Page 19 of The Banker's Bride

“No, it’s true. My father didn’t believe in education, but he did believe in hard work.”

“And what do ye believe in?”

Dallas’s eyebrows pulled together in concern. “I believe in both.” Perhaps he had learned something positive from his father, after all. He took her hand and kissed her fingertips. “Perhaps you can develop hobbies that you can teach our children one day.” He lifted his eyes to hers, judging her reaction.

“You’d like to have children?”

A smile lit his lips. “Yes, of course.” She had the most incredible green eyes that he had ever seen. She smiled as he continued to kiss her fingers. “I need heirs.”

Megan’s smile faded as she pulled her hand back. Then she turned to look out the window again, leaving him to wonder what he had said wrong.

Before he could ask, the carriage pulled to a stop in front of The Ladies’ Dress Emporium. “So, are you ready to shop?”

She nodded. “Yes, I am. I’d love to see Kenzie again.” Then Megan placed her hand on his arm to stop him. “Dallas, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on me. I’ll just get a dress or two.”

“Nonsense!” He patted her arm. “Get what you want. Money is no object.”

When Bill opened the carriage door and let down the step, Dallas stepped out and offered her his hand. As she stepped out of the carriage, she looked like the princess he had been wanting his whole life. Megan’s eyes opened wide when she looked around the town.

“Miss Baker is waiting for us.” He leaned in, smiling as he offered his new wife his arm. As he led her toward the shop, one thing was certain: He was going to enjoy spoiling her.

Chapter 5

Megan

When Megan walked into The Ladies’ Dress Emporiumon Dallas’s arm,it was lovely. The day before, she had been too nervous to notice much. A few fine dresses hung in the windows and book patterns set on a table on the far wall. Her heart leaped with excitement as she looked over at Dallas.

“Good morning, Mr. King.” Kenzie Baker nodded, bowing slightly. Then a broad smile spread across her lips as she turned to Megan. “Mrs. King! It’s so good to see you here again so soon! I take it you’re here to design your new wardrobe?” Her eyebrows rose, hopeful.

Dallas nodded. “Yes, we certainly are.” He lifted Megan’s hand to his lips, gazing into her eyes as he spoke. “My wife is already gorgeous, but I want her to be a showpiece.”

Megan’s smile quickly faded.

Kenzie glanced over at Dallas and smiled. “Well, that won’t be difficult! Your wife has a lovely figure.” Then she looked over at Megan. “Shall we get started?”

“Yes, Miss Baker.” Megan liked Kenzie already. Kenzie wasn’t much older than her, and she didn’t seem to intimidate easily.

Kenzie slid her arm into hers and started to lead her away. “Oh, come now! No need to be so formal with me. Please, call me Kenzie.”

Megan smiled. “Only if ye call me Megan.” Then she glanced over at Dallas, lifting her eyebrows. “I’ll see you later?”

Dallas smiled, obviously enjoying seeing Megan’s delight. “I’ll be at the bank when you’re ready.”

Megan stepped close to him and whispered, “Dallas, thank you.”

He surprised her when he leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Take your time and enjoy yourself. Come to the bank when you finish.”

Megan nodded, giving him one last glance over her shoulder when she walked back to Kenzie.

“You know, I’ve never seen him so happy before.” Kenzie gently squeezed her hand. “I wish you both all the best.”

Megan smiled. “Thank you. I’ve never been happier.”

“I’m so glad to hear that.” Kenzie sat at a small table and indicated another chair for Megan. Spread across the table were clothing designs. “Now, for your wardrobe–”

“These are exquisite!” Megan gushed, in awe as she looked over the designs. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. Did you draw them?”

Kenzie smiled with obvious pride. “Yes, of course. I’m a clothing designer. Right now I make most of the clothes, too, but I just hired someone to sew part time. Do you sew?”

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