Chapter 3

Hope tried to make herself as presentable as she could under the circumstances but she had been traveling for two and a half weeks. At the last town she'd checked into a hotel so that she could take a hot bath and change her clothes but that had been yesterday afternoon. Nervously, she ran her hands over her hair patting her curls and straightening her hat one last time as the train whistle blew and the wheels came to a squealing halt. Steam billowed momentarily blocking the view of her new home town.

The door opened as the passengers stood and began to disembark. Hope stayed in her seat looking out her window at the people waiting on the covered platform. She saw several lone men waiting. A couple of them looked a little unsavory giving her pause. What would she do if she couldn't bring herself to marry Mr. Matthews? Well, she couldn't go back home that's for sure. She had a little money and she could sell her jewelry to tide her over until she could find a job. Sending a small prayer to the Good Man above, she stood up and began to exit the train.

This was the third day he'd come to meet the train, hopefully today would be the day. White clouds of steam billowed as the train pulled to a stop in front of the platform. Levi stepped back allowing the passengers to disembark. Nervously he took his hat off and ran his fingers through his shaggy sandy blonde hair, replaced his hat then ran his hands down his thighs. It looked like all the passengers were off, sighing with disappointment and frustration he was turning to leave when a movement caught his eye.

Stepping up to the train door was the most beautiful woman he'd ever laid eyes on. She was wearing a lavender outfit with puffed sleeves to the elbow then fitted from the elbow to the wrist. A lavender hat sat at a jaunty angle on top of her ebony hair with soft silky curls framing her face. She definitely didn't look like she belonged in a small western town, she was dressed far nicer than any other woman around. His breath caught as he saw her glance around as if she were looking for someone.

Hope stood on the bottom step holding on to the railing off the train car and looked around. Most of the people were already gone leaving the platform virtually empty. A lone man standing at the edge of the platform caught her attention and stole her breath. He was very handsome and looked like the quintessential western male. He was wearing a brown cowboy hat, cream colored shirt with a chocolate colored fitted leather vest and very form fitting denims.

Scanning the area again, her heart fell as she decided that Mr. Matthews wasn't here and possibly wasn't coming for her. It was even possible that he hadn't even gotten her letter. She'd wait a few more minutes then see about finding a room for the night. Lifting her skirts with one hand she stepped down onto the wooden platform but before she could take a step the handsome man she'd seen just a moment ago approached her.

"Excuse me, Ma'am but would you by any chance be Hope Saunders?" Levi asked. He wasn't sure why, there was no way this beautiful woman was the same person that answered his ad. This woman could have any man she chose. Up close he noticed that her eyes matched her lavender outfit and her skin looked like flawless porcelain. She was stunning.

"Yes, I am. Would you by any chance be Mr. Levi Matthews?" There was no way this handsome man with those broad shoulders could be Levi Matthews. He must work for Mr. Matthews and was just picking her up. And oh my goodness, look at those slate blue eyes.

Relief flooded through him as he looked at her. This was going to be his wife? She was the complete opposite in looks from Alicia and for some reason that pleased him. Hopefully her personality would be at the far end of the spectrum from Alicia too. Taking off his hat with his left hand he extended his right hand to her. "I would be Levi Matthews." He said with a smile displaying even white teeth.

Hope exhaled the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding and extended her hand to him. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person Mr. Matthews."

"Please call me Levi and if you'll show me your bags I'll get them loaded into the wagon and we can be on our way home."

"Then you must call me Hope and my bags are right over here and I hope you don't mind but I brought my mare, Winney with me. I just couldn't leave her behind."

"Of course I don't mind, I have plenty of room in the barn for her. Let me get your bags then I'll get her." He said with a warm smile. Levi raised an eyebrow as he looked at the three smaller bags. He'd never known a woman to travel so lightly especially when you were taking everything you could for a new life. Unless she wasn't planning on staying. He felt panic set in. There wasn't enough time to find another wife if she decided to leave. Picking up the bags he asked her to follow him to the wagon. He wondered if he should go ahead and suggest that they marry right then or if he should give her time to settle in first. Thankfully the decision was made for him.

"Um, Mr. Ma - Levi, I know this is going to sound extremely forward but I would feel better if we got married before we went back to your ranch. It really wouldn't look proper for me to be out there without a proper chaperone and I don't want to start off by setting a bad example for Ellie." Hope said with her head slightly bowed and her eyes downcast as she fidgeted with her hands.

Levi's brows drew together at the somewhat subservient way she spoke to him. Shrugging his shoulders he attributed it to shyness and nerves but he was pleased that she not only thought of her reputation but also of setting a good example for Ellie. It was also a relief that she wanted to go ahead and get married. That meant that she wasn't planning on going anywhere. "Actually, I think that's a great idea. I thought about it myself but wanted to give you a few days to settle in first. I'll just put your bags here in the wagon and go get your mare and we'll walk over to the church and find Reverend Holland."

"She's the buckskin with the black socks and muzzle." Hope called out. Her face flushed slightly as she admired his retreating backside in his snug denims.

After setting her bags down and tying Winney to the wagon he turned and held out his arm for her to take. Hope placed her gloved hand on his arm and felt the firm muscles of his forearm. Tingles shot from her fingertips straight up to her spine. They started walking toward the church at the other end of the town. Hope was looking around at the buildings and people, everything was so - so different but not necessarily in a bad way. They had not gone more than a few steps when Levi stopped and turned towards her. "Please forgive me. I didn't even think to ask if you wanted to walk or ride. I know you have to be exhausted after your long trip. Here, why don't we ride?"

"Oh no. Please. I love walking and I've been cooped up on that train for over two weeks. It will also let me get a better look at my new home." Hope paused at the slightly shocked expression on his face then quickly added, "of course, that is only if you want to walk. Whatever you want to do is fine with me."

"Well, if you're ok with walking." He held out his arm and again she took it. Levi could feel the heat of her fingers through her gloves and his shirt. They walked in a companionable silence for a few minutes and Hope drank in her surroundings. The people were dressed differently, both men and women wore clothes that were so much more casual and practical. The men wore hats to keep the sun from their eyes, not just for looks and they didn't wear coats and ties. The ladies wore sturdy cool looking dresses with no gloves. She smiled liking the idea of being comfortable.

The people seemed friendly and most smiled politely a few waved but none stopped them to talk, and a few just down right stared at them. They passed the mercantile and hotel as they walked down the boardwalk Between the buildings Hope could see the creek with lush green grass and several huge shade trees.

"That same creek runs through my property; actually you can see it from my house and there's several large trees along the bank. One of the limbs was perfect for a tree swing and this past spring I made one for Ellie. It's one of her favorite spots."

"I can certainly see why. It's so beautiful out here; so very different from Savannah."

"Do. Do you think that you'll be happy here then?" Levi asked as he looked into her lavender eyes.

"Yes, I truly think I will." Was that relief she saw flash across his face?

"I was a little worried since you did come from a much bigger city. Red Valley is a nice place to live but it can't compare to Savannah."

"I don't really like city life. I would much rather live in the country with the peace and quiet." Hope replied. And it was true. She hated all the hustle and bustle of the city, the rude people and constant noise not to mention the pick pockets. As they strolled along in companionable silence again, Hope looked across the street and saw what looked like a saloon. The faint sound of piano music could be heard coming from inside.

"Do you mind if I ask why such a beautiful woman would want to take such a huge chance by marrying a complete stranger?" Levi asked and Hope decided that she like the deep timber of his voice. It was rather smooth and soothing with a western drawl.

She paled slightly but answered the question. "No, of course not. My father loved to gamble and was/is deeply in debt. He was going to use me to pay off his debts by marrying me off to a very cruel man. A man that has already buried two wives and I didn't want to be number three. I left my father a note telling him that I had gone to New York to look for work as a governess." Hope stopped and looked into his slate blue eyes. "I can't promise you that they won't try to find me; so if you don't want to marry me, I'll understand." She finished quietly then waited for his answer.

Levi felt several things. He felt lust for this beautiful woman, which bothered him but he also felt respect for her as well as the urge to protect her. He'd never thought to ask her why she was doing this; but when he did she told him the truth before they got married giving him the opportunity to back out if he wanted to. But not marrying her hadn't even crossed his mind. "Why would that change anything?" He asked.

"Well, I know that you love your daughter very much, so much in fact that you are willing to marry a complete stranger so that you can keep her. I would never want to do anything that would endanger her in anyway."

"Well then, I guess that settles it." Levi took both of her hands in his and looked into her eyes and quietly asked. "Hope Saunders, will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?"

Hope stood there for a minute in shock. She hadn't expecteim d hto ask her; after all it was obvious that she was planning on marrying him. But for just a brief moment she allowed her hopelessly romantic heart to believe that this handsome man was in love with her and asking for her to be his wife. "I - yes. It would be an honor to be your wife."

Levi exhaled slowly not even realizing that he'd been holding his breath waiting for her answer. It's not like she would tell him no. Jeez she'd just come half way across the country to marry him. But he'd never asked a woman to marry him before. "Ok, then. I've already talked to Reverend Holland and he agreed to marry us when you were ready. So, let's go get married."

Taking her hand Levi led her up the steps to the little white church and held the door for her to pass through. Hope stopped and out of nervousness patted her hair and fixed her hat then ran her hands down the front of her dress attempting to smooth out the wrinkles. "Do, I look ok?" She asked with a nervous smile.

"You look - beautiful." Levi murmured as he admired the becoming blush on her porcelain complexion. He opened the door allowing Hope to enter the small church. She stood there for a moment and looked around at the interior. Sunlight filtered in the stained glass windows, three on each side, casting a rainbow of colors on the white walls. It was a simple church but not plain. "This is a lovely church," Hope whispered.

"Thank you." A voice boomed from the front of the church causing Hope to jump slightly. Reverend Holland chuckled. "Sorry miss, I didn't mean to startle you." Levi gently took her elbow and lead her down the aisle. "You must be Levi's bride, Hope."

"Yes sir, I am."

"It's nice to meet you ma'am." The reverend replied.

"Reverend Holland, we'd like for you to go ahead and marry us." Levi said getting right to the point.

"I figured you would want to as soon as she arrived. I've got all the paperwork ready. I'll perform the ceremony first then we'll sign everything"

They took their places and said their vows. Hope was still not able to really wrap her head around everything. But she was definitely relieved to get this final step completed. Now, neither Philip nor her father could take her back to Savannah, ever. She was twenty, plenty old enough to make her own decisions. The Reverend was at the part about exchanging rings but before she could say they didn't have rings, Levi replied to the affirmative and pulled a gold band from his vest pocket.

Shocked at his thoughtfulness, she removed her glove, Levi took her hand and slid the band on her third finger. Never in her life had a man other than her father held her bare hand. Warm calloused fingers held hers in a strong but comforting grip. Glancing at their hands she gasped as she saw the ring on her finger. There were seven small diamonds in the middle of the band. "It's beautiful," she breathed. Levi smiled at her shock and appreciation causing his eyes to brighten and little crinkles to form around them. They were pronounced husband and wife, he leaned into her and pressed a gentle kiss to her soft lips causing another gasp to escape.

As Levi pressed his lips to hers, tingles of electricity shot through him, leaving him momentarily stunned. He hadn't meant to kiss her on the mouth. He was just going to kiss her cheek but it seemed like his lips had a mind of their own. It was impossible to tell if she was angry or just shocked. Damn, he would definitely have to apologize on the ride home.

Neither noticed the smile on the Reverend Holland's face. This was going to be very interesting he thought to himself. These two were perfect for each other he just wondered how long it would take them to realize it. He'd been marrying people for thirty years and he hadn't been wrong yet.

A/N: Thank you for continuing to read my story. Please vote, it really does make a difference and I welcome all of your comments.