Ray Cochrane and his wife came next, and Sam and Colleen Perkins who owned the cooperage followed him. Billy Turner from the livery and his father who owned the feed store shook Daniel’s hand. Iris was slowly getting acquainted with everyone in town.
“You’re a beautiful bride,” Mr. Turner said, kissing Iris’s cheek.
“Going to notice a definite decrease in profits now that I won’t be renting out my buggy and Hermes to Daniel anymore,” Billy teased.
“You’ll survive,” Daniel replied, shaking his hand again. “Lend the rig to Sawyer to court my sister.”
Sawyer approached with Amanda on his arm. “I heard that.”
“Then take note, old man,” Daniel added, shaking his colleague’s hand.
“Who are you calling an old man?” Sawyer blurted, indignation evident in his voice. Then a broad grin appeared on his face. “I figured you McLennon boys might consider me too old for your sister. Well, the whole lot of you is wrong.”
“Yes, they are.” Amanda smiled. “I might as well tell you now. Sawyer proposed last night, and I’ve accepted.”
Iris gasped. “That’s wonderful. Why didn’t you say something earlier?”
“I didn’t want to detract the attention from you on your happy day.”
“Nonsense, there’s enough happy to go around for everyone.” Iris hugged her sister-in-law tightly. “Let us know when the wedding is. Hopefully, we can return from Chicago and attend.”
“Congratulations, Sawyer, you’re getting a great girl.” Daniel shook his hand.
“Don’t I know it. And rest assured, I’ll treat her like a queen.”
“You’d better. There’s a Pinkerton in the family to hunt you down if you don’t,” Daniel quipped.
“Duly warned.” Sawyer chuckled and glanced at his fiancée as they moved along. “Now that you’ve let the cat out of the bag, we’d better go break the news to your father, Amanda.”
“Good luck,” Daniel called just as Harold Watson and Nancy approached them.
“Congratulations, Daniel. And Iris, you look very beautiful today.” Harold greeted them with a broad smile, and then glanced at his new wife. “I truly hope you two are as happy as we are.”
“I know we will be,” Iris replied without a moment’s hesitation.
Daniel shook Harold’s hand. “Aren’t you the sneaky old dog, slipping out of town and getting married without a word to anyone.”
“Lily and Jackson knew of our plans, but they kept our secret,” Harold explained. “My daughter wanted to attend, but being with child, she didn’t feel up to the trip.”
“Lily’s with child?” Daniel exclaimed.
Iris nodded. “She told us while I was getting ready.”
“That’s wonderful. I must congratulate Jackson.” Daniel beamed and then returned his attention to Harold. “But you could have married in Milestone.”
Harold shrugged. “We thought it best to keep the event small and private.”
“You must ask Carl about the to-do he endured with Mrs. Landers when she learned you’d left town,” Iris suggested, as Harold kissed her cheek.
“We heard all about it from Milton Brown when he helped me arrange some heavy furniture in my wife’s home after I moved my things out of the hotel this afternoon.” Harold shook his head. “Mrs. Landers certainly doesn’t know me. Or my new wife.”
“Frances Landers has always been a hopeless gossip. I hope this teaches her a lesson.” Iris clasped Nancy’s hand. “I’m so happy for you. And I know Amanda will be delighted to have you back. With Christmas around the corner, I heard her mention she’s already being inundated with orders.”
“I’ve missed going to work every day and visiting with her and Ruby.” Nancy glanced at her new husband. “Harold and I share differing opinions on my employment there, but we’ll work it out.”
“She’ll be far too busy for much sewing,” Harold stated glancing at his new wife. “Tell them what you have planned for the money the town offered you, the additional funds recovered from those robbers.”
Nancy nodded. “I’m using the money to open a local orphanage for children who are left destitute for any variety of reasons. When my husband was killed and I couldn’t afford to provide even meager necessities for my daughter, Victoria could have been sent to an orphanage had the community not helped us out. I never want any child put in that situation: no food to eat, no clean clothing to wear, kept from attending school. More than likely, those funds represent ill-gotten gains, but I’ll guarantee they’ll be used for something good.”
“That’s a marvelous idea,” Iris exclaimed. “Had my mother passed when I was young, my father wouldn’t have kept me. I’d probably have been placed in an orphanage, too.”
“We’ve found a suitable old mansion in town and Reverend and Mrs. Fitzpatrick have agreed to help with the initial setup. They’ve seen a need since starting the Benevolent Fund at the church and they know of orphaned children being cared for by family friends barely able to afford to feed them. Those children would benefit from the facility.”
“Best of luck with your new endeavor,” Iris said, hugging Nancy.
“Time to eat, everyone,” Farley Johnson, the hotel owner, announced in a booming voice. Not only had the wedding guests been advised, citizens may have heard his announcement halfway down Main Street.
“We’d best take our place at the front table,” Daniel instructed his new wife.
Iris shook out her skirts and settled on her chair with her husband’s assistance. The billowing skirt on her dress looked wonderful but it did present its challenges.
“Are you comfortable?” Daniel sat on the chair next to hers, with only a slight grimace.
“Very much so. How about you?”
“Never better, but I’ve been thinking about your remark, possibly being sent to an orphanage. That would have been a shame. We probably never would have met,” Daniel added. “And I cannot imagine ever loving anyone but you.”
Iris’s eyes filled. “I can’t imagine loving anyone but you either.”
Daniel carefully leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips. Raucous cheering and ear-splitting whistling resulted with the groom’s brothers being the instigators. “Ignore them, sweetheart,” Daniel whispered. “They’re just jealous.”
Soon, the meal was served and everyone in attendance exclaimed over the delicious offering. The hotel cook had completely outdone himself tonight. Iris had no idea what Mrs. Sheridan had arranged but the hearty meal of steak, roasted potatoes with carrots and turnips was delicious. And Iris recalled this offering had been the first meal she and Daniel shared at the hotel. Could it be coincidence? Or had the hotel cook planned it?
“Come see your cake,” Mrs. Carter called while she rolled a wheeled serving table into the room. A beautifully decorated rectangular cake with white icing and small blue roses in the identical color of the bride’s dress sat atop.
Iris gazed at the wonderful confection. “It’s too beautiful to eat!”
“No, it’s not, sweetheart.” Daniel waved off her comment. “That looks delicious!”
Mrs. Carter laughed. “I baked it specifically with your sweet tooth in mind, young man.”
Everyone laughed and Mrs. Carter set about serving a piece to each of the guests.
Once they’d finished the cake completing the wedding meal, the guests extended their final best wishes and drifted out of the room, heading for home.
Daniel slipped his hand into Iris’s. “We should be heading to our room. We only have tomorrow with family before we leave for Chicago.”
Five minutes later, Daniel and Iris slowly climbed the stairs to their hotel room on the top floor, having said their goodbyes to the guests and promising AJ they would visit the family at the ranch tomorrow.
For one last time.
Chapter 36
Iris looked on while Daniel and Jackson loaded her two brand-new trunks and Daniel’s smaller trunk into the covered wagon. Dan
iel rented the wagon from Billy Turner, leaving the ranch wagon available for supply runs to Milestone. The canvas cover ensured she’d stay warm during the trip to Butte, and Daniel’s brothers laid a straw-stuffed mattress on the wagon floor for Daniel to lie down to rest, if needed.
“Thank you again for my trunks. What a lovely gift.” Iris hugged Amanda and then Lily in turn. “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your kindness and forethought.”
“We couldn’t have Daniel traveling with you and attempting to keep watch over a dozen wooden boxes,” Amanda claimed, laughing.
“Mrs. Carter told you about my brother’s shipment.” Iris chuckled.
Lily’s hand rested on her ever-growing middle. “Yes, she did. And we decided trunks would be the perfect wedding gift for our new sister-in-law.”
“I cannot thank you enough. Can you believe I’ve packed up everything I own again, after arriving in Milestone only a year ago?” Iris mused.
“I know.” Amanda reached for her hand. “I feel like we’ve barely gotten to know you. But I’m certain you’ll make my brother very happy.”
“Thank you. I love him so much.” Iris paused, searching for the words to properly convey her feelings. “I feel… so fortunate to have found such a wonderful man. He accepts who I was before, and he encourages me to become the best version of the new me today. And he loves me as much as I love him.”
“And he should. You’re a wonderful person.” Lily touched her hand.
“Don’t dwell on what came before. Concentrate on your future as a reinvented lady,” Amanda added.
Iris blinked back tears. “Thank you. I promise I will. Plan your wedding and enjoy the day. Daniel and I will probably miss out on your celebration, but we’ll be with you in spirit. And you must write me explaining every detail,” Iris pleaded.
“We’re not marrying for a while yet, and Sawyer is hoping Daniel will be allowed time away from his work to come and serve as his best man.” Amanda shrugged. “I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
Iris smiled at Lily. “When your baby arrives, please send us a telegraph. Neither Daniel nor I will be able to wait for a letter.”
“I promise we will. We’ve months to go, and Jackson can barely contain his excitement already. He’ll send everyone he knows a telegraph when this child arrives.” Lily laughed.
“Remember, you promised to write me also.” Mrs. Sheridan stepped up to Iris. “I so enjoyed helping plan your wedding, and I want to know every detail about your new life in Chicago with Daniel.”
Iris hugged the ranch housekeeper. “I will. But I’ve promised to write to Mrs. Carter, Lily and Amanda, Nancy and now you, Mrs. Sheridan. I’ll accomplish nothing but letter writing. Poor Daniel’s supper will be late every night.”
“Don’t be silly. Take turns writing to each of us and we’ll share your letters with the other ladies,” Amanda suggested. “Now, go climb into that wagon and enjoy this new adventure.”
“Thank you. I’m looking forward to this train trip with Daniel.” Iris gazed at the fully loaded wagon where Daniel busied himself with goodbyes to his brothers and friends. “Compared to the nerve-wracking trip I spent worrying if I’d be discovered, alone and afraid, while on my way to Milestone, this train journey will be nothing but a pleasure.”
Mrs. Carter waved from the sidewalk outside the livery; she’d tearfully hugged Iris near to death several minutes ago. Mrs. Sheridan walked to her side and wrapped a sympathetic arm around her. Mrs. Carter dabbed at her tears, and moments later Mrs. Sheridan was doing the same.
Nancy and Harold Watson stood on the sidewalk and waved. Iris had withdrawn her cash from the newly opened bank. Her meager life savings, including her final teacher’s pay, remained hidden in a small leather pouch at the bottom of the box holding her grandmother’s pearls, tucked away in one of her trunks. Daniel assured her substantial funds awaited them at a bank in Chicago, arranged by AJ as his wedding present to the newlyweds. AJ hadn’t divulged the amount, but Iris imagined they wouldn’t be wanting for anything. And setting up a new household would be costly. She’d written AJ a long thank you letter, and she intended to hand it to him just before she and Daniel boarded the train in Butte.
“Are you ready to leave, Iris?” Her new father-in-law insisted on accompanying them to Butte where they would catch the train for the first leg of their journey to Chicago. AJ intended to visit with friends and then would return Billy’s covered wagon to Milestone on his trip home.
“No, but I haven’t any choice.” She clasped Amanda’s and Lily’s hands. “I hate leaving all of you, but I refuse to live any place except where my husband is.”
“Believe me, I completely understand,” Lily replied without hesitation.
“I cannot imagine living anywhere Sawyer wasn’t,” Amanda added, hugging Iris tightly.
Hoping she wouldn’t burst into tears, Iris made her way over to the wagon and AJ helped her up onto the bench seat before climbing up beside her. Soon, Daniel carefully eased himself onto the bench beside her, appearing mindful of his recent wound. She felt safe and content, positioned between her husband and father-in-law. With one final wave, they headed down Main Street and soon left the outskirts of Milestone behind.
“You know, son, if this job doesn’t work out, you can always come home. A deputy job with Carl and Sawyer will be waiting for you, no matter what,” AJ offered.
“Thank you, Pa. But I’ve wanted this opportunity for as long as I can remember.” Daniel glanced at his father. “I appreciate the sentiment though.”
AJ glanced at Iris. “And you, Miss, if Daniel is assigned to a job that will take him away from you for several months, don’t hesitate to come back to Milestone to await his return.”
“That’s so kind and thoughtful.” Iris hugged his arm. “I appreciate you thinking of my comfort. We’ll have to wait and see what work Daniel is assigned.”
“Both of you will always have a home in Milestone. Either in town or at the ranch,” AJ clarified.
“We know, Pa.” Daniel reached for Iris’s hand and gazed into her eyes. “If, God forbid, the unthinkable happens to me, please come back to Milestone, to your family here.”
Iris shook her head. “Nothing will happen to you. You won’t allow it.”
AJ looked heavenward. “You hear that up there? Take care of my boy.”
* * *
Finally, three days later, Iris stood beside Daniel on the platform, preparing to board the train in Butte, destined for their new life in Chicago.
“I have something for you, Mr. McLennon.” Iris dug into her reticule and handed AJ her thank you letter.
“What’s this?” He appeared completely surprised.
“A few words to express my gratitude for your kindness and to extend a proper thank you for your generous wedding gift.”
He hugged her tightly. “You’re very welcome, and I wish you a happy life with my son.”
“Thank you. I know we’ll be happy. Daniel learned how to love completely and forever from the example you provided with his mother.” Iris took a step back. On the way to Butte, he’d told her about his wife, Edna, and how they’d loved each other so much, he never would find another woman to compare. Iris gazed into Daniel’s eyes, seeing his love for her reflected there, and totally understanding what AJ had shared with his wife.
“All aboard!”
Iris startled at the shouted announcement. “We’d better hurry or they’ll leave without us.”
“Yes, we should go. Goodbye, Pa. And thank you for everything.” Daniel chuckled and hugged his father. “Especially for understanding that one of your sons hated ranching and wanted to become a Pinkerton one day.”
“I’d never stand in the way of a man’s dream. Even if it means he moves thousands of miles away to accomplish it.” AJ slapped Daniel on the back. “Best of luck, son, and don’t forget to come home for a visit once in a while.”
“We will,” Iris assured him.
<
br /> AJ winked at her. “And bring me home a grandbaby in a year or two also.”
Daniel laughed. “We’ll do our best, Pa.”
Soon, they’d boarded the train and settled into their seats. Daniel had promised her a private compartment when they transferred trains at a larger city, but for now she ignored the smoke belching from the stacks and permeating the interior of the passenger car. She gazed at Daniel wearing a broad smile.
“So, Mr. McLennon, are you more excited starting this new job of yours, or beginning a new life with me?” she teased.
“My dear, our new life together in Chicago wins every time.” He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her tenderly. He looked deep into her eyes. “The Pinkertons have acquired me as an agent and I won’t lie. I cannot tell you how pleased I am to have attained my dream.”
“I’m so happy for you,” she whispered. “Truly, I am.”
“Thank you. But be assured, sweetheart, you have won my heart and you’ll have my love forever. Absolutely nothing could make me happier than beginning our lives together.”
The train moved forward with a jolt, crushing Iris against her new husband’s chest. “Nothing could make me happier either.” She rested her cheek on his jacket and snuggled into his warmth.
She recalled the day Amanda suggested she’d become a variegated Iris, with several aspects to her life. That day, her now sister-in-law had called her multi-dimensional. A former thief. A brave young lady escaping an impossible situation. Then a respectable and beloved teacher. And now another facet had evolved, wife of a Pinkerton agent. Someday she looked forward to adding new mother to the list. She couldn’t believe how a bit of time and positive circumstance could change a person’s life so extremely, and for the better. There wasn’t a greater example of a reinvented lady than herself.
She closed her eyes and snuggled closer in her husband’s warm arms, knowing complete contentment for the first time in her life.
“I love you, Daniel,” she whispered.
A Reinvented Lady (Sons Of A Gun Book 2) Page 21
