The Russian Billionaire’s Secret(146)

He looked tired, but that didn't detract from his rugged good looks. She understood that as a doctor, he had a responsibility to his patients, so she wasn't really mad at him for not showing up, at least he showed up now.

“You're younger looking than I thought you would be,” he told her. He knew she was young, but she looked much younger than her nineteen years. Normally girls living in rugged environments aged quickly, yet her youthful appearance wasn't marred by hard work.

“And your bigger and bushier than I thought you would be, so I guess we’re even,” she retorted and then gave him a quirky half smile.

Marshal looked at her for a minute, then started to laugh. “Saucy aren't you?”

“I can be, that's what happens when you're the oldest of ten,” she told him and then smiled at him. “I'm not mad at you, I'm just nervous about the whole thing. I traveled over a thousand miles to come marry a stranger. I would be nervous no matter what, so please don't take it personally.” Julie patted his arm to reassure him.

“I understand, and even once we are married, I am willing to give you the time you need to acclimate yourself to being married. I won't push you. I'm not that kind of man to make demands at the expense of my woman's health, emotional or otherwise,” he told her, and then put his hat back on his head. “I need to go nap, I was up all night delivering that baby, and I'll be back in time for dinner. I just didn't want to leave you here not knowing what happened.”

“Thank you,” Julie said, appreciating his honesty. He seemed like a good guy so far, she hoped it would work out well for both of them. They were both taking a risk on each other, it wasn't just her that was putting herself out there on a limb for a stranger. He was too.

Chapter 4

Getting To Know Each Other

Julie put the pink dress back on, it fit her like it had been made for her, and she had never felt more beautiful. Bettina had helped her style her hair, piling the blond curls on her head with pins, framing her delicate face.

She sat in her room, with the meat, veggies and bread sitting on two plates, the wine pitcher in between the two place settings with the empty cups waiting. A knock on the door and she relaxed a little, she hadn't realized she was worried he'd stand her up again until she was worried he was late.

“Come in,” she called and then stood up as he walked in the room, she smoothed her hands on her dress, trying not to show how nervous she really was. She'd been looking forward to this, getting to know him. She was looking forward to being married and really felt like she was doing the right thing, even though being a mail ordered bride wasn't really the norm, but a girl had to do what a girl had to do.

He walked over and stared at her, looking down at her, he towered above her head, making her feel tiny. She blinked up at him and then gave him a big smile.

“Hungry?” She asked, trying to sound cheerful, not wanting to let her previous fears a moment before show. Acting insecure wasn't an attractive trait, she focused on smiling at him and getting to know him. Those were the important things right now.

“Starving, smells good. Do you know how to cook? It doesn't matter if you don't, I can cook, believe it or not,” he asked her as he sat down and poured the wine for both of them.

“I can cook, sew, and I can even butcher a pig if you really need me too. I also can ride horses, do basic book keeping, and I almost know the entire bible by heart,” she replied as she reached out and grabbed the bread and put a small bite in her mouth. “I can also bake, and I don't mind doing volunteer work, or if you need help with your doctoring. I also know some basic first aid and I've delivered my share of cow babies.”

“Sounds like you've had your share of life experiences already,” Marshal told her as he cut his meat and put a bite in his mouth. He closed his eyes for a moment and enjoyed the bites of meat. He was hungry.

“I've helped deliver four of my younger siblings, including the one born right before I came here on the train, so if you need help, I'm not squeamish,” she told him and continued to eat her meal, feeling content. He was relaxing to talk too, for a man as large and burly as him. She'd have expected him to be more intimidating, but he didn't scare her.

“So you understand what happens between married couples I take it,” he asked her as he swiped some of the bread and put it into his mouth.

“Yes, I get the gist, it's hard not too when you live in a three room house with more than ten people. There's no privacy, and we don't really talk about those things in details, as my parents considered it fairly private, but we got the gist,” she admitted, blushing at the idea of talking about sex and intimacy.

“Are you prepared for the intimate relations once we are married?” Marshal asked her bluntly. “I find you attractive, and as I said earlier, I'm willing to wait as long as you need, but if you're up for it, I'd like to have our wedding night be a real wedding night.”

Julie was drinking her wine and choked, the image of them naked together against white sheets danced in her head. She coughed hard, and glanced up at him through the watering of her eyes.

He reached over and slapped her on the back, “Are you okay?”

“Yes, sorry,” she muttered as she cleared her throat from the wine going down the wrong pipe.

“Was the idea that shocking? Or?” He asked her as he leaned back and watched her, his expression bland.