A Groom's Promise by Ruth Ann Nordin

Author:Ruth Ann Nordin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: anthology, comedy, romantic comedy, historical romance, shy, western romance, matchmaking, matchmaker, historical western romance
Publisher: Parchment & Plume, LLC

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That evening as Maybell stirred the coleslaw, Jack entered into the kitchen, came up behind her, and hugged her around the waist. He kissed her on the neck, and she giggled. “Jack, you’re not being fair. I’m trying to finish up in here so we can eat. Pa’s bound to be starving after not getting any breakfast or a midday snack.”

“He had some jerky.”

“I don’t know if I consider that real food.”

“Sure, it is. It’s meat. Only it’s tough and dry.”

Amused, she turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck. He lowered his lips to hers, and she melted in his embrace, giving herself over completely to his kiss.

It would take her some time to get used to the fact that they were married. Already, he’d moved his things into her bedroom. More than that, her pa had helped, laughing and smiling the whole time. She honestly didn’t think things would go as well as they had. Whatever Jack told her pa, it worked. Her pa had finally accepted her choice in who she married.

Ending the kiss, he said, “If all goes well, Hugh will be telling us when he’ll be marrying Winifred.”

“Is Hugh that serious about her?”

“Well, he did buy her a fifteen dollar hat.”

Her jaw dropped. “Fifteen dollars?”

“I know. I thought it was too expensive, too, but he didn’t mind doing it, and I can only think a man would do that if he loved the woman.”

“Yes, I would say so.” Unable to resist teasing him, she asked, “So where’s my fifteen dollar hat?”

“I did better than buy you a hat.”

“Oh?”

“I started to make you something.”

“You did?”

His grin widened. “Just today. Well, more like an hour ago. Soon, you’ll have your own porch swing.”

She gasped. “You’re making me a porch swing?”

“I thought you might enjoy being able to sit outside on nice days and sew or read or watch our children play in the yard. My ma used to say it was one of her favorite pastimes.”

“I will! What a wonderful gift. And you’re making it all by yourself?”

“I am. I’m going to put our names on it. Then as we have children, I’ll add their names to it as well.”

“Oh, Jack, the more I hear about this swing, the better it sounds.”

“I’ll think of other things to make for you from time to time,” he promised. “This is just the beginning. I’m going to make you glad you married me.”

“I already am.”

He gave her another kiss then released her. “On Monday, I want to go to town and buy back my mother’s ring. Now that I know your pa won’t be tossing me out, I can buy it back. Maybe I’ll even buy the pocket watch.” He picked up the pitcher of tea and stack of plates. “I’ll help you take things out to the table.”

She didn’t think she’d ever see the day when he’d carry glass, but it only proved he was finally at ease in this place. Smiling, she collected the cups and utensils then followed him to the dining room.

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