Free Her Wyoming Man by Cheryl St.john Page A

drawer to pull out a flat wooden box. Setting it on top of the chest of drawers, he opened it and took a breath before picking up the wedding portrait of himself and Deborah.
    He could answer his own question of what he’d been thinking. He’d rushed into marriage the first time, that’s why he’d vowed to take things more slowly with Ella.
    Deborah had been so young, so unprepared for the life he’d unwittingly led her into. Filled with starry-eyed dreams and lofty expectations, she’d followed along, believing that every young girl’s dream of a husband and family was coming true to her liking.
    She’d taken one look at the sorry excuse for a town, and disappointment had swept her features into numb shock. He’d promised that they’d only be at the hotel until their house was built, and then they’d furnish it with all the comforts of home. And they had.
    Turning, he studied the lustrous dark woodwork, the walnut, four-poster bed and the tall, hand-carved chifforobe. The entire house was filled with beautiful furniture, luxurious carpets and draperies. Deborah had been appreciative, but she’d never seemed at home. All the material things in the world couldn’t buy a person’s happiness.
    She’d loved him, he was certain, but she’d reserved her affections for the children. She’d been an outstanding mother and a loving caregiver, preferring to stay home and keep the children near. He’d encouraged her to make friends and join the ladies’ groups, but she’d attended rarely and then only to please him.
    The reminder of her discontent would serve to quell his lusty ideas about his new wife. He set the frame on top of the bureau and took a long hard look at Deborah’s deceptively serene face, reminded of the discontent that eroded every hope he’d ever had about their marriage.
    This new marriage was nothing like that, and he would keep it that way. Ella had chosen to come to Sweetwater on her own. She’d set her sights on a husband before she’d ever met him, so he hadn’t pulled her away from anywhere or anyone preferable. Still, coming here was a big adjustment, and taking a husband an even bigger one.
    Yes, Ella welcomed his kisses, but the two of them had yet to advance to the reality of intimate dealings between man and wife. She was still caught up in the romance of marriage. The last thing he wanted to rush was her disillusionment when she discovered the physical aspect. Memories of Deborah were all it took to assure him he was using wisdom with his choice to wait. In the end, time would be his friend.

    “I owe you an apology,” Nathan said to her the following morning. He’d been waiting in the hall when she’d exited her room in hopes of reaching the kitchen before the meal was prepared and everyone seated at the table.
    “Whatever for?” she asked.
    “Our marriage came up unexpectedly, and I didn’t plan for a honeymoon—or even time away from my job. I promise we’ll take a trip as soon as I can arrange something.”
    She’d read a few newspapers with wedding announcements and recognized now that newly wedded couples often took a holiday after the ceremony. “I know you weren’t prepared,” she answered. “I didn’t expect a trip.”
    “I understand if you’re disappointed, but we can plan something together this way.”
    “Nathan,” she said, resting her hand on the sleeve of his serge suit coat. “I assure you I wasn’t expecting a honeymoon trip. I don’t need a trip. I traveled quite a distance to get here. I’m not in a hurry to leave.”
    “But it would be a pleasant diversion if we plan a honeymoon together?” he asked.
    “Yes, of course.”
    “Anywhere you like,” he assured her.
    “All right. We’ll talk about it. I hoped to help Charlotte with breakfast this morning. Am I too late?”
    “No, but perhaps you won’t mind helping Grace instead. Mrs. Shippen won’t be here for another half hour. The boys are up and dressed, but Grace was more