by Jenna Brandt
With a knowing look, Mr. Moore inquired, “Does this have anything to do with Lucy’s visit?”
“She came to tell me about a problem she was having because of her past and I handled it poorly.”
“You know, I will give you some advice my father gave me before I got married. He told me there were six words, three phrases, all interchangeable, I needed to know to fix any situation with my wife. One, ‘Yes, dear,’ two, ‘You’re right,’ and three, ‘I’m sorry.’ You can use them in any order; however, if you say those three things, you will never fail in communicating with Lucy.”
Mr. Moore was correct. Matthew knew Lucy was right and he needed to tell her he was sorry. He didn’t want to risk losing the woman he loved because of his pride.
Lucy’s mood was foul when she returned to The Trail’s End. She had to fight the urge to snap at everyone who tried to talk with her. Not wanting to deal with customers, Lucy retreated to her office at the back of the saloon. She told the workers not to bother her unless there was an emergency. Once securely away from prying eyes, she plopped down in the leather chair behind her desk and let out a heavy sigh.
Only a few moments passed before a loud thudding knock sounded at the door. Angrily, Lucy jumped to her feet. Whoever was on the other side would get a verbal lashing when she got there.
As she jerked the door open, she barked, “What is it now?”
Her eyes grew round with fear as she saw Walter standing on the other side. Before she could react, he reached out and roughly grabbed her by the arm, pulling her towards him with a dangerous look in his eyes. “You made it very difficult for me to track you down, Lulu, and I don’t like that. I'll teach you not to run off on me again.”
She tried to yank free, but was unable to loosen his firm grip. She narrowed her eyes as she spat out, “You will not teach me anything ever again. I’ve made a life for myself here in West Linn and I’m not letting you destroy it.”
“There was some crazy talk around this town you’re marrying a preacher’s son. I thought to myself; they can’t be talking about my Lulu, there’s no way someone like that would lower themselves to marry the likes of her. What kind of nonsense is being spread about you?”
“It isn’t nonsense; she is marrying me,” Matthew stated as he appeared in the hall. He walked over to where they stood and grabbed the other man’s hand, pulling it free from Lucy’s arm. “You made a mistake coming here, and an even worse one putting your hands on my fiancée.”
Walter glared at Matthew as he shoved him hard in the chest, causing him to stumble backward. “You made a mistake getting involved in this, boy.” With a quick precision, Walter reached inside his duster coat and brandished a revolver at Matthew.
Lucy gasped, frightened at the prospect of Matthew being shot trying to protect her. If she could save him, she would do whatever it took. Instantly, she put on her best charm as she reached out and placed her hand on Walter’s arm. “If you put that gun away, Walter, I will go with you willingly.”
Matthew had regained his footing and his eyes darted to Lucy’s as he shook his head obstinately. “I won’t let you do it, Lucy.”
With determination, she stated through clenched teeth, “It isn’t your decision to make.”
“She’s right,” Walter stated with a sneer. “I had her first; she belongs to me anyhow.”
Lucy hid the revulsion she felt at the idea of Walter touching her. How could she have been gullible enough to let such an awful man hold power over her? She suddenly realized she didn’t know God back then, but she did now. Silently, she said a prayer, asking God to help them get out of this mess.
As Walter coarsely grabbed Lucy by the arm and moved towards the exit, Louisa, The Trail’s End cook, manifested at the other end of the hall. “What’s going on here? What’re you doing with Lulu?” she asked with confused outrage.
The interruption created a momentary distraction allowing Matthew to pounce on Walter. Both men went tumbling to the floor. The gun was knocked away in the scuffle. Lucy picked it up and leveled it at them. If she got a clear shot, she could justifiably shoot Walter. Even though she knew the law would be on her side, she didn’t want his blood on her hands. “That’s enough. Take your hands off my fiancé, Walter!”
Both men looked over at Lucy, surprise registering on their faces. They let go of each other and moved to sitting positions. Walter put his hands up in the air. “What are you going to do, Lucy? Shoot me?”
“Louisa, go get the sheriff,” Lucy ordered. Obediently, the cook scuttled down the hallway until she was out of sight. Matthew stood up and made his way over to Lucy’s side.
“You would turn me over to the law? You have gone soft. I would think you would be happy to put a bullet in me.”
What was he doing? It seemed like Walter wanted her to shoot him. She refused to give in and fall for whatever game he was playing.
“I’ve changed, Walter. I’ve found God, and He’s blessed me with this wonderful man I will spend the rest of my life trying to deserve.”
“If you don’t want to shoot me, you could let me go. I swear I won’t come back.”
“Your word means spit. You don’t have an honorable bone in your body.”
“You didn’t seem to mind that when we were together,” he inferred as he wagged his eyebrows up and down. “Come to think of it, you seemed to like that about me.”
Lucy shook and felt the anger rising inside her. “Shut your lying mouth,” she demanded. Even though she knew he was trying to get a rise out of her, she couldn’t stop herself from reacting.
Gently, Matthew stretched out his hand. He took the revolver from Lucy. “Here, let me take over for you.” Glaring at the man on the ground, he added, “As for you, I’d recommend you not to move. I won’t be as frugal with my bullets as Lucy has been.”
A few minutes later, Sherriff Hardy arrived and arrested Walter. As he pushed Walter towards the exit, Lucy insisted, “Make sure to check for warrants out of other states. Walter causes trouble wherever he goes.”
Matthew guided Lucy over to her chair and helped her sit down. “How are you doing? Can I get you anything? A glass of water perhaps?”
Lucy shook her head. “Unfortunately, this isn’t my first go around with Walter.” Her eyes dropped to the desk, and she fidgeted with a few pieces of paper. “I’ll understand if this changes things and you don’t want to marry me tomorrow.”
Matthew got down on his knees in front of Lucy and looked into her eyes. “You’re not getting rid of me that easy. When I proposed to you, I meant forever, and I plan to promise that to you tomorrow in front of all our friends and family.”
The sheriff returned to The Trail’s End after locking Walter in the jail. Lucy and Matthew relayed all the details about what transpired.
“I think we are finished, Mr. McCoy. If I need any further information I will contact you,” Sheriff Hardy stated as he shot a concerned look at Lucy. “Is she going to be all right?”
“She will be, Sheriff. She needs a little time to recover from all the upheaval.”
The sheriff nodded and headed towards the office door. “I’ll see myself out,” he said as he pulled the door shut behind him.
There were muffled voices from the other side of the door and after several minutes, there was a firm rapping. Matthew walked over to the door and opened it. To his surprise, his parents stood on the other side.
“What are you doing here?” he asked with wariness.
“We heard there was an incident earlier this evening with a man from Lucy’s past.” He glanced over at Lucy, but instead of condemnation, there was a look of sympathy on his face. “We came to find out what happened. Sheriff Hardy just informed us of the specifics.”
Defensively, Matthew stated, “You should know Lucy saved my life tonight. She offered to go with Walter if he would let me go. Then when we were fighting, she got the gun that had been knocked loose. She kept him from killing me.”
“I’m aware, Matthew. The sher
iff told us as much.” Mr. McCoy walked over to where Lucy was sitting behind her desk and smiled down at her. “The truest act of love is to lay one’s life down for someone. You risked your own life to keep Matthew safe. You must really love our son. Thank you for saving his life.”
Lucy’s eyes moved to meet Mr. McCoy’s gaze. “I would do anything for Matthew. I love your son more than anything in this world.”
Mrs. McCoy had been silent for the past few moments and Matthew was uncertain how she was going to react. Regret settled on his mother’s face. From the corner of the room she whispered, “I was wrong about you, Lucy. Considering your actions tonight, I think you will be a fitting wife for my son and a wonderful addition to our family.” Matthew watched as his mother joined his father next to Lucy. “We owe you an apology for how we have treated you over the last few months. Please forgive us.”
Lucy nodded as a smile curved the edges of her mouth. “Of course I will forgive you. All I have ever wanted was to be a part of your family.”
“Though tomorrow makes it official, from this moment forward, never doubt it’s true,” Mr. McCoy stated with certainty.
“We would love for you to join us for Christmas Eve at our home tonight.” Mrs. McCoy offered.
“Mother, Lucy may be too tired after all that happened tonight. In addition, we have the wedding tomorrow—”
“We would love to,” Lucy accepted as she jumped to her feet and moved over to Matthew’s side. “Can we bring anything?”
Mrs. McCoy shook her head. “Just yourselves. Why don’t you come by in an hour?”
Peace filled Matthew's heart as he watched his parents treat Lucy like their daughter. God had used Walter’s ill-intentions to bring them all together.
Lucy finally received the acceptance she had always wanted, but she had an epiphany when she thanked God in prayer as she got ready for Christmas Eve. He revealed to her she had always been accepted by Him and she didn’t need to receive the same from others. His acceptance was all she would ever need. Even with her newfound confidence in God, it felt good to be welcomed into the McCoy home without reservation.
When Lucy and Matthew arrived, Debbey opened the door with a twinkle in her eye. “Look up,” she demanded.
Lucy did as instructed. Another piece of mistletoe hung above their heads.
“I put that there for you and Matthew. You have to kiss now.”
With a wink, Matthew stated, “If you insist.” He dipped Lucy to the side and followed her down as his lips touched hers. The kiss was warm against the frigid night air and her stomach somersaulted in reaction.
“Come in you two, before you catch a cold out in the elements,” Mrs. McCoy gestured from behind Debbey for them to enter. “We don’t want you getting sick before your big day tomorrow.”
Cordiality exuded from Mrs. McCoy as Lucy entered the home. Lucy marveled at how quickly the other woman changed her attitude. Perhaps the prospect of losing her only son had made Mrs. McCoy appreciate the precious currency of each moment.
“The roast is finishing up in the oven,” Mrs. McCoy explained. “Why don’t we gather around the piano and sing a few Christmas carols before supper?”
Everyone made their way into the family room and surrounded the piano. Mrs. McCoy took her position on the bench and placed her hands on the keys. She played and the familiar chords of “Joy to the World” echoed in the room. The family sang three additional songs before Mrs. McCoy stopped playing.
She stood up and moved towards the kitchen. “I’ll go get the roast out of the oven. Debbey and Lucy, do you both want to help me?”
Joy filled Lucy’s heart at the invitation. She was included just like she had always wanted. “Of course, Mrs. McCoy.”
The women entered the kitchen, and were greeted by the delicious smell of roasted beef and potatoes. Lucy’s stomach rumbled, causing her to remember she hadn’t eaten in hours.
Debbey giggled. “You’re ready to eat, aren’t you, Lucy?”
“I’ve always been partial to your mother’s cooking,” Lucy declared.
“I can give you the recipe if you would like,” Mrs. McCoy offered. “You might need it if we have Christmas at your home next year.”
A few minutes later, the women brought out the dinner and took their places at the table. Mr. McCoy prayed, “Dear Lord, tonight we remember you sent your Son down as a baby. A perfect gift sent to redeem us all. We thank you for that gift. We also are grateful for your intervention earlier this evening while you kept Matthew and Lucy safe. What a blessing to have both our children and the spouses they have chosen celebrate the Lord’s birth tonight. Amen.”
The meal passed with talk about the upcoming wedding. Afterward, the family gathered around the Christmas tree, spending the rest of Christmas Eve sharing in a time of gift-giving, laughter, and joy.
Chapter 9
As Lucy looked into the mirror one last time, she felt confident in her first new gown. It was exquisite, made of white silk gauze and lace with a three-quarters length bodice and flared sleeves. It had an attached draped overskirt trimmed in embroidered net lace. The hooks and eyes created a “V” neck in the front. With her past securely behind her, the purity God provided washed over as she prepared to meet her future husband to say their vows.
The jitters wouldn’t go away as Matthew stood at the far end of the church’s aisle. He could feel the sweat accumulating at the nape of his neck and along his hairline. He twisted his hands together as he anxiously waited for Lucy to appear at the other end.
Next to him stood William and Pierre. Both Amelie and Debbey had promenaded down the aisle to their places across from them. The string trio Debbey had hired played the “Wedding March.” Everyone stood as Matthew shifted his position so he could continue to maintain his visual of the double doors. Matthew inhaled sharply as the doors opened and Lucy’s divine form came into focus.
As Lucy floated down the aisle, Matthew’s reaction made her heart flutter. There were tears in the corner of his eyes as he grinned with happiness. He looked handsome in his three-piece dark grey suit and slicked back hair.
Matthew extended his hand as Lucy approached. She placed her hand in his as they turned to face each other.
“Friends and family, today on Christmas, my son, Matthew McCoy, takes Lucy Rogers to be his wedded wife. I feel honored to preside over the ceremony that joins Lucy to our family. Not only does she bring my son joy, but she's also his match in every way he needs. She is fierce in protecting him and diligent in making him happy; traits any father would be proud for his son to find in a wife.”
Lucy looked into Matthew’s eyes and saw her own love reflected as she listened to Pastor McCoy continue to explain the bonds of holy matrimony.
“Now it is time for the rings,” he stated as he stretched out his hand to first Debbey and then William, both of whom placed them in his palm.
“Matthew, please place your ring on Lucy’s finger and repeat after me.” Matthew followed the instructions. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
“Lucy, please place your ring on Matthew’s finger and repeat after me.” Lucy did as her soon-to-be father-in-law requested. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
“Do you both promise to honor, cherish, and cling only unto each other until death parts you?”
“I do,” Matthew promised.
“I do,” Lucy echoed.
“Then by the power vested in me by God, may I pronounce you husband and wife.”
Matthew and Lucy turned to face the crowd gathered to celebrate with them. The cheers and claps could be heard throughout the church as Pastor McCoy commanded, “You may now kiss your Christmas bride.”
Matthew and Lucy moved together until their bodies touched and their lips met in a kiss filled with boundless joy.
Also by Jenna Brandt
The Window to the Heart Saga
Trilogy
The English Proposal (Book 1)
The French Encounter (Book 2)
The American Conquest (Book 3)
Spin-offs
The Oregon Pursuit (Book 1)
The White Wedding (Book 2)
The Christmas Bride (Book 3)
The Viscount’s Wife (Book 4)
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The Window to the Heart Saga
Trilogy Box Set
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The Window to the Heart Saga
Spin-off Books Box Set
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The Lawkeepers Series
Lawfully Loved
Lawfully Adored
Lawfully Wanted
Lawfully Wedded
Lawfully Treasured
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The Rockwood Springs Series
Promised to a Soldier
Courted by a Soldier
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Second Chance with You Series
Rekindled
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Waiting on the Billionaire
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For more information about Jenna Brandt visit her on any of her websites.
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www.JennaBrandt.com
www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor
www.twitter.com/JennaDBrandt
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Jenna’s Acknowledgments
Since I can remember, writing is the only thing I love to do, and my deepest desire is to share my talent with others.
First and foremost, I am eternally grateful to Jesus, my Lord and Savior, who created me with this “writing bug” DNA.
In addition, many thanks go to: