he asked.

  “Better,” she said.

  “Those are the bedrooms,” Hunter said coming in behind her. Audrey could see that he picked up her carpet bag again. She was pleased she didn’t bring too much. “The boys are in that one,” he said, pointing to a door with her bag. “Josie and Willow are in the other.” He walked to the far side of the room. “And this is our room.”

 

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