The ashes were still shouldering in the place where her cabin had once stood. It was gone. Nothing was left standing. Nothing. Everything was gone. Tears flowed down her dusty face as she collapsed into the dirt, her energy spent, her wounds burning from the red clay grit. Now what should she do? Where should she go? The townspeople had shunned her, Ralph was dead, her house was gone, her hands were burned, Roberts was surely out to collect his due, and Bergmann was likely next in line to demand payment. She felt totally numb and didn’t hear the hoof beats nearing her. Gentle hands scooped her up from the ground and cradled her head into a firm shoulder.
“Shhh. It’s okay. We saved all your things. You are safe.” Dirk held her tightly, wishing she hadn’t discovered the destruction until he had broken the news to her. She had suffered enough at the hands of these people. His heart almost exploded as he mentally concocted a plan. A very good plan, as he was sure he could fall in love with this copper haired minx. “Shhh. Careful with your hands. We need to get you home and get them bathed and dressed. You don’t want them to become infected, Blaze Ann. You scared the life out of me when I came home and you were gone. I realized then I could not live without you.”
Her heart stopped. Could he possibly care for her as she did for him? She startled even herself with that admission. She was falling for Dirk Bergmann and hadn’t even realized it. Her shoulders shook in a racking sob and he held her closer. She could not allow herself the luxury of love. It just wasn’t in her future.
After they arrived back at his home, Mrs. Arp cut her a disapproving look as she cleaned and tended her hands in the sunny kitchen. The freshly burned skin had not been ready for such abuse and even though the ministrations were tender, they were very painful.
“I...I’m sorry. I thought I needed to leave because I am a hindrance to you and Mr. Bergmann, then when I went to town, Mrs. Finch called me... called me...” A broken breath halted her sentence.
“Now don’t you worry about those snooty people. I’ve heard what they have been saying. They don’t have a clue. They’d better not throw stones because we all live in glass houses. Hush now. The most important thing is for you to heal. Mr. Bergmann has been worried out of his mind about you, Miss Ward. You just would not believe what...”
“How are you?” Dirk entered just in time to break off the conversation before Mrs. Arp revealed too much.
“I’m feeling much better, thank you. I’m afraid I have set myself back quite a bit by removing those bandages.”
“As long as we keep the wounds clean, I think it will be fine, but you are going to need someone to take care of you.” A teasing glint sparked his eye. “And I’ve volunteered for the job. Permanently.” He dropped to one knee. “Blaze Ann Marie Ward, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Whaaaa?” She could not believe her ears. “Wife? Are you sure?”
“I have never been so sure of something in all my life. From the moment I saw you in that bed when you were injured, it all made sense.
“I don’t want your pity.” She stated plainly.
“I do not pity you.” He countered. “I admire you. I applaud you. I adore you.” He continued. “Please, be my wife.” In one hand he held a gold ring with a large square cut emerald in the center. “Blaze Ann...” His version of her name was like a prayer on his lips.
“But how can you be sure? What made you...? This is a big decision...”
“I have never been so sure of anything in my life. We have much in common and it will be a good union.”
It was not what she hoped for, but she supposed it would have to be enough. With an open mind and hope for the future, she replied. “Yes. Yes I’ll marry you.”
A wave of relief spread over his face. Lacing the ring on a soft creamy white ribbon, he placed it around her wrist. “I will be happy when the day comes that you can wear it.” His words were whispered tenderly in her ear.
Mrs. Arp had a tear of happiness in her eye. “When can we expect the happy day to arrive?”
“Tonight.” Dirk replied calmly. “I was hoping I wasn’t over confident, but I already have everything arranged.” He turned back to Ann. “Can you be ready by eight?”
Startled, she sputtered any excuse that came to mind. “I don’t have anything to wear...”
“I have already taken care of that, my dear.”
In a daze, Ann walked back to her room. It had all happened so quickly. What was his motive? Why was he willing to marry her? She owned nothing of value. She was worthless, and even more so in the eyes of the township. Her worries were stopped cold as she spied the dress spread across the bed.
“Oh Lordy, Miss Ward, he must love you very much already.” Mrs. Arp exclaimed as she ran her hand over the pale cream colored silk. Matching lace trimmed slippers peeped out from under the hem of it as it was draped over the side of the bed, and the finely sheer veil placed to the side was of the softest weave.
“Love me?” Ann’s puzzlement was obvious.
“Love you. No question about it. I’ve been around that man since he was in knickers and I’ve never seen him give a woman a second glance. When he first saw you in that bed all weak and pale after the accident, his whole demeanor changed. It was like he found himself by finding you. I just can’t explain it. Love at first sight. That’s it. Love at first sight. You will have some story to tell your children.”
At the mention of children, Ann felt herself go numb. She was going to have to submit to the marriage act. But at least she would be married instead of a mistress. It was a small measure of comfort, but still didn’t calm her apprehension.