“He’s still handsome. Millie has dark hair. Their children have Alec’s red hair. They were good kids when I saw them. The boy is named Rory Gideon after my sweet husband and your brother.”
“Let’s think of where Alec could live.”
“Their house in Boston is too small but property in a good area is so expensive there. With two children, he’ll need a house at least as large as ours. Having him near will be so nice. Is anyone on this block moving?”
“Not that I know.” Orla laughed. “I imagine Darren will know more than either of us can learn. Apparently people tell him the deepest secrets. That’s why I’m so happy I’ll have something new to tell him.”
“I suggest we wait at least until we know Alec’s moving here before we worry about where the family will live.”
After chatting a few more minutes, Keira went to her own home.
That evening, she greeted Gideon and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I forgot one big piece of news.”
He leaned back to look into her eyes. “Hmm, couldn’t have anything to do with your doctor visit this morning, could it?”
“How do you know?”
“Saw Doctor Norton go by and he congratulated me. I’m sure happy to hear you and both babies are doing well. I have news, too.”
“Well, spit it out, man.”
“Alec wired back immediately. He and Mr. Forbes exchanged several telegrams today. Alec made an offer and it was accepted. They’ll move as soon as they can make arrangements.”
“That’s wonderful news. I’m glad I made your favorite pie for dessert.”
Gideon patted his abdomen. “I’m always happy to have pie.”
Two months later
Keira motioned to her sister-in-law. “Hurry, the stage will be here soon. I see the dust billowing in the distance.”
Orla pushed the perambulator holding baby Gavin Gideon McVie. “I should cover the buggy so he won’t choke from the dust.”
Darren leaned over the baby. “He looks fine, dear. Boys need a little dirt to toughen them.”
Gideon rested a hand at Keira’s waist. “Are you all right? I think you should have waited at home.”
She smiled at him. “I’ve never been better.” In truth, her back had been hurting all day. She wondered if she sprained something with all the preparations for their visitors.
The staged rolled to a stop and the doors opened.
Alec stepped out and set five-year-old Rory on the ground. “Stand right there.” Next he set four-year-old Catriona beside her brother. “Hold Rory’s hand.”
When Millie stepped down with Alec’s assistance, she appeared exhausted—and about six months’ pregnant.
Keira rushed to hug Alec then Millie. “Oh, Millie, how exciting. We’ll all have babies near the same age.”
“That will be nice for the children. I hope there are others nearby the ages of Rory and Cat. They need friends.”
“Oh, yes. Let’s go home. It’s only a short walk and you can rest. I remember how tiring that stage was and I wasn’t expecting and with two children.”
“I’d love to lie down and rest then have a bath. We’re in this town to stay because I will never travel in a stage again.”
They left the men to collect the luggage and took the children with them to Keira and Gideon’s home. Orla led the way then came Millie holding Cat’s hand. Keira and Rory were last in line.
Rory looked at Keira. “Cousin Keira, you got a lot fatter since you were at our house.”
Orla and Keira laughed.
Frowning, Millie turned to look over her shoulder. “Rory, that’s rude.”
He looked at his feet.
Keira leaned over to talk to him. “You’re right, Rory, I have gained a lot. I hope to lose weight soon.”
He looked up at her. “Are we gonna live with you?”
“Until you find your own house. You and Cat will share a room like you did when I lived at your home. Your cousin Gideon and I found small beds just the right size for you and your sister and they’re in the room you’ll use.”
“Really? Mama thought we’d have to sleep on pallets on the floor.”
“Lots of children do when they go visit relatives, but we provided beds for you. On each bed is a surprise I made for you.”
Rory’s eyes grew wide with excitement. “What kind of surprise. Oh, tell me, cousin Keira.”
She couldn’t suppress a laugh at his animated expression. “For Cat, I made a doll almost her size. For you I made a big lion with a bushy mane.”
Thank goodness the doctor had been wrong and she hadn’t lost any of the dexterity of her hands.
“A lion? I’ve never had one of those.” Rory was so like his father in looks and temperament. No wonder she loved the little boy.
“We have a big yard where you and Cat can run and play. This is a friendly town and I hope you like living here.”
Once they were inside the house, Keira settled Millie on the guest bed. “Don’t worry about the children. I’ve missed them and I’ll enjoy looking after them.”
“Thank you, Keira. I believe I could sleep around the clock.”
“Sleep as long as you need. I’ll close the door so you’ll have privacy.”
Rory and Cat played with their new toys in the room they’d be using during their stay.
By the time the men arrived with the luggage, Millie was sound asleep.
Alec peeked in on Millie then closed the guest room door. “She’s hardly had any sleep on this trip. I think she started out tired from our selling her mother’s home and our home and packing everything. We’ve shipped way too much stuff that will have to be freighted from Helena. Because of selling two homes and the furniture store, we had enough money. I didn’t have the heart to ask Millie to sell everything.”
Keira linked her arm with his. “Of course not, you sweet man, because you are soft-hearted. I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re here. Now we’re all one big family.”
Gideon indicated their guests sit down. “I’m sure you can find a house you like or build one. Darren hears all the gossip and will be the first to know if a suitable house is coming up for sale.”
Darren leaned back in his chair. “As a matter of fact, I do know of one.”
Alec held up his hand. “First thing tomorrow, I want to look at the store and see what I bought. Forbes has agreed to stay a month to help me learn the trade. After I’ve checked over the store, I’ll want Millie with me to see that house.”
After they ate, Keira coaxed the children to get ready for bed without disturbing their mother.
She returned to the parlor. “They were tired, too, and needed no prodding to get into bed.”
Orla chuckled. “Having new toys for them was clever and thoughtful. Time for us to be going home. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
Darren stuck out his hand to Alec. “Sure nice to have you and your family here.”
Alec shook hands. “Good to be here.”
Keira enjoyed listening to Gideon and Alec. They talked as if they’d never been apart.
About nine, she grabbed her protruding belly and counted. After a third wave of pain passed, she gasped. “Gideon? I-I think maybe you should go for Doctor Norton.”
Alec rushed to her side. “Go on, Gideon, since I have no idea where the office is I’ll help Keira to your bed.”
Gideon left in a run.
Keira gasped again. “Don’t wake Millie. She’s so tired.”
Alec chuckled. “I doubt I could wake her. She’s a sound sleeper even when she’s not exhausted.”
In the bedroom, Alec stared. “That is the biggest bed I’ve ever seen. I didn’t know they came that large.”
“They don’t.” She was humiliated when moisture poured down her legs.
“Don’t worry, that’s normal.” He turned back the blankets. “Do you have something to put over the sheets to protect them and the mattress?”
She pointed to a chair. “That’s o
iled canvas. Would you spread it across the bed?” She unbuttoned her dress.
Alec spread the protector over the sheets. “I wouldn’t normally suggest this, but let me help you. Don’t forget I watched your mam change your diaper.”
He tugged her dress over her head. “I’ll get the water heating while you get rid of your unmentionables and put on your nightgown. Is there a top sheet I can use to cover you for the doctor?”
“Yes, we’ve saved a stained one.”
Before she could explain, Gideon was back with Doctor Norton. He rushed into the bedroom and dug out the sheet they’d used when Gavin was born. “Lie down, love, and I’ll cover you with this.”
Doctor Norton motioned Gideon out. “You go talk to your friend and I’ll let you know if I need you. You might want to get your sister over here. I’ve a feeling she’ll be mad as a wet hen if you don’t.”
Alec clapped Gideon on the shoulder. “You sit in that giant chair in the parlor. I’ll let Darren and Orla know what’s going on.”
Keira didn’t know what happened after Gideon left the room. She wished he’d stayed with her. She wanted to tell the doctor but he kept issuing instructions.
Orla came in and took Keira’s hand. “I’m so excited. You held my hand and now I get to hold yours.”
“See about Gideon.”
“Don’t worry about him. As expected, my brother is a wreck. You’d think he was the one birthing a bairn. Oh, two bairns. He has Darren and Alec to keep him company and Darren is taking care of Gavin.”
“I’m a wreck, too. I should have told you my back hurt all day.”
Orla squeezed her hand. “You sure should. I would have told you that’s what happens first. That and an urge to clean. Since you were expecting house guests, I didn’t think anything about your cleaning frenzy.”
“I wanted everything nice for Alec and Millie.”
“Your home was already neat as could be but you scrubbed and polished everything anyway. Why didn’t I realize what was happening?”
“Orla, I’m glad you’re here. I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I want to see Gideon.”
Doctor Norton patted Keira’s hand. “Don’t get him in here. He’s a big man and likely to break something when he falls, which he’ll do when he sees what’s happening. Trust me, Keira. I’ve seen strong men pass out too many times.”
But, Gideon came to the door. “How are things going, doc? Keira, love, I’m sorry you have to go through this. Auch, maybe we shouldn’t have more children if doing so is so painful.”
Orla shooed him. “Go on with you. Just let her see you occasionally but don’t hover.”
“Aye, I’ll go back to the parlor. If you want me, Keira, yell for me and I’ll be here in a flash no matter who wants to send me away.”
Gideon paced the parlor. Hours passed. His wife’s moans sliced him to bits.
Alec blocked his path. “Sit down, man. Keira is doing well. Millie screeched like a banshee. I was certain she was dying but the doctor said both births were normal.”
Darren said, “Remember how Orla yelled. I thought she was dying, too, and if she did I’d die right there with her.”
Gideon dropped onto his chair and patted the arms as he looked at Alec. “Keira bought this for me after she arranged to join the two mattresses for our bed. She ordered the matching chair for herself. I think she used the last of her money to buy these.”
Alec sat in Keira’s chair. “She bought some dresses in Boston. I offered to pay for them but she said she could. She didn’t buy many, but I was pleased she could do so.”
Gideon grimaced. “One was ruined when she was stabbed.”
Alec leaned forward. “When she was what?”
Gideon explained about Ella Price.
Alec shook his head. “I had no idea. She never wrote me about that.”
“She wouldn’t, would she, since the ordeal made her a heroine? There was a reward for Ella’s capture but Keira donated it to the church for food for needy families. Said she couldn’t enjoy one penny that came as a result of that evil woman and I agreed.”
He was a man divided. Part of him listened to the conversation with his two friends. Another part of him remained alert to what he heard from the bedroom. If he heard his name, he was going in there.
Around midnight, Gideon looked at his friend Alec. “You’re almost as tired as Millie. Go on to bed and get some rest.”
Alec stood and stretched. “If you don’t mind, I will. Tomorrow will be a busy day.”
Darren stretched out on the couch even though his feet dangled over the arm. Gideon covered him with an afghan.
Orla came out several times to check on Gavin. The baby still had to be fed during the night and she took him into the kitchen to let him nurse.
Gideon’s little sister nursing a baby created a strange sensation. To him, she shouldn’t be old enough. He remembered her running across the meadows in Scotland and how it annoyed their grandmother when she acted unladylike.
Orla had been both excited and brave on their trip to America. When he’d returned from the war, she had grown into a graceful woman. Now, she was married and a mother.
Time dragged into the wee hours. He tried to doze in his chair but couldn’t.
A baby’s cry from the bedroom sent Gideon rushing to the closed door. He shoved it open. Good thing he was holding on to the door frame. He wasn’t prepared to see his wife in pain and the mess that covered the bed.
Orla smiled at him and held a bundle. “You have a boy. We don’t know about the other yet.”
Doctor Norton looked over his shoulder. “I see your expression in spite of that beard, Gideon Ross. I’m too busy to treat you, too. Get out of here until we call you.”
Gideon backed out and closed the door but waited in the hall a couple of feet away. Why hadn’t the other baby arrived? He prayed Keira and the babies were safe.
Soon he heard another cry. He opened the door and went inside.
One babe was nestled in one of the cradles he’d made.
Orla held a second bairn. “Another boy.”
Doctor Norton still worked on Keira. “Both babies appear to be perfect and Keira is doing well.”
Keira smiled at him. “Congratulations, Papa. Sorry I’m not looking my best.” Her hair was wet with perspiration and she was pale.
He edged around the doctor and his sister to clasp Keira’s hand. “You’ve never been more beautiful. Like a Madonna.”
Doctor Norton stood. “My work is done. I’ll be by several times this week to check on the family.”
Gideon pumped the doctor’s hand. “I can’t thank you enough.”
Orla finished cleaning the second twin and laid him in his cradle. “I’ll take my boys home. I’ll be back later to make breakfast.”
“Alec and I will manage breakfast. You sleep.”
When they were alone, Gideon didn’t want to chance jostling his wife but he wanted to hold her. She must have read his mind for she patted the bed next to her.
Carefully, he stretched out beside Keira. “My precious wife, are you happy with the names we chose?”
“Yes, Travis Alec and Cameron Darren are good names. I’m pleased you wanted to use my maiden name for one of our boys. You’re sure having a son named Travis won’t make you too sad?”
“I’m positive. In a way, it preserves a part of him. I think he’d be happy knowing we named our son after him.”
“I’m sure Travis knows and is smiling.”
“Hearing you say that gives me hope. Is it any wonder I love you more than words can say?”
“I love you as much, Gideon.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m so happy. We have each other and two sons. We each have extended family near. Our life is perfect.”
“I agree, my love, and we’ll be together forever.”
Keira remained still except for capturing his hand and bringing it to her lips for a kiss. “Forever is barely long enough.”
&n
bsp; I hope you have enjoyed this book in the series, The Proxy Brides. New books will be released every other week through 2019.
If you enjoyed this story, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review, as it helps me reach new readers and continue to write stories that appeal to you.
Have you missed any of the Proxy Brides?
1 – A Bride for Jeremiah by Christine Sterling, September 18, 2018
2 – A Bride for Clay by Marianne Spitzer, September 30
3 – A Bride for Nathan by Barbara Goss, October 18
4 – A Bride for Abel by Cyndi Raye, October 30
5 – A Bride for Finn by Linda Ellen, November 15
6 – A Bride for Carter by Wendy May Andrews, November 27
7 – A Bride for Sterling by Parker J. Cole, December 15
8 – A Bride for Henry by P. Creeden, December 31
9-A Bride for Elijah by Christine Sterling-January 17, 2019
10-A Bride for Travis by Barbara Goss-January 31
11-A Bride for Sam by Linda Ellen-Feb 14
12- A Bride for Valentin by Parker J. Cole-Mar 22
13-A Bride for Calvin by Cyndi Raye-Apr 4
14-A Bride for Ransom by Wendy May Andrews-Apr 11
15- A Bride for James by P. Creeden-April 18
16 – A Bride for Gideon by Caroline Clemmons - May 9
17 – A Bride for Darrell, by Marisa Masterson, May 23
18 – A Bride for Logan by Barbara Goss, June 6
19 – A Bride for Tobias by Linda Ellen, June 20
20 – A Bride for William by Christine Sterling, July 4
21 – A Bride for Wen Hui by Parker J. Cole, July 18
22 – A Bride for Alastair by Wendy May Andrews, August 1
23 – A Bride for Harper by P. Creeden, August 15
24 – A Bride for Mason by Marianne Spitzer, August 29
More to come after these!
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A Bride For Gideon Page 11
