She gestured to the table. “But the bottle is right here. I would have seen her.”
“We have a bottle in the kitchen, too. Keep it on hand in case someone is badly hurt or Spuds’ back pains him too much.”
“Why that little imp. Wait until I see her again.”
“She did you a favor.”
“I guess so now that you mention it. Spuds’ back was hurting him, which is why he laid down in here. I’m sure it was bad or he wouldn’t have admitted it to me. I’m glad she made sure he’d sleep well.”
He patted beside him on the bed. “Bedtime.”
“All right, but you have to promise to tell me if I hurt you.” She carefully laid down with her back to him.
He curled to fit her until they were spooned together. “Ahh, that’s better. I can sleep now.”
“So can I, but I’m leaving the lamp burning low. Wake me if you need more laudanum.”
Being close to her husband again reassured her that their normal life would resume soon. She was determined to keep him quiet and in bed until Dr. Ross said he could be mobile. He lay on his uninjured side with his arm draped across her. Secure in the warmth of his embrace, she sent up a prayer.
Dear Lord, hallowed be thy name. Thank you for Austin’s survival and return to consciousness. Bless Cindy, Spuds, Dusty, Chico, Buck, and Bert. Bless Dr. Ross and the sheriff and all the men who rode with the posse. Thank you that they were unharmed.
Forgive me for the anger I harbored in my heart against Mr. Ferguson for shooting Austin. The depth of my anger frightened me. Forgive Mr. Ferguson and his partner for creating a dangerous situation. Accept them into your loving arms, Dear Father, and give them your peace that passes all understanding. Amen.
Chapter Sixteen
Mina woke when Austin moaned. He had rolled flat on his back. She slipped from bed and grabbed the pillow from the bunk.
After walking around to the opposite side of the bed she tried to lift him so she could slide the pillow against his back. That would prevent him pressing on his back wound, which was the more serious of the two. He wouldn’t budge and she was afraid of hurting him.
She caressed his face, now prickly with whisker stubble. “Austin? Austin, roll over a little.”
He looked at her as if trying to focus. “What? What did you say?”
“You’re pressing on your back injury. Let me slide this pillow to your back so it prevents you pressing your shoulder against the mattress.”
He did as she requested. “Ah, sweetheart, I’m lucky to have you taking care of me. No, I’m lucky to have you at all.”
Hearing him use an endearment and say something so nice almost sent her crying again. “I’m grateful to hear you say so, Austin, but I’m the reason you were shot. If you hadn’t been teaching me to fire a gun, Ferguson wouldn’t have popped up and shot you.”
“Wrong, if I hadn’t had you to restrain me, I would have charged into their camp and been shot and killed. Having you saved my life. I’ll be interested to learn how you managed to get me home and in here.”
She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I’ll tell you all about it when you feel better.”
“Tell me now. I’d like to know. First, come back to bed.”
After walking to the other side of the bed and stretching out next to her husband, she explained what happened after he fell off his horse.
“A slicker for a tent? I knew you were clever but that shows real resourcefulness.”
She was pleased he was being so sweet when he must be in pain. “Lily and I used to make a backyard playhouse from anything Mama would let us use. A slicker is the same principle.”
She patted his arm where it lay across her. “I’m sorry I had to wake you.”
He nuzzled her neck. “I need to talk to you anyway.”
“You should go back to sleep. You need the rest to heal.”
“We can sleep later but I can’t relax until I talk to you. This is important. Turn so I can see your pretty face.”
Carefully so she wouldn’t fall or injure him, she faced him. “In that case, I’m listening.”
“Do you believe in love at first sight?”
Did she? She definitely believed in love at second sight. “In some cases. Other times I think the response is physical attraction and not love.”
“When I saw you step off the stage, I felt this tremendous wham to my insides. I remember everything about you—what you wore, that your hat was slightly askew, what you had in your hands, everything. It was as if that image burned on my brain so I can never forget it.”
“I’m amazed. I confess I didn’t see you because I spotted Cindy right away. I was so glad to see her and also to be off that uncomfortable stagecoach.”
“I remember the two of you almost running to one another. Bert strolled over to where you and Cindy were hugging and laughing. I swear I couldn’t move. All I could do was stare at you. Bert had asked me to come with him so I could meet you before any other bachelor.”
“I thought you didn’t like me and I was disappointed. You’re a nice looking man, Austin, and I came to meet a husband.”
“You have one forever. I worried when I was shot in the few minutes before I passed out. What if I’d died and you never knew how I felt? I have to make sure you know, Mina. I’m not good with words but I want to make certain you know I love you.”
She pressed her head against his uninjured shoulder. “Oh, Austin, your words were just wonderful. I’d already admitted to Cindy I’d fallen in love with you. Even though we haven’t been married long, I feel as if I’ve known you for years and years.”
He exhaled. “You don’t know how happy it makes me to hear you say that. We belong together. You’re my other half, my soul mate. I feel harebrained saying it, but it’s true.”
“Don’t feel ridiculous, dear husband. We do belong together. Remember, you pledged to stick around for a very long while. I’m holding you to that promise.”
“Count on it, my love.”
Epilogue
Two years later
Mina called to her cousin, “Hurry, Cindy. They’ll be here before we get to the stage depot.”
“I’m coming, I wanted to burp baby Hugh.” Cindy hurried down the stairs.
Bert met her at the foot of the staircase and held his wife’s shoulders. “You’re certain you can drive the buggy by yourself?”
“I can do it, Bert. We’ve practiced a dozen times. For heaven sakes, it’s only a few blocks anyway.”
He kissed her cheek. “I know, but you’re precious cargo.”
Cindy gazed up at him. “You know the perfect thing to say.”
Austin rolled his eyes heavenward. “Mina and I had this same conversation at home about the drive from the depot to here. I’ve been suitably chastised for doubting her ability.”
Mina tugged Austin’s sleeve. “Let’s go before Chip wakes up.” Their son only cried at being left if he saw her and Austin leave. Otherwise he was content to play with Jessica and Jamie and let Mrs. Coats entertain them.
They drove their buggy, followed by Cindy in the Kennedys’ buggy, followed by Bert with a wagon.
They found places to park the three vehicles and gathered in front of the depot.
Austin peered down the road. “I see a dust plume that must be the stage.”
Mina could hardly stand the wait but soon the stage pulled up and her niece and oldest nephew were the first out the door.
Darla ran to Mina. “Auntie Mina, Auntie Mina! We missed you. We have another baby only Faye’s not so little now.”
Billy ran beside his sister. “We rode on a train for a long ways. I didn’t like the stagecoach ’cause I couldn’t move.”
Mina hugged both of them. “I’ve missed you two and Danny so much. Come and meet your Uncle Austin.”
Both children went quiet as they gazed up at him.
Darla eyes grew wide. “You’re our uncle? I didn’t know I had an uncle.”
A
ustin lifted her up. “That’s right, I’m your Uncle Austin. That makes you my niece.”
He set her down and picked up Billy. “And you’re my nephew now since I married your Aunt Mina.”
Darla asked, “Are you the man who has horses?”
“I am. Do you like horses?”
Billy jumped up and down. “I do, I do, Uncle Austin.”
Darla grabbed Austin’s hand. “Will you let me ride one?”
“If your parents say you can.”
The children dashed to their mother.
Mina rushed to hug Lily and look at the youngest. “I can’t wait to hold her.” She took the toddler from her sister while Lily listened to Darla and Billy talk about horses.
Lily put a hand on each child’s head. “That’s a discussion for another day. For now, let me talk to your Aunt Mina and our cousin Cindy.”
Mina and Lily and Cindy talked a mile a minute.
Lily grabbed her cheeks. “Oh my, I should introduce Will’s parents to Cindy and Bert.” She grabbed Cindy’s hand and pulled her to where her in-laws stood. “Olivia and George Patterson, this is my cousin Cindy and her husband Bert Kennedy.”
George shook hands with Bert. “We’re pleased to meet you. Sure appreciate you letting us stay with you.”
Olivia asked, “You’re sure you have room?”
Cindy hugged Olivia. “We have plenty of room and love to entertain guests.”
Will shook hands with Austin. “I can’t thank you enough for getting me the job at the bank. Lily’s missed Mina so much. The kids and I missed her, too, but Lily has been so sad at times she worried me.”
Austin glanced at Mina. “I happened to ask Yancy if he knew of a vacancy coming up at the bank. He told me he was leaving to go back to his hometown but hadn’t mentioned it to anyone. Listen, if I’d known how happy it was going to make Mina, I’d have paid the man to leave.”
Will grinned. “Sure perked up Lily. My parents had just retired and agreed to move with us. What a job it was to sell two houses and decide what to get rid of and what to keep. We were sure lucky to find buyers for each house.”
Bert clapped Will on the shoulder. “Well, you’re here now and that’s what’s important.”
Austin gestured to the wagon. “Bert brought the wagon for your luggage but it doesn’t look as if you brought much.”
That’s when Mina noticed there were only three valises and a couple of suitcases waiting on the boardwalk in front of the stage depot.
Will shrugged. “We had so much between both couples that we’re having a freighter bring the rest from where we got off the train in Millsap.”
Austin winked at Mina. “Imagine that. They didn’t bring all they owned with them.”
Mina elbowed him gently. “He still teases me about the number of trunks I brought. Everything is being used, though.”
Olivia said, “We didn’t have a choice. There was barely room on the stage for us. I’m sure you noticed that two men had to ride on the stage roof.”
The four men in their group quickly loaded the luggage into the wagon.
Mina hugged her sister again. “You ride with me so I have a chance to talk to you at least a little. Cindy and Bert’s home is only a few blocks.”
Will helped Lily into the buggy and handed Faye to her. “I’ll help with the wagon. Darla and Billy can ride with me and Danny with Mama and Papa.”
Mina called, “Thank you, Will. We’ll see you in a few minutes.”
Having her sister and young niece in the buggy made Mina overly cautious. “I’m so happy you’re here. I’ve missed you so much.”
Lily appeared ready to cry. “I really was depressed, especially close to time for Faye to be born. You were there for the others. I wondered if I’d ever see you again. Then, when your baby was born, I wasn’t there for you.”
Mina pulled up at in front of the Kennedy home. “I was so glad when the opening at the bank came up and Bert wired you. This is a dream come true.”
“I guess you won’t be mad at me if I tell you I’m the one who wrote that Lovelorn column that Cindy sent you. I also wrote her to be on the lookout in case it was answered.”
“Lily, did you? The Lovelorn’s advice gave me the gumption to come west and see Cindy.”
“I counted on Cindy seeing it if my letter was answered. I’m so grateful now. I know she’s always read that type of column and would be especially vigilant after my request. You know we wanted the best for you.”
“You plotted well. No wonder the newspaper clipping sounded as if I could have written it. You tailored it to me.”
Lily giggled. “I sure did.” Her eyes widened. “Oh, my, this is Cindy’s home? It’s huge, but we’re sure to fill the place.”
“You’ll love staying with them. You remember how Cindy loved to entertain. She’s even better at it now.” She set the brake and looped the reins around it.
“I’m so impressed you can handle this buggy by yourself.”
“Austin rode on the wagon so you and I could be alone. I’ll be glad when you come to the ranch.”
Will and Austin hurried over to help them down and they went inside.
The laughter and chatter thrilled Mina. Her family was together at long last. She wanted to shout for joy. She smiled at the thought that she’d have to shout to be heard.
Austin went upstairs to get Chip. She loved seeing him with their son. He always beamed with pride and love when he held Chip.
They visited for a couple of hours after Cindy gave the newcomers a tour of the house.
Mrs. Brown served dinner a little early.
Lily and Olivia appeared exhausted. Mina imagined the men were, too. When dinner was over, Mina and Austin said their goodbyes. Austin carried Chip to the buggy.
Bert hurried from the house. “Hey, Austin, I’ll hold Chip while you help Mina into the buggy. Be careful on the way home.”
He handed Chip to Mina when she was seated. “Don’t forget the party on Friday evening.”
Austin released the brake. “We would never willingly miss one of your parties.” He snapped the reins and they headed home.
Mina cradled Chip to her. “He must have tired himself out playing with the twins.”
Austin looked at the sky. “Nice night. Lots of stars on display just for you.”
“I love riding on evenings like this. I love going anywhere with you.”
“I hope so. I’d be a mess without you, my love.”
“Oh, Austin, I can’t imagine being without you. We have a magnificent life at the ranch. Now that Lily and her family are going to be in Palo Pinto, I have everything I’ve ever wanted.”
He glanced at her. “Everything?”
“Well, I’d like another couple of children. In fact, I believe our second is, as some say, in the oven.”
He pulled on the reins and they stopped. “You’ve made me the happiest man alive. Now I have everything I ever wanted.” He pulled her into his arms, careful he didn’t crush their son who was stretched out on her lap.
He cradled her head in his hands. “I love you more than I thought possible. Marrying you was the smartest thing I’ve ever done.”
“Thank you for saying so. I was so scared when I came here and so tired from the ride. Even though I thought you didn’t like me, you caught my eye. After we told Cindy and Bert we were engaged and you went home, Cindy admitted you were the one she wanted me to wed.”
“Of course she’d say that.”
“She meant it. Guess what else? Lily admitted she’s the one who wrote the letter to the Lovelorn column. She also wrote Cindy to watch for it being printed and tell me about the answer if it was chosen for the newspaper. Then she was depressed because we were apart.”
“I’ll be hornswoggled. I’m sure glad she wrote and that Cindy saw the answer and sent you the clipping.”
She caressed his cheek. “I love you, Austin Wright. You are Mr. Wright for me.”
“Ah, Mina my love, I hope yo
u’ll always think that.”
“I’ll let you know in fifty or sixty years.”
About this Series
YOURS TRULY: THE LOVELORN, a multi-author sweet historical romance series, puts an old-fashioned spin on the modern-day "Dear Abby"-style newspaper articles. Each story features someone frustrated in love who writes to The Lovelorn. Then the complications set in. Every book stands alone and features its author's unique creative touch. Be sure to read all the books in this series!
Book 1 – Dear Lovelorn - Marie Higgins
Book 2 – Brilliant in Boston - Lynn Donovan
Book 3 – Secretive in Sacramento - Marie Higgins
Book 4 – Lost in Laramie - Margaret Tanner
Book 5 – Confused in Colorado - Cat Cahill
Book 6 – Torn in Toronto - Wendy May Andrews
Book 7 – Deserted in Dodge - Patricia PacJac Carroll
Book 8 – Obsessed in Oregon - Marlene Bierworth
Book 9 – Overwhelmed in Oklahoma - Elissa Strati
Book 10 – Wistful in Wisconsin - Marisa Masterson
Book 11 – Desperate in Delaware - Caroline Clemmons
Book 12 – Vexed in Vermont - Marie Higgins
Book 13 – Kissless in Kansas - Elissa Strati
Book 14 – Dejected in Denver - Cat Cahill
Book 15 – Alone in Austin - Patricia PacJac Carroll
Book 16 – Miserable in Montana - Cheryl Wright
Book 17 – Bewildered in Billings - Lynn Donovan
Series Link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0895GG699
About Caroline Clemmons
Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was born in town instead of on a Texas ranch. To compensate for this illogical error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a tiny office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their two rescued indoor cats—Sebastian the tuxedo cat, and Jasmine the shy Balinese—and their Shih Tzu, Chloe, as well as providing nourishment outdoors for a collection of wild critters who stop by to dine.
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