Grooms with Honor Series, Books 1-3 by Linda K. Hubalek

Author:Linda K. Hubalek [Hubalek, Linda K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Butterfield Books Inc.
Published: 2019-01-15T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5

Iris eyes widened and she stepped back until her spine pressed against the row of drawers that lined the front interior of the wagon.

Fergus’ mind still reeled with the story of Iris' parentage, but he was serious about helping her.

"Why do you have a ring?" Iris whispered, almost looking as scared as when she thought Morris was going to find her in the wagon.

"I bought a ring at the general store when I bought supplies. If you were traveling with me, it would be best to be married. It’s also an insurance since Morris wouldn’t be looking for a married woman."

"You want to marry me?"

Whoa, whoa, she's not thinking along the same line as me.

"Uh, no... You could wear the ring to pretend we're married, so you could safely travel with me."

"Would you expect marital rights if I wore your ring?"

All of a sudden, it was too warm inside the wagon. Fergus stepped back until his shoulders thumped the back wall. Even though they were on opposite ends of the wagon, they were still only about five feet apart.

"No. Absolutely not. Never even thought of that!"

Golly. He bet his face was so red and flushed; he could boil the stew on his forehead tonight instead of lighting the stove.

Fergus took a deep breath. "When I officially ask a woman to be my wife, I'll say the whole wedding vow to her, 'for richer, poorer, sickness and health', etcetera, besides promising my love and heart to her."

He held up the ring he still had between his thumb and index finger. "If I put this ring on your finger, it would be my promise to keep you safe and to honor your wishes. It wouldn't be a pledge in front of a minister, only my solemn vow to protect you."

Iris rubbed her left temple now as she did last night. Her thoughts had to be so jumbled. To go through who knows what with Morris, then trying to take her life to end her misery. And then a stranger gives her a ring and promises to protect her?

"I just stopped the wagon to talk to you for a moment. We'll travel further to find a homesteader's place or a campsite along a creek for the night."

What should he do with the ring since she wasn't reaching for it or the idea to pretend they were married?

"Please put the ring in your reticule. Even if you decide not to wear it, it's yours. Consider it money in gold if you have to buy or bargain for something."

"Fergus, I don't know what to say."

"I was raised to be a Good Samaritan, Iris. My only motive is to keep you safe, not to take advantage of you in any way.

"Well except to help me with my photography," Fergus sheepishly added, while raising his shoulders to admit he could use the help.

"Please take this ring, Iris. I bought it for you." He held the ring out and she finally opened her palm up to take it.

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