Confusion crossed Luke’s face. “I was being replaced by a dog? I suppose that’s all right. She’s stopped growling at me.”
Regina wrapped her arms around Luke and whispered, “Thank you. I love you.”
Luke took her hand and winked, “C’mon Missus Tucker. Let’s go back to the hotel and shock the desk clerk.”
Regina giggled.
Epilogue
One week later, a beaming Regina held tightly to Luke’s hand as they climbed aboard the train in Cheyenne headed back to Denver. As they settled on their seat, Regina scooted as close to Luke as was proper and whispered, “Thank you for the idea of a honeymoon.”
“This was just the beginning. I told you I promised to take you to Chicago. We can visit the Chicago agency, and I wouldn’t miss the look on your step-mother’s face for anything when you come back with a husband.”
“That will be interesting. I did write to my father but sent it to his office. I told him I wanted to surprise my step-mother when I returned, so I doubt he shared anything with her. I also hope it stops any searching. At least Archie didn’t telegraph that they were hired to find me,” Regina shared and scooted a bit closer to Luke.
“True, but Archie did say he would handle it, and he might not have mentioned it. We’ll see as soon as we arrive back at the office.”
“Thank you for finding Nellie a comfortable spot in the stock car. It would break my heart if she couldn’t come along with us,” Regina told Luke.
“I know, darlin’ but seriously I was more worried you’d insist on renting a wagon and we’d travel back to Denver on a bumpy road instead of a comfortable train.”
“I wouldn’t have forced you. I would have taken her back on my own,” Regina answered.
“I know, and the thought of you and Nellie out on the road alone in a wagon frightens me more than any worries about getting her settled in the stock car. When I left her, she was making friends with a beautiful black gelding. They’re the only two in the stock car headed for Denver.”
“At least they won’t be alone,” Regina sighed, and leaned back in her seat just as the train lurched forward heading for Denver.
They discussed the details of the case and how pleased they were with Miss Stegler’s recovery and return to her hometown. Regina confided in Luke, “Abigail was concerned that the people in her town might mistreat her after she returns. I told her if they do, she should come to Denver, and I’d help her find a good teaching job.”
Luke laughed, “The case is closed, and you’re still working. I love you, Missus Tucker.”
“I love you, too, but you did more than was required when you arranged for Maisy to take over the saloon. Suggesting that she turn it into a saloon and restaurant was brilliant. The girls can cook and waitress and not have to work upstairs. Theresa’s daughter will arrive next week, and everyone is happy.”
Luke slid his arm around Regina’s shoulder and asked, “Are you happy, Reggie?”
“More than I can say.”
The train ride was short, and they left the train happy and excited. The stock car manager assured them Nellie would be boarded at the livery and well cared for until they found a place to live where they could bring her.
As they neared the offices, Luke asked, “Do you suppose they’ll be surprised we’re not asking for an annulment?”
“I don’t know. Archie doesn’t seem the overly romantic type so he might expect to have all of us get annulments. We’ll have to see how he reacts.”
Luke held open the door, and Regina glided into the offices. Marianne was behind her desk as usual.
Regina rushed up to Marianne’s desk and gushed, “We’re not getting an annulment. We’re staying married.”
A broad smile crossed Marianne’s face. “I thought as much when you’re telegram said you’d be a week late and we could reach you in Cheyenne.”
Regina hugged Marianne and whispered, “I know you had a hand in selecting who married who. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“I knew if anyone could tame Luke it’d be you. Now, Archie needs to see both of you. Let me see if he’s busy,” Marianne said as she hurried off to Archie’s office.
Marianne waved at Luke and Regina, and they followed her into Archie’s office. Archie looked up from his paperwork and smiled.
“Before we discuss what happened in Wyoming, I need to explain to you Regina, that your father did hire the agency in Chicago to find you. They contacted this office, and I assured them that I had spoken to you personally, that you were well, had obtained acceptable employment, and have a safe living environment. Your father was satisfied,”
“Thank you, Archie,” Regina said pleased no one would try and force her to leave.
“Now, to the case. I appreciate the fact that you sent a detailed report when you were detained in Cheyenne,” Archie said.
Luke said, “We weren’t exactly detained. We chose to stay.”
Archie nodded, “Yes, I’m aware. Marianne was insistent that the delay was due to your relationship and not the case. I take it you will not apply for an annulment.”
Regina nodded, and Luke said, “No, we’re staying married and looking for a place to live here in Denver.”
“Denver is growing. You should find somewhere, possibly close to the office.”
“We need to find somewhere where we can keep a big dog,” Luke explained.
“Dog?”
“The dog attached itself to Reggie, and she refused to leave it behind. It’s at the train’s livery.”
“I see,” Archie said. “I wish you good luck.”
“We could buy a house,” Regina suggested.
“I don’t know. A house can be expensive,” Luke said.
“Now that I’m married, I can access my full inheritance, and we could buy a home big enough for Nellie and any children we might have,” Regina offered.
“Children,” Luke stammered.
Regina smiled, “They come with marriage.”
Archie cleared his throat. “I’m sure you two will work this out. I don’t have an immediate case for you. You’ll have time to look for living accommodations.”
“Thank you,” Regina replied. “We’ll look around.”
Luke insisted, “I’m sure we’ll find an acceptable rental.”
“We’ll see,” Regina winked, and Luke knew his wife would get her house, the dog, a family, and all the love he could give her.
The End
Authors note: Anthony Comstock was a U.S. Postal Inspector and politician. He was determined to stop illicit materials from being mailed through the U.S. Postal system. In 1873, he was successful in convincing Congress to pass the Comstock Law. After the passage of the law, items considered illicit, lewd, or lascivious were not allowed to be transported by the U.S. mail or other transport services. You can read more about the Comstock law on Wikipedia.
Thank you for reading my story. I hope you enjoy the Pinkerton Matchmaker series as much as the other authors and I enjoy writing them. If you have a free moment, please leave a review. It helps authors more than you know. Thanks, and God bless.
You can find me at http://mariannespitzer.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mariannespitzerauthor/ All my Sweet Western Romances, Mail-order Brides of Gentle Falls, can be found on my Amazon author page and all are available through Kindle Unlimited.
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An Agent for Regina Page 10