“What changed your mind?”
“I did not change my mind about loving you. Your mother and my aunt each told me you are too smart not to know your own mind. I decided they are right. You are a smart man and if you say you love me then you do.”
“How soon can we be married?”
“My aunt wants me to have a new dress and your mother and Gran will want to add to the plans. I do not really want to wait, but we should not be selfish. Your mother will get to plan Rebecca’s wedding but my aunt has only me.”
He stared into her eyes, “What does that mean?”
After biting her lip a moment, she said, “How about two months?”
He wanted to shout “too long” but he needed to be walking better. “I’ll wait if I must. Today would be better from my point of view, but you’re right. Others have to be considered. I suppose I’d better work even harder at walking unaided. As long as you love me, I can stand any amount of exercise to walk.”
She caressed his face. “I would love you, Daniel, even if you never walked again.”
“Shall I show you my painting?”
“Have you finished? I would love to see your latest work.”
“If you don’t mind, I’ll use the chair.” He stood to move to the wheelchair and then led the way to his easel.
He grinned at her. “This is a first.” When he removed the covering, the painting was of her in her blue dress.
“Oh, Daniel.” She couldn’t hold back the tears. The painting was an idealized version of herself. Propped against the painting was a piece of paper. She picked it up and read.
“My Someone
Fair of face
And pure of heart.
She speaks
And the birds sing.
She laughs
And the creek flows.
She walks
With a grace
Unlike any other.
And she is to me,
As I am to her.
My someone.
My true love.”
Happy tears streamed down her face. How could she have doubted his love?
“When did you write this poem?”
“Around a month after you arrived. I wanted to show it to you but I was afraid you’d laugh at me.”
“Daniel, it’s wonderful. How could you think I would not love these words? Is this painting the way you see me?”
“Honey, that’s the way you look. Don’t you ever use the mirror?”
“Not often. I would love one this size of you. Will you do a self-portrait?”
“I’d do anything for you.”
***
Almost two months later, Clara stood in the parsonage dressed in white. She would have preferred a dress she could wear later, but let her aunt and Madam Thibodaux have their way.
Her aunt fussed with her veil. “You look like a princess. Someday you will have a new tower.” She kissed Clara’s cheek.
Clara’s dress was ivory satin draped and trimmed in Honiton lace, which Madame said graced Queen Victoria’s wedding dress. The veil was of the same lace with a cluster of silk orange blossoms fastening the top. A bow of the dress fabric attached just over the left breast. The high neck had a small fabric bow at one side. The sleeves were three-quarter with split cuffs turning back three inches over the sleeve.
Her gloves were white kid as were her slippers. She had planned her only jewelry to be her mother’s locket but Daniel had presented her with a perfect strand of pearls and matching earrings.
Rebecca twirled slowly. “I feel like a princess in this bridesmaid dress.”
She was wearing a pink silk taffeta gown trimmed in bows at the shoulders. The skirt fell in soft pleats trimmed in Brussels lace. The neckline was lower than Austin deemed proper but Madame assured him it was fashionable. He’d gone off grumbling, to the amusement of Rebecca and Kathryn.
Clara was too nervous to be amused or anything else but dazed.
Dear Lord, give Daniel the strength and stability to stand through the ceremony.
Kathryn handed her a bouquet of pink roses and white mums and a smaller one to her daughter. “Don’t worry, Daniel made it down from the buggy just fine. He’s sitting until time to begin the wedding. Josh will inconspicuously help him if he needs assistance. They practiced while Josh helped him stand so to others they’d look as if they were just shaking hands.”
“He has worried the past month about being able to get into and out of the buggy without embarrassing himself. I’m glad he and Austin practiced each evening.”
They had made his room theirs with her former room as a private sitting area. She wanted this day to be over so she and Daniel could be alone together in those rooms.
She hugged her aunt. “Aunt Petra, I’m so glad you chose pale lavender for your dress. Hans would approve. You are a lovely mother of the bride.”
Petra beamed at Clara’s terminology. “Ah, it is too early but you are right, Hans would not want me to wear black to your wedding.”
“Remember to sit on the bride’s side of the church. John should sit there also because he is the one responsible for me being here.”
Her aunt blushed. “He said he will sit beside me.”
Austin came to collect Kathryn and Petra and sent another disapproving glance at Rebecca’s neckline. “I don’t understand why Rebecca’s dress couldn’t come up high like Clara’s.”
Grandpa came into the parsonage. “Time to get to the church, Ladies. You two will mesmerize the crowd. Can’t wait to see Daniel’s face when he sees you, Clara.” He chuckled. “Bet his eyes bug clean out of his head.”
Rebecca started to pick up the back hem of Clara’s dress.
Mrs. Hopkins, the minister’s wife, took over. “You take care of your hem, Rebecca, and I’ll help Clara. Such beautiful dresses. I don’t think we’ve had a wedding this fine in town.”
As Grandpa said, the sanctuary was filled to standing room. Her knees threatened to give way. If Daniel was as nervous, he would never be able to stand through the wedding. She clung to Grandpa’s arm.
Mrs. Abernathy nodded and started playing the organ. Rebecca glided gracefully up the aisle. Grandpa and Clara followed three feet behind her. Through the sea of faces and murmurs, Clara was interested only in Daniel.
He stood at the front gazing at her. Love shone from his eyes. Josh stood very near Daniel, as if that was where the best man was supposed to be. Clara knew he wouldn’t let his brother fall.
Pastor Hopkins smiled as he stood at the small lectern with his Bible open. Grandpa placed Clara’s hand in Daniel’s.
The pastor asked, “Who gives this woman in marriage?”
Grandpa winked at her. “Her aunt Petra Jaager and the entire McClintock clan.” He left the altar to sit by Gran.
Sunshine illuminated the stained-glass window, sending colored beams of light flowing across the congregation. The glow that fell on Daniel and her was from the dove of peace. Clara counted that a good sign.
After they had spoken their vows, they turned and Pastor Hopkins presented them. “Ladies and gentlemen, I present Mr. and Mrs. Daniel McClintock.”
She and Daniel had to go down two steps and that petrified her. Behind them, Josh walked almost on Daniel’s heels. So only she and the minister could see, Josh pulled up Daniel’s coat and grasped his pants’ waist until they were down the steps.
Daniel exhaled when they reached the level aisle. She smiled at him and he returned her smile. Then, they walked slowly out of the church with Josh and Rebecca behind them.
Clara knew her new husband was tiring quickly. They reached the buggy and Austin was there ready to help. Quickly, he and Josh helped Daniel onto the seat then helped Clara sit beside him.
The plan had been for Kathryn to invite everyone to the McClintock home for a reception, delaying the departure of the guests in church until Daniel was in the buggy. Evidently Daniel and she had accomplished that goal. As Daniel snapped the reins and set the horse trotting
toward the ranch, people poured out of the church building. Austin passed them on his horse.
Clara leaned back against the seat and linked her arm with Daniel’s. “We made our escape and Austin will be there to help you down and into the house.”
“You’ll be surprised when you see what I have in my jacket pocket.”
She delved into his pockets, one after the other until she found a folded envelope in his inside jacket pocket.
“Your aunt finally found the solicitor’s letter.”
Clara had waited too long to learn what her uncle had left her. She ripped open the correspondence and read. “Good heavens, Daniel, look at this.”
He laughed. “I don’t read Dutch. Interpret for me.”
Converting guilders to dollars, she named the amount. “We have almost enough to build the clinic.”
She folded it and replaced it in his pocket. “As the clinic’s official business manager, you must be in charge of this.”
“There’s more, Love. Grandpa gave me a check.” He reached into another pocket and pulled out a bank draft then handed it to her. “Don’t drop that.”
“Oh, Daniel. We have enough to build the clinic if we’re very careful.”
“We have others from Daniel, Josh, Pa, Petra, even John Sullivan. Seems like a lot of people want to help get that building up and going.”
“This makes our day even more special. We are blessed and can begin building right away.”
“Mrs. McClintock, it appears you’re correct.”
She rested her head on his shoulder. “That name sounds wonderful, Mr. McClintock.”
“Glad you think so because you’re stuck with it for the rest of your life.”
“Promise?”
“Forever, my love.”
Epilogue
Seven months later
Clara struggled to fasten her dress. “Oh, please help me with these underarm ties.”
Daniel came to her assistance. “Why wear this if it’s uncomfortable, honey? You’re not hiding the fact you’re pregnant.”
She adjusted the folds of the blue brocade. “Aunt Petra had this made for me to wear today. I do not care that women in my condition are not supposed to be seen in public. I have no intention of missing the grand opening of our clinic.”
He kissed her neck. “I love that you’re in your ‘condition’ as you call it.”
“Hmm, that is because our children are not kicking your ribs or jumping on your bladder. But, Kathryn assures me our babies are doing well. Help me with this caftan, please. Madame said it will drape and help me look less like an elephant.”
He held the pale blue silk sleeveless garment. “Having twins is efficient of you.”
“We will see how efficient I am when they arrive.” She adjusted the folds, looked in the mirror, and sighed. “Who am I fooling other than myself? I am as big as our building.”
He kissed her cheek. “You’re radiant, my beautiful wife. Are you ready to go to the clinic?”
She set her navy hat on her head and gathered her gloves. “Let us go. In spite of the fact that I waddle when I walk, this is an especially happy day, husband.”
“Only one more of many to come.”
Dear Reader,
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Read Caroline’s western historical titles:
Mistletoe Mistake, sweet Christmas story set in Montana
Loving A Rancher Series for Montana Sky Kindle World: (sweet)
Amanda’s Rancher, No. 1
The Rancher and the Shepherdess, No. 2
Murdoch’s Bride, No. 3
Bride’s Adventure, No. 4
Snare His Heart, No. 5
Capture Her Heart, No. 6
Patience, Bride of Washington, American Mail-Order Brides Series #42
Bride Brigade Series: sweet, set in Texas
Josephine, Bride Brigade book 1
Angeline, Bride Brigade book 2
Cassandra, Bride Brigade book 3
Ophelia, Bride Brigade book 4
Rachel, Bride Brigade book 5
Lorraine, Bride Brigade book 6
Prudence, Bride Brigade book 7
The Surprise Brides: Jamie, sensual, released simultaneously with three other of The Surprise Brides 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 Kincaid Series: Sensual, set in Texas
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
Stone Mountain (Texas) Series:
Brazos Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book one, Free, sensual
Buy the Audiobook here
High Stakes Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book two, sensual
Buy the Audiobook here
Bluebonnet Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book three, sensual
Tabitha’s Journey, a Stone Mountain Texas mail-order bride novella, sweet
Stone Mountain Reunion, a Stone Mountain Texas short story, sweet
Stone Mountain Christmas, a Stone Mountain Texas Christmas novella, sweet
Winter Bride, a Stone Mountain Texas romance, sweet
McClintocks: set in Texas
The Texan’s Irish Bride, McClintocks book one, Free, sensual
O’Neill’s Texas Bride, McClintocks book two, sweet
McClintock’s Reluctant Bride, McClintocks book three
Daniel McClintock, McClintocks book four, sweet
Save Your Heart For Me, a sensual romance adventure novella set in Texas
Long Way Home, a sweet Civil War adventure romance set in Georgia
Caroline’s Time Travel
Out Of The Blue, 1845 Irish lass comes forward to today Texas, sensual
Contemporary Western Hearts Facebook Group
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Caroline’s Contemporary Titles
Angel For Christmas, sweet Christmas tale of second chances, sweet
Texas Caprock Tales:
Be My Guest, mildly sensual with mystery, sensual
Grant Me The Moon, sweet with mystery, sweet
Snowfires, sensual, set in Texas
Home Sweet Texas Home, Texas Home book one, sweet
Caroline’s Mysteries: (Texas)
Almost Home, a Link Dixon mystery
Death In The Garden, a Heather Cameron cozy mystery
Take Advantage of Bargain Boxed Sets:
Mail-Order Tangle: Linked books Mail-Order Promise by Caroline Clemmons and Mail-Order Ruckus by Jacquie Rogers, set in Texas and Idaho
The Kincaids, Books 1-4 in one set, sens
ual, Texas
About Caroline
Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To compensate for this illogical error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a small office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their rescued cats and dogs. The books she creates there have made her an Amazon bestselling author and won several awards. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, and Pinterest. Click on her Amazon Author Page for a complete list of her books and follow her there to be alerted to new release. Follow her on BookBub for an alert to special deals.
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Thanks again for reading this book!
Daniel McClintock Page 18