Rhonda Gibson - Pony Express Christmas Bride

She leaned against the cold stone of the well and sighed. Thoughts of her future husband filled her mind. Would she ever be able to trust him enough to have that type of love? Josephine shook her head. Probably not. Her distrust of men ran too deep, and Josephine knew that her heart couldn’t take it if Thomas decided this marriage wasn’t for him.

Her eyes searched the road. Darkness kept her from seeing past the barn. Thomas should have been back this morning, but as the day had worn on and the evening shadows lengthened, Josephine realized he wasn’t coming. She sighed again.

“That bad, huh?”

Josephine jumped at the sound of Thomas’s voice and gave a small squeal. Her hand covered her heart. “You pert nigh scared the life outta me.” She protested a little louder than she’d intended.

He rested his arms along the rim of the well. “You were so deep in thought, your uncle could have walked right up to you.”

The accusing tone of his voice set her teeth on edge. She wasn’t a child and she didn’t need him reminding her of the danger she’d put herself into coming out for fresh air. “Thankfully, you aren’t him.” Josephine looked out into the darkness, lightened only by the white of the snow.

Thomas laughed softly. “You have spunk, Josephine Dooly. I’ve never heard of a woman riding the Pony Express. And now here I find you outside when you know it could be dangerous.”

Josephine turned her gaze back on him. Had she misheard him a few moments ago? The warmth in his laugh drew her like a kitten to fresh milk. Was she so used to her uncle treating her like a child that she expected Thomas to treat her the same way? She searched his face. “You aren’t angry with me.”

“No, I’m not. I am concerned that you take risks, but I am not your keeper. You can come and go as you wish.” He pushed away from the well. “I came by to tell you that tomorrow we’ll go into town and get married, if you still wish to do so.”

Josephine exhaled. “I do, but what about my uncle?”

“I’ve been thinking on that. I don’t think there is anything he can do after we’re married. And as your new husband, I will keep you safe.”

Relief filled her. “Thank you.” She swallowed.

He nodded. “Can I walk you back inside?”

A longing to stay out in the fresh air battled with wanting to please him and go inside. The cold air nipped at her cheeks, helping her to make the decision. Josephine nodded and led the short distance back to the house.

His boots crunched through the snow as he followed her to the kitchen door. She stepped up on the porch but then turned to face him. He deserved an apology and she didn’t want to offer it in front of Hazel. As it stood right now, she would have to apologize to the older woman, too. “I’m sorry. I should have done as you asked and stayed inside.”

He reached up and brushed a wayward curl from her face. “I understand your need to come outside. I’m not sure I could stay inside for three whole days, either.”

The light touch of his fingers against her cheek surprised Josephine. Her gaze met his. Dark circles surrounded his eyes. Had he rested or come straight to her after his run? She felt the urge to lean her face into his warm palm. He smiled and pulled his hand away. Thomas yawned. “I best be heading back to the house. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

As he turned to leave, Josephine called out, “Thomas.”

He stopped and searched her face.

“I’m glad you are home.” She smiled as her mind went blank. She could think of no more words to retain him.

His lips twitched into a grin. “Good night, Josephine.” And he walked into the shadows.

She stepped into the kitchen but turned to watch Thomas climb onto his horse and head into the darkness that now enveloped the world. It seemed she was forever watching him leave.

Tomorrow they’d be married. Would they be compatible? Or would he soon tire of her and want to go on with his life, without her? She didn’t know why, but the last thought troubled her.

Chapter Five

Josephine looked at her reflection with apprehension. Her short red hair curled about her face and ears in a wild array. She didn’t feel like a bride. She wasn’t sure she even looked like a bride.

Cutting her long red hair had been a big sacrifice and made her look like a boy. The store-bought dress she wore was too big and hid all her womanly curves. Weariness filled Josephine’s eyes where joy should reside.

“You look beautiful,” Hazel said as she slipped into the room.

“I don’t feel beautiful.” Josephine ran her hand down the pale green dress that hung on her slim body.

Hazel grinned. “Well, you are.”

“I should have tried the dress on last night. Then I’d have known it was too big and could have taken in the sides.” She sighed, wishing for another dress but knowing that the only other dress she had fit just as this one did.

Store-bought dresses never fit right. If only she’d had the foresight to buy material, but she hadn’t. At the time she’d bought the two dresses, Josephine hadn’t cared how they would look on her, but after just a few days around Thomas, she did care.

Josephine sighed. He deserved a pretty bride. Last night as she lay thinking about her wedding day, she realized that Thomas really was a good man. The fact that she was pretty sure he’d given up sleep to check on her made Josephine want to please him. It had been a long time since anyone had thought of her and put their own needs aside.

Hazel studied her a moment, then snapped her fingers. “I have just the right thing.” She returned a few moments later with an exquisite belt made of soft, supple leather with lace overlay and a dainty gold buckle.

Josephine let out a long, audible breath. She fingered the belt reverently. “Oh, Hazel. It’s lovely.”

“Well, put it on, girl. Let’s see what it does for you.”

Josephine buckled the belt about her waist, then turned to look in the mirror. The belt pulled the material snugly over her shoulders, accentuating her womanly curves and tiny waist. Of its own accord her smile broadened in approval. Hazel tugged here and there in the back and then met her eyes in the mirror. “Are you about ready to go? Thomas and Philip arrived a few moments ago. They are hitching up the wagon now.” She touched one of Josephine’s many curls.

Butterflies took up residence in her stomach. She placed her hand over the flutters. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” Josephine picked up her handbag and hat, then turned to the older woman. “I know I’m getting married today, but it doesn’t feel the way I thought it would.”

Hazel opened the door. “What did you think you’d feel?”

Josephine knew she was being silly. Growing up, she’d fantasized about the perfect wedding, with her papa by her side and the man of her dreams standing at the church altar waiting for her. Her white dress would flow about her instead of the green dress she now wore with a belt to take up the slack. The thoughts saddened her. As a child, she’d dreamed of love and romance.

She picked up the green cloak that matched her dress. “Never mind, it doesn’t matter.” Josephine put on the cloak and then stepped around Hazel. With her head held high and her stomach in knots, she walked out the front door.

Thomas turned in the saddle to look at her. What did he see? She felt her cheeks grow warm under his steady gaze. His eyes no longer looked clouded with weariness, and for that she was thankful.

“Green is a pretty color on you,” he said, swinging down from the horse.

He was just being kind. Still Josephine answered appropriately as she made her way to the wagon. “Thank you.”

He helped her up onto the wooden bench and did the same for Hazel. Josephine busied herself tucking a blanket around her cold legs. The older woman scooped up the reins and smiled. “It might be cold, but the sun is shining. A perfect day for a wedding.”