Katie could only hope the man she loved would find peace for the rejected little boy he had once been.
Quietly, she turned and left the room. Abel followed her out, granting grandfather and grandson a moment of privacy, such a precious gift in the short time they had left.
* * *
Katie sat upon the settee in the sitting room, staring in her lap at an unopened book. She almost wished for Sarah Jane’s company, but the poor child had nearly collapsed in exhaustion after her bath. Even Maria had retired early, completely drained from the emotional turmoil following Jeremiah’s arrest.
Fingering the gold lettering of the title on the dark blue cover, she glanced at the closed doorway to Harrison’s study. Tom and Harrison had slipped in there an hour ago and had yet to emerge.
An ornate clock upon the mantel slowly ticked away the time. Reading was out of the question. Whenever Katie tried to focus on a passage, her mind raged with curiosity about the conversation taking place on the other side of the closed double doors.
She hoped the words that passed between the men would change Tom’s mind about leaving. Sarah Jane wasn’t the only one who belonged at the Lazy G. As Harrison’s grandson, Tom was an heir, also.
Could the two of them work things out? She said a prayer, leaving it in God’s hands.
Footsteps clicked upon the tile floor, and Katie turned toward the kitchen.
Abel walked into the room with a linen-covered tray. “I brought you some cookies and milk.”
“Why, thank you.” Katie hoped his company would divert her thoughts.
When a sharp rap sounded at the front door, Katie nearly jumped from her seat, jostling the book on her lap. She snatched one side of the cover to keep it from falling to the floor. The frightening ordeal with Jeremiah certainly had set her nerves on end.
After placing the tray upon a small, hand-carved table, Abel answered the door.
An older gentleman of medium height and build entered the room. He removed his hat.
“Come in, Señor Wellman,” Abel said. “I will let Señor Graves know you are here.”
The man wasn’t at all handsome, but a fine linen suit and a crisp white shirt gave him a distinguished look. Katie didn’t remember meeting him at the Cattleman’s Ball. She wondered if he might be a neighbor.
“Thank you.” Mr. Wellman’s eyes met Abel’s. “I’m actually looking for Jeremiah. Have you seen him?”
“Yes, but he is no longer here,” Abel said.
The man narrowed his eyes. “Where did he go?”
“To jail,” Abel answered.
The man scowled. “What’s the charge? I have a few of my own to add.”
“Murder,” Abel said. “He killed Caroline Graves.”
The man paled then mumbled something under his breath. He glanced at Katie. “I’m Martin Wellman. My daughter is married to Jeremiah, although she won’t be much longer.”
Katie set the book aside and stood. Walking toward Martha Haney’s father, she extended a hand. “I’m Katie O’Malley. I met your daughter a couple of days ago.”
Mr. Wellman’s expression softened. “Martha told me about you. You saved her life.”
Katie shrugged her shoulders. “I’m not sure if that’s the case, but I believe Jeremiah had been drugging her for months.”
Mr. Wellman snorted. “Drugged? According to the doctor, he nearly killed her. It’s going to be a long and difficult recovery for her, but Martha is determined to regain her health.”
Katie sighed in relief. “I’m so glad. He kept her a prisoner in that darkened upstairs bedroom.”
Wellman shook his head. “A prisoner usually has his wits about him. Haney nearly drove my little girl mad. I’d ring his neck if he were here right now. As it is, I’ll see she gets an immediate divorce.”
“Let me get you a cup of coffee,” Katie said. “I’m sure Harrison will want to speak to you.”
Katie was right. After Abel left to announce Mr. Wellman’s arrival, the study door opened and Tom and Harrison entered the sitting room. Her heart filled with expectation, but she held her questions.
Tom appeared relaxed, yet he didn’t smile or offer a clue to his mood or whether he’d made a change of plans.
“Martin,” Harrison said, his voice warm, his expression sober. “What brings you all the way out here at this hour?”
“I came looking for Jeremiah. I hear he’s in jail.”
Harrison nodded slowly. “He is. And my only regret is that I may not live to see him hang.”
“I never did trust him,” Mr. Wellman began.
“How is your daughter?” Tom asked the man.
The older gentleman looked at Tom, his eyebrows furrowed. “Who are you?”
Tom stiffened, but before he could answer, Harrison spoke up. “This is Tom McCain, Robert’s son and my grandson. He’ll be running the Lazy G from now on. Everything I own will be his. I expect you’ll help me introduce him to the community, especially since he was instrumental in freeing Martha.”
Wellman reached for Tom’s hand. “It’s a pleasure meeting you. I’ve got a spread about forty miles from here. It’s not as big as yours, but it’s a nice size.”
Katie held her breath, waiting for Tom to take the man’s hand, hoping he would confirm Harrison’s statement—not just about his relationship with the cattleman, but his agreement to stay in Stillwater.
Tom shook Wellman’s hand and thanked him. Then, turning to Katie, he smiled. “I assume you’ve met Miss O’Malley. If she’ll agree to be my wife, we’ll be inviting you to a wedding soon.”
Katie nearly collapsed in a dead faint. “You’re going to stay?” she asked Tom.
Harrison interrupted. “Of course, he’s going to stay. He’s a Graves, and this is his land.”
Tom winked at Katie, and a slow smile stretched across his face. “You will marry me, won’t you, Katie?”
She was in his arms before she could answer. She had no idea what problems life might present them, but their love would see them through. Of that she was certain.
Tom caressed her back. “I take it this means you’ve agreed.”
“Yes, I’ll marry you,” Katie said. Then she cocked her head, staring into his warm, bright eyes, and grinned. “That is, under one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“About the vows...you really don’t expect me to promise to obey, do you?”
He laughed, and the rich, baritone sound filled her heart. “I doubt you have an obedient bone in your body, but I love you, and I’ll do my best to make you happy.”
“Just promise to love me,” Katie said, lifting her lips to his.
“Forever,” he whispered softly, sealing his vow with a kiss.
EPILOGUE
The wedding day dawned bright and clear, not a cloud marring the Texas sky. The courtyard, festively decorated with flowers and lace, had an aura of happiness in the floral-scented air.
Tom would have married Katie the day he asked her to be his wife, but Harrison had insisted it would take at least a week to plan a proper marriage ceremony. The dying cattleman wanted to present his heirs to the community in grand style.
It was just as well. Hannah would have been hurt if she hadn’t been included with the planning of the festivities. She and Trapper, along with a much-improved Erin, had arrived two days ago, Hannah and Trapper both grinning from ear to ear and proud as prize peacocks.
The trip had been difficult on Erin, so she’d been relegated to rest until the ceremony, but Hannah had been treated as a queen from the moment she stepped into the hacienda. Katie and Maria included her in every decision, both large and small. It warmed Tom’s heart to see her so happy.
Erin had been included, too, although she stood on the outside looking in most of the time. In some ways, Tom understood how she felt. Lon
g after he’d moved in with Hannah, he’d felt out of place, too.
Being warmly accepted into a family had seemed too good to be true, but slowly and surely, Hannah’s love had chipped away at Tom’s hardened heart, finding the frightened boy inside. And he had no doubt that the same would happen with Erin, who’d already agreed to stay with Hannah indefinitely, helping her with the house and gardening.
Tom fingered the starched collar of the white shirt he wore under a new store-bought suit. He stood with Harrison, greeting each of the wedding guests as they arrived at the hacienda. Harrison introduced him as his grandson and made a point of telling everyone Tom was now the owner of the Lazy G.
As the chairs slowly filled with smiling friends and neighbors, Tom’s thoughts turned to Katie. He hadn’t seen her since the day before yesterday, thanks to Hannah and some silly old custom. Denying himself the sight of his bride-to-be, the lilt of her voice and the warmth of her embrace had begun to fray his nerves. But Tom only had a few more minutes to wait, then she would be his wife. He couldn’t believe his good fortune, and, as Harrison had said, God had surely blessed them all.
With Harrison’s overwhelming approval and the legal paperwork filed by an attorney in Rio Seco, Tom’s acceptance in the community was all but set in stone. Katie would soon be his wife, and Sarah Jane would have both a mother and father to love and care for her the rest of her life.
Harrison nodded toward a distinguished, gray-haired man who arrived in the back of a black carriage. “I believe Ian Connor is here. He’s the only one I don’t know.”
Katie had sent a telegram, hoping Ian could make it in time. He’d responded, saying he would hire a coach, but that his sister was ill and unable to attend.
Tom strode out to greet the man who’d been like family to Katie. “Mr. Connor?”
“Yes,” Ian said, as the driver helped him from the carriage and handed him his cane.
“I’m Tom McCain.”
Ian extended his weak hand, a smile breaking out on his face. “I’m pleased to meet you, son.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Call me Ian.”
“I may not be the man you expected Katie to marry,” Tom said, “but I want you to know that I love her, and I’ll do my best to make her happy.”
Ian straightened his tie. “I must confess that I never took the time to imagine who Katie might marry or what he might look like.”
“Why is that?”
Ian laughed. “Quite frankly, I didn’t expect to live long enough to see Katie’s wedding day. She has a stubborn spirit, and not many men can handle her.”
Tom grinned. “I think it would be best if another man didn’t try.”
Ian patted Tom on the back and laughed. “Son, I wish you a lifetime of happiness along with all the challenges Katie will undoubtedly present.”
“I’ll admit we’ve encountered a few disagreements along the way,” Tom said with a chuckle, “but I’m looking forward to living the rest of my life with her.”
Ian laughed. “You have no idea how glad I am to see you take on that responsibility.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Tom said as he spotted Harrison making his way toward them.
Harrison sported a broad smile on his pale and wrinkled face. The event had undoubtedly placed a strain on him, but the tough old cattleman was determined to remain as strong as his frail body would allow.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Harrison said.
“Not at all.”
When Tom introduced the men, Ian stretched out a hand in greeting. “I’ll be giving away the bride.”
“And a beautiful bride she is,” Harrison said. “I can assure you, she’s getting a fine man in my grandson.”
“Katie may have a stubborn streak and a quick temper, but her heart has always been warm and true. If she tells me she loves him, and that he’s a good man, that’s all the impressing I need.”
In the far corner of the courtyard, a lone cowboy dressed in his Sunday finest began to pluck a melody on his guitar.
“It’s time to take our places,” Harrison said. “Come along, Ian. I’ll show you where to find Katie.”
Tom watched the men go, feeling a warmth like no other he’d ever known. His eyes sought Trapper, the man who’d become both a father and friend to an orphaned boy. It was time for the groom and his best man to stand before the minister.
Within minutes the murmurs of the wedding guests had stilled and everyone had taken their places. As Tom waited for his bride to walk down the aisle, he thought about the changes that were about to take place. He would become a husband, father and cattleman all in one fell swoop. And he vowed not to fail any of the people depending on him.
He scanned the guests seated on benches and chairs throughout the courtyard. Martin Wellman and Martha Haney sat near the front. Tom gave a slight nod to the gentleman and his daughter, acknowledging their support and presence.
Not everyone in Stillwater had come to the wedding, but then again, not everyone had been invited. Randolph Haney for one.
Shocked and embarrassed by his son’s arrest, Randolph had apologized before packing his belongings and heading for parts unknown. All that remained of his law practice was a for-sale sign hanging on the front door.
The women in the crowd oohed and aahed as a happy Sarah Jane walked down the aisle, blushing and beaming.
Tom winked at her as she approached. No longer just his niece, but now his daughter, she took her position at the side of the table that served as an altar.
Next came Erin, her cheeks flushed, her eyes darting to the right and left, as if not sure she deserved to be a guest at the wedding, let alone Katie’s maid of honor. There might be some in the community who wouldn’t approve—if they’d known of Erin’s past. But Katie believed Erin should continue to be a part of Sarah Jane’s life, and Tom agreed.
As Erin stood beside the minister, the cowboy changed chords on his guitar, indicating that the bride would soon enter the courtyard.
Tom’s heart nearly burst with love and pride when he saw Katie upon Ian’s arm. Beautiful Katie, soon to be his wife.
Dressed in white organza, she’d never looked lovelier—or happier. God had truly blessed them this day.
Ian placed Katie’s hand in the crook of Tom’s arm, handing the bride over to her husband’s keeping. He quickly swiped at an eye before taking his seat.
“I love you,” Katie whispered to Tom.
“I love you, too.”
Then they both turned to the minister, ready to vow before God and man to love, to honor and to cherish each other from this day on.
Tom had figured they may as well leave obey off the list, since Katie told him she’d promise to try, but he’d need to exercise patience with her.
And that was all right with him. Where there was love and respect, everything else would all fall nicely into place—now and forever.
* * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from A Secret Amish Crush by Marta Perry
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A Secret Amish Crush
by Marta Perry
Chapter One
Lydia Stoltzfus had gotten only a mile down the road toward town when the first huge wet flakes began to fall. Several spattered Dolly’s black coat, and the mare lifted her head, sniffed the air and gave a soft whicker.
“I know,” Lydia said, as much to herself as to the mare. “We weren’t supposed to get so much as a flake today. Maybe it will stop as soon as it started.”
Driving another few hundred feet along the road was en
ough to convince her that hope was futile. The flakes had begun by melting on the narrow country road, but now they were sticking, and the sound of Dolly’s hooves was muffled by their coating.
Should she keep going or turn back? Daad and Mammi would worry, that was certain sure, but how could she fail Elizabeth? Elizabeth Fisher, the elderly owner of the coffee shop where Lydia worked, had been sick off and on for most of the winter. She’d be relying on Lydia, and Lydia couldn’t let her down.
Keeping a firm grip on the reins, Lydia tried to discourage Dolly’s excited reaction to snow after what had been a fairly mild March. Those who had proclaimed an early spring in Lost Creek were going to be sadly disappointed, she feared.
“Komm, Dolly. Act your age.” The mare was nearly as old as she was, and at twenty-five, Lydia was seeing even her best friends begin to use the word maidal in connection with her. Old maid.
A car went past, moving slowly in response to the increasingly slick road, and a sliver of apprehension slid through her. Still, Dolly was sure-footed, and she certain sure didn’t get excited about traffic at her age. As long as they kept a steady pace, they should be fine.
Lydia had about three minutes to think that before she heard the sound of a car behind her—a car coming fast. She hugged the side of the road, hoping for the best. The driver was going much too fast for conditions, but there was plenty of room for the car to pass—
Without slowing, the vehicle rushed up on her. It was going to clear...but then, at the last possible moment, it clipped her wheel. She felt the buggy slide to the right and urged the mare back to the left, but it was too late. Lydia’s right rear wheel slid off the road, and she felt the jolt of dropping down to the berm. Dolly, with a sudden return to good sense, came to a halt and there they sat, half on and half off the road.
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