The Heart of a Soiled Dove (6 page)

To Aurora’s delight, the Reverend stayed in town an extra three days for Roman and Carrie Anne’s wedding. A wreath made from the nature of fall hung in front of the bride and groom’s table; elegant pillar candles lined the top of it. Little pots of wild flowers adorned makeshift tables laden with a lavish feast, making for a completely satisfying wedding. Carrie Anne was beaming radiantly in her simple, white lace dress. Roman gazed with longing at her, and when she echoed Reverend John Palmer’s “I do,” Christopher shouted, “Hallelujah” and they all had quite a celebratory chuckle.

The only thing which appeared out of place to Aurora was that she and Donovan Ramsey had been asked to stand with the couple. The solitary reason she hadn’t clocked him on the side of the head for his glowering look was because Reverend John was present. But she did begin to wonder if that was forever an expression of Donovan’s. What did he have against weddings anyway? Or was it just happiness in general?

After a simple band was placed onto Carrie Anne’s slender finger, Reverend John announced them as husband and wife. Finally, a kiss sealed the union. The mostly male guests hooted and hollered. Aurora thought Carrie Anne might die from all of the attention. They were all four in a semi-circle, holding Aurora hostage to Donovan’s intense presence.

Roman turned to Donovan. “Thanks for standing with me.”

“It’s my honor.”

“No hard feelings, then?” Roman asked.

Aurora noted Donovan’s thin smile, which spread the light growth of his beard. “I don’t understand why you don’t bring your bride to my ranch. She would have a much better go of it at the Double R. It’s plenty big that you could build out of sight from the main house.”

“Don’t think I hadn’t thought of that, but Carrie Anne likes where she’s at.”

Donovan scowled irritably, as if all women brought nothing but trouble and interference.

Suddenly the air was filled with popping sounds as bottles of imported champagne were opened. Foam slid down the hands of the openers and now the bride and groom were expected to start a toast. Roman and Carrie Anne acquiesced to the pressure, leaving Donovan and Aurora at unexplainable odds and alone with each other.

Unable to hold her tongue, Aurora asked, “Are you not happy for Roman?”

Donovan looked at her squarely. “I’m not glad to see him go if that’s what you mean – he was my top hand.”

Aurora flinched. “I never meant to take him from you.”

“You seem to like taking things away from me.”

“That’s not fair, or true.”

“You have yet to prove otherwise.”

Aurora had a nice retort at the ready but Roman had called her over to their table. She made herself pleasant and accepted a flute of champagne. Since Roman’s toast was directed towards her, she forced a smile and looked at the guests.

“I must thank this woman first and foremost for keeping my bride safe and sound in my absence. And for plucking her out from the hands of this town.”

“Here! Here!”

As other rounds of toasting went around, Aurora scoured the place for Emmy, who seemed to have disappeared. And although Donovan and his words weighed heavy on her, she determined his actions would not mar Carrie Anne’s day. Soon enough a fiddler and a violinist made the atmosphere even merrier and Aurora let herself be led around the dance floor to be spun thither and fro by multiple partners. She became breathless, but that was expected when there was a shortage of the female gender. Her current partner swung her round and round, and when the music stopped for a shift in song, she gasped, “I’m going to sit down, Luke.”

He replied with sincerity, “You’re letting me down.”

“And for that, I apologize. But I’m plumb out of breath.”

Luke exaggerated a forlorn look and she teasingly hit his arm. “Stop that. I’ll catch my breath soon enough.”

He relaxed against the wall. “I’ll be waiting.”

Reverend John approached Aurora. “You seem to be enjoying yourself.”

None to gracefully, she collapsed onto a nearby bench. “I am. I’m grateful you were able to perform the ceremony.”

“May I?” He sat down next to her. “I tend to perform weddings, baptisms and funerals on my circuit. People stock up.”

She took him in and everything in her wanted to know why he wasn’t married with a family of his own. He was fine built, handsome and sincerely kind-hearted. Instead of voicing her thought, contrary to her nature, she said, “It’s a shame you cannot build a church here. I suppose you’re needed everywhere.”

“Itinerant preachers are needed yes, but I don’t build here because of funding. I would love to settle down one of these days. In His timing, I will.”

“Why Pine City?”

“I was born and raised not ten miles away.” He gazed at their surroundings. “I love this part of the country.”

“I’ve loved it from the moment I arrived,” she agreed. “The people can be challenging at times, but I’ve come to know my land and can’t imagine this place not being my home forever.”

She caught him studying her and caught her breath. He asked the dreaded question, “What did bring you here?”

Aurora couldn’t lie to a preacher. “Well, I… I needed to find another home. My mentor died and I needed to leave my past. Begin anew you could say.”

“I’m glad you did, Miss Young. Nothing wrong with leaving the past behind. As you know, scripture talks about letting the past remain behind and looking forward to the future. God has plans for all of us. He’s faithful.”

“Yes, he is.”

“Now, I best be on my way. Thomas Milford is expecting me to perform his wedding ceremony and you know him… I would not want to uh, delay his ceremony. I will see you soon.”

“Reverend John?”

“Yes?”

“Your collar. Here, allow me to fix it. There, now you’re presentable.” She drew away from him and waved good-bye.

Aurora went to the punch bowl only to run into Donovan, who promptly pierced her with a distasteful look. Enough was enough. She hadn’t done anything. “You are still angry that I purchased the land you wanted.” She lifted her chin as she ladled punch into the crystal teacup.

“There’s plenty more land out there that I will own someday.”

“Well then, what have I done to make you hate me so?” Why did she even care what he thought?

“You flatter yourself to think I think anything of you at all.”

“Then please tell me what else I’ve done.”

“Just because I don’t succumb to your relentless and flirtatious behavior like Luke and the Reverend there, doesn’t mean I despise you.” His stance shifted, as if it took all he could to stand there in her presence.

“I only want to know what I do that does bother you so.”

What could he say? That she had been too deep in his thoughts since the moment she’d stood next to him in her overconfident way, presenting to Mr. Clawson a wad of cash for land that he’d wanted? That not too long ago, when he’d decided to let go of pride and pay a visit to her ranch, he’d come upon a scene where his men sat around comfortably in her presence? That image had ruined any notion to officially welcome his beautiful neighbor to town. He’d wanted a new introduction, one where he wasn’t angry about the land deal. But he was a guarded man; he did things differently, cautiously. Looking into Aurora’s imploring face before him, he’d wanted to soften his attitude towards her – but if he did, he’d have to fight off a plethora of suitors. Donovan wasn’t about to compete for her attentions.

As he looked upon her clear blue eyes and weighed his words, the crowd began cheering for the wedding party to have a dance. He cursed beneath his breath. Too late he realized Aurora had taken his response to mean he wasn’t too happy to dance with her. Before he could amend his reaction he saw a shattered look wash over her pretty face. Clearly she hadn’t wanted to dance with him and her panic-stricken look told the entire crowd as much. Until this moment, he’d done a fine job of holding his temper in check.

“Come on you two. Join us.” Roman had his bride in his arms on the dance floor.

Donovan tossed a half-smile to Roman, and set all burning thoughts aside.

“Well? I’m not going to ruin this for them.”

It was hardly an invitation and still she returned in kind, “Nor I.”

He’d had braced himself, expecting resistance. Haughtiness. Not – this. She fit perfectly, even peered up at him with open curiosity. He weakened under her gaze. His middle tightened. She was beautiful, strong, and independent. Despite his irritation, a natural force tugged his lips and they lowered with heated instinct. At that moment the song shifted and Donovan came to his senses. No. Aurora Young was a flirt and he would not be drawn into that. Save it for the rest of the bumbling fools around them. Lifting her by her upper arms, he deposited her to the side, and disappeared to get some fresh air.

Emmy finally appeared and in time to watch Donovan move Aurora much like a burlap bag of flour. Aurora steadied herself. “Where have you been?”

“Do you think Donovan handsome?” Emmy asked observing his departure and dodging Aurora’s obvious concern.

“The only thought I’ve given about him is how incorrigible, moody and unpleasant he is.”

“Well then, here I was beginning to think you didn’t care for him at all,” Emmy teased.

“Well?” Aurora persisted.

Emmy’s eyes narrowed defiantly. “I didn’t know I needed to report on everything I do. I’m a grown woman, same as you.”

Why did everyone feel the need to walk away from her? She watched Emmy sashay inappropriately around the room. What had gotten into that girl? Then she met Donovan’s eyes briefly as he neared the door. Running away from her, too, no doubt.

She couldn’t help but consider his blatant disregard. At least Aurora knew why Thatcher Poe didn’t like her. It would have been easier to have an answer explaining the why, where Donovan was concerned. Mixed messages didn’t set well with Aurora. She knew passion when she saw it, and he’d failed to hide his during their dance. The Lord above knew more than anyone Aurora’s lack of interest in giving herself physically to anyone but her future husband – and she wasn’t desperate for that either. She’d prayed to God – if it be His will to give her a husband – to bring her a man who loved Him more than anything. That was what she wanted in the next and last man she’d ever lie with. Then what was it about Donovan that stirred her so? She supposed it didn’t matter. When it came down to it, she was not good enough for him. He’d made it more than abundantly clear. She’d been so used to attention, used to words of flattery, spoken minute after minute, but it wasn’t what she wanted any more. She despised the life she’d led and all she wanted was to have someone look upon her as she was, not for her body. To see her strengths, stand with her in times of weakness. Yet, she wasn’t getting any respect from Donovan and it drove her crazy with fear of being disliked. Was she that difficult and unacceptable? Suddenly she realized why it stung so much to be rejected by Donovan. It was because he was wrong. His disdain for her was simply unjust. He didn’t even know of her past and still he didn’t care to be around her.

All she wanted was a fair chance. A burning tear threatened. Every other man she’d come in contact with would have given anything to be with her. Without selling herself, she was destined to be alone. Maybe love didn’t come after a body was spent over and over – even if it’d never meant anything.

Luke arrived at her side and her emotions lightened. “I do hope for their happiness.” She sighed, watching Roman and Carrie Anne.

“And I hope for that second dance, now that you have your breath back.”