Sean laughed. “You’ve had as much homage as you get from us. Uh-oh, that was your train the stationmaster just called.”
Tony immediately shook Sean’s and Logan’s hands. Then he hugged Amelia. “Thanks for killing me and giving me this chance.”
She looked up at him. “Thanks for not killing me.”
His face sobered. “You knew what I was really supposed to do and you’ve done this for me?”
She nodded. “I didn’t think you would hurt me, much less kill me. And, thank you for keeping Charlie alive. Let me know when you’re set up so I can write.”
He stepped back and picked up his two bulging valises. With a wave, he boarded the train as the cars began to move eastward.
Amelia laid a hand against Sean’s heart. “Have we done the right thing?”
Sean kissed her forehead. “Too late to worry about that now, but I believe we have. He seemed like an okay guy.” He embraced her even though they were in public.
Amelia didn’t care if people stared. The last few days had taken all her stamina and she needed reassurance and comfort. She rested her head against Sean’s broad chest.
She said, “He was very nice to me and Charlie likes him—except for the spying thing. I hope Tony . . . um, Keith does well as a banker.”
Sean’s embrace increased briefly then released her. “Sweetheart, he’s on his way and is on his own. You’ve had enough adventures for a while. Unless you’ve thought of something else, our errands are finished.”
Logan stood with his hands in his pockets. “Come on, Lovebirds. We’ve had enough adventure just this week. Let’s go home.”
They turned and walked to retrieve the buggy for the ride to Sweetwater Springs.
***
Four weeks later
Amelia completed clearing away her things as Paulette came in carrying a box and her sister Claudene trailed behind with a bundle of clothing. The Norris women were moving into the rooms behind the shop as Amelia vacated them Sunday afternoon.
Paulette set her box on the kitchen table. “I have to tell you again how happy Mother, Claudene, and I are to have these rooms. They’re perfect for us.”
“I’ve enjoyed them and I hope you will. I’m so pleased you’re willing to take over the major part of operating the store. I’m fine for now, but when winter arrives, I’ll be stranded at the ranch.”
Paulette glanced around the kitchen. “We were so cold last winter but we’ll be snug and warm here while you’re at the ranch with your own little design room. Obviously Sean loves you very much.”
“I love him. When we’re together, I feel as if I’ve known him all my life. I love his family, too.”
From behind her, Sean said, “Just as I thought, you’re marrying me for my family.”
She turned and handed him a box of books. “I’d hoped you wouldn’t figure that out, Dear. You have to admit they are pretty wonderful.”
He leaned over the box to plant a kiss on her nose. “In one week, the family will be complete and spectacular.”
Amelia grabbed the broom but Mrs. Norris took it from her. “You’ve left the rooms tidy. I doubt you’ve missed a speck of dust but the girls and I will take care of any you’ve overlooked.”
Paulette giggled. “Or get Howard Pershing to do so.”
Sean came back in from the wagon. “Anything else going with us?”
Amelia brushed her hands together. “That’s everything of mine.” She waved at the three Norris women. “I hope you enjoy your new rooms. See you tomorrow.”
Sean helped her onto the wagon seat then jogged around to join her. He clicked the reins and they were on their way to the ranch. “Remember the first time you rode in this wagon?”
“I’ll never forget that freezing trip. In one way it seems like only last week but in others like years ago.” She glanced up at the blue sky. “Thank goodness today is pleasant and warm, oh, except for a few clouds on the horizon.”
“We could still have another snow as late as June. Not likely, though. I won’t care as long as the weather’s nice for our wedding.”
“I’m eager for the day, Sean. You’ve been patient to wait for my brother to arrive.”
“Glad he’ll be here to walk you down the aisle. I know how important that is to you. I’m sure the honor is important to him too.” Sean glanced over his shoulder. “I also wanted our new home to be finished. Good thing our addition is large. What do you have in those trunks?”
“Mother’s dishes and silver that were handed down from my grandmother, quilts and other bedding, tablecloths, clothes, lamps, pictures, and other things necessary for our home. I also brought some of my hat making materials for the room you set aside for me.”
“In spite of the blue sky overhead, that dark bank of clouds is headed this way. Hope we get home and unloaded before the rain hits.” He slapped the reins and the two horses increased their speed.
At their new home, Sean, Logan, and the hands had barely unloaded the wagon and put the horses inside the barn when lightning split the sky. Torrents of rain pelted against the house.
Sean ducked into the kitchen flinging water from his hands. “Just made it. Here’s another reason to have Paulette handy. If this continues all night, the road may be too muddy to travel on in the morning.”
“If so, I’ll try being philosophical. I am lucky she’ll be there. I told Paulette her sister could help in the shop if needed.”
“Okay, tell me where stuff goes and I’ll carry it. Except for that green trunk. I can’t lift that by myself. I’m sure you’ve packed anvils in there.”
She grinned at him. “We can always use another anvil or two. Actually, that’s the one filled with china and silver which, lucky for you, stays in this room.” She pointed to a steamer trunk. “Clothes, master bedroom. The black one has sheets and other things for upstairs.”
Sean held up a hand. “Stop. I’m going to get Logan to help.”
“Logan has arrived. Let’s get this stuff moved.”
“I’m here to help, too.” Charity had arrived wearing an apron and helped Amelia put away the china and silver and a few favorite pans. “Edwina, Jenny, and Millie thought you would prefer not being besieged.”
“How’s Millie working out?” Amelia spoke low, because the two kitchens were connected and the door was open.
“Like a dream. There’s another niece if you’re interested.”
Amelia slid a stack of plates onto a cupboard shelf. “I hadn’t thought that far ahead, but I suppose I am. I don’t see how I can be both a ranch wife and a shopkeeper without help.”
“We have your old room ready in the main house. I put your wedding dress in the wardrobe. I can hardly wait until the ceremony.”
“Me either. First, though, is Charles’ arrival on Wednesday. I’m so anxious to see for myself that he’s all right.”
“I imagine he feels the same way about you.”
“Oh, I hadn’t considered that, but you’re probably right. He’s always been protective.”
“Do you think he’ll settle here near you?”
“No, I suspect he’ll go to Texas and work in my bank, but I’m not certain.”
“You’ll have time to visit before the wedding. Where are you going for your honeymoon?”
Amelia laughed. “Same place you did—here. We just want to spend some time alone. Since our home is completed, we plan to stay here. We might go somewhere in the winter. Or not. I really don’t care.”
Charity grinned at her. “Had enough adventures to last a while?”
Amelia rolled her eyes. “For a lifetime.”
Chapter Fifteen
Amelia was certain her steps were almost skips. “Charlie loves people. He’ll be pleased you’ve come with me.”
She, Charity, and Logan waited on the station platform. They’d sent Sean to ask about the arrival.
He jogged back to them. “We’re in luck. Jack said the train will be a few minutes early.”
&nb
sp; When the train pulled in, Charlie was the first person to debark. Amelia waved and hurried toward him.
He dropped his valise and gave Amelia a giant hug that lifted her off the platform and didn’t release her for a long time. “I’m so glad to see you. For a while I seriously doubted if I’d live long enough for this day.”
When he set her down, Amelia held on to his shoulders. “Oh, Charlie, I was so worried about you, not knowing if those men had tortured or killed you.”
“It would have come to that if not for my rescue. As I understand, you’re to thank for that.” He bowed to her.
She tugged on his arm. “Come and meet my fiancé and friends.”
Her brother picked up his valise “I’m happy to see you’re out of mourning black.”
She led him to where the others were waiting. After she made introductions, they strolled to the buggy parked nearby. Logan and Charity rode on the front seat and the other three crowded together on the back seat.
“The Murdochs insist you stay with them. You’ll love their home. That’s where Charity and her aunt and I were marooned during the snowstorm after the train wreck.”
“You must have a lot to share that we couldn’t talk about before. I have a lot to tell you, too. You go first.”
Amelia related the episode of the snowstorm, the train’s crash, Edwina’s complaining that left them stranded with no place to stay, and the sheriff pressuring Sean and Logan to accept the three women into their home.
Sean hugged Amelia’s shoulders. “Your sister was shy, but then she started talking and I was mesmerized. I can’t tell you how happy I am she came back to Sweetwater Springs.”
Seated between her two favorite people, Amelia had never been happier. She nudged her brother. “Now it’s your turn. Tell me how in the world you got tangled up with that horrid gang and why you didn’t leave them.”
Charlie looked into her eyes. “I couldn’t tell you but for the past three years, I’ve worked for the Pinkerton Agency.”
She squeezed his arm and cried out, “I knew you wouldn’t do anything dishonest!”
After sending her a patient smile, he continued. “The Treasury Department hired our agency to infiltrate the counterfeiting ring and I was assigned the case. After Tony left, I figured I was a goner. His replacement hated me. Let me assure you that bunch was mean.
Charlie’s eyes shone with moisture. “I hate like everything that Tony died. In spite of our situation, he was a good friend and spoke up for me. I figure he’s the reason I wasn’t killed. Have to admit I’ve missed him a lot.”
Amelia looked at Sean then patted her brother’s arm. “We have a confession to make. We faked Tony’s death so he could get away from his relatives forever.”
Charlie let out a whoop. “Thank goodness!”
“He has a new name and is opening a bank. In fact, he’s found a building and is having it fitted with a vault and other fixtures he’ll need.”
“What’s his new name and where is he?”
“He’s now Keith Martin and I’m his silent partner in a Texas bank.” She handed him the letter she’d received last week.
“How did you manage that, Sis?”
Amelia went over the planning and the sheriff’s and Murdoch family’s help. “We even had a funeral for him and he has a tombstone. I didn’t know his exact age, so I just put his so-called death date and ‘Gone to a better life’ on the stone.”
Charlie laughed aloud. “And he’s done that, hasn’t he? Marinara sauce for blood? That must have been the best smelling murder on earth.”
“I opened a jar of Lina Barrett’s famous minestrone and heated it on the stove to explain the odor.”
Sean grinned at her. “When she gets her mind set to do something, cooperate or get out of the way.”
Charlie smiled too. “That’s my little sister. I suppose you used part of your funds from your father-in-law to start the bank.”
“I wouldn’t have had the money without Tony . . . I mean Keith saying whatever he did to Rupert Douglas. I have no idea what Keith knows about Rupert, but he warned me not to let my father-in-law know where I am.”
“Doesn’t matter now. Rupert Douglas shot himself rather than surrender to lawmen. He was affiliated with Tony’s uncle and a group of others who were even worse.” Charlie shifted on the seat. “Enough bad stuff. Tell me about your engagement, your shop, and the upcoming wedding.”
Charity turned to look over her shoulder at them. “We should have stopped at your shop, Amelia. You’ve done such a nice job making the place inviting.”
Amelia clasped Sean’s hand. “Sean’s my landlord. He doesn’t think I know, but he bought the building because he judged correctly that’s the perfect spot for my shop.” Amelia told her brother about the help she’d been given with the remodeling and painting and how sales had exceeded her hopes.
By the time they arrived at Murdoch Ranch, Charlie acted as if he’d known the others all his life. Amelia marveled that her brother could fit in anywhere while her shyness had always hampered her. Except when she was in her shop.
Her reaction there was different. Perhaps because she knew customers were interested in her hats or they wouldn’t be in the shop. Also, partly because she was proud of her creations. Actually, she thought talking to shoppers was a little like playing a part on stage.
***
Amelia stepped into her periwinkle blue faille dress with cream lace drapes over the skirt. More lace trimmed the low neckline and sleeves.
Mary Norton held the lace veil until Amelia was ready for it. “My dear, you are one of the loveliest brides I’ve ever seen. The color is so perfect for your eyes.”
The kind wife of the minister patted Charity’s arm. “I mean no favoritism. You didn’t know you were preparing for your wedding and didn’t even have a veil.”
“Don’t worry. All I needed was Logan and he’s a perfect husband.”
Mary’s lovely smile shone. “Oh, I can see he’s devoted to you as Sean appears devoted to Amelia. What a lovely family you Murdochs are. We’re fortunate you live close enough to attend church when the weather permits.”
Amelia hugged Mary. “You are the kindest person. No one could be more perfect for the wife of a minister.”
“Why, thank you. I am fortunate we’ve been able to live here so long while many ministers elsewhere often have to move every few years.”
Charity took the veil from her and set it on Amelia’s head. “Because you’re a wonderful couple and everyone in this county knows how fortunate we are to have you and your husband to lead us.”
“Not everyone, but you’re kind to say so.”
Amelia adjusted the halo of flowers holding the lace. “The veil is like the one Queen Victoria wore to wed Prince Albert. I saw an article in a magazine and copied the design.” She pulled the sheer fabric gently over her shoulders.
She turned for the other two women, not an easy feat in the small room at the parsonage. “How do I look?”
Charity tweaked the skirt. “Perfect. Sean will likely pass out when he sees you.”
“I hope not. I want to get married, not treat injuries.”
Mary said, “I’ve cut some flowers for your bouquet but I’ll carry them until we get to the church so you can manage your hem.”
Amelia held up her skirt as they walked across to the church. The Murdoch family was well-known and the parking area was full of buggies and wagons.
At the sanctuary steps, Charlie waited for her. “This gorgeous creature can’t be my little sister. Why, only a few weeks ago you were twelve and making a right pest of yourself.”
“I’m ignoring the pest remark. You look very handsome.”
Mary Norton handed Amelia the flowers and edged past the other three. “I’ll slip inside and start the music.”
When the music rang out, Charlie opened the door and Charity glided inside. After a few beats, Charlie escorted Amelia down the aisle.
He squeezed her hand w
here it rested on his arm. “How proud our parents would have been of you.”
Struggling not to cry with the emotion overwhelming her, Amelia focused on the handsome man who waited for her at the altar. His eyes devoured her as she approached. She was grateful for her brother’s support or she was certain she would have stumbled.
At the same time, she was conscious of her friends in the congregation—the Flanigans, the Barretts, the Walkers, the three Norris women, the Carters, Lavinia Murphy, and more. Even Sheriff Mather smiled as she passed. This was her home now and having so many friends filled her with happiness.
At the altar, Logan stood beside Sean. Reverend Norton beamed at her. Amelia gave her bouquet to Charity, who stood beside the minister. Charlie gave her hand to Sean then sat on the front row.
Reverend Norton cleared his throat. “Dear friends, many times bad things happen and we wonder why. This couple is the third marriage as a result of the terrible train crash in February. Good from bad. Now, let us unite these two in holy matrimony.
The minister read from the Bible and Amelia tried hard to listen but she was conscious only of the man beside her and the pounding of her heart. Sean held her hand, his own body quaking as much as hers. She was glad he was not unaffected.
Charity touched her arm. Apparently Amelia had missed her cue.
Reverend Norton asked, “Do you Amelia Suzanne Baxter Douglas take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to be with him through sickness and health, through richer and poorer, to love, honor, and obey as long as you both shall live?”
Her mouth had gone dry and she cleared her throat. “I do.”
“Then I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Sean brushed her lips gently and then they turned to face those who had been kind enough to attend the ceremony.
The minister announced, “May I present Mr. and Mrs. Sean Murdoch?”
After they were able to escape the reception in the parsonage and make their way to the buggy festooned with white ribbons and silly signs, Sean helped her aboard. He joined her and slapped the reins as people threw rice at them. They sped away from town and toward their new home.
Montana Sky: Bride's Adventure (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 4) Page 12
