“Do you suppose a trip to Kansas might be necessary?” she asked, attempting to hold back her excitement.
Trace noticed it. “Probably wouldn’t hurt none. We might find Andrea there. She certainly isn’t hanging around town. We’ll leave after the wedding.”
“Are you planning to attend with me?
“Would you like me too?” he asked.
“My family will take it for granted.”
“That doesn’t answer my question. Do you want me there?”
She levelled her gaze at him and never flinched. “I would be proud to stand by your side, Trace Stapleton.”
The woman was a complex creature. There was no figuring her out. One minute she was chewing him out and the next, her misty eyes offered beams of hope for his tormented soul.
“Then I shall attend.”
The next day dawned with the fresh smell of summer in the air and the promise of a rain-free day. They dressed in their Sunday best and Trace once again rented a carriage. She’d claimed it as an unnecessary expense but he reasoned if they could ride in style while working, Gen did not deserve to arrive at her brother’s wedding riding on the back of her horse.
The ceremony was emotional for Gen, and Trace found himself holding her hand. He twirled her wedding band with his fingers and felt her hands break out in a warm sweat. Did she feel the connection, or was the effects of the sun merely overheating her body and having a hay-day with his mind?
The bride wore a simple gown, which complemented the natural setting and excited her groom. Rocky Mountains filled the background picture and when the brilliant rays bounced off the surface of the water, Trace’s attention shifted to Gen. Spellbound, he watched her features sparkle as she hung on every vow that the couple recited. It surprised him to realize how much he wished their wedding ceremony had received such a heartwarming response. He could only hope for the day she might gaze on him in the same dreamy manner.
When the ceremony was over and all the hugs and best wishes were sprinkled over the gathering like stardust, Trace pulled Gen to the side.
“You need to tell your family we’re going out of town – so they don’t worry.”
“I am a married woman. They won’t worry when I have you watching out for me.”
“Thank you,” said Trace. “I appreciate that you noticed.”
“I’m thrilled to be going to Kansas. I’ve never been outside of Denver.”
Trace noticed her blue eyes darken and stare beyond him. He glanced back and saw nothing but the tree line.
“What’s the matter?”
“I could have sworn I saw my brother Nick, the one who left home rather suddenly.”
“Almost as suddenly as you?”
“I suppose you’re right. But if he is still in the neighborhood, why didn’t he come to Jethro’s wedding? I don’t understand.”
“Maybe he’s afraid Jethro will be angry about his taking off and leaving him the farm to manage when the newlyweds should be off enjoying their honeymoon,” said Trace.
“Saul is going to do his best alone. Wanted to give Jethro a few days before life reverted to normal. I’m sure Sandy expected at least that much from her common husband.”
Trace chuckled. “Look at her folks over there. Stick out like a sore thumb, don’t you think?”
“Maybe we should be hospitable and make the effort to welcome them to the family.”
“A fact I’m sure they dread.”
Gen scooped her arm through Trace’s and together they made their way toward the fashionable couple standing alone sipping punch from the buffet table. Gen moved alongside and reached out her hand.
“Mr. and Mrs. St. Clair. Welcome to the family.”
They appeared gracious and mumbled a feeble, “thank you,” at the same time, as if they’d practiced the response for this occasion.
“Your daughter is a beautiful bride, and we look forward to getting better acquainted,” said Gen.
“I hear congratulations are in order for you as well.”
Gen pulled Trace into the circle. “Yes. This is Trace Stapleton, my husband.”
“It appears you two aren’t getting much of a honeymoon either,” said Mr. St. Clair, his voice ringing with attitude. “We wanted to send Sandy and Jethro abroad for a month but it appears work comes first in his world.”
“Sandy understands Jethro’s passion, but I’m sure he will make it up to her in a less busy season,” said Gen. “As for us, we are leaving for Kansas in the morning.”
“Good man! Take care of your woman and she’ll take care of you,” said Mr. St. Clair.
“My plan exactly,” said Trace, with his new husband grin spreading across his face. Gen bit her lip nervously and he chuckled inwardly at her playful display of new bride jitters.
“We wondered that Sandy did not have Andrea Friskin stand up with her today,” said Gen, changing the subject.
“Oh, she was supposed to, but apparently some last-minute emergency caused her to bail out. Upset our Sandy very much,” said Mrs. St. Clair.
“Left home. Her family is upset as well. Appears she is a missing person,” said Trace.
“Hardly. I remember Sandy telling us she saw her yesterday, standing off in the distance. But when she called out, Andrea ducked out of sight. Yes, the girl may have left home, but she appears to be hiding out locally.”
Gen glanced at Trace who raised his brows with obvious interest, In the same instant, she became distracted once again at the tree line.
She smiled at the couple. “Would you excuse me? There’s something that requires my attention.”
Trace watched as she headed for the trees, where she seemed convinced her brother Nick lurked.
Chapter 5
Gen glanced quickly behind her before stepping out of sight beyond the trees. Everyone appeared preoccupied with visiting and nibbling on the refreshments provided. All
