“Erin Brennan, or whatever your name is. I don’t take no for an answer. I spent years looking for my family. I am not going to let this chance of happiness go. However long it takes, I am going to get you to become Mrs. Quinn. But for now, I’ll settle for a kiss and something to eat. I am starving.”
Erin hiccuped then laughed. He kissed her gently on the lips.
“Mick, anyone could see us.”
“Darling, after that town meeting, I doubt anyone has time to talk about a kiss. They’ll be much more interested in the killer doc on the loose in Clover Springs.”
“Oh you.” She pushed him but gently. He noticed she didn’t let his hand go but held onto it firmly. He would get her to become his wife no matter how long it took. She was a woman worth waiting for.
Epilogue
February 14th, 1888
Mick walked back and forth.
“You goin to wear the carpet out. Quit pacing.”
“I ain’t pacing.”
“Yup. You are.”
“What’s taking so long? She said she’d be here at one. Do you think she’s run out on me?”
Cookie laughed causing Mick to glare at him. “Some friend you are. I’m in distress and you think it’s amusing.”
“You and Doc Erin are never apart. All of Clover Springs know it. Your soon to be wife just had a clothing crisis. It happens to all brides.”
“You sound very knowledgeable for an old bachelor.”
“Hey, less of the old and as for the bachelor bit, I’m working on that.”
Mick saw Cookie winking at Mrs. Higgins who blushed like a young girl. He hoped it would work out for his friend and Mrs. H. He loved both of them and wanted them to be happy.
Father Molloy coughed as the door to the church opened.
Mick stared in shock as Erin walked down the aisle in a beautiful lace dress flanked by Wilma dressed in purple.
He still couldn’t believe he had convinced her to get married. Not that he could claim all the credit. He had their friends to thank as well. It hadn’t taken long for everyone to get over the scandal of Erin’s past. They had held a big party for her when she finally qualified by completing her final exam.
The last six months had been a struggle in lots of ways. Getting Erin to completely trust herself, not to mention the rest of the world, had been challenging. She had finally decided to go back to medical school and gain her rightful qualifications.
While she was gone, he had plenty to do. Changing the Red Feathers into the Haven as well as unofficially adopting Michelle meant plenty of sleepless nights. The official adoption would happen once he and Erin were married. Lily had been a huge help. She had a real eye for interior design so he handed over the decoration of the house into her capable hands. The results were incredible. Instead of a gaudy old house, they now had a sedate residence decorated in creams and blues. It was very tasteful without a hint of red in sight. Michelle’s room was painted pink but that was allowed. Lily wouldn’t let Michelle out of her sight so she doubled as her minder as well as doing the housekeeping duties. They had no guests as such yet. However Mollie and her chaperone were staying with them for this week.
He smiled at Mollie who sat proudly in the front row with Michelle on her lap. Lily sat on one side and Wilma’s friend Harriet, the lady from Santa Fe, sat on the other. Harriet had some ideas that might benefit the Haven. He looked forward to talking at length with her.
While Erin was away, they had corresponded by mail. The letters allowed them both the freedom to explore their most intimate thoughts. They were closer than ever.
Erin took a deep breath trying to steady her nerves. She loved Mick. She was certain of that but she couldn’t help worrying the past would be repeated.
“Mick ain’t a bit like your other husband. You got to put the past behind you, girl. Close that door and never let it open again.”
“Yes, Wilma.”
“You know I’m right but if ever you needed extra proof, why don’t you open the wedding present he left for you?”
“Now? But the guests are waiting.”
“Aw, let them wait. They might even say a few prayers while we all here.” Wilma giggled but choked back the laughter at the look from Father Molloy.
Erin handed Wilma the flowers she was holding. She opened the package Mick had left at the orphanage that morning. It was a new shingle for the clinic. The brass plate was engraved with her name. Her new name.
Erin Quinn, MD
“See, I told you he loves ya,” Wilma whispered loud enough for everyone to hear.
The congregation laughed but Erin didn’t care. Her gaze was locked with that of her future husband. She smiled as she read the promise of an amazing future. All she had to do was take the first step.
“Come on, Wilma. I’m getting married.”
An Introduction to Oregon Trail Series
Oregon, Oregon, Oregon. It was all anyone ever talked about now. Eva wanted to hold her hands over her ears. She hated when her parents fought. They never used to argue so much—not until Pa had been hit by wanderlust. There had been a meeting after church one Sunday. Some people who had traveled to Oregon spoke about how wonderful it was. Several families they knew from Virgil had decided to make the trip.
“Why do Ma and Pa keep shouting, Eva? I hate it. They never used to.”
“Don't you worry about them, Becky. You got chores to do. Have you cleaned out the hen house? You know Ma won't be happy if you don't.”
“Ma ain't never happy no more.”
“Rebecca Thompson, watch your grammar or Pa will be annoyed with you too.”
“Ma isn't ever happy,” Becky said before sticking her tongue out and walking off.
Eva watched her go. She couldn't chastise her sister for what she was thinking, not when she was echoing her own thoughts. She rubbed her hands down her apron before heading in the direction of the barn. Becky’s twin, Johanna was in there, she could hear her singing to the sick calf. Before she got very far, she spotted someone coming to see them and they were in rather a hurry.
She patted back her hair hoping her face wasn't dirty. Maybe it was David Clarke. As soon as the thought popped into her head, she dismissed it. David never called to their home.
The visitor wasn't David but Harold Chapman. Eva tried to hide her distaste for the young man in front of her. He was the son of the mercantile owner and someone her pa felt was a suitable match for her. She shuddered at the thought of those thick lips kissing hers, his fat fingers caressing her body.
“Miss Thompson, you look lovely today. I wish I could spend time with you but I need to speak to your pa.”
“Pa's in the house.”
“Perhaps you could come with me. What I have to say involves you too.”
Eva's stomach churned as she reluctantly followed him into the house. She hoped he wasn’t about to propose. What excuse could she come up with?
“Harold, so nice of you to drop by. Eva just took a pie out of the stove. She is a great cook.” Pa smiled at Eva who blushed at his obvious attempt at matchmaking.
She wasn’t about to point out her ma had made the pie, she’d just put in to bake. She cut up the pie, in silence, putting a slice on a plate for both men. Her ma came out with cups and the coffee pot. Eva took a seat beside her pa, wishing one or both of her sisters would come in. Her younger brother Stephen was playing in the yard.
“Sit down, Harold. It won’t take but ten minutes to have some coffee.”
“Thank you, Mr. Thompson. I don't have long. I rode out to tell you Scott Jones has agreed to captain our wagon train. His reputation precedes him as an excellent guide. Have you made your decision?”
Eva saw the mute look of appeal her ma sent her pa but he chose to ignore it. Instead, he shook Harold's hand. “Yes, my boy, we have. The Thompson family will be joining the wagon train and heading west.”
Eva looked away as Harold stared at her; the look in his eyes making her very uncomfortable.
<
br /> “Are your folks travelling, too, Harold?” Pa asked.
“No, they decided to stay in Virgil.” Harold didn’t sound upset at the forthcoming parting from his family. “Captain Jones has already crossed the plains in both directions at least twice. He is very talented and capable. You need have no fear of anything, Mrs. Thompson, Miss Thompson.”
Eva gripped the chair so she wouldn’t stand up. She wanted to tell Harold to leave, that they weren’t going anywhere. Could Captain Jones ensure her family’s safety? Could he mend her ma’s heart? Could he stop her parent’s arguing? She didn’t think so.
Harold drained his coffee quickly before taking his leave. “Please excuse my bad manners but I must ride out to the Freeman's and the Bradley’s places to see if they wish to accompany us.”
“You are very good to take time out of your schedule to do this.” At Pa’s compliment, Harold stuck his chest out even more.
“We will be travelling for months. I would prefer we knew the caliber of all the people in our train before we start. We don't want any undesirables traveling with us,” Harold said pompously.
Eva knew he measured everyone by the amount of material wealth they had. She had seen first-hand how he treated the poorer children when they had all been in school together. He was a bully. His love of money was one of the reasons she was mystified over why he seemed intent on courting her. Pa wasn’t poor but they certainly weren’t as well off as Harold’s family. There were girls in town who came from wealthier backgrounds. They would be happy to marry Harold.
Eva stole a look at her pa who was staring back at her. She couldn’t read the expression in his eyes.
“Quite right, Harold, I am very particular who we keep company with. I have three daughters to protect.”
Eva couldn’t bear to look at the smug self-satisfied expression on Harold’s face. She wanted to excuse herself so she wouldn’t have to stand watching him ride off. Pa interrupted her thoughts.
“Harold, wait a minute and I will ride out with you. I want to speak to Tom Freeman about his wagons. I've been reading Horn’s Overland Guide. He maintains we need a particular type of wagon.”
“Captain Jones has called for a meeting Saturday evening. He wants to discuss all sorts of things. He says we need to be ready to go in three months’ time.”
“Three months. But we won’t have time to get everything ready?”
Eva hated the way her ma’s voice trembled. She watched her pa’s face seeing the anger cloud his eyes.
“We will be ready and willing to go whenever Jones gives the order. The Thompsons won’t be delaying anyone. Come on, Harold.”
Pa left without a backward glance.
To read more click here Oregon Bound
About the Author
Hi, I’m Rachel Wesson and you have just finished the 9th book set in Clover Springs. I hope you enjoyed visiting this special town just as much as I did. I can’t believe it’s only been a year since I created the first book in this series.
Some of you know I had decided to wait a while before writing any more Clover Springs but Father Molloy kept nagging me. He was visiting me in my sleep. Now while I don’t mind when Colin Firth leaps into my dreams, Father Molloy would be best staying in Clover Springs or in Boston lol.
I have started a new series, the first book will be releasing soon. Again the girls will have Irish names so I am going to hunt down some youtube videos to explain how to say them!
As always I love to hear from my readers so please do get in touch. I have made many amazing friends who have traveled with me on my new journey writing western romances. Some of these ladies have become particularly close friends. Someday I hope to meet them in real life but for now, the internet will have to suffice.
Anyway, I best run. It’s school holidays here and my children would stay on their computers 24/7 if they thought they would get away with it. Take care all of you and please do let me know what characters you would like to hear from again.
For now, I will leave you with a blessing the Clover Springs Irish girls would have shared with their friends.
Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!
Slan
Rachel
P.S. Erin’s mam gave Father Molloy a sampler for his wall. The poem embroidered on it was this one but in Gaelic.
For More Information
authorrachelwesson
www.rachelwesson.com
[email protected]
Acknowledgments
This book wouldn’t have been possible without the help of so many people. Thanks to Erin Dameron-Hill for my fantastic covers. Erin is a gifted artist who makes my characters come to life.
The ladies from Pioneer Hearts who volunteered to proofread my book. Special thanks go to Nancy Cowan, Marlene Larsen, Marilyn Cortellini, Meisje Arcuri, and Denise Cervantes who all spotted errors (mine) that had slipped through.
Kirsten Osborne, Cassie Hayes and the incredible group of people who make up Pioneer Hearts, a Facebook group for authors and readers of Historical Western Romance. Come join us for games, prizes, exclusive content, and first looks at the latest releases of your favorite historical western authors. https://www.facebook.com/groups/pioneerhearts/
Last, but by no means least, huge thanks and love to my husband and my three children.
Also by Rachel Wesson
Clover Springs Mail Order Brides
Katie (Book 1)
Mary (Book 2)
Sorcha (Book 3)
Emer (Book 4)
Laura (Book 5)
Ellen (Book 6)
Thanksgiving in Clover Springs (book 7)
Christmas in Clover Springs (book 8)
Trails of the Heart
Oregon Bound
Writing as Ellie Keaton
Women & War (World War II fiction)
Gracie
Penny
Molly
Erin Page 16