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“Love is a command, not just a feeling. Somehow, in the romantic world of music and theater we have made love to be what it is not. We have so mixed it with beauty and charm and sensuality and contact that we have robbed it of its higher call of cherishing and nurturing.”
—Ravi Zacharias, Indian-born Canadian-American Christian apologist
***
BRONSON—ARMS CROSSED and leaning against one of the pavilion posts—watched the fashion show from a distance in the back of the crowd gathered for the event. He was far too busy to be present, but he wanted to show his support for Tory. At least he’d taken her advice and enlisted Katie, Betty Anne, and Jackie in the task of sewing pioneer costumes. They’d already churned out a pile of skirts, aprons, and bonnets. With Buck in Cheyenne taking care of Ella, they were running a little short-handed these days. A trusted temp agency from Lander would be sending help for the ranch soon.
Tory’s ideas had been brilliant. He’d also talked his sewing force into wearing pioneer garb and manning some of the pioneer stations. Then he’d rounded up a few more folks to man some of the other stations. He now had a good number of the details on his list worked out. In the evenings, he and Tory had been driving around having dinner out and gathering supplies they’d need for each of the stations. Finding old-fashioned butter churners, cook stoves, household items, and old-fashioned candle and soap molds was no easy task, but they found a lot of items for sale locally on the web. The spinning wheel had been a real treasure to find, and Jackie was already teaching herself how to use it.
He and Tory were getting to know each other and enjoying one another’s company. Sometimes she drove them around in Corinthia 13, and other times, he drove them in his pick-up truck. Not only had they enjoyed being together, he’d kissed her at the end of every date. He considered them all dates since he hadn’t spent this much time with a girl since breaking up with his college girlfriend, Erica Bradley, more than three years ago. In fact, he hadn’t had this much fun with anyone else in ages.
When it was Tory’s turn to walk down the runway for the fashion show, he prayed it would go well for her. However, a funny thing happened, only not to Tory. His heart started beating rapidly in time with the loud music the D.J. pumped into the speakers while Tory sashayed down the long platform runway the wranglers had built.
Gazing at her, he realized he was completely taken in by the shy brunette. Only she didn’t look so very shy at this moment. Her confidence kicked in and she tilted her chin up a bit. Her legs swung from the hip and not the knee, just like a professional model. She looked amazing, and he was pretty sure he was in love.
Whistles and clapping broke out amongst the crowd. She was drop-dead stunning in a little black number the announcer referred to as an off-the-shoulder, embellished, peplum cocktail dress from Neiman Marcus. He didn’t know anything at all about dresses, but he had to admit, she had curves in all of the right places. Not just that, but she made him laugh and smile. She made his heart feel warm and alive on the inside.
The crowd obviously loved her and the dress, too. He noticed she had the ‘fashion-walk’ down just right. When Tory reached the end of the outdoor runway positioned near the rodeo and picnic pavilion area, she stopped, turned to the side, and one little saucy hip jutted out to her side with tantalizing perfection before she turned and made her return walk toward the backstage.
The crowd clapped like crazy for her, and more guys whistled and made catcalls of appreciation from among the guests gathered at 40 round tables covered in white linen. She’d nailed it! The judges, Katie among them, were writing notes and scores down fast and furiously. Bronson scanned the crowd of onlookers, many who’d purchased a ticket to the fashion show and luncheon from Lander, in addition to most of The Sweetwater ranch guests. Mrs. Wright, her husband Corky, along with extra kitchen staff were busy serving guests a western-styled, sit-down meal. The luncheon consisted of Calamity Jane’s tomato cheese bruschetta, corn-pecan cream cheese dip with whole grain pita chips, and chipotle flavored meatballs for appetizers. The main course featured goblets filled with melons and berries topped with whipped cream, broccoli salad, and penne pasta primavera.
Only he was too preoccupied with those whistles directed at his girl from other guys. They stabbed at him in the heart. On the one hand, it made him feel proud of her. He kind of considered her his girl at this point, though neither of them had made it ‘official.’ He realized he didn’t like anyone else looking at his girl. He tried to push his thoughts away but it was useless. He barely saw any of the rest of the show as he pondered the matter. He wanted to go behind stage and talk to Tory, but he knew they wouldn’t let him in the private area partitioned by curtains for the contestants.
At the end of the fashion show, all of the ladies in the pageant gathered on the stage. Mrs. Ava Taylor stepped up to the announcer’s podium with the current Miss Lander, on hand to help read the names of the ten finalists selected to remain in the running for the Miss Lander Beauty Pageant. Together, they took turns reading the names of the ten finalists. Fourteen were being sent home. They read eight names selected to stay, Tory’s name not among them.
Just two more names, Lord. Please let Tory be among them, Bronson prayed, looking for her on the stage among the nervous group of twenty-four girls. He found her right away, looking beautiful as ever and still wearing the black cocktail dress. She looked nervous and pale, her hair swept back into some kind of fancy up-do.
The contestants were each holding their breath, eyes squeezed shut, waiting for names to be called. Tory was no different as she clasped the hands of friends and fellow competitors anxiously. “And contestant number nine...” Mrs. Ava Taylor finally announced with a smile, “Miss Tory Marie Johnson!”
Tory finally breathed and took her place with the final contestants after the girls on each side of her gave her a hug, and the crowd clapped as they had for the first eight names. Bronson clapped vigorously and this time, he made sure to whistle loudly for Tory and be the first one to do so.
“And contestant number ten...” The former Miss Lander read, “Arianna Lena Perkins!”
Maybe he should ask Tory—as soon as possible— to be his official girlfriend. Anyone could steal her from right under his nose if he didn’t make his feelings known. That much was perfectly clear, and he couldn’t let that happen. He really liked this girl, and he wasn’t sure like was a strong enough word. If he didn’t do something soon, the pageant would be over in two weeks and he might not ever see her again. She’d go back to her house in the country when it was all over and some other fella would steal her away and marry her. He’d be lucky to run into her at the hardware store buying household parts for that interior decorating business she helped her mother operate. Besides, at twenty-seven, he wasn’t getting any younger. It was time to start thinking about starting a family. He could only hope Tory might feel the same way about him as he did about her.
“SO THAT’S WHY YOU ASKED me to this awesome restaurant tonight? You said a really nice place with steak and lobster, so I dressed up. I’m glad I did. Of course I’ll be your girl,” Tory replied with a sweet smile and smoothed out her cobalt blue dress. She’d slipped into a short-waisted black jacket and black strappy sandals for the special date. Cobalt blue earrings dangled from her ears, glimmering in the lantern light at their table. Whip’s Steakhouse was one of the best restaurants in Lander. A disc jockey played music all evening on weekends as couples gathered on the dance floor to dance the night away. Sconces, hurricane lamps filled with colorful, scented oil, and western lanterns lit up the tables and walls with soft, romantic lighting. Currently, “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie played in the background.
She looked down at the steak on her plate, a shy blush spreading across her face. It didn’t take her much thinking to answer. Bronson was the nicest guy she’d ever met. “Ordinarily, I’d say no because we haven’t known each other long enough. But you’re not like other guys. And I’m not like other girls. To be honest, Bronson, we’ve hit it off so well, I kinda thought we were already a thing, but I’m glad you made it official. A girl likes to know exactly where she stands with a guy.”
“I think you’ve made me the happiest cowboy alive to hear you say that.” Bronson sat back into his seat looking glad to hear her response. He cut into some of his steak using the rustic steak knives with wood handles. “And you look beautiful tonight, by the way. You were amazing in the fashion show today, too.”
“Thanks. I was so nervous. There were so many people there, but it was fun. I’m elated to still be in the running. I texted Harper. She was thrilled. They’ll be happy to meet you. They’re all planning to come to the big rodeo day on the last round of the pageant.”
She’d noticed when he picked her up in his pick-up that he’d dressed up extra nice, too. He wore some kind of fancy new leather cowboy boots, khaki pants, a white long-sleeved shirt, a dark blue and burgundy tie, with a sharp looking, navy blue blazer. His dark hair, tan skin, and hazel eyes pulled her in every time she saw him.
“I’m excited to meet them, too. The thing is, I’m not sure you understand what I mean.” He put his fork and knife down on the edge of the plate. “First of all, I realized something today. In about two more weeks, this pageant will be over and to be honest, the thought of never seeing you again drives me crazy. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since we met.”
Tory blushed. How did this wrangler make her feel so loved? She remembered every one of his tender kisses and thinking about him made her float on a cloud of joy all day long. She’d had the best two weeks of her life since meeting him. “I can’t stop thinking about you, either.”
Bronson stopped cutting his steak and set his utensils aside. “I don’t have the same view about dating as most do. I want to give you something so you know my intentions are clear.”
“You have a gift for me?” She wondered what he had in mind as he fished around inside his blazer pocket and produced a midnight blue velvet box. He opened it and slid the box across the table toward her. “It’s just a promise ring, but I purchased it with you in mind, brand new.” A simple yellow gold band with sapphire stones on each side of a heart shaped by smaller white diamonds stared back at her.
Her hand flew to her mouth. Tears welled up in her eyes. Where had this amazing guy been all of her life? He was such a gentleman. “You bought this ring for me? Oh my goodness, it’s gorgeous! No, I guess you don’t have the same view about dating as other guys do.” No one had ever given her a promise ring before, but it was truly a romantic gesture. She’d known a few other girls who’d been given them.
“Here’s the thing, Tory. I believe a guy has no business dating a girl he doesn’t intend to marry. It only leads to heartbreak. Sooner or later, one or both of them move on, and they both have to start all over again trying to build a new relationship. Many times they’ve already engaged in pre-marital sex, some have had babies out of wedlock, some have postponed career decisions, some have given up college, and you name it. Some of these kids are born without fathers in their lives. All of these decisions like it or not, they affect your soul and future, which is why I’ve made a promise to God not to involve myself in sex before marriage. I believe a true gentleman will not pursue a woman he doesn’t intend to marry in the first place. And when he does pursue, he will protect her honor and value her. So, what I’m trying to say, I know this isn’t a very expensive ring, but it is my promise to you. It’s not an engagement ring, but a promise ring.”
Her mouth remained open as she digested the information he shared and stared at the ring glimmering in the soft lighting of Whip’s Steakhouse. He sure had explained his thoughts well. She’d been worried about never seeing him again after the pageant, too. When the D.J. began playing “When a Man Loves a Woman,” by Michael Bolton, she managed to find her tongue. “I wasn’t expecting this! You’ve completely surprised me and taken me off guard. It’s so romantic—and beautiful!”
“Try it on,” he nudged, plucking the ring out of the box. “If it doesn’t fit, we can have it sized for you. You can wear it on your wedding ring finger until we become officially engaged with a proper ring.” He reached for her hand and slid the ring on her ring finger.
“It fits perfectly!” She laughed softly, holding out her hand to admire the ring, a huge smile written all over her face. “That almost never happens with me.”
He smiled, looking pleased the ring fit. “Wear it for a day or two and see how it feels. If it bothers you, we can have it sized or you can wear it on a different finger if needed. Whatever you’re comfortable with. Just remember, I promise to marry you someday when we both feel ready, and I promise to protect your honor and cherish you.”
Two tears escaped the corner of her eye and he reached out to wipe them away. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.” He looked confused.
“Bronson, these are happy tears, so don’t think otherwise,” she managed to croak out as she studied the beautiful ring and absorbed his words.
They both relaxed and returned to slicing their steaks. She added, “All you’ve said, about marriage and dating, it makes sense. I can see why some folks hurt so much when they go through all of these things outside the bonds of matrimony and then end up breaking apart. I like your way of dating far more than the way so many people do nowadays.”
“I’d want you to understand the ultimate goal would be for us to eventually marry. I did have a girlfriend for several years through college, but Erica and I grew apart as we neared our third year of school and obtaining our degrees was about to become a reality. She wanted a career and realized far too late into our relationship she didn’t want marriage and family. It’s been almost four years since then, and while I’m over losing her, I haven’t found anyone else I was interested in, until I met you. If you’re not interested in eventually settling down, I’d like it if you’d tell me now and I’ll understand. I won’t waste any of your time and we can still be friends.”