As the smoke cleared, Hardin staggered backward and fell to the ground, clutching his chest. Vince didn’t dare move toward the outlaw too soon, just in case the man wasn’t dead.
I did it! Tears stung his eyes as his heart said a silent prayer of thanks. That was for you, Jessica.
The outlaw lay still, so Vince took cautious steps toward the man. The excitement shooting through him and the speedy rhythm of his heart let him know that he had actually taken down the man. Vince had been faster than the notorious outlaw had.
When he reached Hardin, he kicked the gun away from the man’s unmoving hand. Studying his chest, Vince couldn’t tell if the man was breathing or not.
“You killed him!” One of the men tied up to the tree shouted at Vince.
Vince moved his attention to the man by the tree, and shrugged. “I’m a Pinkerton Agent. That’s what we do – we find outlaws and take them down.”
Suddenly, the man on the ground shifted quickly. Before Vince had time to realize what was happening, Hardin pulled out a hidden gun and pointed it toward Vince. A gunshot rang through the air, but it came from a different direction, hitting Hardin right in the forehead. The man dropped the gun – his life finally being taken from him.
Vince’s body shook as he stared at Hardin. Where had that other shot come from – the one that killed Hardin? Vince glance in the direction where the shot had come. Hurrying toward him was the woman who had melted his heart on several occasions. In her hand was a smoking pistol. Tears streamed down her face as she ran to him. He scooped her up in his arms and held her tightly.
“Oh, Vincent! I was scared. I thought he was dead, and when he pulled out the gun—”
“Shhh...” Vince pressed his mouth against hers, silencing her. The song of love was in his heart and expanded the longer they kissed. His mind cleared of all the pain and vengeance he’d felt for four years, and he knew that Frances was the one who had saved him in so many ways.
“My darling,” he muttered against her lips as he continued to snuggle with her. “You really killed him for me.” He pulled back slightly to look into her watery eyes. “I didn’t know you could shoot a gun.”
She shrugged. “I knew a little. I just wanted you to teach me.”
“Thank you.” His voice choked. “For everything.”
She cupped the side of his face, lovingly. “I finally found the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. Do you honestly think I’d let some outlaw take you from me?”
“Oh, Frances.” He sighed, dropping his face to her neck. “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve your love, but I’m grateful you are in my life.”
She kissed his forehead. “Vincent? Can we go home now?”
He chuckled softly. “Soon, my love. When the Pinkerton agents come to arrest these men, we can leave.”
“It had better be soon. This has been almost too much excitement for me.”
He kissed her again, not caring who watched. He loved this woman and he wanted the whole world to know.
FRANCES PACED THE CONFINEMENTS of her bedroom for the last time. Today was her wedding day, and as soon as Vincent arrived and took her to the church, she would never have to set foot in this house again.
Her heart ached with wounded memories. Some were good, but most were not. If it wasn’t her brother tying her up all the time, it was Pa ignoring her because his patrons were just too important to him as well as his son. But not Frances. She was important to her mother, but Ma was so busy trying to help Pa, Frances was overlooked many times.
She took a refreshing breath. Once she started her new life with Vincent, she wouldn’t have to think about her past. She and her new husband would make their own memories, and she couldn’t wait to finally live a happy life.
Stopping in front of the full-length mirror, she studied her pale blue silk dress with full sleeves that tapered down her arms, ending at a point at her knuckles. The ruffled layers of her skirt, flared out around her waist and legs, leaving a small train in the back.
She sighed and placed her hand to the cameo hooked to the bodice. This had been her mother’s jewelry – the only thing that was left after Jeremy sold all of their keepsakes.
The knock at the front door startled her, but then her heartbeat accelerated. She hurried out of her room and to the front door, opening it. Vincent looked so dapper in his long gray overcoat and matching trousers, with black waistcoat, gray cravat and white shirt.
He quickly removed his hat as his gaze slid over her. She quivered with excitement from his close perusal, and she especially liked the glow of his green eyes and his wide smile.
“You are breathtaking,” he said, taking her hand and lifting it to his mouth, kissing her knuckles.
“I must return the compliment, my love.” Warmth filled her cheeks. “I’ve never seen a more handsome man.”
“Are you ready to get married?”
Nodding, she pulled him inside the house and closed the door. “Indeed, I am. However, if you don’t mind, I’d like a proper kiss before we go.”
He laughed as he gathered her in his arms. “You can’t wait for after we are pronounced husband and wife?”
“No, I cannot.” She threw her arms around his neck and met his seeking mouth.
She would never get tired of kissing this man. He was so very tender with her, and yet, he somehow made their passionate moments so exciting. She loved the way he cradled her in his arms as if she was something precious. And she cherished the way the warmth from his body melded with her, giving her the feeling of comfort that she’d always longed for.
“What a cozy scene. Too bad I have to break it up.”
Frances jumped when Jeremy’s voice rang through the quiet house. Vincent swung around, keeping a protective arm around her as he faced her brother.
“Jeremy,” she gasped. The last time she’d seen him was right before she and Vincent had been kidnapped – two weeks ago. She had attended Walter Shipp’s funeral, but surprisingly, her brother had not. “What are you doing here?”
“I live here, don’t I?” he snapped.
“Yes, but...” She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. I’m glad you’re here. I’m getting married today.” She leaned against Vincent.
Jeremy shook his head. “Actually, you’re not.” He withdrew his gun and pointed it at Vincent. “He is the reason the rebels have been arrested or are dead. So now it’s my turn to step in and take that title. And I will not let a foolish Pinkerton agent foil my plans or the plans of those of us who are tired of you Yankees telling us what to do.”
Frances’ heart dropped. This couldn’t be happening. Not today of all days. Inwardly, she groaned. Why hadn’t her brother been arrested with the rest of the rebels? Then again, he’d disappeared...
“Jeremy, you’re a fool if you think you can start another war. Just let it go. Let the past rest and live a new life. You cannot change history.”
Her brother growled and stepped toward her. Vincent blocked Jeremy from getting any closer.
“I’m not changing history. I’m trying to change the way are lives are now.”
“Exactly, by trying to live the same way you did in the past. No, Jeremy, that will not work. That can never work.”
“Well, then I’m going to surprise a lot of people, aren’t I? Because I will make this work.” He clicked the barrel of the gun, aiming it at Vincent. “And I’m going to start by getting rid of this particular hindrance.”
Just then, the breaking of glass filled the air along with the gunshot. Vincent jumped in front of her, but it was Jeremy who dropped his weapon and grasped his bloody arm. Immediately, Vincent bent and retrieved her brother’s gun.
She glanced toward the window but the opening of the door was what grabbed her attention. Agent Bentley – her former employer’s new husband – rushed in the house, holding a still smoking pistol. Behind him, Claudia hurried inside.
Frances sobbed with happiness – and distress – but rushed to her
friend. Claudia hugged her tightly.
“I wondered what was taking you two so long,” Blake said jokingly before moving his gaze from Vincent to Jeremy. “I tell you, Brooks, you can’t take off even one day from your job, can you?”
Vincent chuckled and knelt beside Jeremy who sobbed from his painful arm. “Apparently not. But we need to get him to a doctor – and then taken to jail.”
“I’ll do that,” Blake said, pulling on Vincent’s arm for him to stand. “You have a wedding to get to.”
Vincent moved toward Frances who rushed to his side. Her throat was tight with emotion. “I’m sorry this had to happen.”
He shrugged. “Such is the life of a Pinkerton agent.” He stroked her cheek. “Are you sure you want to marry me and become an agent, too?”
She nodded. “I love you. I want to be in your life forever.”
He kissed her briefly on the lips, pulled away and smiled. “Good, because I cannot live without you.”
“Will you two get going?” Blake said with a chuckle. “And take my wife. She can tell me all about the wedding later. I just want to make sure that you two get hitched today.”
Vincent grinned at his friend. “Thanks, Bentley. I’ll catch up with you later.”
“Wait until after the honeymoon.” Blake winked. “My beautiful wife and I can handle this ruffian. You forget, we’re agents, too.”
Finally, she and Vincent walked out of the house for the last time and headed for the church. Today’s event would always be in her heart. And along with her vows to her husband, she silently vowed to make Vincent the best wife possible. She would make him as happy as he’d made her.
And now... their adventure would begin.
THE END
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Pinkerton Matchmaker stories
Make sure to read my other Pinkerton Agent romance stories.
AN AGENT FOR CECILY - https://www.amazon.com/Agent-Cecily-Pinkerton-Matchmaker-Book-ebook/dp/B07L532RCH
An Agent for Evelynn - https://www.amazon.com/Agent-Evelynn-Pinkerton-Matchmaker-Book-ebook/dp/B07N39WXMS
An Agent for Claudia - https://www.amazon.com/Agent-Claudia-Pinkerton-Matchmaker-Book-ebook/dp/B07RKRB7CT
Other published stories by Marie Higgins
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Author’s Bio
MARIE HIGGINS IS AN award-winning, best-selling author of clean romance novels that melt your heart and have you falling in love over and over again. Since 2010, she’s published over 65 heartwarming, on-the-edge-of-your-seat romances. She’s broadened her readership by writing mystery/suspense, humor, time-travel, paranormal, along with her love for historical romances. Her readers have dubbed her “Queen of Tease” because of all her twists and unexpected endings.
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