Mail Order Bride Historical Romance Collection ~ 3-Book Bundle (Brides of Virtue 2)

by Jill Maguire

  He couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. Mercy’s warm beauty and grace captivated him and seemed to shine brighter than the bonfire itself. When he finally felt out of breath, Cole brought Mercy to a stop, but held both her hands in his firmly. Laughter still sang from Mercy’s pink lips.

  “You’re quite a dancer,” Cole offered. They sat down, breathless, on a nearby log.

  “I love to dance,” Mercy admitted, smiling into the golden flames. “It’s always been one of my favorite things in the world.”

  “Well, I can see that plain enough. Once you got started, you hardly touched the ground at all.” Cole was rewarded for this comment by another shy giggle from Mercy.

  “It was wonderful to dance again, with you, Cole Boone. But I think I may have overdone it slightly. Would you mind walking me to the loft? I think it’s time for me to get some rest.”

  “It would be my pleasure Mercy.”

  As Mercy settled into the hay and blankets that night, she knew this would be a night she would not soon forget. The burning of her house was something she would always remember with a nightmarish shudder, but her first ever bonfire was something she hoped to treasure in her heart always.

  Chapter 7

  Over the next few days, Mercy saw little of Cole. He rode off into the woods to satisfy his wandering soul, but he always came back by dusk to see that Mercy was safely tucked into the hay loft and offer his wishes for a good night’s sleep. But one evening Cole approached Mercy with his mischievous grin on his face.

  “Mercy, I hear there is a dance in town tonight. Come with me, will you?” Cole went straight to pleading. Old fears threatened to overwhelm Mercy in an instant.

  “Oh Cole, I can’t possibly go to a dance. I just can’t. Please don’t ask me again,” Mercy took on the pleading tone now.

  “You would be the belle of the ball, as they say,” Cole bowed playfully before Mercy who turned away from his mockery. Cole became serious again. He took Mercy’s hand and turned her to face him again. “I promise I will protect you and keep you safe. Nothing will happen to you and I won’t let anyone near you. I promise.”

  Mercy saw that Cole meant what he said and she trusted him to keep his promise. But still, her whole body shuddered with fear at the thought of attending another dance.

  “I don’t know,” Mercy said hesitantly.

  “Please, say you’ll come with me.” Cole still held Mercy’s hand as she sighed and looked up at him. How could she resist those large, imploring blue eyes?

  “Okay Cole, I’ll go with you,” Mercy agreed shakily.

  Cole whooped and drew Mercy in for a hug and promised her they would have the time of their lives.

  That day, Mercy took extra time to bathe in the creek and comb out her long, golden hair. Before they left for town, Mercy wrapped her shawl around her shoulders once again, pulling it high over her chin and cheeks. Cole trotted the horse along carefully, and before long they reached the dance hall. It was a much starker structure than the dance halls Mercy was used to back east. This building was bare wood and simple, but it supplied ample room for several hundred people to dance comfortably. Cole led Mercy into the hall where the music had already started and several couples had taken the floor.

  “Let’s dance.” Cole looked as excited as a schoolboy and pulled Mercy onto the dance floor. “Show them your quick feet Mercy,” Cole shouted over the din of the fiddle. The words echoed from the past when Adam DeLane had said the very same thing, but Mercy was determined to shrug off the fear that slowly crept in, reminding herself that her father didn’t know where she was, and she was safe with Cole. She sprang to life and danced with all the passion and fervor she could muster.

  In no time, Mercy and Cole took the center of the dance floor, and were surrounded by enthusiastic claps and shouts from onlookers. Mercy twirled and laughed, captivating the crowd. When her shawl slipped to her shoulders, no one noticed the scars amid her radiating beauty. Cole felt like the luckiest man in the world.

  Finally, they stopped and sat along the wall. Mercy fanned her face with her hand trying to catch her breath. She lifted her hair off of her neck and studied Cole as he grinned at her. He was on the verge of saying something when the door to the dance hall flew open and Mercy’s father stepped inside. Mercy’s stomach lurched and the blush drained from her face. Could this be happening again? Mercy was stunned, motionless.

  “I’m here for my daughter!” Magnum Lawson shouted as the fiddles were suddenly silenced. Mercy began to shake violently, but before she could react further, Cole was on his feet. He placed himself between Mercy and her father.

  “You’re not taking her nowhere,” Cole snarled. Everyone backed away, leaving a wide berth around Magnum and Cole. Mercy eyes moved from her father to Cole and then upon another man who had come in with her father. It was Adam. Their eyes met then and Adam looked at Mercy with a mixture of sympathy and apology.

  “You get out of my way!” Magnum yelled at Cole. Quick as lightning, Cole drew his pistol out of his holster and pointed it at Mercy’s father.

  “No sir! I promised I would protect Mercy no matter what, and that’s what I intend to do. I will do anything for her.” Cole looked menacingly at Magnum.

  Mercy felt as though she may faint and tried her best to steady her pounding heart.

  “Sheriff McCabe!” Someone exclaimed as a man entered the dance hall with his wife. All eyes turned to the sheriff.

  “Well, well, Cole Boone, this sight doesn’t bode well for you,” Sheriff McCabe drawled and crossed his arms. “I told you that if I caught you causing any more trouble, I’d put you behind bars. I never wanted it to come to this, Boone, but you leave me no choice. You’re coming with me, now.”

  Sheriff McCabe approached Cole and drew out a pair of handcuffs. He slapped them on Cole’s wrists and together they left the dance hall. In that moment, Mercy found her voice again.

  “No, wait!” She jumped up from her seat and ran after the sheriff and Cole, her protector. “You don’t understand!”

  “Ma’am, please go back inside and leave him be,” Sheriff McCabe asked politely. “This man is nothing but an outlaw and his time is up.”

  “Go on, Mercy,” Cole insisted. Mercy faltered, struck by Cole’s sacrifice for her and watched as the two men disappeared into the night.

  Chapter 8

  “Mercy!” Suddenly Adam was at Mercy’s side. “Are you alright?” Mercy looked up at Adam slowly and nodded.

  “What are you doing here Adam?” Mercy asked. Her thoughts were a whirl of confusion that she could hardly rein in.

  “I tried to stop your father. I knew he would only bring you harm if he went looking for you. When I couldn’t stop him from leaving I decided to join him and protect you as best I could.”

  “Thank you Adam. I’m glad you’re here. But – I –,” Mercy stuttered. “I already had someone who promised to protect me tonight.”

  “That man you were with? Is he your --”

  “He’s a friend. A dear friend, and he’s the only person who offered to take me in when I fled from father.”

  “He’s a brave man to stand up to your father like that. Come on,” Adam offered. “Let’s go see if we can convince the Sherriff that he was only trying to keep you safe.”

  Mercy was stunned speechless, but followed Adam numbly to the jailhouse. Adam must have truly loved her, enough that he wanted nothing more than to see her happy and safe. Adam was an incredible man and his selfless act was not a surprise to Mercy.

  “Please Sheriff McCabe,” Mercy began as soon as they stepped into the jailhouse. “Cole meant no harm. He was only trying to protect me from my father. I had finally gotten away from him and Cole promised to protect me from him no matter what. He meant no harm, I swear,” Mercy repeated.

  McCabe eyed Mercy warily and she could see that he wanted to believe her, but was bound to follow the law.

  “What she says is true, sir,” Adam chimed in from his place by Mercy�
��s side. Mercy looked up at him in amazement. “That man does not belong in prison. He acted as a hero tonight. Anyone who would risk their freedom like that for a beautiful woman like this should not be punished. Mercy was ripped from my arms by her father and I only wish I had stood to defend her like the man you have put there, behind bars.” With these words Adam looked down at Mercy.

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t the man you needed that night. I’m sorry I didn’t come after you sooner, Mercy. Clearly, this man here is more deserving of you than I am.”

  “Adam, I – thank you. I don’t know what to say.” Mercy’s heart ached for Adam and for the love and friendship they once shared.

  “Well now,” McCabe broke the heavy silence. “Thank you for your testimony. I’ll see what I can do for Cole here.” McCabe shook hands with Adam and went into his office. Adam turned back to Mercy.

  “I guess I’ll go see what became of your father,” Adam’s hand went briefly to Mercy’s scarred face. “I’m sorry for all that’s happened to you and I hope everything works out for the best.” Adam’s gaze flicked to Cole who stood in the jail cell watching the scene unfold. “You take care of her, you hear?”

  Cole nodded solemnly.

  “Good bye, Mercy.” With one last loving look, Adam disappeared into the dark street. Mercy watched him leave and then turned slowly back to Cole.

  Cole raised his brow as Mercy pulled a chair up to the bars. “That man must have really loved you. Do you love him Mercy?” Cole’s look was timid and almost fearful. Mercy drew closer to the bars where Cole hung his arms through.

  “No, I don’t love him,” Mercy answered. “I once thought I did, but now I realize it was only friendship we shared.” Mercy looked at Cole then, her eyes full of something that pierced his heart.

  “Is it wrong of me to say I’m relieved?” Mercy looked away shyly. “Because Mercy,” Cole continued. He lifted her chin with one finger, stretched through the metal bars of his cell. “I know that I love you. I’ve known it from the first time I saw you. And I would do anything to keep you safe.” Mercy clutched Cole’s hand in hers.

  “I love you too Cole,” she answered back simply. Cole held Mercy’s gaze, his eyes drinking her in solemnly, though his next words came out in jest.

  “Are you sure? I mean, I only hoped you could convince yourself to love me, and now you say that you do.”

  “Yes, I do, and I am sure. I knew I loved you when you danced with me around the bonfire that night. I never wanted to stop. Then tonight, when Adam showed up with my father, I knew beyond a doubt. I knew that I loved only you. I didn’t know true love until you came along.”

  “I am the luckiest man in the world, Mercy Lawson,” Cole whispered his words as he drew her face closer to his. Cole’s own face was stuck through the bars of the cell as far as he could get it, and he brought Mercy’s lips the rest of the way. He kissed her tenderly and gently, yet with a passion that Mercy felt throughout her entire body. She knew in the depths of her heart that this man would never let her down.

  As they slowly drew apart, Sheriff McCabe opened the door to his office and joined them in the jail room. Cole’s hand dropped quickly from Mercy’s face and Mercy straightened in her chair. McCabe cleared his throat.

  “Yes, well, I’ve decided to let you go, Boone. But I will warn you once again, if you step one toe out of line I’ll see you back here.” McCabe regarded Cole with a warning look as Cole stood and walked to the cell door.

  “Don’t worry sheriff, I won’t be dancing with the law anymore,” Cole winked at Mercy as the sheriff unlocked the cell and stepped aside to let Cole out.

  “Well, I’m glad to hear it,” McCabe said sincerely.

  Chapter 9

  The next several weeks went by too slowly for Mercy. She chose to stay in the hay loft as long as the warm winds of summer remained and quietly planned her wedding to Cole. But as the days drew on, Mercy felt more and more unrest. Something was unsettled and she didn’t know quite what it was. Cole asked her about it often, as he could sense her spirit was at war.

  “Are you sure you want to marry an old criminal like me?” Cole asked often, with genuine concern underlying his teasing. Mercy would smile brightly at him and swat his arm playfully.

  “Cole Boone, you know I wouldn’t have any other man in the world. I love you,” she would reassure him. Then they would seal their promise with a kiss.

  Mercy spent more time in Whistle Stop now, unashamed of her unveiled scars. She was enjoying church with Cole and getting to know the other women in town. Patience, who had once warned her against Cole, now helped Mercy with her wedding plans, along with her friends Faith and Grace.

  One day when Mercy was in town she stopped at the post office only to find a letter addressed to her. It was from her father. A feeling of dread stole over Mercy and she sat on a bench in the shade to read.

  Dear Mercy,

  I owe you an apology for the way I behaved when I came to Whistle Stop. To tell the truth, I only came to beg your forgiveness for my last outburst and to reunite you with Adam. He is a good man and would have done you great justice. I’m afraid I have been a terrible father to you over the years and I can only hope now that you experience all the happiness and freedom you deserve.

  After my outburst, Adam patiently explained to me about Cole and his love for you. I see now the error of my ways and recognize that Cole would be deserving of your love. I will no longer stand in the way. I wish you the best and give you my blessing.

  Also, I need to tell you that they have discovered the man who started the fire at our house. I wanted you to know that in all my anger, I would have never done anything to harm you. This man set fire to the house out of vengeance. We have been feuding over a piece of land for some time and I am heartsick that you were hurt because of this. I intended to tell you when I came to Whistle Stop but, once again, my anger got the better of me. So, my dear daughter, I hope you can find room in your heart to forgive me, and enjoy the rest of your days in peace and happiness.

  Yours Ever, Papa

  Mercy wiped the tears from her cheeks as they quietly fell. This was her real father, the man she remembered as a girl. The tears came in part for the lost years of love she could have shared with her father if he had not given way to such anger. And partly, the tears came as a balm, soaking in the loving words that her wounded heart longed to hear from Papa so many times before. Of course Mercy would forgive him. And now, he was giving her his blessing to marry Cole. In a moment Mercy realized that this was the piece she had been missing. This unfinished, broken past with her father had made her restless and uneasy about marrying Cole. Mercy sat back, satisfied with the complete peace that filled her.

  Chapter 10

  When Mercy reached the farm again she showed the letter to Cole. After reading it, Cole took Mercy in his arms and planted a kiss on her cheek.

  “There, are you ready now?” He asked.

  “Yes, I am completely ready. The girls and I have worked out every detail, and I have my father’s blessing. Dear Papa. He has finally come around,” Mercy sighed with contentment.

  “We should invite your father to the wedding. It would be right to have him there.”

  “That’s a wonderful idea, I’ll write to him now. Thank you Cole.” Mercy planted her own kiss on his cheek then stepped away from his embrace, surveying the beautiful land around her. She had admired this country farm since the first morning she had woken up here, and now it would be hers and Cole’s to share and grow together. It was better than anything Mercy could have dreamed for herself. Suddenly the old doctor’s words came to her mind from what seemed like so long ago.

  You will be okay yet. Your life will still hold happiness and beauty for you, of that I’m sure.

  He had been right in his prediction. Mercy felt sure her life with Cole would be filled with beauty and happiness, and of course, a little wildness to keep things fun.

  Adam DeLane walked toward the Whistle Stop Inn con
templating the complete loss of Mercy Lawson. She was gone from him now, never to be retrieved.

  It seemed so long ago that Adam had heard about the fire at the Lawson’s house, and how Mercy was nowhere to be found. He thought then that he had lost her forever, but when word finally came that Mercy had fled to Whistle Stop and that Magnum was bent on charging after her, hope surged in Adam that they may finally be reunited.

  But when Adam saw Mercy in that dance hall with Cole, saw the way she looked at him, he knew Mercy’s heart belonged to another. The least he could do was bow out gracefully and help the one true love of his life gain her heart’s desire. If that meant helping her get Cole Boone out of jail, then he was happy to do it.

  As he entered the Inn, Adam realized was faced with the impossible challenge of forgetting about Mercy and moving on. But could he? He had followed Mercy everywhere since they were kids, and had loved her just as long. How could he think of loving anyone else?

  Adam chose a table in the front room of the Inn and sat down, looking out on the bustling street of Whistle Stop. He ordered a cup of coffee and considered his options. He knew that love belonged in his life, but he also knew he’d have no choice but to wait and see how it would come to him. He made a promise to himself and to God that day, that whatever the outcome of his life would be, Adam would eventually seek love again. Wherever he went.

  The End

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  Copyright 2016 © Jill Maguire

  Prairie Wind Publishing