Forbidden Desire

The wedding took place on the Mackay sprawling ranch in Hidalgo, Texas. The ceremony was held outdoors under a large oak tree, its branches providing natural shade for the guests. The weather was warm but not oppressively hot, typical for a spring day in south Texas. The bride wore a simple, floor-length white dress made of cotton, adorned with lace at the collar and cuffs. Her hair was styled in an updo, decorated with small white flowers. She carried a bouquet of wildflowers, such as bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes. The groom was dressed in his best suit, which was dark-colored and made of wool. He wore a white shirt with a high collar and a silk cravat. His boots were polished to a high shine. Guests were seated on wooden benches or hay bales covered with quilts. Lirye was the maid of honor and, of course, Ethan was the best man. He was scandalously handsome. Lirye sighed. She was happy for her sister Emmanuelle and Zacharias, her brother-in-law. The ceremony was brief and simple, officiated by Padre Mateo. The couple exchanged vows and simple gold bands. "I declare them husband and wife. You may kiss your wife now," Father Matheo suggested gently. Zacharias took Emma's hand, put his arm around her waist, and kissed her passionately. Lirye couldn't stop watching. She blushed and turned her gaze, only to meet Ethan's look. He was watching her. She turned dark red from head to toe. One corner of his lips twitched. He was smiling. Damn him. Lirye knew he was doing that on purpose. As always, she felt vulnerable in front of him, like he was looking into her soul. She had felt that way since the first time they met. Ten years earlier, her mother Helena and she had come back from New York. Her grandfather hadn't been in good health and had wanted to meet Emma. Her mother had cried during the entire trip. "Everything will be alright, Mama. Emma knows that you tried your best to keep your promise to come back for her," Lirye had soothed. "She has a big heart, and you are her Mom. She will be happy to have you with her again," she had continued. "What if she can't forgive me? What if she thinks that I forsook her? I couldn't stand it," Helena had sobbed. "Don't worry, Mom. She will. She's a McEwen, and she'll understand. We're her family. She will." Lirye hadn't been so sure, but her mother had needed reassurance. When they had arrived at the diligence house, they were surrounded by luggage. Lirye had been pulling one of the bags when her back suddenly shocked against something hard. She had dropped the luggage and, pushed by the strength of the hit, had stumbled in her shoes. Strong arms had pulled her, turned her around, and straightened her. Her face had been in front of massive pectorals covered by a cotton shirt. She had looked up and met deep green eyes, a small nose, and an abundant smiling mouth. "Honey, as much as I like having women fall into my arms, you're way too young to be throwing yourself at me," he had said. Lirye had blushed. "I am sorry... I was... I was..." Ethan had laughed. "Lirye, watch your manners!" her mother had intervened. Lirye had stiffened, stayed still, and controlled her emotions. Bowing her head with a calm tone, she had said, "Please excuse me, milord. I was taking one of our luggage. I wasn't paying attention." When she had looked at him again, totally composed, he hadn't been smiling anymore. He had frowned at her, watching her with... admiration and pity? She had blinked. He had been watching too deeply into her. "Ethan Mackay. It's a pleasure to meet you. No worries, ma'am, no offense taken," he had said, addressing her mom. "May I help you? Where are you going?" he had asked, offering his help. Since then, Lirye couldn't stop thinking of him. It was normal for her to control her emotions, to obey, to be the perfect daughter her mother had created. She hadn't had a choice either. She had been almost five when her mother had run away from Wade with her and left Emmanuelle behind. Her father had been a drunkard who had abused her mother and sister. They had been going to leave together, but Wade had once again ruined their plan. Her mother had successfully run away from him, but leaving part of her heart in Hidalgo, with Emma. Lirye knew that since then, her mother had forged in her the perfect woman she would never be. When they had arrived in New York, her grandfather, Mr. Harold McEwen, had refused to see them, but after a few days, he had taken them under his wing. Her mother had begged him to help them, and he had agreed. The problem was that he had put one condition: stay with him until he approved of Lirye's behavior. She had had to live every day with perfect posture. She had learned an instrument, different languages, how to govern a house. Everything that her grandfather had allowed, she had had to do far better than his expectations. And she had succeeded. But the truth was that inside, she was screaming. Lirye had fooled everyone. Everyone except Ethan. He had seen through her, her wild character. He was always pushing her to the edge. Like today, during the wedding, when her curiosity had overtaken her control. She had watched that kiss. Lirye wanted to know, to discover passion, to seek adventures. She sighed. It wasn't going to be today, she thought. She was 15, and she had to wait until her sister met her grandfather for her to be free. After that, she had to plan big. After the ceremony, the celebration moved to a nearby barn, decorated with lanterns, ribbons, and more wildflowers. Long tables were set up for the feast, covered with checkered tablecloths. Lirye looked at the table: barbecued beef, cornbread, beans, and various pies for dessert. She wasn't feeling hungry. She went for a drink, taking a lemonade and a glass of water. She watched Dan, Zack's brother, and other men working on the Mackay ranch, drinking beer and whiskey. Maria, her mother, and other women from town were drinking some imported wine from New York. The music took on an accelerated rhythm. The musicians playing fiddles, guitars, and banjo were playing in unity. The married couple started their first dance, and guests followed. Lirye sighed again and closed her eyes. "Wanna dance, little girl?" Lirye smiled, recognizing his voice. She felt free. "Why not?" she asked. Ethan took her hand without a word. He was leading her, and she followed him. "You're not hiding behind that distinguished facade of yours," he noticed. Lirye froze. He obviously had no problem taking control of her movements. "And don't go there, Sweetie. I like to see you as yourself," Ethan declared. "I am not..." Lirye started. "Don't," he interrupted. "Don't lie to me." Lirye, dropping the pretense, said, "Well, that 'distinguished facade,' as you call it, is part of my daily life. It is a path towards my freedom." "That, I believe. I would like to hear about that path one day, Sweetie," Ethan suggested. Lirye smiled. "Maybe one day." She felt comfortable in his arms, with him. They talked about everything and nothing. They were talking without paying attention to others, so they didn't notice the music had stopped and some of the guests were watching them. Ethan was the first to notice. He stopped the dance, bowed his head, and was gone. Lirye, blushing, headed towards the house. It was just like that, how Ethan had stolen her heart.