Stephen’s Bride Read Free Page B

the idea grew even better. Married to Miss Bender, he would have a farm, and possibly a way to start a horse farm as well. And a beautiful wife. Who wanted a marriage in name only. He sighed. He’d have to work on that.
    “I will be happy to sign anything that keeps the farm in your name. However, I will not consent to a lifelong marriage of convenience.” When her eyes grew wide, he added, “To ease your mind, though, I won’t insist on marital relations until you’re comfortable with the idea.”
    She chewed her lip, studying him. He could almost see her brain working it out, trying to come to grips with his condition. Eventually, she took in a deep breath, which drew his eyes to her wonderful breasts and said, “All right. I will allow you your . . .” She held up her hand when he smiled. “But not until I feel the time is appropriate.”
    He pulled out his pocket watch. “If we are going to get married today, we need to hurry. I have to pick up my niece and nephew from school and collect my wagon before we head back to the farm.
    “Do you have a farm here, too?”
    He shook his head as he stood and pulled out her chair. “It is my brother’s farm. He and his wife, Rosie, own the place. I’ve been living with them since I returned from the war two years ago.”
    “Will it be a burden for them when you leave?”
    “Not really. They have several hands that work the farm with them. In fact, it will give them more room when I move out. Right now the three oldest children are in one bedroom. It will be nice when I leave and they can give the boys one room and Amelia and baby Lucy their own room.”
    They stepped out onto the boardwalk. Stephen extended his arm to Miss Bender. “Are you ready to get married, Miss Bender?”
    “Yes. And please, all me Calliope.”
    “Calliope it is, then.” His lips twitching in humor, he led her to the Justice of the Peace. Yes, sheriff. I am indeed plum crazy.
    ***
    Calliope stared at the gold band on her left hand. She was married. To a stranger. It said a lot about her feelings toward Rupert that she preferred a stranger to a man she’d known for years. On the other hand, she’d heard of a number of women, particularly in the southern states, who traveled west as mail order brides. This was really no different. At least she got to know her husband, at least a little bit before the wedding.
    “Are you really Uncle Stephen’s wife?” Little Amelia McCoy, Stephen’s niece, stared at her wide-eyed. She was a cute little girl of about six, long golden curls hanging down her back. She and her brother, Chandler, had crowded into the back of the supply-laden wagon after she and Stephen had left the Justice of the Peace and headed to the school to pick the children up.
    “Yes, it appears I am. Your Uncle Stephen and I just got married this afternoon.” Something about the friendly, happy children with bright, curious eyes calmed her nerves a bit. A man who had a family like this must be a good man.
    Earlier, once they’d left the café, Stephen walked them to the General Store where he introduced her, bought a gold band, and with the General Store owner’s mouth gaping at his announcement, hustled her down the boardwalk to the Justice of the Peace.
    When they arrived at the school, his niece and nephew were no less surprised, but then again, most men don’t go into town for family supplies and return with a wife. “How soon do you think we will be able to return to my farm?”
    Stephen shifted a toothpick from one side of his mouth to the other. “There isn’t anything keeping me here that can’t be resolved in a few hours. We can go any time you want to.”
    “It’s just that I know Rupert would have sent men after me, and I don’t want to leave my home empty for too long.”
    He seemed to ponder his answer. “How about we plan on leaving first thing in the morning?”
    “Where will I sleep?”
    He grinned. “With me.”
    With him? Of course not. That would be