Caress of Fire

Caress of Fire by Martha Hix Page B

Book: Caress of Fire by Martha Hix Read Free Book Online
Authors: Martha Hix
sweet gesture affected her so deeply; she wanted to cry.
    â€œThank you,” she whispered. “I–I never expected . . .”
    â€œIt’s only appropriate.” His palm settled on her upper arm, his fingers curving. “Expect the unexpected.”
    The preacher made a noise from his throat to call attention to their dawdling.
    â€œHoney, let’s get married.”
    Gil McLoughlin offered his hand, and she laced her fingers with his. They took their places before the preacher.
    Eli Wilson yelled, “We need witnesses.”
    Seven cowboys appeared and lined up between the chuck wagon and the campfire. Sadie Lou, under the worktable, roused from sleep to sit up and watch the happenings. As if he were an invited guest, Tecumseh Billy trotted to the camp’s perimeter, then stood by, his great horns turned in their direction.
    Ashen-faced, Matthias walked up. His expression read, “I’ve given my best wishes, but I want you to think twice.”
    She had done her thinking and deciding.
    Nonetheless, the wildflowers began to shake, and trying to get a grip on them as well as on herself, she glanced upward. Clouds moved across the moon.
    Preacher Wilson, the Good Book cradled in his palm, cleared his throat. “Let me repeat. Will you take this man to be your wedded husband?”
    Her gaze flew to the man at her right, and she gained strength from his steadfastness. There was no other she’d want for her own. “I will.”
    Gil squeezed her hand.
    â€œWill you take this woman to be your wedded wife?”
    â€œI will,” was the strong, sure reply.
    Preacher Wilson turned back to Lisette. “Will you love, honor . . .
    I will honor him. And I do love him in untold ways.
    â€œ... forsaking all others, for as long as ye both shall live?”
    â€œI–I will.”
    â€œWill you love, honor, and keep her, forsaking all others, for as long as ye both shall live?”
    â€œI will.”
    The sacred vows continued. Gil slipped a gold band on her finger and it carried the warmth of his hand. For a fleeting moment she wondered where he’d gotten it and why it fit.
    â€œIn the presence of God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you man and wife.” The minister smiled at the couple. It was his first expression of approval since Lisette had joined the Four Aces outfit. “You may kiss your bride.”
    Gil’s hand went to her waist, and it felt warm and protective . . . and provocative. He smiled his seductive smile that made mush of her insides. His lips parted to kiss her. Hers did not part. The bouquet fluttered from her fingers, yet she grabbed the cherished flowers from the ground . . . and accepted that her tall, strong partner would seal their vows with a deep kiss.
    This was a wedding–their wedding–and she allowed herself to be weak. Just this once . . . no, once again.
    Her fingers flattened against his nape as his lips met hers. His tongue moved inside, and she tasted the pure flavor of his mouth. Mmmm. so nice. His arms were around her, his hands pulling her close to the hard strength of his warm body. Mmmm. nicer.
    â€œOh, Mister McLoughlin,” she murmured breathily. “You won’t regret this. I promise with all my heart.”
    This, she pledged meaningfully–to her husband and to God.
    The witnesses cheered; the dog chased Tecumseh Billy from camp; Matthias drifted away from the celebration.
    And Lisette wished her marriage could be different. If only she could accept all he’d offered . . . But theirs would be a good arrangement, she vowed. Somehow she’d keep her distance.
    Once more, she whispered, “Oh, Mister McLoughlin.”
    â€œDarlin’, you’d better call me Gil.”

Chapter Seven
    All the bridegroom wanted was to dispense with his bride’s virginity, and now . Yet Gil had promised himself to cultivate and celebrate their loving, and he wouldn’t pounce upon her.

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