Ryan Wolfe inspected himself closely in the small looking glass. His movements were rather stoic and fidgety. Today he was getting married to a young girl. Calleigh Duquesne. He was 5 years her senior, age gaps were not rare, but arranged Marriages were starting to become less known of.

A sad smile came to his handsome face. He did not love Calleigh, but he had to admit; she was beautiful. Maybe one day he would learn to love her, but he knew she would never love him… or like him in that fact. She made sure of it; with her conversation she had with her friend Susan yesterday afternoon.

Her words came back to him. "I don't want to be his wife, I don't care at all for him!"

She didn't even like him as a person, at least she could have been more mature about the whole ordeal, but he had to remind himself she was only 16. She was still young, but old enough to be married. She's just using that as an excuse, most likely. He pondered the thought in his head.

In an hour, the wedding would take place at the small church in town. His parents, Calleigh's parents, and a few close friends would be there. Only would the family members go to Calleigh's home and eat the wedding food and cake.

He walked to the nearest chair in his house, and looked around. He had a little shanty 10 minutes outside of town. Last year, he and his father had worked hard to build it for Ryan. Gulping down the lump in his throat he thought. Now it won't be so empty. As much as he tried to deny it, he had to admit some company around the lonely house would be nice. Even if he barely knew Calleigh, a wife to come home to would be nice. Ryan was only a man; he couldn't help but want a wife, even if she didn't love him.

Allowing his gaze to travel around the room, it landed on the king sized bed. He had no clue how tonight would work out. She was going to become his wife… in every way. He was a man, and had man feelings. He knew the second they undressed; his body would be attracted to her, even if his mind wasn't. Shaking the thoughts from his busy mind, he got up and peered outside the window. The day was beautiful, the sun was shining, and the prairie wildlife was busy, doing what they did.

Forcing himself away from the window, he grabbed his belongings and headed for his small barn. Quickly he tacked up his favorite bay gelding, Brass, and left for town. The ride was short, but to Ryan felt very long. Ahead, the church came into view. Its white paint shone brightly, and the steeple rose high into the air. He rode to the town livery, and paid the groom some money to care for his horse as he got married. Brushing himself off, he made sure he was worthy of a wedding, and strutted to the door.

At Calleigh's house ~

Calleigh stood in front of her Momma, allowing her to inspect the wedding gown and Calleigh's apparel. Her mother nodded in satification, her eyes bright with joy. Calleigh had done her best not to cry; so far she had not a shed a single tear. Proud of herself, she straightened her back, and adjusted her sleeve.

There was no way she could back out of this, she was getting married, and it could not be undone. Maybe Ryan will be in some accident, and he'll… die? Ashamed of herself, she quickly reprimanded her wayward thoughts. That was no way; someone behaved about there about to be husband! Her thoughts wandered to yesterday afternoon, and she remembered how Ryan had heard her talking to Susan.

He looked hurt, and she knew that. She wondered if he would remember those words today. Of course he will! Calleigh cringed at the though and looked out the window of her room, how could the weather and wildlife be so happy, when she wasn't?

"Calleigh!" Calleigh's father Duke came rushing into the room. A wide smile was placed in his face, and his rumpled hat was in his hands. "Time to head for the church!"

"Ok." She whispered, as her father grabbed her arm and led her to the wagon. Barney and Billy, her Fathers horses were hitched up to the wagon, and were ready to start. Watching her step, she carefully climbed into the wooden wagon.

She held her dress, as if she was afraid of getting it ruined. Her Momma had put a lot of time and effort into the beautiful navy blue gown. Her family could not afford white cloth, let alone clothe with embroidery. The velvety dress blew in the wind, gracefully.

With a click and a "Get going." The wagon lurched forward with a start. They were on they were on their way, and there was no turning back.

The trek to the church was pain staking slow, and every minute seemed like an hour.

Relief spread over Momma's face like a wildfire, at the sight of the church. Calleigh's face instantly blanched, all the color vanished from her face. Daddy grasped her hand with his old one, and helped her from the wagon.

Together they walked into the church. Momma and Daddy quickly took their seats in the front pew, with Mr. And Mrs. Wolfe. Susan sat brightly in the front, with a wide smile on her face. Some of Ryan's friends sat calmly and laid-back. Daddy led Calleigh up to the front of the church, it was happening so fast.

Before she knew it, she was in the hands of Ryan. Daring to look up, she found him smiling that sad smile like yesterday. That's what he is thinking about. She thought. She tried to put on her best smile, but the attempt fell flat.

Mr. and Mrs. Duquesne sat in the front; they were all smiles and grins. Looking at Ryan again, he offered a reassuring smile. The pastor began ready the vows, Calleigh tried to keep eye contact with Ryan, but found the floor more inviting to look at. She could feel his gaze on her, as the pastor read.

"I do." Were the words Calleigh heard coming from Ryan. Startled she looked up and waited as the pastor read her vows.

"I do." She painfully whispered. She looked at Ryan, and a look of hurt passed through his features. She had done it again, couldn't she just make herself sound happy for once or at least not to morbid?

"You may now kiss your bride!" The pastor announced gladly, his old face broke into a huge grin.

Nervously Calleigh looked at Ryan, uncertainty could be read in his hazel eyes. With stoic motions he cupped her small head, and landed his lips on hers. A few seconds passed before, he released his lips from hers, by the time he was done kissing her, she was shaking. The parents of the two newly wed, erupted into cheers. Ryan released a suppressed sigh, and Calleigh blushed to her blonde roots. Susan clapped loudly for her friend, and Ryan's friends elbowed each other in the ribs, while chuckling.

They were now husband and wife.

Ryan grabbed Calleigh's, hand, and walked her down the aisle. With his empty hand, he swung the church doors open, and proceeded to help Calleigh into her Fathers wagon.

"I'll see you back at your parents house." He said, his voice lowering a notch. He then ran to the livery to collect his horse.

Shaking, she just watched him run off. Suddenly cold, she held herself and fought back the uprising tears.

Soon they were headed home.

Ryan on his way home ~

Ryan took his time on the way to the Duquesne home. Brass lazily walked slowly down the dirt path, his feet slowly lifted and dropped. Ryan sat somewhat slumped in the saddle, his head in the clouds. When he kissed her, she had been shaking like a leaf. The kiss would have been nice, if he wasn't the only one taking part. She had stood there like a statue.

Half of the day was already over, and soon they would head home. Their home. The thought rallied his mind into a ball.

The Duquesne home came into plain view, the wagon was already put away and talking could be heard inside the house. Most likely his parents and Calleigh's parents. Calleigh was probably hiding somewhere… away from him. He drew a long shuddering breath, and put Brass away in the barn. Nervously, he walked to the front porch and opened the door. The scent of home cooking hit his nose, and his stomach lurched. In the midst of everything that day, he had forgotten to eat.

His presence was welcomed by hoots and hollers from the excited parents. He brushed it off with an easy going smile. Looking around the room, he did not find Calleigh.

"Where's my new wife?" Ryan asked, the sound of it rolled easily off his tongue.

Duke smiled. "She's in her room, you can go up." He elbowed Mr. Wolfe in the ribs. Mr. Wolfe smiled, and prodded his son up the stairs.

Uneasily Ryan walked up the creaking Stairs, and located Calleigh's Room. Walking in, he found her with her back to him, staring out the window. Her sleep blonde hair fell across her shoulders and her dress fanned out around her. He could tell she was crying; by the way her shoulders were shaking. Walking beside her bed, he perched on the end of it, she still didn't look. Gently he placed his strong fingers on her and rubbed her back in slow circular motion.

He was amazed at his own actions, he didn't even love the girl, and yet he was acting like a mother. She leaned her head against his arm.

"Oh Momma." She whispered. Her words startled Ryan.

"Calleigh…" he started, and cringed at her surprised expression.

"Ryan?" She gasped then blushed brightly. In an instant, she scooted a few inches away from his close presence. "What are you doing up here?" she demanded.

A pained expression crossed his handsome face, before he said, "I… I came to tell you its time to eat." He stuttered.

"Fine. I'll be right down." She said in a clipped tone. Ryan immediately got up from the bed, and strutted out of the room.

Like a puppy with his tail between his legs, Ryan walked slowly down to the dining room. Questioning eyes met him, when he came down alone. He ignored their stares and sat down. What did they expect, just because they would be married, they would be perfect?

A few minutes later Calleigh came down, on purpose, she avoided Ryan's eyes. He ignored her attempts at being rude, and ate the food. The adults pleasantly talked with Ryan, and Calleigh tried her best to stay out of the conversation. After the food was finished, the time was drawing close to 7:30pm.

"Well, I think its time to head home." Ryan said, and pushed his chair away from the table and offered his hand to Calleigh. Slowly she grabbed it; she barely had a grasp on his hand.

The parents kissed them both, and wished them on their way. Calleigh's first instinct was to run to her room, but for her parents put on a false face. Ryan led her to the barn, and they were both soon mounted on Brass's back. This time Ryan allowed Calleigh to sit behind him, so they could avoid an awkward ride.

The ride was tense and awkward; Ryan released a sigh of relief at the sight of his small home. He could feel Calleigh behind him, stiffen. He let her walk into the house, while he put the horse away for the night. In defeat, he rested his head against Brass's shoulder and shook his head.

"Brass boy tonight shall be interesting."

In the house, Calleigh looked around the home. It was defiantly a man's home, there was just furniture, and needed supplies. No decorations or anything feminine. Shuddering, she walked to the bed, and placed her small hand on it.

She jumped, when she heard the door open. Ryan cautiously stepped into the room, and looked at her with uncertainty in his eyes. She cast her eyes downward. Ryan scooped her hands into his larger ones, and looked her in the eye.

"Calleigh, I won't hurt you. I promise." He begged her with his eyes. He wanted to be trusted so bad; it scared Calleigh. She tried to pull away, but Ryan kept a firm hold.

Before she knew what to expect, cool air hit her bare back, and her dress slid to the ground. Gasping, she looked at Ryan. He just undid my dress! Horror hit her. Ryan just offered a saucy smile, and began to unbutton his shirt. Turning away, she held her body as if to hide herself. The sound of clothes hitting the ground reached her ears, and the muscles in her body tensed tightly.

He grabbed her arms, and led her to the bed.

"Ryan, please." She begged him, she was almost hysteric.

"Calleigh, I'm a man." He pleaded with her; his voice grew thick at the image of her body. "I have feelings too." Giving up, she nodded her head. Next thing she knew, her body hit the soft bed.