by Karen Kirst
The hours since he’d fled had been tense and uneventful. Gladys and Howard had come over midmorning to see why the cows hadn’t been milked. When Nadine had explained the scene leading up to Ralph’s absence, Ellie had glimpsed the first stirrings of unease in the older couple. Their confusion plain, they’d regarded their daughter with thinly-veiled consternation.
It fueled Ellie’s hope. Maybe, just maybe, they’d put a stop to her actions.
The crackle of the fire punctuated the silence between her and Nadine as they sat at the table, both pushing the meat and potatoes around their plates. Seemed Ralph’s absence had robbed Nadine of her hearty appetite.
“What was that?” The blonde popped up and withdrew the pistol she’d started strapping to her waist. “Did you hear something?”
“No, nothing.”
Putting her fork down, Ellie strained to hear anything out of the ordinary. “Maybe Ralph—”
“Hush.”
Creeping to the window with a view of the other cabin, she flicked the threadbare curtains aside and squinted into the shadows claiming the forested mountainsides. After a few minutes, she shrugged and replaced her gun in its holster.
Her gaze pinned Ellie. “Probably a critter searchin’ for food.” She resumed her seat and dug into her meal with gusto. “Don’t know why I thought otherwise. Your beau won’t be coming ’round. I made sure of that.”
Ellie sipped her milk and focused on keeping her emotions hidden. It wasn’t easy. The longer she remained here, away from Alexander and everyone else she held dear, the dimmer her chances of returning to them became. They wouldn’t come looking for her. They’d believe her letters—to Ellie’s chagrin, Nadine had decided to forego the part about Ellie still being in love with Nolan. If she’d been able to include that, Alexander would’ve known immediately that something wasn’t right.
Tears threatened. She was going to be trapped here, forced to give birth in this prison. After that, she wasn’t assured of her safety. Nadine might decide she’d be better off without Ellie around. The mere thought of her baby being raised by these lunatics made her feel dead inside.
An explosion on the far side of the room sent them both scrambling for cover. Ellie huddled beneath the table. Nadine crouched behind her chair, automatically reaching for her weapon. Cold air blasted in through the open window. Remnants of glass clinked to the floor.
Neither spoke for what felt like hours. Ellie prayed feverishly. Could it be that someone figured out her whereabouts?
Going on all fours, Nadine crept to the corner of the couch and peered around the side. “A rock. Someone threw a rock into the window.”
Just then, another crash reverberated in the bedroom. Nadine jumped to her feet and would’ve lunged for Ellie had the door not been kicked open and two men, weapons drawn, poured inside. A third one entered from the bedroom. He barked an order at the others, his voice identifying him as the sheriff. In a blink of an eye, Nadine was face-first on the floor, pinned by a furious-looking deputy. Ben’s blazing gaze met Ellie’s. He jerked his free hand toward her.
“Alexander.”
Familiar black shoes hurried toward her hiding spot. And then Alexander crouched on the opposite side, shoving chairs out of the way to get to her. His beautiful face was drawn and lined with worry, his blue gaze burning with righteous resolve.
Ellie’s cry was one of disbelief and joy. When his strong arms closed around her and drew her into his chest, she clung to him and sobbed. He buried his face in the crook of her neck. A shudder wracked him.
“You’re okay,” he breathed. “You are okay, right? Ben did a bit of surveillance through the window and assured me that rock wouldn’t get close to you.”
Overcome with relief, she nodded and sniffled. “I’m perfect now that you’re here.”
He shifted and produced a handkerchief from his pocket.
Nadine let loose a host of threats as Ben hauled her upright and propelled her outside. Shane followed them outside into the dark night and began talking to Howard and Gladys.
Alexander’s stubble-heavy features hardened. “I’m just sorry it took me so long.”
He helped her to her feet. When he made to step back, she framed his face between her hands. “You’re here now. That’s the only thing that matters.” Her heart fair to bursting, she stared up at him, making no attempt to hide her feelings. The time for secrecy was over. “I wasn’t sure I’d ever see you again.”
Alexander’s hungry gaze roamed her face, and his hands found their way to either side of her waist. “I didn’t think you wanted to.”
“You believed the letters,” she said with regret. “I thought you might, especially after what happened on Thanksgiving.”
“It wasn’t just the letters. One of the livery workers claimed you’d left town on a delivery wagon. I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling something was off. I couldn’t believe you’d leave without saying goodbye. I wish I’d discovered the broken glass and bullet hole sooner. If I had, I would’ve questioned Durwood a lot sooner. Turns out Nadine paid him to lie.” A muscle ticked in his jaw. “Did she hurt you?”
“No.”
He rested his forehead against hers and sighed. “Thank the Lord, He kept you safe.”
Yes, precious Lord, thank You for bringing me through this trial.
“Oh, Alex, I’m tired of pretending.”
He lifted his head, his brow furrowing. “There’s no longer any need to pretend we’re engaged—”
“No, you misunderstand. I’m tired of pretending I don’t love you.” His eyes went wide as she slid her arms around his neck and, leaning into him, brought her mouth up to his. She poured all the passion and love, tenderness and adoration she felt for him into that kiss. Alexander kissed her back, his ardor matching hers.
Her heart soared. This wasn’t the response of a man who wanted a convenient marriage. Surely he cared for her as more than an employee-turned-friend-turned-fake-fiancée.
A throat cleared nearby. Alexander groaned in good-natured frustration. Keeping his arms firmly around her, he lifted his head to glare at Shane. “We’re busy, Sheriff.”
“I can see that.” His smile was half cocky, half sheepish. “Thought you might like to know we’re escorting the family to my office for further interrogation.”
Alexander returned his gaze to Ellie. “We’re not quite finished here.”
Neither paid much attention as the sheriff pulled the door closed and, moments later, the horses left the yard.
“This isn’t the setting I’d envisioned, but I can’t wait a second longer.” Taking her hand, he went down on one knee. The tender, affectionate smile he bestowed on her flooded her with joy. “Ellie, please marry me. Be my true bride in every sense of the word. Let me love you and this baby for the rest of my days.”
“Yes, Alex. That’s all I want.”
His eyes suspiciously bright, he hugged her around the middle, then dropped a kiss on her stomach where her baby lay nestled. When he regained his feet, he caressed her cheek. “I love you, Ellie. I don’t want to spend another day apart from you.”
“Easily remedied,” she said, giddy with happiness. “I happen to know where the preacher lives.”
“I thought you’d like a formal ceremony.”
“Nolan and I had a simple wedding and, for a while, I lamented the lack of decoration and tradition. I know now that what was truly missing was love...deeply-rooted, selfless love marked with passion, commitment and respect.” Tenderly smoothing a lock of his hair off his forehead, she smiled. “I have that with you, Alex. All I need is you.” She tilted her head to one side and winked. “And it’d be nice if our dearest friends were in attendance. Flo would have something to say if she wasn’t invited. Sally would be crushed...”
“I believe I can arrange for them t
o be in attendance.” Laughing, he hugged her tight. “Every day I have with you will be a reminder of God’s grace.”
“And second chances.”
Epilogue
November 30, 1887
“Aren’t you nervous?”
Waiting at the front of the church for his bride to arrive, Alexander smiled and shook his head. “I’m too excited to be nervous. I can’t wait to say my vows and make Ellie mine forever.”
Ben had agreed to stand up with Alexander despite his issues with the holy institution of marriage. Decked out in his Sunday suit, the deputy looked and acted the part of an anxious groom.
“I’m just glad it’s not me,” he stated, running his finger along the inside of his collar again. “Don’t misunderstand, Ellie’s an exceptional woman. I’m sure the two of you will make a fine match.”
Alexander kept his gaze on the far doors, impatient to see her. The church had been transformed with a profusion of white candles of every shape and size scattered throughout the room and accented with greenery hinting at the coming Christmas season. Candles in Mason jars lined both sides of the aisle.
“I didn’t expect to marry again,” he said. “I certainly didn’t dream of finding a love like the one Ellie and I share.” Turning toward his friend, he said, “You never know what the future holds, Ben. God specializes in surprises.”
He rolled his eyes. “I don’t happen to like surprises.”
Alexander checked his pocket watch again. What were Thomas and Margaret doing right this minute? He couldn’t wait to see them and introduce Ellie to everyone, not as his cook or fake fiancée, but his wife. They were to travel there this coming weekend. He was slightly apprehensive about the trip, but Ellie had agreed to make multiple stops along the way.
They were both anticipating a wedding trip that would diminish the memories of what occurred in the Jamesons’ cove. Howard and Gladys had agreed to leave the area in exchange for leniency for their daughter. Nadine would spend the rest of her life behind bars. Ralph remained a free man, solely due to Ellie’s influence. He’d apologized for not acting sooner. A broken man, he, too, had chosen to leave the scene of his marriage’s breakdown.
By the time Alexander and Ellie returned from Texas, the remnants of her former life would be gone and she’d be free to start fresh with him. He couldn’t wait.
Reverend Munroe emerged from his office. “I believe it’s time, gentlemen.”
The rear doors opened, and Alexander’s pulse thrummed as their guests entered and took their seats. Duncan and Caroline; Flo and her husband; and Shane, Allison and their newborn baby boy came in first. Lagging behind, Sally walked proudly with her new beau, William. June, looking misty-eyed, joined the others, handkerchief at the ready. When everyone was seated, the reverend’s wife took her place at the piano and started playing. At long last, Ellie entered the church, and Alexander relaxed.
She was more beautiful than he’d ever seen her. Her shining, coffee-hued waves had been restrained on one side with a silver hairclip and allowed to spill over her shoulder. Dangling from her ears were the pearl teardrop-shaped earrings he’d bought her as a wedding gift, along with the matching necklace. She wore her grandmother’s sparkling ivory gown, which had been adjusted to fit her new figure. The bodice hugged her curves, the flowy skirts swaying with each step and skimming her ribbon-trimmed ivory shoes.
Her brown eyes shining, she walked toward him with a shy smile. When she stood before him, he enfolded her cold hands in his and gently squeezed. He would’ve liked to tell her how happy she made him and how gorgeous she was, but the music trailed off and the reverend began the service. Alexander said his vows with confidence, his gaze never once leaving Ellie’s. She beamed up at him, her absolute devotion making him feel like the most fortunate man alive.
After the reverend pronounced them man and wife, the well-wishes had been bestowed, and everyone started for the café and the refreshments waiting there, Alexander hung back.
“Hold on a minute, Mrs. Copeland.” He brought her hand to his mouth and brushed a kiss on her knuckles. “We can’t leave until I’ve told you how stunning you are.”
Twin patches of pink graced her cheeks. Glancing down, she waved a hand over her lush figure. “I don’t look like a traditional bride.”
“That didn’t stop me from quite literally losing my breath when you first walked through that door.” His hands on her waist, he urged her closer, smiling when her stomach prevented them from getting as close as he’d like. Lowering his head, he nuzzled her cheek, feeling almost dizzy as the weight of what they’d done sank in. Ellie was his wife, his to cherish, honor and protect.
“I’m a blessed man.”
“We all are. You, me and this baby.” She slid her hands up his suit lapels and around his neck. With another shy smile, she said, “And any future babies we might have.”
Alexander hugged her closer, unable to resist brushing a lingering kiss on her rosebud lips. Levi would always be with him, in his memories and in his heart, but there was ample space for more children.
“I’m envisioning a house full,” he teased. “We’ll have to build onto the café.”
“I like the way you think.”
She kissed him, and he forgot where they were for long moments. When she sighed and lifted her head, he left her long enough to retrieve the gift he’d left on the first pew.
“What’s this?”
“Something I hope you’ll get a lot of use out of.”
“You already gave me the pearls.” Untying the ribbon, she peeled the fabric away.
“This isn’t really for you.”
When the pastel, crocheted blanket was revealed, Ellie uttered a cry of delight and clutched it to her chest. “The baby blanket from the harvest festival. When did you get this?”
He smiled, basking in her pleasure. Unlike Ben, Alexander thought surprises had the potential to be good. He was going to relish surprising his beloved every chance he got.
“The day before Thanksgiving. When I’d decided to ask you to marry me for real—the first time—I tracked the lady down and went to her house, hoping and praying she hadn’t sold it.”
“I love it, Alex. The baby will, too.” Caressing his cheek, Ellie gazed fondly at him. “I can’t wait to tell our child how you came to be their father.”
Alexander pulled her into his arms, unable to speak for the deep well of gratefulness springing up inside. Their story could’ve had a different ending. If he’d continued to cling to his bitterness, if he’d refused to release the past, he might’ve wound up alone and missing out on the greatest blessing imaginable. God—and a certain waiflike cook with an indomitable spirit—had intervened. They’d both been gifted with this new life together, a second chance at love and family neither one would ever take for granted.
* * * * *
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Dear Reader,
Thank you for choosing my book! I hope Alexander and Ellie’s story was an entertaining one. The Plum Café has been a long-standing feature in my Smoky Mountain Matches series, so it was a treat to write about the employees who spend the majority of their time there. Not much is known about our hero, Alexander, in the previous books. In trying to avoid dealing with his grief and loss, the former Texas rancher has cut himself off from everyone around him. Only a pregnant widow with an indomitable spirit could tempt him to start living again. I came to admire Ellie’s faith and optimism. And seeing how Alexander’s initial resistance transforms to first friendship and ultimately love was a thrill.
Next up is the final book in this series, one where the debonair deputy Ben MacGregor finally meets his ma
tch! For more information about my books, please visit my website, www.karenkirst.com. I’m also on Facebook and Twitter.
Blessings,
Karen Kirst
Keep reading for an excerpt from THE RENEGADE’S REDEMPTION by Stacy Henrie.
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The Renegade’s Redemption
by Stacy Henrie
Chapter One
Casper, Wyoming, April 1892
Tex Beckett twirled the gold coin back and forth between his fingers, its shiny surface catching the lamplight in the saloon. “Much obliged, Quincy,” he said with a grin.