The Darkest Blue
Page 13
“But shouldn’t we see about your injuries?” She reached for his face.
“No, I would rather deal with that on my own.” He knew he should comfort her and reassure her but, at the moment, he couldn’t get past what just happened.
“We’ll let your father know what happened here.”
Grace peered at him then acquiesced. “Fine. Let’s do that.”
He held her close once they mounted, her warmth seeping into every part of him. He was glad she didn’t talk the entire way back. Other than shivering a couple times, she remained calm and quiet.
How Ford’s death would affect him was something he didn’t want to face. Part of him felt as if he’d slain the dragon. Another part of him didn’t accept he’d killed a man. After being accused for so long of doing such a thing, he’d actually done it.
True, if he’d not defended Grace, the captain would have probably killed them both. Why had the man returned?
“I hope you realize you saved our lives,” Grace said. As always, she seemed to read his thoughts. “Thank you, Ashley.”
“I’m glad you’re all right.” When she relaxed into him, he wrapped an arm around her waist and held her. “It’s over now.”
He wasn’t sure if the words were meant for her or both of them.
*****
Hank Cole came to Ashley’s cabin two days later. “Your Ma is wondering why you haven’t been to dinner.”
The larger man was one of the few that made Ashley feel small. “I wanted to finish all this.” He pointed to the now completed table and two chairs. “What do you think?”
With a critical eye, his father rounded the pieces. “Not bad, son. I wondered if you’d learned anything when I tried to teach you woodworking. I reckon you did mind.” He looked toward the bedroom. “Have you been sleeping well? Any nightmares?”
Ashley’s eyebrows shot up and his mouth fell open at the realization he’d not had any since Ford’s death. Actually, he’d not even dreamed lately. “I suppose I’ve been so tired, I’ve slept hard.”
“Good.” His father stretched and went to the small kitchen. “Coffee?”
They sat with mugs on the newly finished tabletop and drank in companionable silence. When Ashley got up to put another log into the fireplace he turned to find his father yawning. “I’ll ride back with you, Pa. I’ll stay at the house tonight. I’m sure Ma has been working you and Bronson, getting ready for the Thanksgiving festivities.”
Grateful eyes met his. “If I didn’t think she’d kill me, I’d trade places with you and stay here for a couple days.”
Ashley laughed. “Now that I’d like to see. Ma would drag you back home by your toes.”
“She wouldn’t have to. I don’t believe I would make it two days away from her.”
The love in his father’s eyes made Ashley smile and he nodded. “What you and Ma have, that’s real. I am so grateful for you finding her and making our lives complete.”
“Yes, I am a lucky man. We’re lucky men, aren’t we?” His father stood. “Come on, son. Let’s go home to our woman.”
*****
Thanksgiving arrived with a flurry of activity. As usual, his mother organized them into getting everything ready. She oversaw the cooking of the meal, while bossing them into moving a large table into the center of the living room and gathering extra chairs. The aroma of spices and cooking meats filled the house and Ashley had to sneak into the kitchen to steal a bite.
He should have known his mother would have anticipated the planned raid, because there were three bowls prepared with broth along with vegetables and minced giblets. That, along with newly baked bread and freshly churned butter, made a tasty noontime meal for him, his brother, and father who walked in right after he did. They squeezed into the corner of the kitchen attempting to stay out of the way of the cook and his mother, who fussed and moved about in a flurry of movements.
“Can I get more?” Bronson looked down into his empty bowl with a forlorn expression.
“No, Bronson, you may not. It will spoil your dinner. The Dawsons, and Mitch, Grayson and Nora should be here in a couple hours.” His mother handed Bronson another piece of bread and pushed him out of the kitchen. “Go to the stables and tell Josiah I expect him here for dinner,” she said.
Ashley finished eating and headed out to bring in firewood for the two fireplaces in the spacious front room. He spotted two wagons in the distance and his stomach pitched. How would Grace act around him? Was she angry with him? Maybe she’d just ignore him.
Upon reaching town after Ford’s death, the sheriff rushed to his daughter, taking her into his office and ensuring she was well. Men had already gathered and several were riding in groups searching for her.
When Ash was assured she was well taken care of by her parents and the sheriff was informed of all that happened, Ashley had stolen away without even saying goodbye.
Arms loaded with firewood, he made his way inside. Almost half an hour passed and the guests finally entered the house. Everyone began talking at the same time while he busied himself settling the logs into each of the fireplaces. Best to stay out of the way while the others greeted the guests and everyone settled.
On one knee, he reached for another piece of wood when a hand pressed on his shoulder.
Dressed in a deep red dress and a fur-lined cloak, Grace took his breath away. She stood peering down at him, her dark brown eyes meeting his. He could not tell from her expression what she thought, but at least she wasn’t scowling.
“Can I talk to you for a moment?” She moved back so he could stand. “In private.”
“All right.” Ashley looked over his shoulder, but no one paid them any mind. Their mothers had gone into the kitchen while Grayson settled his pregnant wife into a comfortable chair. His father, Bronson and the stable hand were gathered around Miles Dawson who sat in a chair next to a tray of cookies while the cook poured coffee into mugs and handed them out.
Grace removed her cloak and placed it over a chair, each movement so graceful, he could not look away.
Ashley led Grace to the study, his hand in the small of her back. The mild fragrance of her perfume reminded him of holding her closer and he cleared his throat. “It’s messy. Bronson keeps all his ledgers and other stuff in here,” he said, attempting to make conversation.
Although the room was large, the walls closed in. He knew what she would say. That she cared for him, she’d not wait any longer for him, but would move on and wish him well. Her lips curved and she looked up at him. “You don’t seem glad to see me at all. As a matter of fact, you look like you’re about to get sick.”
He schooled his expression, his jaw tightening in the process. “I’m just curious about what you want to say.”
“Right.” Grace pressed her lips together and frowned. “Do you love me, Ashley?”
He knew his eyes widened, but he couldn’t help it at her bluntness. She’d always said what she thought, one of the many things he admired about her. “Yes.”
“Good.” She removed her gloves and set them on the desk, then turned to him. “Give me your hands.” Grace held out both hands and waited for him to comply.
He did as she told him and the minute their hands clasped, his blood heated.
“Now look at me,” Grace instructed. There was a serene beauty in her that beckoned him like a warm bed after a day in the bitter cold. He could get lost just studying her face. She swallowed and his focus went to her delicate throat. He longed to kiss her there. “Ashley?” She got his attention.
“Yes?”
“Will you marry me?”
Silence.
Did he hear her correctly?
What just happened?
“Ashley?”
“What?”
“Answer me.”
“No.”
Her face fell and she snatched her hands away from him. She turned to the desk to pick up her gloves. Ashley grabbed her shoulders and turned her back to face him. “What I
mean is that I’m supposed to be the one to ask. I can’t let you ask me.”
She kicked his leg, the impact shocking him.
“Ouch!” Ashley didn’t release her, but jumped on one leg holding the injured one up. “That really hurt.”
“I’m not going to wait for you to ask me. So if your answer is no, then that’s final.” She blinked and let out a breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Of all the impossible men, I had to go and fall in love with you.”
“Let me talk.” Ashley pressed his lips to the corner of her eye. “Please, don’t cry.”
“I’m not crying.” She tried to get free, but he didn’t let go.
With a finger, Ashley lifted her face up to him. “I don’t know how to do this now. It’s going to sound stupid for me to ask you the same question you just asked me.”
The droll look she gave him made him feel even more ill at ease. “Grace, I want to be with you every day for the rest of my life. I could only dream that you share my feelings and knowing that you do should be enough. But it’s not. I can’t imagine a day passing without knowing you’re mine.” He swiped a sweaty hand through his hair and looked away. “What the hell?”
“You were doing well until the last part.” She grinned and shook her head.
Ashley nodded. “You’re right, I’m making a mess of things.” He sighed. “Ask me again.”
“Very well, then. Ashley Cole will you marry me?”
His lips curved at her annoyed expression. “Yes.”
Grace threw herself against him with a shriek of laughter. “I love you so much, Ashley Cole.”
Their lips met and all reservations fell. With each press, each nip and taste, one by one, fear, unworthiness and uncertainty faded to be replaced by joy.
Ashley looked down at his future wife. “I love you, Grace Dawson. I just hope it’s enough when I wake you with my nightmares.”
“We’ll work through it, Ashley. Together.”
“Yes. Together.”
Chapter Epilogue
Three weeks later.
The family gathered at Grayson and Nora’s house. Bronson, Ashley, and Hank hovered around the kitchen table while Grayson paced the adjoining room, his eyes on the closed door. On the other side of the door, the midwife and Elizabeth, the only ones helping Nora deliver the child.
Grace busied herself in the kitchen fixing supper for everyone and keeping the cups of coffee filled. Once again, Grayson went to the closed door and called out, “How is she?” His pale face searched the wood for an answer.
“Nothing yet, son. They will come get you as soon as it’s done.” Hank went to Grayson and put his hand on his son’s shoulder. “Sit down, son. You need to eat something.”
The sound of a baby crying got everyone’s attention and Grayson rushed to the bedroom door only to be held back by Ashley and Bronson. “The women said not to let you in until Nora was ready.”
For a moment, Grace thought Grayson would strike them, but instead his shoulders slumped and he remained frozen in place staring at the closed door.
A few minutes later, the door opened and Elizabeth Cole walked out with a bright smile. “It’s a boy. Another Cole boy.” She reached up and caressed Grayson’s face. “Go on in, son. She’s ready to see you.”
Grayson needed no other encouragement. He burst into the bedroom.
Grace watched the Coles circle around the doorway, each trying to catch a first glimpse of the newborn. She stayed back not wanting to intrude, not yet a part of the family.
Ashley turned and came to her. He smiled and the sight of it took her breath away. She went into his open arms hugging him close. “Congratulations, Uncle Ash.”
“It feels good,” he replied. “I can only imagine how it will feel when we have our first son.”
She pushed playfully at his chest. “Moving a bit ahead, aren’t you, cowboy?” Grace lifted to her toes and kissed his jaw. “But I like the thought of having your child.”
A soft rumble of his deep voice made her knees weak. “I like the thought of having you.”
Elizabeth Cole stood in front of them hands on her hips. “I like the thought of another grandchild too. And by the trouble you two are having staying away from each other, it won’t be long. So I think we need to get you two married quickly.”
Grace blushed and her mouth fell open.
Ashley nodded at his mother, his lips curving into a rare smile. “I think that’s a good idea, Ma.”
The End
About the Author
Hello, dear reader. Writing is my dream come true. There is nothing I love more than bringing my characters and stories to life and sharing them with you.
I live in a small town in Georgia with my husband and two unruly Chihuahuas.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Epilogue
About the Author