The Negotiated Marriage

by Christina Rich

  “No, I don’t think you do,” he drawled. “First, you will no longer call me Mr. Murray. Duncan, my love, darling or any other endearment you can think of, but no more Mr. Murray. I am your husband, and whether you like it or not we spoke vows before God and your family. I expect you to honor those vows, just as I promise to do the same.”

  She released the breath she’d been holding, happy to get a second chance.

  “Second, obedience,” he said, and then mumbled beneath his breath when Mara and Ellie flew past him. Her sisters bombarded her with hugs. “Can any of you heed instructions? I told you I would send word when all was well.”

  “Only when it suits us,” Ellie said, dismissing him with the wave of her hand. “We couldn’t wait.”

  “Poor Benjamin didn’t have a chance when we—including Bella—threatened to come on our own.”

  Ellie released Camy and glanced over her. “Your shoulder is bleeding again. We’ll see to it once you and your husband finish talking. Come along, Mara,” Ellie said, grabbing Mara’s hand and pulling her out of the room.

  Duncan gazed out the window. Camy went to him and placed her hand on his arm. “Do you regret our marriage?”

  After two rises and falls of his chest, he turned toward her. His eyes shone with tears. “How could I regret marrying the woman I love?”

  Air caught in her lungs. He—he loved her? A bevy of flutters took root in her chest.

  “I’ve never been so scared in all my life, Camy.” He pulled her into his arms and molded her to him and then leaned back. “I told you I don’t intend to be heavy-handed. When I request something from you, it’s for good reason. Do not disobey me like that again, please?”

  Camy drew her lip between her teeth. “As long as it’s within reason.”

  Smiling, he shook his head. “I can live with that for now.”

  “Was there a third thing you wanted to negotiate?”

  “Hmm, I require this every day until death parts us, sweetheart,” he said, bending his head and kissing her.

  Epilogue

  May 1867

  Rusa Valley’s Spring Run

  Camy sat on the quilt drinking in the sight of her husband as he lifted his arms overhead and stretched. Benjamin elbowed him in the ribs and, pointing at Deputy Nate, laughed. After Weston and his nephews were apprehended, the county had decided Rusa Valley needed a jail and a permanent deputy. Poor Nate had more than he bargained for when he took the job. He spent more time dodging the wide-eyed younger ladies, including Levina and her friends, than he did keeping the peace.

  Pastor Hammond knelt beside his wife and gave her a kiss, his hand affectionately rubbing her belly. “How’s Little Hammond doing? Oh,” he said, smiling. “He’s ready to race.”

  Mrs. Hammond playfully swatted his hand and said, “What makes you think our child is a he, Pastor?”

  “He’s feisty.”

  “And girls cannot be feisty?” Mara said with a hand on her hip.

  Hammond laughed. “That is my cue to leave. Pray for me,” he said, kissing his wife on the cheek.

  “Are you not running this spring, Mara?” Mrs. Smith, with her big floppy hat decked with every color of ribbon and flowers known to man, reclined next to Mrs. Hammond.

  Mara sighed and looked longingly at the men lining up. “I’m nearly eighteen now. Time to be through with childish games and act a lady.”

  Bella Northrop giggled, hand to chest, feigning as if her head were in the clouds, and batted her lashes. “Deputy Nate.”

  “Bella!” Mara stalked away, Bella following after her.

  “Well,” Mrs. Smith said, “if I was a few years younger, I suppose I’d daydream about a handsome deputy too. By the bye, has anyone heard how Dr. Northrop’s father is doing?”

  “Pastor says he’s improving. Having his sons caring for him, he should be on his feet in no time,” Mrs. Hammond said.

  “Is Benjamin taking over all his patients, then?” Mrs. Smith asked.

  Camy glanced at Ellie, who stared longingly toward Benjamin, sipping her lemonade as Mrs. Hammond responded. “Benjamin and Julius have been discussing what to do. Julius would like to open a pharmacy, but Benjamin isn’t set on remaining in Rusa much longer.”

  Camy didn’t blame him. She couldn’t imagine living in the same town loving Duncan, knowing she could never be with him. It would break her heart. Every day. As she quite imagined Benjamin’s did. Ellie loved him; she just couldn’t forgive him for the aches he’d caused her, but Camy prayed they’d figure it out. But considering her sister had left Rusa after Camy’s marriage to Duncan, only returning yesterday for Rusa’s spring picnic, she feared it was too late.

  “Miller stopped at the church before service this morning,” Mrs. Hammond said as she arched her back and rubbed her belly. “He looks well. He’s not ready to see folks yet, but I’m sure he will soon. He did ask my husband, once again, to send his apologies for any trouble he’s caused you ladies.”

  Camy had long forgiven him, as she understood the need to feel loved and wanted, something the elder Northrop had failed to instill in his youngest son.

  Duncan, along with the rest of Rusa Valley’s men, lined up across a white line. Uncle Hamish, who had oddly stayed around to help Duncan build a larger house overlooking the river, shifted his weight back and forth with his revolver pointed toward the sky. The men leaned forward, their arms back, waiting for the shot.

  Duncan glanced back at her and Camy blew him a kiss. He unfurled from his stance and started toward her.

  “Oh!” Mrs. Hammond moaned, her hand flying to her heavily pregnant belly. “Oh my!”

  “Oh dear!” chimed Mrs. Smith.

  Ellie spilled her lemonade as she scrambled toward Pastor Hammond’s wife. “Oh. Baby! Camy, get the reverend and Dr. Northrop.”

  Camy jumped to her feet, her husband’s brow furrowing in concern as she ran toward them. “Ben! Pastor Hammond! Baby!”

  Hamish cocked the hammer back and Duncan tackled Benjamin and Hammond just as the shot sounded. He laughed as they looked up at him in shock. Hammond sprang to his feet and sprinted toward his wife, Benjamin quick on his heels.

  Duncan lengthened his strides, meeting Camy with a twinkle in his eye that sent her heart into a series of flips. “Hello, my love.”

  “Hello,” he said, taking her in his arms. “So we’re having a baby?”

  She swatted his arm and danced away from him. “Don’t be silly. The Hammonds are having a baby today.” The corner of her mouth turned upward as she walked backward, keeping one step out of his reach as he stalked toward her. “I think we need to renegotiate the terms of our marriage.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “I’ve given you everything I have, including my heart. What more do I have to negotiate with?”

  “We are having a baby.”

  He came to an abrupt stop, jaw dropping. “What did you say, Mrs. Murray?”

  “That’s Camy, sweetheart, darling, mother of my child or any other endearment you may choose.”

  Before she could say another word, he swept her into his arms and spun her around before setting her on her feet and kissing her. He drew back, his gaze holding hers, his palm warming the small of her back. “I love you, Cameron Murray, mother of my child.”

  She melted against him. “And I love you, Duncan Murray, father of my child.”

  * * * * *

  If you enjoyed THE NEGOTIATED MARRIAGE, look for these other books by Christina Rich:

  THE GUARDIAN’S PROMISE

  THE WARRIOR’S VOW

  CAPTIVE ON THE HIGH SEAS

  Keep reading for an excerpt from A CONVENIENT CHRISTMAS WEDDING by Regina Scott.

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  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed Camy and Duncan’s story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Rusa Valley is a fictional town based off many of those lingering small towns that once burst with life as the railroad pushed through.

  As a native Kansan I love the places where the gentle rolling hills meet the Flint Hills. I love the secluded rivers canopied by the trees. And I loved stepping into my own backyard to bring pieces of my childhood into Camy and Duncan’s story as well as bringing in my own ancestry. Several of my ancestors came to Kansas after the war, some following the iron road for work while others sought to make a life of farming. Several of them married and raised their families in this beautiful state.

  I look forward to writing more stories set in Rusa Valley.

  I love to hear from readers. You can find more about me and my writing at www.threefoldstrand.com or on Facebook, AuthorChristinaRich.

  Blessings,

  Christina

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  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title.

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  A Convenient Christmas Wedding

  by Regina Scott

  Chapter One

  Seattle, Washington Territory

  December 1866

  What better time than a wedding to ask a man to marry you?

  Nora Underhill stood in the corner of the Occidental Hotel’s fine restaurant, watching as toasts were raised. Behind the head table draped in white, her friend Maddie O’Rourke looked beautiful in the embroidered spruce-colored wool gown Nora had sewn for her. The other ladies wore their church clothes, soft wools and a few velvets in rich colors that glowed like jewels in the golden lamplight.

  Everyone seemed so happy, particularly Michael Haggerty as he gazed down at his bride, whose blush was nearly as red as her hair. Nora liked seeing people happy. She liked making people happy. A shame she’d never managed that with her parents or her brother and sister-in-law. If her brother’s socially astute wife were here, Nora could imagine what Meredith would say.

  You are quite right to hide in the shadows, Nora. These people will only judge you and find you lacking. I can’t imagine what your friend was thinking to name you maid of honor. No doubt she was only being kind.

  And Maddie was kind. Nora knew that. The outspoken Irishwoman had befriended her, trusted Nora to teach her little sister, Ciara, how to sew. Maddie had even complimented Nora on her dress today—lavender crepe with a scalloped overskirt, fitted bodice and embroidered amethyst-colored hearts along every edge. Quite fitting for a wedding, she’d thought when she’d finished it. And she’d managed to tame her unruly black hair back behind her head in a bun that was at least a trifle fashionable. Even Meredith would find her satisfactory today. But then, it wasn’t Meredith she was trying to please.

  Let him look with favor on my proposal, Father.

  Immediately, guilt gnawed at her. She tried never to ask for things for herself. When her parents had sickened, she’d prayed for them as she’d nursed them. The Lord had seen fit to bring them home to heaven.

  When her brother, Charles, and his wife, Meredith, had taken her in, she’d prayed at first for their strength. They’d always seemed terribly burdened by her presence.

  When she’d decided to leave home and venture to Seattle with the Mercer Expedition, she’d prayed for its success, for the health and safety of the ladies sailing all the way around the continent to make a new life. God had delivered them to Seattle, where nearly all her traveling companions, including Maddie, had found employment and husbands.

  Surely, just this once, He’d consider it appropriate for her to pray for herself.

  And she certainly needed His help. She wasn’t brave or bold like Maddie, but today she would ask the bravest, boldest question a lady might utter. Her entire future depended on how Simon Wallin answered. She couldn’t return to the life she’d led back in Lowell, Massachusetts. She’d thought she’d escaped by coming to Seattle with Asa Mercer last May. She’d fallen in love with the wide sweeps of fir, the massive mountains in the distance, the gentle call of the waves on Puget Sound. Even the cool, damp air smelled like freedom here!

  And then her brother, Charles, had written that he and Meredith were also coming to Seattle. It seemed they’d suffered a financial setback and thought to reestablish themselves here. Charles had instructed her to secure a home for them and furnish it, the costs to be paid with his remaining funds. Of course, he didn’t ask her to find a cook or a maid. She knew who would be cooking and cleaning and helping his wife dress.

  Her.

  She shuddered and had to paste a smile back on her face as more of Maddie’s friends rose to cheer her good fortune. Maddie and Michael made a fine couple, and the way Maddie’s little brother and sister beamed, the four were already on the way to becoming a loving family.

  That was not her experience of family. Family clutched at you, pecked at you, bared each of your faults and made you feel small, stupid and vulnerable. Neither her parents nor her brother had ever loved her. Perhaps the only love she’d have was that of her Heavenly Father. There was a certain contentment in that. No one could steal it from her.

  But Charles and Meredith could certainly try to steal her happiness, her prosperity. She could attempt to stand up to them, but they were like a stream running down a mountain. The mountain could stand as tall and proud as it liked. The water was still going to cut a canyon.

  Like her parents, her brother felt it his duty to protect her from a world that was unkind, condemning a lady who lacked fortune, figure and face. What he saw as protection, she felt as a swaddling blanket, tight, smothering. Meredith had, surprisingly, been the one to encourage her to leave Lowell. Why couldn’t Charles understand that Nora had done well for herself here, with no help from him? There wasn’t a man or woman in the room who hadn’t come to her to either repair or create clothing.

  Except one.

  She could see him now, standing against the opposite wall as if he too had other matters on his mind. Though his strong arms were crossed over his chest, tightening the wool of his plain brown suit, there was nothing hesitant or shy about Simon Wallin. He burned with the intensity of an oil lamp’s flame, barely contained by the glass. He alone was as tall as his older brother Drew, who had married Catherine Stanway of the Mercer Expedition, and Simon held himself with his head high, his gaze firm as he watched his family nearby.

  They too see
med terribly happy together, enough so that a sigh came out of her. Mrs. Wallin, the matriarch of the family, her graying red hair curling, had linked arms with her blond-haired daughter, Beth, who smiled up at her. Towering over them, Drew exchanged glances with his pretty wife, Catherine, as if remembering their own wedding day, as did the regal Alexandrina and her dapper husband, James Wallin. Younger brothers John and Levi jostled each other good-naturedly as if they couldn’t wait to get out of the suits and into the more comfortable clothes they likely wore when logging.

  She supposed she might have approached John. He was by all accounts studious and kind, even if he was a few years her junior. But Simon, she thought, held greater possibilities when it came to strengths. Surely that high forehead was testimony to intelligence. The long, lanky body certainly spoke of hard labor, and the firm fingers told of days wielding an ax and nights cradling his father’s violin. She’d heard him play at Catherine’s and Rina’s weddings. A man capable of bringing such joy must have the capacity to understand her hopes.

  But there was another reason she’d chosen Simon. Maddie had confided that he was a man who could be utterly fixed on a course of action, and he was focused now on a goal to help his family. With two new brides and babies on the horizon, the Wallins needed more farmland.

  And that was something Nora could offer.

  She raised her head, determination stiffening her spine and forcing her feet across the room to his side as the other guests came forward to accept pieces of the wedding cake Maddie had created in her bakery. Nora felt Simon’s gaze shift to her and nearly wilted under the considering look. She reminded herself that whatever he thought of her, whatever he said, it could be no worse than what she would endure once Charles and Meredith arrived.

  “Mr. Wallin,” she said, the sound of her thundering heart nearly eclipsing her voice in her ears. “I’m Nora Underhill, and I have a proposal for you.”