The Widows Choice by Hildie McQueen

flush filled her and she was sure her face was reddened.  Charlie pushed away from Rafe.  "Please come in and sit.  Breakfast is ready."
    "You haven't answered my question," Rafe said taking her hand.
    "What question is that?" Joe walked in and stopped in his tracks, his face almost identical to Jerrick's earlier expression, his gaze locked to their connected hands.
    Charlie couldn't keep from chuckling.  "Rafe just asked me to marry him."
    "It's about damn time.  I'm tired of pretending not to notice how you two make eyes at each other.  It's downright sugary," Joe grumbled and poured a cup of coffee and sat the table.
    The three men looked expectantly at Charlie.  She took a deep breath and looked at Rafe.  "Yes, Rafe Preston.  I will marry you."
    His lips curved into a sensual smile that made her knees weak and then pressed a chaste kiss to her lips.  "Thank you."
    Somehow, she managed to keep steady as she served the men and sat down to breakfast with them.  Thankfully, Joe began to talk of what all needed to be done now that the rain had finally stopped which continued through the meal.
    Jerrick and Joe left, while Rafe lingered to help her clean up.  "When do you want to go into town and get married?"  He seemed outwardly calm.  Yet by the eager look in his eyes, he was not going to be put off for long.
    "I'll go to town tomorrow and see about arrangements.  Joe is going anyway.  Will next week suit?"
    Rafe let out a breath and brought her against him.  "It will be hard to wait.  Yes, that suits me fine."  The feel of his body against hers was hard to resist and she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head upon his chest.
    The wedding ceremony was simple, with only Jerrick, Joe, Mrs. Delworth, and the Evingtons in attendance.  Charlie wore a simple beautiful pale yellow dress she'd purchased premade at the seamstress shop.  Lucky for her only a few alterations were needed.  She held a bouquet of black-eyed Susans and daisies Mrs. Evington procured for her.
    When she walked into the small church, standing next to Preacher Williams, Rafe took her breath.  Striking in the bright white shirt, gold vest and black jacket, he kept his dark gaze on her as she made her way down the aisle.
    It was hard to hear the preacher's words over the hum in her ears and the thumping of her heart against her chest.  They exchanged vows, Rafe in a strong voice that gave her no reason to doubt his wanting to marry her and she in a softer tone, yet she made sure to keep his gaze, silently letting him know how much she cared for him.
    Preacher Williams pronounced them husband and wife.  Rafe took her shoulders and kissed her.  It was not chaste, but all consuming and full of promise.  When chuckles surrounded them, her face flamed with a happy flush.
    "Time for cake," Mrs. Delworth announced and the small group walked toward her small house next to the apothecary.
    They rode back to the ranch with leftover cake and a picnic basket consisting of a casserole Mrs. Evington made, rolls, and pot roast Mrs. Delworth packed for them.  They didn't plan a honeymoon, too much to be done at the ranch.  Instead, they headed home after both Jerrick and Joe informed them, they planned to remain in town for the next couple days.
    Her stomach tumbled at the idea she'd finally be with Rafe, as his wife and lover.  Partner for life.  Suddenly a horrible thought reared.  Oh God, what would happened when Winfrow found out?
    Charlie looked to Rafe, so handsome next to her in his Sunday finery.  His dark eyes met hers and she forced a smile.  Tomorrow was soon enough to talk about disagreeable things.  Today was their wedding day and she'd enjoy it.
    When they arrived at the house, Rafe helped her down from the buggy seat and handed her the basket.  "I'll see about the horse, it won't take me long," he told her, his darkened eyes roaming over her face.  "Are you all right?  You're a bit quiet."
    She nodded.  "Just