An Unexpected Annulment (The Colorado Brides Series Book 3) (13 page)

I had just been thoroughly lectured. “You sound like mother.”

“Well, she was right.”

“Oh! Blasted cow! Pig guts and horse manure!” Paulina’s face was a mask of pain. “How is this to be borne? How much more will I suffer?”

“How far along is she now?”

Hannah seemed thoughtful. “I might have to check. I hate to do this, but…someone has to.”

“I’m not sure I like the sound of that.”

“Sit on the bed, Paulina. Lift the nightdress.” She folded the arms of her shirt to the elbow. “I have to see how you’re progressing down there. I’m sorry about it, but maybe you’ll be able to push soon.”

“Gosh blasted! I feel like I have to do that now!”

“Let me check you right quick then.” Her hand drifted between her knees. “Oh.”

“What?” I asked. “Is something wrong?”

“I say we might have a baby soon.” She grinned. “Now the fun part starts. I need some of that oil there. Then it’s pushing time.”

Within forty-five minutes, Paulina held her new baby boy, who was wrapped in a blanket. She’d pushed and screamed, while he emerged, his tiny, wet body sliding free. Samuel sat with his wife, holding her while she held the baby. The look on his face warmed my heart. He couldn't stop gazing at her, his hand stroking her forehead.

“I think we’ve done our job tonight,” said Hannah.

“You were the one who did everything. It was very inspiring. I never thought I’d see you like that.”

“She made it easy. If there had been a complication, I would’ve been stumped. I’m going to say a lot of prayers tonight. God was watching over us.”

“I should go home.”

“And where would that be?”

Dawn had arrived, the birds chirping a noisy staccato outside the window. “I’m going to the Montgomery’s.”

“I say we need to plan a wedding. Soon.”

“Yes.”

She hugged me. “You’re making the right decision, Louisa. That family is lucky to have you.” Tears were in her eyes. “We’re all living in the same place with fine husbands now. How did we get to be so lucky?”

“It’s not luck, sister. We’re plain crazy, is what we are. We’ve all lost our minds.”

“And I couldn’t be happier about it.”

I shook my head. “I’ll stop by later today to see how they’re doing.” A yawn escaped me. “Gosh, I’m tired.”

“Me too. I’ll sleep in the guest bed for a bit. I just want to stay in case she needs anything. I might fix some breakfast.” A child fussed in another room. “Oh, that’ll be Laura. She’ll be wanting to be fed too.”

“Maybe I should stay and help.”

“No, I’ve got this. Maria will watch over things. Jerry will bring her and Letty in a bit, I’m sure. She’ll be hungry.”

“I’ll be back to help, so you can go home.”

“I’m fine.” She handed me my shawl. “You go to your family, Louisa. They need you.”

Nathan waited by the door. He would drive me to the Montgomery house. “I’m quite proud of you, Hannah. When I have my baby, I want you and Paulina to be there. I wouldn’t want anyone else to assist me.”

“Of course.” She grinned. “Didn’t you know the Hoffman sisters are going into the birthing business?”

“Well, we shall see. I haven’t agreed to marry him…yet.”

She walked me to the door. “Oh, but you will. It’s only a matter of time.”

I had been up all night, the labor and delivery having taken hours. It was the singular most amazing thing I had ever seen, and, although Paulina had been in pain, it had ended as soon as the baby came out. I longed to have my own, but that possibility seemed far off at the moment.

“Thank you, Nathan.” I stepped from the wagon, finding the house quiet. It was horribly early in the morning.

“Get some rest.”

“You too.” The door was unlocked, and I went inside. The aroma of coffee greeted me.

“How is she?” Matthias stood before me with messy hair and sleepy eyes.

“She’s fine. She had a boy.”

He smiled. “Congratulations.”

“I’m going to bed.”

“You’ve been up all night.”

“I have.”

I moved to pass him, but he took my arm, stopping me. “You look beautiful.”

That was a surprise. “I do?”

“Rosy cheeks and tired eyes. I’d like to wake up to this every day for the rest of my life.”

“Oh, Matt.” I wrapped my arms around his neck. “You’ve ruined everything.”

“How’s that?”

“My reputation is in tatters, my career is finished, and…I’m thinking of doing something absolutely insane.”

“What might that be?”

“I might marry you.”

“I was hoping you would.”

“But I need a few hours of sleep first to be sure. It could just be the exhaustion talking.”

“Then you should hop into bed right this very minute,” he chuckled.

“I will.” I yawned.

“I’ve got work to do. I’ll check on you later.”

“You smell like sawdust.”

“Been in the barn.”

“Good night.” I stepped from his embrace. The little bedroom near the kitchen would do as well as any of the others. “See you in a bit.” I closed the door, pulling my boots off, while I undid the dress. I stripped down to my chemise and drawers, unpinning my hair. Sliding beneath the covers, I sighed when my head hit the pillow.

It wasn’t until I felt the mattress shift that I woke, sensing an arm going around waist. I knew he had joined me, as his breath was on the back of my neck. The sound of children resounded, as they played outside.

“What time is it?”

“Noon.”

“I should get up.”

“I’m sorry I woke you.”

“That’s fine. I need to make lunch.”

“Nathan’s been by. He and Jerry put together a henhouse.”

“They did?”

“Gave me some chicks too.”

“Oh, Annie will love those. She loves the babies.” I turned to look at him, seeing his smile. “You’re awfully happy, sir.”

“I am.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because you’re with me.”

“I’ve been a scandalous woman. I’ve broken all the rules.”

“I’m so glad you did. Does this mean you’ll be my wife?”

“I shouldn’t.”

“Why not?”

“I hardly know you. I worry that I’ll make the same mistake, but, with you, I won’t be able to annul it.”

“Oh?”

“I know we’ll…consummate…um…the affair. If I marry you, I’m stuck in good like a tick.”

“Is that so bad?” he laughed.

“What if you have a vile temper or you beat me? I can’t live like that.”

“I do have a temper. Everyone does. I’ll holler up a storm and maybe slam a door or two, but I’d never hurt a woman.”

“What about the whiskey? When I met you, you were drunk. You looked pretty darn awful.”

“I did.” His look was pragmatic. “I lost myself in the bottle for a while after Abigail’s death. It was the wrong thing to do, but I didn’t know how else to deal with the situation. I have plenty of regrets, Louisa. I’m gonna spend the rest of my life making it up to those kids.”

I moved a strand of hair out of his eyes. “You mean what you say.”

“I do.”

“I guess I’ll have to take you on your word then. That’s a risky proposition for me. I’ve trusted before, and it’s been a disaster.”

“I’ve been thinking about why things happen. I came out here with my family to start a new life, but it was rough goin’ for a while. Then she died. I can’t say my marriage was perfect. I won’t turn Abigail into a saint cuz she passed away, Lord rest her soul. I loved her dearly, but she had her faults too. She had some depressive issues, and she was in bed a lot. I blamed myself for a while, thinkin’ that I wasn’t enough to make her happy, but I don’t think it was all my fault.”

“I’ve heard of that. Some people are just naturally unhappy.”

“Well, my point is, maybe all these things happened so that we might find one another. You stopped to take care of my kids when I wasn’t able. You’ve done an awful lot for me and my family. I’d like to be able to do something for you. I’ll get that milking cow, and I’ll make you a garden. I’ll do whatever you want, cause you’re a pretty smart woman.”

“Oh, Matt.”

“Are you gonna marry me?”

“Yes.”

“Can we get dressed and go to town right now? We need to see the preacher.”

I giggled, “We’ll do it soon. I want Paulina at my wedding, but she has to recover.” I sat up suddenly. “Oh, gracious me! I’ve got letters to write. I’ve got a dress to press.” I glanced at him. “Do you have anything decent to wear?”

“Probably not.”

“I have my work cut out for me.”

“That you do.”

Chapter Twelve

“Now hold still,” said Hannah. She placed the remaining flowers in my hair.

I’d worn my best dress, a green satin with lace short sleeves. The skirt was tiered and the crinoline beneath gave it a full look. I’d examined myself in the mirror, seeing a woman with expressive brown eyes staring back at me. “I guess I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

“You look perfect,” said Paulina. She held a baby in her arms. “That color suits you.”

“I bought the dress for a party. I never wore it, because Henry and I separated shortly after.” It seemed like ages ago that I lived in the bustle of civilization, enjoying all the amusements of a life that had been built on a lie. “I never thought I’d be married in something like this, but it does work.”

We were on the second floor of the mercantile. Sally Higgins had graciously offered to let us dress here, rather than ride in on a dusty road. She fussed over me. “Would you ladies like more tea?”

“I think we’ve had plenty,” said Hannah. “How’s Annie coming along?” She was to be the flower girl, while my sisters were my bridesmaids.

“Almost done. We’re finishing up her hair.”

“I’m nervous now.” My belly tingled with anxious knots. “You don’t think I’m making a mistake, do you?”

“Oh, for heaven’s sakes,” exclaimed Paulina. “Marry the man! He loves you. Anyone can see that.”

“I’ll be married before those letters even reach New York.” That was a strange thought.

“If there was ever an inducement for them to come here, this would be it. Mother won’t be able to stay away from grandbabies. I suspect they’ll arrive next summer.”

“They will, I’m sure,” said Paulina. “Can you imagine mother on a wagon train?”

“She’ll be beside herself because she won’t be able to bring her furniture.”

“All my things are in the basement!” exclaimed Hannah. “My piano. They’ll have to sell everything.”

“That leaves Fanny. She won’t want to live here. She’s a city girl, through and through.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Hannah seemed thoughtful. “I’ve been in correspondence with her, and she’s amazed by our adventures. She might just be bold enough to do it.”

“Denver City will be overrun with the Hoffman sisters then,” I laughed. “Can you imagine?”

“You’ve done everyone a service, my dears,” said Sally. “These men needed good, strong wives, and that’s exactly what they’re getting.” She patted my shoulder. “I’m sorry the teaching position didn’t work as you wished. You must know that everyone approves of your decision to marry Matthias Montgomery. Your good name has been restored, and you’ve earned a fair amount of admiration for your selflessness in taking care of that family.”

I sighed. “I had wanted to teach. I’m jealous of Miss Cox. She’s now with those kids.”

“But you have your own to mind,” said Sally. “That’s a far more important job. Lord knows those children need guidance. They’ve been running amok long enough.”

“I adore them.” Hearing the sound of laughter, I went to the window, throwing up the sash. “Oscar and Hugh Montgomery! Are you messing up your Sunday best?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Stay out of the dirt, boys!”

“Yes, Ma.”

“You’ve got dust up to your knees now!” I shook my head. “What am I going to do with them? Is it too much to ask they stay clean for an hour?”

“It’s nearly time to go down,” said Paulina.

“I know. I just need another minute to gather my wits.” My hands trembled. “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this. I vowed never to marry again, and here I am.”

Hannah smiled slyly.

“What’s so funny?”

“I’m just thinking about something you said when Paulina was in labor.”

“What was that?”

“Oh, something about how we’ve all married beneath ourselves. Looks like you’ll be joining us shortly.” Her eyes dared me to challenge her. “Do you have anything else to say about that matter?”

“I…spoke rashly.” My sisters laughed, enjoying my discomfort. “I’m guilty of the same crime, I suppose.”

“You ladies are silly,” said Sally. “Your husbands are fine, young men. I’d say you’ve all done very well for yourselves.”

“Thank you, Sally,” said Hannah.

“I think I’ve had my moment now.” These last few days had been a whirlwind of wedding preparations and nerves. I would have to throw myself on the mercy of fate and pray that I had made the right decision. It certainly seemed as if God was steering me in this direction. I couldn’t avoid the Montgomerys, even if I tried.

Hannah held my hand, smiling. “I want to say a prayer before we go.” She closed her eyes. “Lord, thank you so much for bringing Louisa to us safe and sound. Thank you for finding her a fine, handsome man who loves her. Despite her stubbornness, please help her realize that even the catastrophes in life are little blessings. Sometimes things don’t work out the way we thought they would, but that doesn’t mean it’s not right. Amen.”

“Well, then,” said Sally. “The wagon’s waiting to take you to the church.”

“I’m going to walk,” said Paulina.

“Me too. I’ll bring Annie with me, but I’ve got to round up those boys.”

“I wish you luck with that,” I said.

“I know; I’ll need it.”

It was mildly surprising just how many people attended my wedding. For a town that had gossiped feverishly about me no more than a week ago, my decision to marry seemed to have nullified their objections, as approval shone on every face I met that morning. It had been uncomfortable being judged, but I knew I had played a part in their censure, as I had been alone with a man, even though he had been ill. This breach in etiquette would be forgotten shortly, and, as I waited by the door of the church, I felt secure that my place in society would be reinstated.