“I’ll miss you too.”
“A lot?”
“More than you’ll ever know.”
Rolling to her side, she tried to memorize his features, every curve of his jaw, the bronze skin, and the eyes. Those beautiful coffee-colored eyes.
“Do you think things might have been different—if the circumstances were changed?” She longed to know that although he couldn’t speak of his feelings for her, they were as deep and troubling as hers.
He sat up, threading his hand through her hair. “Yes, things would be different.”
“You would choose me?”
His eyes softened. “I have chosen you. It would be impossible for any man to love you more than I do at this moment.” He didn’t touch her, didn’t reach out for her, but even so she was surrounded by the warmth of his arms. She studied the stars, determined to savor the moment and push aside the grief of goodbye that lay ahead.
Even as they drew nearer to Mercy Flats, nothing was mentioned about their future because there was none.
So many thoughts troubled Anne-Marie. Abigail, Amelia. The pact they had made as young girls, vowing to stay together forever. How could she break this promise, even though she loved Creed Walker more than she loved her life? She found herself consumed by guilt. She had betrayed those she loved by falling in love with a man, and yet she would never speak of her love for Creed. She would stay there in Mercy Flats and grow old and crabby with Abigail and Amelia. She would never admit that she so foolishly had fallen deeply in love with a man who belonged to another woman.
When the horses topped a rise the final day, Anne-Marie’s pulse quickened when she saw the small community of Mercy Flats spread out below her. For a moment she was swept over with homesickness. The old mission looked achingly familiar and reassuring. Her life had been simple here, so uncomplicated.
They rested their horses side by side as Anne-Marie gazed down at the tranquil setting below them. Creed had said very little the last few miles.
“There have been times when I didn’t think I’d ever see it or my sisters again,” she admitted, fighting the rising lump in her throat.
“You must consider the possibility. It is conceivable that Abigail and Amelia’s rescuers were not able to elude the Comanches.” Reaching for her hand, he squeezed it supportively.
Smiling back at him, she bit her lower lip to still its trembling. “Will you ride down with me?”
She knew she shouldn’t ask. He wasn’t hers to invite, but oh, how she needed him to ride the last mile with her.
His eyes filled with love when he gazed back at her. “It is very hard for me to let you go. If I ride the last mile with you, I may find it impossible to turn back.”
She summoned up every last ounce of courage she had. “Ride with me anyway, Creed Walker.”
Nodding, he released her hand and Anne-Marie allowed her horse to begin to pick its way down the small ravine.
Approaching riders caught her attention and she reined up. Creed pulled up beside her. “Maybe your sisters have spotted you?”
“Maybe.” Her heart skipped with the thought of uniting with Abigail and Amelia. There had been times when she believed that she would never see her sisters again. When the party drew near, she identified the intruders. Bold Eagle and two warriors.
Creed frowned. “Berry Woman must be worse.”
The small party drew up, their war ponies winded. The colorful assembly fascinated Anne-Marie. The ponies bore the same pattern and colors his warrior used for his face and body and his weapons. The newcomers made a splendid sight in the balmy spring air. Bold Eagle’s large stallion crow-hopped and he brought it under control. Creed walked his horse toward the chief. “You bring further news of Berry Woman?”
Bold Eagle focused on Creed. “May I speak in front of the woman?”
“Speak.”
“Perhaps we should talk in private.”
“No.” Creed glanced her way. “She can hear whatever you have to say.”
The chief hung his head. “I bear bad news.”
“Berry Woman has passed.”
“Better that she had.” The man shook his head. “Berry Woman has brought shame and disgrace on Bold Eagle.”
Creed eased his horse closer. “What are you saying?”
“My sister—I don’t know how to say this, my brother—she has married Plain Weasel.”
It took a moment for the words to register. Anne-Marie blinked.
Bold Eagle lifted his head to meet Creed’s eye. “Forgive me. My sister shames me and her people. Plain Weasel has been a thorn in my side since the day he was born. He runs wild in the camp with the other young boys, always kills too many buffalo, and will fight until the death. When Berry Woman looked at him I saw her interest, but I reminded my sister she was taken. I thought she heeded my warning.”
Creed laughed. The sound was one of pure relief or disbelief. Anne-Marie wasn’t sure. “Berry Woman is well enough to marry?”
The chief nodded. “Against my wishes, but she cried and wailed and threatened to leave the camp if I did not perform the ceremony. She said that I, her brother, would ruin her life if I made her marry a man who loved another. She assures me that her love for you was faithful until… ” He glanced at Anne-Marie. “It seems my sister chooses Plain Weasel over you. Finally her…” He searched for a word.
“Nagging?” Creed supplied.
The chief nodded. “Nagging has worn me down.” His shoulders slumped. “Day and night, night and day she sobbed. She does not eat or drink. Bold Eagle finally had enough and I married the couple this past week. Berry Woman is now Sits-Beside-Her-Husband wife.”
Anne-Marie rode closer. “But I thought she was so very sick.”
“In the head,” Bold Eagle muttered and then recovered. “She is very weak, but she will now be the weasel’s nuisance.”
The news finally registered and Anne-Marie broke into a wide grin. “Be sure and give Berry Woman and Plain Weasel my best wishes. I hope that she and her new husband will have a long, happy life together.”
It felt so good to say that about the woman who had put fire ants in Anne-Marie’s pallet. She had to be making some progress.
Bold Eagle focused on Creed. “I will make amends. Ten horses, three chickens, fifteen of our best hides.”
Creed shook his head. “I don’t need horses or chickens, my brother. Your apology is enough.” He stepped up and the two men shook hands. “Tell Berry Woman I wish her much happiness.”
Bold Eagle solemnly nodded and then turned his stallion. “I go now. My stomach is soured.”
When the party was about to ride away, Creed whistled. Glancing at Anne-Marie, he said, “Stay here. I want to talk to him alone.”
Nodding, Anne-Marie stepped her horse back to allow privacy.
Swinging off his horse, Creed walked to Bold Eagle’s animal. The chief peered down. Creed glanced at the two warriors and then told Bold Eagle, “Lean closer.”
Bold Eagle bent and Creed whispered, “Don’t beat yourself up over this. It was only a matter of hours before I would have come to you with the same news.”
Surprise registered in his eyes. “What does this mean?”
“It means I was about to come to you and break my word. I am sorry, brother, but my love for Anne-Marie is stronger than my blood bond to you.” Creed met his friend’s eyes. “Can we just call this a draw?”
The chief thought for a moment, and then slowly nodded. “This is wise.”
“All is good between us?” Creed extended his hand. “We are still blood brothers and we shall never speak of this matter again.”
Bold Eagle agreed. “This is good. I would have spent sleepless nights knowing my sister nagged you like she does me.”
“Give Plain Weasel my best.” The men shook hands.
The chief nodded, a spark of mischief now dancing in his eyes. Straightening his shoulders, he said, “He will need it.”
The small party rode off and Anne-
Marie turned to Creed, her grin still in place. “So.”
A wicked smile curved at the corners of his mouth when he remounted. “So what?”
“So. In case you hadn’t noticed, Berry Woman just jilted you. That spoils your commitment excuse. What’s your argument now?”
Reining his animal around, he walked the horse to stand by hers. Bending forward, he pulled her roughly to him and kissed her long and hard. The embrace left her reeling. Every emotion he had he articulated in that kiss. Every crazy corkscrew sentiment she was feeling erupted in a ball of fire during the heated embrace.
When their lips parted, he whispered. “Who said I want an excuse? I prefer White Man’s wisdom when choosing a wife. I want to spend my life with the woman I love.” He inclined his head toward Mercy Flats. “Lead the way, Miss McDougal. I think it’s time that Creed Walker met the family.”
About the Author
Lori Copeland is the author of more than 100 titles, including A Kiss for Cade and Under the Summer Sky. Her beloved novel Stranded in Paradise is now a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Her stories have developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband, Lance.
Sisters of Mercy Flats
By Lori Copeland
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is rescued by a different man.
Unfortunately for Abigail, she’s grabbed by a twit of a shoe salesman, Mr. Hershall Digman. She steals his horse and rides off to the nearest town, not giving him another thought… until she discovers those secret papers in his saddlebags. Could such a dandy really be a Confederate spy?
As if to prove it, the man who comes storming after her is no shoe salesman, but a handsome Rebel captain who wants his papers back… at any cost. And Abigail wants a ride back home. Will the two of them ever resolve their differences? And will they ever learn to trust in the God who won’t seem to let them go?
About the Publisher
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To learn more about books by Lori Copeland or to read sample chapters, log on to our website:
www.harvesthousepublishers.com
HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS
EUGENE, OREGON
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My Heart Stood Still (Sisters Of Mercy Flats 2) Page 21