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She watched the woman kiss the man and her heart swelled. "And to you too!" Trudy murmured.
Still, she fumbled with the lace on her sleeve.
I'm overdressed, I knew it! She's right, but what can I do? My other clothes are so dull and plain. And on top of that, I'm so hot in this dress! What happened to the air?
In St. Louis, the weather was still mild and breezy, needing a shawl to keep warm. But the weather was quickly changing the further west they rode. It was stuffy in the passenger car and one man leaned to open a window. It did little good though as the air didn't seem to move, outside or in.
When she arrived at the Ft. Worth station, Trudy got her two bags, and headed out of the car. She wondered who would pick her up or if she'd have to rent a buggy to get to the ranch. Then it dawned on her that she was a week early, so she'd have to find her own transportation as he wouldn't be expecting her yet. Foolishly she hadn't asked for directions in her response, and her new boss hadn't said anything about it. But he had mentioned that the Rogers ranch was fifty miles west of Ft. Worth.
She supposed she'd figure that out for herself. It would be a long hot buggy ride, she was sure. She only hoped she had enough money left for a buggy ride. She wouldn't contemplate any problems. Her nerves were at a breaking point already.
Most of the car emptied before she got down the platform steps. She was shaking so bad her legs nearly collapsed. She didn't know if it was the weather or just being nervous about this job, but she didn't feel too well.
As she came out on the car's platform she looked out at the magnificent sky. A new place and a new beginning! Oh Pa, don't leave me now, I need your guidance!
Her father had only been dead a week and her only consolation was talking to him as though he were still there with her.
But no sooner had she stepped off the train than a handsome man in a dark suit, with a big cowboy hat grabbed her by the elbow, whirled her into his arms and kissed her like there was no tomorrow. Stunned she reeled from the impact of his amorous kiss.
It wasn't a vague smack on the lips, this was a get down kind of kiss, the kind of kiss that curls a girls toes, and makes her dream of a future.
Agape, she waited for his explanation. After all it wasn't nice to slap someone you didn't know. Perhaps he just made a mistake. And if she were honest, that was the nicest kiss she'd ever had.
"I'm sorry, but we'll be late for our wedding. That dress is beautiful. And your picture didn't do you justice. I thought you'd never get here."
He kept babbling, and she was so stunned from the kiss she couldn't stop him when he grabbed her elbow and practically drug her away.
"Wait, I think there's been a mistake—" she began, but he wasn't listening. He kept talking all the way to the church.
"Don't you worry, the church is all set up for us."
She barely had time to see the congregation standi
ng and eyeing her closely as he pulled her beside him with a big smile on his face and waving to his friends. She barely registered the wedding march being played on some organ. Her quick glance around the inside of the church, she saw beautiful roses attached to the end of each pew. She saw and arch of roses near the preacher. Before she knew what hit her, she was standing under the arch and in front of the preacher. The man at her arm was smiling and saying, "I do". It was too late, he nudged her with his elbow softly. "Just repeat after me," he said with a soft sexy smile.
She hesitated, and he nodded and smiled. The preacher seemed to lean toward her to hear her. The congregation hushed for her answer. Everyone was waiting. This was a mistake, wasn't it? Suddenly the silence rang like a gong, the preacher looked distorted, and the man at her side smiled sexily at her.
She glanced at the congregation quickly and they all looked with anticipation.
The man at her side, urged her onward.
Time stood still, she opened her mouth to say something but obviously, it was the wrong thing as the man was smiling brightly at her.
How was she ever going to be able to explain this. She slowly muttered the words. "I do!"
Where had her mind gone? Why had she repeated the words! Because I'm used to taking orders, that's why!
Embarrassment flooded her.
Oh God, Pa, what have I done!
It was either that or she'd have to face the entire church and explain, embarrassing the man she just married.
Just married! Surely, I didn't agree to this! Did I?
He stared then the preacher pronounced them husband and wife.
It was so hot in the room. She felt dizzy.
