The Bartender’s Mail Order Bride(26)

He cleared his throat and took a sip of water. “Well, they all seem to think that this is exactly what you want, and that I should ask you myself.”

“It is, Papa. It’s what I’ve wanted for a long time,” Meg said, her hands in her lap and her gaze steady on her father.

Their eyes met, and Meg held fast, refusing to look away. This was her life, hers and Sam’s, and she hoped to help her father understand that.

“So I’ve been told. More than once.”

“And you’d like to hear it one more time? From me?” Meg said.

“Yes, Meg. I need to hear from you why you wanted to leave our home. I thought you were happy. I know I haven’t been quite myself since your mother died, but I thought we all were doing all right.”

“Oh, Papa, is that what you’ve been thinking,” she said as a lump formed in her throat. It hadn’t even occurred to her that he might take her decision personally. “I love my family, and I miss you all, too.”

“Then why?” He reached across the table and took her hand in his.

Meg’s stomach dropped at his gesture. She hadn’t practiced for this, not even in her daydreams. “Nobody seemed to notice, but I’ve been in love with Sam for a long time. And when he advertised for a bride, I figured it was my only chance, as you forbid me from seeing suitors.”

He sat back in his chair, his surprise evident. “I did this?”

“No, not exactly. Well, maybe. Oh, I don’t know.” She laughed as she knew she wasn’t making any sense, and relief washed over her as he laughed, as well.

He held both his palms up at her. “Fair enough. I agree that I was…less than open to discussion about you having suitors. I have to admit, it was a big surprise.”

“A surprise? Papa, I’ve been of age for years.”

“Nutmeg, I think that I’ve lost the years since your mama died.”

A flash of her mother’s beautiful smile swept by her eyes as her father twisted his wedding ring on his finger, a habit she knew was provoked by her mother’s memory. As tears prickled behind her eyelids, she said, “I feel the same way, Papa, but it’s time.”

“I swear, last weekend you were outside playing in the mud with Hank and your sisters. At least I still think of you that way.

Meg’s heart tugged at the sadness in her father’s eyes. “I understand, Papa, but life has gone on. I’ve grown up. And I love Sam. He’s a good man, and I’m happy.”

Beau sighed. “I have to admit, as he’s been Hank’s friend for so long, I can vouch for that part. He definitely is a good man. And if this is what you want…”

“Oh, Papa. Thank you,” Meg exclaimed, just as Sadie delivered their pie and tea. She looked up and Sadie winked at her, likely having heard the last part of their conversation.

Beau smiled as Sadie returned to the kitchen. “Can you explain to me why he’s done this? I don’t understand why he needed a bride. I suppose I hadn’t been paying attention to that, either.”

“No, it appears you weren’t, as usual. If it didn’t involve the ranch—”

He held his hands up again in surrender. “I understand. But I am sorry, so can you fill me in now?”

Meg told him what she knew—that Sam’s mother believed he had a wife and a business, and he, for some reason, didn’t want to disappoint her and tell her the truth. And that the only way he could keep her happy was to get married. She also explained the plan they’d made about pretending to own the mercantile.

“Woo-wee, you two are going to have a big challenge there,” he said and whistled.

“It does seem like it could be tough to do, but we’ve been studying about each other, to make sure it seems like we’ve been married for a long time.”

“So, Hank tells me this isn’t a ‘real’ marriage…I mean…”

Meg felt heat rise in her cheeks. “My private life is—”

“I guess I just meant…well…might you come home afterward? After she leaves?”

Meg’s brows scrunched together. That thought hadn’t even occurred to her. She intended to be Sam’s wife, with him eventually realizing that they were perfect for each other and have a family.

“No, that is not a possibility,” she said, sitting up straighter in her chair as she finished the last bite of the berry pie.

Her father smiled, set his fork down and signaled to Sadie for the check. “All right, young lady. I won’t get in your way.” Beau paid the bill and held out his arm once again for Meg and they walked back over to the mercantile.