Jacob shifted, his hands going to his hips. He frowned down at Dawn. Time and silence stretched before them. Finally, he was coming to see.
“Then what if I agree to a marriage in name alone? It would protect your reputation as we travel and meet new people, but once I have you safely settled at Bryan’s Station, we can seek an annulment. If you wish.” Jacob’s lips pressed into a line.
How Dawn’s heart ached at the prospect. To be married to the man whom she had dreamed of through the years, but for it not to be a true marriage. To know that it was all a ruse that would end at the end of the road. How could she bear it? In ways, this seemed worse than if they married and had a chance at happiness before Jacob came to realize that he could not love her. At least there would have been hope in it, and they would have had a real shot at the kind of love her parents had.
Perhaps it was best for her to face the disappointment up front, though, rather than to fall completely and unequivocally in love only to have her heart broken.
Yes, this would be safer, and she could face it. She would have to. For Mary’s sake.
Dawn pulled herself to her full height, which brought her up to Jacob’s chin, and met his gaze. “I will agree to your proposal.”
Jacob’s brows shot upward, toward his brown hat, and a grin stretched across his face. “You will?”
Though unexpected, his joy was infectious, and Dawn could not help the smile that lifted the corners of her mouth as she said, “Yes. I will.”
Jacob let out a whoop and grabbed her around the waist, then swung her in a circle. When he settled her back on the ground, she swayed. His bliss was as unbalancing as the dizziness. Why was he so overjoyed when he only wanted a marriage in name alone?
Jacob glanced around, and she followed his gaze. Sometime during the conversation, his mother had slipped away, allowing them a brief moment alone to make their decision. How considerate of her.
Yet now, Jacob turned and tucked Dawn’s right hand into the crook of his elbow as he charged back up the hill toward where his mother had rejoined their family. He took great, ground-covering steps that left Dawn doing a kind of discombobulated run as she attempted to keep up, a smile still plastered to her face. She had forgotten what kind of adventure life with Jacob could be. And for the first time since her father passed, she felt a bit of that young, carefree girl still inside of her. A giggle escaped as she quickened her pace, her hand gripping Jacob’s strong arm through his linen shirt.
“She agreed to marry me,” he crowed as they drew near.
Everyone jumped to their feet, but the reactions were mixed, which helped to tame Dawn’s own excitement.
Jacob’s mother had a sweet, gentle smile and tears in her eyes as she clasped her hands together and brought them up to rest her chin on them. It was clear that she was happy for their union while sad to see her son leave the fold.
Jacob’s sister exclaimed, “What?”
His two middle brothers held similar expressions, their mouths hanging open. The redhead recovered quicker, his shocked expression transforming into elation as a broad smile took over his face. “Congratulations, Jacob!”
He came over and clasped his brother’s hand before pulling him into a hug, in which he clapped Jacob hard on the back. Dawn took the opportunity to slip free and stood back, her eyes drifting to the older brother, whose glare could nearly spark a fire. Was it the fact that Jacob would be going against his wishes, the hasty union, or her that angered him so? Perhaps all three.
Dawn ignored his disapproval and moved her attention on to Mary, who was headed her way. She knelt down to the child’s level. “You really gettin’ married?”
She nodded, mustering up another smile, which Mary answered with a tiny one of her own. Best for her to believe this was a good change, so that she would not worry. Evidently, it worked, for Mary threw her arms around Dawn’s neck. Dawn wrapped her arms around her thin chest and closed her eyes as she hugged her tightly, soaking in the moment. Mary was as close as one could be without being a blood relative, and up until now, Dawn was the only one with the privilege of watching her grow and learn. No matter if she was able to reunite her with her uncle, Mary would always hold a special place within her heart.
Dawn squeezed tighter. What would she do if Mary’s uncle did not allow her to continue to have a close relationship with the girl? Life without her was unimaginable.
“Dawn, you ’queeze me,” Mary squeaked out.
She released her hold and settled back on her heels. “Sorry, sweetheart.” Her own voice cracked as she attempted to swallow down the lump that had formed in her throat.
“Is all well?” Jacob came over and lowered himself to his knees as he glanced between them.
“Yes. Of course it is.” Dawn sent him a reassuring smile.
“Mary, do you think you can handle having me around while we go to find your uncle?”
Mary nodded, her curls bouncing, then flung herself around Jacob’s neck. Jacob nearly fell backward but caught himself with one hand, chuckling. The sight almost brought tears to Dawn’s eyes all over again.
This incredible man was giving up his own family and tying himself to her, a deformed woman with a child in tow, all to help them on their journey. She could not begin to doubt the plan now.
After all, no one could love Mary as blood family could.
But then again, could a man who had not seen the child in more than two years possibly love her as much as Dawn did? When she was the one who had watched Mary struggle to learn to speak? And nursed her back to health when she fell ill?
Dawn could only hope and pray so. For no matter how sweet the scene before her was, it was all an illusion. The three of them would never be a family.
