Ophelia (Bride Brigade Book 4)
Page 14
“As I love you with mine, Mrs. Kendrick.”
Epilogue
Ophelia stood in the foyer to assess the dining room and parlor. Christmas decorations festooned every surface. Still, she was too happy to rein in her urge to decorate their home on the first happy Christmas Eve she’d ever experienced.
“I might have gone a little crazy.”
Her husband kissed her cheek. “I like the look.” He gestured to the tree. “Higher, Darius. All the decorations are waist high.”
The boy offered a cheeky grin. “Not my waist.”
Celia hung a glass ball near the tree’s top. “I’ll hang them up high. I guess you’ll have to do the angel on top, Papa.”
Ophelia loved hearing the children call her “Mama” and Elias “Papa”.
Elias smiled at her and caught her hand. “I love these three as if they were our own but I can’t wait to have more. What a grand family we’ll have.”
Watching the children’s happy faces she was reminded of the happiness her own mother had missed. “What do you suppose Pa is doing? He seemed a different man when he left.”
Elias gave a snort of a laugh. “No wonder. Three months of daily visits from Grady for Bible study as well as various others from the community telling him how well you’re doing.”
“I’m serious, dear. I hope he’s a changed man and will be with my brothers for a happy holiday.” She sighed, wistful at the thought of missed opportunities. “Although I wrote both of them, neither has answered.”
“They’re probably busy with their own families. I can’t say I appreciate the way they abandoned you to your father’s rough treatment.” He slashed a hand in the air. “Enough of those thoughts. This is Christmas Eve and only happy thoughts are allowed this time of year.”
Brutus raced to the front door and barked his warning. Silkie leaped onto the windowsill.
John raced to the window. “People are coming up the walk, Mama. Shall I open the door?”
She smiled at his eagerness. “If you wish. Stay inside, though, so you don’t get cold.”
He grinned at her. He pretended disdain but she had learned he enjoyed being mothered. In fact, all three children did and she enjoyed mothering them.
Elias and she had adopted the three children a month after their marriage. The brothers shared a room decorated in blue and red. Celia had her own space with pink and white décor. The room next to the master suite was reserved for a nursery—currently serving as a guest room. The children had adjusted amazingly well with only a few lapses on the boys’ part.
Trenton entered laden with packages. “Anyone want to help put these under the tree?”
Behind the teen, Sam and Cassandra followed.
Ophelia hugged her friend. “I’m so glad you could come. How are you feeling?”
“Grumpy and fat but happy. I know it’s odd to be happy and grumpy at the same time, but I am.” Her figure displayed the fact she was expecting a child in four months.
Sam shook hands with Elias then kissed Ophelia on the cheek. “Don’t listen to her, she’s not grumpy or fat. Doesn’t she look gorgeous with the glow of motherhood on her cheeks?”
The arrival of Grady and Angeline created the need for more greetings to be exchanged. Grady set Matthew on the floor.
John took the toddler by the hand. “Come on and I’ll show you our tree. It’s enormous and I’ll bet it’s prettier than anything you’ve ever seen.”
Angeline carried baby Antoinette. “I think she’ll be content if I can put her to sleep.”
Celia hurried over. “You can put her on my bed. I’ll watch her for you.”
“I know you’ll be good at caring for her. She can roll over now and I’d hate for her to fall.”
Ophelia hugged Celia’s shoulders. ““Why not put her in the back parlor, dear? I’ve put several quilts on the floor so we won’t have to worry about her rolling off the bed.”
Celia looked at her. “I’ll be glad when you and Papa have babies.”
Cassandra rolled her eyes. “Give them time, Celia. Babies don’t happen overnight.”
“Oh, I know.” She whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. “Mama told me all about where babies come from.” She followed Angeline toward the back of the house.
Ophelia watched them then turned back to her other guests with a smile and a shrug. “Leave it to children to tell all they know.”
The door bell rang and Elias answered. “Josephine and Michael, welcome. Come help or make yourselves comfortable and watch while we finish decorating the tree.”
Ophelia hugged her friend. “Didn’t Elias and the children find a lovely specimen?”
Elias handed an ornament to Cassandra’s brother. “Trenton, you’re tall enough to put the angel on top.”
After the tree had been festooned with so many ornaments the green cedar barely showed, they went into the dining room for dinner. Mrs. Martinez had insisted she wanted to remain with them for the holiday because she had no relatives to visit and considered the Kendricks her family. She and Ophelia had been baking and making candy for days. In addition to a turkey and ham, they had a dozen dishes prepared.
When they were all seated around the table, Elias rose. “Gathering with good friends is the meaning of Christmas. How fortunate we are to have you in our home to share this special time. I’m overjoyed to share with you that in addition to our three wonderful children, Ophelia and I will add another in July.”
Congratulations rang out.
Celia rushed to hug Ophelia. “I’m so happy. I hope you have a girl to even things.”
After the evening was over and everyone else had either left or bedded down for the night, Elias and Ophelia were alone in their room.
He embraced her. “This was the happiest Christmas I’ve ever had. I think this might have been the happiest day of my life.”
She leaned her head against his. “We have everything anyone could ever hope for. Children, friends, our lovely home, each other, and a baby on the way. I never dreamed such happiness was possible.”
“This is only the beginning, my precious Ophelia. Our future holds many times like this. I’m sure there will be hard times, too, but as long as we’re together, we can get through them.”
“And we will, Elias. As long as we’re together, I’m the happiest woman alive.”
Dear Reader,
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Caroline
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Keep reading to the end for a sneak peek of RACHEL, Bride Brigade, Book 5
Read Caroline’s western historical titles:
Amanda’s Rancher, Montana Sky Kindle World
Patience, Bride of Washington, American Mail-Order Brides Series #42
Josephine, Bride Brigade book 1
Angeline, Bride Brigade book 2
Cassandra, Bride Brigade book 3
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
Grant Me The Moon, sweet
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 Spring Into Love, Kirsten Osbourne, Callie Hutton, Caroline Clemmons, Sylvia McDaniel, and Merry Farmer – Kindle only
Come Love A Cowboy, Kathleen Ball, Caroline Clemmons, Margo Bond Collins, Patti Sherry-Crews, Keta Diablo, Julie D’Arcy, Andi Downing, and Hebby Roman
The Kincaids, Books 1-4 in one set
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-Order 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 including Kathleen Ball, Cait Braxton, Caroline Clemmons, Carra Copeline, Kristin Holt, Lyn Horner, Susan Horsnell, Paty Jager, Hebby Roman, Margaret Tanner -- Kindle only
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
About The Author
Caroline Clemmons is an Amazon bestselling and award winning author of historical and contemporary western romances. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel.
Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets. When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys family, reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, painting, and getting together with friends. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, WattPad, Shelfari, and Pinterest. Subscribe to her newsletter here to receive a FREE novella of Happy Is Bride.
Here’s your sneak peek at the next Bride Brigade book, due out in a couple of months:
RACHEL, Bride Brigade, Book 5
Chapter One
Rachel Ross gave thanks as she stepped outside and the prison doors clanged closed behind her. Was this the same air as inside the prison? Somehow the breeze that kissed her skin now smelled fresher, sweeter. Even the rumbling pewter sky didn’t diminish freedom’s joy.
Her older brother, Patrick, rushed to envelope her in a giant embrace that lifted her off the ground. “I’m so glad to see you, Sissie. We’ve a tiring trip home, so let’s be on our way and leave this awful penitentiary.”
“I can’t put this place behind me fast enough. The only things that kept me sane were your letters and the promise of eventual release.”
He helped her into the hansom cab he had waiting. “You’ve lost weight. Your correspondence didn’t mention being unwell? I’ve heard terrible tales about conditions in the penitentiary.”
Rachel nodded. “Whatever you’ve heard, I’m sure those stories and worse are true. My spirits have been exceedingly low, of course, but my health is good enough.”
He handed her a new valise. “I brought this to hold your things.”
Happiness spread through her at the gift. She clutched the case in her lap and ran her fingers over the smooth, brown leather. A key dangled by a string from the gold lock.
“You’re so thoughtful. Oh, I can’t wait to get home. As soon as I’ve said hello to everyone, I’m going to take a long, long bath.” She opened the valise and transferred her few belongings from a bundle into the case.
Soon she and her brother were aboard the train headed home to Richmond. Tension filled her, worry about whether her sisters would have mellowed in her absence. The three had been so angry at her for what they called her “disgrace”, as if she had planned for her employer to frame her for his embezzlement simply to spite them.
Tension knotted her nerves until spasms shot through her legs and shoulders. Her head pounded in time to the rail car’s rocking and swaying. She closed her eyes, hoping that would calm the aching.
Patrick gently shook her, his deep baritone soft and kind. “Wake up, Sissie. We’re in Richmond.”
Rachel roused and stretched. How could she have drowsed against Patrick’s shoulder while she was overwhelmed with apprehension? She had been too keyed up to sleep last night and hadn’t slept well the few nights previous. Truthfully, she hadn’t slept well since she was arrested.
The train slowed to a stop, steam and smoke billowing and sending cinders in through the window.
Patrick’s expression was somber. “Glad you’re finally with us again, but I may as well prepare you. Your reception from the others may decidedly lack warmth.” He flagged a hansom cab.
She allowed him to help her into the vehicle. “Lack warmth after three years of being separated?”
“Don’t mean to frighten you, just insuring you’re prepared. You know I’m overjoyed to see you again.”
Dread filled her as she watched the buildings they passed on their drive through Richmond. Changes had occurred in the city. but they were unimportant right now. Wiping clammy hands on her skirt, Rachel worried about her greeting at home.
Obviously her family’s reaction to her homecoming was so unpleasant her brother had felt the need to warn her. Patrick had always defended her and she thought of him as her champion. At least he hadn’t changed, hadn’t blamed her for her incarceration.
Only the thought of returning home had kept her going during her unjust imprisonment. For three years she’d looked forward to leaving her dismal surroundings and being restored to the bosom of her family. Apparently, that dream wasn’t happening. Fighting to shut out memories of the prison’s horrid conditions, she focused on the buggy ride.
When the cab reached the front of the family’s home, she climbed out as soon as the vehicle stopped rather than delay for Patrick’s assistance. After grabbing her valise, she ran up the steps and into the house. Rachel found her mother, father, and three younger sisters waiting in the parlor. She dropped her valise and ran to throw her arms around her mother.
“Mama, I’ve missed you so much.”
Her mother patted her back then pulled away. Mama’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “I hope you and your brother had a pleasant journey.”
Rac
hel stood gazing from one sister to the next. The chilling sight made goose bumps crawl along her skin. None of her three sisters even greeted her. Standing together, each stared at her with a stony expression.
“After three unspeakably horrible years, I’m home. Aren’t you at least going to greet me?
Violet crossed her arms. “And why should we? People have only recently started speaking to us again.”
Delores pointed her forefinger at Rachel. “Because of you, we’ve been outcasts.”
Hands stretched in front of her, Rachel pled, “But I’m innocent. Surely you can’t blame me because my employer framed me to cover his embezzlement.”
Evangeline glared at her. “The court didn’t believe your story. Why do you expect we should?”
By this time, her brother had entered the room. He put his arm around her shoulders. “Don’t let them hurt you. They’ve had a rough time socially and you see they’ve decided to take things out on you.”
He leaned near so only she could hear. “Evangeline’s fiancé broke off their engagement because of the notoriety and she’s bitter toward you instead of the worthless coward he proved himself.”
Her father stood with hands in his pants pockets. “For your sisters’ sakes, we think you should go elsewhere, Rachel, and as soon as possible. Your presence here will only revive the disgrace you brought on the family.”
Mama took her hand. “Try to understand, dear. Your sisters will have no prospects for marriage with you living here. As for you, there’s simply no future here in Richmond.”
She had believed her arrest, mockery of a trial, and imprisonment were the worst things possible. She’d been wrong. Betrayal by those closest to her was far more devastating. Only Patrick even had a sad smile for her.
Three years in prison had taught her to hide her feelings. She had believed the time had toughened her and changed her to more cynical. Yet her family’s lack of welcome broke her heart.