Captive Bride - Alta Hensley Page 0,36

another whipping with his belt over spending another night in the cold cellar.

Papa Rich glances down at the untouched food he sent. We had been too cold to go eat once we found the smallest amount of warmth with our body heat.

“You didn’t eat.” He looks at me, and adds, “Go make some breakfast for you and your fiancé and make quick work of it. Scarecrow has blessed us with his presence before the next big storm. We think winter’s coming fast and furious this year, and he wants to preside over your wedding before it becomes impossible for him to make his way here.”

“Today? You want me to get married today?” The words didn’t seem real.

“Snow-covered ground, eagles flying overhead in search of prey, and the good Lord’s grace deeming it so. What better a day to wed?”

I glance at Christopher, not sure what I will see on his face. Will he storm to Papa Rich in rage again?

“If the Lord deems it so,” Christopher says as he shakes out the blankets and folds them nicely and… in such control.

Papa’s brow raises and a smile masters his face. “Well lookee here. Isolation has chased the Devil right out of your body.” He looks at me and his smile grows even move. “Go on, girl. Get busy. You have to get dressed and ready for your big day, and we don’t have a lot of time. Scarecrow wants to head on home before it storms again.”

My head spins in uncertainty and confusion. Chaos bangs destruction inside of me. Both men seem… off. Both are unusually happy and at ease when they were both nearly homicidal only hours ago. But at the same time, I’m not going to risk upsetting either, so I quickly run out of the room toward the kitchen with Pine Cone underfoot. And Papa is right… I don’t have a lot of time because the smell of onion and sweat tells me that Scarecrow is here and waiting.

When I enter my room after making and serving Christopher breakfast, I am surprised to see a white lace dress spread on my bed. It’s not new, and actually quite old based on the discoloration, but it’s still beautiful. Long sleeves, delicate buttons that go up the back to the high collar, and such intricate design in the lace fills me with an excitement I have never felt in my life. I’ve never worn anything so pretty and worth so much money before. I’ve never received a gift, and for my first one to be so beautiful…

“Do you like it?” Papa Rich asks from behind me.

I pick up the dress and hold it against me. “Where did you find it? It’s beyond anything… Oh, Papa Rich.” I spin and face him, not being able to control the tears that fall from my eyes. “Thank you. It’s perfect.”

“My daughter only gets one wedding day.”

There’s kindness in his eyes. I see it. For the first time since Christopher arrived, I see a small glimmer of my Papa Rich. He’s not a bad man… not always. Not always.

He approaches me and reaches into his pocket as he does. “I got these for the both of you too.” He pulls out two gold bands and places them in my palm. “Something for you both to wear forever symbolizing your love and unity. And hopefully”—he looks down at his feet and fidgets for a moment—“you remember just how much I love you when you look at it on your finger. I know I have a hard time showing it. I know I’m broken down to the bone, and though I’ve tried so hard not to show you just how jagged my spirit is, I know you’ve seen. You’re a wise woman. Extremely wise. You see with eyes of a woman far older and experienced than your years. You see me… and for that, I’m often disappointed.”

I don’t know what to say, but the tears continue to fall. I love him. Christopher may not understand why, and I get that. But right now. This very moment. I love my father. I can’t control my heart. I can’t control my feelings. And though I should… I can’t help but slip back into time and remember that little girl who was so desperate for love and security.

Papa Rich gave me that.

He saved me.

He loved me.

He kept me.

“You deserve the best,” he says as he steps away from me and gives me the space I need to process. “True