A Run for Love (Oklahoma Lovers 1)

Jesse took a large gulp of water.

“What’s the matter with you?” Tori stared at him, baffled. “You’re starting to sweat.”

“Nothing. It’s, ah, warm in here.” He resumed eating, fisting his fork with white knuckled fingers. “So, how’re the kids coming along?”

“Fine. They’re all doing great in school, and they do their chores without being asked. Something’s going on. They’re too perfect.”

Jesse shrugged. “They’re getting older. Maybe they don’t need someone to tell them what to do.”

She would ignore his remark, having concluded that herself. They continued their supper in comfortable silence.

Tori licked the last of the pie from her fork. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d enjoyed a meal so much. During the little more than two months of separation, she’d healed somewhat, but the guilt remained like a small pebble in her shoe. But tonight, for a couple hours, her tired mind escaped.

“Honey, I’ve been thinking.” Jesse moved the salt, pepper, and sugar containers into a line.

“Uh oh.” She raised her eyebrows, and kept her hands in her lap to avoid pushing back the silky hair that covered his forehead.

“You know we never had a real courtship.” A faint light twinkled in the depths of his blue eyes.

“What?” One thing she could say about this man. She never knew what he would do next. A courtship?

“Well, we never did what other couples do when they’re courtin’. You know, go for walks, sit on the porch of an evening until stars come out, steal kisses behind the barn, and go out to supper.” He gestured toward the table.

“Jesse, we’re already married, and neither one of us has a barn.” How her hands itched to touch his hair.

“I’m glad you remember we’re married. But for reasons I still don’t understand, we seem to be living in different houses. Since we don’t act like married folks, I thought maybe we could be courtin’ folks.” Another one of those stomach fluttering lopsided grins appeared.

Goodness, that smile should be illegal.

“This is silly.” Her reply lacked certainty. The heat in his eyes had her squirming.

He’s right, it is warm in here.

“Maybe. But what do we have to lose? You have to admit this meal made a pretty nice beginning.” His fingers, tapered and strong, re-arranged the salt and pepper again.

Tori tilted her head to one side and studied Jesse across the table. What did he expect to accomplish with this? She’d given him free reign to leave and do what he wanted, but he insisted his vows were until death do us part. He always got his way, and she was done trying to avoid him. And if she were honest, she did miss his kisses and strong arms.

Uh oh, don’t think like that.

Could she take this step? What he suggested would alter their relationship from a casual meeting category to something else. Something terrifying. But his hopeful expression twisted her heart. He obviously cared for her. And she no longer wanted to be depressed.

“Okay. I will allow you to court me, sir,” she said, and the dark veil she’d been living under lifted slightly.

“Ouch.” Tori grimaced as the pin slid along her scalp. She rubbed the spot and tried again to fasten her first new hat in several months to her head. Chocolate brown eyes, magnified by spectacles, stared back at her from the hall mirror. She jumped at the sound of a knock at the door right next to her. Who would be calling on a Sunday morning? The children had left earlier for church school.

Jesse stood there, dressed in a suit, white starched shirt, and string tie. His hair still hung too long, damp from his bath. Even though slicked back, the front curl still fell on his forehead. Her insides melted, and her knees went weak.

“Good morning, ma’am, I’ve come to escort you to church.” He grinned like a little boy.

“Jesse, I see you in church every Sunday.” She stepped back to let him enter.

“Ah, but now we’re a courtin’ couple, so I’ve decided

to escort you in my carriage.” He looked pleased with himself, and Tori shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips.

“All right, I’ll play your game.” One quick glance in the mirror and she grabbed her coat. His firm hand rested on her lower back as they left the house.

Tori held her breath as they entered the church. Worshipers turned as she and Jesse took their seats. No one had ever acknowledged their separation, at least not to her, but undoubtedly everyone in town knew she’d moved out of Jesse’s house.