Frances had said the words she was sure he expected, and he gave a soft chuckle, but she had liked hearing him say she looked beautiful. What was wrong with her? It had always irritated her when men would try to compliment her looks. She’d always declared there was so much more to her than her appearance.
But there’d been something in his voice she couldn’t remember hearing before. It made her feel like the practice kiss on the front porch had. Thinking about it now still had the power to suck the air from her lungs and make her feel weak at the knees. It didn’t make sense; Nick was her best friend. Only a friend.
They’d reached Reverend Pearce, and he began the now-familiar ceremony. A year ago today, Frances had still been living at home, under the care of their beloved father. Now he was dead, likely murdered by his brother. She and her sisters had thrown away their old life and fled from their uncle’s home to come live with Luke. Their life was completely changed, what with Maude married to Charles, Doris to Marshall, Luke engaged to Judith, and Frances about to marry Nick.
He squeezed her hand, pulling her from her reflections.
“Do you, Nicholas Alexander Reynolds, take Frances Lancaster to be your lawful wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?”
“I do.”
“Alexander?” she whispered.
“Behave,” he hissed, but his shoulders shook with suppressed laughter.
“Do you, Frances Lancaster, take Nicholas Alexander Reynolds—”
“Don’t forget I’m not promising to obey any man.” The words came out louder than she intended and several in the audience chuckled knowingly.
“I haven’t forgotten,” Reverend Pearce said, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear, causing more to chuckle. “Let’s try this again. Do you, Frances Lancaster, take Nicholas Alexander Reynolds to be your lawful husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?”
Frances stared at the pastor for a second, a knot in her throat. She swallowed and forced the words to come out.
“I do.”
Nick let out a breath of relief. Had he been worried she might change her mind? He ought to have been relieved he wouldn’t be shackled to her. Still, his shoulders remained tense until the pastor had declared them to be married.
“You may kiss your bride.”
Nick turned to face her and gently placed his hands on her cheeks. His gaze was so tender and loving, Frances found herself lost in it. She couldn’t think of a time in her life anyone had looked at her like that. He lowered his mouth toward hers, and her eyes stung. She almost wished it could be real.
Then his lips found hers, and there was nothing pretend in her response. As his warm mouth moved over hers, she slid her arms around his neck, and he shifted his arms from her face and wrapped them around her back. He held her so close. It felt right, somehow, to be kissing Nick. How could mere friends share something so amazing? If they’d really been in love, Frances doubted she’d have been able to stay on her feet.
The sound of cheering cowhands broke through. Embarrassed, she and Nick broke apart. She didn’t dare look at her brother.
“No one should suspect anything now,” Nick whispered. Taking her hand, they turned to face the guests.
* * *
Nick wasa little dismayed at how quickly the wedding turned into a reception party, and everyone crowded around them to offer their congratulations. Frances was pulled away by her sisters and the women of the Ladies’ Improvement Society.
One of the cowhands from the Circle B Ranch made a derogatory comment about the kiss, his sly tone implying there must have been some early carrying on between Nick and Frances. His blood boiling, he spun on the man and found he wasn’t alone. Every one of the Lucky L cowhands who worked with Frances looked ready to whup the man. With wide eyes, he held up his hands, muttering an apology, and quickly left.
Nick shouldn’t have kissed her like that, but he had no idea when or if he’d get another opportunity. There was no doubt they’d have to share some public kisses to keep up the ruse. Now they were married, if he were going to respect her wishes, he would have to make sure not to kiss her again when they were alone.
He couldn’t forget the look on Frances’s face when he’d arrived first thing that morning with his belongings. Nick had known they’d have to share a bedroom. Evidently, she hadn’t thought that far ahead, which was surprising. Her sisters had prepared for the new couple the same room which Maude and Charles had shared while their house was being constructed. The large bedroom had its own bathroom and was located by itself on one side of the house. It would provide privacy for the newly married couple. While that had been perfect for Maude and Charles, it posed a danger for Nick and Frances.
“So, you’re really not going to take a wedding trip?” Marshall Breckenridge asked.
“Charles and Maude still haven’t taken theirs, and they’re expecting a baby,” Nick found himself replying defensively. “Frances would like to go to Indianapolis and show me where she grew up. We want to make sure our marriage is on record with the probate court, so her uncle doesn’t try anything while we’re there.” That at least was true.
“Yes,” Marshall said, rubbing his chin, “Doris has mentioned a desire to go there as well now the three sisters are married. There are things in the old house she wishes to retrieve.”
“We should all go together.”
“On your wedding trip?” Marshall shook his head. “We would never want to intrude.”
“Intrude on what?” Frances stepped beside Nick and laced her fingers with his.
