“I’ll introduce you to some folks, but you won’t be applying for work. It’s not necessary.”

  “I can’t continue to live with your parents. I have to make a way for myself, Mr. Corson.” She stood and went towards the door. “As much as I appreciate their hospitality, I refuse to take advantage and overstay my welcome.”

  “You don't have to stay with my parents very long. It will only be for a month or so. Not sure how long it takes to get the preacher to marry us.”

  Her eyes rounded and her mouth gaped open. “What?”

  “Ma said you’re interested in marriage.” He sounded resigned, his voice flat. Matt shrugged and lifted his eyes to hers. “I reckon I’ll marry you."

  Chapter Three

  Laughter exploded from Kathryn, taking him by surprise. The sound, although sweet, combined with the brightness in her eyes did not amuse Matt.

  Had he not made himself clear? He was willing to marry the woman who now laughed at his proposal to save her from having to work and making it on her own in the untamed west. "Why are you laughing? I thought you expressed an interest in finding a husband."

  "I'm sorry," she let out a hefty breath. "I shouldn't have laughed. But you looked so miserable."

  Did she expect him to declare undying love? They'd just met earlier that day. "I find marrying someone like you agreeable. It is the best solution for both of us. I need a wife and you need a husband."

  It was interesting to watch the serious expression on her face as she considered what to say next. She looked to him and kept his gaze for a long moment. "I don't know what your life has been like here in Alder Gulch." She looked around. "I imagine it's been stable at least. This is a beautiful place. You have loving parents who seem supportive."

  Matt nodded. It was not the time to tell her about his father's extended illness, how they'd almost lost him just a year earlier. It was a miracle Matthew Corson, Sr. lived. Neither he nor his mother took a day with him for granted. The illness taught them each moment with someone you love is precious. "My life has been here, on this land. I've worked hard every day of it. You are correct to assume my parents are caring and support me fully in what I chose to do."

  Her soft smile enhanced her beauty. She got a faraway look. "How wonderful. Gilmore, my brother, and I only had each other for many years. We were teenagers when our parents forced us out of the house and told us to make it on our own."

  It was interesting to him that she didn't seem bitter or exhibited any hatred toward the people who should have loved and sheltered them. "Why did they do that?"

  "My father is a stern and selfish man. I won't venture to guess the motivation, but I am certain, it was his idea. He insisted Gilmore was old enough to take care of me and provide anything I needed."

  Matt was flabbergasted. "What about your mother?"

  "Mother would never stand up to our father. She stood mutely behind him, her face without expression as he told us to leave." A troubled expression crossed her face. "I often wondered if she held back emotions or didn't feel anything." Kathryn shrugged. "The point of this is that I want what I’ve never had. A loving home, a caring husband and father for my children. It will only be possible if you get to know me and at least care for me before we marry." It surprised him when she reached for his hand and held it in both of hers. "Do you agree to give us time to get to know each other?"

  Of course he would. Looking into her beautiful eyes, something in him shifted. More than anything, he wanted to protect her, to be there for her and be the man she wanted. The man she needed in her life.

  After saying goodbye to his parents, he walked to his house. The entire time his mind on the woman he'd just met and proposed to. How different things were from when he'd woken that morning.

  His house was dim and seemed empty now. With new eyes, he looked around and wondered what Kathryn's reaction would be to the sparse furnishings and lack of any decorations. His mother had offered to make curtains, but he'd not lived there long enough yet for her to do it. Perhaps if he and Kathryn were going to marry, it would be something she'd like to do.

  His new wife could make decisions on furnishings, décor and such. All while preparing for bed, he considered what the next days would bring.

  Ashley Cole looked forward to Sunday supper at his parents’ ranch all week. He and his wife, Grace, arrived early in the afternoon to find that his brothers, twins Grayson and Bronson, were already there. Along with their wives and children, it meant the house would be bustling with activity. Especially now that Gilmore Barrett, his wife and young daughter lived there as well.

  It never ceased to amaze him how generous and giving his parents were. Always a haven, a sanctuary, for those in need; there was always someone new at their house.

  Although shy by nature, it did not deter Ashley from doing what he could to always make the newcomers feel welcome. From the brothers who’d arrive just a few weeks earlier by wagon train and who now worked as stable hands to the Barrett family, along with Gilmore’s sister, Kathryn, he would always lend a hand.

  “Everyone is here.” His wife’s broad smile told that she, too, was excited about spending time at the Cole ranch. “It is going to be a special day indeed.” She allowed him to assist her from the wagon seat. Unable to resist having her so near, he pulled her against him and kissed her soundly. She held his shoulders and looked up at him with a dreamy look. The entire world could cease to exist when she looked at him like that, as if he were the most important man ever to have lived. A lightness in his chest took over and Ashley pressed a second kiss to her brow. “I love you so much.”

  “It’s good to know,” Grace’s saucy wink brought a chuckle from him. The woman never ceased to amaze and surprise him. It seemed daily he learned something new about her.

  “Good to see the honeymoon is not over,” his mother said and laughed from the front porch. She and Grace rushed to each other and embraced. His mother’s love-filled eyes met his. “How are you son? I miss you so.” She disentangled from Grace and allowed him to embrace her. Ashley loved Elizabeth Cole with his entire being. Until marrying Grace, he never thought there was a possibility to love someone so much it ached.

  “Missed you, too, Ma.” He allowed her to cling to him until ready to step back. His mother was not one to be rushed when doling out affection. Her beautiful green eyes glistened as she looked from him to Grace. “Come in, the others are here. Gilmore’s wife, Estelle, has been cooking since early today. I can’t get her to take a rest. Bless her, she feels indebted and rarely allows me to do anything.” She’d linked arms with Grace and both women walked ahead of him toward the huge ranch house he’d grown up in.

  As soon as he stepped through the door, Grayson’s little boy raced to him and wrapped his arms around his legs. “Uncle Ash! Uncle Ash!” It seemed the tyke only knew one tone and it was loud. “Wanna play?” The boy shouted and tugged at his hand.

  Nora, Grayson’s wife, came and picked up the little boy. “Give Uncle Ash a moment to catch his breath. He’ll play with you after supper.” The boy pouted and looked to Ashley for confirmation.

  “We’ll play later,” Ashley told him and patted his head. Satisfied, the boy grinned.

  “Thank you,” Nora said and gave him a one-armed hug in greeting.

  Bronson, Grayson and his father all sat at the long dining table drinking coffee while the women remained in the front room with the children. Ashley greeted Olivia, Bronson’s wife, before going to join the men. He sat after squeezing his father’s shoulder.

  Hank Cole’s warm gaze met his. “Son, you look well.”

  Gilmore arrived just then with a young woman who Ashley supposed was his sister, Kathryn. The pretty woman seemed shocked by all the people present, her eyes darting from the front room to where they were seated. Of the same coloring as her brother, both olive skinned, with golden brown hair and dark eyes, she was attractive.

  “Welcome.” His mother went to greet Kathryn, Grace at her side. Soon the woman was introduced around to everyone all the while his mother had a firm hold on her arm in a show of acceptance.

  Everyone settled around the long, rustic, dining room table for the supper meal after the children were fed and put down for an afternoon nap. Patriarch Hank and Ashley sat on the ends with their wives on their right. Bronson, Olivia and Kathryn sat on the same side as Grace. Opposite them were Grayson, Nora, Gilmore and Estelle.

  His mother glowed looking around the crowded room. “It is so fulfilling to have everyone here. I do love a full house. Although I cannot enjoy anything more than having my three sons and family here on Sundays, Gilmore, you, Estelle and now Kathryn are a most welcome addition.”

  Appropriate responses were followed by Hank’s benediction of the meal and platters replete with all sorts of dishes were passed around.

  “How is your brother?” Ashley’s mother asked Nora, Grayson’s wife. “I was hoping he and Bethany would join us today.” She referred to his wife.

  Nora let out a sigh. “I had a nice visit with them earlier this week. Mitch and Bethany are spending the day with Josiah and Laura. Josiah won’t let Laura lift a finger since she’s so close to delivering.”

  Grace laughed. “I bet poor Laura is ready to kill him. She loves keeping busy.”

  “I believe she escapes every now and then when he’s out checking on the ranch hands,” Olivia told them.

  Elizabeth looked to Grace. “No good news yet?”

  Ashley’s eyes flew to his wife. Although he enjoyed her to himself, he wanted children and he knew Grace wished for them as well. After both his brothers had children and Nora was already expecting a second one, he’d begun to wonder if perhaps it was not his lot to have a son or daughter.

  His heart tightened at Grace’s soft smile. Then she burst into tears and he jumped to his feet and went to her.

  His mother was immediately at her side as well. “I’m so sorry dear. I shouldn’t have asked such a delicate question at the table.”

  The men cleared their throats, while the women all looked about to cry as well. Grace sniffed and blew into a handkerchief handed to her by Hank. “I’m being overly sensitive.” She looked to Ashley and cupped his face. “I planned to tell you before we got here, but the timing felt wrong.” She looked around the table. “Now, surrounded by everyone we love,” she smiled at the Barretts, “and new friends, it feels perfect.”

  Ashley kneeled next to her. “What is it?” His heart beat against his chest and he prepared for his wife’s declaration of being barren.

  He took her hand. “I love you.” Sniffs sounded, but he concentrated on Grace’s face as she fought to compose herself. “Nothing could make me happier than our life as it stands right now. I just need you.”

  “Oh Ashley, I am so happy to hear you say that.” Grace smiled as tears slid down her face. Then, her sensuous lips curved into a wide smile. “In six or seven months, we will be parents.”

  The room was silent for a beat. Then laughter and applause exploded followed by both his parents pulling Grace up to her feet to hug her. His mother hugged Ashley and then both his brothers did the same. His head buzzed with what his wife had just declared but it didn’t penetrate. He could not fathom what it meant.

  “Ashley?” Grace’s face came into focus. “You are not about to pass out are you?”

  He blinked and someone took him by the arms and lowered him to a chair. Laughter whirled around him, boisterous voices and pats on the back. Finally, he was able to take a deep breath and look to Grace who stared at him with a questioning expression.

  At a tug on his hand, he noticed she’d taken it in hers. “How about some fresh air?”

  Ashley allowed her to guide him to the porch where she pushed him into a rocker and stood next to one of the large, wooden columns. The setting sun reflected off her glossy black hair when she turned to face him. “Remember the conversation we had here on the porch?”

  Of course, he remembered it well. It was the first time he had an inkling of how much she affected him. Wild and rebellious, she’d called to his basic nature of wanting to tame her, make her his. “Yes, you were beautiful that day, but today you are much more so.”

  Her face softened. “You say the most wonderful things to me. But you have not commented on my announcement.”

  For a long moment, he considered what words would properly describe how he felt at the moment. Elated and stunned, if truth were to be told. Ashley stood and went to her. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight.

  “I did not expect it. I hoped for a child, but at the same time, I am happy that it was just the two of us for as long as it was. I have never been so fulfilled and content with life until you.”

  Her hand was warm on his face as she caressed his jawline. “You will be a wonderful father, Ashley. You’ve been through so much and overcome even more than most men have had to deal with in a lifetime. You will teach our child honor, mercy and bravery.”

  Love for his wife filled him and he fought to keep from tearing up by clearing his throat. “I believe we need to go back inside and join the celebration.”

  With his wife firmly tucked beside him, they reentered the house to shouts of joy and welcome. This time, Ashley allowed his emotions free rein as his mother and father gathered him into a warm embrace.

  “Congratulations, son,” his father’s voice was gruff with emotion. “Thirty-four years ago, I awoke to find myself alone with a baby boy to raise. Never have I regretted that day, but now you will bring an infant into this house, as your own and it makes me think back to that day and thank God for it.”

  Over his father’s shoulder, he watched Grace surrounded by the women, including Kathryn and Estelle Barrett. Grace’s shiny gaze met his and at that moment he knew what true happiness was.

  “It was a lovely visit.” Kathryn went over the details of day at the Coles’ house with Denise Corson who rocked next to her and knitted. “They are wonderful people who’ve taken my brother's family into the fold. He’s going to work for them at the stables. Since he’s a blacksmith by trade, they assured him he’d not suffer for work.”

  “That is good news, indeed,” Mrs. Corson replied. “I’ve always liked Elizabeth Cole. She and I have known each other for many years, since she arrived from back east. I bet Ashley and Grace are over the moon.”

  As much as she wanted to ask about Matt, Kathryn kept silent on the subject. She suspected if he came for supper, they’d told him she had visited the Coles’ ranch.

  The family experience at the Coles’ had been a bittersweet reminder of what she’d wanted all her life. A close-knit, loving family of her own. Kathryn vowed that upon having children, she’d ensure her husband’s family be an integral part of their lives. If it were to come to pass that she married Matt, then Denise and Matthew Corson would be involved in their children’s lives.

  She shivered at the thought of how far ahead she was planning and she’d not even accepted Matt's proposal yet.

  “What are you thinking about? You are deep in thought about something serious.” Mrs. Corson studied her. “Is something amiss?”

  “I was thinking that, one day, when I have children, I’d love for them to be close with their grandparents. Not my parents, since they choose not to be part of my life, but with my husband’s for sure.”

  Denise Corson nodded. “I would welcome such a thing if you decide to accept Matt’s proposal.”

  Her face heated with embarrassment at realizing Matt had spoken to his mother about it. She let out a long breath and nodded. “I don’t want him to feel obligated or forced into marrying me because you may have suggested it to him.”

  The woman laughed. “Oh believe me, that son of mine will not do anything unless it’s his choice. I’ve never met a more stubborn man.”

  “His proposal was very reluctant. He looked miserable, as if in pain.”

  “That would be Matt. He is painfully shy, which many times comes across as gruff or standoffish, when in actuality, he has a hard time conversing. I wish he weren’t so bashful.”

  Kathryn chuckled. “I bet our first meeting didn’t exactly help things.”

  “Oh goodness, I think not,” Denise Corson laughed and shook her head. “He was quite put out with me about that. Today at supper, he told me I should have called out or waited here instead of taking you to his house. “

  It was the opportunity she’d been waiting for. “Was he upset at me asking him to wait before we marry?”

  “I would venture to say he found it admirable, that you are an intelligent girl who doesn’t jump into situations but prefers to think them through. If anything, I figure he’s worried you’ll meet someone else and decline.”

  “I am so lucky to have met you, your husband and Matt,” Kathryn said feeling her eyes well up. “It has been such a difficult year. The welcome to Alder Gulch by such wonderful people makes me think I am meant to be here and to settle down. I hope that your son and I are suitable, because there is nothing I’d like more than to be part of your family.”

  Denise Corson smiled warmly at her. “You are already part of the family, Kathryn. I am fairly certain you and Matt will be just fine."

  Across the pasture, in the distance, she could see the smoke from his chimney. She remained on the porch for a while longer after Mrs. Corson went inside. The entire time, she watched the log home and wondered what he did at the moment. Her thoughts returned to her first sight of him, his bare body and how well formed he was. Although she’d attempted to keep her eyes on his broad back, she’d caught sight of his nicely taut behind and taut muscular legs. Yes, it would be wonderful to marry Matt Corson and claim him as hers.

  Not only was he attractive of face, but also a very desirable man, indeed.

  Chapter Four

  Kathryn walked out of the Corsons’ ranch the next morning when Matt arrived to pick her up. She'd expected he would have come inside but, instead, he remained by the wagon, leaning against it, his arms crossed while looking into the distance. He was an interesting man who, at the moment, seemed to be in a brooding mood.

 

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