Chapter Fourteen
Every muscle and bone in her arms, neck and shoulders were stiff by the time Ruby finished the dress on the afternoon of the festivities. She caught sight of people out and about down the street.
As if invited, Mother Nature decided to cooperate and grant Angel Creek a sunny day. Although snow remained on the ground, it was sunny and milder than expected. Now that some of the snow had melted, Trevor had let the chickens out to roam in the back yard. Their happy clucks carried into the house making Ruby smile as she watched them scramble about eating the feed he spread for them.
True to his word, Trevor had done everything for the last two days. He’d cooked, cleaned up, made tea and coffee. He’d even managed to visit the clinic to ensure all was prepared in case anyone needed medical attention. Daniel spent most of the time either in his bedroom or sitting in front of the fire. Once in a while he got to his feet and with the help of a cane, took a few steps to look out one of the windows.
According to Trevor, his brother planned to remain in town. Trevor had promised to gather men and help build a house for Daniel, who didn’t wish to remain with them much longer than necessary.
It would be a hard time until Daniel became used to living with only one arm. However, he was young still and strong. Before long he’d do well alone.
She went to the bedroom to try on her new dress and make any necessary alternations. It was a beautiful dress that suited her coloring perfectly.
Thankfully, she’d learned to sew from a friend of her mothers. Her mother had insisted they should be able to make their own dresses. During the war, it had been almost impossible to find a seamstress, so they’d learned to make their own. Ruby actually preferred her own fashions to those made by others.
The dress was made of a fine printed dark green calico. She’d added cream-colored lace down the center of the chest accentuating where the button lapels were. The waist was synched in with lacing at the back. The gathered skirt cascaded over a ruffled petticoat and fell almost to the floor. With care, she pulled the dress down her shoulders wiggling as she had a bit of trouble.
Suddenly the dress slid down her body, the soft fabric of the blouse stopping at her waist, while the skirt continued flowing until stopping at her ankles.
Trevor had assisted and now stood looking at her. “You look stunning.” His gaze darkened bringing back a memory of the night before.
They’d finally made love. Not just physically, but while he’d kissed and paid homage to every inch of body, he’d apologized and assured her of caring for her.
Ruby’s heart almost erupted from her chest. Not just because of his touch and words, but also because it was overfilled with love for him.
“I will be honored to escort the most beautiful woman to the party tonight.”
Ruby blushed. “Surely your senses are blurred from the bruising on your face.”
It was comical when he grimaced. The man wasn’t aware that even with the bruising he was devastatingly handsome beyond words.
A dark lock fell across his forehead as he lifted his gaze to hers. “I love you Mrs. Collins. I thought you should know that.”
Her mouth fell open and then snapped closed. No words formulated in her mind. All she knew was that her husband had professed his love for her the day after she’d realized she felt the same.
Lips curving, she went to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I am so happy to hear it.”
He kissed her lightly, holding her with care so not to rumple her dress.
“Do you require assistance to finish dressing.” His nimble fingers slid the dress from her shoulder and he placed a kiss to her bare skin. Immediately shivers traveled down her spine.
Ruby chuckled. “I best finish myself. You have to get dressed and ensure Daniel is situated.”
His darkened eyes pinned hers and Ruby wondered how long before she’d be able to breathe normally while looking into them.
“Very well. I best go see about Daniel and round up the chickens. Most are in the coop, but a few rebels are still about.”
The bright moonlight reflected onto the street and turned the snow-covered ground a beautiful shade of blue. Ruby could not keep from trembling from excitement and the cold as her handsome husband escorted her down the road.
Cheerful music wafted from the city hall. Along with piano notes, the sounds of voices lifted in song.
Tears sprung at the familiar Christmas carols and she looked up at Trevor who watched her with a warm smile.
“Let’s hurry. Oh goodness, I can barely resist the urge to cry,” Ruby said, her gloved hand tightening on his arm.
“As you wish my love,” Trevor replied and he led her up the steps and into the decorated hall bursting with people of all ages. Ruby hesitated in the doorway wanting to remember the night forever.
Her heart threatened to burst with joy when four familiar faces turned to face her. This would be the most memorable evening of her entire life.