Peri (Brides 0f Needful Texas Book 3)
Page 10
“I’m five!” the boy who looked so like his sister and father that you couldn’t help but know they were Hamptons piped, holding his little hand wide.
“Don’t forget me Pa,” the next son called stepping up boldly. “I’m Jubal,” he teased “and like most things in the world they saved the best for last.”
The assembled broke into cheerful laughter at the younger man’s words as his father shook his white head.
“And I am Arbela,” the tall black-haired beauty on Jubal’s arm said shifting as a boy of nearly five wrapped himself around her leg. “Say hello, Arnold,” the woman said, her blue eyes adoring.
“Hello,” the tike said shoving his thumb back into his mouth.
“Now let’s eat!” Orville called slapping Jubal on the back as Olive headed to the kitchen.
***
“This has been an eventful day,” Bear said leaning over to speak to Peri as they finished a delectable meal of beef and roasted vegetables. “Are you happy?”
Peri looked across the room, her blue gaze taking in the friends, family, and neighbors she had grown to love. Her mother looked happy sitting across the table from her as Prim helped her take her fork or hold her cup.
Olive Hampton glowed with love, joy, and happiness as her family chattered at her and Orville catching them up on how and why they had come to Needful.
Overall, it seemed that all was right with the world until she spied Rosa sitting alone at a table with little Christina. The other woman’s dark eyes, usually full of a bright cheery light were dull, and her face seemed flat, expressionless.
“I’d say that God is good, and that I’m the happiest woman on earth right now,” Peri began then turned to Bear laying her hand along his bearded face. “And I am,” she said with a smile, “but my heart breaks for Rosa.”
Bear pulled her in kissing her sweet lips to the cheers and catcalls of those who saw. “You have a kind heart Peri Cassidy,” he said looking up to see Daliah, Dan, and Spencer joining Rosa at her table. “At least she doesn’t have to go through this alone,” he added. “She is loved and the people of Needful are what she needs now.”
Around them, the sounds of love, laughter, and reunion filled the large dining hall of the Hampton house, turning the warmth of the building into something like a large hug.
***
As the revelry of the night ended and families, weary, well-fed, and warm, headed home, Bear took his wife’s hand in his bidding their friends goodnight and leading her to the buggy outside.
“Are you ready to go home my love?” the big man asked.
“I’m ready to go anywhere you want to,” Peri said clinging to his arm as he started the horse in motion. “It’s time to start our life together and live every day knowing that God has joined us together.”
Bear smiled wondering how this perfect match could have come to him in the far reaches of Texas. He had never expected to love again, but Peri had met a need he hadn’t even realized he had. Perhaps his heart would always wear the scars of loss, but this new beginning made him feel new again.
“What are you thinking?” Peri asked laying her head on his shoulder and wrapping her hands around his thick arm.
“I’m thinking I’m the luckiest man on earth,” Bear replied. “I didn’t even know I needed you, yet here you are.”
“It seems that needed things turn up in Needful regularly,” Peri giggled. “When I came here, I was ready to be my own person and work for a living. Now I’ve found my purpose in this world,” she said looking up at him with every ounce of love she felt, in her eyes.
Bear leaned over taking Peri in his arms. “I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you too,” Peri said as his lips found hers blotting out the whole world, while the horse stopped to graze the frozen grass along the road.
The End
Authors Note:
Although this story is set in 1869-70 Texas, I have taken a small liberty with one aspect of the story. Mrs. Perkins, having suffered a stroke can no longer speak, but she can hum usually old hymns that are familiar to me and my readers. Although I try to always check the dates in which these hymns are written, I have decided to forgo that step and simply choose hymns that communicate the emotion of the moment for the story. I hope you enjoy this quirky bit of fun for our Brides of Needful stories.
Danni,
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Other Books by this Author:
From the Cattleman’s Daughters
Katie Isabella
Fiona Alexis
Meg Mae
Cattleman’s Daughters Companions
Cathleen
The Redemption of Rachel
Sean’s Secret Heart
Mel
Sweet Annie
Joan
Tales from Biders Clump
Christmas Kringle
Quil’s Careful Cowboy
Bruno’s Belligerent Beauty
Tywyn’sTroubles
A Teaching Touch
Prissy’s Predicament
Lucinda’s Luck
Ferd’s Fair Favor
The Travels of Titus
Winter’s Worth
Strong Hearts: Open Spirits
Maggie’s ValleySadina’s Stocking
Celestre’s Song Beloved Beulah
Whispers in Wyoming
Love Letters & Home
Counting Kadence
Mercy’s Light
Falling Forward
Racing Destiny
Baby be Mine
The Ornamental Match Maker
Carousel Horse Christmas
Loose Goose Christmas
Pineapple Persuasion
July’s Jubilant Christmas Jumble
Shutter Shock Christmas in July
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Dear Reader,
Thank you for choosing to read my book. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. If you enjoyed the story, please feel free to leave a review wherever you purchased the book. Leaving a review will help me and prospective readers to know what you liked about this book. It is an opportunity for your voice to be heard and for you to tell others why the story is worth a read.
About the Author
Danni Roan, a native of western Pennsylvania, spent her childhood roaming the lush green mountains on horseback. She has always loved westerns and specifically western romance and is thrilled to be part of this exciting genre. She has lived and worked overseas with her husband and tries to incorporate the unique quality of the people she has met throughout the years into her books.
Danni currently lives in her thirty-six foot RV with her husband and is traveling the United States to see this beautiful country and experience its history first hand.
Danni and her ‘every-day-hero’ have one son who is attending college and finding his own way as his crazy parents experience the author life along with life on the road.
As a Christian Danni, believes strongly that God brings new challenges, and blessings into one’s life to help them grow and she hopes that her words were both and encouragement and inspiration to you.
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