Holding the Fort
Page 31
“Jack?” Louisa sat up and cast a worried look at the window. “Does he know—?”
“Shhh. He’s the soul of discretion.” Daniel brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. His eyes roamed her face. “I love you, Louisa Lola Bell. Marry me today and make my life complete.”
She couldn’t help but laugh at him. He’d always been an impatient opponent. “Maybe we should wait until General Sheridan leaves.”
“But he could be my best man,” he said.
“I’d prefer Bradley, since he’s newly released from the guardhouse. But if you’d like, Edna could stand up for me.”
He groaned. “On second thought, going straight to Darlington this morning and finding a preacher has its advantages.”
How she loved him. Louisa snuggled her head against his shoulder. “We need a few weeks at least. A proper lady wouldn’t elope first thing in the morning.”
“An impatient major might, but I’ll defer to your sensibility.” His hand skimmed over her blond ringlets in unhurried, contented strokes. “Louisa, would you please sing for me?”
Her heart overflowed at his words. How completely he had accepted her talents and her past.
“I’ll sing for you, but first I have to learn a new song. Something I’ve never sung before.” The sun’s rays bathed the room in pure light. “It should be about a stubborn man who pursued a woman when he should’ve let her go.”
He sat up straighter and rearranged her. His contentment was fleeting. Major Adams was about to make his next move. “How could I let you go?” he asked. “You have my heart.”
She looked into his eyes and saw everything she’d ever dreamed of. “I’ll take good care of it,” she said. “I promise.”
Then his gaze strayed to her lips, and a new song began.
A Note from the Author
Dear Reader,
Thank you for sharing your time with Daniel and Louisa at Fort Reno. While as far as we can tell, no dance hall singer ever masqueraded as a governess at the fort, the true history of the area did provide several exciting events to include. A Cheyenne uprising did indeed prompt General Sheridan’s July 1885 visit. During the crisis, Agent Dyer and his wife, Ida, stayed behind and hid in Darlington, although their marriage did not survive the publication of her memoirs. Vigilante Texas cowboys shot Running Buffalo while hunting down their stolen horses, which incited Running Buffalo’s family to trap the drovers inside a stone bakery. All this was going on while David Payne’s followers, the boomers, were leading illegal tours of the Unassigned Lands. Other historical figures that made appearances in Holding the Fort are Ben Clark, Chief Powder Face, Chief Stone Calf, Marshal Bass Reeves, General Miles, and Ralph and Hubert Collins.
Although my family visits Historic Fort Reno regularly, it was a rainy day in April when I, with two kids in tow, showed up with a notebook of specific information I needed to hunt down. Sarah Overholser and Rick Owens spent considerable time sharing their knowledge and presenting photographs and maps when words weren’t enough. Their help was invaluable. Any mistakes or fabrications are on me.
Pat Reuter and Kendall Watson presented me with precious, out-of-print booklets on the history of the fort. Go visit them at the Canadian County Historical Museum if you get a chance. You might catch a ride on the trolley, if you’re lucky.
Gaylene Siemens and Wendi Oberholtzer directed me in regard to the Mennonites who assisted in the Indian resettlement and the Darlington Agency work. It’s wonderful to have such resourceful people available via social media.
On the editorial side, you should know about Dave Long and Jessica Barnes, who apply their wisdom and talent to each of my projects. And even before they see it, my stalwart critique partners Stephanie Landsem and Kristi Ann Hunter work with the manuscript when it’s still rough and green. I owe them all. Massively.
But the most thanks go to you, reader. Yes, you. Without you, this series would not have happened. If you’re ever on Route 66 (or I-40) just west of OKC, stop by and say howdy to the folks at the fort. You might hear one of Louisa’s songs still being sung in the General’s House.
And feel free to drop me a line on Facebook or Twitter. Or if you want news about sales, upcoming books, and events delivered right to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter at www.reginajennings.com. I love hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Regina
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She’s a winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist, and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.
Books by Regina Jennings
LADIES OF CALDWELL COUNTY
Sixty Acres and a Bride
Love in the Balance
Caught in the Middle
OZARK MOUNTAIN ROMANCE SERIES
A Most Inconvenient Marriage
At Love’s Bidding
For the Record
THE FORT RENO SERIES
Holding the Fort
An Unforeseen Match
featured in the novella collection A Match Made in Texas
Her Dearly Unintended
featured in the novella collection With This Ring?
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