The Blacksmith's Reluctant Bride

by Cheryl Wright

  Allie moved forward and took her own husband by the hand. They were soon dancing to the beat of the music.

  “Will you do me the honor?” Samuel stood in front of her, his hand outreached. He pulled Amelia onto the dance floor, and held her close.

  As they shuffled around the floor, she leaned her head against his chest. His arms were around her waist, and he’d pulled her closer still.

  She didn’t complain. Amelia could have stayed there all night.

  And then the music stopped.

  She was reluctant to leave the comfort of her husband’s arms, and stood right where she was. Soon the music began again.

  This time the dance floor was crowded, and they could barely move. People were packed in and it became uncomfortable.

  Samuel led her outside. They could still hear the music playing, but she could breathe. His arms went up around her again, and she looped hers around his waist.

  She leaned her head against his chest, and gently swayed to the music.

  It was better out here. Much more peaceful, more…intimate.

  She looked up into her husband’s face. He seemed more relaxed than he had for a very long time.

  She was glad.

  He worked far too hard, and deserved to have some relaxation time. Best of all, he was spending that time with her.

  She groaned softly as she rested her head against him once more.

  “What do you think of the dance,” he asked, breaking the spell.

  She looked up at him again. “I like it. It’s fun.”

  He stared down at her, gazed at her lips. “It is,” he said softly, then covered her lips with his own.

  He took her by surprise, but she didn’t mind. She was right where she wanted to be – standing close to her husband, him kissing her like she really mattered.

  Chapter Fifteen

  When they’d left home, Samuel wasn’t certain he wanted to share Amelia with the rest of Dayton Falls.

  Apart from attending church, they hadn’t ventured out anywhere else. He enjoyed having her to himself.

  But he could see she was having a ball, wandering around and talking to people she’d never met before.

  She was a real social butterfly.

  He didn’t mind, so long as she always came back to him, and he knew she would.

  It was hard to believe he’d fallen so hard for this petite woman. That he would even fall for someone so forthright and bossy.

  He grinned against her silky hair.

  That was just one of the things he loved about her. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he was in love with her.

  They may not have been together long, but he couldn’t bear to not have her around. It would shatter his heart into tiny pieces.

  The music stopped again, but in his heart the music never stopped. Not while he had Amelia by his side.

  It never would stop while his wife was in his heart.

  He gazed down at her. “Amelia,” he said softly, and she glanced up at him.

  Her eyes sparkled in the moonlight. They looked like unshed tears, but she wasn’t crying. The moon was reflecting her love.

  “Samuel?” She seemed perplexed.

  Her luscious lips opened, and to him that was an invitation. He leaned in and kissed her.

  Gently at first, but then it became more urgent.

  Her arms snaked up around his neck. He was never so glad to be outside in the cold air, away from prying eyes.

  His hand slid down her back and gingerly touched her behind. His other hand slid to her breast.

  She didn’t protest.

  Then he remembered where they were. At the church dance. Outside away from everyone else, granted, but still at church.

  He pulled back, and his hands went to her back once more.

  “I think we should leave,” Amelia said quietly.

  He nodded, but said nothing. He wasn’t sure he could trust himself at that moment.

  They collected their coats and headed for home. Not a word passed between them.

  When they arrived back home, he turned to her. “We have unfinished business,” he said.

  She looked confused. “Unfinished business?”

  “Like consummating our marriage.”

  He gently lifted her, and carried her into the bedroom. Amelia didn’t protest.

  * * *

  She awoke in her husband’s arms, and it felt wonderful.

  Finally they were a real married couple. She wondered why they’d waited so long, but deep down knew the reason.

  They didn’t know each other at the start. They were complete strangers, and you didn’t make love to total strangers, even if it was your legally married husband.

  Becoming a mail order bride had been the hardest thing she’d ever done, but she wasn’t sorry.

  Especially now that the two of them had reconciled their love for each other.

  She gently pulled out of his arms. It was Sunday and she needed to get organized. Needed to prepare something for the church luncheon.

  She’d come to look forward to Sundays. It was one of the highlights of her week. Not only because she got to worship, but because of the people.

  Dayton Falls had a lovely little community. People helped each other, and looked out for each other. That had never happened where she lived before.

  It was everyone for themselves. It made her sad just thinking about it.

  As she stood in front of the mirror putting her hair up, she was almost certain her husband would pull it down again, but not until he’d run his lips over her neck.

  He was predictable like that.

  It wouldn’t be long and the cold would have truly set in. Winter was here already, and Christmas was on the way.

  She couldn’t wait to prepare for Christmas, and wondered what celebrations the church would organize.

  She rolled out the pastry for a chicken pie, her contribution to today’s luncheon, when she felt two strong arms snake around her waist.

  “Good morning,” he said, sleep still evident in his voice. It only took a moment, and his lips were on her neck.

  He spun her around and began to pull the clips from her hair, preferring it to cascade down her back.

  Of course she would put it back up before they left for church.

  “Really, Samuel,” she said. “I’m trying to make a pie for luncheon.”

  She tried to turn back, but he caught her before she could.

  “Is it wrong to want to kiss my wife?”

  He gazed into her eyes. It was evident he wanted to do more than kiss, but she was having none of it.

  “Sit down,” she said gently. “Your coffee will only be a moment.”

  He reluctantly did as he was told. “You’re a tough woman, Mrs Thomas,” he said. “But I love you for it.” He grinned, and she found herself grinning too.

  “I have to be, with the likes of yourself,” she said, then chuckled.

  “Chicken pie for luncheon sounds good,” he said, rubbing his hands together.

  Amelia could see herself spending the rest of her life with this handsome scoundrel.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Together they’d ventured into the forest and found a small tree to add to the sitting room.

  Amelia decorated it with pinecones and paper chains, berries and dried flowers.

  It looked so pretty.

  She made a wreath out of pine branches, berries and holly leaves, and placed it in the middle of the table. It was a lovely centerpiece, and she’d enjoyed making it.

  She figured it was time to start thinking about her Christmas menu.

  The ladies auxiliary were putting together celebration baskets for those less fortunate than themselves. Amelia felt excited and privileged to be a part of it.

  She’d made many new friends through the auxiliary, and the church, and it made her heart sing.

  She pulled down a large porcelain bowl and began to throw ingredients into it.

  She measured each
ingredient and threw them into the bowl – raisins, currents, almonds. She chopped the mixed peel, and added the spices.

  Her heart was filled with joy making these puddings with love for those who were not so blessed as themselves.

  Samuel came up behind her and put his arms around her as he loved to do. “It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing, Amelia,” he said with pride in his voice. “It will mean a lot to the receivers.”

  Her heart fluttered as it did whenever he was near.

  “Oh!” She suddenly dropped the wooden spoon.

  He turned her around. “What was that?” He looked genuinely concerned.

  “I, I don’t know,” she said, feeling worried.

  She put her hand to her stomach. “It’s moving,” she whispered.

  Samuel gently put his hands to her stomach. He looked surprised as they moved around. Then grinned.

  “I think we’re going to have a little one,” he said, continuing to grin.

  “A baby? We’re going to have a baby?” Her eyes welled with tears. “That’s wonderful,” she said, hugging her husband.

  “It certainly is,” he said against her silky hair, as he removed the offending clips.

  Epilogue

  One year later

  As Amelia decorated the tree, little James crawled around the room, gathering up anything he could find.

  Samuel stepped in and scooped him up.

  “Mama,” he called, as his father took control.

  Samuel laughed. “Mama is busy. Papa is not so soft as Mama. You sit here and behave.”

  As much as he pretended otherwise, Samuel was just as lenient as she was.

  Amelia stared out the window. “Look James,” she said pointing. “It’s snowing!”

  The child jumped out of his father’s arms and crawled to the window. “Snow.” He didn’t really understand what it was, but was fascinated by it.

  Samuel stood behind him, then lifted the child so he could see better.

  Amelia joined them. “Oh!” she squealed, then grinned.

  “Samuel,” she said. “How would you like another arrival?”

  He put his hands to her stomach. “I think that would be wonderful,” he said, then pulled her close. “I thank God for sending you to me. I love you so very much,” he said, kissing her softly.

  Amelia felt the same. She loved her little family, and loved the town of Dayton Falls.

  THE END

  From the Author

  Thank you so much for reading my book – I hope you enjoyed it.

  I would greatly appreciate you leaving a review on Amazon, even if it is only a one-liner. It helps to have my books more visible on Amazon!

  Below I’ve listed some of my other books you may be interested in.

  To read more books in the Mail Order Brides of Dayton Falls series, Click Here.

  Brides of Montana is another historical romance series that may interest you. You can check it out here.

  About the Author

  Multi-published, award-winning author, Cheryl Wright, former secretary, debt collector, account manager, writing coach, and shopping tour hostess, loves reading.

  She writes both contemporary and historical western romance, as well as romantic suspense.

  She lives in Melbourne, Australia, and is married with two adult children and has six grandchildren. When she’s not writing, she can be found in her craft room making greeting cards.

  Check out Cheryl’s Amazon page for a full list of her other books.

  Other Links:

  My Website

  Visit my Blog

  Join my Facebook Reader Group here

  Join my newsletter here