She ducked her head. “I didn’t think you wanted me. You were so silent and withdrawn after the wedding. And then you were so angry at Andrew. I thought you regretted the ceremony.”
“Aw, honey, I’m sorry you got that impression but that’s wrong.” He took her hand and led her toward a chair where he sat and tugged her onto his lap. “Yes, I was angry with Andrew and Marianne. They were underhanded and treated us badly. You should have had a nice wedding at our home with our minister and friends present but I’m glad we’re married because that’s what I wanted.”
“You did? But, Stone, you rushed out with hardly a word, as if you were disgusted with Andrew, Marianne, and me.”
He smoothed a curl from her precious face before kissing her sweet lips. “At the reception, I learned the name of the man who fathered Lottie’s baby. I have to admit I was so eager to confront him and make him confess I couldn’t concentrate on you and our homecoming the way I should have. Forgive me?”
“You should have told me. If that’s the reason you rushed out, of course I forgive you. Did he confess?”
He showed her his skinned knuckles and pointed to his scraped chin. “I had to convince him with my fists, but he did.”
She smiled and tenderly caressed his bruised jaw. “I’m so pleased for you. Now your good name will be restored. Who’s the man?”
“That part’s not so good. Ralph Larsen, the man who’s pretended to be one of my best friends. No wonder he said he didn’t believe the rumors. Who knew better they weren’t true?”
“I’m so sorry, Stone. Knowing how he betrayed you must hurt. Were there at least witnesses when he confessed?”
“Yes, and one was the owner of the Destiny Gazette. He promised to write a story about the incident and me being falsely accused. I told him he could also announce our marriage.”
She broke into a wide smile. “Oh, I’ll have to get extra copies and send to Mama and Papa.” Impish lights danced in her eyes. “That is, if I decide to keep you.”
“You aren’t going to make a liar out of me, are you? If you want me to grovel I will because I love you, Patience Kincaid.”
She framed his face with her hands. “I’d thought I could settle for marriage to Andrew. I admire, respect, and am fond of him. But once I’d met you, I knew I could never be happy with anyone else. I’ve been going crazy the past few weeks wondering how the predicament could be settled amicably.”
“I’ve had the same quandary. I couldn’t bear the thought of you with anyone but me. One day I visualized you carrying Dad’s child and I almost went out of my mind. I didn’t know I was capable of loving anyone or anything as much as I love you.” He pulled her against him.
She nestled her head against his neck. “I knew at the Apple Blossom Festival that you were the one I loved, but I thought you were unavailable to me.”
“I knew when you lobbed me in the head with your ledger.”
“And you laughed at me.” She covered her eyes with her hands. “I’m still embarrassed for losing my temper.”
He pulled her hands away to shower her with kisses. “As soon as I learned you’d gone yesterday, I knew I had to find you and convince you to come home. To our home in Destiny, where you’ll live with me for the rest of our lives.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “And we’ll have lots of children and grow old together. That sounds lovely. But I was on the way to visit Mercy. I wired her I’m here and hope to hear from her before time for the stage. I’m not sure she’s back from the cattle roundup, but she said there’s a suite of rooms I can use even if she’s away.”
He kissed her again. “Sounds like a nice honeymoon. We can have our wedding night here tonight and travel to visit her tomorrow. I’ll send Dad a wire of our plans. That is, unless you’d prefer going someplace more exotic.”
“Being in a hotel in a strange town with the man I love sounds pretty exotic to me.”
“Then, Mrs. Kincaid, let’s get this honeymoon underway.” He picked her up and carried her to the bed. “I’ve dreamed of what’s to come.”
“Wonderful, Mr. Kincaid. I’ll try to make your dreams come true.”
“You already have, my love. You already have.”
Epilogue
December 23, 1893
“Mercy!” Patience squealed and rushed as fast as a heavily pregnant woman could. She hugged her sister. “Having you come here for Christmas is wonderful.”
After exchanging hugs, Mercy asked, “Where are those twins for Aunt Mercy to cuddle?”
The sound of clomping directed everyone’s attention to the stairs.
Patience smiled at her brothers and her sons. “Jason is leading Robert Andrew and David has Riley Moses. The twins are fascinated by their uncles.”
Stone nodded at his young brothers-in-law. “Your brothers appear to enjoy being uncles. And now they have another nephew to visit.” He knelt down and held out his hand. “Hello, Isaac. I’m your Uncle Stone.”
After a glance at Quill to be sure it was all right, Isaac stretched out his arms to be picked up by his newly met relative.
Marianne stood at the foot of the stairs, in her element directing the event. “I’ll show you men where you’ll be staying. Quill and Mercy are next to her parents and next door will be Mr. Fairchild. Little Isaac can bunk with his parents or in the nursery with his cousins.”
Patience clasped Mercy’s hands. “Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Our children will know their cousins.”
Mercy squeezed her sister’s fingers. “You can count on that. Now that Mama and Papa have moved to Destiny, Quill has promised to bring me here twice a year. Traveling is difficult for Uncle Ike, so next year, you’ll have to come to us for Christmas.”
Schmidt passed with a load of luggage. Andrew appeared with a suitcase.
“Dad, I’ll help Schmidt if you’ll move everyone into the parlor.” Stone passed baby Isaac to Mercy. He and Quill went to tote in more suitcases.
Quill said, “Traveling with a child means a lot of extras.”
Mama had been standing to the side, but now came to put an arm around each of her daughters. “Seeing the two of you together with your husbands and children has made me feel ten years younger.”
Standing behind his wife, Papa slid his arms around Mama’s waist. “Me, too. And living in Destiny the past year has given me new life. I feel like my old self again, thanks to the Kincaids. I’ve been grateful for the move every second.”
Patience grabbed her abdomen and cried, “Oh, no, not now! I think this baby has decided to arrive in spite of me having so much to do.”
Emily hurried forward. “Babies don’t wait for a convenient time. Andrew, you help Patience up to bed while I get the supplies.”
Entering the house, Stone set down the cases he carried. “What’s happening? Is it time? Patience, honey, I’m coming.” He made as if to pick her up.
She sidestepped his attempt and grabbed his arm. “I can walk, I just need to lean on you—and we need to hurry.”
Four hours later, Stone sat in their bedroom beside his exhausted wife. “A beautiful girl like her mother. Shall I tell everyone what we decided to name her?”
Propped up on pillows, Patience gently traced her daughter’s delicate features. “She is beautiful, isn’t she? Alice Mercedes. I’m glad Mama’s middle name is Mercedes. Alice Dorothy doesn’t sound as fluid and now she’s named after both our mothers and my sister.”
Stone gently kissed Patience. “We may have another opportunity to use the name Dorothy someday. Right now, my world is complete. The woman I love has given me three children. What more could any man wish for?”
“Stone, no wonder I’m so happy. I love you, my wonderful husband. Your love has brought me my heart’s desire. I look forward to the coming years by your side.”
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Read Caroline’s western historical titles:
Josephine, Bride Brigade book 1
The Surprise Brides: Jamie, released simultaneously with three other The Surprise Bride books which are Gideon by Cynthia Woolf, Caleb by Callie Hutton, and Ethan by Sylvia McDaniel, each book about one of the Fraser brothers of Angel Springs, Colorado
The Most Unsuitable Wife, Kincaids book one
The Most Unsuitable Husband, Kincaids book two
The Most Unsuitable Courtship, Kincaids book three
Gabe Kincaid, Kincaids book four
Brazos Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book one, Free
Buy the Audiobook here
High Stakes Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book two
Buy the Audiobook here
Bluebonnet Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book three
Tabitha’s Journey, a Stone Mountain Texas mail-order bride novella
Stone Mountain Reunion, a Stone Mountain Texas short story
Stone Mountain Christmas, a Stone Mountain Texas novella
Winter Bride, a Stone Mountain romance
The Texan’s Irish Bride, McClintocks book one, Free
O’Neill’s Texas Bride, McClintocks book two
McClintock’s Reluctant Bride, McClintock’s book three
Save Your Heart For Me, a western romance adventure novella
Long Way Home, a sweet Civil War adventure romance novella. Kindle only
Caroline’s Time Travel
Out Of The Blue, 1845 Irish lass comes forward to today
Caroline’s Contemporary Titles
Be My Guest, mildly sensual
Snowfires, sensual
Home Sweet Texas Home, Texas Home book one (sweet)
Caroline’s Mysteries:
Almost Home, a Link Dixon mystery
Death In The Garden, a Heather Cameron cozy mystery, Kindle only
Take Advantage of Bargain Boxed Sets:
Wild Western Women Ride Again, Kirsten Osbourne, Callie Hutton, Caroline Clemmons, Sylvia McDaniel, and Merry Farmer, available only at Amazon, Kindle only
Wild Western Women: Kirsten Osbourne, Callie Hutton, Caroline Clemmons, Sylvia McDaniel, and Merry Farmer. Kindle only
Mail-Oder Tangle: Linked books Mail-Order Promise by Caroline Clemmons and Mail-Order Ruckus by Jacquie Rogers, Kindle Only
10 Timeless Heroes, time travels include Out Of The Blue and novels by Sky Purington, Skhye Moncreif, Donna Michaels, Beth Trissel, P. L. Parker, L. L. Muir, Linda LaRoque, and Nancy Lee Badger. Kindle only
Silver Belles and Stetsons, Christmas novellas from ten authors
Men of Stone Mountain, contains the first three of the Stone Mountain Texas books: Brazos Bride, High Stakes Bride, and Bluebonnet Bride. Kindle Only
Rawhide ‘n Roses, fifteen 2,000 word short stories by various western historical authors, nominated for the Rhone Award, all proceeds go to Black Hills Wild Horse Rescue
And here’s a peek at another of Caroline’s recent releases, Josephine, Bride Brigade Book 1:
Josephine, Bride Brigade Book 1
Chapter One
Possum Corners, Virginia 1873
Josephine stared at her father, Sheriff Ben Nailor. “I can’t believe you aren’t arresting the mayor for trying to assault me. Or even calling him out.”
Her father raised a hand in protest. “Now, Josie, you’re a beautiful woman and he’s a healthy, red-blooded man. You can’t blame him for admiring you.”
“Admiring is one thing, attacking is another thing entirely. He tore my bodice before I could escape.” She gestured to her former best dress with the rip down the front.
“He’s real sorry about that and said it was just a misunderstanding.” Her father offered a red satin dress trimmed in black lace. “John sent this to replace the ruined one. He said if you’ll wear it to have supper with him tonight, he’ll make last night up to you.”
She put her hands on her hips. “I can just imagine what he has in mind. He wants me in his bed, Papa. Why won’t you stand up for me?” She could not believe her father was willing for her to be no more than the mayor’s harlot.
Her father’s voice wheedled but his brown eyes hardened, “Face the fact that he’s my boss. You want me to lose my job? Then where would we be? John’s a rich man and controls this town. You play your cards right, you could be his wife and you’d be secure for life. That’s what I want for you, a life of ease with a wealthy man. Now you do as I say.”
“I want nothing to do with him. He disgusts me. Besides, he’s too old and should be courting Widow Onslow or Widow Vincent.” Her father and his attitude disgusted and saddened her. Why was he so agreeable to Mayor John Hawkins’ lecherous intentions?
His face red with anger, her father raised his hand. She thought he was going to hit her, but in the end he changed course and pointed at her. “Josie, I’m telling you plain. Tonight, you put on that dress and show up at John Hawkins’s place at seven. You hear me?”
Her heart beat so fast and hard she feared she’d drop dead right there. To conceal her gasping breaths, she crossed her arms over her chest. “Oh, I hear you all right.”
“See that you do what I say or you’ll be sorry. We’ll both be sorry. Now I’m going to work. You’d better be at John’s house when I come in this evening.” Her father clamped his hat on his head and stormed out of the house.
Josie sank onto a chair in tears of anger and sorrow. She would not see Mayor Hawkins again and her father couldn’t make her. Could he? He was the sheriff, but surely he couldn’t force his daughter to prostitute herself for his boss.
Dear Lord in Heaven, if only I could get away from this town.
A tap at the door caused her to jump half out of her skin.
When she answered the knock, Ophelia Shipp leaned against the facing. Her blond hair was damp with perspiration and her blue eyes showed she’d been weeping. Dust covered the front of her dress. She’d set a valise on the porch.
Josephine helped her best friend into the house and to a seat at the table. “You look as if you’re ready to pass out. What was it this time?” She hurried to pour Ophelia a glass of water and dampen a cloth to clean her face.
The other woman leaned her arms on the table rather than tilting back in the chair. “On the way to the house from the barn, I stumbled and spilled part of the milk from the pail. There was still plenty left for today but Pa flew into a rage and beat me worse than ever. I fell down twice coming here. I won’t go back and give him a chance to hit me ever again.”
Josephine was happy her friend would be spared the frequent beatings her father administered at whatever he considered a mistake or disrespect. Sweet, kind Ophelia did nothing to deserve the horrid treatment her father insisted was his Biblical direction. How he could believe “Spare the rod and spoil the child” meant beating his daughter senseless over the slightest thing was a mystery.
“What will you do?”
She pulled a piece of newsprint from her pocket. “This was in Pa’s paper. I’m going there as soon as I catch my breath and recover a bit of strength.”
Josephine read the scrap of paper. “
Young wo
men of good character desiring to go west for the purpose of marriage may apply for an interview between ten and four from April 5th to 10th at the Grand Hotel, Richmond, care of Mrs. Lydia Harrison.
She lowered the advertisement. “Today’s the 10th. You can hardly stand. You’ll never make it to Richmond in time.”
“I’m determined to try. Come with me, Jo. Getting away would solve your problem with the mayor.”
Josephine wasn’t sure she ever wanted to marry, but this might be a way to escape her current situation. She glanced at the mantel clock. Only a few minutes until the train to Richmond came through. And what if this Mrs. Harrison was no longer interviewing?
She smoothed the cool cloth across her friend’s face. “What if we’re too late?”
“Then we’ll have to think of something else. I-I took the milk and egg money. I have eight dollars. If Mrs. Harrison won’t accept us, that’s enough for us to find a room somewhere until we find a job.”
Josephine gasped in shock. This time Mr. Shipp would surely kill Ophelia if he caught her. “You took his money? Oh, no, your father will be furious.”
“Which is why I have to leave right away. This is the first place he’ll look. Are you coming with me?” Ophelia’s blue eyes pleaded with her.
Wasn’t this the chance she’d prayed for? Josephine stood. “I can be ready quickly. You want to lie down while I pack?”
“I don’t want to move. I’ll rest here.” Ophelia laid her head on her arms and closed her eyes.
Quickly, Josephine filled a valise. She wished she could take more, but she wouldn’t be able to carry two cases and still help Ophelia. Now that her best dress was torn, she didn’t have any nice clothes, anyway. When she’d gathered the essentials, she took the money she’d been saving and put it in her purse.
A couple of neighbors paid her to mend clothing. Each week she saved a few cents from money Papa gave her for groceries. Over six months, she’d saved five dollars, a huge sum to her, but she realized she’d need far more to survive on her own.
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