Chapter 3

Megan

Megan looked in the mirror one last time and adjusted her hat again and smoothed back a lock of her wavy auburn hair. She had pulled it neatly up into curls and pinned it into place, leaving tendrils on the sides to frame her face. As a final thought, she pinched her cheeks for color.

"Gather your belongings!" The steward's voice bellowed, his heavy footfalls resonating down the hallway. "We will arrive in Laramie soon!"

After she buried her brother, Megan went to see Madame Samantha Chase, Matchmaker, to answer the ad. She had never done anything this insane before, but she hadn't had much choice. Megan had her doubts about marrying a man she had never met before, but her situation was dire. If it hadn't been for the kindness of Trent Jericho, she wouldn't have even been able to afford to bury her brother. In a short time she had come to realize that, although money wasn't everything, it was important to survival. Perhaps more important than love. Now, she had to make a change in her life and this one was the best option. So, she cast caution to the wind and made her decision.

Megan wanted a life with a husband, children, and protection, just as she had promised her brother. After she answered the ad, everything happened so fast it made Megan's head spin. Madame Chase had her go immediately to a photographer, where she posed in an uncomfortable position for a photograph. Then once she heard from Mr. King, Madame Chase had sent a carriage for her and Megan's adventure began. Madame Chase was kind and had taken her out of the tenement, insisting that she stay with her in her fine home until Megan left for Whiskey River.

Madame Chase had even bought her a new dress, courtesy of Mr. King, and allowed her to bathe. She even gave her a room to stay in until she left… all to herself. That night, Megan had the first decent night's sleep that she had had in a very long time.

The next morning over breakfast, Madame Chase had instructed her that the train would leave in three days and that she was to stay with her until then. During that time, she had given her the fine points of etiquette and society, right down to how to use the silverware and in what order, and how to properly pour tea, among other things.

When the day came for her to leave, the thought of leaving Liam behind was crushing, but she knew that he wasn't really in New York and that she would carry him with her in her heart no matter where she went. But she owed it to Liam to go on with her life.

On the train, Dallas King had spared no expense. Everything was first class all the way, from the spacious cabin to the meals. The waiter had offered her caviar, which she had never had before. She had her doubts when she found out that it was fish eggs but tried it anyway. To her delight, she liked the salty flavor. But the money and grandeur would take some getting used to. At least she would be saved from the fate of her parents and her brother.

Megan just hoped that the man she was betrothed to was a good man, one who would treat her with kindness, and who would care for her and their future children.

As a mail-order bride, at least she wouldn't have to worry about love. After all, she had lost every person in the world that she had ever loved. She didn't know if her heart could take falling in love with a man and then losing him, too.

When they arrived in Laramie, Megan's heart pounded as the train started to slow and then lurched to a stop. She looked in the mirror one last time and smoothed her new dress. It was green, setting off her auburn hair. She had just one other dress, a work dress, in the pillowcase that she still carried. She just hoped that Dallas would see her for who she was on the inside and not for what she wore.

"Well, this is it!" she said aloud as she screwed up her courage, adjusted the matching hat, and picked up the pillowcase carrying all of her worldly possessions. Then she opened the door and strolled down the hallway toward her new life, joining the other disembarking passengers.

"Here you go, miss!" The conductor happily held out his hand to help her off the train.

She nodded her thanks as butterflies beat against the walls of her stomach. Cool air rushed to her as her feet touched the wooden platform. Her eyes traveled around, and she spotted the banker, Mr. King, right away, just from the description that Madame Chase had given her. He had impeccably groomed blond hair along with the immaculate light gray suit he wore. Megan's breath caught. She had never seen a man so handsome before. He was standing by a fine carriage and had two other men with him. One was the driver, and she figured that the other may be a guard. Megan's heart stopped as their eyes met and a smile curled Dallas's lips, revealing a dimple in one of his cheeks.

Dallas quickly closed the distance between them and offered her his hand. To her surprise, a surge of electricity ran through her body at his touch. She had hoped that she would like him, but she hadn't expected her body to react this way.

"Well, your photograph didn't do you justice. You are quite breathtaking." He lifted her hand to his lips, bringing a blush to her cheeks.

"Thank ye," she replied. "‘Tis a pleasure to meet ye."

A smile spread across his lips. "I assure you, the pleasure is all mine." He offered her his arm. "Did you bring any luggage with you?"

She clutched the pillowcase that held all of hers and her brother's worldly possessions. Megan held it up. "No, this is it."

"Well, we'll have to remedy that." Every emotion flitted across his face, unfathomable to read since she didn't know him yet. "Shall we?" Dallas offered her his arm. "Preacher Henley is waiting to marry us today in Whiskey River. I would have had the preacher here in Laramie marry us, but I wanted Preacher Henley to do the honor. Is that agreeable to you?"

"Yes, of course." After all, she had come to Wyoming to marry him, hadn't she?

She took his arm, her heart pounding wildly as he led her to his carriage. He helped her inside like a true gentleman. The two other men climbed to the top of the carriage, and Dallas slid in beside her and took her hand, sending another wave of electricity through her. Never had she felt such attraction to a man before, especially someone she had just met.

"I trust your trip went well?" he asked, his blue eyes sparkling.

"Very well, thank ye."

"And how did you find the accommodations?" He arched an eyebrow, awaiting her answer.

A smile spread across her lips. "Wonderful, thank ye. In fact, ye didn't need to go to so much trouble fer me."

He chuckled. "‘Twas no trouble at all." He curled his hand around hers.

She let out a nervous laugh. "I guess I'm just not used to such fine things."

Dallas smiled. "Well, you'd better get used to it. As my wife, I'll see to it that you have the best of everything."

She nodded, but her smile faded. "Thank ye." She would have been satisfied with a roof over her head and food in her stomach, but she had never expected him to lavish such treasures on her. Inside, she knew that having money shouldn't matter so much, but the level of poverty she had endured made her think otherwise. But extravagance was another thing. "Although I expect not to struggle… financially… extravagance is another matter. We should save money for a rainy day."

He placed a finger under her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. "Yes, you're right. Extravagance isn't necessary, but now that you're here, I'd like to spoil you. Please, do me that honor."

She smiled, enjoying his company and being treated like a princess. Would this be her new life? A life equivalent to that of a princess? She wondered if one day it might include love, but she pushed the thought quickly aside. Whether they loved each other or not was of no consequence. After all, many women marry for security, don't they? No, she wouldn't let love get in the way of a favorable marriage. After all, if she could have married to save her parents and her brother from their fate, she would have. But no matter what happened between Dallas and her, Megan vowed to be the best wife to him that she could possibly be.

"After we're married, you'll stay at my ranch," Dallas continued, his attention focused solely on her. "I hope you don't mind not going on a honeymoon right away. I thought we'd get settled in first. Then when things are settled with the bank, I'll take you wherever you'd like."

Megan smiled politely. "That's fine."

"You wouldn't mind?"

She shook her head. "No, not at all. It'll give me a chance to get the house in order. I could give it a thorough cleanin' and set up the kitchen—"

"I have a chef and a housekeeper for that," Dallas cut her off, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "The only thing I'd like for you to do is to settle in and get used to running a home as the lady of the house."

Warmth filled her body at his touch as blush colored her cheeks. For a moment, she wondered what it would be like to be intimate with this man. She hoped he would be as kind and gentle as he was now. He hadn't forced his affections upon her yet, and she hoped he wouldn't. But one thing was certain: If he or any man laid a hand on her in any way that wasn't respectful, he would be feeling the backside of a frying pan against his skull, husband or not. But so far, he had given her no cause for alarm. He was romantic, in fact. So, she quickly pushed the thought aside.

Dallas prattled on as they rode, and she mainly listened. He had a nice, manly voice, a voice she could listen to for the rest of her life, which she planned to do.

Soon, they pulled into a small town. They came to a dress shop to the right and the carriage pulled to a stop in front.

"A dress shop? Now?" Megan asked when the driver opened the door. "I thought we were going to be wed—"

"Yes, that's why we're here." Dallas stepped out and held out his hand for her. He looked over her dress. "Your dress is lovely, but it won't serve as your wedding gown."

"That's not necessary—"

"Nonsense!" Dallas cut her off, holding out his arm. "I told you that I intend to spoil you and that begins now."

"Well, then, a practical dress is fine… something I can wear again—"

"No." He leaned in conspiratorially, a smile curling his lips. "I want you to have a dress that our daughter can wear on her wedding day… an heirloom."

Megan blushed as she took his arm and let him escort her to the door. She had gone from being completely poor and alone, to being rich and planning a family… all in the course of one day. It was a lot to take in. She wondered why he was doing this. Surely, a man with his credentials, means, and money could have any woman he wanted. But she pushed the thought aside, not wanting to give him reason to change his mind.

"Well, if ye insist—"

"I do."

Before he could open the door to the shop, it flew open and a woman with auburn hair–a bit lighter than her own–flung open the door. "Why, Mr. King! You didn't tell me your new bride was so lovely!" She looked Megan up and down and then extended her hand, palm down. "My name is Kenzie Baker. ‘Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Her accent was a combination of an English accent and an Irish brogue.

Megan was immediately intrigued, wondering about her story, but she quickly pushed the thought aside. After all, this was her wedding day. "The pleasure is mine."

Kenzie's head snapped up as she linked arms with her. "Are you from Ireland?"

"Yes, I am." Megan nodded.

Kenzie smiled. "My parents were originally from Ireland, and they moved to England when I was young."

Dallas cleared his throat behind them.

"But we'll have plenty of time to get to know one another later. Let's go inside. After all, today is your wedding day." In the store, Kenzie led her to a beautiful white gown hanging on a dressmaker's form. It was floor length, fitted at the waist and bustled in the back with a huge silk bow in the back. The fine lace overlay shimmered in the sunlight that streamed in through the window. "Well, what do you think?"

Megan gasped. "No!" She looked at Kenzie, her eyes open wide. "This is… fer me?"

Kenzie smiled, clearly enjoying her reaction. "If you don't believe me, then ask your fiancé."

Megan snapped her head toward Dallas, unable to believe what she was seeing.

Dallas smiled, taking her hands in his own. Then he lifted them to his lips and kissed each hand. The gesture was simple, yet so intimate that she blushed. "Anything for my bride."

"But ‘tis too much…." She turned her head to look at the dress again. "Back home, ye could feed a village for a week with the money that—"

"Shh…." He placed a finger gently to her lips. "Let's have no mention of money. Not today. I want everything to be perfect for you… for us… just this one day." He glanced up at her through his eyelashes, his eyes pleading. "Please?"

The intensity in his eyes was more than she could bear. "If it pleases ye—"

"It does." A broad smile spread across his handsome face. Dallas turned to Kenzie, taking charge. "Miss Baker, would you assist my bride?" He took out a pocket watch and looked at it, checking the time. Then he jumped with a start as he snapped it closed. "Megan, I'll send a driver for you." He took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "We're due at the church at four o'clock. I'll meet you there?"

Megan gave him a nervous smile and nodded as a thrill ran through her body. It appeared as if the fairy tale she had been waiting for was coming true at last. "I'll be the one in white."

"No need to send for a driver," Kenzie said, her voice soft. "I'll make sure she gets to the church on time."

Megan glanced over at her, panicked. "But I need to bathe—"

"My home is right upstairs, over my store." Kenzie took her hand. "And I have a bathing room downstairs with a bathtub."

Megan's eyes grew wide. "This store… is yers?"

Kenzie nodded as a broad smile spread across her face. "Lock, stock, and barrel."

"My, my!" Never before had Megan met a woman who owned property, let alone a business.

Dallas gave her one last wave from the door. "I'll see you at the church."

Megan smiled, feeling like her fairy tale had now begun. "I'll be on time. Don't ye be worryin' ‘bout that none."

Dallas blew her a kiss, and then walked out the door. Watching his carriage pull away, Megan found that she missed him already. Don't fall in love with him, she thought to herself. Like him, yes, but don't love him.

"Now, to get you ready…." Kenzie quickly took charge, leading her to a table. "You sit here and have a cup of tea while I prepare your bath."

Later that day, Megan found herself in Kenzie Baker's buggy, headed toward the church. She was freshly bathed and dressed in the white, shimmering gown, with her hair pulled up on the sides and loose curls cascading down her back. A tulle veil was attached at the crown and hung down her back, showing her curls beneath. And the slippers on her feet were made of white satin. She truly felt like a princess.

Holding the reins of the horse, Kenzie looked into her eyes. "Are you well?"

Megan nodded. "Yes, I'm fine."

Kenzie let out a deep breath as she pulled the horse over to the side of the road and then to a stop.

Megan's eyes grew wide. "What… what are ye doin'?"

Kenzie ignored Megan's alarm. "Are you sure this is what you want? It's not too late to change your mind, you know. You don't have to do this, if you don't want to."

At that moment, Megan realized that Kenzie was giving her a choice, and probably at great peril to herself, should Dallas find out. Megan could see that Dallas was a powerful man and could probably ruin Kenzie, if he chose, although she hoped he wouldn't. Megan could also see that Kenzie was a good woman, not much older than herself. She was quite accomplished for someone so young and had much to lose.

Megan smiled. "Yes, I do. I want to do this." She sighed as she looked out over the cool, colorful countryside, which would soon turn cold. The leaves were changing, casting the land in varying shades of yellow, orange, red, brown, and green. As she looked over the land stretched out before her, decorated in a blanket of color with snow-capped mountains rising majestically in the distance, Megan had never seen anything so beautiful. "Never have I seen anything so lovely, except back home in Ireland." She smoothed a hand over her dress. "Never have I seen such finery, such riches." She bit her lower lip, trying to find the right words. "I know that it seems that I care only about money. But, Miss Baker, try to understand. Me parents died of starvation, and me brother and I lived in a tenement in poverty with two other families when we came to New York. I'd like to say that money isn't everything, but it helps. I need to marry Mr. King to survive, but I plan to be the best wife that I can possibly be."

A crease formed between Kenzie's eyes. "And what of love?"

Megan knew she should tell her that it was none of her business, but she liked her already. Kenzie had been so kind to her, she didn't want to hurt her. So, she thought that the truth should be explanation enough. "I've lost everyone I loved. I like Dallas, and for now, that should suffice."

Kenzie patted her hand, appearing to be satisfied. "If you're sure, then I think we have a wedding to attend."

"Yes, I think we do." Megan's lips curled into a smile. "Well, dressed like this, I don' think I should be goin' to a factory to work."

Kenzie chuckled. "No, I don't think you should. Besides, they may think you're a princess and put you on the next boat to England." Kenzie shook the reins, and the horses trotted again.

Megan laughed. "No, they'd get one listen of me and ship me back to Ireland."

"I'll make sure that doesn't happen." Kenzie smiled. "Besides, I'm sure Dallas would track down anyone who tried, especially today."

"Miss Baker?"

"Kenzie, please."

Megan nodded. "Kenzie… thank you for your concern."

Kenzie reached over and gave her hand a quick squeeze. "‘Tis my pleasure."

Megan looked up and a beautiful stone church came into view, surrounded by trees before a backdrop of mountains. "‘Tis lovely."

Kenzie smiled proudly. "Yes, it is. I was told that it was the first permanent structure built here in town."

Carriages and buckboards set about. "It appears that Mr. King has lots of friends."

"It looks like the whole town is here." Kenzie shrugged. "He told everyone you were coming."

Megan's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Really?"

Kenzie gave her a wink and pulled the buggy to a stop. "It's not every day that the town banker gets married."

Megan giggled. "Well, I hope not!"

Kenzie chuckled as she tied off the reins. "Come on. Let's go."

A man approached the buggy, opened Megan's door, and extended his hand. "Please forgive the intrusion, but Mr. King asked if I could escort you into the church." The man was tall and brunette, reminding her of her brother, Liam.

At that moment, a tinge of pain tugged at her heart, wishing Liam—and her parents, for that matter—were here to celebrate this day with her. But deep down inside, she knew they were.

"By all means. Thank you." Megan took his hand and then glanced over at Kenzie, on the arm of another dashing man that was either her beau or another man sent by Mr. King to be her escort. It appeared that he thought of everything.

The gentleman escorting Megan smiled. "Mr. King will be waiting at the altar for you."

Megan smoothed a hand over her dress as Kenzie gathered Megan's train and followed behind her. The gentleman escorting her followed discreetly behind.

When they reached the top of the stairs, Kenzie straightened her train, and then pulled her in for a quick hug and handed her a wildflower bouquet. "I'll see you inside," she whispered. Then she released her and walked in.

"Ready?" The gentleman smiled, looking down at her as they stood in the doorway of the church.

She nodded. "But first, what ‘tis yer name?"

"Jake. I'm one of Mr. King's guards. It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am. I think the world of Mr. King and wish you both the very best." He offered her his arm. "Shall we?"

She smiled. "Yes, let's." Her heart fluttered in anticipation as she approached the doorway of the church. When the doors opened, Dallas stood at the other end of the aisle by the altar, as handsome as ever in a black suit, crisp white shirt, and black shoes that gleamed in the sunlight. Another man stood to the right of him, but no one was standing at the altar on her side.

"Kenzie!" Megan stopped her as she walked past.

Kenzie eyebrows rose.

"Could ye stand up with me?" Megan knew it was a lot to ask, especially since Kenzie hadn't planned on it and they had just met.

Kenzie cocked her head to the side for a moment, smiling. "Why, yes! Of course I will." The gentleman escorting her took her coat and folded it across his arm, smiling graciously, and then took his seat in the church. Nearly every seat in the church was taken.

When the music started, Megan gave Kenzie a nod and then she walked down the aisle. Then the music changed, signaling that it was Megan's turn. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, but when she saw Dallas waiting at the altar, his gleaming smile and his beautiful blue eyes, she knew she was making the right choice. Marrying this wonderful man was not only a choice she had to make, it was the choice she wanted to make. She had a feeling that everything else would work itself out.

Jake escorted her down the aisle and placed her hand in Dallas's, then went over to sit with the other guests. When Megan looked into Dallas's eyes, she knew this was right.

The preacher smiled at Dallas and Megan as he held a Bible. "Ready?"

Dallas looked over at her, giving her a choice, despite everything. When she smiled and nodded, he looked back at the preacher. "Yes, Preacher Henley, we are."

Preacher Henley nodded as he faced the congregation. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the joining of Dallas King and Megan Shannan in Holy Matrimony." Then in the words as old as time itself, Megan and Dallas, each repeated the words that would join them as husband and wife.

When it was Dallas's turn, Megan wasn't prepared for the look in his eyes. It was indescribable. Was it love? But he had just met her. How could that be? Then he took her hands in his and gazed into her eyes and said "I do" with conviction.

When it was Megan's turn, she replied "I do" with no regrets. She just hoped she could live up to the respect and adoration in his eyes.

Then Reverend Henley turned to the gathered guests. "May I present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Dallas King!"

Everyone clapped and cheered as Megan took Dallas's arm and let him lead her through the church to the back. They spent the next few minutes shaking hands as everyone left the church, but Megan had a feeling they weren't really leaving.

"Congratulations, Mr. King!" Reverend Henley smiled as he shook his hand. "Now that you're a family man, does this mean that I'll be seeing you on Sundays?"

Dallas slipped his arm around Megan's waist and pulled her to his side, smiling. "That just depends upon my lovely new wife here."

Megan nodded. "Well, then. If it's up to me, then count us in. We'll be here."

Then she noticed a blonde woman hanging back with two small children. Reverend Henley reached for her about the same time. "May I introduce my wife, Mia, and our children Shane and Hailey. Mia, this is Megan Shannon."

"Megan King now," Megan corrected as she turned to Mia. "‘Tis a pleasure to meet ye."

Mia gave her a warm smile. "I can assure you, the pleasure is mine." She pulled Megan in for a quick hug. "I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to get to know each other. But now, I think you have a reception to go to."

Megan's head snapped up toward her new husband, raising her eyebrows.

Dallas chuckled at her expression. "Yes, we do." Then he offered her his arm. "Shall we?"

She slipped her arm in his. "I'd thought ye'd never ask."

"Are you hungry?" Dallas asked as they walked over to the reception hall.

Noticing the firm muscles beneath his suit, Megan realized that she was now married to this magnificent man. Heat filled her body, and her cheeks flushed at the thought. "Yes, I'm getting a wee bit hungry. I haven't had anything to eat since this mornin' on the train. Kenzie made me some tea, though."

"Well, we'll have to remedy that now, won't we?" He winked as he slid his arm around her waist and guided her toward a separate building. "This is the Recreation Hall. The congregation built it a few years ago."

When he led her inside, everyone cheered. To the right were tables filled with food, which included dishes from people within the community as well as different kinds of meats, vegetables, and desserts that looked as if they came from a restaurant.

A tall man approached with a muscular frame and dark brown hair, wearing a cowboy hat. "I trust everything's to your satisfaction? I did everything to your specifications, Mr. King."

"Everything looks perfect. Thank you." Megan, this is Harrison Curry, owner of the only restaurant in town." After Megan nodded, Dallas turned to Harrison. "Everything looks perfect. Thank you."

A broad smile spread across Harrison's face. "I'm glad to hear that. Congratulations on your marriage. May it be blessed and filled with happiness." Then he tipped his hat toward Megan. "Ma'am."

Megan smiled graciously. "This is too much," she whispered after Harrison walked away. "Too extravagant—"

"Shh…." Dallas looked around as he pulled her off to the side. "Please, don't say that in front of everyone and embarrass me like that."

"Excuse me?"

"As my wife, you need to get used to having fine things." Dallas bit his lower lip and released it. "Megan, I'm a very rich man and you're going to have to get used to extravagance."

Megan stepped up to him, her gaze never wavering. "I've listened to ye speak, now ye listen to me, Mr. Dallas King. First of all, I will not be spoken to in this manner. Secondly…." She gestured around the room. "How many of these people are truly yer friends? Or are ye just trying to make a good show in front of ‘em?" She shook her head as she looked into his eyes. "We need to save money for a rainy day. And believe me, I've seen plenty. You don't have to buy things and make a show—"

"Stop," Dallas cut her off, continuing in a calm, soothing voice. "Let's not do this today. It's our wedding day, after all. I just wanted to show you a good time." He paused for a moment, as if searching for the right words. "Megan, I know you've had a rough life, but I'd like to change that… if you'll let me. Please."

His eyes were so pleading, how could she say no? "Okay. Jus' this once."

A broad grin spread across his lips. "Music, please!" he yelled to the crowd and then turned back to Megan. "I'd like to dance with my lovely bride."

Megan blushed as her new husband swung her effortlessly across the dancefloor. In his arms, she forgot about such things as money and status. The only thing she could think of was this wonderful man that she would now call her husband. Other couples soon joined them on the dancefloor. And as they swayed to the music and the night wore on, lamps were lit, creating a romantic glow. It was the most magical day that Megan could ever remember.

Soon, the music came to an end, and everyone clapped. "Are you hungry?" Dallas asked again and then laughed. "Sorry. I was going to feed you when we walked in but got distracted."

Megan smiled. "That's okay." She gave his shoulder a friendly nudge. "Besides, I'm a big girl and can take care of meself, thank ye very much."

Dallas bent down and leaned his forehead against hers. "I just love your accent."

She pushed gently against his chest. "Oh, I think ye better be letting me eat, unless ye'd like to see me pass out."

One corner of his lips curled into a smile. "Come on, then. The ham is exquisite. Paul, the cook at the restaurant, makes the best."

"Sounds delicious." Megan tucked her arm in his and he led her to the buffet table.

Being a true gentleman, Dallas took a plate off a stack at one end of the table. "What would you like?"

Megan smiled, reaching for the plate. "That's okay. I can get it meself."

"Well, if you insist." He handed her the plate and then took one for himself. "The fried chicken is fabulous, and so is the corn on the cob. Since it's October, we probably won't have fresh corn for a while…." Dallas prattled on, pointing out different dishes and telling her about them as he made his own plate.

As Megan looked over the table, she was suddenly so hungry that she could have eaten everything, including the dishes. She had never seen such delicacies, nor had she ever had her choice of this much food before. Not wanting to look foolish, she took a little of this and a bit of that, but by the time she reached the end of the table, her plate was filled.

Dallas did a double take at her plate and nodded in understanding. Then he placed his hand behind her head and bent down to kiss her forehead. "If I have anything to say about it, you'll never go hungry again."

Megan smiled sheepishly as she let her new husband lead her to a table. The scent of the delicious food wafted toward her, and she was so hungry that her stomach lurched. Not bothering with a fork, she picked up a chicken leg and took a huge bite, closing her eyes in ecstasy. Before long, she had cleaned it down to the bone and set it aside.

When she was finished, Megan glanced over at Dallas, who was watching her. But instead of saying anything to her about her manners, he pointed his fork at the ham on her plate. "You really must try it. It's honey cured."

This time, Megan picked up her knife and fork, cut into the ham, and took a bite. The juices immediately filled her mouth, causing her to moan in delight. She had never tasted anything so delicious before in her life.

Dallas smiled proudly, pleased with her reaction. "What did I tell you? Paul makes the best ham in the county, even better than my chef."

Megan almost choked. "You have a chef?"

"You mean we have a chef," he corrected. "And a housekeeper. Mrs. Daly is an absolute delight. You'll love her. She's from Ireland, too… well… she and her husband."

For a moment, Megan wondered again why this exquisite man hadn't married a local girl instead of sending for her, but she quickly pushed the thought aside, thanking the Lord for her good fortune.

She took another bite, moaning in delight. "Dallas, I'm not sure if I'll ever get used to such luxuries."

He leaned in and whispered, "As my wife, you'd better get used to it. I plan to spoil you… along with our children."

Megan blushed. Of course he would want children… and soon, too, she guessed. "How many children would ye like?"

Dallas smiled, nuzzling her close. "As many as you can give me, or none at all. I'll be happy with whatever the good Lord has in store for us. But for now, I want to enjoy it being just us. As I said, I want to spoil you."

"Ye already have." Megan breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that he wasn't going to press her to have children right away. They would just have to take things naturally, one day at a time.

Later that night, Megan felt like a princess as Dallas helped her into the carriage and they waved their goodbyes. Dallas took her hand and held it on his lap. "Bill?" he called up to the driver. "To the ranch." Then he pulled Megan close and kissed the top of her head. "I'll have my chef make us something to eat when we get home, if you like."

Megan leaned back and placed her hand on her flat stomach. "Oh, I couldn't eat another bite. If ye don't mind, I'd rather just go home and freshen up." Megan leaned her head on his shoulder, enjoying watching the scenery pass by, blue in the moonlight. She was nearly asleep when Dallas spoke.

"I'll take you shopping tomorrow." Dallas smiled against her hair.

"Shopping?" She glanced up as a thrill ran through her.

Dallas nodded. "Of course! You'll need a full wardrobe. The latest fashions."

Although she appreciated the gesture, it was just a bit too much. After all, he had already spent a king's ransom on her trip and their wedding. "I can purchase some fabric and make some clothes. You've already spent too much—"

"Nonsense!" He gently squeezed her hand. "Kenzie Baker has designer plates and makes custom orders. Tomorrow, we can buy a few things ready-made, and then we can draw up some designs for a whole new wardrobe for you. She's actually quite good."

Megan nodded. Although she had no wardrobe at all, it felt odd for a man she'd just met to lavish such treasures on her. But he was her husband, after all. He had said that she had better get used to it, but she didn't know if she ever could.

"I'll also take you into Laramie for jewelry," Dallas rambled on. "You'll need necklaces, earrings"—he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it—"and anything else that a lady needs."

"Ye don't have to spend such money or lavish such treasures on me." When she saw his dejected look, she added, "Nevertheless, thank ye for yer kindness, but just spending time with ye is enough. I really am looking forward to getting' to know ye better."

"I am, too." He kissed the back of her hand once more, never taking his eyes from hers. The gesture was so simple yet so intimate that she blushed. She really could get used to being married to this wonderful man.

Soon, they pulled in front of a two-story wooden house with a wraparound front porch set in the midst of colorful trees. In the moonlight, she could see that it was made of beautiful logs and a garden adorned the front. She had never seen anything so beautiful before in her life. It looked like a mansion to Megan. "It's lovely."

Dallas gently squeezed her hand, pleased with her reaction. She noticed his muscles flex under his suit coat, and his eyes were the most vibrant blue she had ever seen. He didn't appear to be stuck up about his striking good looks… and he was gorgeous. He gave her a smile as he turned to her. "Are you ready?"

Megan gave him a nervous smile, not quite sure what would be expected of her. Of course, she had never been intimate with a man before. "Be gentle with me."

"Don't worry. You're safe with me." He bent down and pulled her into his arms. His lips descended upon hers, gently at first, and then filled with passion. Megan's heart pounded wildly, imagining what was in store for them. But at the moment, the only thing she could think of was this wonderful man. A moment later, he pulled back and stroked a stray lock of hair away from her face. "I'll come around to help you down."

Overcome with emotion, she nodded and smiled, unable to speak.

Dallas slipped out of the carriage and then opened the door on the other side. He placed his hands on her waist to help her down and then pulled her in for another kiss, leaving her breathless.

The driver stood a discreet distance away, pretending not to notice.

Dallas gazed into her eyes. "Of course, I'll be gentle. If I hurt you, let me know. And Megan, you don't have to do anything you don't want to do."

His eyes were filled with such intensity that she was overcome with emotion.

Then he kissed her with a fierceness unmatched by man. She had no idea that such passion even existed. And in one fluid motion, he swept her into his arms, causing her to swoon. The driver must have held open the door for them, because Dallas carried her across the threshold and up the stairs to their bedroom, never breaking the kiss.

When they reached the door, Dallas kicked it closed behind them and laid her gently on the bed. "Don't worry. We'll take it slow." He gently brushed back a strand of her hair, gazing deeply into her eyes. "Megan, I know we just met, but I do love you. I… just wanted you to know."

Before she could answer, his lips descended upon hers as passion filled them both. And at that moment, Megan knew she was finally home.