CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Even though Belle had talked until her throat felt hoarse, smiled until her cheeks hurt, and laughed until she cried, she felt empty, though she knew she shouldn’t. This was their night. A time to celebrate. She’d just barely had a chance to say two words to Blake before everyone had descended. Now the quartet was warming up, and the ladies were taking their turns in the lovely outdoor area that had been set up for the women. At the end of a lantern-lighted path was a blanketed-off area that held an outhouse, a washstand, a large mirror hanging from a tree branch, a multitude of lights, and hairpins and combs.
Finished with freshening up, and making her way back down the path, Belle was relieved to see her sisters gathered close by. Katie was all smiles, Lavinia flush with happiness, Emma tapping her toe in anticipation of the dancing to come, and Mavis glancing around as if looking for a special someone. Belle couldn’t imagine who.
“Belle, there you are,” Emma gushed. “Isn’t it wonderful? So many people. The night couldn’t be better.”
Belle returned her smile, but noticed from the corner of her eye that Blake stood a few steps away, speaking with Clint. “Very. The place is packed, and some guests have even gone down to tour the barn. That was a good idea.” She gauged the dance floor. “I hope there will be ample room for dancing.”
The musicians, tapping out a rhythm, began. Music lilted through the room. A hush fell, and all attention shifted to the quartet. Butterflies fluttered in Belle’s stomach. Will Blake ask me to dance?
He’d let her know in no uncertain terms that there was nothing between them and the kiss was a silly mistake, a challenge answered.
Feeling self-conscious over what her sisters had said about Blake and her, she hadn’t sought him out. She’d only seen glimpses of him from afar, among the crowd. What would it feel like to be back in his arms? Suddenly she wanted to be there—right now. So many emotions rushed to the surface at once that she failed to notice he’d already walked over and was standing by her side until he touched her arm.
She turned.
He smiled, his gaze reaching deep into her soul. Her heart trembled. “Miss Brinkman, may I have the honor of the first dance?”
Mavis was right. Lavinia and Emma too. He’d never looked as gorgeous as he did just then. Heat rushed to her face when he smiled, and she feared he’d know her thoughts. She’d never seen the set of tailored clothes that fit him like a glove. Everything about him awakened her senses, causing her breath to quicken. Mavis’s smile was the last thing she saw before setting her hand in his outstretched one and struggling to answer. “Thank you, Mr. Harding,” she replied, playing along. “I’d be delighted.” They waltzed away, joining a few other couples. The cool night air, flowing through the open walls, felt good on her heated skin.
He gazed down into her eyes. “You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.” What’s wrong with me? Surely I can think of something better to say.
The feel of his hand on her back had her heart racing.
“Having fun?” he asked. “This is the first time we’ve had a chance to speak all night. I thought maybe you’ve been avoiding me.”
She chanced a glance into his eyes, causing a ripple of new tingles. “I-I thought the same of you.”
His eyes warmed. “I’d never sidestep you. You know that. Just busy answering questions and such. I didn’t think so many people would make the trip out. It’s gratifying, to say the least. They loved John, and already love you—all,” he added quickly.
She hid a smile. They waltzed past Henry, who had Elizabeth in his arms. Looking around, she spotted Emma keeping Johnny entertained while his mother danced. “What do you think is going on with Henry and Elizabeth?”
“I’m sure I don’t know. I’ve asked, but he’s not saying. I guess he’s not one to kiss and tell.”
One song led to another, but Blake never gave her a chance to leave his side. She stayed in his arms dance after dance, and her heart soared with the eagles. She’d never felt such happiness. Or more beautiful, or cherished. One minute, Blake was gazing into her eyes, almost making her swoon, and the next he was making her laugh. She wished the night would never end. Then the music slowed, and the melody became soft and romantic. Blake tightened his hold, drawing her closer. Belle dared to lay her head on his shoulder and dream of lying in his arms all night. Dream of him trailing kisses down her neck . . .
With a small jerk in her breathing, she lifted her head.
He looked down, the handsome smile still on his attractive lips. “You okay?”
Not trusting her shaky voice, she held her breath and nodded.
Since when has just speaking with Blake caused this trembling? She’d ranched with him, for heaven’s sake. And kissed him too. Is that caress on the back of my hand intentional?
“Belle,” he began, his tone concerned, “would you like to rest? You’re trembling.”
“I, um . . . yes. I think that would be best.”
The song was just ending, so Blake led her through the crowd and out the patio door. A few people sat in conversation, but no one was interested in talking to them.
“Have you gotten used to it yet?” he asked, his deep voice low.
“To . . . ?”
“The Colorado sky. It never gets boring. There’s the Great Bear, Ursa Major, right there, low in the sky. Can you see it?”
Stepping close behind her, with his arm covering hers, Blake took her hand and extended her pointer finger slowly tracing the constellation. The rough warmth of his palm was all she could think about. And how close he stood, wrapping her in his protection, the side of his face pressed against hers.
“I thought that was the Big Dipper,” she was finally able to say.
“You’re partly right,” he whispered, his breath warming the side of her face. “The handle of the dipper is the great bear’s tail. The cup his flank. He has a head and four legs.”
They stood like that much longer than they should. Surely somebody would take notice. When she hoped he was going to turn her in his arms and kiss her, he stepped back and led her to a bench.
“Sit here and wait for me. I’m going to fetch your shawl. Then we can take a walk in the starlight.”
“But the guests?”
“Are having a great time. They won’t miss us for a few minutes. Is it in your room?”
“Yes, on the dresser.”
The lantern light made it possible to see his nod.
“Don’t go away. I’ll be right back.”
Blake stepped inside and headed for the stairs. All he could think about was the feel of Belle in his arms. And she was flustered. His heart had been racing too. He’d wanted desperately to kiss her, but not where anyone would see.
Almost to the stairs, Trevor grasped his arm. “Where’s the fire?” He held up his beer as if in a toast and grinned.
“Just making my rounds,” Blake fibbed, glancing around the room. “You having a good time?”
“What do you think? This house is grand. And the scenery is pretty too.”
Katie and Emma were speaking and laughing, with Tank and KT only a few feet away. One of the other carpenters who’d helped build the house was dancing with Lavinia. Few would forget this evening soon.
Trevor looked around as well. “Where’s Belle? You two’ve been on the dance floor all night.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “So . . . ?”
“So nothing,” Blake replied. He needed to gracefully extract himself from Trevor and get up the stairs. He didn’t want Belle to cool off too long. She was feeling what he was feeling, he was sure. We’re meant to be together. Making her forget about Lesley might take a bit of doing, but tonight was a perfect place to begin.
Almost to the stairs, he heard Mavis call his name. He liked Mavis. Had a great respect for her, but right now he didn’t want to talk, not even with her. He turned.
“Mavis.” He tried not to sound rushed. “Having fun?” He was sounding like a one-phrase parrot.
“Of course.”
In his urgency, he couldn’t stop a longing glance up the stairs.
“She’s not up there,” Mavis said with a small laugh. “You two looked perfect dancing together.”
That got his attention. “Thank you. I thought we might.”
Her smile faded, and she looked away, causing a prick of concern.
“What? Do you have something to say?” He thought of the telegram.
“Be careful. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
It was as if she’d slapped him across the face. All his breath pushed painfully in his lungs. “Has she said as much?”
“Not in so many words.”
“I see.” He couldn’t even pretend to be happy. “I have to go.”
With tunnel vision, he climbed the stairs, found her shawl, and hurried back to the bench on the outskirts of the patio, determined that Mavis must be wrong. Belle had responded to his touch, his gaze. She wielded a power over him he’d never before felt.
Still in the shadows, he skidded to a halt. Right there in front of his eyes, Lesley Atkins knelt before Belle on bended knee. Her hand was encased in his. It wasn’t difficult to figure out that he was proposing. Belle gazed down at him, a rapt expression on her face.
I’ve been such a fool! Against my better judgment, I let my feelings run away with me. Now, if she stays in Eden after they marry, I’ll have to work side by side with the woman I love but who doesn’t love me. Can there be a hotter hell than that?
He’d just begun to turn when he stopped, as if by a hand to his arm.
She doesn’t know you love her. You’re giving up without a fight. That’s not the man I raised. Blake glanced around, stunned.
Go fight for what you want.
Was this just his wishful thinking? By now, she would have already said yes. He couldn’t hear the conversation, but Lesley was still on his knee.
I’ll never know, and I’ll always regret, he said to himself. That is a hotter hell then the first!
He strode forward. “You’re in my spot, Atkins. Move aside.”
Belle bolted to her feet, and Lesley scrambled up. Blake ignored the man and took Belle’s trembling hand, unable to miss seeing the huge diamond ring Atkins clenched in his fingers. He swallowed hard, hoping he wasn’t too late.
“Go away, Harding,” Lesley barked. “This doesn’t concern you. Do you have any brains at all?”
“Not many, but enough to know you could never love Belle the way I do. You could never make her as happy as I will. I may be a rancher without a college education, but Belle will always know how much she’s loved.”
He hadn’t taken his gaze from hers since he’d picked up her hand. She was silent, and he prayed she wasn’t about to break his heart. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the backs of her fingers. “I love you, Belle. Will you be my wife? At the moment, I don’t have a ring or a head full of fancy words, but I do have a heart full of love. That’ll never change, not even when I die.”
He swallowed, bracing himself for the worst.
She doesn’t want to hurt me, so doesn’t know what to say. Dear God in heaven, Belle. Say something!
“Y-yes. I’ll marry you.”
Lesley crowded in, thinking she was speaking to him.
Blake knew different. Her gaze hadn’t left his since he’d shown up. He swept her into his arms and twirled her around. Finding her lips, they kissed. His world came together in an earth-shattering burst of love. Such happiness was once in a lifetime!
“Belle!” Lesley screeched. He grabbed Blake’s arm and tried to pull it away. “I’ve been patient. It’s time you grew up and stopped acting like an imbecile. You were promised to me.”
Blake halted and lowered Belle to the ground. They both stared at Lesley.
“Promised?” she said, confused.
The man straightened up, anger burning deep in his eyes. “I should have known better than to trust Velma Crowdaire. I wouldn’t have spent a year on you, but her husband owed me gambling debts. You were their means of payment. A pretty wife whose monthly allowance would be mine—and then her inheritance too. I have no desire to own a ranch, and stay connected with your family, but fifteen thousand dollars would set us up for life, above and beyond what I already have.” His eyes gleamed with desire. “Think of it. I never planned to let you stay two months, let alone six . . .”
Under his arm, Belle trembled. Blake’s anger grew. How could Atkins hurt her like that?
“Don’t listen to him, Belle. All he has are words. And words can’t hurt you unless you let them. Who cares what his pathetic motives were.” In a swift move, he grasped Lesley’s shirtfront and pulled him close. “You’re lucky I’m in a good mood tonight, Atkins. Get yourself off this ranch and out of town by tomorrow. I don’t care where you go or how you do it. If not, all those mean words you just said are going to get crammed back down your throat so far you’ll turn inside out. And I’ll enjoy doing it. Do I make myself clear?” Blake shoved him away. “Now get! And don’t set foot in Eden again.”
“I won’t go! Crowdaire owes me thousands. Harding, you don’t—”
Blake landed a punch that sent him reeling backward. He hit the bench and fell to the ground. It was a moment before he climbed to his feet, one hand covering his bloodied mouth.
“Get the cotton out of your ears, Atkins. I gave you fair warning. That’s how things are done around here.”
Blake held Belle until he was sure Atkins was good and gone. “I hope you won’t let that skunk ruin our night.” He lifted her back into his arms and twirled her once more, her lips too tempting not to take another kiss.
“I love you so much, Blake,” she whispered against his mouth as they turned slowly under the stars. “I don’t care about Lesley. This giddy happiness feels so good. I’ll never stop loving you, taking care of you, needing you. You’re my everything. I’m going to cry . . .”
A sound made Blake glance over his shoulder to see Belle’s sisters standing close, as well as Henry. Their eyes were shining with as much happiness as he felt in his heart.
“She said yes, everybody!” Blake called. “Imagine that.” He stole one more kiss before setting his wife to be on her feet. “You’ve made me the happiest man in Colorado, Miss Brinkman. I hope you know that.”
“I do,” she whispered up into his face. “And I will.”