Oh God, what was wrong with her. Had she really married this man? Had she really repeated his words. Why hadn't she thrown a fit, made a scene, something, instead of meekly repeating the words that made them man and wife?
How could she tell him he'd made a huge mistake, she wasn't his bride to be! The people crowded around them as they began making it back down the aisle.
She'd done it now! All hell was about to break loose, the minute she opened her mouth. But in her defense with a church full of onlookers, and such a handsome man at her side, prodding her onward how could she stop the obvious wedding. And the way he kissed her, had her more than a little rattled. When he released her, his eyes were shining into hers.
Then it dawned on her that she'd said, 'I do', she'd really said it, and the people crowded around to congratulate them, none of which she knew, and suddenly the room spun, and she fainted against him.
It was a welcome void!
She was lying on some kind of bed when she woke up and he was sitting by her side. This handsome as sin, man sat holding her hand, and smiling at her as she came to. "You fainted, I guess I rushed you too much. I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'm kind of new at the husband thing, but I'll get the hang of it soon."
She licked her lips, when it dawned on her what had happened. What could she say, she was married?
May the Saints slap her dead, she was married!
The man sitting by her side now was terribly handsome, with black hair that was full and thick and warm brown eyes, and a smile as big as Texas on his lips. She was instantly attracted. Who wouldn't be, he looked like one of those finely dressed manikins in the store windows?
But my God, I've lost my mind! Wake up girl, this isn't a fairytale, you are married to this handsome brute!
The man had more than his fair share of good looks, and as he stared down into her face, she saw concern. It began to sink in now, and pure terror had her standing and backing up. She had just married this man and she didn't even know his name.
"I guess you are anxious to get home now, aren't you?"
"Yes, I guess I am." She murmured dully.
"Well, we aren't going home yet. I've got us the best suite in the best hotel here in town. We'll have a wonderful dinner, and tomorrow we'll go to the rodeo and there will be a parade in town, and I'll show you the best of Ft. Worth, I promise. You've come a long way, and I want you to like your new home, in Texas."
She closed her eyes and swallowed hard. She didn't know how to correct this, and every moment she was silent seemed to intensify the situation. She had to tell him he'd made a mistake, but how?
Well hell's bells girl, say something!
But what could she say? How could she explain her own actions? Or inaction? This was a mess and one she wasn't sure she could get out of. But this man had her in a tizzy. He took control of her, and that usually wasn't an easy feat for any man.
It was just too embarrassing to believe. She didn't want to lose a job she had counted on having, but she was going to have to tell this man just how big a mistake this was and send him on his way. She had a ranch to get to, work to get to. She couldn't allow herself to indulge in this fantasy.
"You're very quiet. I expected you to be a little shy, from your letters and all. But you'll warm up to me."
"I hate to tell you this, but there's been a huge mistake." She began.
"Aw, now, I know this is sudden, and I kind of took you by storm at the station, but the church was waiting. Your train was late, and I was beginning to panic. For a while there I thought maybe you'd changed your mind. I sure am glad you didn't. I know I rushed you inside the church but honey, the entire church had waited an hour on your train. And it was you that insisted we had to get married before we went to the ranch. Everything was waiting on us and I had to rush you. I hope you understand."
She started to tell him, but someone knocked on the door.
She didn't need interruptions, she needed to get out of here!
A man stood at the door, well dressed and young, "The preacher wants to lockup now, Mr. Rogers. I took both your bags over to the hotel, and everything is set. Is she alright now?"
"Yes, she just fainted. Thanks, Martin, for taking care of it for us. Martin, this is Priscilla!"
"Very pleased to finally meet you, ma'am." The young man said. "See ya later Lance."
Lance Rogers?
Her mind went into thinking gear once more.
Her employer!
Her heart stopped.