Brazen Page 11

  "You know-" Casey began, wondering why he was bothering to ask her when they had already settled on the marriage. She wondered, too, why his one simple touch had the power to send a rush of heat through her.

  "Just answer the question," he said, trying to hide his irritation with her as he reached into his pocket.

  "All right yes."

  "Good. Here," he said in a low voice, handing her the jewelry box.

  "What's this?" She looked from the small box up to him and back.

  "Open it and see."

  Casey carefully opened the lid and stared down at the diamond ring resting there.

  "Do you like it?"

  "It's beautiful."

  "It was my grandmother's."

  "But I can't take this." She couldn't imagine wearing such an expensive ring, doing the work she did.

  "You can and you will," Michael said firmly.

  Without waiting for her to say anything more, he took the ring from the box and slipped it onto her finger. It fit perfectly. As Michael stood there holding her hand, their gazes met and locked. For a moment, it almost seemed as if they were enraptured.

  And then reality returned.

  Casey felt as if she'd been branded. She yanked her hand away from his.

  Michael stepped back, putting a distance between them.

  "There. We are now officially engaged," he announced.

  Casey gazed down at the sparkling ring on her hand. She'd never had anything so lovely before. "Are you sure you trust me with this? I mean, if it was your grandmother's-"

  "It's yours now."

  "Why are you doing this?" she asked, looking up at him suspiciously.

  "Doing what?"

  "Being nice to me."

  "Because you're my fiancee, and you'll soon be my wife."

  "But you've never been nice to me before."

  "We've never been engaged before."

  As he was speaking, Elizabeth and Alice, the cook, came into the dining room carrying their food.

  "It's official now," Michael told his mother.

  Elizabeth smiled as she saw Cassandra wearing the ring. "Good. And it fits?"

  "Perfectly," Casey said, holding her hand out for Elizabeth to see.

  "This is so wonderful," Elizabeth said with heartfelt emotion. She went to Casey and gave her a hug. Then she went to her son and kissed his cheek. "Everything is going to be fine. You'll see."

  Silently Michael hoped she was right, but he had his doubts.

  "You two enjoy your meal," Elizabeth said as she and Alice left them alone.

  Michael and Casey settled in to enjoy the dinner. They were served tender beefsteak, potatoes and fresh hot bread. There was even a berry pie, and she savored every bite.

  Casey began to think about the fact that in one short month, he'd be expecting her to turn out meals just like this one.

  "I'm afraid I've got some bad news for you," she began tentatively.

  Michael looked up surprised. He'd thought things were going reasonably well, considering the awkwardness of their circumstances. "What?"

  "I know we're going to be living at our own place after we're married, but..."

  He waited, unsure what to expect from her which wasn't unusual.

  "But I don't cook," she finished.

  "What?"

  "Becky, our foreman's wife, does the cooking at the Bar T, so you're going to have to take over the kitchen duties."

  "I've got a ranch to run. I don't have time to do women's work."

  "You've got a ranch to run?" Casey stared at him in irritation. "What do you think I'm going to be doing?"

  "Taking cooking lessons from Alice, I hope." Michael said it deliberately to taunt her.

  "No, I'm not," she said defiantly, their momentary truce at an end. "I'm going to be working on the ranch, just like I do now. Besides, you've been back East so long, you probably don't even know how to run things anymore. You're the one who should learn how to cook."

  Her comment stung. "Just because I've been away for a few years, doesn't mean I've forgotten anything."

  "We'll see."

  "I thought once a woman married, she was supposed to love, honor, cherish and obey her husband."

  "But it doesn't say anything in those vows about cooking, now does it?" she challenged.

  Michael couldn't help himself. He laughed out loud. "You know, you're right. It doesn't. So I guess we're both going to starve to death, because I don't know how to cook either."

  Casey found herself laughing along with him. "Have you got enough money to. hire us a cook?"

  "I'd better have, or we're going to get mighty hungry."

  "Then I'd better enjoy a good meal while I've got the chance." Casey turned her attention to the food before her.

  Later, when they'd finished eating and Michael was getting ready to take Casey home, Elizabeth joined them in the dining room to go over a few things about the wedding.

  "Do you have a wedding dress? Your mother's perhaps?" Elizabeth asked. She was very aware of Cassandra's wardrobe limitations and wanted to help in any way she could.

  Casey deliberately hadn't thought that far ahead. The thought of the actual wedding was too overwhelming. Just the fact that she had to marry Michael was hard enough to accept, but now she realized she had very little time to prepare herself especially since the Donovans were insisting on a real ceremony instead of the elopement she'd hoped for.

  "Actually, no - I don't."

  Elizabeth didn't want to be pushy, but she knew Cas sandra needed help. Tome with me, dear. I've got something I want to show you."

  Michael remained behind as Casey followed his mother from the dining room and up the stairs.

  "I was thinking about this the other day," Elizabeth said as she led Cassandra into the guest room and opened a trunk at the end of the bed. She lifted the carefully wrapped gown from the trunk and spread it out on the bed for Cassandra to see.

  Casey stared down at the full-skirted white satin and lace gown which was trimmed in pearls.

  "It's beautiful."

  "You're welcome to wear it for your wedding, if you like," Elizabeth offered. "Do you want to try it on now, so we'll know if it fits?"

  "You want me to wear it?"

  "Yes. Let's see how it looks on you," she encouraged. "If it doesn't fit, we can visit the seamstress in town and see about getting you a dress made."

  "But I don't have any money to buy a wedding dress."

  "Don't worry," Elizabeth reassured her. "We'll work something out."

  Once Elizabeth had closed the bedroom door, Casey slipped out of her dress. Elizabeth drew near to help her don the bridal gown. She lifted the heavy garment over Casey's head, then helped her arrange the skirts. Moving behind her, she buttoned the pearl buttons up the back, then stepped away to look at her.

  Elizabeth thought the transformation was amazing. Cassandra had been pretty enough in her ordinary day gown, but wearing the wedding dress, even with her hair still unstyled, she was stunning.

  "You're absolutely beautiful," Elizabeth told her. "Take a look at yourself."

  She took Cassandra by the shoulders and turned her so she could see her image in the full-length mirror behind her.

  " Casey stared at her reflection in amazement.

  The bodice of the wedding gown was modestly cut, but it was more revealing than anything she'd ever worn before. The gown was fitted to the waist, and the skirt flared out over her hips, showing off her feminine figure.

  "Do you like it? It looks like it only needs a few minor alterations to fit you like a glove."

  "You really trust me to wear it?" Casey was suddenly concerned about damaging the gown. This dress was far more expensive and delicate than anything she'd ever worn before.

  "Of course," Elizabeth said. "Cassandra I've never had a daughter, but once you and Michael are married I will have a daughter-in-law."

  "I never expected you to be nice to me, since I'm a Turner and all," Casey said honest
ly.

  "Frank and your father have had their differences through the years, but it's time for us to start thinking about the future and not dwell on the past."

  «>I m trying."

  "I know this is difficult for you," Elizabeth sympathized. "You and Michael barely know one another, and what you do know about each other... well..."

  "Exactly," Casey said seriously.

  "If you ever need to talk to anyone, I'm here." Elizabeth's words were heartfelt.

  "Thank you."

  "It'll work out. Just give it some time," Elizabeth said encouragingly.

  Michael decided to go to the bunkhouse once Casey and his mother had gone upstairs. He didn't see any reason to sit around in the parlor and wait for their return. Knowing women, he figured they would be a while.

  "What are you doing here?" Nick asked, looking up from the table where he was playing poker with some of the men. "I thought you were having dinner with Casey."

  "She went off with my mother, so I figured it was safe to come down here and see what you were up to."

  "Want to join us?" Harry invited. "We'll be glad to lighten you of some of your money."

  "I'll sit in for a hand or two, but I'm warning you, I don't intend to lose," Michael said, pulling up a chair.

  Two games later, the men were glad to see Michael go. He'd won both pots.

  It was growing dark when Michael started back up to the house. He noticed that the guest room was lighted, and as he looked that way, he caught a fleeting glimpse of Casey through the sheer curtains that covered the window. She was clad only in her chemise.

  The vision stopped him.

  That day he'd kissed her at the river, he'd had a hint of her true femininity, but he had never imagined she was this beautiful. He waited, watching to see if she would pass by the window again, but she didn't. And eventually the light went out.

  Michael returned to the house to find Casey and his mother coming down the stairs. Casey was again wearing her day gown.

  "We have a wedding dress," Elizabeth announced happily. "So, that much is taken care of."

  "Good." He looked at Casey. "Are you happy with it?"

  "The gown is lovely," she answered.

  "Are you ready to head home?"

  "Yes, it is getting late." She turned to Elizabeth. "Thank you for everything."

  "It was my pleasure, my dear. I'll see you tomorrow at the church."

  "I'll be there."

  Michael escorted Casey out to the buckboard. This time she accepted his help up without protest. She'd almost proven earlier that pride did indeed go before a fall, and she'd learned her lesson. He climbed up beside her and they started off for the Bar T.

  It was a pretty night. The sky was cloudless. A canopy of stars twinkled high overhead, and in the distance a sliver of a moon hung just above the horizon.

  It could have been a romantic night but not for Casey and Michael.

  Casey held herself stiffly beside him, trying not to be thrown against him whenever they hit a bump, and Michael concentrated hard on not thinking about the way she'd looked when he'd seen her for just that instant in the window.

  They had an agreement.

  Theirs was to be a marriage in name only.

  It was a business arrangement.

  They both intended to stick to their deal.

  In Philadelphia, Karen sat in the chair by her bedroom window, staring out at the night sky and thinking of Michael. She knew this must be a terrible time for him, with his father being so seriously injured and all, but she still longed for the day when he would return to her.

  Karen was hurt and more than a little angry that Michael still hadn't contacted her. Since visiting Mr. Paden, she'd thought about wiring Michael, but had held back. Now, as the days passed and still no word came, the fear that he might decide to stay in Texas grew within her.

  She wanted Michael.

  He was handsome and he had money.

  Karen had been almost certain he was going to propose when he'd returned from his tour of the Continent, but all that had changed now.

  She knew what she had to do.

  She had to go to Texas.

  She had to find him and remind him of what he was missing.

  Karen was certain Michael would be glad to see her. Then, once she'd worked her womanly wiles on him, injured father or not, she'd be able to convince him to return to Philadelphia and they could begin living the life she had planned.

  Her mind made up, Karen went to bed. In the morning, she would talk to her mother about her idea, and then make the necessary arrangements.

  Michael stopped the buckboard before Casey's house and climbed down. He went around to the other side to help Casey. She put her hands on his shoulders to steady herself as he lifted her down, and they accidentally made full body contact as he set her on her feet. For a moment, they stood there unmoving in the moonlight, gazing at one another. Michael felt a sudden driving need to kiss her. Just as he was about to give in to the urge, Jack appeared on the front porch.

  "Thanks for seeing Casey home," Jack called to Michael. "And you be careful going back."

  "I will," Michael responded, frustration filling him as he stepped back from Casey.

  "Good night," she said, quickly going to stand with her father.

  "Good night," Michael said. "I'll be in touch."

  Casey and Jack watched him drive off, then went inside.

  "So, how was-" Jack began, and stopped when he noticed the ring on her finger. "Michael gave you that ring?"

  "Yes. It's our engagement ring." She went to show it to him. "It was his grandmother's."

  "I never expected him to do anything like this."

  "Neither did 1.1 saw Mrs. Donovan tonight. She's been very nice to me."

  "Has she heard anything from the minister yet?"

  "Yes. Reverend Harris is going to talk with us tomorrow afternoon, so I told her I would meet them in town."

  "Do you want me to ride in with you?"

  "If you feel up to going, that's fine. If not, I can go alone. Either way, I thought I'd head in a little early, so I could give Anne the news about me and Michael."

  "She'll probably be a little surprised." He smiled at her as he imagined her friend's reaction.

  "That's putting it mildly." Casey knew Anne would be shocked by the very idea of a union between her and Michael. It was going to be an interesting conversation.

  "Well, I'm glad things went all right at dinner. I was worrying about you. I know this can't be easy."

  Casey impulsively hugged her father. "No, it's not easy, but I'll make the best of it. I have to."

  With those words she left him to go to bed.

  Now that he knew she was safely back home, Jack re tired, too. He'd felt poorly all evening but had refused to lie down until she'd returned. He just hoped he felt better by morning, so he could accompany her into town to see the preacher.

  "Good morning, Mrs. Lawson," Casey greeted Anne's mother in the general store the next day. "Is Anne here?"

  "Why, Casey it's good to see you. Yes, Anne's in the storeroom. Go on back," Marjorie Lawson told her.

  "Thanks."

  Casey made her way to the storeroom to find her friend sorting through a new shipment of canned goods.

  "What are you doing back in town so soon? I didn't think I'd see you for at least another week or two," Anne said, spotting Casey as she came through the door.

  "I wanted to see you," Casey began, sounding serious. "I have some important news, and I wanted you to hear it directly from me."

  Anne stopped her work and frowned. "It's not your father, is it? He's not feeling worse, is he?"

  "No," Casey hurried to reassure her. "He's doing all right. He seems to need a lot more rest now, but other than that I think he's fine."

  "Good," Anne said with relief in her voice. "So, what is so important that you had to come all the way into town to see me?"

  Casey wasn't sure about the best way to br
oach the subject, so she just blurted it out. "I'm getting married."

  "You're what?" Anne stared at her friend in complete shock and utter amazement. Casey hadn't said a word to her about being in love. She knew John McQueen had been paying a lot of attention to her, but Casey had never seemed overly smitten with the man.

  "I'm getting married. See?" She lifted her hand to show Anne the ring.

  "The ring is lovely but who is it? Who's your mystery man? Do I know him?"

  "Oh, yes. You know him."

  "Is it John McQueen? Did he propose?"

  "No, it's not John."

  "Then who?" Anne truly had no idea who Casey's future husband could be.

  "It's Michael."

  Anne was stunned into silence. She stared at Casey in disbelief for a long moment before speaking. "Michael Donovan?"

  "The same."

  Anne continued to stare at her friend, frowning as she tried to make sense of what she'd just heard. "You're kidding, right? You're not really serious about this."

  "Yes, I am serious. It's true. Michael and I are going to be married in a month."

  "But, Casey, how did this happen? And why? I know you don't love him. Why, you don't even like him!"

  Her words struck a nerve. It was painful to hear the truth spoken so openly.

  "You're right," Casey agreed. "But it had to be done."

  "And Michael agreed to it?" That shocked Anne even more.

  "Yes, he did."

  "Casey you've got to think about this some more," Anne advised, not wanting her friend to make a dreadful mistake. "Why would you agree to marry a man you hate?"

  "I don't exactly hate him," she said, qualifying her sentiments.

  "Well, you've certainly never been fond of Michael. Just the other day when you saw him here in town, you both acted like you couldn't stand the sight of each otheand now you're engaged?"

  "It's a long story."

  "So tell me. I've got to hear this," Anne insisted, curious to find out what could possibly have happened to bring these two together.

  Casey started from the beginning, telling Anne everything about the financial woes of the Bar T and ending up with the arrangement she and Michael had come to.

  "So he agreed to a marriage in name only?"

  "Yes, and I'm glad. This is strictly business between us. If itwasn't for saving the Bar T, I wouldn't have agreed to go along with the plan, but Pa insisted there was no other way we could come up with the money fast enough."