Western Bride

by Janelle Daniels

  As Lily and Abby stepped into the kitchen, all chatter ceased, and everyone looked over at Abby. Lily joined the group, but Abby stood there like an outsider. She shifted on her feet. “So, I guess you all want to hear the story now.”

  Charlotte and Grace smiled, and Hannah’s eyebrows rose. Emery shrugged and said, “Only if you want to share it with us. Truly, it’s none of our business.” She glared at the others.

  Charlotte turned and grabbed a thickly frosted cake from the counter behind her. “I have something to break the ice.”

  Grace rubbed her hands together. “Finally. That cake has tortured me all day.”

  Some of the others laughed, but not Hannah. She didn’t look angry or upset. Just…emotionless. It unnerved her to see such a mask outside of the upper circles. People in town responded freely, naturally, and Abby was never left wondering what they thought or how they felt. She knew Hannah had her eyes set on Lucas, but did she truly care for him, or was she only after his fortune?

  Charlotte made quick work of cutting the cake and handing slices to everyone. And after just one bite, with sugar coating her taste buds, she felt a little better. “This cake is magic,” she finally said into the silence as the others enjoyed their pieces as well.

  Lily tipped her fork toward Abby. “I was just thinking that. Very well done, Charlotte.”

  Charlotte bubbled with the praise. She was obviously happy to have brought joy to each of them through her food. “I’m happy to teach any of you how to make this.”

  Licking her fork, Grace shook her head. “I’d rather just eat it after you make it.”

  Hannah raised an eyebrow, daintily setting her fork down once her piece was finished. “What are you going to do when she leaves to open her shop?”

  “I’ll go to town every day and buy one,” she said, matter-of-factly.

  Hannah nodded as if it were the most logical thing to do. “Good idea.” She pushed the plate away from her and looked to Abby now that everyone had finished. “Why don’t you tell us what’s between you and Lucas, Abby.”

  “Only if you want to,” Emery stressed one more time.

  Absentmindedly, Abby toyed with her fork. “I didn’t mean to deceive anyone. There’s just a lot I haven’t figured out.”

  Lily placed her hand on Abby’s forearm. “No one here thought you were being dishonest.” She looked at the others. “Right?”

  Everyone murmured their agreement. Even Hannah, although Abby wasn’t so sure she meant it.

  Abby finally put her fork down and leaned against the counter. “There’s still so much I don’t know how to explain.”

  “Why not start from the beginning?” Charlotte offered a small smile.

  So for the next half hour, Abby poured her heart out, hoping and praying they would understand, that they wouldn’t pass judgment. She didn’t go into details about the intimacies she’d shared with Lucas, but they knew enough to understand they’d been madly in love.

  When she was done explaining their history, everyone was silent, flabbergasted.

  “So…” Hannah was obviously trying to wrap her mind around what had happened. “You hadn’t heard or seen from Mr. McDermott since he left you eight years ago? Seeing him at the train platform was the first time?”

  Abby bit her lip, nodding. “Yes. I was shocked. I had no idea he was one of the Copper Kings or that I would see him that day.”

  Emery just shook her head in disbelief. “I’m so sorry. No wonder you seemed bewildered.”

  “Anyone would be,” Grace added.

  Hannah held up her hand. “So, are you involved with him again? I’m assuming so from what I saw out the window.”

  Abby flushed, and both Emery and Lily scolded Hannah.

  Before they could really tear into her, Abby held up her hands. “No. It’s a fair question. We’ve decided to explore how we feel about each other. But not openly. I think you can all understand why I wouldn’t want to tell my brother about this.”

  For a moment, Abby worried Hannah would do just that if she were upset enough. But when all of them nodded, including Hannah, Abby knew it would be all right. “Thank you.”

  Grace cocked her head. “So, while you’re figuring out your relationship with Mr. McDermott, what about your other suitors? What about Mr. Broderick?”

  “Ah. W—well,” she stammered, “they’re still courting me.”

  Hannah’s brows rose. “What does Mr. McDermott think about that?”

  “He knows. He’d prefer otherwise, but he doesn’t have a choice in the matter.” Her chin raised a notch, and Charlotte and Grace shared a look.

  Lily rubbed a finger on the countertop. “I see.”

  Abby could feel the weight of their speculation, their judgments, and it exhausted her. She buried her face in her hands. “I know this is complicated. Trust me, I wish this wasn’t happening.” Before anyone could say anything, she threw her head back up. She was done being quiet—she needed to speak her mind. “I mean, what am I supposed to do here? How is this supposed to work out? It ended horribly before—I almost didn’t make it. So what am I doing now?”

  No one answered for a moment, then finally, Emery smiled. “You’re trying to find happiness. Same as us. I find that when something’s uncomfortable—when it’s hard, when you’re really being tested—that’s when change happens. When miracles happen. You’re going to come out of this, and no matter what, you’re going to be fine. More than that, you’re going to thrive.”

  The others nodded their agreement, and with their support, her heart lightened. “You really think so?”

  “I do. Just do what feels right to you. Don’t let anyone persuade you otherwise.”

  Abby smiled. “Thank you. All of you. I was concerned over how this conversation would end, but you’ve all made me feel so much better.”

  Charlotte smiled smugly. “My cakes have that effect on people.”

  There was a slight pause, then everyone burst into laughter, including Charlotte.

  Abby’s stomach hurt by the time she stopped laughing, and she looked at each of the women in turn, their eyes filled with merriment. They were starting to become like sisters, starting to matter to one another, and that meant more than she could ever say.

  Looking at Charlotte, Abby leaned forward. “Do you have any more cake?”

  “Oh, I always have cake.”

  Chapter 15

  Do what feels right, Abby told herself for what felt like the hundredth time. Do what feels right.

  She blew out a deep breath as she rode into town. The cookies she’d helped bake were wrapped and securely tucked in her saddlebags.

  The others weren’t riding into town with her today, but after going almost a week without seeing Lucas, she decided she needed to make the effort to spend time with him.

  He’d been trapped in the mining office in town all week, interviewing and hiring for the operation. He must be exhausted.

  Exhausted and hungry.

  At least she hoped so. Though she guessed the cookies would be well received either way. She smiled softly. He’d always had a sweet tooth.

  She waved to a few men as they passed by, and discreetly scanned the streets for her brother or Willow. With them conveniently out of sight, she dismounted in front of Lucas’ office, relieved to see a man just leaving the building. With any luck, she’d find him alone.

  She quickly grabbed the cookies out of her bag, unwrapped the cloth tied around the basket, and slipped inside the building. Glancing one last time over her shoulder, she smiled, pleased she’d escaped Rhys’ notice.

  She didn’t enjoy deceiving her brother, but in a way, it made her relationship with Lucas a little more exciting.

  As she closed the door behind her, Lucas continued writing, scribbling on a piece of paper. “I’ll be with you in just a moment.”

  He hadn’t even glanced up. Abby felt as an amused smile creep onto her lips. “Take your time.”

  At her voice, his head snapp
ed up, and his smile crinkled his eyes. “What are you doing here?”

  He got up from his chair, came around the desk, and took her hands in his. She felt giddy. “Well, I haven’t seen you in a while. I thought I should check and make sure you’re still alive.”

  “Sorry. I’ve been busy.” He ran his hand through his disheveled hair and the strands stood on end. The top button on his collar was undone, and his shirtsleeves were rolled up. His hand was stained with ink and lead, like he’d been scribbling nonstop for days. He probably had.

  She raised a brow at him. “Maybe I should have come sooner. Have you been sleeping? Eating?”

  He shrugged. “Here and there.”

  She sighed dramatically. “Well, I guess it’s good I brought these, then.” She pulled her basket of treats from behind her and offered them to him.

  He groaned in gratitude as he took them from her. “You remembered.”

  “Remembered?” She pretended to not know what he was talking about.

  “That these are my favorite.”

  “Some things you never forget.”

  “Well, that’s true.” He laughed, snatching one of the cookies and taking a big bite. His eyes closed. “You’re a goddess.”

  “They’re all for you,” she said with amusement. “You can eat as many as you want.”

  “Thank you.” He took another bite before placing the basket on his desk. “Do you want to sit?”

  She glanced back at the door. “Are you sure? Do you have time?”

  “I always have time for you.”

  The words, spoken so easily, made her heart flutter. “Then I’ll have a seat,” she said, sitting in a chair right in front of him. She had to tilt her head back to look at him, but once he leaned against the desk, it wasn’t too bad.

  He crossed his legs while munching on another cookie. “How have you been?”

  She didn’t really want to talk about the turmoil she was feeling, the confusion over him and Connor, so instead she said, “Fine. Just keeping busy. I’ve been finishing up a dress order for Willow.”

  The cookie paused halfway to his mouth. “Dress order?”

  She could see his confusion. She chuckled. “I work for Willow. She owns a dress business, and I do some of the extra work for her.

  “You have a job. You work,” he said, as if trying to wrap his brain around the notion. “But what about your inheritance?” His eyes slitted. “Is Rhys withholding it?”

  She laughed, amused he couldn’t believe she’d work willingly. “No. I’m in possession of my fortune. I just also happen to work for Willow.”

  “Why?”

  “Why not?” She lifted her hands. “I have plenty of time. Anyway, what would I do otherwise? Sit and drink tea all day?” She rolled her eyes.

  “It’s what a lot of women in your station do.”

  She shrugged. “I’m not like the other women of our station, I guess.”

  “No. You aren’t.” Before she could decide how she felt about his statement, he added, “But I like that about you.”

  Warmth filled her as she saw the appreciation in his eyes. He respected her choice, and that filled her with satisfaction.

  “What about after you marry? Will you continue working?”

  She nodded slowly, thinking it over. “I’d like to. It all depends on my husband’s job and what my other duties are. At least in the beginning, before any children come, I’d assume so.” She blushed. Speaking of her hypothetical children, their children, embarrassed her.

  He smiled, a gleam entering his eyes like he was imagining their life together. “I think whatever you choose, your husband will support you.”

  “I hope so. Otherwise, he’s not the kind of man I want to marry.”

  He shook his head. “If he doesn’t support you, he’s not worthy of you.”

  She looked at him, and although he didn’t say the words, she knew what he meant. He would support her. He would allow her to choose whatever she wanted. That meant a lot to her. “Thank you.”

  He nodded then took another bite of his cookie. “I’m glad you came in today.”

  She bit her lip. “I couldn’t let you starve to death, could I?”

  “I guess not.”

  “Will you work late again tonight?” She didn’t want to ask him to come spend time with her if he was busy.

  He let out a long breath and looked at the ceiling. “I sure hope not. I’ve gotten most of the initial hiring done, and that was the main work I needed to do. “

  “That’s good, right?”

  He nodded. “Yes. We have about one hundred and fifty workers now.”

  The number surprised her. “So many?”

  “It’s a large operation.”

  She clucked her tongue. “I’ll say.”

  He finished his cookie and brushed off his hands, but instead of reaching for another, he took her hands in his. Warmth enveloped her fingers, and she felt content just having the connection. “Do you want me to come by tonight?”

  She loved that he gave her the choice. “Yes. I’ve missed you,” she said softly.

  He tugged her hand, pulling her up from her chair, and she freely stepped into his arms. “I’ve missed you too.”

  She didn’t know how it was possible to feel both at ease and on edge at the same time. “It’s been hard, staying away from you.”

  “You don’t need to stay away from me.”

  “But you’ve had work to do.”

  He shrugged. “Nothing is as important as you. You can interrupt me anytime you want. You will always have my attention when you need it.”

  What he was offering her, to put her first, was more than anyone had ever done. “Are you sure?”

  He used to feel very differently. Success had always been more important than their relationship in the past.

  He nodded slowly then tilted her chin up so her eyes met his. “I promise nothing will ever come ahead of you again.” He brushed his lips softly across hers, sealing his words.

  When he finally released her, she sucked in a deep breath to steady herself. “I better go.”

  He nodded and reluctantly released her.

  She smoothed her skirts, smiling at him. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  The way he looked at her, the way he watched her, greedily devouring her with his eyes, told her how much he truly meant that.

  And as she walked out the door, she realized she’d never looked forward to an evening more.

  After a week of Lucas visiting her in the evenings and Abby sneaking into his office during the day, she’d come to a solid conclusion—she was in love with him.

  She couldn’t pinpoint exactly when the realization hit, but when she dismounted in front of his office again, she knew.

  And she wanted to tell him she loved him—that she wanted to be with him and only him—today. She was certain Connor would be disappointed when she refused him, but he would move on.

  She smiled, just thinking of Lucas’ reaction. He’d been patient with her, allowing her to figure her feelings out on her own, never giving her grief when another man asked to drive her home or to take a walk with her.

  He hadn’t liked those things, but he’d given her the choice. And because of that, she loved him.

  The past and the present intermingled, her love for him back then and now joined together to make her feelings stronger, richer. She saw that now, even though they’d gone through hardships, instead of damaging the relationship, their past only made it stronger.

  She twisted her hands in front of her, wringing them with excited nerves. She darted a few glances around to make sure no one saw her enter the office, but it was halfhearted.

  She’d realized Rhys and Willow were busy this time of day with the hotel, so they weren’t likely to discover her.

  Taking a deep breath, she gripped the doorknob and pulled it open.

  Immediately, Lucas glanced up, pushed away from his desk, and came
to her. He picked her up, twirled her around, and placed a warm kiss on her lips. “You need to start coming in earlier.”

  She laughed as he set her down. “Then you’d never get any work done.”

  He grinned. “But I’d be a happier man.”

  Jokingly, she smacked his arm. “You’d get sick of me.”

  He shook his head, still smiling. “Nope. Not possible. You’re stuck with me now.”

  He’d said it teasingly, but she hoped it were true. “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”

  “Are you kidding? How long can you stay?”

  She bit her lip and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Until you kick me out.”

  He took her invitation and kissed her warmly. He nuzzled her as he pulled away, and then looked at her a little longer. “You seem different today. Is everything all right?”

  “Yes. I’m great, actually. I just have some news.”

  When she paused to let the suspense rise, he laughed. “Out with it.”

  Suddenly, she was nervous about how he’d react. She brushed a speck of dust off his coat, unable to meet his eyes. “Well, I’ve been thinking a lot lately. About us.”

  Some of his humor vanished. “I hope there’s good news at the end of this.”

  “There is. At least, I think there is.” She looked him in the eye then. “I guess it depends on you.”

  He leaned back, taking her words seriously. “What is it?”

  “I’ve been thinking about how things are progressing. I care about you. More than I thought I could.”

  His shoulders relaxed. “That’s definitely a good thing.”

  “I want us to tell Rhys.”

  He froze, his eyes darting to hers again. “Are you sure?”

  She could see he was trying to figure out what this meant. “I am. What do you think?”

  “What do I think?” He looked at her like she was daft. “I should hope you know what I think.” With a whoop, he picked her up and spun her in his arms around the cramped office. “I think this is incredible. Amazing. I’m so happy.”