A stunned silence filled the air as Dell landed with a thud on the hard ground.
“Aunt Cass,” Emily shrieked in panic. “Is he dead?”
A low rumble of laughter began in the crowd and grew to a roar as Dell opened his somewhat dazed eyes and sat up, rubbing the back of his head.
“No, sweetie, he isn’t dead.”
Cassidy extended a steadying hand to her new husband, whose face glowed bright red. “Are you all right?” she asked, speaking softly enough so that only he could hear.
“Everything but my pride,” he drawled, accepting her assistance as he stumbled to his feet.
Dell glanced at Reverend Marcus, who wiped tears of mirth from his round face.
“May we continue with the ceremony?” Dell asked.
The preacher gave him a bewildered look. “But the wedding is over. I pronounced you man and wife before your…um…fall.”
The crowd roared again, and Cassidy wished the ground would open up and swallow her. He didn’t even remember that they were already married!
“No sir,” Dell argued. “I distinctly recall one more thing you said before I passed out cold.” He grinned.
Understanding dawned upon Reverend Marcus’s face. “Ah yes,” he said with a merry lilt to his voice. “You may now kiss your bride.”
Before she knew what was happening, Dell grabbed Cassidy by her shoulders and turned her to face him. Slipping his hands around her waist, he drew her close. Cassidy’s heart thumped wildly as she prepared for her first kiss. His head descended slowly. So achingly slow that she wrapped her arms about his neck and raised on her toes, tipping her face toward his to close the gap between them more quickly. His eyes registered surprise, then he smiled. At the touch of his lips on hers, Cassidy relaxed against him, the spectators fading into the background. There was only the feel of Dell’s soft lips and of his arms holding her close.
All too soon, the moment was over, and the look in Dell’s eyes left her as breathless as the kiss itself. But there was no time to analyze his gaze or her feelings, for they were surrounded by well-wishers.
As the crowd of men swept Dell away, Mrs. Marcus slipped an arm through Cassidy’s and led her from the rest of the group.
“I’ve arranged for Emily to sleep in our wagon tonight,” she whispered.
Cassidy drew back. “Whatever for?”
A twinkle lit the faded blue eyes of the plump woman standing before her. “Do you want a child in your wagon on your first night as a married woman?”
Mortified, Cassidy lifted her hand and covered her mouth. “Oh my! I never even considered…”
“It’s all settled, then. Emily will stay with us tonight.” Mrs. Marcus gave her a gentle pat on the arm.
She could only nod in response as the preacher’s wife moved away to join the women preparing the celebration dinner.
Panic welled up inside Cassidy, and she looked around for a means of escape. Her eyes scanned the camp, stopping short as her gaze locked with Dell’s. He shot her a concerned frown. She ducked her head to avoid his eyes and walked hurriedly to the wagon. Climbing in, she sat down, knees to her chest, tears of humiliation streaming down her cheeks.
The flap raised, and Dell stuck his head inside, worry written plainly on his handsome face. His frown deepened at her tears, and without a word, he climbed in and gathered her in his arms while she sobbed. When her tears subsided, he pulled away, holding her at arm’s length. “What’s wrong?”
“M–Mrs. Marcus is keeping Emily in her wagon tonight so you and I can be alone.” A fresh onslaught of tears rolled down her face. “Honestly, Dell, it’s all so humiliating.”
“Oh.” He cleared his throat and appeared to be in thought for a moment. “Cassidy, look at me.”
She did so reluctantly. His gaze roamed over her face and came to rest on her mouth. Cassidy held her breath, hoping he’d kiss her once again. Instead, he lifted his hand and cupped her face, wiping away a tear from her cheek with the brush of his thumb.
“If I don’t stay here tonight,” he said softly, “we’ll both be laughingstocks.”
“You already are,” Cassidy reminded him, then clapped her hand over her mouth. “Oh Dell, I’m sorry. How rude of me!”
His lips twisted into a wry grin. “It’s true. I can’t believe I passed out like that. These folks will never forget the wedding where the groom fainted.”
A nervous giggle escaped her lips. Soon they were both laughing so hard that tears rolled from their eyes, and Cassidy could feel some of the tension slipping away. Suddenly Dell stopped laughing and drew her close, his face inches from hers. “You’ve made me very happy,” he whispered. “Have you forgiven me for not telling you the truth from the beginning?”
Reaching up, Cassidy pressed a hand to his cheek. She wanted to reassure him, but she became alarmed as she realized how warm his skin felt. Pulling back, she frowned and moved her hand to his forehead, then to his other cheek. “Dell, you feel feverish. Are you sick?”
His gaze darted away from her. “I think it’s just all the excitement. I’ve never fainted before.”
Cassidy was about to pursue the subject further when they heard voices outside the wagon.
“Hey you two, get out here and join the celebration. You can’t leave your wedding guests to fend for themselves.”
Cassidy’s cheeks burned. How much more humiliation must she endure on a day that should have been the happiest of her whole life?
“Oh Dell,” she groaned.
“They’re only teasing. Besides, I have a right to be in here. I’m your husband.”
That didn’t exactly make her feel any better, especially now that she wasn’t sure what to expect from him.
“Let’s go join them, shall we, Mrs. St. John?”
The name sounded strange, foreign, but somehow…right. “I suppose we should,” she agreed with a sigh. “I—if you’re sure you feel up to it.”
“I wouldn’t miss our wedding celebration for anything in the world. Don’t worry.” Dell hopped down from the wagon and reached up for her.
Cassidy accepted his help, but seeing the gleam in his eyes, she stepped quickly from his arms. “Behave yourself,” she admonished.
The newlyweds received a round of applause as, hand in hand, they moved into the center of the circled wagons and sat at their “table” fashioned from boards placed atop packing crates.
The feast was “scrumptious,” according to Emily. But to Cassidy, whose nerves were taut, it tasted like cooked burlap. Dell sat by her side. After a while, Cassidy noticed he was less attentive and seemed to pull away from her. His face was noticeably paler, and he barely touched his plate.
“Are you feeling all right?” she whispered.
Dell snapped back to attention, though the spark was noticeably absent from his blue eyes. He reached over and laid his hand on hers. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
Though she tried not to, she couldn’t help worrying. She wanted to suggest he retire for the night but knew he wouldn’t. So she said nothing.
The sun was descending in the western sky by the time all traces of supper were put away and the music began. Dell leaned in close, his breath warm on her neck. “Dance with me.” Standing, he offered her his hand. “Please.”
Her heart beat furiously as she allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. It seemed to Cassidy that she floated into his arms. She pressed her head to his shoulder and felt his lips brush her hair. A warm, cozy feeling engulfed her as she closed her eyes and allowed a sigh of contentment to escape her lips.
Suddenly she felt Dell stiffen and tighten his hold. Her eyes flew open, and she looked up to find him glaring over her shoulder. Turning her head, she spied the wagon master striding toward them while, behind him, a group of snickering men stood watching the scene.
“Time to share the bride’s dances, Dell,” Lewis said, grinning from ear to ear.
“Thought you were worried about an Indian attack,” Dell replied in an icy tone. “Shouldn’t you be standing guard or something?” He made no move to relinquish Cassidy.
“Come now. Be a sport.” The amusement on the wagon master’s face made his face even redder as he fought to keep from laughing and clapped Dell on the shoulder. “You’ll get her back later.”
A thrill passed through Cassidy. He didn’t want to let her go. “Dell,” she whispered, placing a gentle palm on his chest, “I think I’m supposed to dance with the other men. It’s okay.”
Dell scowled and released her. “I’ll be back,” he said, eyeing Lewis.
For the next hour, Cassidy was whirled from one man to the next. Each time Dell started her way, another hurriedly cut in before he could get to her. The men laughed and elbowed each other like it was a merry game. All the men except Dell. Cassidy was beginning to agree with her husband. Enough was enough. Close to tears, she had long since stopped trying to converse with her dance partners when she felt familiar arms encircle her waist. She raised her head to find her husband staring down at her in the flickering light of the campfires.
“Oh Dell. Thank goodness it’s you.”
“Had enough dancing?”
She nodded.
Before she could say another word or think another thought, Dell grabbed her by the hand and, without so much as a glance back, led her toward the wagon.
“Dell,” she said with a gasp, grabbing his arm for support as he stumbled slightly. “What are people going to say?”
“What does it matter?” He shrugged. “We’re leaving the wagon train tomorrow anyway.”
That was true enough. Still, the look of bewilderment on the Pike sisters’ faces would haunt her for the rest of her life.
When they reached the wagon, Dell stepped aside and held out his hand. Ducking her head, she climbed inside. When he didn’t follow, Cassidy frowned.
Maybe she’d been wrong after all.
“I’ll leave you alone for a while,” he said.
She gave a slight nod, wondering at the flush in his cheeks.
“But I’ll be back,” he said softly and closed the flap.
Dell’s saddlebags and rifle rested discreetly in the corner of the wagon, and Cassidy felt her cheeks burn. When had he brought those in here?
Her heart raced like a wild horse running free on the range. She was no fool. She knew what Dell expected of her—or she thought she did. Somehow, through the course of this dreamlike day, the stakes had changed. She knew this would be no marriage of convenience.
Lord, how do I give myself to a man who isn’t in love with me? It never occurred to her to ask how she would give herself to a man she didn’t love, for in the past few weeks, she had fallen for Dell. His fun and humor, the way he played and teased with Emily, who was slowly healing from the loss of her father. Each kind or protective gesture toward Cassidy or the little girl had endeared him to her more. Dear Lord, let my love for him be enough.
She removed her gown. Carefully, lovingly, she folded it and packed it into her trunk. Taking a deep breath, she lifted her new white cotton nightgown. With trembling fingers, she removed the rest of her clothing and slipped the gown on. Then she quickly grabbed her wrapper and drew it around her.
Her mind traveled to the four children waiting for her at home. My children. She smiled at the thought. All of them—Dell’s four and Emily. She was now mother to five children. How long had she ached and prayed for a family of her own? God had answered her prayers above her wildest hopes. Except for…well…Dell didn’t exactly love her, but he would one day. She felt sure of it. Her God wouldn’t leave her in a marriage without love.
Dell sat beside the creek, watching the moon cast a gentle glow on the rippling water. His head ached, and he knew he was running a fever. With a groan, he placed his hand on his spinning head. He should have been back at the wagon long ago, but he couldn’t seem to force his aching body to move.
At first he’d thought it was just nerves—what with the fainting and all. But as the day wore on, he knew he’d caught Emily’s sickness. What would he tell Cassidy? Well, she’d probably be relieved anyway. She’d made it pretty clear the marriage was strictly to provide security for her and Emily and to provide a mother for his children. For all intents and purposes, theirs was a marriage of convenience. There were moments, though, when he had begun to wonder if perhaps it could be more. The way she’d responded to his kiss and leaned against him during their dance, for instance. He almost believed…
Lights were beginning to go out across the camp by the time he summoned the strength to stand, trembling, to his feet and force his legs to move—one, then the other, until he finally reached Cassidy’s wagon.
Leaning against the frame, he tapped, hoping it was loud enough for her to hear, for he knew he didn’t have the strength to knock any louder.
The canvas flap opened, and there was Cassidy, clad in white, looking very much like an angel, her hair long and flowing around her shoulders.
“Dell, I was about to come looking for you.” The unmistakable concern in her voice filled him with contentment.
“Help me inside,” he croaked.
“Are you sick?” Cassidy grabbed his arm and pulled as he climbed. Once inside the wagon, he rolled miserably onto the straw bed.
Curling into a ball, he began to shiver uncontrollably. “I—I think I c–c–caught…”
“Oh my, you really are sick, aren’t you?”
Dell felt a cool, gentle hand on his forehead, then heard her gasp. “You’re burning up. Honestly, Dell, why didn’t you say something earlier?”
“I didn’t want to ruin the day for you.”
“That was sweet of you, but if you were sick all day, you should have said something,” she scolded. Sliding on her boots, she grabbed a bucket. “I’ll be back. Try to get undressed and under the covers.”
Dell tried to sit up but fell with a groan to the bed.
Cassidy returned minutes later. She clucked her tongue, and he felt her tugging at his boots. With a grunt, she removed one, then the other. Next he felt his pants sliding from his body. He tried to protest, but she hushed him. “Don’t be silly. You can’t rest comfortably in trousers.”
He didn’t protest further as she removed the rest of his outer clothes, and soon he felt a thick quilt covering him to his shoulders. A cool cloth bathed his face. The last thing he heard as he drifted to sleep was the low, melodious sound of Cassidy’s voice beseeching God on his behalf.
The noon sun blazed overhead when Dell emerged, pale and shaky, from the wagon the next day.
“Feeling any better?” Cassidy asked, looking up from stoking the fire.
“Some.” He glanced around at the empty campsite. “Where is everyone?”
Cassidy shrugged and waved a hand toward the westward trail. “Oh, they pulled out hours ago.”
“Why didn’t you wake me?”
The accusing tone caused Cassidy’s defenses to rise. “You were in no condition to go anywhere.” She placed her hands on her hips. “Now do you feel up to coffee or breakfast?”
Dell shook his head and placed a hand to his stomach. “No thanks. But we need to get going if we’re to make any progress before nightfall.”
“You can’t go anywhere today.”
“We can’t stay here on the open prairie like sitting ducks, just waiting to get our scalps lifted.” He sounded exasperated. “Didn’t you hear Lewis talking about the Indians?”
“Well then, I’ll get things packed up, and you can tell me which direction to head,” she said firmly, giving him no chance to argue. “But you are staying in bed.”
“Emily was over her sickness quicker than this,” he complained.
“Well, maybe you should have had Reverend Marcus pray over you last night,” she retorted. “But since he’s gone, you’d better go back to bed and let it run its course.”
Within an hour they were on the trail, Cassidy following Dell’s instructions that she just “head southwest.” She tied his horse behind the wagon, and Emily skipped alongside. Dell slept through the day, and when they stopped at dusk, Cassidy was relieved to note that his color was returning, though he still refused any food.
The next morning they left as soon as the sun peeked over the horizon. Still weak, Dell allowed Cassidy to drive while he divided his time between lying in bed and sitting beside her on the wagon seat.
In the midafternoon heat, Cassidy came to a rippling creek where a trio of oak trees formed a canopy over the grassy bank. It seemed to her that the trees had been placed there on purpose for weary travelers to rest beneath their branches. Unable to resist the compelling shade, Cassidy pulled the team to the water. She waited while the oxen had their fill, then looped the reins over a nearby bush.
“Can I go swimming?” Emily implored. “I’m so hot.”
Cassidy nodded. “For a little while, but we can’t stay long.”
“Yippee!” Emily quickly discarded her shoes and removed her dress. Clad in only her undergarments, the little girl jumped into the river, splashing with delight.
The water seemed to beckon, and Cassidy hesitated only a moment before removing her own shoes and unbuttoning the top few buttons of her dress. Picking up her skirt with one hand, she waded into the shallow water along the bank. Bending, she scooped water over her throat and chest and the back of her neck.
“Now there’s a lovely sight.”
Cassidy gasped and whirled around. “Dell! You nearly scared the life out of me.”
“I’ve told you before to be more careful. If I was—”
“I know, I know.” Cassidy waved a hand in his direction and turned back around. “If you were an Indian, you’d already have my scalp.”
“Exactly.” The amusement was evident in Dell’s voice.
“You seem to be feeling better,” Cassidy observed wryly, scanning the water for Emily. She found the redhead not far from them, bobbing in the water.
“Don’t go too far, Em.”
“I’m not,” the little girl threw back.
“As a matter of fact, I am feeling better.” Barefoot, with his trousers rolled up midcalf, Dell had waded through the water and now stood beside her. His gaze roved over her neck, a gleam lighting his eyes.
She felt her cheeks grow hot and quickly buttoned her dress. Cassidy swallowed hard. Slowly she waded out of the water, with Dell following close behind.
“Time to go, Emily,” she called.
“Aw, Ma.”
Cassidy’s eyes widened, and she stared in wonder at Dell.
He grinned. “Well, it seems you have a new title. Better get used to it.”
Tears swam in Cassidy’s eyes. The honor of being someone’s mother was something she could definitely get used to.
Dell reached out and squeezed her hand. “This is cause for a celebration. Why don’t we stop here for the night?” he suggested. “We only have a couple hours left before dusk anyway.”
“I thought you didn’t want to stop for very long during the day,” Cassidy reminded. “Seems to me I remember something about ‘sitting ducks.’”
“Hmm. This is a pretty secluded area. We’ll just keep a close eye out.”
With a shrug, Cassidy consented. “You’re the boss.”
“Okay, then. Emily, stay in that water and splash all you want. We’re staying here for the night.”
“Yippee!”
Cassidy smiled.
Later during supper, Dell ate ravenously of the catfish he’d pulled from the river. Cassidy sighed. It was good to see him well again.
“Play ball with me,” Emily pleaded when the last bit of meat was flaked from the fish’s bones.
“Oh Em,” Cassidy protested. “Dell probably doesn’t feel up to such activity this soon after his illness.”
“Sure I do,” Dell replied, hopping to his feet for emphasis and sending Cassidy a broad wink. “Come on, Emily, I’ll toss the ball to you for a while. Then we’ll sit here and I’ll tell you a bedtime story. Would you like that?”
Emily clapped her hands together. “Yes, please!”
A smile touched Cassidy’s lips as the two played. Even her brother, though always a kind father, hadn’t been as involved with Emily as Dell was already. Cassidy sat in awe at the plan God had laid out before her. Her heart did a little dance. They would arrive at the ranch sometime late tomorrow, Dell had said. Cassidy sighed deeply, thinking of her new home. Thank You, Lord. She had thanked God so many times in the last few days that she was sure He was tired of hearing it. Well, not really, but her heart was definitely full of gratitude.
The sun had completely vanished by the time the last dish was wiped dry. Dell and Emily had tired of the ball game, and the little girl sat enraptured by the fire, listening to Dell weave a tale about a beautiful mermaid locked away in the lair of an evil sea monster. Cassidy would have preferred hearing about Jonah and the big fish if Dell had to tell a sea story, but she couldn’t resist the romantic tale of the mermaid. She sighed audibly when the merprince rescued the young mermaid and whisked her away to his kingdom as his bride, thus ending the story.
Dell glanced her way, lips pursed in an effort not to laugh. Blushing, she snatched up a small twig and tossed it at him. He threw back his head, his laughter ringing in the night air.
With a lift of her chin, she stood. “Come on, Emily. Bedtime.”
“Yes ma’am,” the little girl replied with unaccustomed compliance.
Cassidy glanced at Dell and shrugged. She wasn’t going to quibble with a blessing, that was for sure.
After the little girl changed into her nightgown, Cassidy reached over and gave her a kiss on the forehead. Emily grabbed her, pulling her close. “I love you, Ma.”
“I love you back, sweetie. Very much.”
“Do you think my pa would get mad if I called Dell ‘Pa’?”
Taken aback, Cassidy sat on the edge of the mattress. “I think your pa is so happy that you have such a wonderful man looking after you, he doesn’t care what you call him.”
“Think Dell would mind?”
“I think Dell would love it, honey.”
Emily seemed to consider the words for a moment, then nodded.
“I guess I probably will, then,” she said matter-of-factly. She nodded, and the issue seemed settled in her little-girl heart as she stared up at Cassidy with wide eyes. “Can I say my prayers now?”
Unable to speak past the lump in her throat, Cassidy simply nodded.
Emily bowed her head and was almost asleep before she finished praying.
When she returned to the campfire, Cassidy found Dell lying on his bedroll, hat over his face. He appeared to be sleeping, and relief mixed with disappointment washed over Cassidy.
With a sigh, she strolled the few feet to the river and sat staring out at the reflection of the stars and moon in the perfectly clear night. Gazing at the still, inviting water, she yearned to immerse herself. Impulsively she stood, removed her dress and undergarments, and draped them over a bush. She knew she was alone; still, modesty prevailed, and she folded her arms across her chest while she waded deeper and deeper. Soon only her neck and head were out of the water.
Eyes closed, she tipped back her head until her hair was fully wet, and the tension began to slacken in her shoulders as a gentle breeze blew across her face. With a contented sigh, she opened her eyes. A silhouette at the edge of the water captured her attention, and fear swept through her as her mind replayed Dell’s words about the Indians lifting her scalp.
Slowly the figure moved from the shadow of the trees and stepped into the moonlight. Cassidy’s heart pounded in her ears as she recognized Dell. His gaze locked on to hers for what seemed like an eternity. Then suddenly, without a word, he turned and walked away.
Cassidy drew a steadying breath and hastened from the river. Trembling, she dressed quickly and walked back to the campsite to find Dell lounging on his bedroll. Propped on an elbow, he stared into the fire. When she approached, his gaze slid up the length of her before locking on to hers. She shivered, hypnotized by the flicker of the campfire reflecting in his blue, blue eyes.
“Sit,” he commanded softly.
Her reply was halting, her voice sounding strange to her own ears. “I—have—to get the brush, or my hair will look terrible.”
“Get it.”
Once inside the safety of the wagon, she closed her eyes and shook her head in an effort to regain some semblance of control over her emotions before facing her new husband again. Grabbing the brush, she returned to Dell.
“Come here,” he said. “Sit by me.”
Slowly she complied, willing her legs to move—first one, then the other—until she reached him. She sat without speaking a word and brushed her ginger tresses until she felt the warmth of Dell’s hand covering hers. She turned to face him. The look in his eyes left her breathless.
“Let me,” he said softly, taking the brush from her hand. With long, slow strokes, he smoothed the silky strands. Cassidy’s eyes closed involuntarily, and the contentment she’d felt during the dance at their wedding returned.
“Tell me why you’ve never married,” Dell murmured against her ear.
Cassidy felt herself stiffen. “Because no one ever asked me.”
“Why is that?” he pressed.
Pulling away from him, she took the brush. “I think all the tangles are out now. Thanks.” She moved toward the safety of the wagon. “I suppose I’ll go to—”
“Sleep out here with me,” he said softly.
Her heart jumped into her throat at the melting glance he sent her.
“We haven’t had a chance to discuss our new situation,” Dell pressed. “I don’t expect anything from you.”
Cassidy nodded. “I’ll be back.” Grabbing a quilt from the wagon, she returned to his side.
Dell took the quilt from her and spread it out over the ground.
She sat. Leaning forward, she began to remove her boots.
Dell raised a questioning brow in her direction.
“I just can’t sleep with shoes on my feet,” she explained.
With a grin, he took the boots and set them aside before dropping down next to her.
“I didn’t mean to upset you earlier.”
“Please, Dell,” she implored. “I just don’t want to talk about why no man ever wanted me before—” She cut off the rest of the sentence. After all, he didn’t really want her either—he only wanted a mother for his children.
Dell stretched out on the pallet and looked up at her expectantly.
Gingerly she lay back. His arm crept around her until he pulled her head onto his shoulder. His fingers delved into her hair.
“What’s that scent?” he asked, his mouth against her temple, muffling his words. His voice was husky, velvety, and Cassidy’s stomach turned over.
“Lilac water.”
“Hmm.”
“T–tell me about the ranch.”
Dell gently removed his arm from beneath Cassidy’s head and propped himself up on his elbow. A faraway look came into his eyes, and when he spoke, there was pride in his voice. “We have four hundred acres of grassy fields and three hundred head of cattle grazing on the prairie grass.”
Cassidy felt her eyes grow big as he continued.
“I’ve worked hard to make it what it is. We thrive. My children are well taken care of…except for the fact that they haven’t had a mother.” His gaze roved tenderly over her face. “Until now, that is.”
Dell’s eyes traveled to Cassidy’s lips, which parted slightly as she drew in a breath. His head lowered until he took her mouth with his own. Trembling, her arm clasped around his neck, and she returned his kiss.
After a moment, Dell pulled away suddenly. “Maybe you’d better go on and sleep next to Emily,” he whispered.
With a sudden burst of boldness, Cassidy pulled his head back down. He hesitated for a moment as his eyes searched hers. Seeming to find what he was looking for, he closed his eyes and reclaimed her lips.