When the service concluded, the minister was ready to dismiss everyone with a benediction.
Mrs. Hubbard stood. “I have something to say. Preacher, I know that sermon was directed at me and you’re right. I want to apologize to Miss Ross for all the pain and embarrassment I caused her. I’ve learned my lesson and so has Elmo.” She pushed at her husband’s shoulder.
Appearing reluctant, Elmo Hubbard rose to his feet. “I apologize to Miss Ross and to my wife. I won’t be gambling in the future.”
Grady smiled at the couple. “Confession is good for the soul. Jenny and Elmo, you’ve done a brave thing today, but Rachel Ross deserved no less. Miss Ross, do you accept their apologies?”
Rachel stood and nodded at the Hubbards. “Of course I do. Thank you.”
Grady raised his arms as a signal for everyone to stand. “Shall we bow our heads for the benediction?”
After church she and Zane strolled toward Lydia’s, where he was invited to dinner. Zane patted Rachel’s hand where it lay on his arm. “Never thought I’d hear that from the Hubbards.”
“Neither did I, but I’m relieved. I don’t want enemies here and I don’t want people always wondering about my honesty.”
“I’d say your virtue is no longer in question. Mine, however, is another matter. If a man could be in trouble for his thoughts, you’d sock me on the jaw.”
“Za-a-ne?” Then she giggled and gave a toss of her head. “Don’t be silly. Now I know to go for the nose.”
He burst out laughing.
Chapter Twenty-Four
A week later, Rachel stood in the parsonage shaking. Angeline adjusted the skirt of Rachel’s best dress, a lemonade yellow silk taffeta trimmed in matching ribbon and white lace. Angeline attached to Rachel’s hair a lace trimmed veil that had been left behind at the church by a long ago bride.
“You look lovely. I’m so proud for you.” Angeline made a tiny adjustment to the headpiece.
Rachel checked her image in the mirror over the fireplace. “I really do love him, Angeline. I never expected to be so lucky.”
Her friend squeezed her arm. “Me, either. We’re so fortunate.”
Lydia came into the parlor. “Time to go. Rachel, you looked like a princess.”
“I feel like one today. I hope Zane isn’t disappointed.”
Rachel, Lydia, Angeline, and Matthew made their way to the church.
Lydia raised her own skirts to avoid dirt on the way. “How could he be? By the way, he looks pretty dazzling himself. How nice that Ken is well enough to be his best man.”
At the back of the sanctuary, Rachel gestured toward the back row. “Mick has permission to attend if he sits quietly and goes straight home to rest.”
Lydia adjusted the sleeves of Rachel’s dress. “Adam’s going to help him get there so Ruby can come to the reception. Isn’t that something that’s she’s willing to attend?”
The music began and Adam handed her a bouquet then offered his arm. Lydia’s lavender silk gown swished as she walked ahead of them. Looking toward the front, Rachel caught Zane’s eyes. The love shining from them set her heart pounding.
Reverend Grady McIntyre smiled at her as she approached the altar. Adam took her hand and placed it in Zane’s then stepped behind her to sit on the first pew.
The ceremony was short and she couldn’t have told anyone what Grady said. All she knew was that Zane placed a wedding band on her finger and they were pronounced husband and wife. They faced the congregation as they’d been instructed.
Grady announced, “May I present Mr. and Mrs. Zane Evans.”
Then, Zane was leading her down the aisle. She touched Mick’s shoulder in a gentle squeeze as she passed. A buggy waited as close to the church as allowed.
The reception passed slowly. So many people she only knew by name gave their good wishes. They appeared genuinely pleased that she and Zane were wed.
Ruby came up to her side. “I heard what you said to that woman who accused you of stealing. I’d been to check on Mick and was just coming out of Doc Riley’s. I know she saw me, too. I just want to thank you. Nobody but Mick ever stuck up for me before.”
Rachel took both of Ruby’s hands in hers. “Thank you for coming, Ruby. Seeing Mick able to attend the wedding made the day that much more special.”
“You’re a good person, Rachel. I wish you the best of everything.”
Finally, they could slip away. The buggy had been decorated with ribbons. Two signs announced “Slipped into the parson’s noose” and “Leg-shackled for life”.
“That’s right, honey, I’m shackled to you for life.” Zane lifted her onto the seat then hurried around to the other side, clambered on, and gave a flick of the reins. They were rolling toward home before anyone else caught up to them.
“Seeing all your men and their wives at the wedding was wonderful. And, they all came to the reception except Mick.”
“I admit your success with the riders’ wives surprised me. You’re pretty exceptional, Mrs. Evans.”
“You’re the reason, Mr. Evans. Lydia and the others worked so hard to make our day special. With so many weddings lately, she’s tried to make each reception different from the others.”
“I was surprised at the cake being lemon. Must have taken a lot of them.”
“Mrs. Murphy had two dozen lemons brought in on the stage.”
He leaned near her. “Now I’m hungry but not for food. I long to get you to our home.”
“Where we’ll be alone, because Juanita is spending the weekend in my former room at Lydia’s.”
“Thank Lydia for that. I know Juanita’s been cooking up a storm. Guess she was trying to get ahead.”
When they reached his home—which was now their home—Zane set the brake before he climbed down and came around to help her. “If nosy Mrs. Jackson wasn’t spying on us from her front porch, I’d kiss you.”
“We’ll soon be inside. But, what about the buggy?”
“Dubicki is picking up the buggy in a few minutes.”
At the door, he picked her up and carried her over the threshold. When he set her down in the foyer, she tugged him into the parlor. Over the fireplace hung the portrait of him she’d commissioned from Jim Boyd.
“This is your wedding gift from me. Jim painted from memory. Didn’t he do a wonderful job?”
Zane strode forward to examine the likeness. “He cleaned me up a little. He’s a talented man, isn’t he? I’ll want to have him paint one of you.”
“I hope you approve. Diego Diaz hung the portrait while we were at the reception.”
Zane took her hand. “Sweetheart, I approve whatever you want. Having this painted was thoughtful. I’m flattered and pleased.”
“I love it because that’s how you look when I peek into your office.”
“Well, Mrs. Evans, do you feel any different now that you’re married?”
“More complete, Mr. Evans. And probably the happiest woman in the world right now.”
“Then we match, because I’m the happiest of men.
Epilogue
November 13, 1873
The house was filled with laughter and the sound of a dozen conversations. Multi-colored streamers hung around the room. Rachel stood at the dining table ready to serve cake to guests.
Zane raised his glass. “Ladies and gentlemen, a birthday toast to my wife—happy birthday, my love, and many more.”
In unison, the others gathered said, “Happy birthday, Rachel.”
She surveyed the faces of her friends. How lucky she was to have come here. “Thank you, dear friends. Zane and I are glad you could join us in celebrating the best birthday I’ve ever had.”
After the guests had gone and she and Zane were alone, he took her hand and led her to the parlor couch. “Sit down so I can show you your gifts.”
“Plural?”
“This involves a story which I’ll tell you after you open this first one.” He handed her an envelope.
Curi
osity stirred inside her. She opened the letter and gasped. “It’s from Virginia’s Governor James Kemper.” She scanned the contents. “Zane, this is a pardon. How can this be?”
“There’s more. Here’s a letter from your brother.” He handed her a fat package.
When she opened it, she pulled out a handful of newspaper clippings as well as a letter. “Look, Zane, this is a story about Howard Forsythe being convicted of embezzlement. Oh, here’s a front page story about my pardon.”
She glanced through the pile of clippings. “They’re all about his trial and the outcome.”
“What does your brother have to say?”
Aloud, she read Patrick’s letter.
Dear Rachel,
By now you will have seen the newspaper clippings announcing your former boss’ arrest and conviction of embezzlement as well as your pardon. I’m sorry to report that our family members were astonished by the news.
A congenial Pinkerton agent named John Warren came to the house and told us he’d been hired by your husband to clear your name.”
She stopped reading and met her husband’s gaze. “Is that true?”
He nodded. “Keep reading, my darling wife.”
By the way, Mr. Warren couldn’t hide his poor opinion of our parents and sisters for your treatment at their hands, especially father. I was unaware that Papa had told that worthless lawyer that you were guilty or that Papa didn’t make an effort to find a good attorney for you. After Mr. Warren left, Papa and I exchanged harsh words—none of which I regret.
As a result of that revelation and my express disapproval of the way Papa has behaved, I am now living in my own quarters in town. Dahlia and I will marry at Christmas and with her parents’ approval—after she told them she would marry me with or without their consent now that she’s of age.
I am still employed by Papa. Once I threatened to take my knowledge of the business elsewhere, he conceded to raise my salary and give me more control.
Your husband sounds like a fine man. I couldn’t be more pleased at the outcome of his work on your behalf. I hope one day in the near future Dahlia and I can travel to Tarnation so Zane and I may meet. In the meantime, I’m overjoyed at the news of your pardon and for the happiness you expressed in your marriage.
Love,
Your devoted brother, Patrick
Rachel clutched the letter to her breast. “How did you manage this miracle?”
“I have a terrible confession and I hope you’ll hear me out without getting angry. When we first met, you appeared frightened whenever I asked about your past. I wanted to discover why and fix the problem if possible. I wired my friend John and told him I wanted to marry you and would he find out what he could?”
“Zane Evans, you had me investigated?” The idea raised her ire and she wanted to protest that she resented his snooping. Before she uttered the harsh words, she considered the outcome of his prying and closed her mouth.
“Please, let me finish.” He held his hand palm out to her as if to stay any complaint. “John wired back he thought you’d been falsely accused and asked if I wanted him to get to the bottom of the story. I asked him to do anything he could to help clear your name.”
She didn’t understand how Zane’s friend had dealt with the situation. “How could he manage when the police couldn’t?”
He cradled her hands in his. “In the first place, the police didn’t try. They were told you were guilty and to arrest you. Your lawyer was, according to John, the worst lawyer in Richmond. He admitted to John that your father told him you were ‘guilty and needed to be taught a lesson’ so he accepted that fact.”
His admission of her father’s cruelty brought her to tears. Zane handed her his handkerchief.
She dabbed at her eyes. “I’m so hurt and embarrassed my father would say such cold words. I hope he regrets being so hateful now that he’s seen the newspaper stories.”
“I’m sorry, but I doubt he does. He sounds like a self-righteous blackguard who wants to control everyone.”
She sniffed and forced a smile. “I didn’t realize you’d met my father.”
“Getting to the bottom of the case didn’t take John long, but then we had to wait for the Governor to get around to issuing the pardon. It came two days ago, but I saved it for your birthday.”
She returned his handkerchief. “You definitely know how to pick a birthday present.” She caressed his strong jaw and met his blue-eyed gaze. “I’m happier than I ever believed possible, my dear husband.”
He pulled her into his arms. “Stick with me, Mrs. Evans. The best is yet to come.”
Dear Reader,
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Caroline
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Read Caroline’s western historical titles:
Amanda’s Rancher, Montana Sky Kindle World
The Rancher and the Shepherdess, Montana Sky Kindle World
Patience, Bride of Washington, American Mail-Order Brides Series #42
Josephine, Bride Brigade book 1
Angeline, Bride Brigade book 2
Cassandra, Bride Brigade book 3
Ophelia, Bride Brigade book 4
The Surprise Brides: Jamie, released simultaneously with three other The Surprise Bride books which are Gideon by Cynthia Woolf, Caleb by Callie Hutton, and Ethan by Sylvia McDaniel, each book about one of the Fraser brothers of Angel Springs, Colorado
The Most Unsuitable Wife, Kincaids book one
The Most Unsuitable Husband, Kincaids book two
The Most Unsuitable Courtship, Kincaids book three
Gabe Kincaid, Kincaids book four
Brazos Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book one, Free
Buy the Audiobook here
High Stakes Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book two
Buy the Audiobook here
Bluebonnet Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book three
Tabitha’s Journey, a Stone Mountain Texas mail-order bride novella
Stone Mountain Reunion, a Stone Mountain Texas short story
Stone Mountain Christmas, a Stone Mountain Texas novella
Winter Bride, a Stone Mountain romance
The Texan’s Irish Bride, McClintocks book one, Free
O’Neill’s Texas Bride, McClintocks book two
McClintock’s Reluctant Bride, McClintock’s book three
Save Your Heart For Me, a western romance adventure novella
Long Way Home, a sweet Civil War adventure romance novella. Kindle only
Caroline’s Time Travel
Out Of The Blue, 1845 Irish lass comes forward to today
Caroline’s Contemporary Titles
Be My Guest, mildly sensual
Grant Me The Moon, sweet, in box set Come Love a Cowboy
Snowfires, sensual
Home Sweet Texas Home, Texas Home book one (sweet)
Caroline’s Mysteries:
Almost Home, a Link Dixon mystery
Death In The Garden, a Heather Cameron cozy mystery, Kindle only
Take Advantage of Bargain Boxed Sets:
Wild Western Women Spring Into Love, Kirsten Osbourne, Callie Hutton, Caroline Clemmons, Sylvia McDaniel, and Merry Farmer – Kindle only
Come Love A Cowboy, Kathleen Ball, Caroline Clemmons, Margo Bond Collins, Patti Sherry-Cr
ews, Keta Diablo, Julie D’Arcy, Andi Downing, and Hebby Roman
The Kincaids, Books 1-4 in one set
Wild Western Women Ride Again, Kirsten Osbourne, Callie Hutton, Caroline Clemmons, Sylvia McDaniel, and Merry Farmer, available only at Amazon.
Wild Western Women: Kirsten Osbourne, Callie Hutton, Caroline Clemmons, Sylvia McDaniel, and Merry Farmer.
Mail-Order Tangle: Linked books Mail-Order Promise by Caroline Clemmons and Mail-Order Ruckus by Jacquie Rogers, Kindle and print only
Courting The West: Ten full-length novels by NYTimes, USAToday, and bestselling authors Debra Holland, Kristen Osbourne, Lily Graison, Cynthia Woolf, Jacquie Rogers, Sylvia McDaniel, Paty Jager, Merry Farmer, Keta Diablo, and Caroline Clemmons.
10 Timeless Heroes, time travels include Out Of The Blue and novels by Sky Purington, Skhye Moncreif, Donna Michaels, Beth Trissel, P. L. Parker, L. L. Muir, Linda LaRoque, and Nancy Lee Badger. Kindle only
Silver Belles and Stetsons, Christmas novellas from ten authors including Kathleen Ball, Cait Braxton, Caroline Clemmons, Carra Copeline, Kristin Holt, Lyn Horner, Susan Horsnell, Paty Jager, Hebby Roman, Margaret Tanner -- Kindle only
Men of Stone Mountain, contains the first three of the Stone Mountain Texas books: Brazos Bride, High Stakes Bride, and Bluebonnet Bride. Kindle Only
Rawhide ’n Roses, fifteen 2,000 word short stories by various western historical authors, nominated for the Rhone Award, all proceeds go to Black Hills Wild Horse Rescue.
About The Author
Caroline Clemmons is an Amazon bestselling and award winning author of historical and contemporary western romances. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel.
Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets. When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys family, reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, painting, and getting together with friends. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, WattPad, Shelfari, and Pinterest. Subscribe to her newsletter here to receive a FREE novella of Happy Is Bride.
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