“We have both had a bad time of it lately. Things can only look up for us.” Miranda sipped at her water. “I could easily develop feelings for you, Rowan.”
She clearly heard his shocked intake of breath.
“You’re a real pretty gal, and to be honest I am attracted to you. I think we should get to know each other better before we embark on actions we might later regret.”
“It does sound sensible.” But not romantic she thought, wondering why she was acting so idiotically. “We’ll do what you suggest, Rowan. Get to know each other better then see.”
“Okay. Finish your meal and I’ll take you to meet the preacher. If he can’t do the marrying today, tomorrow morning would be fine, and we can leave from there. You’ll have to stay overnight here anyway, otherwise it will be too hard on your horse. The livery stable here is well run.”
“I forgot about Audrey.”
“Who?”
“Audrey, my mare.”
He grinned. “Never heard of a horse called Audrey before.”
“Ah.” She smiled, suddenly feeling happy for the first time in weeks. “You’ve never met a horse like her.”
They finished their meal and he paid for it on their way out. The street was quite busy. “The sales always bring plenty of people to town,” he said, as they mounted the horses and rode down the main street.
They received a few odd stares, probably because of her male attire. If Rowan noticed he gave no sign, just pointed out a few features as they passed by. She saw a simple white wooden church on the edge of town with a house at the back of it.
“Is that the church we’re going to?” She pointed.
“Yes, it’s the only one in town.”
A few trees shaded the long hitching rail in the front yard. They dismounted and tied up their mounts. Glancing down at her pants, she was starting to regret not having worn a dress. What would the preacher think?
“We better go to the house first. I’ve only been to church a few times with George, so I don’t really know the preacher. I hope he agrees to marry us.”
They strolled over to the quite large, but plain looking house and Rowan rapped his knuckles against the door. He barely had time to drop his arm before the door swung open to reveal a tall man wearing a black suit and a clerical collar.
“Howdy, preacher. I’m Rowan Carstairs and this is Miranda Kingston, and we’d like to get married.”
“Really?” The preacher glanced at them. “I haven’t seen you for a while, Rowan.”
“I’ve been busy, what with George not being well and all. I suppose you would have heard he had to move to Colorado Springs because of his health?”
“I did as a matter of fact. If you want to get married now, I’m sorry I can’t do it. I’ve got a funeral to conduct.” He took out his pocket watch and glanced at it. “I’m just waiting for the mourning coach to arrive.”
“We had sort of hoped you would be able to do it straight away, but under the circumstances we understand,” Rowan said.
“I’ll do it tomorrow morning, say about ten o’clock.”
“Thank you, that will be fine.” Miranda tried to hide her disappointment. She wanted the wedding ceremony done as quickly as possible, but the preacher performing a funeral service was more important.
“I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.” The elderly preacher smiled. “You will need a wedding ring.” He stepped outside and pulled the door shut behind him, leaving them no option except to step away. “My wife and daughter can act as witnesses for you.”
A black, mourning coach pulled up, and with another smile and a nod, the preacher walked over to it and climbed in.
“I’ll escort you back to the hotel and get you all signed in, then head for the ranch to organize my cattle. Luckily, they’re in pastures not too far away from my cabin. I separated them once Edward took over the ranch.”
His lips tightened. “I knew he was an untrustworthy varmint. I had a bad feeling about him right from the start. If Hank and Tom agree to come with us, which I think they will, we’ll leave as soon as the marrying ceremony is over.”
“Sounds romantic.” She elbowed him in the ribs. “And what a honeymoon, sharing it with two other men and a couple of hundred head of cattle.”
He grimaced. “It can’t be helped. I’m sorry things turned out the way they have. I’ll have to buy you a wedding ring.”
“I’ve got one.” She pulled out the cord she always wore around her neck with her mother’s wedding ring attached to it. “It was my mother’s wedding ring.”
“That’s one less thing to do.”
They mounted their horses and rode off. “I might get Audrey settled at the livery stable first, we’ve had a long trip. To be honest, I didn’t sleep too well. It’s the first time I’ve ever attempted a ride this long on my own.”
“It was foolish, a little gal like you, riding all the way here on your own. Some unsavory varmint might have attacked you.”
“I know, but I was desperate. I thought men’s clothing would help keep me safe and I am a good shot.”
“Some man could have crept up on you while you slept.”
“Exactly, which is why I’m tired. For two nights I virtually slept with one eye open.”
They rode to the livery stable and handed the mare over to the owner. “Can Miranda keep her saddle and bedroll here, Bert?
“Sure, I’ll look after it. Leave the Winchester, too. I’ll keep it safe.”
“Thank you. Make sure you give my horse a
