Xenia’s Renegade (25 page)

Xenia and Ty stopped their horses beside the creek on the south end of one of their seldom-used pastures. Ty helped her dismount, then took the reins and looped them over a low-hanging limb.

Xenia walked toward the creek. “Oh, Ty, this is one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen.”

“I thought you might like it.”

“Could we have a picnic here sometime?”

“I don’t see why not. It’d bring back memories.” He walked up beside her.

“Oh?” She lifted an eyebrow.

He grinned. “When I was a kid, I’d come here with my mother and father on picnics occasionally. Wilt and I had a lot of good times in this spot, too.”

“Did you and he come on picnics?”

He chuckled. “Not hardly, but when we were kids, we’d often come here and play in the water, skip rocks, and even did a little fishing, at times. It was a good place to hide when we didn’t want to do our chores, too.”

“I can’t believe you tried to get out of your chores.”

“Of course I did. Doesn’t every kid?”

She shrugged. “I did, but Mea Ann was always afraid Father would yell at her. She’d even fuss at me when I would do something I wasn’t supposed to do.”

“Like what?”

“Once, I hid all the teapots in the house when mother had invited some guests and insisted on Mea Ann coming into the library when she was going to serve.”

“Oh, my. What a terrible child you were.”

She punched his arm. “I know it’s silly to you, but at the time, I had to endure a terrible punishment when I misbehaved.”

“What kind of punishment?”

“One of the worst I ever had to endure was when I turned thirteen. I had to sit in Father’s study and copy an entire book on works of Shakespeare while my friends were having a good time at the birthday party taking place in the garden. I could see them from the window.”

“I admit that must have been rough on a child.”

“Especially when it was her birthday party.”

He laughed out loud. “You’re kidding.”

She shook her head. “After that, I tried to be good before a birthday.”

He slid his arm around her shoulder. “
Tried
to be good?”

“Yes,
tried
. Sometimes, I succeeded.”

“Can’t say as I blame you for trying.”

“Oh, Ty. I don’t mean to do things to irritate people, but there are times I can’t help it. I guess I’m too impulsive.”

“I have to agree that you’re pretty impulsive. I know you’re the first woman who has ever come right out and proposed to me.”

She grinned. “But you accepted.”

“I was so shocked I don’t think I knew what was happening. It was kind of like riding a runaway horse. You know you should stop it, but you can’t.”

“You could have stopped it at the preacher’s house, but instead, you went through with it without saying a word of complaint.”

“There for a few minutes, I thought you were going to be the one to back out.”

She looked at him. “I honestly thought about it, Ty. I felt like I was pressuring you into something you didn’t want to do. But then we were saying the vows and you put this beautiful ring on my finger, and I never wanted anything more than to marry you.”

“So you married me because of the ring.” He had a twinkle in his eyes.

“I guess in a way, I did. I love the ring.” She held up her hand. “Where did you get such a beautiful piece of jewelry, anyway?”

“It was my grandmother’s. She gave it to me before she died. It was made by the chief of the tribe for his eldest daughter. She wanted me to have it, because I was the oldest grandson.”

Xenia felt her heart swell. “Oh, Ty. That’s wonderful…and you elected to give it to me.”

“It was supposed to be given to the woman I married.”

She looked at the beautiful turquoise stones set in silver. “Is this what you ran in the house to get before we left?”

“Yes.” He smiled at her. “I’m glad you like it.”

“I’ll always cherish it, and someday, it will go to our oldest child.” She looked at him again and tears formed in her eyes. “You’re such a special man. I’m glad you agreed to marry me today.”

He nodded. “Speaking of which, I think it’s time for us to get back to the ranch and face your father with the fact that neither of his daughters are going back to Virginia with him.”

Xenia remembered how special, but quick, their wedding kiss was and she had hoped he’d kiss her while they were at the beautiful area of the creek, but he didn’t. Instead, he untied their horses and helped her to mount. Without saying anything more, they turned and headed toward the ranch house.

****

As they rode forward, Ty couldn’t help feeling pleased about Xenia’s reaction to the ring. He knew one thing about her: she wasn’t good at hiding what she felt, whether or not it was good or bad. He knew her reaction hadn’t been pretend. She really liked it. If she didn’t, why did she say she planned to wear it and pass it on to their child one day? That was, if they ever had a child. He wasn’t sure what she’d meant by marrying him. At first, he thought it’d be a marriage in name only—long enough to send her father back east without her. But she hadn’t said this was what she intended. Now, she’d mentioned having a child. Pretty as she was and as open as she was, he couldn’t completely figure her out. Did her actions mean she intended to stay married to him and give him children? No. This was impossible. She was a white woman.

He then thought of the day he’d showed the ring to Verna McGill. He was proud of it, and thought she’d think it was as special as he did, but her reaction stunned him. She’d told him it looked cheap and like some wild Indian would have worn it. She made it clear she’d never have it on her finger so he might as well buy her a pretty gold one before they even thought of setting a wedding day. He’d been disappointed by her reaction, but had swallowed his pride and put it away. He never mentioned the ring to her again.

Was this the reason he ran in the house to get the ring before taking Xenia to the preacher? Did he want to test her to see if she was as shallow as Verna? No doubt, it was part of the reason he got it. Another was that deep down, he knew if she refused to wear the ring, he’d call the wedding off. But she only smiled as he put the ring on her finger. At the time, he couldn’t help wondering what she really thought. Now, he knew. Xenia thought the ring was as special as he did.

Damn. If this woman keeps doing things like this, I’m going to end up falling in love with her whether I want to or not. That is, if I’m not a little in love with her already.

Before he could erase these thoughts with the many reasons why he couldn’t love Xenia, the ranch house came into view and she reined her horse next to his.

Stopping beside her, Ty asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I’m losing my nerve.”

He gave her a half smile. “Don’t do that. I’ll be with you.”

“Promise?”

“Yes, Xenia. I promise. Now, let’s get in there and face your parents. It won’t be as bad as you think.”

“Are you sure?”

His dark eyes look deep into her blue ones. “I am very sure.”

She nodded. “Thank you, Ty. I believe you.”

“You’re welcome.” He reached over and took her hand and squeezed it. “Remember. I’m your husband now, and I’ll support you.”

She returned the squeeze. “With your support, I know I can face him no matter how angry he gets.”

It surprised him as much as it did her when he leaned over and brushed her lips with his. Drawing back before he pulled her off the horse, crushed her against him, and kissed her the way he wanted to, he asked, “Ready?”

She smiled at him and nodded. “Yes, Ty. Thanks to you, I’m ready.”

****

Chapa turned when the kitchen door opened. “Well, it’s about time you two got back. It’s the middle of the afternoon and you missed dinner.”

Xenia smiled at her. “That’s alright, Chapa. The Russells insisted we eat with them.”

Chapa frowned. “The only Russells I know are the preacher and his wife.”

Ty grinned, too. “Those are the ones Xenia is talking about.”

“Why in the world did you go to their house?”

Xenia held out her left hand. “For this reason.”

Chapa’s frown slowly turned into a grin. “Does that mean you two got married?”

“Yes, Aunt Chapa. That’s exactly what it means.”

“Hallelujah.”

Xenia was surprised that Chapa was so enthusiastic. “I’m glad you’re pleased.”

Ty leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Thanks. It’s great to have your support.”

“Why, son. I’ve known you and Xenia were meant for each other the first night you brought her into the house. I’m surprised it took you this long to realize it.”

Xenia glanced at Ty and he winked at her. She gave him a slight smile and turned back to Chapa. “I understand my parents are here.”

“Yes, they are. After dinner, they went into Mea Ann and Wilt’s parlor.”

Ty raised an eyebrow. “You fed them?”

“Of course. It was time to eat, and I wasn’t going to have everyone eating and not invite them to eat, too.” She chuckled. “Didn’t surprise me when Mrs. Poindexter accepted, but I was a little taken aback when Mr. Poindexter did. He seemed to enjoy it, too.”

“Nobody could help but enjoy your food, Chapa.”

“Thank you, Xenia. Now, why don’t we go into the parlor and let your parents know you’re back? They’ve been waiting for you to return.”

“Thank you, Chapa.” She bit her lip and her heart began to race.

Ty took her hand as they followed Chapa through the door that connected to the parlor. She felt his squeeze, and it relaxed her a little.

Xenia knew her voice shook as she said, “Hello, Mother. Father.”

Clara jumped up, handed Johnny to Mea Ann, and hurried toward them with outstretched arms. “Xenia, dear. I’m so happy to see you. I was afraid you had run away.”

“It’s good to see you, too, Mother.”

Franklin stood. “I’m glad you’re finally here, Xenia. Now, it’s time get your things together so we can get out of here. I want to get back to town before dark.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I came here—”

Clara interrupted him. “He thought he was going to come out to this ranch and scoop you girls up and head back to Virginia. Then, he found out Mea Ann was married and has no plans to return home with us. He finally realizes there is no way he can convince her to leave her husband and that precious baby, so he’s waited here to insist you come with us.”

“I’m not going back to Virginia with you, Mother.”

“And why not?” Franklin bellowed.

“There’s no need to yell, Franklin.” Clara looked at him. “I’m sure Xenia will change her mind.”

“No, I won’t, Mother. You see, Mea Ann isn’t the only one married. I’d like for you to meet my husband, Tyler Eldridge. We all call him Ty.”

Clara glared at her. “Did you and Mea Ann both get married last night?”

“No, Mother. Ty and I were married today.”

“Oh, Xenia!” Mea Ann jumped up and ran to her sister. “Are you telling the truth?”

“I sure am. Ty has the license in his pocket. It’s all legal and everything.”

Wilt moved across the room and slapped Ty on the back. “So you actually did it?”

Ty nodded. “I sure did.”

“No. This can’t be happening.” Franklin grabbed his head.

“Pay no attention to him, Ty.” Clara reached out her hand. “Though I have to admit I’m surprised by your news, I’m glad to meet you.”

“I’m glad to meet you, too, Mrs. Poindexter.”

“Please. I’ve already settled with Wilt to call me Clara, and I expect you to do the same thing.”

“I’m honored, ma’am.”

“I’m telling you, girls, I don’t think I’ve ever met men any more polite than these two.”

Franklin dropped back into the rocking chair and added nothing to the conversation, but Xenia knew he wasn’t through with his objections. She didn’t know what he’d try to do, but it would be something—and it would be coming soon.

She was right.

There was a lull in the conversation and Franklin stood. “Well, since your marriage only took place today, there will be no problem in getting it annulled. We’ll go into town and see a lawyer. I assume there is a lawyer in this little town. If you can even call it that.”

“There will be no annulment of my marriage.” Ty glared at the man.

“I don’t see that you have any say in the matter. Xenia is my daughter, and she’ll do as I tell her to do. And I say she’ll have an annulment by the end of tomorrow.”

“No, Father. I will not.”

“Listen, daughter.” He turned and glared at her. “I don’t want to embarrass you, but it was too late to insist on Mea Ann giving up her husband. After all, they spent the night together. But you haven’t had your wedding night yet, so there is no problem.”