by Marcia
“White horse?” she heard herself whisper.
She was aware of Jackson sighing heavily and hugging her tightly against him. As her eyes at last opened they beheld the magnificent face of her champion.
“You said yourself, way back when, that all I needed was a white horse,” he said, smiling and kissing her cheek softly as he stroked her hair affectionately.
As she gazed into his handsome face and her mind became clearer, she realized fully the danger they had all just endured. She was angry with herself for subjecting them all to such peril. Especially Jackson. She looked at the blood dried on his sleeve. The blood from the wound inflicted because of her.
Pushing him away she cried, “How dare you? Sabers! Of all things! Why did you have to make it into such a game? It was awful! He could’ve killed you!” she buried her face in her hands, sobbing violently with emotional relief.
Taking her gently by the shoulders, Jackson again drew her to him. “Sshh, darlin’. It’s all over,” he whispered into her hair.
Malaina let her arms slip around him, hugging him tightly against her own body. “He could’ve killed you, Jackson,” she reminded.
“He didn’t, Malaina,” he reminded in return. Then he chuckled, “He couldn’t a won anyway. I didn’t spend no four years at West Point to get whipped by some man who wears ruffles on his chest.”
“It’s not funny. How can you laugh? I thought I’d have to see you be killed!” she cried, hugging him tighter.
His smile showed compassion, not mockery. “I know, darlin’. But it’s over now. No more worries. No more strangers showin’ up to try and steal you away.” He kissed her cheek tenderly and began playing with a lock of her soft hair. His eyes hypnotized her as he spoke. “Now, I figure...I’ve saved you again, right?” He kissed her 63
other cheek. “That’s six times now, ain’t it?” He kissed her forehead. “I figure...you marry me and we’ll call it even.”
“But you said...” she began. Her words were silenced and her eyes widened in disbelief as he pressed a lovingly passionate kiss to her mouth.
“I was afraid, Malaina,” he confessed and his smile was gone. “Afraid that you’d suddenly remember someday...someone in the past that you loved before. Someone you’d regret losing. Someone that you’d come to realize you loved more than your smelly ol’ cowboy.” Tears rolled from Malaina’s eyes and down her temples and she tried to smile.
“But, I own you now. And I’ve got the papers to prove it.” He kissed her quickly again, waved Collin’s ‘legal’
bill of sale in her face, stuffed it in his shirt and smiled as she pulled his head to hers to return his kisses.
Maggie and Mary were wiping their tears of joy with their strawberry and blood stained aprons. “A double wedding!” Maggie sighed.
“Malaina!” Charlotte exclaimed in horror as she watched her sister receiving and returning passionate kisses with Jackson. “Malaina! How can you? It’s so improper! Such intimate behavior. In public! Not to mention kneeling in the soil...with a man!” Malaina laughed as she looked up at her sister’s blushing face.
Jackson chuckled and winked at Baker. “I saw you lookin’ at that girl, Baker. Take off your shirt and start breakin’ her in!”
Baker grinned and turned to Charlotte. She was quite beautiful herself. He’d felt something toward her instantly. She clutched her shirt collar.
“Baker!” Maggie warned. But he ignored her.
“Ma’am,” he said, taking Charlotte in his arms and forcing his proficient kiss on her mouth. She struggled at first but then relented and returned his kiss for a moment before he released her.
Maggie smiled when she saw the look that passed between Charlotte and her middle son. Yes. She thought.
They’d all be married soon.
Happiness for Charlotte caused Malaina’s heart to swell to near bursting. For she, too, had seen the undeniable expression of love at first sight that passed between Baker and her beloved sister.
Jackson pulled Malaina to her feet after he’d stood himself. Everyone was going into the house. Mary was chattering to Matthew about tending to his wound, Baker was looking dreamily down at the blushing Miss Charlotte and Maggie was babbling about her new daughter.
“I’ve loved you from the very first moment, Malaina. I tried and tried to talk myself out of it,” Jackson said, pulling her to him.
“Why?” she asked, nuzzling her forehead into his neck.
“I’m a sweaty ol’ cowboy who’s always beat up and couldn’t talk good grammar if my life depended on it.
And look at you...all beautiful and soft like a peach in summer. What do you want me for?” She looked up at him and he played with a strand of her hair in his mouth.
“You smell like heaven,” she said smiling. “You’re every girl’s dream...handsome, strong, intelligent, a survivor, a protector...and I’m sure you’re every bit the lover that you make yourself out to be.”
“That I am, my darlin’. That I am.” And he kissed her again to prove it.
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My everlasting admiration, gratitude and love…
To my husband, Kevin…
My inspiration…
My heart’s desire…
The man of my every dream!
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About the Author
Marcia Lynn McClure’s intoxicating succession of novels, novellas, and e-books—including The Visions of Ransom Lake, A Crimson Frost, The Rogue Knight, and most recently The Pirate Ruse—has established her as one of the most favored and engaging authors of true romance. Her unprecedented forte in weaving captivating stories of western, medieval, regency, and contemporary amour void of brusque intimacy has earned her the title “The Queen of Kissing.”
Marcia, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has spent her life intrigued with people, history, love, and romance. A wife, mother, grandmother, family historian, poet, and author, Marcia Lynn McClure spins her tales of splendor for the sake of offering respite through the beauty, mirth, and delight of a worthwhile and wonderful story.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
(By first in print publishing date.)
The Heavenly Surrender (2001, 2002, 2009, 2011)
The Visions of Ransom Lake (2002, 2007)
Shackles of Honor (2002, 2009)
Dusty Britches (2003, 2008)
Desert Fire (2003)
To Echo the Past (2003, 2011)
The Fragrance of her Name (2004, 2009)
An Old-Fashioned Romance (2004, 2010)
Divine Deception (2005)
The Touch of Sage (2007, 2010)
Daydreams (2007)
Born for Thorton’s Sake (2007)
Sudden Storms (2007, 2011)
The Whispered Kiss (2008)
The Prairie Prince (2008)
The Highwayman of Tanglewood (2008)
Love Me (2009)
The Time of Aspen Fal s (2009)
A Crimson Frost (2009)
Saphyre Snow (2009)
Beneath the Honeysuckle Vine (2009)
Weathered Too Young (2010)
The Windswept Flame (2010)
The Anthology of Premiere Novel as Romantic Vignettes (2010) The Pirate Ruse (2010)
The Rogue Knight (2010)
The Heavenly Surrender Limited 10th Anniversary Col ector’s Edition (2011) Kissing Cousins (2011)
The Trove of the Passion Room (2011)
Sweet Cherry Ray (2011)
Midnight Masquerade (2011)
The Light of the Lovers’ Moon (2011)
Kiss in the Dark (2011)
The Tide of the Mermaid Tears (2011)
A Better Reason to Fal in Love (2011)
Take a Walk With Me (2011)
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To Echo the Past
Historical Romance
As her family abandoned the excitement of the city for the uneventful lifestyle of a small, western town, Brynn Clarkston’s worst fears were realized. Stripped of
her heart’s hopes and dreams, Brynn knew true loneliness.
Until an ordinary day revealed a heavenly oasis in the desert…Michael McCall. Handsome and irresistibly charming, Michael McCall (the son of legendary horse breeder Jackson McCall) seemed to offer wild distraction and sincere friendship to Brynn. But could Brynn be content with mere friendship when her dreams of Michael involved so much more?
The Pirate Ruse
Historical Romance
Abducted! Forcibly taken from her home in New Orleans, Cristabel Albay found herself a prisoner aboard an enemy ship—and soon thereafter, transferred into the vile hands of blood-thirsty pirates! War waged between the newly liberated United States and King George. Still, Cristabel would soon discover that British sailors were the very least of her worries—for the pirate captain, Bully Booth, owned no loyalty—no sympathy for those he captured.
Yet hope was not entirely lost—for where there was found one crew of pirates—there was ever found another. Though Cristabel Albay would never have dreamed that she may find fortune in being captured by one pirate captain only to be taken by another—she did! Bully Booth took no man alive—let no woman live long.
But the pirate Navarrone was known for his clemency. Thus, Cristabel’s hope in knowing her life’s continuance was restored.
Nonetheless, as Cristabel’s heart began to yearn for the affections of her handsome, beguiling captor—she wondered if Captain Navarrone had only saved her life to execute her poor heart!
Weathered Too Young
Historical Romance
Lark Lawrence was alone. In all the world there was no one who cared for her. Still, there were worse things than independence—and Lark had grown quite capable of providing for herself. Nevertheless, as winter loomed, she suddenly found herself with no means by which to afford food and shelter—destitute.
Yet Tom Evans was a kind and compassionate man. When Lark Lawrence appeared on his porch, without pause he hired her to keep house and cook for himself and his cantankerous elder brother, Slater. And although Tom had befriend Lark first, it would be Slater Evans—handsome, brooding, and twelve years Lark’s senior—
who would unknowingly abduct her heart.
Still, Lark’s true age (which she concealed at first meeting the Evans brothers) was not the only truth she had kept from Slater and Tom Evans. Darker secrets lay imprisoned deep within her heart—and her past. However, it is that secrets are made to be found out—and Lark’s secrets revealed would soon couple with the arrival of a woman from Slater’s past to forever shatter her dreams of winning his love—or so it seemed. Would truth and passion mingle to capture Lark the love she’d never dared to hope for?
The Windswept Flame
Historical Romance
Broken—irreparably broken. The violent deaths of her father and the young man she’d been engaged to marry had irrevocably broken Cedar Dale’s heart. Her mother’s heart had been broken as well—shattered by the loss of her own true love. Thus, pain and anguish—fear and despair—found Cedar Dale and her mother, Flora, returned to the small western town where life had once been happy and filled with hope. Perhaps there Cedar and her mother would find some resemblance of truly living life—instead of merely existing. And then, a chance meeting with a dream from her past caused a flicker of wonder to ignite in her bosom.
As a child, Cedar Dale had adored the handsome rancher’s son, Tom Evans. And when chance brought her 68
face-to-face with the object of her childhood fascination once more, Cedar Dale began to believe that perhaps her fragmented heart could be healed.
Yet could Cedar truly hope to win the regard of such a man above men as was Tom Evans? A man kept occupied with hard work and ambition—a man so desperately sought after by seemingly every woman?
Beneath the Honeysuckle Vine
Historical Romance
Civil War—no one could flee from the nightmare of battle and the countless lives it devoured. Everyone had sacrificed—suffered profound misery and unimaginable loss. Vivianna Bartholomew was no exception.
The war had torn her from her home—orphaned her. The merciless war seemed to take everything—even the man she loved. Still, Vivianna yet knew gratitude—for a kind friend had taken her in upon the death of her parents. Thus, she was cared for—even loved.
Yet as General Lee surrendered, signaling the war’s imminent end—as Vivianna remained with the remnants of the Turner family—her soul clung to the letters written by her lost soldier—to his memory written in her heart. Could a woman ever heal from the loss of such a love? Could a woman’s heart forget that it may find another? Vivianna Bartholomew thought not.
Still, it is often in the world that miracles occur—that love endures even after hope has been abandoned.
Thus, one balmy Alabama morning—as two ragged soldiers wound the road toward the Turner house—
Vivianna began to know—to know that miracles do exist—that love is never truly lost.
A Crimson Frost
Historical Romance
Beloved of her father, King Dacian, and adored by her people, the Scarlet Princess Monet endeavored to serve her kingdom well—for the people of the Kingdom of Karvana were good and worthy of service. Long Monet had known that even her marriage would serve her people. Her husband would be chosen for her—for this was the way of royal existence.
Still, as any woman does—peasant or princess—Monet dreamt of owning true love—of owning choice in love. Thus, each time the raven-haired, sapphire-eyed, Crimson Knight of Karvana rode near, Monet knew regret—for in secret, she loved him—and she could not choose him.
As an arrogant king from another kingdom began to wage war against Karvana, Karvana’s king, knights, and soldiers answered the challenge. The Princess Monet would also know battle. As the Crimson Knight battled with armor and blade—so the Scarlet Princess would battle in sacrifice and with secrets held. Thus, when the charge was given to preserve the heart of Karvana—Monet endeavored to serve her kingdom and forget her secreted love. Yet love is not so easily forgotten…
Saphyre Snow
Historical Romance
Descended of a legendary line of strength and beauty, Saphyre Snow had once known happiness as princess of the Kingdom of Graces. Once a valiant king had ruled in wisdom—once a loving mother had spoken soft words of truth to her daughter. Yet a strange madness had poisoned great minds—a strange fever inviting Lord Death to linger. Soon it was even Lord Death sought to claim Saphyre Snow for his own—and all Saphyre loved seemed lost.
Thus, Saphyre fled—forced to leave all familiars for necessity of preserving her life. Alone, and without provision, Saphyre knew Lord Death might yet claim her—for how could a princess hope to best the Reaper himself?
Still, fate often provides rescue by extraordinary venues, and Saphyre was not delivered into the hands of Death—but into the hands of those hiding dark secrets in the depths of bruised and bloodied souls. Saphyre knew a measure of hope and asylum in the company of these battered vagabonds. Even she knew love—a secreted love—a forbidden love. Yet it was love itself—even held secret—that would again summon Lord 69
Death to hunt the princess, Saphyre Snow.
The Highwayman of Tanglewood
Historical Romance
A chambermaid in the house of Tremeshton, Faris Shayhan well knew torment, despair, and trepidation. To Faris it seemed the future stretched long and desolate before her—bleak and as dark as a lonesome midnight path. Still, the moon oft casts hopeful luminosity to light one’s way. So it was that Lady Maranda Rockrimmon cast hope upon Faris—set Faris upon a different path—a path of happiness, serenity, and love.
Thus, Faris abandoned the tainted air of Tremeshton in favor of the amethyst sunsets of Loch Loland Castle and her new mistress, Lady Rockrimmon. Further, it was on the very night of her emancipation that Faris first met the man of her dreams—the man of every woman’s dreams—the rogue Highwayman of Tanglewood.
Dr
essed in black and astride his mighty steed, the brave, heroic, and dashing rogue Highwayman of Tanglewood stole Faris’s heart as easily as he stole her kiss. Yet the Highwayman of Tanglewood was encircled in mystery—mystery as thick and as secretive as time itself. Could Faris truly own the heart of a man so entirely enveloped in twilight shadows and dangerous secrets?
The Visions of Ransom Lake
Historical Romance
Youthful beauty, naïve innocence, a romantic imagination thirsting for adventure…an apt description of Vaden Valmont, who would soon find the adventure and mystery she had always longed to experience…in the form of a man.
A somber recluse, Ransom Lake descended from his solitary concealment in the mountains, wholly uninterested in people and their trivial affairs. And somehow, young Vaden managed to be ever in his way…either by accident or because of her own unique ability to stumble into a quandary.
Yet the enigmatic Ransom Lake would involuntarily become Vaden’s unwitting tutor. Through him, she would experience joy and passion the like even Vaden had never imagined. Yes, Vaden Valmont stepped innocently, yet irrevocably, into love with the secretive, seemingly callous man.
But there were other life’s lessons Ransom Lake would inadvertently bring to her as well. The darker side of life—despair, guilt, heartache. Would Ransom Lake be the means of Vaden’s dreams come true? Or the cause of her complete desolation?
The Touch of Sage
Historical Romance
After the death of her parents, Sage Willows had lovingly nurtured her younger sisters through childhood, seeing each one married and never resenting not finding herself a good man to settle down with. Yet, regret is different than resentment.
Still, Sage found as much joy as a lonely young woman could find, as proprietress of Willows’s Boarding House—finding some fulfillment in the companionship of the four beloved widow women boarding with her.
But when the devilishly handsome Rebel Lee Mitchell appeared on the boarding house step, Sage’s contentment was lost forever.
Dark, mysterious and secretly wounded, Reb Mitchell instantly captured Sage’s lonely heart. But the attractive cowboy, admired and coveted by every young unmarried female in his path, seemed unobtainable to Sage Willows. How could a weathered, boarding house proprietress resigned to spinsterhood ever hope to capture the attention of such a man? And without him, would Sage Willows simply sink deeper into bleak loneliness—tormented by the knowledge that the man of every woman’s dreams could never be hers?