Teton Romance Trilogy Bundle: Includes Yellowstone Proposal (Short Story)

by Peggy L Henderson

  “Go on, Laurent. Go wed up with your bride.” Alex gave him a hasty shove, but his attention was on the woman who emerged from the lodge behind Whispering Waters. Evie looked around until her gaze met his. A wide smile spread across her face, and she rushed to him. Alex pulled her into his arms, and kissed her like he’d wanted to do all day.

  “Doesn’t she look beautiful?” Evie beamed and turned to glance at Whispering Waters. Laurent now stood before her, and held her hands.

  “Not nearly as beautiful as you,” he whispered, and drew her fully up against him. Evie lowered her head and smiled coyly. She held up her hand, and revealed a leather-wrapped bundle.

  “The shaman gave this to me,” she said. “I am supposed to bury it somewhere, and not tell anyone. It’s hair from Laurent and Whispering Waters that he tied together.”

  Alex nodded. “It signifies their union,” he explained. “If they ever want to part ways, they can only do so if they find this bundle. So make sure you hide it well.” He grinned. “Laurent isn’t about to let go of his new wife easily.”

  The shaman draped the blanket Whispering Waters wore around her and Laurent, and spoke a few words that Alex didn’t hear. He knew their union was now complete. He reached for Evie’s hand and waited for her to look at him.

  “Well, I don’t think we’ll see them for a few days,” Alex said and chuckled. He nodded toward the happy newlyweds. Laurent held his bride’s hand, pulling her away from the small group of well-wishers and family members. Those who stood by to watch the informal ceremony dispersed to go about their daily business.

  “I just hope Laurent remembers to visit and say goodbye when he leaves for St. Louis.”

  Evelyn’s head snapped up. “Why is he going to St. Louis?” Her forehead wrinkled.

  “He has business there. Remember that he is looking for information about the people behind the raids on the Rocky Mountain Fur Company’s supply boats. He has to meet Oliver Sabin and his men. We probably won’t see him again before spring.”

  Evelyn tensed, and her eyes widened. Alex wrapped his arms firmly around her. He shouldn’t have mentioned Sabin’s name.

  “And Whispering Waters?” she asked tentatively, leaning into him.

  “She’ll remain with her people while he is gone, I believe.” He couldn’t imagine being away from Evie for any length of time.

  “How awful,” Evie scoffed. “They just got married, and now they’re going to be apart all winter?”

  Alex gazed down at her. “I’m sorry you didn’t have a real wedding, Evie. I want to give that to you. Next spring.” He caressed her soft cheek. She favored him with one of those smiles that left him breathless, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “I know you think I’ve turned into a savage,” he said, grinning. “But I still remember a few things about living among civilized people. Here in the mountains, you’re my wife because of the customs of the people, but when we go to St Louis, I want there to be no doubt that you are legally wed to me.”

  “I love you, Alex,” Evie whispered against his lips. “I can’t imagine anything or anyone doubting our union. There isn’t a person on this earth who’s going to take me away from you.”

  Warmth spread through him like the hot sun on a July afternoon. Alex lifted her into his arms and carried her to their own tent at the edge of the small village, intent on doing some celebrating of their own.

  Chapter 18

  “Close your eyes.”

  Alex’s deep voice resonated behind her, and his warm breath against her ear sent shivers of anticipation rushing down Evelyn’s spine. She leaned into the warm hand at her waist, and glanced over her shoulder. They followed the well-worn path from their tent to where the newly finished cabin stood. Evelyn’s steps were light and bouncy. She felt giddy like a little girl on the morning of her birthday.

  “Do I have to close my eyes?” she asked, feigning a pout. “You haven’t allowed me a single peek inside the cabin in almost a week.”

  “If I did, it wouldn’t be a surprise. And since you’re being difficult, I suppose we’ll have to do this the hard way.”

  Before Evelyn had a chance to react to what he’d said, Alex quickly wrapped a strip of cloth around her head, covering her eyes. Then he swept her up in his arms. She squealed in delight at the game he played, and instinctively, her arms flew around his neck.

  “I’ve seen the inside of the cabin, Alex,” she reminded him, smiling. “I helped you build it, remember?”

  For weeks, they’d worked side by side, laying the stones that now formed the large hearth and chimney that took up most of one wall in the main room. Yancey, who was almost recovered from his near-death encounter with the grizzly, came to help erect the roof more than a week ago. His deeper wounds still hadn’t healed completely. He walked with a noticeable limp, and he would always have a large scar that ran from the left side of his face up into his scalp. He had elected to stay the winter at Laurent’s unoccupied cabin, which was about an hour’s ride away.

  “Do you miss your family back east?” Evelyn had asked Yancey one day when he stayed for supper.

  The polite and refined easterner shook his head. “My father wants me to help run the family clothing and textile business back home. He is one of the major exporters of beaver fur to England. I thought it would be a good idea to learn all about the fur trade, and I told him I would be in the mountains for a few years, learning the ways of the trappers. I don’t see myself returning home anytime soon.”

  An easy smile passed between Yancey and Alex. “Your husband plans to take me trapping, too, so that I can perhaps earn a few beaver pelts for Laurent over the winter while he’s gone.” Yancey beamed.

  Evelyn had raised her brows at Alex. The change in him over the last few months astounded her nearly every day. He was no longer the dark and serious man who had bartered for her several months ago. He laughed easily now, and talked to her about most things that were on his mind. He’d even taken a liking to Yancey. She loved him more with each passing day, and couldn’t imagine ever returning to her life in St. Charles.

  Never in her wildest dreams had she believed that someday she would be content to live an isolated life in uncharted wilderness. Or that her home would be a small cabin at the base of a spectacular mountain range. Most mornings, the new day greeted her with a beautiful display of gold and orange colors as the sun rose beyond the peaks of the Teewinots. Although she sometimes wished for female company, she was never lonely in Alex’s arms, and she knew that Whispering Waters would return by next spring.

  The hinges creaked as Alex pushed the door open to their new home. The scent of fresh cut pine filled her senses, and she inhaled deeply of the rich aroma.

  Alex carried her into the dark interior of the cabin. He set her on her feet, but didn’t remove the binding covering her eyes.

  “When do I get to see the surprise?” she asked when he didn’t speak. She reached out her hand and grabbed hold of the first thing that she came in contact with. It happened to be Alex’s hand which he apparently held out for her to find.

  Silently, Alex led her further into the cabin, and Evelyn tried to tune her senses to where they were heading. To the right should be a small crude table and a pair of chairs that Alex had fashioned just a few days ago. It would feel good to sit down for a meal at a real table again. Alex guided her to the left, which would be the direction of their bedroom, which was no more than a little side addition to the main room of the cabin. If she moved further forward in a straight line, she would bump into the stone hearth that lined most of the opposite wall. She stepped slowly and carefully so she wouldn’t trip over something on the dirt floor. Someday she wanted a wooden floor, but that would have to wait, just like the glass windows she wished for. For now, the two windows in the cabin would have to be boarded up in cold weather. Alex had promised her real windows next spring.

  Evelyn’s senses told her that she now stood at the entrance of their doorless bedroom.


  “Now you can look,” Alex whispered in her ear. His breath against her neck sent shivers down her back. He brushed the hair away from the back of her neck and kissed her softly where her pulse beat strongly under her jaw, while his fingers worked the knot in the cloth that covered her eyes. A pleasant shiver passed down her spine, and she moaned softly.

  Evelyn blinked when her eyes were no longer covered, and she squinted to adjust her sight to the dim light. A candle flickered in the corner on a small crudely built table, but her eyes fell to the bed that took up most of the space.

  “Alex!” Evelyn gasped, and her hands flew to her mouth. A wooden bedframe made from pine logs and piled high with furs and blankets stood in the center of the space. A week ago, this had been an empty room. The frame wasn’t what caught her attention, however. In one step, she reached the edge of the bed and ran her fingers over the smoothly carved headboard. On closer inspection, the flat pieces of wood held a carving of the mountain peaks that had become so familiar to her, with a sun shining high above. She traced every contour of the wood with her fingers, marveling at the attention to detail in the carving.

  “I know this isn’t what a true sunrise looks like, but I wanted the sun over the mountains to show the start of a new day. With each sunrise, I want to celebrate the beginning of a new day with you, for the rest of our lives.”

  Evelyn turned and stared at Alex in stunned silence. Tears pooled in her eyes. For the quiet man that he was, he suddenly spouted words that would rival the most gifted poet.

  Alex’s brows drew together. “You don’t like it?”

  Evelyn smiled broadly. “Like it? I love it, Alex. You’ve left me speechless.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him soundly on the lips.

  He grinned. “That would be a first.” He pulled her into a tight embrace, the love reflecting in the depths of his eyes.

  “When did you do this? It’s stunning.” Evelyn looked over her shoulder at the headboard. She’d never seen anything more beautiful.

  Alex shrugged. “Over the last few days.”

  “I can’t wait to move in today. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life here, with you,” she murmured against his lips. In one swift motion, Alex lifted her to the bed.

  ****

  “I don’t like leaving you alone for such a long stretch of time,” Alex said quietly, and pulled Evelyn into his arms.

  “It’s no different than being alone for part of the day,” she argued. Smiling up at him, she pushed him to the door of the cabin. “I’ll have plenty of things to occupy me while you’re off setting traps with Yancey.”

  Alex nodded. He released her, and reached for the rifle propped by the door. He held it up in front of her.

  “You remember everything I taught you about firing this, and reloading?”

  Evelyn nodded.

  “If you notice anything unusual, you bolt the door and windows. I have not seen any sign of Blackfeet, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any nearby. Yancey and I will hear if you fire the rifle. We won’t be more than a few miles away.”

  “I’ll be all right, Alex,” Evelyn assured him again.

  “I would still prefer that you come with us.” He ran the back of his hand across her cheek, his eyes filled with worry.

  Evelyn inhaled a deep breath. She’d argued with him already about his trapping excursion with Yancey. He didn’t want to leave her alone, and she was adamant that nothing would happen in his absence. She hadn’t told him that the idea of smelling the horrible odor of beaver musk that he used on his traps would make her already nauseated stomach roil even more.

  You have to tell him soon.

  She’d been fairly certain for some time that she was in the family way, but she had put off telling Alex until she could be absolutely sure. Feeling ill each morning, she’d hidden her delicate condition from him as best as she could. He hadn’t given any indication that he suspected anything.

  Looking up at the clouds that blanketed the tops of the mountains, she wrapped her arms around her middle and shivered.

  “Besides, it looks like we might be in for some bad weather. I’d rather stay home and dry than get a drenching out there.” She nodded toward the forest.

  Alex frowned, but nodded in agreement. “All right. We’ll be back before dark.” He bent and kissed her gently on the lips, then turned to where Yancey waited, already mounted on his horse. Alex picked up the reins to his own mount, and swung onto the animal’s back. The steel traps and chains hanging off the back of the saddle clanked and rattled against each other.

  “I love you,” Evelyn called, and waved from the door. “Be safe.” She smiled brightly, belying the turmoil inside her. She knew that Alex had work to do, but it wasn’t easy to watch him ride away.

  Alex stared at her for a moment, then turned his horse away from the cabin and led the way into the trees. Evelyn watched until they disappeared, then rushed around the outside of the cabin. Emptying her stomach contents, she covered the mess with dirt. She rinsed her mouth with water from the lake, and stood to catch her breath. Slowly, she walked back to the cabin.

  “Mama always gave me mint leaves to chew on when I had an upset stomach,” she spoke out loud. Perhaps it would settle her stomach now, too. She had seen mint growing somewhere near the shores of the river that connected their small lake with a larger one further to the north.

  Reaching for Alex’s wool capote that hung on a peg by the door, she pulled it on over her head. The thick material would keep her warm and dry if she encountered rain. She slung Alex’s spare bullet pouch and powder horn around her neck, and picked up the rifle on her way out the door.

  Evelyn followed a path along the lake to where it narrowed and finally became a river channel that connected it to a larger lake less than a mile further upstream. The water rushed loudly over the many rocks and boulders, drowning out the serene sounds of the forest. She cautiously stepped over the rocks that created a natural bridge over the water, and safely reached the other side of the shallow river.

  Not seeing any mint grow along the edges of the water, she headed away from the river and further toward the base of the mountains. The narrow trail she followed became steep in some areas, and she stopped to catch her breath and to allow her stomach to settle again. She was sure that she had seen mint growing in some shady patches where the soil was moist.

  Alex had brought her this way on a few occasions, and they had explored the base of the mountains and surrounding small lakes, and even bathed under a towering waterfall after a somewhat steep climb at the opposite shore of one of the larger lakes. She hadn’t planned to come this far on her own, and a slight tingle of apprehension passed through her.

  Evelyn stopped and sat to rest on a large boulder. Swallowing back the nausea, she placed a hand over her abdomen and smiled softly. She was carrying Alex’s child. Nothing, not even her unsettled stomach, deterred her from her happiness. Tonight, she would tell him he would be a father. She had kept the news to herself long enough.

  She removed the capote, and swiped her palm across her damp forehead. The somewhat strenuous uphill trail left her flushed and sweaty under the thick material. Leaning back, Evelyn closed her eyes and allowed her mind to wander. She thought of the years ahead, and the family she and Alex would raise. The subject of children had never come up, but she had no doubt that Alex would be a wonderful father, just as he was a loving husband to her.

  For a moment, she wondered how he would react to the news. Would he be overjoyed, or would he remember his own childhood, and doubt his abilities again? He hadn’t spoken of his father, nor had he given any indication that he still thought he might turn into the same abusive man as Silas Walker had been. It appeared as if he had completely laid that demon to rest.

  Evelyn hoped that by the time her child arrived, Whispering Waters would be back. She would surely want female company during the time of the birth.

  Early spring! Her baby would be born in early
spring, right here beneath the mountains that she’d fallen in love with.

  Suddenly eager to see Alex and tell him the news, Evelyn stood. She would search just a little further up the mountain for the mint, and then head back. If she didn’t find any now, she would ask Alex if he knew where to look. She’d been gone from the cabin longer than she planned.

  Reaching for the rifle and wool capote, the sound of gravel rolling downhill startled her, and she spun around on her heels. Wide-eyed, her hands flew to cover her mouth, and her heart leapt up into her throat.

  “Hello, Evie,” the man who stood several paces away from her said in a low even voice, a smile forming on his lips.

  Chapter 19

  “Oh my goodness! Henry!”

  Evelyn’s heart hammered in her chest, and her knees went weak. She inhaled sharply, trying to recover from the shock of seeing her brother stand right before her. All these months, she had believed him to be dead. Evelyn stumbled toward him on shaky legs. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him close, sobbing against his shoulder.

  Henry stood stiffly, and patted her back.

  “I thought you were dead,” Evelyn cried, and her voice cracked. “I saw that horrible man stab you, and you . . . fell overboard.”

  “I survived,” Henry said dryly. There was no warmth to his voice. With his hands at her waist, he peeled her away from him.

  Evelyn wiped at the tears in her eyes. “How?” she asked, shaking her head slightly. Her eyebrows pulled together.

  “Some Indians found me, and pulled me from the water,” he said hastily. Henry avoided her stare. “After I recovered, I’ve been looking for you.”

  Evelyn smiled warmly at her brother. She touched his cheek just to make sure he was even real, then squeezed his hands. Joy flooded through her like a ray of sunshine. Could her life get any better? She was married to the man of her dreams, she was carrying his child, and Henry was alive!