He met her gaze. “Would you like that? Or would you rather be closer to your Gram or Marcus?”
Her chest might as well split open from the joy swelling there. “Gram has Ol’ Mose now, and they aren’t likely to be home much anyway if they keep hauling freight. The same for Marcus, really. He sleeps at his house but spends every waking moment out visiting people. He might as well come visit us, too.”
A thought struck her, and she fingered a pleat in her skirt. “Bryan, do you think you could ask Marcus for my hand?” She braved a look up at him. “Since Papa’s not here for you to talk to him.” Would he think her petty? “It would mean a lot.”
“He said it was fine with him, but that if you said yes, I should write your father, and he’d put in a good word for me.” A twinkle flickered in Bryan’s eyes.
“You already asked?” Of course he had. Why had she doubted?
“Yes, my love.” He set aside his plate and moved closer, sitting beside her. “Why do you think he didn’t tag along tonight?”
“I should have known.” Claire sank back against Bryan’s shoulder, and they stared up at the mountain peaks surrounding them. The evening sky was beginning its array of colors as the sun slid behind the horizon. Crimson, orange, and vibrant purple.
Bryan wrapped both arms around her waist, and she rested her hands on his.
“You know, maybe we should build out here, where we can see the sunsets better.” His deep voice resonated through her back. Most of the rasp he’d picked up from inhaling the smoke was gone, leaving behind that baritone she loved.
“I’d love that. Sunrises, too. Gram told me once that when Grandpop asked where she wanted to live, she said it didn’t matter. As long as she could see the sun rise over the mountains each morning.”
He settled his chin on her hair. “That works for me.”
They sat there as the colors shifted. She’d be content to stay like that for the rest of her life. The orange melted into a fiery red at the base of a peak, closest to the sun, and a thought brought a smile to Claire’s lips.
“What is it?” He touched a kiss to the top of her head.
“You know what I like most about fire?”
“What?” His tone held amused curiosity.
“Fire brings new beginnings.”
Epilogue
Claire smoothed the ivory silk of her gown, pressing down the butterflies in her stomach at the same time. She’d been waiting three long months for this day. It didn’t seem possible for it to have finally arrived.
“Nervous?”
She glanced up at her father. His smile was so much like Marcus’s, enough of a teasing glimmer to put her at ease. Usually. “It’s just hard to believe the day’s here. Finally.”
He took her hand and squeezed it. “Your Mama and I came as soon as we got all your letters. I have to say I was concerned when I read Bryan’s, mildly amused when I read Marcus’s, but the minute I read yours, Mama and I packed our bags and took the fastest steamer here. I knew I had to meet the man who’d stolen my baby girl’s heart.”
His voice cracked on the last words, and Claire stepped forward and wrapped him in a hug. “Thank you.” She couldn’t say more, or she’d be crying before she ever walked into the church.
The ripple of the pianoforte sounded through the church doors, and Claire pulled back, inhaling a deep breath. She looked up into Papa’s eyes. “I guess it’s time.”
His gaze held a sheen of moisture, but he smiled through it, extending his elbow to her. “I suppose so.”
She took his arm, and they waited for the change in music. How wonderful that Gideon and Leah had sent for a piano—an exquisite McPhail pianoforte at that. And who would have ever thought Lilly would prove such an accomplished pianist? There was more to that woman than Claire had ferreted out, but as their friendship grew, she’d learn more.
The beginning notes to the bridal march sounded, and Papa pushed open the church door. As her eyes adjusted to the dimmer lighting, Claire found Bryan at the front of the room.
His gaze never wavered from her, but she wasn’t close enough to read his expression.
Even as they neared, she still couldn’t quite interpret what she saw in his eyes. Love, certainly, but there was more.
When Marcus asked who gave her in marriage, Papa placed her gloved hand in Bryan’s. His grip was strong, sure. As they turned to face Marcus, Bryan ran his thumb across the back of her hand, a small smile tipping his mouth.
Pleasure washed through her. She was finally marrying this man.
The words of the ceremony sank deeply into her, and she locked them away to treasure for days to come. There was nothing more she wanted than to love, cherish, honor, and obey Bryan. And together, they would do the same with God.
When Marcus finally released him, Bryan gave her more than the peck on the lips that she’d expected in front of her parents and half the population of Butte. She deserved it, though, for embarrassing him that day after the fire. And the red that probably stained her cheeks was the only part of it she regretted.
Mama and the other women had put together a small feast on the church lawn, and Claire was able to maneuver it so that she and Bryan ate on a blanket positioned almost exactly where he had proposed. Marcus had plans to build tables and chairs for the church, so events like this wouldn’t always require blankets on the grass. But she wouldn’t have traded it this time for anything.
After Bryan helped her lower herself to the blanket, it took several moments to straighten the mass of her skirts. This had been Mama’s wedding gown, and a few modifications made it fit Claire perfectly. The style was classic, and even had a short lace train in the back.
When she looked up, Bryan had both brows raised and the corners of his mouth tipped up. “Like this spot, do you?”
She raised her chin. “Very much.”
He leaned forward for a quick kiss. “Me, too.”
Over the course of the next hour, they had a steady stream of visitors to their little blanket. Townsfolk offering their best wishes as they passed to and from the food tables.
Every one of them knew and loved Bryan, but after a while, his foot started to tap against the blanket. Poor man.
When they had a few seconds to themselves, Claire leaned closer and murmured. “You know what I’d like to do?”
He raised his brows. “What?”
“See our new home.”
His face lit. They’d carefully worked out a floor plan together, but when it came time for the actual building, he’d not let her get past the front porch. “You ready?”
“Past ready.”
Bryan helped her to her feet, which was a challenge to do without tearing the lace on her gown. “I have a buggy parked in front.”
A buggy? Jackson’s livery had sustained quite a bit of damage in the fire, losing most of his inventory of wagons.
They said their goodbyes, Claire giving more hugs than handshakes. Mama was crying as they embraced, and Claire made the hug quick so her own tears didn’t break loose. “I’ll see you both when we return from the wedding trip. You’ll still be here, right?”
She pulled back as Mama nodded, sniffing. “We’re going to stay for another month at least and help Marcus get some things done around the church.”
“Good. I’ll see you in two weeks.” She kissed her mother’s cheek, then turned to allow Bryan to assist her into the buggy.
They waved goodbye as Bryan steered the horse onto the road, then Claire slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and snuggled close.
She breathed in a deep breath of the fall air and relaxed into the quiet. The house came into sight within minutes. “I like where you positioned it at the end of Elm Street. We get a good view of the mountains, but we’re still close to the clinic.”
Bryan grinned as he jumped down from the seat, then reached up to assist her. “Wait til you see the views from inside.”
He held her hand as they mounted the two steps to the porch
. At the top, he stopped her, then slipped his hand behind her back. “I think there’s a custom we have to follow here.”
Bryan lifted her into his arms like she weighed less than a child, and Claire slipped her hands around his neck.
Inside, he placed her feet on the sturdy wooden floor, but kept his arm about her waist. Claire pressed into him as she took in the surroundings. The walls were painted beadboard. A long hallway down the center led to arched doorways on both sides. “Bryan, it’s beautiful. And so big.” She spun to face him. “How did you build this in so short a time?”
One side of his mouth quirked. “At one point, I was thankful your parents hadn’t arrived yet, so I’d have more time to finish it.” He squeezed her side. “But not for any other reason.”
He followed as she explored the parlor, the kitchen with its separate dining room, and a spare bed chamber. He pointed toward a closed door.
“I’ll show you that room in a few minutes. It’s ours.” He grinned, his eyes darkening as he said the words. “I want you to see something else first, but I did want to tell you the bedroom has windows to the east, so we can watch the sun rise in the mornings.”
Claire’s stomach started flips again. Their bedroom. She was torn between running back out the front door and pulling him closer for a kiss.
“Come on.” He took her hand, eliminating both choices, and led her back to the kitchen. He walked through, opened another door, and led her out onto a back porch.
The warmth of the evening sun soothed as Claire scanned the area. “Oh, Bryan, I love it.” He’d placed two rocking chairs against the house and built a rail around the outer edge of the porch.
“We can see the sunsets from here.” He motioned toward the horizon where the brilliant color palette was already forming.
Claire stepped to the rail and rested against it, breathing in the peace and wonder of this new home. Their home.
Bryan stepped up behind her, slipped his arms around her waist, and rested his chin on her head. “Here’s to a new beginning, Mrs. Donaghue.”
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Dedication
To my Father.
For your constant support and love.
I will always be grateful for the wisdom, integrity and work ethic I learned by watching you.
I’m honored to be a Daddy’s Girl.
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are the product of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.
Copyright © 2015 Misty M. Beller
All rights reserved.
And don’t miss the next books in the
Mountain Dreams Series
Book 4
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011GC7VHA
Book 5
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7ONF1O
Get the FREE short story that follows The Lady and the Mountain Call by clicking here: http://eepurl.com/bXmHwb
Also look for:
Misty M. Beller’s
Texas Rancher Trilogy:
Book 1
Amazon.com/dp/B01064BQCU
Book 2
Amazon.com/dp/B010EN1YSO
Book 3
Amazon.com/dp/B0186HDTN8
About the Author
Misty M. Beller writes Christian historical romance and is the author of the bestselling Mountain Dreams Series and the Texas Rancher Trilogy.
She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family—both immediate and extended—is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream.
Connect with Misty at www.MistyMBeller.com
Mountain Dreams Series: Books 1 - 3: Mountain Dreams Box Set 1 Page 61