Married by Christmas

by Karen Kirst

  “What about the agreement? I thought—”

  “What if there was no agreement? Would you want to stay?”

  Caleb was having trouble processing her meaning. The words coming out of her mouth were not ones he’d ever dreamed he’d hear. Not from Rebecca.

  When he didn’t speak, the anguish that twisted her features told him she was serious. Pulling away, she edged backward.

  “Don’t.” Snagging her waist, he anchored her to the spot. “You have to give me a minute to compose my thoughts,” he said on a shaky breath. “You have to realize how unexpected... I mean, after the past two years—”

  “I thought you’d forgiven me.” The abject misery in her eyes wounded him.

  “I have.”

  Her chin went up. “But a real marriage with me is out of the question. I understand why you can’t. Won’t.”

  Covering his hands with her own, she attempted to dislodge his firm hold. Not happening. He pulled her closer, reeling her in slowly but surely.

  “Do you? Because I don’t recall saying such a thing. In fact, I don’t recall giving you an answer yet.” He watched as tears pooled in her eyes. Unable to restrain himself another second, he cupped her cheek. “My dear, sweet, brave wife. I thought there wasn’t room in your heart for any other man but Adam.”

  “That’s what I thought, too. But then you came crashing back into my life, and I realized that what I felt for Adam was immature, the shallow love of a naive girl. You asked me once why my behavior changed after those days in my barn trying to save the kitten. The truth is...you frightened me.”

  “What?”

  “Let me clarify. What I felt for you frightened me. There was a connection between us, something bigger than me, more powerful than I had ever experienced before.”

  He relaxed. “I know. I felt it, too.”

  “I couldn’t be around you, Caleb. I didn’t trust myself not to fall for you.” Her eyes pleaded for forgiveness. “I’ll always regret hurting you.”

  He lovingly caressed her face. “We were both young and immature.”

  “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m all grown up now.” She gifted him with a tremulous, hopeful smile. “The love I have for you, darling husband, is rich and strong and pure. You’re the only man I want standing beside me when life’s storms come. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I can depend on you.”

  Her conviction, her confidence in him, melted any lingering uncertainty.

  “From the moment I said ‘I do,’ I’ve longed for this marriage to be real,” he said. “You thought the reason I avoided the new baby was because I was leaving. While that had something to do with it, mostly I couldn’t be around her without wishing for a child of our own. And when Samantha and Isaiah had their guns trained on us, you assumed I was going to apologize. I wasn’t.” He stroked her silken skin with his thumb. “I was going to tell you that I loved you.”

  With a small cry, her arms, which had been idle at her sides, went around his neck, and she buried her face in the curve of his shoulder. Tears wet his shirt. “I love you, Caleb. Stay with me for endless days and nights. Have children with me—”

  She didn’t get any further, because his lips sought hers in a kiss that claimed her as his own. When the heat building between them seemed about ready to ignite, Becca pulled back.

  “You still haven’t given me your answer.”

  “What was the question again?” he teased.

  “Stay with me for always?”

  “Try and stop me, wife.”

  Epilogue

  June, 1882

  “I have something for you.”

  Seated on her in-laws’ sofa, Rebecca ceased her fawning over Kate’s baby to smile up at Nicole. “What’s this?” She accepted the parcel tied up with a bright pink ribbon. “My birthday isn’t until August.”

  “Just open it.” Hands clasped at her waist, Nicole stood serene yet aloof. In the months since her and Caleb’s marriage, Rebecca had attempted to draw the other girl out. And while her responses were amiable, she never completely relaxed her guard. A pity, for Rebecca genuinely liked her. She just couldn’t figure out how to get close to her.

  Beside her, Kate transferred a fussy Victoria to her shoulder, patting the tiny back while pressing butterfly kisses to her cherubic cheek. Light hair, the same wheat color as Josh’s, covered her head. “I have an idea what it might be.”

  Curious, Rebecca released the ribbon and peeled the paper away, gasping when she saw the contents. Made of pristine white cotton and trimmed with white satin ribbon, the nightgown was the perfect size for a newborn. “This is our very first baby gift,” she said, throat suddenly thick with emotion.

  The tears weren’t unexpected. The past couple of months had wrought major changes in her body, and the ease with which she cried was downright scary. It hadn’t occurred to her to complain, however. Not with this miracle growing inside her. Caleb’s baby. Wonder spread through her chest every time she thought about it.

  Fingering the delicate material, she told her, “I’ll be sure to tell people this is your work.”

  “That’s not why I made it. Not this time.”

  At Rebecca and Kate’s exchanged glances, Nicole looked over her shoulder at the three brothers huddled around the chessboard. Caleb’s carefree laughter burst forth in reaction to something Nathan said. Shaking his head, Josh chuckled and stroked his goatee. Seeing her husband relaxed and happy with his family flooded her with gratefulness. I’ll never tire of thanking You, God.

  Lowering her voice, Nicole said, “Because of you, Caleb is finally at peace with himself. Happy, too. I never thought I’d see that.”

  How sweet. “That’s kind of you, Nicole. When you settle down and have children of your own, they’ll be the best dressed in all the county.”

  She looked dumbfounded. “Me? A mother?” Her petite nose screwed up. “That’s not the path I have in mind for myself.”

  “You may find God has a different plan for your life than the one you’re envisioning,” Kate gently reminded, her expression knowing. “I certainly didn’t journey here with the intention of marrying my sister’s ex-fiancé.”

  The men, having gone silent, had turned their attention to the ladies’ conversation. At Kate’s remark, Josh’s blue eyes warmed with affection, and he winked at her.

  Lucian, who’d entered the living room a step ahead of Megan, spoke up. “Nor did I plan on marrying the local storyteller.”

  Curving into his side, Megan gazed adoringly up at him. “That’s certainly true. You were dead set on returning to New Orleans and marrying the first dutiful debutante.”

  “That was an idiotic plan,” he murmured. “I would’ve been miserable without you.”

  When Lucian kissed his wife’s cheek, Nicole rolled her eyes and announced somewhat smugly, “Mark my words, I will not waver from my plan. I won’t marry before the age of thirty, and if I decide to have a child, it won’t be until I’m successful enough to hire a full-time manager for my boutique.”

  Sophie breezed into the room. “‘In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps,’” she quoted, a verse from Proverbs.

  Sensing Caleb’s intense scrutiny, Rebecca looked at him, her insides going all fluttery. Or was that the baby?

  Unfolding his long length, he strolled over and slung an arm about his cousin’s stiff shoulders. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, Nicki, but watching your plan disintegrate is going to be extremely entertaining.”

  Around the room, feminine gasps were punctuated by deep chuckles.

  Her eyes narrowed to slits. “That’s not very nice,” she said through clenched teeth.

  “I’m simply speaking from experience.” His affectionate gaze fastened onto Rebecca. “Trust me when I say
you might not like it at first, but God’s plan really is better than what we plan for ourselves.”

  Then he dropped his arm and extended his hand to Rebecca. “And now, if you all don’t mind, I’d like to have a word with my wife.”

  “You can talk to her right here,” Nathan drawled as he took hold of Sophie’s hand and tugged her down to fill the empty space beside him. “We don’t mind.”

  “What I have to say is for her ears alone,” Caleb retorted drily, assisting her to her feet and settling his hand low on her back. He was very careful of her these days. She was curious how he’d cope as her time neared, which wouldn’t be until autumn.

  Out on the porch, she said, “What’s the big secret?”

  He urged her in the direction of their cabin, framed by the thick forest. Flower beds along the porch added splashes of vivid color. They’d decided to put her family’s homestead up for sale and move here permanently. Caleb had offered to build an addition for Amy, but her sister had decided to remain with Sam and Mary—an arrangement that greatly pleased the older couple.

  “No secret.” He flashed her an endearing smile. “I’m craving your undivided attention, that’s all.”

  At the heat in his dark gaze, a thrill zipped up her spine. “Is that so, Mr. O’Malley?”

  “Allow me to demonstrate.” Shutting the door and cocooning them inside their cozy home, he pulled her against him, only to laugh when her small, rounded tummy proved a barrier.

  “This is only going to get worse.” She laughed along with him, fingers playing in the silky hair at his collar.

  “I don’t mind,” he murmured, dropping his head to plant a kiss against her lips. “You’re only going to grow more beautiful.”

  “You mean rotund, don’t you?” She grinned. “Barrel-like. And you can forget graceful.”

  Admiration blazed in the brown depths as he led her to the sofa, their favorite place to curl up together, and urged her to get comfortable. He went on his knees before her and placed his hands on her belly. Warmth spread outward from the contact.

  “You are giving me the most precious gift on earth. Believe me when I say that I find you irresistible.” Leaning into her, he kissed her with immense tenderness and reverence. Her insides grew lighter than air, buoyant, effervescent. A solid kick low in her womb caused her to stiffen with surprise.

  “What is it?” Caleb pulled away in alarm.

  A slow smile spread across her face as she moved his hand over the spot and, fingers covering his, applied slight pressure. The nudge came again, harder this time. His sharp intake, the way his eyes went wide with wonder, would be forever impressed upon her memory.

  “That’s our baby moving?” he whispered.

  “Our little blessing.”

  “God has blessed us, hasn’t He?” At her nod, he said, “I’m going to spend every day of the rest of our lives appreciating you and our children.”

  “We have to make the most of every moment.” Settling a hand on the back of his neck, she tugged his head down for a kiss.

  He smiled against her lips moments before he took her in his arms. “I intend to do just that.”

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from SUITOR BY DESIGN by Christine Johnson.

  Dear Reader,

  I have to admit I’m a little sad to say goodbye to Caleb. Of all the O’Malley characters, he’s garnered the most interest among readers. He’s mysterious, tough-edged and tortured by his past actions. Who can resist a wounded hero? Not me! As soon as Caleb bumped into Rebecca in Nathan’s book, The Husband Hunt, I knew I had to pursue their story. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it. Thanks for giving this book a chance.

  Nicole’s story is next in the series. Finding a man strong enough to handle her is going to be quite a challenge! For more information on the books and characters, please visit my website, www.karenkirst.com. You can also find me on Facebook and Twitter @KarenKirst. Or email me at karenkirst@live.com. I’d love to hear from you!

  Many blessings,

  Karen Kirst

  Questions for Discussion

  Caleb anonymously leaves fresh meat for Rebecca and her sister. Have you ever helped someone without them knowing? How was the experience?

  Have you ever struggled to forgive someone? How did you ultimately handle the situation?

  What are the dangers of harboring bitterness in your heart? What does the Bible say about bitterness?

  Why do you think Rebecca focuses on Caleb’s role in the accident and her current circumstances while ignoring Adam’s?

  When he was younger, Caleb was impulsive and reckless. Do you believe people are capable of lasting change?

  Riddled with guilt, Caleb believes himself unworthy of forgiveness. Which Bible verses would help someone with similar feelings?

  Caleb and Rebecca are forced to marry because their situation has the appearance of wrongdoing. Are people as concerned with how others view their actions today? Is that good or bad?

  Rebecca endured several hardships in her life—first the dissolution of her engagement and then the death of her parents, making her responsible for the family farm and her younger sister. How did these change her?

  Can hardships have a positive effect on us? In what ways?

  How could Adam have handled the ending of his and Rebecca’s relationship differently?

  After a violent crime was committed against her, the one person Samantha trusted to support and comfort her did not. Has someone close to you ever let you down when you needed them most? How did this affect you?

  What are some practical ways we can comfort others in their time of need?

  Rebecca displays remarkable courage throughout the story. Why, then, do you think she allows Caleb to leave without confessing her true feelings?

  What’s stopping Caleb from telling Rebecca he doesn’t want to leave?

  In the epilogue, Caleb and Rebecca discuss not taking their blessings for granted. How can we maintain an attitude of thankfulness for the blessings in our lives?

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title.

  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.

  Enjoy four new stories from Love Inspired Historical every month!

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  Chapter One

  Pearlman, Michigan

  February 1924

  “It’s hopeless.” Minnie Fox stared at her reflection in the mirror behind the drugstore soda fountain, her cherry soda temporarily forgotten. Only three weeks shy of her nineteenth birthday, she should at least have a beau. Most of the girls her age were either engaged or married. Minnie had no one.

  It must be her looks. She bore no resemblance to the motion-picture actresses on the covers of Photoplay. They sported glamorous bobs. How would she look with that hairstyle? Minnie pursed her lips, stained red from the soda, and rolled her long, wavy hair up to her jawline. The fat rolls of hair on either side of her face looked like loaves of bread sitting atop her threadbare brown wool coat.

  She let her hair drop. “It is hopeless.”

  “What’s hopeless?” Minnie’s next older sister, Jen, plopped onto the stool next to her.

  “Nothing.” Minnie twirled the straw in her soda, took a sip and lingered while the bubbles fizzed against her lips. “I don’t know why I care. There isn’t a
sheik within fifty miles.”

  “Sheik?” Jen’s lip curled in distaste. “Stop talking like them.” She poked a thumb toward Kate Vanderloo and her college girlfriends a couple stools away. Born to wealth and privilege, Kate was pretty enough to grace the cover of Photoplay. So were her girlfriends. All were here on midsemester break and to attend the Valentine’s Day Ball.

  “Shh! They’ll hear you.” Minnie scrunched a little lower. “For your information, that’s what everyone calls guys who try to look like Rudolph Valentino.” She flipped through the magazine until she found what she’d read earlier. “It says here that the college campuses are full of sheiks. It’s quite the rage.”

  Jen rolled her eyes. “What do we care? None of us will ever go to college. I can’t even save enough money for flight lessons. Besides, other things are more important, like getting Daddy well.”

  Minnie flinched at the reproach. “I’m sorry. You’re right.” Daddy’s heart had been weak from childhood, but last summer he’d suffered a seizure that left him even weaker. He’d recovered enough to walk her older sister, Ruth, down the aisle in October but soon after retreated to his bedroom. “I want that, too.” Minnie outlined the glamorous actress on the Photoplay cover with her finger. “That’s why I’m hoping for a rich and famous husband.”

  “Sure,” Jen snorted. “Where are you going to find that in Pearlman?”

  “There are a few well-off bachelors.”

  “One or two, and they’re much older than you.”

  “I suppose.” Minnie couldn’t give up her dream that easily. “Maybe he’ll be new to town. Like Sam. He came to town to open the department store and ended up marrying Ruthie. It could happen again.”

  “That happens only once in a lifetime. Besides, Sam had to give up his inheritance to marry Ruth. They’re just as poor as we are.”

  “Unless she sells her dress designs. Sam says that’ll make them rich.”