Whispers of Moonlight (51 page)

It was like living inside a child's toy. Travis was the ball being rattled to and fro at will. Early on Rebecca was so prickly that he couldn't say a word, and now she was digging deep with serious questions. He didn't know what else to do but come clean.

"I was afraid that if I complimented your figure, you would accuse me of only wanting you in my bed."

"I did say that in the past, didn't I?"

Travis nodded.

"I guess I do need some new dresses, Travis."

"Why don't we head into town tomorrow and see if they have anything?"

"You'll go with me?"

"Sure. We can pick out some new things for the boys too."

Rebecca was so pleased that she couldn't speak for a moment.

"What time shall we go?" Travis asked.

She thought about it. "You probably won't want to be gone all day, but I hate to wake
the boys too early."

Travis grinned. "It was Lavena's idea—let her get the boys up."

Rebecca had no problem with that, no problem at all. After deciding when to leave, Travis carefully asked Rebecca to tell him just what she needed. She did so willingly, and one more wall came down.

The next day they stayed in town much longer than they had planned, buying Rebecca a new wardrobe and many things for the boys. But along with their purchases, they were enjoying one another's company in a way they never had. Just days before, Travis had realized that they were going to make it as
a couple. As they drove home to the ranch several hours after lunch, Rebecca finally knew it as well.

"Robert, is that you?"

"Yes, it is," Robert called to Eddie as he came in the front door on Thursday evening.

"You're early," she smiled as she met him at the door. They shared a kiss.

"I asked David to lock up because I have good news for you,"

"What is it?"

"How long ago did we decide to pray more specifically that we would see more of Travis and meet Rebecca?"

Eddie looked surprised. "That was just last night, Robert."

The banker smiled. "Travis and Rebecca were in town today. Travis brought Rebecca in to meet me. They're coming to dinner Saturday night."

"Oh, Robert," Eddie laughed in delight, "that's wonderful."

"Are you certain you're up to it?"

"Of course. I'm thrilled. What is she like?"

"Very sweet and a little shy. They had been shopping and were headed to lunch and then out to shop some more. Travis looked like a child on Christmas morning."

"Oh, Robert, I've prayed so much. I can't imagine not sharing Christ with my spouse."

Robert hugged her. "We'll keep praying. God has given us a start, and if He wants us to continue, we will."

"Shall we have anyone else?"

"I think this first time we'll just have Travis, Rebecca, and the boys."

"Do they know the boys are invited?"

"Yes, I made that clear."

Eddie tipped her head back to look at him; it was like her husband to think of everything. "Have I told you lately that you're wonderful?"

"I think you might have, but you can always say it twice."

He kept an arm around her as they moved toward the kitchen. Eddie had been feeling a little tired, but no one would have known it as she discussed with Lena what they would serve on Saturday night.

Friday was the longest day of Rebecca's life. The boys quarreled, and Lavena, who was cleaning at the time, had no patience with anyone. But none of those things were the reason for her restlessness. She had to talk to Travis. Much of the snow had melted off, so the men were able to cover acres of land and planned to be gone all day. Rebecca had tried to work on her mending, but after jabbing her finger several times, discarded it in disgust. She then decided to bake, but she got a few shakes of flour on the floor and was scowled at by
Lavena. The old Rebecca would have cowered in fear, but since she'd come back, she stood her ground. Today, though, she wasn't up to it. She abandoned the cookie dough, sent the boys outside, and paced the living room. Her heart slammed in her chest when she finally heard the door and Travis' deep voice as he spoke to Lavena.

She hadn't counted on vying with her sons for his attention, but she hung close, even going so far as to tell the boys that they could wait downstairs tonight for their father.

"But sometimes he lets us wash up with him," Garrett protested.

"I still want you to wait down here tonight."

"No," they both defiantly proclaimed, and with that word their father was brought into the argument.

"That's enough, boys. You will not tell your mother no. Now, go into the kitchen and wash for dinner on your own."

Their attitudes still needing work, the boys went off and Travis moved for the stairs. Rebecca made herself follow him. Travis was afraid to say too much but turned to her when she came right into his room.

"You all right?"

"Yes."

He nodded. "Have a good day?"

"It was rather long."

Travis was unbuttoning his shirt now and getting ready to splash some water into the basin. He could see Rebecca's reflection in the mirror. She was as nervous as a
eat.

"I moved two of my new dresses into this room today."

Travis froze for a full second and then slowly forced himself to finish lathering his face.

"Did you?"

"Yes. And a few more of my things. Not everything," she rushed to add. "I didn't want to do that yet."

"I think I understand."

They were quiet for a few moments, and then Travis asked slowly, "And do you come with the dresses, Rebecca?" He watched in
the mirror as she nodded and then went back to methodically shaving his face, knowing how easy it would be at that moment to slash his own throat.

"You're a cruel woman, Rebecca," he finally said.

"I am?" She looked stunned.

"Uh hmm. Giving that kind of news to a man when he can't even kiss you."

This time he turned his head and watched as a smile pulled at her mouth.

"But there's always later," she said softly and looked up. Travis held her eyes with his own.

"Yes, later," he said softly, and Rebecca took a surreptitious step backward.

"I'll see you downstairs."

"All right," Travis agreed. He watched her leave the room. His chest rose on a huge sigh before his heart began to thunder like a runaway stage.

"Could you put the boys to bed tonight?" Travis surprised Rebecca by asking the question right after dinner. "I have some things I have to get done. We'll have coffee as usual, though."

"Sure," she agreed, but her disappointment was keen. Why did she think that Travis would put everything aside to be with her this night? A feeling of dread crept over her. This was the very thing she had feared. She was terrified that intimacy with Travis would make her some sort of possession to be used and discarded at will.

She went through the motions with the boys, but her heart wasn't there. It was with Travis who had disappeared as soon as the meal was over. The boys asked for him, but he had kissed them good-night downstairs. They were a little fussy and put out, which only put Rebecca in a worse humor. By the time she reached the living room, she was angry enough to let him have it. The fire was burning as usual, but only one lamp was lit. Rebecca didn't notice. She stormed in and was nearly on top of her husband when she noticed what he was sitting on.

Gone were the chairs that had sat before the fire. In their place was the sofa, long and inviting. Rebecca's eyes flew to Travis where he sat at one end, his legs stretched out. He was smiling at her, his eyes watching her every move. Rebecca couldn't help but laugh. She giggled from deep in her chest, a sound of delight and relief. Travis had waited to hear that sound. A moment later he snatched her hand and pulled her into his lap. He kissed her long and hard, but then broke the kiss and held something aloft. It was a simple gold band.

"Be my wife, Rebecca?"

"Another ring," she whispered.

"The one you should have had six years ago."

"Oh, Travis."

She watched as he tugged her ruby ring free of her left hand and tried to slide the band in place. She had to help him.

"Do you want this on with it, or on the other hand?"

"The other hand," she replied instantly.

Travis examined both of her hands when the rings were in place and then kissed the back of Rebecca's ring hand. He then cuddled her against him.

"Do you know what I wish?" he asked softly.

"What?"

"That I'd moved this sofa weeks ago."

Rebecca would have laughed all over again, but Travis was kissing her. She could feel the weight of the gold band on her hand, even as she was very ware of the man who held her.

His wife. I'm going to be Travis Buchanan's wife.

"I'm nervous about this dinner tonight."

Travis turned from the mirror where he'd been tying his tie into place.

'"Why."
"I don't know. What if the boys get rambunctious and break something?" "The boys are doing great. I know that's not going to happen."

"But
maybe Robert and Eddie are not used to children, and they'll—"

Travis came to her. "Rebecca, honey, Garrett and Wyatt already know Robert and Eddie. They
see them every week."