“Print your side of the story. Once the men read it, they won’t blame you for what happens.”

  “They have every right to blame me if I let it happen.” Her eyes shimmered green fire. “I won’t!” She kicked a rock and winced. “Oww . . .” She hopped and hobbled back to the blanket. She had worn her pretty leather shoes rather than her mining boots. Sinking down, she clasped her foot. “Can things get any worse? I think I broke my toe.”

  Matthias hunkered down. “Let me have a look.”

  “Oh, no, you don’t.”

  “Then stop whining.”

  Removing her shoe, she massaged her toes. “It’s unjust, Matthias. Women should have some rights.” She glared at him. “Unfortunately, men write the laws.”

  Matthias had full confidence Kathryn would send Freddie packing before he had both feet off the stage. “Women like you will eventually convince us to do what’s right.”

  Kathryn laughed. “This from the man who didn’t think a woman should be running a newspaper.”

  “My apologies to the lady.” He inclined his head. “I stand corrected.”

  “You never cease to amaze me, Matthias.” Untying the ribbons, she removed her hat and tossed it aside. Bright-eyed and glowing, she smiled up at him, a soft breeze stirring the tendrils of red hair.

  Matthias felt a surge of desire. “Watching you in action has changed the opinions of quite a number of men I know, or hadn’t you noticed how many hop to when the lady sends down orders from on high?”

  She grinned. “It is rather nice being in charge.”

  When hadn’t she been? “If you behave, I might let you drive back to town.”

  “What do you mean by behave?”

  Was she flirting with him? He sat and stretched out on his side. “What do you think would happen to anyone who came out here and tried to take the mine away from you?”

  Her gaze drifted over his body as she sat quiet for a moment. When she met his eyes, he saw something in hers that set his pulse racing. She blinked, looked faintly disturbed, and then frowned. “What did you say?”

  The afternoon might have possibilities, after all. “We were talking about Freddie and the mine.”

  “Oh.”

  “Your Twelve won’t let anyone take it from you.”

  “No, I don’t suppose they would.” She gave him a quick glance and busied herself. “I’m starving, aren’t you? We should see what kind of feast Ronya prepared for us.” She set out fresh baked bread, sliced ham wrapped in cheesecloth, a small jar of butter, another of pickles, and squares of sugared shortbread. She held up a bottle. “Apple juice! Ronya even packed plates, cups, and a knife.”

  Good old Ronya, ever the matchmaker. Kathryn didn’t seem to have a thought for what else her friend must have in mind for today. Matthias watched Kathryn prepare their sandwiches. She put one in front of him like an offering and filled their cups. He took one sip and knew it wasn’t juice.

  “This is delicious.” Kathryn had already taken a sip.

  The girl had been far too sheltered. “You might want to go easy on that. It’s hard cider.”

  They ate in companionable silence. Matthias could see her mind working again. Something serious. He hoped it wasn’t the mine or Freddie. She finished her sandwich and swept the few crumbs from her skirt. Taking a breath, she folded her hands and looked at him. “I owe you an apology, Matthias. I’ve misjudged you. Not that you haven’t been a thorn in my side. I think you take pleasure in provoking me at times.”

  “And you don’t?” He mentioned several editorials. She looked unrepentant. And distracted. “What’s on your mind, your ladyship?” Besides the mine and Freddie . . . and everything she’d just learned from Fiona.

  “It’s been a surprise to find out we have so many common goals.”

  Why not get to the point? “You mean our lists.” It was time to put his cards on the table. “I counted Calvada a lost cause and was ready to sell out and move on. And then you got off the stage.”

  “Oh.”

  There was that look again, melting his insides and making his heart quicken. “I didn’t play fair the night I got you to make your list, but I’m not sorry.”

  “You were rather . . . overwhelming.” She glanced away as though the intensity of his feelings unnerved her. “You certainly gave me something to think about that night.”

  “Did I?” he drawled, noticing the heightened color in her cheeks, the darkness of her eyes.

  “I never intended to marry. Because I’ve never met a man I could trust.” She raised her head slowly. “I trust you, Matthias.”

  Stunned, Matthias felt like he’d been playing high-stakes poker and just won the biggest pot of his life. Then their earlier conversation came back with a punch. His eyes narrowed. “Hold on.” He sat up, annoyed. “Does this sudden change of heart have anything to do with the judge, Freddie, and your mine?”

  “What? No!” She looked aghast, then frowned, her eyes flickering. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

  And he’d just planted the idea in her head! Matthias got up and moved away.

  “I only meant to say . . . I . . .”

  Turning, he looked at her sitting there, hands folded tightly in her lap. “You what?”

  “I like you.”

  “Like me?”

  Annoyed, she turned away. “I meant it as a compliment!”

  “Thanks.”

  Kathryn sighed. “I’m beginning to understand how Freddie felt when I left him on one knee in the rose garden.”

  Matthias wasn’t sure he’d heard correctly. “So, you’re proposing to me? Is that it?” He laughed at the very idea.

  She blushed, eyes fierce. “I did give my word when I gave you the list, and you fulfilled your part of the bargain.”

  She’d been serious! “And that’d be your only reason?”

  “I thought it only right that I be the one to bring it up, considering what I’ve put you through.” She shook her head, clearly regretting everything. “Why am I even trying to talk to you about this? My mother warned me.”

  “About what?”

  “Allowing passion to overrule the mind.”

  Matthias wondered if she knew what she’d just admitted, and when she lifted her chin, saw she did. “Say it, Kate.”

  “Say what?”

  “You love me.”

  “A lot of good it’ll do me!” She emptied the bottle of hard cider into the grass. “Ronya and her bright ideas.”

  Matthias grinned. “Ah, your ladyship, you’ve given me cause to celebrate.”

  “Go ahead!” Her eyes shimmered with tears. “Laugh!”

  Pulling Kathryn to her feet, he cupped her face tenderly. “We will laugh, darlin’, right up until we’re both old and gray and have a dozen grandchildren.” He kissed her firmly. “The answer is yes. I’ll marry you.” He grinned and kissed her again. When she responded, he didn’t stop until they were both breathless and shaking. He put his forehead against hers. “We’d better pack up and head back to town.” She gave a soft moan that almost made him change his mind. “Don’t sound so disappointed. We’ll come back. Right now, we’re going to hunt down Reverend Thacker and set a date.”

  “The end of summer . . .”

  “Oh, no. We’re not waiting. We’re getting married the first day the church is available.”

  Kathryn blushed. “Reverend Thacker will wonder at our haste.”

  “He’d be the only one. Everyone in Calvada is wondering why we’ve taken this long.”

  The entire town turned out for Kathryn and Matthias’s wedding, and everyone was talking while they waited for the bride to come down the aisle.

  Matthias always was one to attract trouble.

  May the Lord God Almighty please bring this union to pass!

  Maybe with Beck in charge of her, we’ll all have a little peace around here.

  One man said Calvada wouldn’t be what it was but for the list Kathryn Walsh had given Matthias. Others longed for the old days when there were eighteen saloons, a dozen cribs, and three cathouses lining Gomorrah, not to mention the three fandango halls where men could kick up their heels well after midnight. Now, there were a mere eleven watering holes, three houses of ill repute, and one dance hall remaining. “If that woman has her way, Chump Street will be lined with stores and half the population will be women!”

  Charlotte kissed Kathryn’s cheek just inside the door of the church. “You’re a beautiful bride. I’m so happy for you.” She headed up the aisle.

  Ronya, her matron of honor, stood waiting, looking regal in blue, her graying-blonde hair braided in a crown. She touched Kathryn’s cheek. “Are you ready, dearie?”

  “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

  Smiling, Ronya’s eyes lightened as she squeezed her hand. “Matthias will have his hands full with you.”

  When Kathryn stood at the end of the aisle, Sally began Mendelssohn’s wedding march. Pews creaked and a rustle of sound filled the church as everyone stood. Kathryn saw friendly faces on both sides of the aisle. Tweedie, Ina Bea and Axel, Carl Rudger, Kit Cole, the Mercer family. Her eyes welled with tears at their encouraging smiles. Up front, Scribe stood next to Henry Call. The boy looked like a young man in his fine suit.

  Gathering her courage, Kathryn finally looked at Matthias. He was devastatingly handsome in his dark suit and white shirt. His gaze was fixed on her, his expression one she couldn’t decipher. When she reached him, he offered his arm and she slipped trembling fingers into place. They went up the two steps together and stood before Reverend Thacker in his formal black vestments.

  The cross loomed on the wall behind the altar, a reminder of where she was. “Where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Jesus was inside this church.

  Kathryn’s heart pounded. Oh, God, oh, God. I’m about to do something I swore I never would! Matthias looked down at her. She wondered how she had come to be standing here beside him. I am doing this for Keeweetoss and the miners. Wasn’t that true? She looked at the man standing beside her. She loved him. How did I let that happen? There was no way out now, but to run and humiliate herself. And Matthias, whom she had come to respect.

  Reverend Thacker wasted no time starting the ceremony. Every word he spoke describing God’s plan for marriage sounded wonderfully romantic, until she remembered her mother’s warning. Guard your heart, Kathryn. She feared it was already captured. Every little girl dreamed of marrying her Prince Charming. Kathryn had, too, until she was old enough to learn how much women gave up when they said I do, and how easily a prince today could become a tyrant tomorrow.

  Doubts attacked, but what could she do now that she was standing before the altar, the entire town watching? Matthias’s attention was fixed on Reverend Thacker, and she found herself praying frantically. Oh, God, please let Matthias be the man I hope he is. In another half hour, she wouldn’t be Kathryn Walsh anymore. She would be Kathryn Beck, and Matthias would have legal rights over everything that belonged to her, and to her person as well.

  When Reverend Thacker came to the vows, Matthias turned to her. Trembling, she faced him, thankful for the gauzy veil. Matthias took her left hand gently in his. He didn’t wait for Reverend Thacker’s prompting, but recited the vows. “I, Matthias Josiah Beck, take thee, Kathryn Lenore Walsh, to be my wedded wife.” He slipped a gold band on her finger. “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish till death do us part.” He looked at her then, eyes aglow, and her heart raced. “According to God’s holy ordinance, and thereto I pledge thee my troth.” He lifted her hand and kissed it.

  The magnitude of the vows shook her.

  Matthias’s expression softened. “Ah, Kate.” He spoke so softly no one would hear. “Don’t turn coward now.”

  Kathryn’s back stiffened at those words.

  Reverend Thacker had turned to her and begun prompting her to say her vows. Swallowing hard, Kathryn spoke in a soft, shaky voice. “I, Kathryn Lenore Walsh, take thee, Matthias Josiah Beck, to be my husband . . . to have and to . . . hold . . . from this day forward . . . for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health . . . to . . .” She stumbled along, knowing she would have to keep these vows for the rest of her life. She could barely breathe past the pounding of her heart. “. . . love . . . cherish . . . and . . .” She fell silent, casting Matthias a wary look. He stood steady, a faint smile touching his lips.

  “And obey,” Reverend Thacker repeated.

  She hesitated, then shook her head. “I can’t say that.”

  A rustle of whispers spread through the congregation. “Told you, didn’t I?” One man spoke up. “You owe me ten bucks.”

  His companion muttered loudly. “It ain’t over yet.” People shushed the men.

  Shocked, Reverend Thacker stared at Kathryn. He uttered a nervous cough. “You must say it, Kathryn.”

  “I won’t say it.” She leaned close, whispering firmly. “I cannot make a promise before God and all these witnesses that I know I will be unable to keep.”

  Someone in the front row spoke aloud. “God help us all!” Twitters of laughter as well as disappointed groans were heard.

  Reverend Thacker looked at Matthias for help and guidance. Matthias shrugged, seeming not the least bit surprised or put off by her refusal. “Just omit obey, Reverend.” He grinned at her. “Leave me to deal with her rebellious nature.”

  What did he mean by that veiled threat? Kathryn knew it would be within his rights to beat her. But would he? She couldn’t believe it of him, but his expression told her he had expected her to balk and already had a plan of what to do about it. She finished the vows without raising further objections. Reverend Thacker gave an audible sigh of relief.

  “Matthias—” Reverend Thacker gave a nod—“you may kiss your bride.”

  Matthias lifted the veil. Kathryn took an instinctive step back. Looping an arm around her waist, he yanked her fully against him. When she opened her mouth to protest, he cupped the back of her head and kissed her. It wasn’t the usual chaste kiss, but one of passion. An audible gasp spread through the congregation. She struggled weakly, then gave up, her body going warm and soft.

  Oh, Mama, was this what you warned me about?

  Matthias raised his head and looked into her eyes, his own glowing with mirth and triumph.

  “That’s one way to shut her up, Beck!” some man shouted from the back. Others laughed. Most sat stunned and silent.

  Matthias turned her around so that she faced the entire congregation, his hands firm at her waist, locking her in place. Women stared round-eyed. Men chortled and nudged each other. “L-ladies and gentlemen,” Reverend Thacker stammered, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Matthias Beck.”

  Everyone surged to their feet and cheered. Men laughed; women sighed. As word spread that the deed was done, hoots and hollers could be heard from outside. Someone fired a few shots into the air. Axel headed for the door.

  Laughing, Matthias secured her hand in the crook of his arm. “It’s a done deal, your ladyship. No backing out or running now.” He took her down the steps and quickly along the aisle. “Time to greet the mob.”

  Ronya had made a three-tiered wedding cake. The ladies of the church made sure the long sawhorse and plank tables were cloth-covered and laden with casseroles, biscuits, apples, grapes shipped from Sacramento markets, baked beans, and ham. Overwhelmed by the town’s generosity, Kathryn felt teary, but had no appetite. She nibbled at this and that, pushing her food around on the plate and hoping no one noticed.

  Matthias took her hand beneath the table. “Try not to worry, Kate. You’ll get through it.”

  Through what? She hated feeling so vulnerable. “Will we be staying at the hotel tonight?”

  Matthias gave her a look of comprehension. “We’ll go home for our wedding night.”

  “Home?” That announcement caused her stomach to flutter. “At the newspaper office?”

  “Enjoy the party, Kathryn. We’ll talk about what comes next.”

  The fandango band showed up with fiddle, harmonica, banjo, and a drum. Matthias caught Kathryn around the waist and pulled her into a dance. She’d never seen this side of Matthias and found herself charmed. How long had it been since she had danced?

  Hours later, Matthias stood with her on the church steps and thanked everyone for a grand wedding and reception, especially on such short notice. Charlotte hugged Kathryn at the bottom of the steps. She giggled. “Try not to look like you’re going to the guillotine.”

  Ronya was next in line to wish her well. “Marriage is what you make of it, Kathryn. Matthias is a good man. You’ll make him better.” She drew back and cupped Kathryn’s cheek in a motherly gesture. “Be brave.”

  A few followed them down the road into town. Rather than head for the Voice and her little apartment, Matthias turned right. They walked several blocks and went up a slope where new homes had been built, each with plenty of space around them. He took her up the steps and onto the porch of a small, freshly painted yellow-and-white house.

  “Your new home, your ladyship.” He opened the door and swung her up in his arms, carrying her over the threshold. He set her back on her feet in the middle of the entry hall.

  A wide doorway to the right opened into a parlor furnished with a settee, two cushioned chairs, and a low table in front of a stone fireplace. A library was at the back with City Walsh’s bookcase and books. There were even white lace curtains covering the front windows. To her left was a dining room with a pantry at the back that opened into a kitchen with a new woodstove and icebox. The cabinets smelled freshly coated with linseed oil. The shelves were bare.

  Leaning in the doorway, Matthias watched her. “You can pick up what you need at Walker’s.”

  She looked back at him, perplexed. “You couldn’t have done all this in a week. Not even with two good crews.”

  “It’s been ready for a while.”

  “What do you mean by a while?”

  Matthias just smiled. She felt tears welling. “It’s far more than I expected . . .”