Chapter 2
After their meal, Seth escorted her back to the registration desk in the lobby. He was pleased that she let him keep his hand at her waist considering what she’d been through.
He spotted Kitty bent over the desk, still working on her ledgers.
Kitty looked up as they approached. “Did you two have a nice time?”
“Yes. It was very productive.” Belle looked over at him. “Seth and I have decided to get married. Tonight.”
Kitty lifted her eyebrows and her eyes widened.
Seth placed his arm around her waist and pulled her close in what he thought was a possessive manner. He thought he needed to prove that this was his decision as well as hers. Otherwise, they would talk about her being a gold-digger and he didn’t want Belle to hear that. “I’ll get the preacher and we can get married.”
“Well,” laughed Kitty. “I guess you did have a nice time.” She turned her gaze toward Belle. “I’m sad to lose you and my customers will be downright upset not to have your bread, cakes and pies. But I, perhaps more than anyone in this town, understand that a woman has to make her own choices on how to live. I’d probably marry myself if I could find a man as good as Seth, but I’m too old and set in my ways to put up with any man.”
“That’s high praise indeed. I consider myself lucky,” said Belle. “I need to get back to my baking for today. I finished most of it before supper but I still have a bit to do yet.”
Seth straightened. “And I need to find the preacher.”
Belle nodded once. “You know where to find me.” She headed for the kitchen.
With her eyes narrowed, Kitty leaned on the desk with her hand clasped under her chin. “So, Seth, what made you want to marry Belle? Besides the fact she’s a beautiful, unmarried woman?”
He shrugged. “It wasn’t my idea. She asked me.”
Kitty’s mouth dropped open and she blinked. “Really. She’s never shown me to have the gumption to do something like that. But I understand it. She wants to get back to civilization, and I can’t blame her for that. She’d never save enough money working here. Oh, I give her room and board, but I only pay her one-dollar a week. At that rate, it would take her a year to save. With you, she’s taking a chance you’ll leave sooner than that.”
“I plan to. We’ll have to see how the claim plays out, but I’ll definitely be leaving before winter. I guess I should go look for the preacher. If you see him, tell him I’m getting married and to stay in the hotel.”
“Will do.” Kitty went back to working on what looked like ledgers on the desk.
He didn’t know why, but he thought Belle would prefer being kissed by a man without a scraggly beard, so he was glad he’d shaved.
After Belle left, Seth noticed Kitty frowning. He leaned against the tall desk with one elbow resting on top. “You don’t look happy.”
She sighed. “I hate doing the books. But I don’t have a choice. If I don’t, I won’t know where I’m making money and where I’m losing it.”
“I can’t imagine any of your businesses are losing money.”
Kitty laughed. “You’re right. They all make money, some more than others. The restaurant is the least profitable, because it has more overhead.”
Seth laughed. “That’s all over my head. I’ve never been one for math.”
“We need an accountant in this town. He’d have every business owner going to him because none of us like this part.”
Belle entered from the kitchen. “I’m done with today’s baking. The biscuits are cooling as is the bread. Three fruit pies are on the counter and there’s a plate of cookies for the help, unless you decide to sell those, too.” She turned toward Seth. “Did you find the preacher?”
“I was just headed out to find him. I’m pretty sure I know where he is, so I should be back within thirty minutes.”
“Good. That gives me time to change. If you’ll excuse me.” She turned and started up the stairs.
Seth turned to Kitty. “Can you find another person to be our witness along with you?”
“Sure. I’ll find someone when you come back.”
“Thanks.” He left in search of the preacher. He was the only one in town that could perform the ceremony, so he’d better find him. For reasons he couldn’t explain, he didn’t want to disappoint Belle. He felt like she’d had enough disappointments in her young life.
When he returned,the resident man of God was his companion. The preacher had long, dark, stringy hair that was parted in the middle and hung down to his shoulders. He wore a shabby black coat and pants with miner boots.
Belle knew they were a necessity in this climate. A pair of miner boots was one of the few things Amos had bought for her.
“Belle.” Seth waved an arm toward her. “This is Reverend Calloway.”
“Reverend, this is Belinda Haggerty, my bride.”
“Good to meet you, my child. Shall we get started? Do we have two witnesses?”
Seth turned toward Kitty. “Do you have someone for the other witness?”
“I do. Hang on just a minute.” She disappeared down the hall on the left side of the desk. Soon she returned with a woman with almost white blonde hair. It was up in a bun on top of her head with tendrils escaping all around, making her look a bit like an angel with a halo.
Belle waved. “Hi, Bridget.”
“Hi, Belle.”
“This is Bridget. She’ll be your other witness,” said Kitty.
Bridget gave everyone a little wave with her fingers. “Hi.”
Seth tipped his hat. “Miss Bridget.”
“Very good. Let’s get started. Your full names, please?” The preacher took a pencil and pad from one of his jackets outside pockets.”
“Belinda Renee Haggerty.”
“Seth James Kirby.”
“Got you down. Are you planning to exchange rings?
Belle looked at Seth.
He shook his head. “Do you need to take off your old ring?”
“No, Amos never bought me one. He’d said he couldn’t afford it.” She looked back at the reverend. “I don’t have a ring for Seth.”
The preacher looked at each of them. “Okay, no rings.”
He wrote no rings on the little pad.
“That’s fine. Now, are you ready?”
“Yes, sir,” said Belle. She watched as men coming and going from the restaurant stopped to see what was happening. The din of voices coming through the open doorway to the restaurant should have distracted her but all she could think about was how different this was than her wedding with Amos. That one had been in the church with only her family present. Amos had only his parents, and they didn’t come to see their only son wed.
She should have known something was wrong then, but she fancied herself in love. That was before she’d known that her father had sold her, and that’s why everything happened rapidly.
“Yes,” said Seth
Reverend Calloway nodded. “Very good. Let’s go.” He took a deep breath. “We are gathered here in the eyes of God and these witnesses to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Do you, Seth James Kirby, take this woman, Belinda Renee Haggerty, to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer and to keep yourself only unto her for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” said Seth. He looked at her and smiled.
That was something Amos never did. He had only glanced her way during the vows. The only time he had truly looked at her had been just before he kissed her. It was a nice kiss and she thought it meant something. She’d been wrong...so very wrong.
“And do you, Belinda Renee Haggerty, take this man, Seth James Kirby, to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, to love, honor and obey him and to keep yourself only unto him, for as long as you both shall live?”
Belle looked over at Seth, wondering what was behind those gorgeous brandy brown eyes.
He smiled.
That was all she needed, and she smiled back. “I do.”
“Then by the power vested in me by the Lord God Almighty, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Seth placed his hands on either side of Belle’s face, leaned down, and kissed her.
The kiss was tender and for a moment, she could imagine that Seth really loved her, instead of this being for convenience’s sake.
The reverend cleared his throat.
He grazed his thumb over her bottom lip and then smiled. “You’ll do, Mrs. Kirby.” Seth stepped back.
She smiled. “As will you, Mr. Kirby.”
Seth turned toward Reverend Calloway, dug in his pants pocket and pulled out a gold coin. “Thanks, Reverend.”
The reverend clutched the coin in his fist. “Thank you, Seth. Now, if you all will excuse me, I’ll be on my way.”
Belle thought of the dinner they’d had that Seth had paid for and now the gold coin he gave the reverend. It amazed her that a man would be willing to spend money on her. Amos never had. It had been like pulling teeth to get a new pair of shoes. He’d only bought her the miner’s boots because he didn’t have a choice. “Certainly. Thank you, Reverend.”
Reverend Calloway dipped his chin. “I’m always happy to officiate at the marriage of a happy couple.”
Seth coughed.
Belle was certain that it masked a laugh.
“Well, I suppose you two want to get to your room. It is fairly late for newlyweds to be out.” Kitty chuckled.
“Congratulations on your marriage,” said Bridget. “If you will excuse me, I have to get back. Can’t make any money standing out here.”
Belle took Bridget’s hand between hers and squeezed. “You be good to yourself.”
“I will, Belle. Maybe some miner will sweep me off my feet, too.”
Belle pulled Bridget in for a tight hug. “You make your own luck, sweetie. I asked Seth to marry me.” She whispered that last remark.
When Belle released her, Bridget’s eyes were wide. “Really?”
Belle nodded. “Really.”
Bridget smiled and hugged Belle again.
Belle hoped maybe she gave the woman something to think about and maybe change her life. She hoped so.
Seth placed his hand at Belle’s waist. “Ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be. Goodnight, Kitty...Bridget.”
“Goodnight,” they both answered.
Seth started off toward his room, with Belle by his side.
She was nervous. Even though they had agreed to not have relations for three weeks, she worried Seth might want her to do so, anyway. After all, what did she know about the man? Nothing at all. But she believed him to be a good and kind man, leaving her no choice but to trust in his true nature.
When he reached it, he opened the door and held it wide for Belle to enter.
The size of the room, of all the rooms she’d seen, still amazed her. The one she’d been living in was almost wall-to-wall bed and a single bed, at that, though it had a small dresser, too. She’d been told it was tiny, but she hadn’t expected it to be that small.
This room had on one wall a double bed with iron head and footboards. Along with two nightstands made of a dark wood or varnished to look dark. Against the wall with the door, was a tall chest of drawers with a lovely pitcher and basin, painted with white lilies on a purple-and-white background. Seth’s backpack was against the wall on the other side of the chest of drawers.
She walked into the room and sat on the bed. “So, I need to go pack. It won’t take me long and then I’ll be back.”
“Well, regardless of what Kitty said, it’s still pretty early. It’s only eight-fifteen and the sun won’t go down for another two hours. Is there something you want to do? Do you want to take a walk or something after you’re done packing?”
Belle shook her head and held her hands clasped in front of her. Her body was stiff as a board and it didn’t matter how much she tried to relax, she couldn’t get rid of the stiffness. She shook her head. “It might still be light out, but this is late for me. I usually have to be up by four in the morning so I can get the baking done before breakfast. So, I’d rather just go to sleep, if that’s okay with you. I’m dead on my feet.”
“That’s fine. We agreed we’d sleep together, so what side do you want? I prefer the side closest to the door.”
“Okay. I’ll be right back.” She stood and headed to her room to pack.
“I’ll be waiting.”
“All right. It won’t take me long. I don’t have much.” She walked out of the room and up the stairs past the second floor, where the girls entertained their clients. Only one door was on the third floor. Her room. She hurried and placed her garments into the duffle bag, with her flannel nightgown on the top. Then she walked back downstairs to room 105 and the rest of her life.
She knocked on the door and it opened almost immediately, as though Seth had been standing on the other side of the door just waiting for her.
He took her duffle bag from her and then held the door open.
She sat on the bed and clasped her hands. “I’d appreciate it if you’d turn your back so I can get into my nightgown.”
“Fine.” He tilted his head and looked at her, his eyebrows furrowed. “I know I’m new to you, but I’m your husband and I wondered if you were always shy or just now?”
“I’m not generally shy, just about my body. My husband said I was ugly and only had relations with me in the dark.”
Seth took two steps to the bed and stopped in front of her.
She looked at her clasped hands where they lay in her lap.
“Belle, look at me.” He lifted her chin with one finger. “You are not ugly. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, and I’ve met my fair share. Your skin is perfect alabaster without a mark. Your lips are like rosebuds, soft and pink. You have the prettiest violet eyes and your hair glows with streaks from the sun. You’re absolutely lovely.”
She shook her head and closed her eyes. “You’re just saying that because you want to bed me.”
He cupped her face with his hand. “No. I’m not. I’ll turn my head, but I intend to hold you in my arms all night. And when you let me, I intend to worship you like you deserve.”
She guffawed. “Worship me? You’re crazy. Men don’t worship women; they have sex and then fall asleep or get up and leave the room. That’s what men do.” She wanted to believe that Seth was different, but then she remembered that Amos had been kind of nice in the beginning...just until he was sure she wouldn’t be able to give him children. What if Seth was right about that? What if it was Amos who couldn’t father children and not her fault at all? She touched her stomach, wondering how it might feel to know a baby lived in her.
He lifted his chin a bit. “How many men have you known...intimately?”
She lifted her chin. “One. And he was more than enough.”
Seth rolled his eyes. “It sounds like he wasn’t much of a husband. I’m sorry about that. But I can guarantee I’ll be a good husband to you. I hope you’ll be a good wife to me.”
“We’ll see what kind of husband you are...first.”
“What can I do to prove it to you?”
“My rules for a husband are simple. You must be kind. You must not take your anger out on me and beat me. That’s it.”
“I will never lay a hand on you in anger. Hitting a woman is something only a coward would do. Forgive me for saying it, but it sounds like your husband deserved what he got.”
She choked out a single laugh. “He did, and so much more. Now, please turn your back.” I hope Amos was in a lot of pain when he died. The same pain he put me through. I can’t let Seth see the bruises that remain from the last time Amos beat me. I thought I would die...I’d hoped I would die. And then my prayers were answered, and Amos is gone from my life forever.
She hurried and got undressed and pulled the nightgown over her head and buttoned it up to her chin. “You can turn around now.”
Seth turned, and his eyes widened. “You look beautiful.”
She dropped her chin and eyed him narrowly. “You’re kidding right?”
He raised his brows and shook his head. “I will never kid you about the way you look.”
“Well, in that case, thank you. I’ve never been called beautiful in a nightgown, or in anything as often as you do. I might get a complex if you ever stop.” Now I’m kidding. It’s easy to feel safe with him...safe enough to tease him. Why is that? Why does Seth make me feel so good? And is that why I’m so attracted to him? Is that why I asked him to marry me?
She removed the pins in her hair and then quickly braided it. Then she pulled back the blankets. got into bed, and turned on her side with her back toward Seth.
The bed dipped, and she heard him removing his boots and socks. Then the bed shifted again, and his pants and belt hit the floor. The next thing she felt was Seth’s arm around her, pulling her next to him.
She tensed. “What are you doing?”
“I’m going to hold you in my arms, like I said. I might not be able to make love to you for three weeks, but you’re my wife, and I’ll darn well hold you close.”
She sighed. “Very well. But just holding. Nothing more, right?”
He kissed the top of her head. “Just holding. I’ll never take you against your will. You’ll want me as much as I want you when we finally make love.”
Belle huffed out a breath and a chill went through her. “That will be the day. I’ll never want to have relations with you. That only leads to pain.”
“I’m sorrier than I can say for what happened to you, but I assure you most men are not like your former husband. He was an animal, unworthy of being called a man.”
She tried to stay detached but with his arm around her, pulling her against his hard body, she couldn’t and she relaxed into his embrace. He was right. Amos was a beast and got what he deserved.
Is that why Seth is here...as a reward for the years I spent with Amos? But what if Seth’s not what he says he is? What if he’s just like Amos and is only being nice to have his way with me?