Substitute Montana Bride: Bear Grass Springs, Book Thirteen

by Flightner, Ramona

  When a hand landed on his shoulder, he jolted, not having heard his nephews arrive. “Frederick,” he breathed. “I hadn’t thought to see you for a while yet.”

  Frederick stared at him with compassion, as he urged his uncle to the living room. Peter was there, along with Ben and Ewan. Although Tobias liked Ewan, the man had a way of meddling that sometimes put him on edge. “I’m in no mood for any of your mischief today,” Tobias said with a glower, as he stared at Ewan.

  Ewan nodded. “Aye, I ken. I remember well the mornin’ of my weddin’ to Jessie. I was no’ in the mood for anythin’ but pacin’ and prayin’ she’d arrive.” He paled for a moment. “For a while, I feared she would no’ show.”

  “But she did,” Ben said, with a smile. “Just as all our brides did.” He looked at his father-in-law. “Alvira will be there, Tobias. And you’ll never believe you were the man fortunate enough to marry her.”

  Tobias smiled at his son-in-law, giving silent thanks his daughter had had the good fortune to marry such a steady, kind man. “I pray you are correct.”

  Peter looked chagrined. “Our family has already had the interrupted wedding, the irate father, and the groom who failed to show. She’ll be there, Uncle.”

  All the men chuckled, and Tobias considered the many marriages that had occurred in recent years, acknowledging that few had been without drama. However, he hoped he’d had enough drama in his life, so that his short courtship with Alvira and his wedding day went smoothly. “I just want a day filled with peace and happiness.”

  Frederick squeezed his shoulder. “You’ll have that, Uncle. I know you will.”

  “The women are with her, helping her prepare for the ceremony. She’ll be there,” Peter said, as Ben and Ewan nodded.

  Tobias let out a sigh of relief, before stiffening as he saw a glance pass between his nephews. “But?” he asked, as he was on edge again. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  Peter cast another quick glance at Frederick, before shrugging. “We’re worried about Mother. I fear she may attempt to interrupt the ceremony again, as she did last summer.”

  Tobias paled. “No. I will not allow Katrina to ruin today.”

  “Aye, I ken,” Ewan said. “’Tis why I insisted on crashin’ yer wee party this mornin’, aye?” He smiled, although it didn’t reach his eyes. “My brothers an’ I will be at the back of the church. She will no’ have a chance to enter and wreak havoc at the ceremony. I promise ye, Tobias.”

  Frederick cleared his throat. “Although we can’t promise she won’t attempt something at the Hall.”

  Tobias nodded. “Alvira’s met your mother,” he said to his nephews. “She’s not swayed by any of her nonsense.” He sighed, calming, as he reminded himself of Alvira’s loyalty and of her defense of him the last time she saw Katrina. “I merely don’t want today ruined for her.”

  Ben shared a look with the other men. “We don’t want today ruined for you either, Tobias. You’ve waited a long time for today.”

  Tobias nodded, momentarily overcome by the show of support from his family. “Thank you,” he finally rasped. Glancing at the clock hanging on the wall, he sighed. He still had hours to wait, and now he had even more to worry about.

  * * *

  Alvira stood near the church doors, taking a deep breath, as she heard the chattering of the townsfolk in the background. Although she had assumed no one would be interested in her marriage to Tobias, she had been wrong. Everyone in town wanted to be present to witness the marriage of the formerly irascible storekeeper to the new schoolmistress. She took another deep breath, closing her eyes, as her stomach felt like a bunch of butterflies flitted about. She traced a finger over the beautiful light-blue wool of her dress, inordinately pleased with the beautiful simple dress that enhanced her curves and made her eyes seem even bluer. Today she felt like a princess, and she couldn’t wait to marry Tobias.

  “Ready?” Peter asked, as he winged out his arm to her and waited with a patient smile. He had been one of many men in the family who had offered to walk her down the aisle, and he had seemed genuinely honored to have been chosen.

  She smiled at him, slipping her hand through his arm. “I’ve never been more ready.” As they began the slow walk down the aisle, Sorcha sang a low haunting song that brought tears to Alvira’s eyes. Rather than mournful, it was filled with hope and yearning, as though one’s desires were on the cusp of being fulfilled.

  Focusing on Toby, waiting for Alvira at the end of the aisle, she saw no one else. She failed to see Annabelle beaming at her, Jane’s welcoming smile, or Irene wiping a tear from her cheek. All she saw was Tobias, gazing at her with the hope and the dedication she’d always dreamed of. When they arrived at the altar, Peter kissed her forehead, before patting his uncle on his arm.

  Soon Alvira stood beside Tobias, her hand by her side, as she yearned to hold his hand. Her fingers clasped her dress instead, and her breath emerged in fits and starts, as she barely heard what the pastor said. When Tobias gently gripped her hand, she gazed at him in wonder.

  “Your vows, darling,” he whispered, a hint of fear in his gaze.

  Smiling at him, she nodded and repeated after the pastor, never breaking her gaze from Tobias’s, as she looked deeply into his eyes. When he repeated his vows back to her, she felt her throat tighten at the solemnity of the moment and at the silent promises they made with their gazes. I will always cherish you. I will always honor you. I will never intentionally hurt you.

  When the pastor proclaimed them husband and wife, her eyes glistened with tears at the surfeit of emotions, as Tobias leaned down to kiss her. “I promise,” she whispered. “I will always love you.”

  “As I will you.” He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, as their family and the townsfolk cheered, and she had never felt such joy.

  * * *

  Tobias watched as Alvira laughed at something Sorcha said. He stood, as though thunderstruck, to see the absolute transformation in his wife. She was radiant. Glowing with an unrestrained delight, she was as a beacon to everyone in the room. His breath hitched at the realization of his excessive good fortune that she had chosen him.

  He jumped when a hand landed on his shoulder, interrupting his thoughts. “A beautiful wedding, Uncle,” Frederick said, as he watched their wives interact. “I’m delighted they get along so well.”

  “Me too,” Tobias said. “I want Alvira to always feel part of the family.”

  Frederick chuckled. “Oh, she is. She has more champions than you could imagine.” He smiled, as he saw Hortence and Bright Fawn race toward her and tug her toward the dance floor. “They adore her, as do all the children.”

  Tobias’s throat tightened for a moment at the sight of her with children around her. “I wish …” His thought was interrupted by Jane approaching and throwing herself into his arms. “Darling.” He kissed her head.

  “Stop looking at me like that,” she said, with a teasing smile. “I’m fine.” She turned to her husband, who shared Tobias’s strained look. “You can’t expect me to sit at home doing nothing for six months. I’m fine.”

  “The moment you don’t feel well, you’ll tell one of us,” Tobias said.

  She beamed at him. “Of course.” Her eyes filled, and she leaned forward to hug him again. “I’m so happy for you, Father. I’m so happy to see you with Alvira.”

  He sobered for a moment, focusing solely on Jane, although Ben, Frederick, and Peter were standing around them by this point. “You understand she doesn’t take your mother’s place?” He spoke in a soft voice. “No one could.”

  She nodded, her eyes filled with love and understanding, as she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. “Be happy, Father.”

  She moved away with Ben to chat with Annabelle and Fidelia, leaving Tobias with his nephews. “The only thing that would have made today even more perfect was if Cole could have been here.”

  Peter nodded, sighing. “I know. We received a telegram that he’s ho
ping to be here soon after the new year. He enjoyed Chicago and didn’t want to leave.”

  “I think the thought of being in Montana forever is hard for him to comprehend,” Frederick muttered. “He can’t believe his wandering days are over.”

  Tobias grunted. “He needs to find a good woman and settle down.” He smirked when his nephews let out bellows of laughter at the thought. “I never thought Peter would, and he did.”

  “True,” Peter said, gasping for air, as he saw Frederick swipe at his eye. Catching his breath, he couldn’t help but chuckle again. “Cole settling down. Oh, won’t that be something to watch?”

  Tobias smiled and nodded, as he stared at Alvira. “If he’s as fortunate as we are, he’ll find a worthy woman.”

  * * *

  Alvira approached the punch bowl, eager for anything to drink, even if it was the sickeningly sweet punch she had sampled at the Fall Harvest dance. When she took a sip of the punch, she sighed with pleasure to find it only slightly sweet. Glancing around the room, she saw everyone enjoying themselves, laughing, dancing, and telling stories. Soon it would be time for her and Toby to leave. A shiver of anticipation whispered down her spine, and she raised her cup to hide her irrepressible smile.

  “You really are a fool if you’re so pleased with yourself to have married that man,” Katrina said, as she stood beside her.

  “How are you here?” Alvira asked. “You’re not welcome.”

  “I live in town, and all the townsfolk were invited to your wedding and reception.” Katrina sniffed. “Although the MacKinnon men stood at the back of the church, like the worst sort of guard dogs, and refused me entrance.” She hissed her disapproval, as she glared in their direction. “I’m certain that, without their influence, my sons would never have turned their backs on me. They would have the compassion for me that I am owed as their mother.”

  Alvira stared at her and shook her head. “I fear compassion must be earned. And you’ve done little to earn anything but disdain.”

  Gasping in indignation, Katrina glared at Alvira. “You believe because you are in their good graces now that you will never suffer as I have? You dare to believe yourself superior to me?”

  Studying the woman, Alvira nodded. “Yes. I do. For I know I am nothing like you. I will never break a vow, nor will I ever betray those I love.” She took a deep steadying breath. “You are not wanted here, and I would ask you to leave.” She walked away, toward Tobias, her head high, as she met him as he approached her.

  She set a hand on his chest, shaking her head before he could speak. “All is well. She will leave.”

  He gazed deeply into her eyes, unable to hide the fear in his, his cheeks reddened. “Are you well?”

  Smiling at him, she nodded. “I am.” She stood on her toes, gifting him a fleeting kiss. “As are we.” She turned to see Ewan and Cailean, escorting Katrina from the Hall. “I knew we couldn’t escape without at least one of them causing trouble for us.”

  Tobias stared at her with a deep love and devotion. “The MacKinnon men visited Atkins yesterday at his hotel and advised him it would be better if he spent his time at his hotel today, tending to his guests. Helen convinced her mother to stay away, with the promise of a visit with her baby, whenever he or she is born.”

  Her eyes filled with wonder. “They did that for us?”

  He nodded, raising her hand to kiss it. “Yes. They didn’t want today to be spoiled. The only one they couldn’t guarantee would stay away was Katrina. I’m so sorry.”

  Alvira beamed at him. “Don’t you see? It doesn’t matter. She doesn’t matter. We are well, and she can’t say or do anything to harm us.” She smiled mischievously at him. “Although I did miss dancing with you, when speaking with her.”

  He chuckled, and the tension seeped from him. “I can’t have my bride missing anything on her wedding day. Dance with me, my love.”

  She nodded, gladly following him onto the dance floor, as he pulled her into his arms. “I love dancing with you,” she whispered, her lips brushing against the underside of his jaw.

  He gave a grunt of agreement as his hands clasped her tightly. “It’s heaven holding you in my arms.”

  She shivered at his words, resting her head against his shoulder and swaying to the music with him. “I wish we could dance every night.”

  He gently squeezed her waist as he kissed her head. “Who says we can’t?” He met her gaze, when she stared at him in wonder. Nodding, he whispered, “Tell me, Vera, what brings you joy, and I will always do whatever I can to make sure you’re happy.”

  Raising a hand to his cheek, she murmured, “I’m never happier than when I’m with you.” Her eyes glowed with sincerity, before she rested her head again on his shoulder, cherishing this moment with him, before they rejoined their wedding guests.

  * * *

  Hours later, Tobias led her into his home. He smiled as he saw the large cake, sitting on the kitchen table, and knew food for them would be in the icebox. His family would spoil them, and he would be forever grateful for that. “Come,” he urged, tugging on her hand, as he walked to the staircase and led her upstairs.

  Rather than the cold rooms he had expected, they were comfortable and warm. “Someone must have come to light the stoves,” he said in surprise, as he held his hand over the potbelly stove in the large living room.

  “Our family will take care of us,” she said, nodding, as he stared at her at her use of the word “our.” She wandered the room, her hand tracing over the polished wood and the worn fabric of the furniture. “It’s so comfortable.” Her eyes glowed with pleasure.

  He motioned to a small desk in a corner. “I wasn’t sure if you would like a desk, so I had one delivered.” He flushed, when she stared at him in shock. “It was nothing.”

  “Nothing?” she asked, as she approached it, opening drawers and finding paper, pencils, pens, and ink. “Nothing?” she asked again, as she turned to stare at him. “It’s everything. You did this for me?”

  “Of course, Vera. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” His eyes shone with his love and devotion. When she threw herself into his arms, he groaned with relief and kissed her head. “It’s just a desk.” He tried to tease her, but his voice was roughened, and he knew he failed.

  “It’s everything. You, the home we’ll have together. Your thoughtfulness. Everything.” She rubbed her forehead against his. “I never thought to have this. I’d begun to believe I’d only ever have a staid companionship, or a condescending one, but not this.”

  “What is this?” He kissed her forehead and then one eyebrow, before kissing the other. He continued to pepper kisses all over her face. “What is this, Vera?” he asked again, his voice strained and raspy.

  “Almost more than I dared to dream of.” She looked into his eyes. “A partnership. A friendship. A passion. A true concern, one for the other. Realizing that I never have to wake from my most precious dream because it’s my life.” Cupping his cheek when he remained silent, she whispered, “Does that make any sense?”

  “Yes.” He cleared his throat, his eyes shining brightly, as a tear tracked down his cheek. “You must know I feel the same.”

  Taking a deep breath, she whispered, “I know you’ve loved before. I fear I’ll never compare to who you loved and lost.”

  He groaned, pulling her close. “I’ve truly loved one other woman besides you, Vera. Jane’s mother, Ada.” He took a deep breath, as he spoke of her. “A part of me will always love her, not the least for giving me Jane.” He eased away to cup both of Vera’s cheeks in his hands. “She died, years and years ago.”

  A tear coursed down her cheek, and he swiped it away with his thumb. “Imagine my surprise to meet you and to realize I could find the love and the joy that I thought would forever elude me.” He bent forward, kissing her softly. “Don’t be afraid, my love. You are everything I have ever dreamed of.” He kissed her again, before moving to her jaw and down her throat. “Don’t doubt, Vera. Pleas
e don’t doubt.”

  She arched up into his kisses and caresses. “Soothe me of them.”

  “With the greatest pleasure.” He continued to rove his mouth and hands over her, as he led her to their bedroom, eager to share in their love together.

  * * *

  Alvira rested with her head on Tobias’s chest, her fingers playing in his chest hair, as her gaze looked out the bedroom window toward the hills, lit by the moon’s rays. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

  “The view or our lovemaking?” He spoke barely loud enough for her to hear, his hands roving over the silky smooth skin of her shoulder and upper back. When he felt her shiver, he pulled a blanket up over her, covering her, before wrapping his arms securely around her.

  “Both.” She raised her head, looking into his eyes. “I love this room.”

  “You do?” He couldn’t hide the surprise and the pleasure in his voice. “I thought you’d want to transform one of the larger rooms into our room.” He took a stuttering breath, before admitting his deepest fear. “Or that you’d want a room of your own.”

  Shaking her head, she pressed herself up, so she could kiss his jaw and then his lips. “Never. No. This is our room. A small hideaway from the world that’s just for us.” She smiled at him, an absolute peace in her gaze.

  He ran his fingers through her hair, his gaze watching the silky strands move. “You took my breath away today when I saw you, walking toward me in your beautiful dress.”

  She grinned at him. “Did you suspect?”

  He chuckled. “No, I didn’t. No wonder you had trouble meeting my gaze when Annabelle was buying the cloth.”

  She flushed. “I’m not good at subterfuge.”

  “Good,” he whispered. “For I hate it.” He kissed her cheek and then her nose. “You’re well?” He ran a hand through her long locks, his hand coming to rest on the back of her head, his brows furrowed with concern. “Did I please you?”