A Bride For Russell Read online

  When Miss Addie nudged her again, she turned to him. “Thank you for catching my hat.”

  He patted her arm with his free hand, its warmth surprising Naomi. His touch made her feel safe. Oddly, she didn’t fear what was ahead, not even if he found out she had lied to him about who she really was. For now, she wanted him to believe every single word she had written in that letter. She needed him to believe she was a good choice for him.

  He deserved a good woman. One who was from good breeding, not an urchin like herself. Naomi decided right then not to reveal what kind of life she led before now. She was too ashamed for him to find out she had been tossed aside as a child. He must never find out she was an orphan.

  She looked over at Miss Addie, who glanced at her with a raised brow. Almost as if she knew what Naomi was thinking. Uggg! How can this be? Was she one of those mind readers?

  While the preacher was talking, she vowed to God she would do everything in her power to become the kind of wife her husband needed. She’d learn to cook, clean, bake and do whatever farm women do. When she thought about her earlier conversation with Miss Addie, Naomi felt a bit guilty knowing she was about to go back on her word.

  Miss Addie had to understand. If people came here to start over then why couldn’t she? No one had to know about her past? If she was able to push it under the rug and forget that person ever existed, why tell anyone?

  Naomi would have to talk with the older woman next Tuesday when she went to learn to sew.

  “I do,” the groom said, gazing at her.

  Naomi’s eyes widened. She hadn’t heard a word of the ceremony. “I do, too,” she blurted out, unsure now of what had been said.

  A gasp came from the preachers side, where a portly woman stood holding a bouquet of flowers. She raised them up over her face to hide her expression.

  Miss Addie spoke up. “It’s nerves. Continue, Pastor Connors.”

  The ceremony was repeated, this time Naomi tried to follow along. When it was her turn she repeated the words, “I do.”

  They faced each other.

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride, Mr. Young.”

  He did. Boy did he ever! When his soft mouth covered hers it surprised Naomi. Shocked, she placed both hands on his jacket, not sure if she should push him away or pull him closer.

  It was her first kiss.

  Ever.

  Well, then, goodness gracious, she was going to savor this kiss! No one had wanted to kiss a ragged, unruly girl with dust and city smells all over her. But now, with her face clean and her hair shiny, along with new clothes, for once in her life she was kissable.

  So she leaned in and enjoyed every single bit of his kiss.

  Until the pastor cleared his throat.

  Reluctantly, Naomi’s new husband stepped back, still holding her hand. He gave her a smile. “Hello, Mrs. Young.”

  “Please, call me Naomi.”

  “Only if you call me Russell.”

  “I’m not sure what it is about this church but that was one of the longest kisses ever in this sanctuary.” Pastor Connors closed the good book held in his hands.

  “Oh, come now, they’re youngsters. Let them enjoy one kiss.” The Pastor’s wife scolded him. The pastor seemed to be surprised that his wife spoke up for the couple. She was usually so quiet through the many weddings she always attended.

  Miss Addie congratulated them both. “You best be on your way. I’m sure Widow Young has plans for a lovely reception as soon as you both return.”

  As they left the church, Naomi didn’t feel any different than when she entered. Except her lips felt as if they wanted another kiss from Russell again.

  They went back to the boarding house so her new husband could load her carpetbag. As he helped her onto the seat in the buggy, their hands brushed and dark eyes met bright blue ones.

  “I’m so happy,” he told her, his dark eyes gazing into her own. “I’ll be honest. I wasn’t expecting such a lovely bride.”

  She lifted a hand to his cheek and smiled. “Thank you. And I was not expecting such a fine husband.” Her heart skipped a beat at his confession. As long as he didn’t expect her to be brutally honest, she was safe from him ever learning she was not the woman he thought she was. It hadn’t been hard to lie about her past on paper. That was easy. But living a lie, it was going to be a challenge.

  As they waved to Miss Addie, Wichita Falls faded from the landscape as they made the hour long trek to the Young Farm.

  Russell seemed content to hold her hand in his own, not saying much at all. She was glad in a way. Fascinated at the miles and miles of grass, tumble weeds and blue skies with puffy white clouds looming so close overhead, her heart was in her throat at the beauty of the Texas landscape.

  “It sure is lovely here,” she mentioned, turning to watch his profile. He had strong features, dark hair cut short except for a few unruly places where it fell over his brow. Whiskers ran along his lower cheek and chin and he ran his fingers across them now and again.

  He took his eyes from the road to catch her staring. A dimple creased in his right cheek when he grinned. He squeezed the hand he held. “It is home. There’s no other place on earth I’d rather be.”

  They passed a gate with a newly painted sign that read White Ranch. After a few minutes he turned onto a narrow road with no sign or name that led to a large well-kept home and a barn twice the size of the house. There was a log cabin setting to the right where the buggy headed, across the yard from the house.

  “Is this your home?”

  “This cabin is where I live, yes. My Ma and brother live in the house. The cows and horses live in the barn. The chickens live in that pen over there when their not running around the farm so beware of a large rooster who likes to chase pretty ladies.”

  “Are you trying to scare me, Russell?” She was always up to a challenge. After all, nothing much scared her after living on the streets of New York for so long. There was always a way to hide or beat the odds against you.

  He patted her hand, then helped her from the buggy when they stopped. Taking her carpetbag in one hand, he guided her to the front porch and up the two steps. When he stopped she almost tripped over her feet. “Oh!”

  Russell gave her a wicked look before coming straight for her. He threw the carpetbag down, picked her up and kicked open the door to the cabin. Her feet dangled as she placed her arms around his neck, holding on for dear life. He carried her across the threshold and plopped her down inside.

  Her breath was taken away at his brazen act. His hands were still around her waist and she wasn’t quite sure what to do now. Before she had a chance to wonder, he dipped his head and whispered against her mouth. “Welcome home, Mrs.Young, my beautiful bride.”

  Unable to speak, her heart and mind were filled with so much emotion. Home. She wanted to look around to see her new place but his strong arms still held her there, almost against him. He closed his eyes and that’s when she knew he would kiss her again.

  Sweet heaven above! Another brazen, sweet, heart-stopping kiss from this man’s lips was going to be the end of her!

  And long, too. She didn’t know how long she stood there in his arms while he kissed her like no one had ever kissed her before. For the second time in one day!

  She was in heaven.

  When he managed to pull away, she stared at him, her blue eyes looking at this man in wonder. What was it about him that made her feel all giddy inside?

  She barely knew him. Did love happen like this? Was she in love already? She had no clue. Without a mother or father to guide her or look up to, she didn’t really know how to have a relationship with anyone. All she knew was this was a whole new life for her, a new way of living right here, in this two room cabin.

  “I’m sorry and yet I’m not,” Russell told her, his voice low, husky. She wondered about that as well. He was staring at her in a way no one ever had before.

  Then he let her go, taking a few step
s back. “I don’t want to scare you,” he told her, his voice surprisingly back to normal. “We should introduce you to my Ma and twin brother.”

  Naomi didn’t say much as Russell went for her carpetbag, dropping it into the other room. She was too busy rubbing her fingers over her mouth where he had kissed her a moment ago. Had he not liked those kisses? He had stopped so quickly.

  Now, he seemed to be avoiding her. “I’ll be back momentarily. Make yourself at home while I unhitch the buggy.”

  Naomi knew that was important to take care of the animal first but a feeling of panic was rising to the surface. What if he found her kisses abhorrent? Then what? Would he send her back like it said in the mail order contract? She remembered when it was read to her at the matchmakers. They both had thirty days to decide if the marriage would work. If not, and if they hadn’t consummated the marriage, either party could file an annulment.

  Naomi paced back and forth while her husband was busy outside. She had to do everything in her power not to let that happen. How in the world was she going to keep her husbands attention if he ran off when they kissed?

  She knew there was more to consuming a marriage than kissing. Elisa, her one orphan friend tried to explain the birds and the bees as she called it but mostly Naomi had covered her ears. She wasn’t ready then for that kind of jibber-jabber.

  Naomi now wished she had listened.

  While Russell took care of the horse, she walked around the small cabin, admiring the furniture, the walls, even the cook stove. She twirled around in a circle, her arms open wide with her head flung back. It was all hers. An actual home of her own!

  She studied the ceiling. Made of wood, it was the most beautiful wood she had ever seen. She no longer had to huddle in a small space to keep warm and dry. This roof would protect her from the elements.

  She did bite her lower lip when she saw the stove sitting in the middle of the cabin. Hopefully, she’d be able to watch Russell light it because it looked tricky and complicated.

  Since she didn’t have a clue how to light the stove, she’d have to behave like those rich city girls who never worked a day in their lives. They always had someone to do their work for them. She’d have to pretend she never did any type of manual labor before. At least until she was able to learn how to be a good wife on her own by watching and learning.

  Miss Addie promised to show her how to sew next Tuesday. Naomi was looking forward to learning. She was determined to be a good wife.

  The only other thing she had to do was to make sure they consummated the marriage. At the rate they were going, it may be harder to do if he left the cabin each time they kissed.

  Naomi glanced in the small mirror beside the door. Her hair was messy so she pushed the strands back out of her face. Her cheeks were pink, probably from the excitement of the day.

  She was so busy staring at herself she never heard him come back in until a shadow fell over her. She peered in the mirror to find him behind her. “You look perfect,” he mentioned.

  She smiled, quickly turning to him. “I want to look perfect for you.”

  He took her chin in his two fingers and lifted her face closer. “You are perfect.”

  She sucked in a breath, glad he was paying attention to her once again. She had to know that he’d never push her away or send her back. Her arms flew around his neck and she pushed her mouth to his in a bold move.

  His arms went around her as he deepened the kiss. Oh my, sweetness! Maybe he does want to kiss me after all! As he held her closer a loud knock had Russell stepping back again, although it wasn’t his fault. He raised and brow and sighed. “I believe my brother is here to welcome us home.”

  It was not a good time for family, his eyes said, but he let her go and went to the door anyway. Flinging it open, a man the same size as Russell stood there, a grin on his face.

  “Congrats, brother!” He stepped inside without being invited and slapped Russell on the shoulder.

  When he turned to Naomi, she cried out. The man looked exactly like Russell.

  He came towards her, holding out his hand. “Welcome to the family. I’m Wesley and the only way to tell us apart is -”

  “The eyes,” she finished.

  He stopped in his tracks. “Excellent. Mine are blue while Russells are dark brown.”

  “Almost black,” she told him, taking his hand.

  “Right.” He let her hand go then placed a small, friendly kiss on her cheek. “I’m so happy to meet you.”

  “Likewise,” she told him. “Although we missed you at the wedding.” She tried to raise her chin in the air but instead bumped the wall behind her. Trying to act sophisticated was a lot of work!

  Wesley made a face. “You alright, there?”

  She stepped away from the wall. “Of course.”

  “Then you won’t want to miss Ma’s delicious food and a cake the other ladies baked. We’re heading up to the White Ranch where a reception is being held in your honor.”

  “Oh!” She turned to her husband. She remembered Miss Addie mentioning a reception. Russells kisses had made her forget.

  “It’s probably a good thing,” Russell told her. “That way we can get the introductions out of the way. My Ma and stepmother Nora are dying to meet you.” His eyes told her he’d rather be here, alone, with her. Another good sign. Naomi was gaining hope that it would all work out in her favor. They’d go to the reception then come home and consummate the marriage. Then she’d be safe and never have to leave here, ever again.

  She nodded. “OK, let’s go then. A pleasure to have met you,” she said to Wesley in a haughty voice. She had to at least act as if she were from a higher class.

  The three made their way towards the wagon at the front of the farm house. It was a nice sized house with a large front porch that looked cozy and warm.

  A woman came out the front door, much younger than Naomi imagined his mother would be. She had already pictured an older woman with a stern face in her mind.

  This woman was simply beautiful. She was older, yes, but without the weathered look and saggy skin of an older woman. She had dark hair, the same color as her sons and a lovely complexion that looked well taken care of. As they got closer, she noticed Widow Young’s dark eyes, the same color as Russells. The corners had tiny crows feet adorning the edges but it didn’t take from her beauty. If anything, those tiny crows feet enhanced her lovely features.

  She gave Naomi a genuine hug. “Welcome. May I call you Naomi?”

  Naomi blinked, a bit shaken at the soft, welcoming voice. “Yes, certainly. Thank you, Mrs. Young.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, at last. Well, come along, we have a wonderful reception to attend.” Mrs. Young led her to the wagon. She squeezed Naomi’s hand before the horse and cart took off across the field towards the large ranch next door.

  Naomi didn’t know what to think. Her head was reeling, she was almost in tears at the warmth that eluded from Mrs. Young and even Russell’s twin brother, Wesley. They didn’t stare at her, or lift their noses in the air. No, they welcomed her as if she were part of a family.

  Her new family.

  As the wagon wheels hit every rut as they crossed the field, it bounced her around a bit. Russell sat beside her, an arm lounging across her shoulder. Now he pulled her closer to keep her from bouncing all over the place.

  “Thanks,” she whispered, looking up at him. He seemed at peace here on his land. It was quiet and far removed from the noise of any city or town. Even though the wagon still made clacking noises, the beauty of the land combined with the serenity of the landscape seemed perfect.

  Naomi watched in genuine interest as the freshly painted gate that separated two properties was opened by an older man, bits of bright red hair sticking out from a weathered hat. He saluted the wagon and shut the gate when they were through. The man climbed on a horse standing by and followed them to the yard where the reception was being held.

  Russell ran his hand along her arm, giv
ing her little goosebumps on her flesh. She was quite surprised at all the hospitality. It made her wonder how she was going to pull off acting high-faluting with a crowd like this.

  A sigh escaped her.

  “You okay with all this, Naomi,” Russell asked.

  When he spoke, Wesley and Mrs.Young faced her.

  She had to say yes even though she was so overwhelmed. She’d rather spend a quiet night enjoying the cabin and being alone with her new husband but this was so joyfully wonderful.

  Naomi was unable to speak. She nodded instead.

  When a lone tear fell from her cheek, Mrs. Young smiled. “It’s a lot to take in, I know. As family, we wanted to make sure you feel welcome.”

  Russell handed her a handkerchief from his pocket.

  She gave him a smile while she wiped the wetness from her face, gathering herself together. “Well, then, let’s get on with it, shall we?”

  Russell helped her from the wagon. They followed the Widow to the center of the yard where several tables were decked out with many dishes and even offerings from the other farms in the area. Whenever something like this took place, everyone brought a favorite dish, Russell explained to her. All the food made her stomach growl. Naomi was hungry. She wanted to devour the food but thought better of it for now.

  There would be time enough to eat. She had to remember to eat like a lady. Feeling her pockets, which were large enough, she thought perhaps she’d stash some food away, in case.

  It was a hard habit to break. Of course she wouldn’t have to hide food in case there wasn’t any for tomorrow! She was home now with a husband and a place where food seemed abundant.

  “Welcome, Mrs. Young.”

  At first, Naomi didn’t answer until she realized the older woman was talking to her. She shook her head, not used to being called by someone else’s name. This will take some time, she thought to herself.

  A tall woman with beautiful thick hair stood alongside the man who opened the gate for them. She gave a quick smile, hoping to get introductions out of the way so they were able to eat.