Destiny's Bride Read Free

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    His arm tightened around her waist, drawing her closer, yet maintaining a proper space between them. The ripple of muscles beneath her hand and the masculine smell of his clean, cotton shirt stirred feelings new to her—her stomach clenched with excitement when she noticed her friends watching.
    If only time would stand still. But the song ended, and they stepped apart and applauded.
    “Would you mind if we sat?” she asked, feeling a little giddy and unsteady on wobbly legs.
    He agreed, and placing his hand on her elbow, guided her back to her chair. “Can I fix you a plate?” he politely inquired.
    She tried to read his face, tell from his body language if he liked her, but images of sitting on the sidewalk, covered in food, flashed before her eyes. Despite her stomach’s hungry rumblings, she declined with a shake of her head. “But thank you anyway.”
    Walt sat in the chair next to hers and leaned forward on his knees.  “You left so quickly the other day; I didn’t have a chance to find out much about you.”
    “I think I mentioned that I’m Cecile Palmer, and if I remember correctly, you’re Walt Williams.” Her lips quivered, wanting to curl into a smile at her feigned dispassion. How could she forget his name? She’d only said it a thousand times since meeting him.
    With each dance, their conversation flowed. As the evening progressed, she learned more about his life. Aunt May, his only surviving relative, was helping him secure a loan to purchase the piece of land he wanted more than anything else. He intended to build his own cattle ranch and realize a life-long dream. She liked the determined set to his jaw and sensed he meant business.  Her mind painted pictures of the acreage he described, associating beauty, serenity and lushness with the image she imagined.  What a beautiful place it must be.
    With Walt at her side, no other young men approached her, and when the band finished the final song, the last note struck a sour note of disappointment in her chest.
    Walt held her at arm’s length and dropped his hands to applaud the musicians again.  The warmth from his embrace pooled from her core and puddled at her feet. When the clapping died down, he locked gazes with her. “Thank you so much for this wonderful evening. Would it be all right if I call on you before I leave town?”
    “Yes, of course.” She responded quickly, and then mentally chastised herself. Toning down her eagerness wasn’t easy given the happiness plucking at her heartstrings. She absolutely refused to think about him leaving Silver City.
    “So, Miss Palmer,” he intruded on her thoughts, “after my appointment tomorrow, maybe I’ll have some good news to share with you.”
    Her spreading smile faded, giving way to dread. Walt was about to discover her father ran the local bank. Notorious for his serious nature, and for glaring over his spectacles at anyone who displeased him, Harvey Palmer deemed no one good enough for his daughter. The thought hadn’t concerned her until now. Perhaps she should speak with him before he met with Walt. No, then Father would know she had an interest in the man. She grimaced at the prospective outcome. Saying nothing seemed the best option.
    Across the room, she caught sight of her father motioning to her. When he looked away, she stood on tiptoes and quickly bussed Walt’s cheek.  If Harvey Palmer witnessed such boldness, she’d no doubt get a lengthy lecture on public brazenness. In her opinion the kiss was worth the punishment, but there was no use putting Walt’s loan in jeopardy. She bid her dance partner goodnight and crossed the room to join her parents for the walk home.
    At the hitching rail outside the hall, horses nickered as the Palmers walked by. The co-mingled smells of honeysuckle and fresh horse manure wafted in a steady, mild breeze, but even the overpowering aroma couldn’t spoil such a perfect evening. A million stars twinkled overhead, and her step