The Marshal Meets His Match

by Clari Dees

  The kiss lasted a lifetime and was entirely too short. He twirled her around, throwing his head back and laughing joyously. She was dizzy when he set her down, leaning in for a second kiss that trailed over her eyes, cheeks and nose before landing hungrily on her lips.

  She could get used to this.

  When they finally pulled apart, breathless, he tucked her head under his chin and snuggled her close. They stood that way for several minutes, simply enjoying the moment. Finally he snuggled her under his arm, and they walked back to the forgotten picnic blanket.

  “Do you want dessert now?”

  “Yes. I’m suddenly hungry again,” Meri admitted, surprised.

  “Good.” He helped her sit down and knelt by the basket. “Close your eyes.”

  She did and listened to the sounds of his rummaging around.

  “Okay. You can open them.” A plate holding a large piece of a dark-colored cake topped with cream balanced on his outstretched hand.

  Meri shot him a puzzled grin. “Gingerbread?”

  “Yep. It will forever remind me of you, our first picnic together and the spice you bring to my life. I had Ms. Maggie bake it for me when I asked your father’s permission to marry you yesterday. I thought it’d be the perfect way to finish our picnic today.”

  Meri blinked, stunned. Her father had known and hadn’t said anything? A smile blossomed slowly; God had answered her prayer this morning before she’d ever even prayed it. “You were certain I’d say yes?”

  “No. But I had a backup plan in case you said no.”

  “What?”

  “I didn’t intend to let you go until you said yes.” He winked and laughed when her attempted scowl shattered into a pleased grin.

  Taking the plate, fork and quick kiss he offered her, she dug into the gingerbread. Never before had it tasted quite so delicious.

  Epilogue

  Summer flew by in a flurry of preparations for a late-September wedding.

  Wyatt purchased the meadow and surrounding acreage from Meri’s father, and the town threw a house- and barn-raising social. The house was small but cozy with plenty of space to build on as needed, and the barn had ample capacity for Charger and Sandy and the other horses they intended to raise.

  Meri would be near her father, Wyatt was close enough to town to continue in his capacity of marshal, and Jonah had decided to remain permanently as deputy. Moreover the town council voted that in view of the recent bank robbery and expanding population they would hire a second deputy as soon as Wyatt found a suitable candidate.

  The trial of Mr. Samuels and Mr. Mullins had ended; their fates decided by a judge and jury. Mr. Samuels would spend the rest of his life in prison, but Mullins was sentenced to death for his role in multiple shootings and robberies.

  The townsfolk continued to shake their heads over the fact that one of their own deceived everyone so completely. There were a few, however, that argued they’d been suspicious of him from the start.

  The bank reopened its doors for business, but the new manager was finding it slow going to rebuild the trust that had been broken concerning the credibility of the bank. Meanwhile Mr. Van Deusen had picked up business since he had a good-size safe in his store, and for now, many people preferred to trust him with any savings they had.

  Meri and Wyatt continued to fall deeper in love as the days passed. There were serious discussions and occasional arguments, lighthearted moments and of course, the inevitable teasing. One such moment transpired a couple of weeks after their engagement while they were planning the layout of their new home.

  Meri was admiring her handsome husband-to-be as he stepped off the layout of house and barn when a thought occurred to her. “You know my middle name, but I don’t know your full name.” He continued pacing off measurements as if he hadn’t heard her, so she trotted over to him. “Are you named after your father?” Again he didn’t answer. “Are you ignoring me?”

  “No, just the question.” He continued his careful measuring steps.

  “Why?” She matched his stride.

  “Because it isn’t important.”

  Meri stepped into his path and slammed her fists onto her hips, eyes narrowed. “You pestered me for weeks to use your name and now you won’t tell me what it is?”

  “You’re a pest, and you know my name.” He reached to move her out of his path, but she dodged his hand.

  “Not all of it.”

  He sidestepped, but she stuck like a bur in front of him, ignoring his attempt to bait her and intrigued by the faint pink tinge just above his shirt collar.

  “Are you blushing?”

  He closed his eyes and sighed heavily. “Why are you making a big deal over this?”

  “You are blushing,” she crowed. “And it wasn’t a big deal until you started evading the question. Now I’m curious, and I’m not letting you go until you tell me.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and grinned up at him.

  His own arms draped loosely around her shoulders, and he leaned in to brush his lips lightly over hers. Meri stretched up to deepen the kiss and forgot everything but the feel of his mouth on hers for the next few blissful moments. When he pulled back, she sighed happily and leaned her head on his chest. They remained in that position for a full minute before she recalled her mission.

  “I haven’t forgotten that you haven’t answered my question, and I’ll keep after you until you tell me.”

  “Of that I have no doubt, so…I’ll tell you after we’re married.”

  “But that’s not ‘til September.”

  “Uh-huh, it’ll give you something to fuss over ‘til then.” He laughed when she growled at him and kissed her forehead, but he refused to give in.

  She eventually changed the subject, a little miffed that he was having fun at her expense. After a couple more tries over the next few weeks, she put the question aside and focused on other things. The man was quite possibly more obstinate then she was, and she was head over heels in love with him. Best of all, she was fully loved in return. In spite of his refusal to share his full name.

  At long last the day of the wedding rolled around. McIsaac walked his daughter down the aisle to the accompaniment of the newly arrived piano purchased with dessert auction proceeds, presenting Meri’s hand to the marshal who’d captured her heart. The service was sweetly solemn, and when they exchanged their vows, Mrs. Van Deusen employed her handkerchief to dab teary eyes.

  When Pastor Willis directed, “You may now kiss your bride,” Wyatt eagerly obeyed. Meri emerged from the assault on her lips, breathless, blushing and beaming. The congregation broke into cheers and applause, and Pastor Willis presented them as Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Cameron.

  Following the ceremony everyone moved to the shade of the trees and feasted on a bountiful wedding luncheon. There was plenty of food and gifts for the bride and groom, as well as congratulations, well wishes and lots of good-natured advice. When the cake had been cut and served, Wyatt and Meri made their way to a shiny new buggy decorated with white ribbons and left the festivities to wind down without them.

  Once out of sight and sound of the gathered wedding guests, Meri wrapped her arms around Wyatt and snuggled into his side. She peeked up at him through her lashes. “We’re married, Mr. Cameron.”

  “I do believe that’s what the preacher said, Mrs. Cameron.” He squeezed her close and kissed her slowly, quite forgetting the animals attached to the other end of the reins.

  In time the absence of motion alerted them to the fact the horses had taken advantage of their freedom to graze along the roadside, and Wyatt tightened up the sagging reins. Meri looped her arms around Wyatt’s arm as he gently reminded the horses of their responsibility to carry them home, and a comfortable silence fell as they reveled in each other’s presence and quick stolen kisses.

  They were within sight of their home when Meri spoke. “Now that we’re married, I believe you have something to tell me.”

  “I do?” He dropped a kiss on her upt
urned lips.

  “You do. Now quit distracting me and ‘fess up. Why wouldn’t you tell me your name?”

  He laughed. “Because wives can’t testify against their husbands, and you weren’t my wife yet.”

  Meri gently slapped his arm. “Be serious. What’s so bad about your name?”

  “It’s a sad story.” He sighed so tragically that Meri giggled at the affectation. “A month or two before I was born, mother was reading Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. She fell in love with one of the names in the book, and when I was born, she decided to burden me with it. Mother was the only one who ever used it, but I finally convinced her to stop about the time I was ten. I was tired of having to fight the boys who laughed at me when they heard her use my full name. And I think Mother was tired of patching me up.”

  Meri had read Twelfth Night years ago, but couldn’t recall any names that would explain Wyatt’s reluctance to share his full name.

  He took a deep breath; released it. “My full name is Wyatt Valentine Cameron.”

  Meri kept a straight face with much difficulty, but her eyes were sparkling with glee. “I don’t remember a Valentine in the book.” She loved his name, and he looked absolutely disgusted.

  “He was a minor character—Duke Orsino’s attendant. Do you see why I dislike it?”

  “No, I’m like your mother, I love the name Valentine.”

  “Thank you,” he said dryly, “but you didn’t have to grow up with it. Please don’t use it in public, or I will have to resort to drastic measures.”

  Meri shrieked as his fingers tickled her ribs, and the horses flinched at the sudden outburst. Her giggles filled the air as the horses pulled the buggy up to the barn and stopped, looking back as if exasperated at the foolishness behind them.

  Wyatt swung down from the buggy and reached for his new wife. He cuddled her close, ignoring her wiggling, and walked to the shady side of the barn to set her on her feet. “Stay there.” His twinkling eyes softened the command.

  He unhitched the horses and turned them into the grassy paddock, making quick work of hanging up the harness. Then he returned, swept her into his arms again and walked toward the sparkling new little house. Stepping onto the porch, he opened the door and carried his bride over the threshold, kicking the door closed behind them.

  “Have I told you today that I love you, Mrs. Cameron?”

  Meri sighed happily. “If you did, I’ve forgotten. Say it again, please.”

  Her arms wound snugly around his neck, her fingers luxuriating in the feel of his hair. She was content to stay in the safe haven of his strong arms forever.

  “I love you, Mrs. Cameron.” His nose touched hers.

  “I love you, Wyatt Valentine.” There was a twinkle in her eyes as she spoke.

  He groaned, resting his forehead against hers. “Why do I get the feeling I’m going to regret wanting you to use my name, Mac?”

  “That’s Mrs. Cameron to you, and you asked me to call you by your name. I’m going to be a good, dutiful wife and obey you.” It was hard to be prim and innocent when you were giggling.

  He pulled his head back and gave her an incredulous look. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”

  “Oh!” Meri’s eyes widened as a thought suddenly occurred to her.

  “What?” His eyes narrowed suspiciously.

  “We should have waited to be married until February 14!”

  “And that’s exactly why I didn’t tell you my full name, Mrs. Cameron.” He plopped down onto the lovely new divan and started pulling pins from her elegant chignon.

  “But it would have been perfect! On Valentine’s Day, I would marry my very own Valentine!”

  Wyatt snarled menacingly and tickled her ribs until helpless giggles pealed forth, filling the room with the happy sound.

  “Stop, Wyatt Valentine Cameron!” she gasped breathlessly, futilely trying to escape.

  “Hmm…if that doesn’t work, maybe this will shut you up.” He nestled her close, imprisoning her lips with his own in a bone-melting kiss.

  Meri began to giggle again, and Wyatt pulled back, puzzled. “What’s so funny?”

  “If this is the consequence of using your full name, I’ll never call you anything else, Wyatt Valentine!”

  Wyatt Valentine Cameron was more than happy to mete out her punishment swiftly and thoroughly.

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt of A Royal Marriage by Rachelle McCalla!

  Dear Reader,

  It is a beautiful spring morning as I write this. My windows are open, the birds are singing, the trees are sporting bright new frocks and the breeze carries hints of fragrant blossoms. My little corner of the world is coming to life after a dreary winter, much like the fictional town of Little Creek, Colorado. Although it is springtime in the Rockies, it is still very much winter in Meri McIsaac’s grieving heart. But a spring thaw is on its way. In the shape of a bossy marshal.

  I hope you enjoy Meri and Wyatt’s story, and I thank you for picking up my first book.

  I would love to hear from my readers; you can visit me at www.facebook.com/ClariDees or drop me a line at cdeesbooks@gmail.com.

  Until we meet again,

  Clari Dees

  Questions for Discussion

  As the story opens, the storekeeper’s wife is giving unwanted advice to Meri McIsaac. Does Meri handle the situation appropriately? Why or why not? How do you handle unwanted advice?

  Meri’s best friend is Franks, a former slave. Do you think this would have been an unusual friendship in 1883?

  Meri is still struggling with the loss of her mother almost a year after her death. Do you think this is realistic? Why or why not?

  What do you think of Meri’s attitude when she meets Marshal Cameron for the first time? Should she have handled his teasing differently? How do you handle someone teasing you?

  Meri is a rough-and-tumble ranch girl, but she isn’t comfortable in a town setting. She prefers her horse to lots of people. What about you? Do you prefer to be with lots of different people, or do you prefer your own company and a few close friends?

  When wounded Mr. McIsaac takes a turn for the worse, Meri asks the elders of her church to come pray for him. Is this something you would do? What did you think of the outcome?

  Wyatt Cameron is attracted to Meri, but he has reasons for not wanting a serious relationship. What were those reasons? Do you think they were valid?

  Mr. Samuels was not a well-liked man. Did he bring it on himself? Do you think this contributed to his problems? If someone had tried harder to befriend him, would it have changed his self-destructive course?

  When Meri finally confesses her anger, she is able to move past her mother’s death. Have you ever been angry? How did you deal with it?

  Did you enjoy Meri and Wyatt’s story? Did you like the setting? Was the ending satisfactory?

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title.

  You find illumination in days gone by. Love Inspired Historical stories lift the spirit as heroines tackle the challenges of life in another era with hope, faith and a focus on family.

  Visit Harlequin.com to find your next great read.

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  Chapter One

  Castlehead, Lydia, A.D. 801

  “A ship approaches, Your Majesty. Her sail is spread with the Carolingian cross.” Renwick, chief messenger among the Lydian guard, bowed low before the king.

  “Charlemagne.” His Royal Highness, King John of Lydia, lowered the sword with which he’d been sparring with his younger brother, Prince Luke. Why would the Holy Roman Emperor send a ship to Lydia unannounced? Charlem
agne’s realm had expanded vastly under his leadership, but John had assumed the renowned ruler would have no interest in the tiny kingdom of Lydia. Was he wrong?

  King John turned to face the messenger. “She approaches directly?”

  “Making for the wharf at high speed, sire,” Renwick panted as though he, too, had run to reach the king quickly.

  “Then we shall make haste, as well.” Sheathing his sword, John headed for the courtyard gate, the fastest route to the Mediterranean shore.

  “To the lookout tower, Your Majesty?” Renwick appeared confused by the king’s choice of direction.

  “No, Renwick.” John led the way. “To the wharf.”

  Prince Luke ran beside him. “Why would Charlemagne visit Lydia? We are not his vassals.”

  “I doubt it is Charlemagne himself,” King John acknowledged. “The emperor regularly sends emissaries throughout his empire to report back to him.” He prayed that was true this time, irregular though it might seem.

  “But Lydia is not part of his empire.” Luke chafed visibly at the idea.

  “We are part of Christendom. As such, we ought to ally ourselves closely with the Holy Roman Empire. Such a position could prove to be advantageous.” John reached the end of the wharf and shielded his eyes from the sun, examining the quickly approaching vessel, her sails emblazoned with the distinctive Carolingian cross, four triquetras joined at the center to form the distinctive symbol of Emperor Charlemagne’s reign.

  “Three masts!” The sight filled John with awe. Lydia had no ship to match it. And yet, “She looks to be wounded.”

  “Aye, brother.” Luke clapped one hand on John’s shoulder and pointed with the other. “Her foresail has been rent and hastily mended. Do you think she has weathered a storm?”