by Renee Ryan
“Only if your answer is yes.”
He crushed his mouth to hers for a long, slow, sweet kiss. “That’s a yes, in case I didn’t make my intentions clear.”
Oh, how she loved this man. “Well, then, to avoid any further confusion...”
She sealed her lips to his, the gesture silently promising them both a lifetime of trust in one another, faith in the Lord, and love.
Lots and lots of love.
Epilogue
Six months from the day she’d first walked into the Hotel Dupree, Laney waited for the preacher to give her the cue to enter the main parlor of her home. She couldn’t think of a more fitting place to marry the man she loved than right here at Charity House in front of all the children.
Marc had eased into his new role at the orphanage with the same focus and integrity he’d displayed in all other aspects of his life. For a man who had no children of his own, he’d quickly become a much-needed father figure around the house.
After the wedding, he would officially become a permanent member of their family. And Laney couldn’t be more pleased.
So far, her wedding day was turning out far better than she’d hoped. The snow had held off another day, despite spitting out a warning the evening before. The sky was a brilliant blue, the sun a bright orange ball of fire, the air crisp and dry.
The children were on their best behavior. Even more surprising, the preacher had arrived on time, a minor phenomenon since he was a traveling man of God who spent most of his time ministering in mining camps, brothels and saloons. They’d been fortunate Pastor Beau had been able to make the trip to Denver this week.
Everything about Laney’s wedding day was turning out perfect, except for one minor detail. Katherine. Or rather, Katherine’s unusual behavior.
The young woman stood beside Laney, shifting from foot to foot, wringing her hands in a way women twice her age were known to do.
“Katherine, what’s the matter?” Laney had never seen her friend so ill at ease. “Anyone looking at you would think you weren’t happy about this wedding.”
“Oh, Laney, I’m happy for you and Mr. Dupree. So very, very happy.” She released a heartfelt sigh. “Truly, I am. Your future husband is the best thing that ever happened to you, to us, to Charity House.”
Katherine sounded sincere, yet the tight seam of her mouth and the lines of worry around her eyes spoke of a tension that belied her words. “Then why the sudden nerves? Are you concerned about Marc moving into the house? Is that what’s put you in this odd mood?”
“No, of course not. The children need a father and Mr. Dupree is such a good influence. It’s...” she leaned backward on her heels and tossed a quick glance into the parlor “...his friend.”
“Hank?” But that couldn’t be right. Hank wasn’t even here. He’d left for San Francisco days ago, having secured a job as a manager at a brand-new hotel.
“No. I’m talking about Marshal Scott. It’s...he’s...I’m...” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I’m not comfortable around him.”
“Are you afraid of Trey?” Laney couldn’t blame Katherine if she was. Marc’s brother-in-law could be rather intimidating. Until he smiled. Then he looked like a big kid in a grown man’s body.
Laney would have to make sure Trey smiled at Katherine more often. That gesture alone would help put her friend at ease. Above all else, Laney wanted Katherine comfortable around the lawman, as comfortable as she herself had become despite their initial rocky start. Not only was Trey Marc’s family, but he was surprisingly good with the children. In fact, they liked him almost as much as they liked Marc.
Shuddering slightly, Katherine glanced in the parlor once again. “I’m not afraid of Marshal Scott, precisely. It’s just, he’s so big and he scowls a lot and...” Katherine shook her head “...I’m not being truthful, am I? All right, yes, I find the man a bit daunting. Maybe if he wouldn’t frown so much or if he’d try to speak in full sentences around me, maybe then I would find him less...overwhelming.”
Overwhelming? Katherine found Trey overwhelming? Now wasn’t that an interesting word choice? Laney would definitely have to make sure the man smiled at her friend more often. That might actually do both of them some good.
“But today isn’t about me, or my silly anxieties.” Katherine yanked Laney into a hug and held on tight. “Today is about you and Mr. Dupree and your happily-ever-after. Now.” She stepped back and gave Laney a genuine smile. “Are you ready to marry the man of your dreams?”
The question sent Laney’s heart kicking hard against her ribs. “Yes, please.”
“Well, then, stop stalling and get a move on.” Katherine’s eyes twinkled with affection as she spun on her heel. “All you have to do is follow me. I know the way.”
Smiling after her friend—and relieved Katherine had returned to being, well, Katherine—Laney counted slowly to ten. When she was satisfied she’d waited long enough, she entered the parlor.
Gasps filled the air, as well as a few raucous hoots from the older boys. Everyone she cared about was in this room waiting to witness her wedding. Yet all Laney could concentrate on was the man smiling at her from the other end of the room. Marc. The love her life. The most handsome, kind, honorable man she’d ever known. In a matter of minutes he would become her husband.
But not if she stayed rooted to the spot, staring at him like a lovesick cow. At least he had a smitten expression on his face as well.
Laughing at herself, at him, at them both, she picked up her feet and trekked through the room. Toward her future.
When she stopped in front of Marc he broke with tradition by pulling her into his arms and planting a kiss on her lips. When he finally pulled his head away, he looked very pleased with himself.
Laney was rather pleased with him, too.
“Ready to become my wife?”
“More than ready.” She leaned in for another kiss but a masculine clearing of a throat stopped her mid-pursuit.
“Perhaps we should proceed as quickly as possible.”
Laney dutifully took her place because, just as Pastor Beau had suggested, she wanted to become Marc’s wife as quickly as possible.
Instead of reprimanding them for their untraditional behavior, Pastor Beau gave both the bride and groom an indulgent smile.
Most of the girls at Charity House were a little dazzled by the young rebel preacher. No wonder. Not only was he on fire for the Lord, but he had tawny hair, classically handsome features and mesmerizing eyes. He could have easily found success on the American stage as he had as a traveling preacher. In fact, it was rumored he came from a famous Shakespearean acting family that toured all over the world.
As if to prove Laney’s point, a few female sighs filled the air, and then a few more.
Unaware of the attention he was drawing, Pastor Beau opened his Bible and began. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony...”
With happy tears welling in her eyes, Laney listened intently to every word of the ceremony. When it was her turn to promise to love, honor and cherish Marc, in sickness and in health, for as long as they both shall live, she did so in a bold, strong voice.
She stared lovingly into Marc’s eyes as he did the same, silently thanking the Lord for turning their sorrow into joy and their weeping into laughter. Over the last six months, prayer and a shared faith in the Lord had healed the pain of their individual pasts.
Although the wait had seemed interminable, Laney knew they’d been right to hold off getting married until all remnants of the past were truly behind them.
The ceremony came to a close all too quickly. “...I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
When Marc pulled her into his arms a second time, he sealed their union with a long, lingering kiss that had the children cheering, Katherine no doubt blushing and Trey laughing as loudly as Pastor Beau.
With her family and friends in the room, with the sound of their happiness ringing in t
he air, Laney couldn’t think of a better way to start her life as Marc’s wife. God had protected them through several trials already. And Laney knew that as long as she and Marc continued to allow the Lord to guide them they would be able to face any challenge that came their way.
They had a wild adventure ahead of them and she was ready for every twist and turn to come. Because she knew Marc would never leave her side.
And she would never leave his.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt of A Baby Between Them by Winnie Griggs!
Dear Reader,
Thank you for choosing CHARITY HOUSE COURTSHIP. I hope you enjoyed following Laney’s bumpy ride to happily-ever-after with the incomparable Marc Dupree. Although this is the fifth book published in the Charity House series, this particular story actually came first. Or as I like to say: Where it all began.
I’m often asked where I get my ideas. I never know how to answer that question. Mainly because each new story unfolds in a different manner than the last, thereby making the process difficult to explain once I reach the end. However, in this particular case, I can remember the precise moment when the idea for Charity House came to me.
I was at a writer’s conference, still unpublished and waiting for my big break. I didn’t know what I was going to write next, but I knew I wanted it to be special. For our luncheon entertainment the conference committee brought in a group who reenacted life in the Old West. When the ladies came around to the concept of birth control for prostitutes, or rather the lack thereof, I sat up a little taller. When they mentioned what happened to the babies when these shady ladies found themselves in trouble, I knew I had my idea.
Charity House is based on the baby farms in the Old West. Along the same vein as those unique orphanages, Charity House is a place where prostitutes leave their children so they can continue in their chosen profession, with one very real difference. Laney has turned her orphanage into a home filled with unconditional love, grace and mercy for the boys and girls society has scorned. Now that’s what I call a happy ending!
I always love hearing from readers. Please contact me at my website www.reneeryan.com.
In the meantime, happy reading!
Renee Ryan
Questions for Discussion
What led Laney to the Hotel Dupree in the opening? Why must she conduct her business that night? What will she lose if she fails? Have you ever been in a situation that left you desperate to find an immediate solution, even if it’s not the best solution? What did you do and what was the result?
When Marc first sees Laney in his hotel, what conclusion does he draw about her character? What leads him to think the worst? Have you ever jumped to an immediate conclusion about someone only to learn later you were wrong? Explain.
What does Marc do when he confronts Laney in the lobby? How does her behavior lead him to believe he’s correct about her character? In terms of diffusing the situation, what could either of them have done differently?
How does Laney eventually get away from Marc’s trap? In your opinion, is she justified in her action? Did Marc’s appearance in the alley surprise you? Why or why not?
What do you think about Charity House and Laney’s mission to provide a solid Christian home for the children? Had you ever heard of “baby farms” before reading this book? Did this information change how you thought of the Old West? How?
Where does Laney go the next morning? What happens at the bank to make matters worse for her and her orphanage? What do you think is behind Prescott’s stipulation that Laney pay interest on her loan?
What offer does Marc make Laney outside the bank? What leads him to make this offer? Why does Laney accept? What does she have to lose if Marc confronts Joshua Greene?
What does Trey think about the lifestyle Marc has chosen for himself? What advice does he give Marc? Have you ever had an accountability partner who called you out like that? What happened?
What does Trey think about Laney and how does he characterize her to Marc? On what basis does he make this assumption? How does Marc respond? Have you ever been quick to judge someone’s character, only to discover you were wrong? What did you do?
How does Marc find out about Charity House? What warning does he give Laney when he discovers the risks she’s taken to provide a home for the children? How does Laney justify her actions?
Why does Laney refuse Marc’s offer of financial assistance? What in her past has led her to believe she can’t rely on anyone but herself? How does Marc react when she turns him down? Have you ever tried to help someone for all the right reasons, only to have them still mistrust your motives? Explain.
What gift does Marc give Laney and the children? How does Laney react at first? What changes her mind?
What mistake from Marc’s past shows up in the hotel? How does Laney react?
What happens at the local school when the Charity House children show up on the first day? What does Laney do in their defense? What solution does she ultimately come up with?
What does Marc decide to do about Pearl? Why does he make this decision? How does this decision affect Laney? What other, if any, options could Marc have pursued, given his moral character and Pearl’s condition?
What sacrifice does Marc make for Laney and the children? How does this prove how far he’s come since their first meeting? Does Laney’s acceptance of his gift show her growth as well? How?
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Historical story.
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.
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Chapter One
Faith Glen, Massachusetts, August 1850
Nora Murphy looked at her two younger sisters across the room and tamped down the pinprick of jealousy that tried to intrude on her joy at their good fortune.
After all, this was her sister Bridget’s wedding day to Will Black, a good and honorable man who loved her dearly. Everyone in town was gathered to celebrate here at Will’s home—Bridget’s home now, too. It was a joyous occasion and it would be selfish to put her own feelings above her sister’s.
So what if just a scant month ago Maeve, the youngest, had also married a wonderful man? No matter how it felt, Nora assured herself, it wasn’t truly pitiable to be the oldest and the only one still single and with no marriage prospects. After all, at twenty-five she had a few years left to her before she’d have to don her spinster cap.
Strange how in just a little over two months—a seeming eyeblink of time—her whole world had changed. Back then they’d lived in Ireland amidst the terrible burdens of the potato famine and the sickness that had taken so many of their friends and neighbors, and finally their beloved da. Suddenly orphaned and facing eviction, they’d been left all but destitute and desperate. The startling discovery of a possible inheritance across the ocean in America from an old suitor of their mother’s had been an answered prayer. She, Bridget and Maeve had left their homeland, headed for the land of promise with only their faith and the hope of finding a new home in the small town of Faith Glen, Massachusetts, to keep their spirits up.
They’d a
ll taken jobs aboard the ship the Annie McGee to replenish their drained savings after purchasing their passage. Maeve, the youngest, had fallen in love with and married the ship’s well-to-do doctor, Flynn Gallagher, before they’d even set foot in America.
And now Bridget, the middle sister, had married Will Black, a mill owner and Faith Glen’s wealthiest citizen.
How wonderful that her sisters had found good, honorable men who loved them deeply and who could care for them extravagantly. It was surely a blessing from the Good Lord Himself. And she was certain the Good Lord had plans for her, as well. Whether or not those plans included marriage was another question altogether.
Father Almighty, I really do want to be obedient to You and to patiently await Your will for my life. But please be patient with me when I try to get ahead of You. I am prideful and too often try to control my circumstances.
“I brought you a glass of punch.”
Pulled out of her musings, Nora found Sheriff Cameron Long, the man who employed her as housekeeper and cook, standing in front of her. He had a cup in each hand and was holding one out to her. His always-ready, lopsided smile was in evidence, giving him a boyish look despite his imposing size. Really, the sheriff could be so considerate.
When he wasn’t being so maddeningly stubborn.
She looked up, meeting his gaze. Unlike her sisters, she had more of her father than her mother in her and had been the tallest of the three siblings. But Sheriff Long still towered over her, which was an uncommon but not entirely unpleasant experience.
“Thank you.” She accepted the cup and took a quick sip. “’Twas kind of you to bring it to me.”
He took a drink from his own cup. “If you don’t mind my asking, what are you doing over here by yourself? As a sister of the bride I would think you’d want to be in the thick of things.”
Nora waved toward the cradle that held her infant ward. “I’ll rejoin them shortly. I just put Grace down for her nap.”