The Bride Price

by Tracey Jane Jackson

  “You don’t like my beard?” He rubbed his whiskers in mock offense.

  “It’s not that I don’t like it, I just prefer your face clean shaven. You have such a gorgeous face, why hide it under all that hair?” She leaned over to kiss him.

  Jamie cupped her face and reluctantly broke the kiss. “You need to sleep, sweetheart. I want your head to heal quickly.”

  She ran her hand down his chest. “Are you sure sleep is what you want me to do? I can think of several other things that would help my head heal.”

  “I’m sure you can.” Jamie kissed her and she pulled his lower lip into her mouth and gave it a little nip. “Sophie, you’re going to drive me crazy.”

  “That’s the plan.” Her fingers traveled down his chest. “I’ve missed you so much. Are you really going to deny me?”

  Rolling her onto her back, he kissed his way down her throat. In the distance, shouts and an alarm of some form sounded. He raised his head to get a better listen. “Sophie, did you hear that?”

  Rapid footsteps moved quickly down the hallway.

  “The shouting and the running? No, I didn’t hear anything.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  A firm knock sounded and Sophie groaned as Jamie jumped off the bed and went to stand behind the door. “Come in.”

  “Jamie, Sophie, come quick. There’s a fire in the stables.” Christine poked her head inside.

  Sophie flew to the window. “Oh, no. Samson!” She quickly threw on the pair of breeches Jamie had brought earlier.

  “How did Christine know I was here?” Jamie whispered.

  “Who do you think left the front door unlocked?”

  “Door?” Jamie swore. “I climbed up the trellis, onto the roof, and through the window at the end of the hallway. Next time, clue me in would you?”

  If Sophie weren’t so worried, she would have laughed. Jamie had already donned his shirt and boots, so they met Christine at the bottom of the stairs and ran to the stables.

  Richard’s barn and one side of the arena were completely engulfed in flames. Although the Wades’ stables appeared to be untouched, there was a small breeze, and they were all concerned it would carry embers to other structures on the property.

  Sophie and Jamie arrived to find everyone working quickly to get all of the horses out and the fire under control. Without thought, Sophie ran into the barn and straight for Samson’s stall. Jamie took off after her. “Sophie, no!”

  Samson panicked, smelling the smoke. He pounded his front hoof on the ground as he threw his head around with a snort. Sophie was about to swing open the stall door when Jamie caught up to her. “Sophie, don’t. He’ll bolt.”

  “But he’s scared, Jamie, I just want him out of here.”

  “I know, honey, but let’s be smart about this.”

  Jamie let himself inside the stall, grabbed his handkerchief and secured it around Samson’s eyes. Sophie put a halter on him and Jamie pulled him out the barn doors. Leading him into an open pen further away from the other buildings, Jamie removed both the halter and the handkerchief and then jumped out of his way. As the horse reared and paced up and down the large area, Jamie kept his body between Samson and Sophie as they made their way out the gate. Sophie didn’t want to leave him and fought to stay.

  “Have you forgotten your injuries?”

  Sophie stood her ground. “He’s not going to hurt me.”

  “Don’t make me force you, Sophie. Your safety comes first.”

  Samson reared and Jamie pulled Sophie closer to him, but as if to prove him wrong, the horse calmed and meekly made his way to Sophie. As he nuzzled her, Sophie giggled. “See? He’s harmless.”

  “Hm, mm,” he grumbled. “We have bigger issues right now, sweetheart, so please come with me.”

  Richard and Christine were standing outside of the arena, and Jamie went to work with the other men to get the blaze under control. Sophie and Christine removed the remaining horses from Michael’s stables, and just to be safe, they put them in with Samson before making their way back to the men.

  Many of Jamie’s unit had come to assist with the fire and were able to get it contained, but it took several hours to get the fire completely out. Nona, Sophie, and Christine organized fresh water and food for the men, and then could only stand around and wait.

  “Where on earth did you get those trousers, Sophie?” Christine asked.

  “Jamie found them for me, so that I could ride astride. Aren’t they great?”

  Just then they heard gunshots. A few minutes later, Sophie saw Jamie walking toward her. Her eyes filled with tears as she rushed to him. “Please tell me you were able to get all the horses out.”

  “All but two,” he said sadly, and Sophie winced but let him pull her into his arms. “They were in so much pain, baby. We had to put them down.”

  “I know.”

  Jamie put his arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple before joining the others. “Richard, do you know what happened?”

  “The only thing we know for sure is that it was deliberate.” Richard leaned heavily against his crutches. “Probably the Rebels.”

  “I’m sorry about your horses, Richard,” Sophie said.

  “They got the majority of them out,” he responded curtly.

  “You know you’re welcome to house the rest of the horses in my stables until you’re able to rebuild,” Michael said.

  Richard nodded. Sophie separated herself from Jamie and walked over to Richard’s side. “Richard, how is your leg?”

  “It’s fine.” Richard’s tone laced with an edge.

  “I would have thought it would be quite painful with all of the running and lifting you have been doing over the past few hours. Are you sure you’re all right?”

  “I lifted a crutch to point with it,” he snapped.

  “You shouldn’t even be on your leg right now, let alone assisting with an emergency.”

  “I’m not your problem, Mrs. Ford. Leave it alone.”

  “Don’t speak to her that way,” Jamie growled.

  Sophie laid her hand on Jamie’s chest. “Jamie, I can speak for myself.” She turned back to Richard. “Richard, why don’t you come back to the house with all of us and at the very least, let Christine take care of you for a little while.” Then to Christine, she said, “Sorry, I should really ask you before I volunteer you for things, shouldn’t I?”

  “No, it’s fine.” Christine smiled. “Sophie’s right, Richard. You should let Michael give you something for the pain and allow us to take care of you for a little while. We’re your friends and we’d like to help.”

  “All right,” he grumbled.

  Jamie pulled Sophie back over to him, and they both went to check on the horses. After determining they were unharmed, Sophie spent a few extra minutes with Samson, then they started walking back to the house.

  “How’s your head?” he asked as he took her hand in his.

  “I have a little bit of a headache but nothing severe. How are you doing?”

  “I’m fine.” He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I like the way you look in those breeches. You have the most incredible backside. Kind of like the way your Old Navy jeans look on you.”

  “Why, Mr. Ford, are you flirting with me?”

  He stopped walking and pulled her into his arms. “You decide.”

  Covered in soot, he couldn’t help but transfer some of the black onto Sophie’s clothing.

  “As sexy as you are, my love, you smell a bit like an ashtray. I think we should organize a bath for you.”

  “You don’t like ashtray? This happens to be the newest cologne. Eau de soot.”

  She laughed and then wrinkled her nose at the smell. “Maybe Michael has some extra clothes you could borrow.”

  He pulled her closer in an effort to transfer more of the dirt onto her, but she pulled out of his arms, turned on her heel, and started to run. He ran after her but without her skirts, she was quite fast and made it al
l the way to the porch before he finally caught up with her, grabbing her from behind and kissing her neck. She squealed with laughter.

  “I win!” she said, doing the Rocky dance.

  “Maybe the breeches weren’t such a good idea. Especially if I can’t catch you.” He picked her up and swung her in a circle.

  “You are such a sore loser!”

  “I’m not used to losing.”

  Sophie patted his cheek. “So true, baby. Next time, I’ll let you win.”

  “There won’t be a next time.” Jamie kissed her.

  “We’ll see. Now, let’s get you cleaned up.”

  They walked into the foyer and found Betty speaking with the butler.

  “Betty, the men are covered in soot, would you please organize baths for them? Also, send someone to fetch Richard fresh clothes.”

  Betty went off to take care of everything, and Jamie gave Sophie quick squeeze just as the rest of the group started filing into the foyer. Richard was limping quite severely and looking miserable, so Michael quickly went to prepare a syringe of Morphine for him.

  Betty informed them that three tubs were set up in the room just off the kitchen, so Jamie helped Richard back to the bathtubs while Sophie went to find towels. Stephen had managed a pretty significant cast for Richard, however, he’d need help to keep it from getting wet.

  Sophie and Christine needed to get cleaned up as well, so they made their way up to their rooms once they knew the men were settled. Sophie walked into her room to find a small bath waiting for her. Good old Betty.

  After finishing her bath, she dressed quickly and went downstairs. Richard and Christine were in the parlor, and Michael was preparing the Morphine. She went looking for Jamie, and after not finding him in the dining room, made a beeline for the library. His back was to her when she walked into the room. “Hi, baby, how was your bath?”

  When he turned, Sophie gasped, her knees buckling, and she had to grab the chair next to her for support.

  “That good?” he asked as he moved toward her.

  Her eyes filled with tears and her hands were over her mouth in disbelief at the Jamie of her future.

  “Sophie, are you all right?”

  “You shaved! You look amazing.” She threw her arms around his neck, kissed his cheeks, and rubbed her hands down his face. He had left the goatee and kept his sideburns long.

  “Michael helped me achieve the look. It’s kind of freaky shaving with a single blade, but I think it worked. Are you sure you like it?”

  “I like it so much, I want you in my bed and naked.”

  “Sophie Jane, is that appropriate conversation for mixed company in the nineteenth-century?”

  “Oh, there is so much more I could say, however, I’ll wait until we are alone and you are in my bed and naked.” She drew his head down and kissed him.

  Jamie laughed and kissed her back. “It’s almost three o’clock, sweetheart. You really should get some rest, especially since you’re still healing.”

  “I am tired,” she admitted and leaned her forehead against his.

  “I’m not surprised.” He settled her into her favorite chair and then sat across from her. “It’s been a very long night.”

  “You’re probably right. I just don’t want to sleep without you.”

  “I know, honey but I think it would be best just for tonight. I have to organize the men first thing tomorrow morning to find out who did this.”

  Sophie sighed. “Can’t you sneak in? Michael and Nona know you’ve recovered your memory. They know we’re married.”

  Jamie shook his head. “I don’t think that would be a good idea, love. I can’t seem to keep my hands off you when we’re alone and you need to rest.”

  “I take it riding is off for a while?”

  “Sorry, sweetheart. As soon as we get the person who set the fire and has been firing shots at you, we’ll go riding. I promise. You’ll want to wait until Samson’s well anyway, right?” At her reluctant nod, Jamie smiled. “Why don’t you walk me out and then you can go to sleep.”

  “Will I even see you tomorrow?” she asked as they reached the porch.

  “If I don’t see you during the day, I’ll make a point to come by at dinnertime.” He pulled her into his arms for a lingering kiss.

  “Okay. Be careful tomorrow, won’t you?”

  “I will. Don’t worry.”

  He took her face gently in his hands. “I love you.”

  “I love more. I’ll miss you tonight.”

  “Me too, baby.”

  Jamie mounted his horse and took off toward camp. Sophie went inside, closed the door and headed to bed.

  * * *

  The following day proved frantic. People constantly moved throughout the house. Nona and Michael fed the soldiers who were helping to remove debris and rebuild what they could. Sophie and Christine put in a few hours at the hospital, but they were really needed closer to home, so ended up returning in time for lunch.

  Sophie hadn’t been able to fall asleep until almost four and then was awakened at eight with all of the activity. Feeling as though she got a brief reprieve at the hospital, she almost wanted to go back as soon as she got home and found herself right back in the thick of it all. Sneaking her way into the library, she fell into her favorite chair. Closing her eyes, she tried to relax while debating whether she was hungry enough to brave the crowds.

  “Hiding?” Christine strode into the room and closed the door.

  Sophie chuckled. “Sort of. What about you?”

  Christine grinned. “Sort of. Are you hungry? They’re starting to set the food out in the dining room.”

  “Yes, but I’m also tired and don’t feel like facing a large group of people. What about you?”

  “I feel the same way.” Christine sat in the chair next to Sophie’s. “Let’s just stay here for a little while and we can eat once the crowd thins.”

  “That’s a great plan.”

  A few minutes later, they heard the door open, and the girls poked their heads around the chairs. Jamie stood in the doorway trying to juggle plates of food.

  Sophie jumped up and went to help him. “What are you doing?” Taking a couple of the plates from his hands, she smiled and lifted her face.

  He leaned down to give her a quick kiss. “I had a feeling you might be hiding.”

  Christine laughed.

  “What is it with you guys?” Sophie asked.

  Jamie had done a great job of getting enough food for all of them and even a wide range of choices.

  “James, this is wonderful. Thank you.” Christine grabbed a sandwich.

  Sophie put her arms around his neck and pulled his head down for a lingering kiss. “This was very sweet, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He gave her a quick squeeze. “I have news.”

  “Oh?” Christine asked.

  “We found the men who set the fire.”

  “Really? Who?” Sophie raised her eyebrow.

  “The ring leader was the man who accosted you in the stables. He had three other disgruntled soldiers who assisted him.”

  “Oh, my goodness.” Christine’s hand flew to her neck. “Did they say why?”

  “They targeted Richard because of our altercation. They are being held at the jail until they can be court marshaled.”

  Sophie gasped. “This is all my fault.”

  Jamie pulled her into his arms. “Honey, don’t say that. They were bad men and even worse soldiers. They had no honor and could have really hurt you and Christine. In some ways, it’s a blessing they targeted Richard, because we were able to stop them from hurting a civilian.”

  Sophie studied his face. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Neither of them is the man who has been shooting at you.”

  Pulling out of his arms, Sophie began to pace. “What are we going to do?”

  “We aren’t going to do anything. You are going to stay in this house and I’m going to find the man.” T
hen under his breath, “And he’ll experience pain beyond anything he has before.”

  “Jamie.” Sophie pinched the bridge of her nose. “You don’t know what this man is capable of, or even, if there’s just one. So, let’s not rush to jump into the fire, okay?”

  “Of course, sweetheart. Wouldn’t think of it.”

  “Jamie.”

  “I should get going.”

  “This conversation isn’t over.”

  “I know, baby.” Jamie gave Sophie a quick kiss and left them to help with the cleanup process.

  “Stubborn man.”

  “Look who’s talking.” Christine chuckled.

  Sophie smiled. “They say you’re supposed to marry your opposite, but Jamie and I just had to be different.”

  “Who are these people who give all this sage wisdom?”

  “Who knows! All I know right now, is that I really need to lie down. How about you?”

  Christine nodded. “Yes, I am quite tired. Perhaps we can sleep for an hour or so. I don’t think anyone needs us for the moment.”

  * * *

  Jamie made his way out the back door and to the arena. Michael met him halfway and shook his hand. “Son, I believe we need to have a conversation.”

  Jamie grimaced. “Yes, sir.”

  “The climbing up the trellis to sneak into Sophie’s room needs to cease.” Jamie groaned, and Michael chuckled. “You can use the front door, James.”

  Jamie’s eyes widened. Not quite the reaction he had expected. “Dr. Wade, I’m sorry if I have offended you or your wife.”

  Michael chuckled. “You haven’t. You’ve both been through quite an ordeal, so please consider our home yours. You are welcome anytime.”

  “Thank you.”

  Jamie followed Michael back out to the stables, internally shaking his head at Michael’s very modern reaction.

  * * *

  Sophie smiled as she felt soft lips on her cheek. “Mmmm, hi.”

  “Wake up, sleepyhead.” Jamie kissed her nose.

  She smiled up at him. “What are you doing here?”

  “The debris has been dealt with, so we’re done for the day. We’ll start repairing and rebuilding tomorrow.”