Wed Under Western Skies
Page 28
Nate had to keep himself from running back to Clara.
He found her right where he had left her. She moved back into the house as he mounted the front steps.
Clara gripped his arm as he cleared the doorframe. “You came back. You rescued me.”
He nodded. “He’ll trouble us no longer.”
Her sigh of relief was audible.
He stood staring at her as if he had never seen her before in his life. For in fact, he had not. He had seen only what he chose to see.
He turned to face his wife. His images of her as flawless shattered against the truth. She was imperfect, fallible, human—like him. She made mistakes and carried the scars of her life, just as he did. He had not seen it, had not believed it even when she told him the truth. His own stubborn misconceptions nearly caused him to throw away the only woman he’d ever loved and, if she was to be believed, the only woman who’d ever loved him. What a great fool he was.
“Can you forgive me?” they asked in unison.
Her eyes widened. “Forgive you? You saved me from that horrible man. You’ve given me so much.”
“Except my trust. I should have believed you when you came to me.”
“I’m so ashamed.” Her chin sunk to her chest.
“I still don’t think I deserve you, but I’m a step closer to thinking this can work.”
Her head snapped up. “What?”
“Clara, I could never live up to my brother’s standards.”
Her words came on a whispered breath. “Neither could I.”
He laughed.
She clasped his hands. “I do have a temper, among other faults. It was terribly difficult for me to be the minister’s wife. I am sorry I am not the woman you expected.”
“I thank God for it, because I expected a rail-thin schoolmarm with crooked teeth, staunch morals and no feminine allure.”
She gasped. “You did?”
He gave a quick nod. “You’re the woman for me, Clara Stanton Justice. Jacob knew it all along. It just took me a while to come around to the same conclusion. I’ll be forever grateful to him for having faith in me.”
She smiled and wrapped her arms about his waist.
“Jacob said something to me. I didn’t understand it at the time but I think he was right.”
Nate’s brow rose in question.
“He said that you needed me.”
He smiled. “I sure do. I can’t live without you.”
“I love you, Nathaniel.”
“I couldn’t believe it before. Now I can’t believe my luck. I love you, too, Clara. Now and always.”
She rested her head upon her chest.
“Why did you come back?”
“I decided I was a damn fool and I’d give it another shot.”
Their gazes met and he saw the love she held for him.
“Where’s Kitty?” he asked.
“At the Gunns’ again. They have a stereoscope.” An inviting sparkle glittered in her eyes and he felt himself rising to her unspoken invitation.
She drew back to link her arm with his. “I’ve been thinking as well.”
“Oh, yes?”
She nodded, giving him a coy smile as she closed the door and led him toward their bed.
“I have plans to create the family you deserve.”
His heart squeezed as the sweetness of her words struck him.
“That is, if you’re willing.”
He pulled her close.
“More than willing.”
She unfastened the top button of his shirt. “Then I suggest we begin right away.”
ISBN: 978-1-4268-8749-9
WED UNDER WESTERN SKIES
Copyright © 2006 by Harlequin Books S.A.
The publisher acknowledges the copyright holders of the individual works as follows:
ABANDONED
Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Davidson
ALMOST A BRIDE
Copyright © 2006 by Cheryl Ludwigs
HIS BROTHER’S BRIDE
Copyright © 2006 by Jeannette H. Monaco
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