Joshua's Montana Bride (Sweet, Clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers and Brides Series) (6 page)

Laura shook her head. "It's not right," she said.

"It's the only way," Joshua responded. "We've known each other a long time, Laura. We can make it work. I know we can. And, if I am your husband, I will do everything in my power to make sure you are happy. No matter what it takes."

Laura looked up into Joshua's eyes and saw complete sincerity and determination there. She'd always trusted him, and now was no different.

Laura felt Joshua tense momentarily. Then he drew himself up and cleared his throat. "Will you become my wife, Laura Thorne?" he asked simply.

Laura looked up, forced a wan smile and eventually nodded. But the words that she should have said in that moment, the normal, happy, joyous response to such a question, just wouldn't come.

What a day it had been! It had begun with a marriage rejected and had ended with reluctant proposal accepted.

Joshua's eyes lit up and a smile creased his mouth. He started to lean down toward her and she suddenly knew that he intended to kiss her, but she knew that this wasn't the moment.

Laura turned her head away and felt a twisting sensation in her middle which didn't get any better when she eventually turned and saw the look of hurt on Joshua's face.

As she withdrew her hand from his, she wondered if she would ever get anything right ever again.

Two days later Joshua and Laura stood at the altar of the small church in Great Falls. The minister, Reverend Murray, officiated and eventually pronounced them man and wife. As the words of final union were proclaimed, Joshua looked across and saw Eli Thorne look on with visible satisfaction. Minutes before he had led his sister down the aisle and given her away to Joshua McKenzie.

Laura's eyes were wide as she glanced from the minister to Joshua. She'd been quiet the whole morning, in spite of Joshua's efforts to put her at her ease. He knew this was a huge day for her, and it was inevitable that she would feel nervous. Joshua couldn't imagine how she was feeling. If it was anything like how he felt, which was a barely disguised mixture of panic and joy, then he couldn't believe how composed she had been throughout the entire ceremony.

The church was empty, except for the four of them. The wedding had been arranged in haste, but Joshua had done as much as he could to make sure that things would go as smoothly as possible. Laura had resisted the suggestion that there be a small group of invitees to the wedding; employees from the Thorne ranch; friends from town. The only thing that couldn't be resisted, it seemed, was the unwelcome presence of Eli. He had insisted that he attend, especially since their mother, Belinda was still too fragile to make the journey to town. But her mother was waiting eagerly at home. Joshua could barely imagine the joy Laura's mother would feel when they arrived home from the church as newlyweds.

Joshua looked over at Laura. She was outfitted in a delicate white dress which had been altered for her by Mrs. Cole. It was the same dress her mother had married her father in. At the ranch Laura had been almost overcome when she'd seen herself in the mirror. Joshua thought she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, but he knew he'd have to wait a while before he could tell her that. He wondered how he was going to tell her, what kinds of words he would use. Joshua knew he'd never been the most articulate of men, and his experience with women had been limited. He'd spent most of the past few years building up the ranch. The last thing he'd needed was to waste his time and energy on wooing the local women of Great Falls.

And now he was married to Laura Thorne.

He could hardly believe it. He marvelled at how quickly it had all happened; how the curious sequence of events had led him to be standing here, at the altar with the woman he had grown up with as a friend and family acquaintance; the only girl he had ever really had any kind of feelings for.

Laura gazed back at him, standing with her hands clasped demurely in front of her. She looked serious and thoughtful. Joshua felt for her in that moment. He'd been the only one to witness the pain and confusion that had driven her to run away, to seek a life with a total stranger. That would have been and unthinkable life. For a brief moment he felt that he had rescued her from a fate worse than death. But he wondered if he had it in him to make her happy. For that was the real reason why he was standing here. He was making a promise to spend the rest of his life with this beautiful woman; he was giving his word that the only thing that would ever matter to him would be her happiness; he was taking on the wonderful responsibility of providing for her and any family they might have in the future. That thought brought him back to the moment.

"You may now kiss the bride," the Reverend Murray said with a gentle smile.

Joshua leaned in close to Laura. She smelled beautiful. The heady scent of flowers and delicate perfume filled his senses as he touched his lips briefly to Laura's. She responded to his kiss with a momentary, slow movement toward him that was just as quickly over. She drew her head back and peered into his eyes. Joshua saw a curious flatness in their expression that took him by surprise.

The Reverend Murray shook the hands of the bride and groom.

Eli smiled. "Congratulations, Laura. Joshua. You look like the perfect couple," he said.

Laura turned and gave her brother a courteous but cool look. "Thank you Eli. I can see that you really mean that," she said coldly.

Eli shook his head, but continued to smile.

Joshua gave Eli a hard look. The man didn't have a sensitive bone in his body. There was no way Joshua was going to allow Eli to spoil this moment, this perfect day. Joshua didn't like the way Eli had spoken to his new wife. Eli eyes narrowed when he saw the way that Joshua had looked at him.

They made their way down the aisle and out into the autumnal sunshine. It was a beautiful day for a wedding, Joshua thought. The wide street was quiet. There were few people around. Joshua felt a moment of disappointment that the usual sight of a celebrating crowd was absent from their special day. There was no applause or hats flying in the air. How nice it would have been if his brothers could have been at his wedding. But the truth was they were a long way away in distant parts of Montana. He'd let them know in due course, and he was sure they would be happy for him.

He glanced over at the buckboard. Eli's horse was tied to a hitching rail.

Joshua went to the buckboard and extended a hand to Laura. "Can I assist you ma'am," he said with a mischievous smile. He was glad to see that Laura smiled back at him. Her mood had been up and down all day, and he wanted so badly for her to have good memories of their wedding day.

She took his hand and he helped her up onto the buckboard seat. He went up and sat next to her. Turning to Eli he spoke. "We'll see you back at the ranch."

Eli got on his horse, smiled and flicked the reins, moving off up the main drag of the street.

Once he had headed off Laura's shoulders sagged and she sighed. "Thank goodness he's gone," she said.

Joshua moved the horse on and the buckboard started to roll forward. "We'll take our time getting back to the ranch."

"Let's not make it too long. Mama wants to see us as soon as possible. There's no telling what mischief Eli will get up to before we get there," she said.

"At least he came and did what he's supposed to do," Joshua said.

"Giving me away? Did you see the look on his face?"

Joshua shook his head. "I know. He's a strange character. But he is your brother," he said.

"Let's not talk about him," she said. She leaned in closer and hooked an arm into his. Joshua looked at her with surprise. She smiled at him. "Let's just enjoy our first ride together as man and wife."

Joshua's brows raised in surprise at Laura's sudden display of closeness. He could certainly get used to this, he thought. The minute Eli had left, Laura had been transformed. Her eyes had brightened and a tiny, contented smile had finally appeared on her face.

"Are you happy?" Joshua asked quietly.

Laura leaned in closer to him and nodded. She lifted her eyes and peered at his face. "And you? Are you happy Joshua?"

He looked down at her and nodded. A sudden impulse rose in him and he leaned his head forward, planting a kiss on her forehead. The sensation of the softness of her skin on his lips made him feel a surge of emotion. He paused briefly, inhaling the delicious scent of her hair.

When he looked down at her, he saw that she was surprised.

"How could I not be happy, now that you are my wife. Do you realize how amazing this is? All these years we've known each other. And now we're married," he said, the enthusiasm filling his voice.

He immediately regretted his outburst when he saw how she reacted to his words. Her brows furrowed, her lips tightened, and she lowered her head, averting her eyes.

He tried to see her face, lowering his head, desperate to see her expression, but she resolutely kept her features from him.

Joshua felt her shake slightly against him. He pulled the buckboard to a halt. He cupped her chin and raised her face. Her moist eyes caused a lump to rise in his throat.

"Laura. What's the matter?"

She shook her head and swallowed. "It's fine. Let's get back to the ranch. Mama's waiting."

Joshua used the pad of his thumb to wipe the tear from her cheek. He held her body tight against him and he noticed, with a reassuring pulse in his heart that she didn't try to pull away from him.

He took the reins tight once more in his other hand and, with a flick of his wrist, moved the horses on.

****

They arrived back at the ranch to find a huge welcoming reception had been set up in the yard in front of the house. Tables had been laid out and covered with food and drink. There was obviously going to be a party.

Joshua had never been one for parties. His life had been all about hard work and sacrifice, but he had to admit that today would be an exception. If he couldn't celebrate the joyous union with Laura, then there had to be something seriously wrong with him, he thought.

All the ranch hands were there. Spontaneous applause broke out as Joshua pulled the buckboard to a halt and helped Laura down off the seat. Joshua felt an irresistible rush of pride as he watched Laura step down, all evidence of her previous upset replaced by a wonderful, wide smile. She looked so darned beautiful. Standing by her side, with everyone around smiling and clapping, made Joshua convinced that, whatever the circumstances of their coming together, he had done the right thing in marrying Laura Thorne.

Eli stood at the front door of the ranch house alongside Mrs. Cole, who was inevitably and uncontrollably overcome, crying into her apron.

Laura took Joshua's elbow. "I want to go up to mama right away," she said. Joshua nodded and followed Laura into the house, leaving behind the cheering well-wishers.

Upstairs they made their way to Belinda's room. Laura knocked gently on the door. Belinda's voice called to them from inside. They entered and saw that she'd already been helped to sit up. A thick bunch of pillows supported her. The first thing Joshua noticed was the transformation in Belinda's face. It was lit up with an eager, joyous expression as she watched Laura and Joshua make their way into the room. Joshua was suddenly conscious of how he and Laura looked as a couple. Belinda's eyes were wide and her smile was even wider.

"There you are," Belinda said extending her arms in welcome. "The newlyweds. Come here, Laura. My baby. You're all married now," Belinda said.

Laura went to her mother, sitting down on the side of the bed and hugged her tight. Joshua watched as mother and daughter shared a private moment that obviously meant a great deal to both of them, judging by the muffled sobs that he was sure he could hear.

Belinda looked at Joshua. "Come here, Joshua. My son-in-law at last. Let me see you. My oh my. You sure look handsome in that suit," Belinda said.

Joshua felt himself blush as he went to Belinda and sat down on the edge of the bed. "I'm sorry you couldn't come to the wedding," he said to her.

"It doesn't matter. I'm sure it was beautiful. Look at me," she said. "You wouldn't have wanted me there, spoiling the whole thing."

"Hush mama. Don't say such a thing," Laura said and looked at Joshua. "Isn't it silly of mama to say that?" she asked him.

Joshua was momentarily taken aback by Laura's question. "Sure. We missed you. If you could have been there it would have made a perfect day even more perfect. If that makes any sense," he said noticing the approving grin Laura was giving him.

Belinda waved a hand. "Tush. You and your flattery," she said with a smile. "All that matters is that you two are man and wife. I'm sure the ceremony was perfect."

Laura frowned. "It would have been. Eli was there. He almost did enough to spoil it," she said.

Belinda frowned. "Laura. Don't say such a thing. Eli's real happy to see you married. He told me so himself," Belinda said.

"I'll bet he's happy to be getting rid of me," Laura said.

Joshua was concerned that Laura was starting to get herself riled up. It seemed that any mention of her brother just set her off. He reached over and touched Belinda's hand. "Are you coming downstairs, Belinda. Look's like Mrs. Cole has put together quite a spread."

"Call me mother, Joshua. That's what I am from now on. Your mother."

Joshua smiled at her and nodded. "Okay. Mama. I'd love to see you downstairs."

Belinda shook her head. "It's enough that I've seen you two like this. Married and happy." Belinda clapped her hands and smiled. "You've made my day. The both of you. Now get along and have some fun on your wedding day. Don't mind me. I'll be fine. Mrs. Cole's bringing me something. Cake, I think."

"Are you sure, mama?" Laura asked.

Belinda nodded. "You don't know how much this means to me. Seeing you two like this. This is one of the best days of my life," she said.

Laura hugged her mother again. After a few moments Joshua stood and reached over to Laura. She looked at his extended hand. Her eyes narrowed in puzzlement. Then she reached over and took his hand and they both stood at the end of the bed.