“Marry you? I thought you disliked me.”
He blinked and appeared puzzled. “Why would you think that?”
“The day I arrived you were sarcastic about my luggage and then you just stared at me as if you disapproved.”
His lips formed a grim line and he rubbed the back of his neck. He paced as he said, “I’m not good at making jokes and casual conversation. I tried to make a funny remark but you thought it was sarcasm. I didn’t mean to stare at you but… well, I couldn’t take my eyes off of you. Guess I was mesmerized.”
Touched by his admission, she offered a smile. “I’m glad you explained.”
He stopped in front of her and met her gaze. “Do I need to explain my proposal?”
Her smile widened. “I understand that. Would you tell me what you expect from your wife?”
“That you—
“That you—she’d be my partner for life. We’d have children or adopt if she can’t have them. We’d live on my ranch about a half hour from town. My house isn’t as impressive as this one, but it’s sturdy and has room enough for a family.” He raked a hand through his dark hair. “Reckon I should ask what you’re looking for in a husband.”
“I want a husband who would treat me as his partner and not just as his cook and housekeeper and brood mare.” She felt heat flush her face. “I guess that’s not polite of me to say in mixed company, but I’m aware some women are treated like that.”
“I’m aware of that fact. My wife will be a treasured partner.” His blue eyes revealed his distress. He hesitated then cupped her head with a large hand. “You see I’m not good with fancy words. That doesn’t mean I don’t have soft feelings for you.”
She was sincerely touched by his words. On the verge of happy tears, she rested her hands on his broad chest. “In that case, I accept your proposal, Austin.”
He exhaled as if he’d been holding his breath and his face split in a wide grin. “That makes me real happy. Right now, I’d like to kiss you.”
“I’d like that.”
Gently, he embraced her and looked into her eyes before he pressed his lips to hers. He tightened his embrace and deepened the kiss. When she thought her legs would turn to rubber and she’d melt into a puddle on the floor, he raised his head. His breath was ragged and she was shocked at the need in his eyes.
He swallowed. “How soon can we have the wedding?”
A mischievous imp caused her to ask, “How soon do you want to lug my heavy trunks again?”
He chuckled. “I’d be willing to carry them tonight but I reckon you women will want a little while to plan a wedding. How about tomorrow afternoon?”
“Can you stay a little while at the end of the party so we can talk to Cindy and Bert? Since they’re my hosts I think I should consult them.”
“I can. Bert’s a good friend. How big a shindig do you want?”
“I’d like Cindy and Bert there. Do you have family who could attend?”
“No, but the men who work for me might want to come.”
“Perhaps we could have the ceremony in the church. Cindy said there’s a nice community church at the edge of town. There’d be room for your ranch hands and anyone else you want to invite.”
“Wherever you wish.” He frowned and shifted, causing Mina to be afraid she’d said something wrong. “Mina, I’d better warn you Bert is doing some legal work for me. A couple of men plan to mine for gold up the mountain from my ranch. The chemicals they’d use would get into the water and kill my cattle and that of other ranchers and the wildlife. I’m taking whatever official action I can to stop them.”
“That’s a terrible predicament for you. I didn’t know there was gold in this area.”
He grimaced and slashed the air with his hand. “If you gathered every speck of gold in the county you wouldn’t have enough to pay for a sack of penny candy. I haven’t been able to convince the two miners so I’ve hired Bert to search for a legal way to block their plan.”
“I’m sorry you have to deal with a problem that sounds like a dangerous situation.”
“It could turn into one. I wouldn’t feel right if you weren’t warned before you married me. Not that I think you’d be in danger, but you said you want to be treated like a partner.”
She laid her hand on his arm. “I do want us to share everything. This doesn’t change my decision but I appreciate you telling me. I guess problems crop up with any occupation.”
“This one sure caught me by surprise.”
“With you knowing the futility of mining in this area I can see where it would. I hope Bert finds a solution for you.”
He leaned his hips against Bert’s desk. “If the law can supply one, I know he can find it. Meanwhile, I’m sweatin’ bullets.”
She grinned. “I suppose that’s a Texas term.”
“Reckon it’s an American term. My papa said it, every man I know says it. They probably say it in Delaware.”
She stood beside him and leaned against the desk as he was. “I admit I’ve had limited education in the way men speak. My father was somewhat old-fashioned and thought women were weak-brained. My mother let him think that while she worked around him to get what she wanted. My sister—her name is Lily—and I decided that was not the kind of marriage we wanted.”
“I’m glad. Cindy said your parents passed on.”
“Their dying was
