A Bargain Bride (Brides of Liberty, Texas) Read online

CHAPTER EIGHT

  The last Sunday in April, dawned surprisingly warm and sunny as their two lives were joined together. Rain had been predicted, as old “Beans” Patterson’s gout had been acting up. Thankfully in Melody’s opinion his forecast had been incorrect. Another blessing had been that the older man hadn’t given credence to his nickname during the church service. For it was well known in town, that the man ate beans almost every night for supper. His gaseous nature was legendary around town. Melody was grateful not to have witnessed this first hand.

  The ceremony had been short, but lovely. As Melody in her new dress, and Gabriel in his best Sunday suit said their vows. Mrs. Lawrence stood beside Melody, while Mayor Alec Wentworth did the same for Gabriel. Fergus had the honor of escorting the bride toward her new husband.

  Through the brief ceremony Lily had remained silently clutched to Michael and Mathew’s hands, feeling very special in her brand new dress. It was pale pink and had ribbons on the sleeves. Ribbons! Lily had never had such a pretty dress before. Her parents hadn’t had the money for such material, let alone a dress that was ready made. Gabriel had even bought her a new pair of black polished boots, a rag doll and three other lovely dresses. To Lily though, this was the prettiest dress of the lot.

  Melody had a fit when Gabriel had continued picking out new things for her. Lily had noticed the tears that had gathered in her sister’s eyes when he’d started picking out things for Mel too. The look on her sister’s face was the same on her Mama’s, every time she went into town to purchase something she couldn’t make for herself. It was the look of shame. Mama would usually have to go buy a bottle of her special medicine at the saloon just to feel better after a trip to town. Lily could not understand why for a short time the medicine would make Mama happy, and then the crying would start. It was the worst part, hearing her Mama crying.

  Lily looked around at all of well-wishers. Half of the town had stayed behind after the Sunday service to witness the event. Some were there to pay their respects, since they did business with Gabriel. Most where there to witness with their own eyes, Gabriel O’Malley get himself hog tied. Among those numbers, were the bachelors of Liberty who were steadfastly holding onto their own freedom. The councilmen who’d helped Fergus direct his wayward grandson onto the path of matrimony, -not that Gabe knew his grandfather had cohorts in this debacle- And lastly a few of the prospective brides who once had grand plans on placing a quick bid on him in July were in attendance. They delicately sniffed into their hankies. A few had wailed rather loudly when the groom had kissed his nervous bride a trifle too long, for the good Reverend Peterson's liking.

  “You make a lovely bride Mrs. O’Malley.”

  White knuckled fingers clutched her bouquet of yellow daisies a bit too tightly, as Mel peeked up at the man speaking to her. Alec Wentworth was a lot younger than she had expected. Handsome in a more polished way than Gabriel, although not unlike her husband’s rugged good looks. His friendly green eyes fairly sparkled with curiosity. His chestnut colored mane was given to curl.

  “Thank you Mayor.” Melody replied distractedly as she glanced around for her new husband. Gabriel had been pulled away by Pops few minutes ago, for some reason unknown to her. Lily she spotted, standing between the boys, who were talking to a lovely red haired woman that was dressed in a deep brown. Melody wondered if she was a widow, since she looked too young to be dressed in such dark and drab clothing. Just then, the lady in question looked in her direction. Smiling a polite goodbye to the children, the woman made her way toward the new bride.

  “Oh lord. Here she comes.” Mayor Wentworth muttered loud enough for Melody to hear. For all his blustering, he certainly hadn’t shown displeasure when the young lady approached them.

  “Serena honey... Let me introduce you to Gabriel’s new bride. Mrs. O’Malley this is Miss Serena Sinclair.” Alec said with all the charm he’d possessed.

  If looks were daggers the Mayor would be bleeding in some unmentionable places. If the expression; on Miss Sinclair’s face was any indication. Obviously dismissing Alec, She turned all smiles toward the blushing bride.

  “I’m so pleased to meet you. Your sister is such a lovely child.” Serena gushed.

  “Thank you Miss Sinclair.” Melody smiled.

  “You must call me Serena. I’m sure we will be the best of friends.”

  “Serena sweetheart, where is Mathias? I’d like to run something by him before the next council meeting.” Alec questioned the woman glaring a hole in his hide. His smile was never failing.

  “Around somewhere, why don’t you go look for yourself and leave us alone?” She replied tartly.

  Melody’s eyes widened in shock at hearing the near venomous tone Serena used.

  “Now Serena honey... You wouldn’t want to be giving Mrs. O’Malley here the impression that you don’t particularly like me.” Alec cast a captivating smile in Serena’s direction.

  “Mama always told me not to lie. You should know she told you the same thing.” Serena practically purred. Melody wasn’t sure what was between the two, but she felt sparks fly off of the pair.

  “Thank you again Mayor, for standing up as a witness for us.” Melody acknowledged the man.

  “Anytime, I’m a sucker for weddings.” The sharply dressed man said with a wink.

  “We’ll see about that when it’s your turn.” Serena Sinclair bit out as Alec sauntered off.

  “Serena, I hope you’ll be out to the ranch for a visit soon. I’d like to get better acquainted. It’s been hard not knowing many people out here.”

  “Oh, my brother owns the neighboring ranch. Gabriel’s spread lies between the Double L and the Bar S.”

  Melody didn’t want to appear dim witted but she just had to ask. “What exactly is a Bar S?”

  “It’s a name that goes with the brand of each ranch in the area. That way if the cattle get loose they can identify the proper owner.” Serena explained.

  “By the way, I should mention that at the Bar S for Independence Day my brother hosts a dance. Well actually, my mother hosts the dance and my brother tries not to complain too loudly. It’s always easier just to give in to Mama.” Casting a glance around, Serena leaned in to confide. “This year though we will be holding the event in the center of town…Mama doesn’t want any man crazy women rioting over the Mayor at the Bar S.”

  “I don’t know how to dance.” Melody said aghast at the possibility of making a fool of herself in front of the good people of Liberty.

  “Well, we’ll just have to change that won’t we?” Two strong arms wrapped around Melody’s waist as her husband whispered into her ear. The deep timbre of his voice caused her pulse to race and goose bumps to rise along her arms.

  “Miss Serena you are looking pretty as usual.” Gabe remarked to his wife’s companion.

  “You sir, are a terrible fibber. I’m sorry to see you off the Bachelors list Gabriel, but since we’ve lost you to Melody here, I won’t complain too loudly.” Serena jokingly replied. “Congratulations, you two. I’ll be out to visit real soon.” With a quick hug to Melody and a kiss on the cheek for Gabriel, Serena went in search for her elusive brother.

  “Melody you look beautiful today.” Gabe said as his eyes swept down his wife’s form.

  “Thank you.” Eyes shyly downcast, Melody all but whispered.

  She was wearing an ivory muslin gown with pale peach roses embroidered around the neckline. Simple as it was, it complimented her figure and made her understated beauty glow. She and Winnie had picked it up in town the day of the barn fiasco. With a few alterations the gown was a perfect fit, though it had cost a fortune. It was the most beautiful dress that she’d ever owned. Winnie had insisted that she purchase it, when Mel had balked at the price. Her pride still hurt a bit when she thought about how she was coming to this marriage with empty pockets.

  “So, did Serena frighten off Alec? I noticed him talking with you earlier.” Gabe asked to break the silence.

  “I be
lieve she tried her best to do so.” Melody laughed.

  “I’ll never understand those two.” He said as he shook his head. Standing in the church courtyard among the fresh spring flowers, Gabriel held his bride a bit closer than he should have. He was enjoying the feel of her body pressed against his own. He looked forward to the evening, when he could hold her without a stitch of clothing getting in the way.

  Since that day in the barn, they’d reached a tentative truce. They also found time to sneak in a few kisses as well, which had frustrated Gabriel beyond anything he’d ever known. For a man who not less than a month ago, protested his impending marriage Gabriel felt almost relief. Hell, he’d all but looked forward to today. Well… Okay, technically he looked forward to tonight, but hey he could deal with being married.

  Melody had been taking care of the house with great care. Her cooking was the best he could actually remember tasting. To a man who practically lived off beans and jerky, that alone was a godsend. He didn’t think marriage to her would be so hard; she could take care of the house and warm his bed at night. Yep, he was pretty sure he got himself a fair bargain in his bride. In return he’d make sure she and Lily were well provided for. He would make sure that she enjoyed the warming of his bed as well.

  Not but twenty minutes ago Pops had taken him aside to dole out some “grandfatherly” wisdom as if Gabe was the virgin coming to the marriage bed. It was almost comical how Fergus had turned crimson when explaining the “preparation” of a bride. Lord Love’ the man, but when he mentioned “Great grandson” and “on the first try.” in the same lecture Gabriel had wanted to choke him. After all, he’d just informed his grandson of the side bet the “boys” on the council had going, the date of arrival of the first baby O’Malley. St. Patrick’s Day would be a right fine day to birth an Irish babe. It was a good day to make a little money as well. Hint... Hint.

  With thoughts of the night ahead Gabriel gathered his family to head for home. He was anxious to get his new bride alone and naked, very naked. Fergus was taking the boys on an overnight fishing trip and Lily was to stay at Winnie’s house tonight. This would be leaving the newlyweds alone in the house together for the first time.

  **********

  Holding tightly to Michael’s hand, Lily tried to concentrate on what her sister was saying. She was to stay with Mrs. Lawrence tonight. Lily didn’t want to. It wasn’t that she didn’t like the nice old lady. She wasn’t afraid either. Why, Mrs. Lawrence hadn’t ever tried to force Lily to speak. In fact, she never seemed to mind that Lily had never joined in on her one- sided conversations. Mrs. Lawrence had enough opinions to talk to herself until doomsday. She never once yelled at Lily either. But she still didn’t want to go home with her.

  She wanted to go fishing with Pops and the boys. She was getting really good at it. The few times she had gone with them, she’d caught something. Lily wanted to do it without help this time. She wanted to prove to everyone, that she was just like all of the other children.

  “Why are you shaking your head honey?” Melody asked in confusion. Lily pointed towards Michael who’d said, as if prompted “She wants to go with us.”

  Michael although shy, seemed to communicate easily with the silent child. For that, Melody was eternally grateful to the boy.

  “Not this time honey but I promise ye’ when we get back we’ll go okay?” Fergus knelt in front of the girl when he’d seen her chin quivering. “Ah lassie don’t ye’ cry.”

  He placed a kiss upon her brow as he whispered his promise. “Besides the old bat probably has cake, which is a sight better than any stinky old fish.”

  “Never place a bet with a man on his way to execution”

  An Irish saying

  CHAPTER NINE

  Jack Dobbins having taken a break from his card game stood in the doorway of the Rot Gut saloon. Damn he was bored. The little hole in the wall saloon didn’t even have any whores that he could purchase for a night or two. The saloon’s grubby walls held only watered down whiskey and the rare fight. Jack knew that he would soon be climbing the walls if he didn’t find something to keep himself entertained. The few barmaids that did wait on the scarce patrons were older than dirt and ugly as sin. Jack could have enjoyed a good time smacking one around, but the owner watched over them like a Mama bear to her cubs.

  He’d asked around for information on the man who’d picked up the Williams sisters from the stage, but the locals were pretty tight lipped. Tomorrow he thought he’d try the general store, he wasn’t going to give up. In fact he was even more determined now, since the hunt became more complicated. The thrill of the kill would be that much sweeter.

  Noticing a tan wagon plodding along a ways up the road, Jack wandered further outside for a better look. Things must have been in the cards for good ol’ Jack today, for going past was the sisters themselves straight from church services, looking very fancy in their Sunday best.

  The girls had a passel of people with them. He spotted the golden haired child right away. She was sitting between an old man and some young boy. Like a ripe peach, he was determined to pluck. She tempted him.

  “It’s a happy day for the O’Malley’s” A rotund old man spoke from the corner of the rotting porch.Jack studied the speaker for a moment determining if he was worthy of a response. Shrugging, Jack allowed himself to be drawn into conversation with the inferior fellow.

  “How so?” Jack asked the old man perched on the railing. His day just kept getting better. Finally, someone that did not know how to keep their mouth shut.

  “He just got himself hitched to that yellow haired woman this very morning.”

  “Oh really?” Jack smirked, amused despite himself.

  “Yep. We got ourselves a bet going in town, on when their first born will arrive. You interested?”

  Claymore Billings angled his bait. More money in the pot meant more money in his hands. Everyone knew Claymore was going to win with his prediction of July of next year. Claymore had what most folks would call a gift which had won him near on to forty percent of his wagers. Impressive statistics even if he had to say so himself.

  It didn’t matter, that he’d only overheard the bet taking place. Why, Claymore had plunked down his dollar piece and forced those old snobs to include him in. The fools wouldn’t know what hit ‘em, when he collected his winnings.

  “Oh I’m interested alright… but first I’ll need a little information. With me new in town and all you understand. Can’t have any disadvantage.” Jack’s yellowed grin widened when the fat old gossip drew nearer.

  “Claymore Billings” The fat man stuck his hand out in greeting. “Welcome to Liberty.”

  “If ye want praise, die. If ye want blame, marry.”

  An Irish saying

  CHAPTER TEN

  Freshly bathed and wrapped tightly in her newly purchased robe and gown, Melody sat apprehensively on the edge of her new bed. The very bed, she was supposed to this night share with her new husband. Nervous could not even describe her feelings. In her hands were the precious letters that Gabriel had sent her, clutched tightly as if they were her very own life line.

  Gabriel had been kind enough to allow her some privacy, as she prepared for the night ahead. Slowly tracing the script that flowed across the paper, she thought about Winnie’s parting advice to her.

  “Remember child, the first time does hurt a bit. Though, Gabriel will know how to be gentle. Trust him.”

  The little old lady had gone on to discuss the mating act in more detail, which had made Melody blush fiercely with her frank talk. Melody’s own mother had never found the words or the time to offer her any advice on the subject.

  “Trust me honey, with the fine piece of man that you got there, you’ll be wishing bedtime came a little sooner every night.” With those pearls of wisdom Winnie gave her a sassy wink, and left to seek out her charge for the night. It was time they’d gotten home to the Double L.

  Fergus and the boys had left about the same time for t
heir night of fishing and folklore. The house had felt suddenly so empty and the room above stairs became even more frightening to her. Her stomach was filled with butterflies, making it nearly impossible to choke down the supper that Winnie had so thoughtfully left for the couple. As it was, the cold chicken she did consume threatened to make reappearance.

  When Gabriel had suggested she take a relaxing bath and prepare for bed, she’d nearly fainted on the spot. Her tension mounted as he hauled buckets of steaming water into the bathing closet for her. She nearly jumped out of her skin, when the last was poured and the door closed behind him. For fear that he’d return before she was finished bathing, Melody rushed through her preparations.

  Melody now awaited her groom, with a mixture of fear and anticipation. It was sure taking him a long time to come to bed. Not that she was in a hurry to... Well she just wasn’t in a hurry! She told herself. It did sound fascinating when Winnie had described the act. Especially, when she thought about how it was her husband who was the one that would be doing those things to her. That time before in the barn when he had stroked her breasts replayed repeatedly in her mind. She could still feel the thrill of the tingles he sent over her skin. Every kiss they had shared since then, had set her blood to the boiling point making her want to experience more of it.

  Gabriel’s demeanor had warmed considerably to her, but he was still almost a stranger to her. Why, if he hadn’t written her these wonderful letters, she probably couldn’t have gone through with the marriage. The words he wrote had given her insight into his soul, a glimpse at the man underneath the tough exterior. As hard as he’d tried not to show it, Gabriel had the heart of a romantic. She was sure of it. Taking a calming breath Melody focused on that fact.

  She could almost picture the children they would one day, god willing have. Dark haired blue eyed babies that she would hold close and rock to sleep. Sons and little daughters, who could grow to be the image of their father, She was so enthralled with the image Melody hadn’t heard the approaching footsteps. However the turning of the door knob snapped her quickly to attention.