Love's Sporting Chance: Volume 2: 5 Romantic Sporting Novellas

by Cynthia Hickey

  Mrs. O’Connor patted his cheek. “Let me get some ice for that cheek of yours. You’ll most likely sport a black eye for your wedding.” She chipped some ice from a block in the icebox, wrapped it in a towel, and handed it to him. “My daughter already loves you, Mr. Woodward. I see it on her face when she lays eyes on you. But…she is proud, like her da. Just be kind to her.”

  “I won’t be anything but.” He held the ice pack to his face and winced. “I don’t think my brother will bother her again. Especially once we are married.”

  Her green eyes hardened. “See that he doesn’t. Otherwise, I fear I will do something to cause you to terminate my employment.”

  It wasn’t a laughing matter, but he guffawed like it was hysterical anyway. “Like mother like daughter.”

  He couldn’t wait until tomorrow.

  11

  Brad loved her. He’d defied her father’s orders to leave so he could shout it to anyone within earshot.

  Kat watched as her pupil shanked another ball into the rough for what seemed like the hundredth time. It didn’t bother her today. She was getting married later!

  She smiled. The day was nothing like the day she’d envisioned for her wedding when she dreamed as a young girl. Yes, the sun was shining, the air was cool, but here she was, wearing her uniform and working instead of hiding in the cottage as most girls do on their wedding day.

  While Da refused to believe nothing immoral had happened the day before, or even to speak to Kat, her mam walked around with a smile as if she held a great secret.

  “I am horrible at this.” The student, a middle-aged woman learning the sport to please her husband, sighed and leaned on her club. “I’d rather take painting classes.”

  “Have you told your husband?”

  She shook her head. “He has his heart set on me being one of the few women on the golf course. You can see how well that is going.”

  Kat laughed and took the club. “Go talk to him. You shouldn’t do anything your heart isn’t set on.” She’d have to remember that when she was wed. She’d had her heart set on Brad, then broken by the same man, and now God has given her the very thing she wanted so badly. “He’ll understand.”

  “I hope so. Thank you.” She strolled away, plucking a late rose from a bush, and entered the clubhouse.

  Kat set up a tee, lined up her shot, and sent the ball flying. She supposed she should head inside so she didn’t catch a glimpse of her intended, but the beautiful day called to her. Would it hurt if she played a quick nine holes? The closer the hour came to five o’clock, the time set for the gunshot wedding, the more her nerves came unraveled. Golf would calm her.

  Rather than retrieve her personal set of clubs from the closet off the kitchen, she hefted the student bag over her shoulder and headed for the first tee. A bird shot from a nearby tree, causing her ball to veer right and into the rough. She groaned at her rookie mistake and stepped into the shadows.

  A twig snapped behind her. She whirled and came face-to-face with Robert.

  He sneered and leaned against a tree trunk. “Is it wise for a pretty girl like you to be alone in the woods?”

  She gripped her club. “I shouldn’t be in danger on these grounds.” Oh, but she was, if the look in his eyes was any indication. “Why do you insist on tormenting me?”

  “Boredom. I hate to lose. Take your pick.” He cocked his head. “So, you’re marrying my brother. I wonder if he would want you if you were sullied.”

  “I will bash you with this club if you take one step closer.” She raised it over her shoulder. “What is wrong with you? You have a loving mother—”

  “Who doesn’t know me half of the time.”

  “More money than you know what to do with.”

  “No one to spend it on.”

  “Then find a good girl and settle down. Have a family. Stop forcing your attentions on those who don’t want them.” She sent a prayer heavenward for not only her safety, but Robert’s healing.

  His intense stare unnerved her. What went on behind those eyes identical to Brad’s? Was he contemplating wrestling the club from her and doing the unthinkable? Her blood ran cold as he moved closer. She raised the club higher.

  He laughed and stopped. “You’re the most fun I’ve had in ages, Miss O’Connor. Welcome to the family.” He wheeled on his shined shoes and sauntered out of sight.

  Kat sagged against a tree. Would she deal with this for the rest of her life? After all, like it or not, he would be a part of her family. Golfing no longer held appeal. She retrieved her ball and headed for the cottage.

  “There you are.” Mam opened the door. “Wandering around will get you seen by Mr. Woodward.”

  Too late for that, but Kat knew her mother meant the groom. She leaned the golf bag against the wall. “The wedding isn’t for hours yet.”

  “You sure don’t act like a woman getting married.” Mam crossed her arms. “Aren’t you happy?”

  Kat sat in a kitchen chair. “I am.” She twisted a napkin. “I wish Da was happy for me. Will he give me away, or will he stay away?”

  “He’ll be there to walk you down the aisle. Give him time, love. Come with me.” Mam led her into the room her parents shared. “I’m sure you are wondering what you will wear today.”

  She had chosen a pale yellow gown Mrs. Oglesby had given her, but the creamy creation hanging in Mam’s closet was devine. “Your wedding dress.”

  Mam smiled. “You’ll be beautiful. Let’s put this on so I can do any needed alterations. Mr. Woodward will think himself the luckiest man on earth.”

  ~

  Brad had to be the most nervous man on earth. Would Kat have married him, if he’d asked properly and not been forced by her father? He shouted his words of love, but regretted not having done things the traditional way. Well, he could remedy that, to an extent. First, he needed to cool off his future father-in-law.

  Having taken note of Mr. O’Connor’s banged up clubs, he chose the best set the club had to offer and headed to the storage building. He located the man hunched over a box, diligently counting forks.

  “Sir? If you have a moment.” Brad stopped in the doorway.

  “Think again, young man, if you’ve come to back out of marrying my girl.” He straightened and turned a stern look on Brad.

  “Not in the least, sir. I love Kat with all my being. Surely, you know that by now.” He held the golf bag out. “A gift for you for allowing me this pleasure.”

  “Hmmph. Looks to me like you’ve had your pleasure.”

  Brad exhaled sharply and met the man’s stare. “I’ve had enough of that kind of talk. Kat is a respectable woman. Nothing happened. In fact, I got this black eye defending her honor from another man. I was doing nothing more than making sure she was all right when you found us. I’ve come here to ask your blessing, having a desire to do things the traditional way. But, I will marry her with or without it. Something you’ve made very clear. I prefer having the blessing.” He dropped the bag and turned to leave.

  “Wait. Since we are conversing not as employer and employee, I want to say my piece as the father of the bride.” Mr. O’Connor bent over and straightened the clubs. “A fine gift. Thank you.” He took a deep breath. “My Katerine is my most precious gift. My wife and I prayed for years for a child. She is truly our miracle. I tend to go a bit crazy in regards to keeping her safe. Can I trust you to take over that task?”

  Brad held out his hand. “We’ll do it together. She’s precious enough to have two protectors.”

  He grinned and took Brad’s hand. “Then, you have not only my apologies, but my blessing. I have one request.”

  “Anything.”

  “Please do not take her away from us.”

  “I promise to take her only to Europe for a honeymoon and return here. Will you do something for me?”

  Mr. O’Connor nodded.

  “My brother has packed his things and left for the city for an indeterminate length of time. Will you run t
he club in my absence?”

  His chest puffed. “I will be honored.”

  There was only one thing left to do. Brad shoved his hand in his pocket, reassuring himself that Ma’s ring was still there, then rushed from the building.

  He tapped on Kat’s window. Her mother shoved the window open.

  “What are you doing here? You cannot see her until the ceremony.”

  “I just need her to listen. Please.”

  Mrs. O’Connor nodded. “Wait here.”

  “Brad?” Kat’s soft voice drifted through the open window.

  “I’ve spoken with your father,” he said, “and received his blessing. There is still one thing I need to do.”

  “Which is?”

  He knelt in the damp soil under her window. “I know it’s non-traditional, but there is nothing normal about this day. Will you look at me?”

  She stepped into his sight. Her eyes widened.

  He held out the emerald and diamond ring. “I love you, Katherine Kevin O’Connor. Will you marry me?”

  She nodded, tears streaming down her face. “On one condition.”

  “Anything.”

  “Please don’t use the name Kevin at the ceremony.” She slipped a leg over the windowsill and despite her mother’s protestations, landed in Brad’s arms.

  The force of her jump landed him on his back with her lying on his chest, her face inches from his. “I love you,” she whispered, right before she kissed him.

  12

  Kat dressed in her mam’s wedding gown and stood still as Mam placed a veil of Irish lace on her head. Not wanting Brad to see any trace of ‘Kevin’, Kat chose to wear her hair loose around her shoulders.

  “I can’t believe I’m marrying Bradford Woodward.”

  Mam caressed her cheek. “You’re beautiful. The love you have for that man radiates from you.”

  “God has truly given me the desire of my heart.” She leaned into her mother’s touch. “Will his mother be there?”

  Mam nodded. “She’s having a good day. His brother has chosen to leave. Good riddance, I say.” Mam patted her stomach. “Your sibling is ready. Let’s hope he she waits until after the ceremony.”

  Kat agreed on both accounts, although it pained her to know that one of Brad’s family members had chosen the path of exile. Perhaps, someday, God will bring the prodigal home. She stepped back and stared at herself in the mirror. While she could only see from the waist up, the vision was stunning. As if she saw someone else in her reflection.

  Giving her the ring, breaking tradition to see her, had given her all the proof she needed that Brad was marrying her out of love and not obligation. She blinked back tears.

  “My girl.” Da stood in the doorway, dressed in his only suit, and held his arms wide open. “You’re a vision to be sure. Come, and let this old man give you away.”

  “Oh, Da.” She stepped into his embrace like she did as a little girl. “I’ll always be yours. You’re adding a son, not losing a daughter.”

  The sound of a violin sounded through the open door. “It’s time.” Mam smiled through her tears, then headed for the garden where the ceremony would take place.

  With spring over, and summer at its end, foliage was turning to brilliant golds and rust. A perfect backdrop to Kat’s special day. She slipped her arm through her da’s and moved toward her new life.

  Handsome in a gray suit, Brad waited in front of the entire staff and many of the guests. His gaze locked on Kat’s as her father led her down the white carpet laid out for the ceremony. From a seat in the front row, Mam and Mrs. Woodward smiled as they clasped hands with each other.

  Da placed Kat’s hand in Brad’s, then stepped back. When the pastor asked who gave this woman, he replied in a steady voice, “Her mother and I.” He kissed Kat’s face through the veil and sat next to Mam.

  Kat kept her gaze on Brad’s, seeing all the love she’d ever wanted reflected back at her.

  “Dearly Beloved…”

  The End

  Continue to last page to see other books in this exciting series!

  Multi-published and Amazon Best-Selling author Cynthia Hickey had three cozy mysteries and two novellas published through Barbour Publishing. Her first mystery, Fudge-Laced Felonies, won first place in the inspirational category of the Great Expectations contest in 2007. Her third cozy, Chocolate-Covered Crime, received a four-star review from Romantic Times. All three cozies have been re-released as ebooks through the MacGregor Literary Agency, along with a new cozy series, all of which stay in the top 50 of Amazon’s ebooks for their genre. She has several historical romances releasing in 2013, 2014, 2015 through Harlequin’s Heartsong Presents, and has sold more than 300,000 copies of her works. Cynthia is a board member for CAN (Christian Authors Network). She is active on FB, twitter, and Goodreads, and is a contributor to Cozy Mystery Magazine blog and Suspense Sisters blog. She is a featured speaker/teacher at ACFW national. She and her husband run the small press, Forget Me Not Romances, which includes some of the CBA’s well-known authors. She lives in Arizona with her husband, one of their seven children, two dogs and two cats. She has five grandchildren who keep her busy and tell everyone they know that “Nana is a writer.” Visit her website at www.cynthiahickey.com

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  Enjoy other books by Cynthia Hickey

  Nosy Neighbor Series

  Anything For A Mystery, Book 1

  A Killer Plot, Book 2

  Skin Care Can Be Murder, Book 3

  Death By Baking, Book 4

  Jogging Is Bad For Your Health, Book 5

  The Summer Meadows Series

  Fudge-Laced Felonies, Book 1

  Candy-Coated Secrets, Book 2

  Chocolate-Covered Crime, Book 3

  Maui Macadamia Madness, Book 4

  All four novels in one collection

  The River Valley Mystery Series

  Deadly Neighbors, Book 1

  Advance Notice, Book 2

  The Librarian’s Last Chapter, Book 3

  All three novels in one collection

  See Cynthia’s other books at www.cynthiahickey.com

  Historical Romances

  Taming the Sheriff

  Finding Love the Harvey Girl Way

  Cooking With Love

  Guiding With Love

  Serving With Love

  Warring With Love

  A Wild Horse Pass Novel

  They Call Her Mrs. Sheriff, book 1 (A Western Romance)

  Finding Love in Disaster

  The Rancher’s Dilemma

  The Teacher’s Rescue

  Woman of courage Series

  A Love For Delicious

  Ruth’s Redemption

  Charity’s Gold Rush

  Mountain Redemption

  Short Story Westerns

  Desert Rose

  Desert Lilly

  Desert Belle

  Romantic Suspense

  Overcoming Evil series

  Mistaken Assassin

  Captured Innocence

  Mountain of Fear

  Exposure at Sea

  A Secret to Die for

  Collision Course

  Contemporary

  Romance in Paradise

  Maui Magic

  Sunset Kisses

  Deep Sea Love

  Finding a Way Home

  Christmas

  Handcarved Christmas

  Curtain Calls and Christmas Wishes

  For more great stories visit www.forgetmenotromances.com

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  TOBOGGANING FOR TWO

  By

  Darlene Franklin

  Love’s Sporting Chance Series

  Tobogganing for Two by Darlene Franklin is a wonderful Christian historical romance set in the 1870s. In this st
ory, she writes with credibility and authority about disabled people and those who care for them. Highly recommend! – Award winning author, Carrie Fancett Pagels

  Copyright © 2015 by Darlene Franklin. All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the permission of the author or Forget Me Not Romances, a division of WingedPublications.

  Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. niv®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

  All of the characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events is purely coincidental.

  DEDICATION: To the best copy editor a freelance author and indie author could ever wish for—Robin Patchen.

  Our favourite amusement during that winter was tobogganing. In places the shore of the lake rises abruptly from the water’s edge. Down these steep slopes we used to coast. We would get on our toboggan, a boy would give us a shove, and off we went! Plunging through drifts, leaping hollows, swooping down upon the lake, we would shoot across its gleaming surface to the opposite bank. What joy! What exhilarating madness! For one wild, glad moment we snapped the chain that binds us to earth, and joining hands with the winds we felt ourselves divine!

  ― Helen Keller, The Story of My Life

  TOBOGANNING FOR TWO

  By

  Darlene Franklin

  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

  I John 4:18

  CHAPTER ONE

  Plymouth, Nebraska, 1875

  “Hurry up, ladies. I’ve got a schedule to keep.” The stagecoach driver was eager to get back on schedule. He’d lost time when a dead bull blocked the road on the way from Lincoln. In spite of his complaint, he fell into conversation with the storekeeper where he had parked the carriage.

  Laura Evans gritted her teeth but dismounted without saying a word. By now he should know her sister, Eliza, needed extra time getting up and down. He had panicked the first time he’d seen her bath chair. The shotgun rider lifted down their trunks while Laura faced Eliza. She forced a brave smile on her face. “We’re here at last, sister.”