Blessing in Disguise by Lauraine Snelling Page A

have to what? She had no idea at the moment. Her stomach grumbled, and she blinked at a wave of dizziness. It had been more than two days since she’d eaten. Right now that seemed more important than her trunk.
    Kane studied her through narrowed eyes. He heard the sound of her insides. Hadn’t she eaten on the train? Surely he’d sent enough money so she didn’t starve. But at the pale look taking over her face, he had a good idea she hadn’t eaten for some time.
    Well, as soon as they stood up for the ceremony, he would take her to the hotel for a meal. Or he could ask them to fix a basket.
    He nodded and smiled again. That’s what he’d do. They could eat on the way. If they didn’t put some miles under those wheels by dark, it would be another day before he got home. And by then both Morning Dove and Lone Pine would be sending out scouts. He bid her stay again and trotted across the street to the hotel.
    “Now where is he going?” Augusta whispered into the fingers she’d used to rub her temples. Oh, Lord above, I have said I will trust you, but let me tell you, right now that isn’t very easy. Who is this man, and when are we going to Blessing so that Hjelmer can make everything clear?
    After picking up his supplies at the general store, they drove down the street, and he stopped the wagon again. This time he motioned her to step down and held up a hand to assist her. She laid her hand in his, feeling she had no strength left, only to discover a power running from his hand and directly up her arm. She paused in the act of stepping down to the step and looked into his eyes—amber in color with flecks of gold like promises of riches to come. She could see no guile, only concern and a hint of joy, as if the curving of his well-formed lips weren’t enough and he was trying his best to reassure her.
    Taking a deep breath, she placed her foot on the step and swung to the ground, his hand now cupping her elbow. Again came that sensation of a transference of strength. Who was this man anyway? Might he become a friend, or even more? After all, she was single, thanks to that no-good Elmer. But perhaps this man wasn’t.
    She felt like sighing again but refrained. Sighing was not in her nature, and she promised herself she wasn’t about to develop the habit.
    He guided her up the steps and held open a door to an office of some sort. At his direction, she went on in and looked around. Surely a business office. What had they come here for?
    Another man, a book in his hand, entered the room and stood before them. He nodded at her, and she nodded back. Her companion smiled and said a few words to which the older man responded.
    She tried to think of the cool lakes and mountain streams of home, but instead, all that came to mind was a plate of roast beef, potatoes, rutabagas, and pickled beets on the side. There would be a plate of lefse, a cup of steaming coffee, and her mor’s smiling face. Her stomach rumbled again. She could feel the heat of embarrassment color her face even brighter than she knew the oppressive heat already did.
    What would they think of her?
    “Do you, Miss Borsland, take this man as your wedded husband?”
    The man with the book looked at her as if waiting for an answer. What is he saying?
    She looked to the man beside her, and at his nod, she nodded to the man who, now that she thought about it, looked official. Maybe this was something to do with coming into the new land. Hjelmer had talked about how important it was to become an American citizen.
    If only she could understand what they were saying. Now the gentleman asked a question to the man beside her. He also nodded and smiled.
    “I now pronounce you man and wife.”
    Kane felt his heart leap. He’d actually done it. Gone and gotten himself a wife. A beautiful wife. All he had to do was teach her English so they could talk to each other. And he would learn some Norwegian too. Make it easier for her. How, he wasn’t sure, but then he’d