Dixie remembered the vast array of gowns, skirts, and shirtwaists, plus chemises, bloomers, and nightrails she and Liana had stitched over the past year. Some of the orders had been for split skirts, but she hoped she would not be required to learn how to ride a horse. The big animals scared her, and she could not picture herself atop one or keeping one from running away with her on board. “Do not worry.” Dixie leaned forward. “We own everyday shirtwaists and skirts, too.”

  Frowning, Liana pursed her lips. “Outfits only worn to make the customers feel more comfortable. I am hoping for an assignment where I can wear garments that show off my sewing skills and personal style.”

  Marianne cleared her throat, and an eyebrow curved into an arch. “Part of your job will be to blend into whatever situation you’re placed.”

  Quickly, Liana dipped her chin and sipped her tea, a blush evident in her cheeks.

  Now that her nerves had settled, Dixie reached for the saucer again. “I wanted to ask—”

  “Marianne!” From the other side of the house, Archie bellowed. “I need you now.”

  “I must see about getting that man a bell to ring when he needs my attention.” Setting aside the saucer, Marianne jumped to her feet. “Time to meet your new partners. Let’s go into the office.” She started across the library floor then paused and looked over her shoulder. “Dixie, you didn’t finish your question.”

  Dixie caught up in the hallway, hurrying to speak before Liana shushed her. “I wondered how many of the couples sought an annulment when their cases were finished.”

  “None, so far.” Marianne’s wide smile grew, and she clasped her hands against her chest. “Isn’t that wonderful?” Then she pushed open the office door and disappeared inside.

  Dixie slumped her shoulders. None?

  Chapter 3

  Dreading what came next, Dixie dragged her feet on the exit from the library.

  In the hallway, Liana stepped back to link their arms. “So many new experiences await us on the other side of the threshold. Be brave, Dixie.” Stopping, she glanced at Dixie’s face, frowned, and pinched her cheeks several times.

  Brave…easy for the outgoing one to say. Her stomach roiled like when she used to hold out her hands and twirl. “Ouch, Liana. Stop.” Dixie rubbed a hand on her stinging cheek. Just like Liana to treat her like a child.

  “Now, you’re thinking about something else.” With a tug, she pulled Dixie over the threshold and turned toward the office with a smile.

  Walking from the kitchen, Pearl scooted into the room behind them and closed the door. She walked to the desk and stood by Marianne.

  “Ah, ladies. Please come forward.” Mister Gordon waved a hand from his spot in front of his desk. “Miss Liana, step toward the gentleman on your right. Dale Claybourne will be your trainer.”

  Liana sucked in a breath, hurried across the office, and murmured something to the agent.

  Barely registering her sister’s gasp, Dixie glanced at the dark-haired man indicated then snapped her gaze to the tall man standing to her left. Her pulse beat faster. Blond-haired and blue-eyed, the man dressed in a light-colored suit with a string tie resembled a Viking she’d only read about in mythology books. This giant was to be her husband? He had to stand almost a foot taller. Her insides quivered. Gaze locked on his, she was halfway across the room before she realized Mister Gordon continued talking and she should listen.

  “Miss Dixie LaFontaine, your training agent is Alexei Zivon.” The Scotsman moved his open hand to his right.

  Smiling, Alexei extended his right hand. “I’m pleased to meet you, Dixie.”

  Slipping her small hand in his large grip made her feel more delicate than usual. His firm handshake crushed, and she smashed her lips together to keep from crying out. As she stared at the difference in the size of their hands, she nodded. “I am pleased, as well, sir.”

  An eyebrow arched. “Sir?” Alexei narrowed his gaze and wrapped his other hand around their handclasp. “We’re to be married in moments, krasivaya Dixie. I believe first names are now appropriate.” Dipping his head, he smiled, displaying even teeth. “Don’t you agree?”

  His large size and deep voice threatened to overwhelm her. Vaguely, she was aware of a broad thumb stroking the back side of her hand. A musky men’s cologne teased her nose. Lifting her chin to look into his eyes, she smiled. “I do.”

  “Good.” He winked. “Just repeat those exact words when you’re prompted, and everything will be fine.”

  Warmth flowed through her middle and centered in her chest. How could he make her feel at ease with so few words?

  “If I might have everyone’s attention…” Mister Gordon angled sideways and pointed toward documents resting atop the desk in two rows. “Ladies, please come forward and write out your full names on the top line of the marriage certificates.”

  At her boss’s side, Marianne held out a pen over the papers to the right.

  When Alexei released her hand, Dixie felt adrift, as if they had made an important connection that she wanted to maintain. After waiting for Liana to have her turn, Dixie bent at the waist and wrote the requested information on three documents then moved back next to Alexei. The line for the groom was already filled in, displaying Alexei’s middle name that she had never seen before.

  Using a silver-topped cane, Mister Gordon limped from behind the desk to stand before it. He reached out an arm to accept the black leather Bible Marianne placed in his hand. “Rest assured, as an officer of the court, I have the authority to perform this legal and binding ceremony.” Smiling, he gazed across the line of four individuals standing opposite him before shifting his gaze to his right side. “Marianne and Pearl will act as witnesses to your pledges and promises.”

  After slanting a sideways look at the serious man to her right, Dixie swallowed hard. Trembling attacked her knees, and she locked them to stay upright. A wedding—her wedding—was about to happen, and now would be the time to state her reservations. Sure, she would have to endure an impassioned reprimand from her beloved sister. But that censure must be better than casting her lot with a total stranger and flinging herself into the great unknown.

  “Friends, we are gathered in this place this morning to join these two couples in holy matrimony. Will you please join together your right hands?” Mister Gordon paused and glanced between the pairs. “The open right hand is a symbol of strength, resource, and purpose. The coming together of your right hands is a symbol that both the bride and the groom can depend on each other and the resources that each brings to the marriage. The joining also represents the merger of your lives together into one.”

  Dixie focused on the reconnection of their hands, amazed at the tingles that passed along her skin under his touch.

  “Now, starting with Dale and Liana…” Mister Gordon glanced back over his shoulder then faced Dale.

  The man’s words jumbled into the background as Dixie fretted over her options. She supposed she could return to Boston. Aunt Annette might appreciate having company in her large house again. Or had the LaFontaine sisters worn out their welcome after their abrupt departure last year? Maybe Miss Thornton wouldn’t object to a partner sharing the tasks in the apparel shop. Plenty of orders waited for the woman’s arrival. At the sound of her name, she shook her head to dislodge her ponderings and stared at Mister Gordon.

  “Do you, Alexei Lekva Zivon, take this woman, Dixie, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love, honor, and cherish her through sickness and in health, through times of prosperity and poverty, and through periods of tranquility and travail, until death do you part?”

  “Dixie.”

  Her name, spoken in that deep voice, made her glance upward and straight into clear blue eyes. Although she was not used to being so close to a man, and such a tall one, she felt no threat. At his continued scrutiny, she stilled, suddenly aware of his warm hand clasping hers. How did he appear so calm at such an important moment?

  “I promise to honor those vows.” After speaking his pledge, he smiled, and the skin at the corners of his eyes crinkled.

  Mister Gordon angled his body. “Do you, Dixie Laurette LaFontaine, take this man, Alexei, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor, and obey him through sickness and in health, through times of prosperity and poverty, and through periods of tranquility and travail, until death do you part?”

  That question held so much promise and dedication. Was she capable of making such a commitment to a man on only moments of acquaintance? But this marriage was the most logical avenue for her future. After another long look into Alexei’s steady gaze, she tightened her grasp on his hand. “I do so pledge.”

  Mister Gordon extended the open Bible holding two, plain gold bands atop the spread pages. “Take a ring of the proper size and repeat the words I say as you slide it on your partner’s finger.”

  With two fingers, Alexei clasped her left wrist and poised the ring at the tip of her third finger. Sliding it down, he repeated what Mister Gordon just spoke. “With this ring, I thee join and forever pledge my devotion.”

  At first, the words sounded more earnest than she expected for a match that might, in reality, be temporary. But on a second review, the soft-spoken vow warmed her heart at the same moment the cool metal hugged her finger. Although the extra weight was slight, she recognized it as binding her to this tall man.

  “And now your turn, Miss Dixie.”

  Pulled from her reverie, she collected the larger ring from the middle of the Bible and eased the band over Alexei’s knuckle. “With this ring, I thee join and forever pledge my devotion.”

  Nodding, Mister Gordon glanced down at the Bible. “By the exchange of rings and promises, you both show your consent for spending the rest of your lives together. By the authority that I hold and under the laws of the Territory of Colorado, I declare you husband and wife.” Smiling, he leaned forward. “Here’s the place where you exchange a hug or kiss, if you should wish to.”

  Dixie’s eyes popped wide. She had not expected any immediate intimacy. Rather than speculating, she should have paid attention during Liana’s part of the ceremony to see how her sister acted. Thinking fast, she stuck out her right hand between their bodies.

  Alexei glanced between her hand and her eyes, an eyebrow arching higher. Then he grinned and slid his palm along hers, wrapping fingers around the back side. Blue eyes constant, he lifted their clasped hands until he brushed his mouth over each of her knuckles.

  A sigh escaped through her parted lips. Not since she lived in France had anyone made this gesture. Six years ago, she received such attention only after her sixteenth birthday. Instant warmth spread over her tender skin, running the length of her fingers. A lightness swept her body.

  A blond eyebrow quirked, and Alexei slid a finger under her jaw, bracing his thumb on her chin.

  Unable to resist what might come next, Dixie angled her head. At the sight of his face moving closer, she stilled. Her heart fluttered like a bird trapped in a too-small cage. When his features blurred, she closed her eyes. Did he have any idea how frightened she felt?

  Alexei’s lips touched first one corner of her mouth then the other before capturing her upper lip and nibbling it.

  His hot breath tickled her lips. Something inside unfurled to life, sending a shiver through her body. Shocked at her reaction, she sucked in a breath and held it until she swayed. What to do with the wild feelings tumbling through her body? Grabbing for something solid, she encountered his waistcoat. The silky fabric was familiar and grounded her. If she thought of the thread count and what size needle—

  Warm lips pressed over her mouth, and a finger stroked upward on her long neck.

  Oh, my. Dixie levered up onto her tiptoes to keep their mouths fused. This kiss was nothing like the one she received from Teddy Johnson. This kiss sent tingles to the tips of her toes. This kiss raised a flush in her cheeks. This kiss made her yearn for forever. But such a handsome man would have no wish to remain tied to a shy woman like herself.

  Her pulse thumped in her ears, the noise sounding like when she worked the foot pedal of the sewing machine at full speed. In the next breath, the kiss ended, and she dropped down to stand flat on the floor. When she dragged open her eyes, she spotted Alexei’s wide-eyed expression and his gaze centered on her mouth. Could he have been affected a little, too?

  Alexei nestled her hand into the crook of his elbow. “Greetings to you, Missus Zivon.”

  I have a new name I need to learn to respond to and to write. Dixie blinked and let a smile bloom. “Salutations, Mister Zivon.” Vaguely, she heard Mister Gordon ask them to all sign the certificates now that the ceremony was completed. The next several minutes involved everyone shuffling positions to reach the desk amidst the men giving congratulatory handshakes.

  Pearl and Marianne signed the certificates in the proper places and then gave the new brides brief hugs and shared their good wishes.

  Liana turned, blushing, and gave a watery grin.

  Tears sprang into Dixie’s eyes, and she stepped close to embrace her sister. “Liana, whatever have we done? What will Maman and Papa say?” Shaking her head, she stared at the ring that signified a legal connection providing her security through a new job and with a husband’s presence…at least, for a few days or weeks.

  Taking a step back, Liana squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. “I am not telling them until after the case is over.”

  Dixie thought of how she could break the news and agreed that Liana was probably correct in not telling their parents right away.

  Marianne clapped together her hands and smiled at the group. “Folks, Pearl laid out a meal to celebrate today’s weddings. The fare is nothing fancy, but the agency always puts on a celebration, which every wedding deserves. Please go into the dining room when Mister Gordon says you’re finished with the required paperwork.”

  After a final glance at the documents, the Pinkerton agent serving as justice of the peace waved them ahead.

  Alexei stayed still so Dale and Liana left the room first. “Dixie, are you normally so pale?”

  She lifted a hand to her face but, of course, she couldn’t know what her skin looked like. “You must admit, the events of the past hour have been a shock.”

  His brows wrinkled. “The wedding was a surprise?” After swinging his free hand ahead of his body, he walked toward the hallway.

  Dixie followed his lead, comfortable with holding onto his muscled forearm. “No, I knew about the wedding, but I had not thought past the circumstance of standing before an officiant. I never imagined…”

  “Ah, the kyss. I noticed your attempt to forestall it.” He patted her hand on his jacket sleeve. “But, as I looked into your eyes, I suspected you were secretly curious. Was I right?”

  Heat flamed in her cheeks. No one beside Liana had ever spoken of such intimate actions. “I am embarrassed to admit you were.”

  “No embarrassment should be felt.” He stopped and turned.

  His warm hands slid along her jaw and his palms cupped her already too-hot cheeks. Gentle pressure angled up her head until she could not avoid his gaze.

  “We are married now, so any subject can be discussed between us.”

  The look in his eyes was so earnest she wanted to glance away, but his big hands held her captive. “That fact will take much getting used to.” Several moments passed with their gazes locked tight. Gray flecks mixed with the crystal blue in his irises. “And I will certainly do my best.” She lowered her gaze and focused on the maroon ribbon tied under his shirt collar. For the first time, she noticed the color of his suit almost matched her gown.

  “That’s all I can ask.” He brushed a kiss on her temple before dropping his hold.

  The hand resting at the small of her back felt strange but reassuring at the same time. She had an idle thought if the agency gave lessons on how to get used to personal touches.

  In the dining room, Alexei guided her along the back side of the long table covered with a snowy cloth and pulled out a chair.

  Sitting, she adjusted her skirts and looked at the meal offerings. In the center of the table rested a porcelain platter filled with cheese and sliced ham and beef toward the head chair. A plate with two stacks of sliced bread rested next to it. Also present were dishes of pickles, olives, and coleslaw. In front of seven chairs were settings of china, silverware, and crystal goblets.

  Alexei sat and reached for his water goblet.

  From the corner of her eye, she noticed he took several gulps. Then she was busy with passing plates and dishes and setting small portions on her plate. Although her stomach no longer hurt, she was shy about eating in front of so many people.

  Finally, silence filled the room while everyone ate.

  Sitting across from Liana, Dixie took the opportunity to get a good look at her sister’s new husband. Coloring-wise, the man proved to be a complete contrast to Alexei. Dale’s dark hair and full beard gave him a fierce, warrior-like appearance. His only saving grace was how his expression softened when he looked at Liana.

  Marianne said Mister Gordon reviewed their applications to note their strengths and weaknesses before making the assignments. Although glad for his good sense, she wondered what type of personality could balance her shy one. So far, Alexei did not appear to be outgoing. As she sipped from a goblet and stole sideways glances at her Viking, she wondered if her marriage, barely an hour old, had any chance of actually lasting.

  Chapter 4

  Alexei was aware of every glance Dixie sent his way and the frequency of those glances set him on edge. She was worried about him? Everyone always commented on how likeable and easy-going he was. All those lessons from both parents in the correct behavior to avoid reflecting badly on his father’s duties at the consulate paid off in this job. Dixie’s sideways looks broadcasted her nervousness, as did her stiff shoulders and how much of the midday meal remained on her plate. How to hide emotion would be top on the list of skills he’d teach her.

 

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