A Texan's Promise by Shelley Gray

There was only one thing to do. Quickly, she rose on her toes and brushed his lips with hers.
    It was done.
    As if to steady her, he gripped her shoulders. Snaked an arm around her waist, pulling her near. The fabric of his blue shirt brushed against the lace of her yellow satin gown.
    And then Clayton lowered his lips to hers once again.When their lips touched again, his gentle pressure made her move her head to meet his better. Slowly, like he was imprinting the action in his mind. Tasting her, making her feel like they were truly united. It was the kiss of her dreams and of her hopes.
    When they stepped aside, Mary had tears in her eyes. Ken looked pleased. The children launched themselves at her, though Clayton stopped one from grabbing her from behind.
    Yes, they were married. For better or worse. Not until death would they part.

    Later that evening, when the wedding festivities had settled down and the roast chicken had been eaten and the dishes had been washed and put away, Clayton called himself ten times a fool. Only a loon wouldn't have seen the gleam in Ken's eye during dinner when he got to talking about someplace private for the newlyweds.
    Only a fool would keep his mouth shut when Ken escorted Vanessa and him to the barn and pointed up a sturdy wooden ladder that was half propped, half nailed to the walls of a loft."This here is our gift to you, Mr. and Mrs. Proffitt. We thought y'all would surely appreciate a little bit of privacy tonight."
    Vanessa visibly paled.
    Clayton glared. "This isn't necessary."
    "Sure it is, Clayton. Don't you worry about a thing. It's nice and warm in that loft. I've slept there a time or two myself when we were building the house." He winked. "Mary will bring y'all out some coffee in the morning, just like in one of those fancy hotels in Kansas City."
    "Thank you. That's . . . that's real kind of you both. Convey my thanks to Mary."
    "Will do." Ken backed out two steps. "So, I'll be going now.I'm going to close the main door, too. Don't worry about the horses down here in the stalls. Pete already fed and watered them; they won't be needing attention until morning."
    Two minutes later, with a cloud of dust, the barn door shut, dimming what natural light filtered the space.
    "I'm sorry, Van. I didn't plan on this."
    "Of course you didn't. It is sweet though, don't you think?"
    Sweet had never been a defining characteristic of Ken Willoughby. "It's something." Popping his hat back on his head, he motioned to the ladder. "I suppose we best go on up."
    "Yes."
    Rung by rung, Clayton helped her climb the ladder, staying securely behind her in case a foot tripped on her skirt or a hand lost its grip. Once they made it to the top, Vanessa peered over. "Oh, my!"
    "What?"
    A dash of humor filled her eyes as she scrambled onto the loft. "You'll see."
    Suddenly, he did indeed see. Clayton felt his cheeks heat and change different colors as he spied their marriage bed—all six feet of it.
    Luckily, the loft was high enough for them both to stand up straight, though Clayton did need to remove his hat for comfort.The large bed looked to be made of straw or cornhusks or both. Down-filled comforters made of white cotton flannel lay on top. In the corner, under a sloping window, was a small table with a ewer of water, a dish, and a fluffy white towel.
    A rag rug circled the floor. The only place to sit was on the massive bed.
    "This isn't what I'd had in mind when I asked Ken if we could have a little privacy," Clayton admitted, sitting next to her on the surprisingly firm mattress. "I just wanted some time to speak with you and make sure you were all right. Those pesky children of theirs kept following you around, asking you a hundred questions." Picking up the edge of the quilt that Mary or Ken had draped over the corner of their makeshift bed, he shook his head. "I never dreamed Ken and Mary would plan something like this."
    To his surprise, Vanessa chuckled. "I hope not, Clayton.Otherwise, I'm