“I will be praying for your safe journey,” Miss Jenkins called after them, waving from where she stopped at the town’s edge. Once the woman had made her caution known, she had stepped back, allowing them to make their own decision. And been the most gracious hostess all the while. Besides their usual belongings, they carried a cloth with a whole loaf of bread and round of cheese for the midday respite. Instead of a small, simple meal, they would have a veritable feast come midday. Then, before the end of the day, they would be at Bryan’s Station.
Jacob’s joy slipped, and he slid a glance toward Dawn. Did she dread their arrival as much as he? Or would she be glad to be rid of him if they were granted an annulment? Though it was his idea, he could not imagine actually carrying it out. He had only said the words in the hope of winning her heart before they reached the station, but the journey had gone by so quickly. It had been foolish to believe he could make a difference in such a short span of time, but he had hoped that their shared history would make up for lost time.
But he was not sure that he had gained much ground. Last night, holding her hand and watching her look to him for guidance and support—those were the moments he longed for. But how many more would there be?
Beside him, Dawn sighed. The kind of sigh that slips out when one is stressed or exasperated…or a big decision lies ahead of the person. Should he chance holding her hand now? Of course, he could not actually hold her hand from this side. Not that he minded, but it would be wonderful to feel her fingers slip into his. To feel her returning the embrace. “Here, let me lead Samson for a bit,” he offered as he rounded behind her and reached between her and the horse. “You do not mind, do you, Mary?”
Mary grinned and shook her head so that her curls whipped into her face. If anyone had won someone’s heart this week, it was Mary who had won his. Already, he could hardly imagine handing her over to this unknown uncle. But the man could not be denied his own kin either. So he flashed a grin at Mary and stepped between her atop the horse and Dawn beside him as she relinquished the reins. Then he caught Dawn’s hand. Her hand was so warm and petite in his, such a complementary fit, that it made his chest swell with delight.
When he chanced another glance her way, it was difficult to read her expression. But she did not pull away, so he settled into the comfortable moment. Likely, they would not all be able to walk side by side as they were now once they made it across the meadow. Though, with these areas more settled, the path was more apparent, as though it were traveled regularly.
Above them, a turkey vulture circled, passing in and out of the sunlight even at the early hour. Of all the animals that roamed the beautiful lands of Kentucky, they were one of his least favorite. Due to their scavenging ways, he associated them with death.
Jacob frowned and surveyed the area. They were in an open field with a wind blowing the tall grass this way and that, keeping the morning sun from becoming stifling.
“Is all well?” The skin between Dawn’s brows was drawn together in a wrinkle.
Jacob loosened his grip, realizing he had tightened his fingers around hers. He offered her a smile and rubbed his thumb over the soft back of her hand. “Of course.”
“’Tis odd, is it not? To think that, after all we have been through, we will be at Bryan’s Station before the day’s end?” From her tone of voice, he could not discern how she felt about that fact.
“It is,” he agreed, keeping his own voice ambivalent.
Dawn took a deep breath. “And we will finally meet Mary’s uncle.”
“We will.”
“I suppose there will be many changes. A new life to settle into.”
“Yes.” Jacob swallowed. How could she seem so nonchalant about that fact?
“You know, it could make the transition easier if we were to continue this marriage. If we adjusted to this new life together.”
Jacob’s breath hitched. As much as he wanted to agree, was it the best idea? If they continued the ruse, there would be no going back. Once they were seen sharing a roof, their marriage would be considered consummated, whether it was or not. Had Dawn considered all this? Or did she simply crave the comfort his presence provided?
“Dawn,” he began.
“I am sorry. I should not have suggested...”
Jacob stopped and put a hand on her arm. He peered into the face that he would not mind looking upon every day for the rest of his life. “Dawn, I am more than willing to stay married to you. But are you ready for that? For forever?”
Dawn swallowed. “Are you?”
He raised his brows, and the corners of his mouth threatened to pull upward. “I asked you first.”
“I just do not want to make a mistake.”
Jacob leaned back from her, as though he had been struck. “Would being married to me be a mistake?”
“Never,” Dawn replied immediately. “But you might come to believe it was a mistake to marry me.”
“Dawn! I would never think it was a mistake to be married to you. Why would you think that?”
She blinked, tears shining in her eyes. “Because of my…my…” She glanced down.
Jacob sucked in a breath. “Because of your hand? How could you ever think that would become an issue? It has never been a problem.” What else did he have to do to make her believe?
“I know. But what about…” Her mouth worked, and she looked to the side. What was on her mind? “Later…when there are children. Or when I need help.”
