“All right.”
“You need to get that girl some clothes.”
“Rebecca?”
“Of course, Rebecca! She can’t keep wearing dresses that are too small.”
Travis hadn’t noticed that his wife’s dresses were too small, and his look must have said as much because Lavena was on him again.
“And those boys. They’re both outgrowing their pants, and all their socks have holes. Are you listening to me, Travis?”
“I’m listening, Lavena, but why don’t you say something to Rebecca. She could get herself some clothes.”
“I’ve said things, but she won’t listen. Now are you going to take care of that girl or not?”
“Lavena, why would I insist that Rebecca needs clothes if she doesn’t think she does?”
He watched her hands curl into fists at her side. She was really upset.
“She’s different now. She’s trying to gauge what you want. And if you don’t show some interest in her clothing, she won’t think you care.”
“How do you know all this?” Travis eyed her suspiciously. “Has she talked to you?”
“She doesn’t have to,” Lavena insisted. “I just know.”
Travis’ hand went to the back of his neck. Things were going great between him and Rebecca. The last thing he wanted to do was mess everything up by telling her he thought she needed new clothes.
“I’m going to work,” Travis decided.
“You’re not going to do it, are you?” Lavena was clearly disgusted. Travis ignored her and continued toward the door. “Isn’t that just like a man.” Lavena was not finished. “He doesn’t like the conversation so he just ups and walks away.”
Travis spun back in a hurry. There were times when he allowed Lavena to infuriate him, and now was just such an occasion. He walked back to within five feet of her and speared her with his eyes. Her own gaze met his unflinchingly.
“I’ll talk to Rebecca when you go out with Colin North.”
He shocked her, but only for a moment. Her chin went into the air.
“Then you’d better prepare your speech. I’m having lunch with Colin today.”
With her chin still in the air, Lavena turned to the stove and breakfast preparation for the twins, who would soon be rising. Otherwise she would have seen that she’d astounded her boss into a speechless stare.
“Travis, is something bothering you?”
It was evening, and husband and wife were in their usual places before the fire. Travis looked at Rebecca’s hesitant expression and thought he could wring Lavena’s neck.
“Not exactly,” he hedged.
Rebecca continued to look at him.
“Have I done something?”
“No,” Travis was quick to reassure her. “It’s just that Lavena mentioned something to me, and I’m a little hesitant to say anything.”
Rebecca cocked her head to one side. “You think I’ll be upset?”
“I think you’ll tell me I have ulterior motives.”
Rebecca was overcome with curiosity.
“What did she say?”
Travis took a breath. “She said you need new clothes. She said your dresses are too small.”
Rebecca blushed and looked at her lap. “They are small.” Her voice was low. “I’m more filled out now than before the twins were born. You haven’t noticed?”
“No. I couldn’t see your figure in the other dresses, and now—” Travis cut off, afraid that if he told her a wife’s curves were delightful to her husband, he’d really be in trouble.
“And now what?”
Travis hesitated. “I like the way you look.”
“Why were you afraid to tell me that?”
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.
42
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 a
s 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 cat.
“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 aware 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.”
“Oh, that’s right.”
“Do you think they’ll really like me, Travis? I mean, I don’t go to your church and—”
“Rebecca.” He said her name only once, but his serious tone and the way he took her face in his hand stopped every word.
“Robert and Eddie Langley are my closest friends,” he said as he looked into her eyes. “They were thrilled when they learned you had come back to me. You’ve already met Robert, and Eddie is very sweet. There is nothing to worry about.”
Rebecca nodded but didn’t look convinced.
“What if my dress is all wrong?”
“Your dress is almost as lovely as you are.”
“You’re just saying that,” Rebecca told him.
Travis had to laugh and shake his head. “What am I going to do with you?” He kissed her before going back to his tie.
“Can we eat now?” Wyatt interrupted from the door.
“No,” Rebecca told him, glad to have the subject changed. “You’ll spoil your supper.”
“What is Eddie serving?”
“Eddie? Do they call her Eddie, Travis?”
“No,” Travis said easily, and then frowned. “At least I don’t think they do.”
This seemed to make Rebecca more nervous than ever. She had forgotten that the boys were acquainted with the Langleys. Travis said it didn’t matter about church, but was that true? He felt that way, but did the Langleys share the feeling? It continued to be a worry. By the time they arrived at the Langley home, Rebecca had made herself good and sick.
“Why didn’t you tell me she was expecting?” Rebecca whispered almost two hours later.
“Who, Eddie?” Travis’ voice was just as low.
“Of course, Eddie. I can’t believe you failed to mention that.”
“I must have forgotten.”
Rebecca looked exasperated. They were making their way from the dining room to the living room for coffee and had just a few moments together. Travis had thought he would need this time to ask if Rebecca was all right, but there was no need. She and Eddie had taken to each other instantly.
Not until they arrived did Travis see how low a view of herself Rebecca had. Eddie had wanted to know all about pregnancy and raising babies. At first Rebecca had been too surprised to say much, but Travis could see a change in her when she realized how much she had to offer.
“This house is beautiful,” Rebecca commented as she and Travis became comfortable on the settee.
“Yes, it is.” Travis’ head tipped back as he looked around. “It has more of a feminine touch than our house.”
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Rebecca nodded in agreement.
“You could make changes, you know.”
Rebecca turned to him. “At the ranch?”
“Sure. I think it will always be on the rustic side, but it would be just as easy to display teacups as guns.”
Rebecca chuckled. The face he had made to accompany his statement struck her as funny. With the laugh, Travis wanted to kiss her. He was pulling her close when they were joined by their host and hostess. Rebecca’s face flamed, and she took several moments to adjust the skirt of her dress.
“Where did the boys head to?” Travis asked, trying not to laugh at his wife’s chagrin.
“They wanted to eat dessert in the kitchen. Robert put some old wooden toys out there. I’m sure they’ll be busy for hours. Rebecca, did you say you like tea?”
“Yes.”
“So do I. I put the kettle on, so it will be a few minutes. Do you want coffee, Travis?”
“If I pass, will I still get dessert?”
The question made Eddie laugh, and Rebecca saw again how close the three of them were. They did nothing to keep her out, but there was a connection among them that she couldn’t quite be a part of. She couldn’t put a name to it, but she could feel it.
“Were you born in Colorado, Rebecca?” Robert asked. It was the first of many questions. Rebecca asked dozens of her own, loving the romantic way Robert and Eddie had met. They talked for the next hour, enjoyed dessert, and then talked on until way too late. The boys were drooping by the time they left, and Rebecca knew they would be crabby in the morning.
“Thank you,” Rebecca said to Eddie as her hostess saw them to the door. “It was a wonderful evening.”
“Let’s do it again.”
“I’d love to. Why don’t you come to the ranch?”
“Name a day.”
“Two weeks from tonight?” Rebecca asked the question tentatively, but Eddie jumped at it.
“It’s a date. Let me know if I can bring something.”
“I’ll do that,” Rebecca said, sounding so pleased that Eddie impulsively hugged her. Rebecca so welcomed the embrace that she wanted to weep for Angel and the friendship they no longer shared. Rebecca left, asking herself if Eddie would ever be that type of friend. Not that Rebecca could honestly say that Angel would be there through thick or thin; after all, she had refused to take the boys. Already the letters between them had tapered off to nothing. Still Rebecca’s question lingered: Would she ever feel as close to Eddie as she had to Angel?