Marrying Mr. Wright, page 5
part #3 of Mysterious Ways Series
Will and Ben shared amused glances.
Amber frowned. What was so funny about Carrie’s assertion?
“One question.” Caution edged Ben’s voice. “Were your lessons in English or western riding?”
“English, of course,” Heather said, her brow furrowing in confusion.
“You’ll find western is a bit different.” Ben stepped into the trailer and backed out the first horse. “Heather, this is Honey Bear. She’s yours for the duration of your stay.”
“A palomino! How did you know I love palominos?”
“Just a guess.” Another of those amused looks shot between Will and Ben. The latter re-entered the trailer and backed out the next horse. “Carrie, this is Raven. She’s a solid, stable mount, though she can be a bit uppity at times, so be warned.”
“She’s beautiful, Ben.” Carrie accepted the reins, caressing the black mare’s nose.
Will backed two horses out simultaneously. He held onto the reins for a black and white paint. Macy accepted the reins for a brown one. When they had cleared the back of the trailer, Ben led out a dapple gray. The gray was taller and heavier boned than the other horses. He tossed his head a couple of times when the paint stepped too close.
“Knock it off, Castor.” Ben put a stilling hand on the animal’s nose.
“Castor?” Amber frowned. Odd name for a horse, or any creature for that matter.
“Yeah. As in castor oil. Matches his personality at times.”
How reassuring. Not! “You don’t expect me to ride him, do you? I haven’t been on a horse since the summer before college.”
“You won’t be riding alone.” Ben’s smile of assurance worked for a moment.
Good…. Wait. What did he say? Not alone? “What do you mean?”
“He’s my horse. You’re riding with me.” He offered a hand.
Amber stepped back. Ride with him? Everyone else had their own horses. Why didn’t she get one, too? Did he think she couldn’t ride well enough to stay in the saddle?
“I won’t let you get hurt. I promise.”
Yeah, right, because that’s what worries me. Not even close.
Ben dropped the horse’s reins and closed the distance between them, reaching for her hand. He turned his gaze on the others. “Why don’t you all go ahead? Will knows the way. Amber and I’ll catch up.”
She watched her friends ride away. Neither uttered the faintest hint of protest or exhibited the slightest hesitation. How can they leave me with a stranger? Don’t they have even a little concern for my welfare? He could be a sadistic murderer for all they know. Okay, no, I don’t actually believe that, but still, they’re my friends. They should express some concern about leaving me with a stranger in the middle of nowhere.
“I’m afraid we came up one horse shy of what we needed. Then I thought we could talk as we ride.” Ben reached into his suit coat pocket then held out his hand. “We have a lot to discuss, I think.”
Amber gasped at the ring held between his thumb and forefinger. Tiny diamonds surrounded a much larger, square-cut diamond in an antique silver setting. Her gaze shot to Ben’s.
“My great-grandfather saved up for a year to buy this for my great-grandmother before he asked her to marry him. It was a point of honor for him. They’d been married nearly seventy years when he went home to be with the Lord. She joined him a couple of months later. My grandmother said Great-Gran just couldn’t live without him, that losing him broke her heart.” He reached for her left hand, gently slipped the ring onto her ring-finger, and then both of his hands closed around hers. “I’d like you to have it. I want us to have a marriage that lasts a lifetime like theirs.”
“Ben, I….” She shook her head, tears blurring her vision. All that it symbolizes…. His great-grandparents apparently loved each other very deeply. I can’t say that. “I can’t accept this.”
“Yes, you can,” he whispered. Ben tenderly cupped her cheek. “God’s behind this. I know He is. He’ll help us have a long, loving, happy marriage.”
“I don’t love you.” For some reason Amber couldn’t fathom, saying those words physically hurt, which made no sense. How can I love someone I know nothing about?
“I know.” He nodded and smiled. “That’s okay. We’ll love each other in due time. I’m certain of it.”
Ben sounded so confident, Amber didn’t have the heart to disagree. I hope he’s right. If he’s not, we’ll make each other miserable. She knew firsthand how cold and contentious a loveless marriage could be. She’d grown up watching it, caught in the middle of a war between her parents that had raged longer than she’d been alive as far as she knew.
“Come on. We’d better catch up with the others, or someone’ll start a rumor that we’re eloping.” His grin teased.
“They wouldn’t.”
“In this town, they would.”
Amber stood beside the horse and looked up. She couldn’t possibly climb into the saddle in that dress. I should’ve worn jeans like everyone else. She turned to explain that to Ben.
He grasped her waist in strong hands and hoisted her easily into the saddle seated sideways against the saddle horn.
“You could’ve warned me you were going to do that.”
“Surprising you was more fun.” He mounted and picked up the reins, his arms around her, his breath on her cheek sending a shiver through her.
Macy had said the man never did anything impulsive. Maybe she doesn’t know her brother as well as she thinks.
As much as she wanted to protest, Amber had to admit there was something incredibly heady about riding double within the safety of a strong cowboy’s arms. Warmth from Ben’s body wrapped around her. His aftershave filled her nose. She closed her eyes and inhaled his wonderful scent. His breath gently fanned her face, sending goosebumps over her.
“So, you went to college?”
Horror swept through her, forcing her eyes wide open. What am I doing? I barely know the guy, and I’m losing myself in how he smells? Really, Amber? “Uh… yeah. I graduated this past week with my bachelor’s.”
“What was your major?”
She tensed. Here it comes. “Art.”
“Really? Do you want to teach, or are you an artist?”
No shock. No snarky remark. No indulgent, condescending smile. In fact, if anything, he seemed intrigued. That was new and unusual.
Assuming it’s real. “I don’t have any desire to teach.” Amber shrugged as though the next words weren’t vital to her very soul. “I love to draw and paint.”
“What medium do you work in?”
Amber sent him a surprised glance, only then realizing how close Ben’s face was to hers. Her gaze dropped briefly to the mouth only inches from her own. She turned away and forced wayward thoughts back to his question. No man had ever asked her that before. They generally didn’t care.
“Amber?”
“Oh, uh. My favorite is acrylics, but I also do watercolor sometimes.”
“I’d love to see your work.”
“You would?” Despite herself, Amber looked at him again.
“Certainly.” Ben nodded.
Is his interest truly genuine, or does he just hide insincerity very well? Maybe he’s humoring me. Spencer had done that for a while. Sort of. Until the night he’d proposed, he’d pretended some interest in her work. Minimal, sure, but some. Only to yank the rug out from under her when she’d least expected it.
Granted, there had been warning signs. Times he’d made plans to attend art exhibits with her then cancelled at the last minute. He hadn’t even bothered to attend the gallery showing of her work two months before because an unexpected work-related dinner meeting had come up. Career before personal life. Always. His philosophy.
“I don’t suppose you brought any of your work on vacation though.”
Amber scowled and focused her gaze over the horse’s head. No wonder he asked to see it. He knew he wouldn’t have to actually look at it. So much for thinking Ben had genuine interest in my work.
“Suppose someone could ship it to you? I’d love to have your work at the ranch. It’ll be your home now, too.”
“You want my paintings in your house?”
“Our house, once we get married,” he corrected gently, “but yeah, of course. Besides, the house needs updating badly. I’m afraid I’ve neglected it over the years. If you want to make changes, feel free. I have money set aside for upgrades, but I haven’t used it. I’m not creative, so if I have to pick paint, everything will be white for the sake of ease and convenience.” Ben shuddered theatrically.
Amber giggled, unable to help herself. “A fate worse than death. I think I can save you from it.”
“Hallelujah!” He chuckled.
The hum of human voices reached through the quiet evening.
She tensed. What will people think of me? How will they respond to the news that I’m marrying one of their local boys, especially once they find out the way it’s come about? Her breath caught. Oh, God, what if they think I’m a gold digger after Ben’s ranch? Calm. Down. It’s the twenty-first century, not the nineteenth. People don’t think that way anymore. A valuable piece of real estate in a rapidly growing city like Chicago, they’d certainly think that, but a ranch in the middle of nowhere? Not likely, so stop freaking out.
“By the way, I’m a horse trainer by trade. That’s why I travel sometimes. I prefer clients to bring horses here, but every once in a while I go to them, usually to evaluate an animal. If I decide to work with it, I bring it back for the duration. I’m not gone very often, so you won’t be stuck at the ranch alone with the hands much.” His breath danced across her temple. “I just thought you should know what I do for a living in case people make comments.”
“Okay.” Somehow I doubt his career will be the topic foremost in people’s minds.
~ ~ ~
Ben had forced himself to sound unshaken when he’d claimed they’d grow to love each other, that God had arranged their meeting and the chain of events that had unfolded thereafter. Lord, let me be right. Otherwise, both of us will get hurt. I don’t know Amber yet, but I certainly don’t want her hurt. No one deserves that kind of pain.
He drew Castor to a halt a good distance from the other horses. The stud seldom interacted well with other animals of any species. Ben dismounted and tied the reins to the limb of a small but sturdy tree then turned and reached up for Amber.
Hands on his shoulders, she slid down the length of him until her feet hit the ground. He scarcely dared breathe as a floral scent permeated his senses. He waited until she seemed to have a firm footing then released her and stepped back to give them both space, tucking one of her hands under the crook of his arm.
Time to face the music. In more ways than one. He took a slow, deep breath and led her toward the others.
Fires around the perimeter and lanterns suspended on strategically-placed long poles had been set up to provide light once the sun set. A whitewashed gazebo had been built for the occasion, and chairs had been lined up in even rows with a center aisle. Recorded country music floated through the evening air.
The bride, Ashley Montgomery, was nowhere to be seen. I guess we arrived before her.
He scanned the milling crowd and found the groom, Trevor Walker, who stood at the base of the steps of the gazebo with one of his ranch hands, a young cowboy named Jake. Trevor fidgeted with the collar of his shirt, grimacing.
Ben smirked. Serves him right. If I have to choke all night, it’s only fitting that the man responsible shares the same fate.
Trevor’s brother, Travis, joined him.
Ben made a bee-line for the groom, keeping Amber close, not letting other guests waylay them.
Trevor spotted him. “Ben. Thank heavens. I was beginning to think you’d run off on me.”
“I’m the best man, Trev.” He grinned. “Why would I bolt?”
“You didn’t lose the rings, did you?”
“Of course not. They’re right here.” He patted the vest pocket in question, content to feel the outlines of both rings.
“Great. I had a nightmare last night that they got lost.” Trevor took a deep breath and visibly relaxed.
“No worries.”
Trevor finally seemed to notice the woman on Ben’s arm and offered a friendly smile. “You must be Amber.”
“I am.” She smiled woodenly.
What’s with that look? She could’ve been made of marble for all the animation and warmth in her face.
If Trevor noticed her odd reaction, his expression didn’t show it. “Will and Macy introduced your friends a bit ago. They said you’d be coming with Ben.” He glanced over her head.
Ben followed his gaze. Pastor Avery was headed toward them. Time to start the ceremony. “Let me seat Amber.” He covered the stiff hand on his arm with one of his. “I’ll be right back.” Ben led her away, grateful for the fact it appeared they’d be able to put off facing their own situation. At least, until after the ceremony. The people in Mystery were annoying sometimes. Hopefully Amber can handle it.
“Over here!” Carrie’s yell turned just about every head.
Just grand. Draw every bit of attention to us. Ben cringed but turned in her direction. She and Heather sat with Will and Macy and had saved a seat for Amber. He led her to the vacant chair. “I’ll be back as soon as the ceremony’s over.”
Amber nodded, her smile flat and unenthusiastic. Her gaze darted to the many faces turned their way, then she faced forward and straightened, her expression distant.
He wanted to offer reassurance, but country music faded, and organ music piped out the beginning of the wedding march. He left Amber with her friends and trotted to Trevor’s side.
~ ~ ~
Amber settled into her seat, immediately and keenly aware of Ben’s absence even though he stood only about fifteen feet away.
People continued to stare at her. Most appeared merely curious and seemed just as interested in her friends, so the news apparently hadn’t gotten around yet.
How long before they hear though?
She stood with the rest of those gathered as the bride appeared in a lovely white, western-style dress. A fringed hem brushed the ankles of white boots. White flowers and blue ribbon danced in and out of blond hair twisted in an updo women in Chicago would’ve envied. No veil covered a face that radiated joy.
The ceremony ran smoothly, with the couple finalizing their vows by lighting a “unity candle”. Amber couldn’t recall ever seeing that practice before. A rather nice idea. She’d have to remember it.
That thought pulled her gaze to the best man. Only a hair shorter than the groom, Ben carried his stockier build with quiet confidence, at peace with himself and his surroundings. A proud smile curved his lips when the pastor introduced the couple as husband and wife as the sun descended beyond the mountains to the west.
People filtered by to congratulate the newlyweds.
Amber remained in her seat, wishing to be invisible.
Carrie and Heather joined Will in the stampede.
Ben made his way through the crowd toward Amber, not letting others deter or distract him.
Good-looking man. She had to give him that. On first glance, his medium-brown hair and eyes of similar color weren’t particularly note-worthy, but a closer look made the story more interesting. Rugged bone structure gave him an earthy appeal. Strong. Capable. Nothing sissified or citified about the man.
Why hadn’t some local girl snatched him up in the years since his wife’s death? His bad experience obviously hadn’t left him relationship-shy. If it had, he’d sure hidden it well in asking her to marry him in the first few minutes of their acquaintance.
Amber buried a grimace, reminded of a task on her plate. How do I explain my engagement and fast-approaching marriage to my parents? To a cowboy, no less. They already considered her a flighty, flaky artist without a brain in her head. Wouldn’t her latest decision confirm their already low opinion? Possibly make it sink even lower? On second thought, maybe that isn’t possible.
“Ready to join the madness?” Ben stopped in front of her with a winsome smile, offering a hand.
“Not really,” she muttered under her breath too softly for him to hear. Thanks to her parents, though, she’d long ago learned how to circulate and appear to enjoy herself, even when she’d rather be anywhere else. She’d certainly faked happiness at enough social functions over the years to pull it off. Amber plastered on a smile and set her hand in his.
~ ~ ~
It’s coming. Only a matter of time. If people from town sense weakness, they’ll be on me like a pack of wolves on a wounded elk. Ben held his head high and walked with boldness he didn’t feel as he led Amber toward the dance floor. Lord, please say she can dance. Only one alternative, talk to a whole bunch of people I’d rather avoid. If Amber’s stiff bearing and the tense, emotionless smile on her face is any indication, she feels the same way.
Carrie and Will had remained with Trevor and Ashley as guests dispersed, some headed for food, others for the dance floor. Will spoke intently to Trevor, who appeared to find the information rather troubling.
Trevor’s gaze lifted and zeroed in on Ben.
The shock on Ashley’s face, followed in rapid succession by amusement as she, too, looked for and found Ben, told the tale.
Ben held his breath, bracing. Here it comes. He leaned closer so only Amber heard his words. “I really hope you know how to dance.”
“Depends what kind, but yeah, why?”
“Because it’s either that or talk to these people.” He raised a brow in question.
“Let’s dance.”
No hesitation. Smart, decisive woman. I like that.
To Ben’s surprise and delight, Amber had no difficulty keeping up with him and matching his dance steps. He hadn’t been sure she’d know country two-step, but she proved proficient. As the rhythm slowed to a gentle love song by George Strait, Ben drew her close, one hand at her waist, the other cupping her hand to his chest. “You weren’t kidding about knowing how to dance.”
