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spend my wedding night at home in my own bed.”
    “But tonight is your wedding night,” she argued.
    “It’ll be my wedding night when I say it is,” he shot back.
    “You always were a stubborn thing, Arlan.” She turned to Samijo. “Don’t you let him boss you around, and if he does, you give it right back, ya hear?”
    She raised a single brow at the remark. “That’s twice I’ve been told the very same thing,” she said with a smile.
    “And you’ll hear it again, no doubt.” Mrs. Gunderson remarked. “So long as you’re married to him you will!”
    Arlan’s face was an expressionless mask. “Two beds, Mrs. Gunderson.”
    She sighed. “Fine, but I still say it’s no way to treat your bride on your wedding night.”
    He glanced around at the other passengers.  Several men were playing cards, their supper plates untouched. While two women, a mother and daughter from the looks of it, picked at their food at another table.  “With this many folks around, I’d say it is.”
    She looked to the other passengers as well. “I see your point. Two rooms it is. Go take care of your team, and I’ll see about your supper.”
    “Much obliged, Mrs. Gunderson.” He tipped his hat, then took Samijo by the elbo w and steered her toward a chair. “You’ll be fine here until I get back.  Mrs. Gunderson will see to anything you want. I’ll bring in some of your things.”
    She looked at him and smiled in acknowledgement. For some odd reason, she didn’t want him to go, even if it was only as far as the barn.  She’d grown used to his presence on the long drive . “I’ll be fine.”
    He leaned down to her. “Will you now? You’re not fibbing to me are you?” he said in a teasing tone.
    She bit her lower lip and blushed.
    “Ah, the truth at last.” With that he left to go tend the horses.
    “I can’t believe it.”
    Samijo looked up. Mrs. Gunderson stood with a plate of food in her hand. “Excuse me?”
    “I can’t believe Arlan Weaver married. His mama’s been trying to talk him into marrying for as long as I can remember.”
    Samijo felt herself blush again, but then curiosity caught up with her. “Why hasn’t he married until now?”
    Mrs. Gunderson set the plate on the table. “Don’t know, there’s the farm of course, and then his brothers. Woo wee, they’re a handful.” She looked at Samijo, and her expression went flat. “You do know about his brothers, don’t you?”
    “Uh, no … he didn’t mention any brothers. Only his mother.”
      Mrs. Gunderson sat, and leaned back in the chair. “Oh dearie me, you mean he hasn’t once mentioned the twins or Daniel?”
    Samijo’s eyes widened at the sudden shocked look in the woman’s eye. “No,” she said, her voice weak.
    “Well then honey, you’d best eat up. You’re going to need your strength come tomorrow when he brings you home.”
     
     
     
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Four
     
    By the time Arlan finished tending the horses and securing the wagon, Samijo had all sorts of scenarios running through her mind, all sparked by one question. What was wrong with Arlan’s brothers? There had to be something , otherwise why would Mrs. Gunderson have said what she did and acted so strangely?
    She watched with trepidation as her new husband plopped down in a chair and eyed her untouched food. “You sick? That plate looks like you haven’t taken a single bite. I know we had some jerky earlier, but that can’t still be with you.”
    She looked at her food, before raising her eyes to his. “I … have some things on my mind.”
    He studied her, and smiled. “I like it when you’re honest. Makes you pretty.”
    She gave him her full attention. “What?”
    He smiled again. “I said it makes you pretty.  My pa used to say honesty brings out the best in people. With you, it  …” his words trailed off as he looked into her eyes. She fe lt herself lean forward, drawn into their blue