by Candi Fox
The moment both parents embraced her at once, all other thoughts and worries faded. In that moment there was only the love and safety her parents gifted her. She closed her eyes allowing the flood of love to wash over her to cleanse her in a way, give her a fresh perspective.
It was weeks since she felt safe. The kind of safe only time and love can build. An impenetrable wall where, for moments of time, you can pause the rest of the world and allow it to wash over you. Sometimes in gentle waves as the tide comes in, gradually rising until you’re enrobed in it. Other times, like today, it came in like a flood, sweeping away the horrors she endured since leaving them.
Silent tears of joy, relief, and sorrow slid down her face. Her father’s arms grew tighter around her. His lips brushing her brow softy.
“I’ve got you, my little bell.”
“I love you, both of you.”
Her mother joined in with a firmer hug of her own. “We know, we love you too. We were so worried when the sheriff told us you were taken.”
“I knew you’d find a way to escape.” Her father wrapped an arm around her shoulder and moved her gently until they faced the others.
“My bell is good at keeping calm. Assessing the situation, planning, and acting. There was this one time in the Congo...”
Emma let out a yelp. “Maybe another time Father. It’s a long story. Mom and Nik will want to freshen up and eat. I need to return the carriage to Mr. Rose.”
“Jack’s in Warren?” Cord asked.
“Yes, Mr. Rose is staying at the Diamond. I spotted him in the lobby, rather he spotted me, and inquired about my wellbeing before escorting me back to the clinic. Once he learned mum would be arriving this afternoon, he insisted I use his carriage.
“Nik, if you’re not too tired, would you accompany me?”
“I’d love to. We can stop by Tilly’s and get food for everyone. She’ll load it up in a big basket and we can bring the dishes back later.”
Emma turned, giving her parents another hug. “I’ll be back with food.”
Rather than wait for an answer, she nodded her goodbyes to the others and headed out into the clinic, waiting for Nik who nearly ran into her when she stopped. She had no idea he was that close.
“Sorry.”
She heard him chuckle. “You didn’t hear me?”
A blush spread across her cheeks. “No, I was in a hurry to give my parents some time alone.”
“They aren’t alone.”
Emma smiled up at him. “They will be. I know them well. Neither can go long without wanting to be in the other’s private company.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, they are very much in love and exceptionally affectionate towards one another.”
“How long have they been married?”
“Twenty-four years.”
“Shall we?” Nik indicated the door.
The conversation paused long enough for them to get in the carriage, this time Emma sat next to Nik.
“My parents are much the same. After thirty years of marriage, they still carry on like newlyweds. It embarrasses Sophie and makes Klara giggle.”
“I hope to someday have that.”
Nik took a turn down the side street and headed out the side entrance to the town out a little into the lush green before he pulled the carriage to a stop.
He turned, facing Emma before taking her hands in his. “I’ve longed for the same thing for years. I realize life is complicated right now, but I want you to know I’m here for you. I care about you.”
As she tried to speak, he held one long finger up to her lips.
“If I don’t finish, I may not get it all out.”
She looked into his earnest blue eyes. Her heart ached to fully embrace his love.
“I can wait until you and Cord figure things out.”
Any barrier shattered into a million tiny pieces this man offered her kindness, consideration, protection, and an abundance of other acts of love. He had since the very first moment she met him.
Emma placed a trembling hand along his face, feeling the softness of his beard. A slight smile turned up the one corner of her mouth. She stopped, enjoying the moment before trying to speak.
“I do care for you. Deeply. It’s just I...”
Red streaked across her face like a forest fire. She stuttered over her words before looking down and trying to think what to say. No, now what, how. How to say she loved Cord too, and most likely Wolf? Oh god, what a scarlet woman she became.
“You have feelings for Cord too.”
She nodded.
A warm hand gently lifted her chin until their eyes met. She saw no anger in them.
“I’ve known since the day we met.”
“You’re not mad?”
“Not at all. Sometimes a person’s heart is large enough to love more than one person. Think of the tribes you’ve seen.”
“Well yes, but it’s not accepted in the civilized world.”
“Who said we have to be civilized?”
Chandler
Tired of waiting, he drew their lips together. His tongue gently parted her lips to taste her sweetness. He moaned, not caring if she heard. He missed this, he missed her.
Being the only one with memories from both timelines was playing hell on his emotions. He poured his feelings into the kiss, devouring her mouth.
His teeth nipped at her bottom lip. This time the moan came from her. He wanted nothing more than to strip her bare and love every inch of her. Chandler’s lips moved from her mouth, kissing down to her jaw, then behind her ear.
A quick flick of his tongue along her pulse then he drew back. His restraint wearing thin. He needed to catch his breath.
“We best get back to town.”
She nodded in agreement. With a flick of the reins he turned the carriage back towards town, not stopping until they were in front of the Diamond. He tipped the stable boy a dime to take care of the horses before he escorted Emma inside to leave a message for Jack.
Afterwards they headed towards Tilly’s Diner. A handful of customers sat at the red and white checkered tables. Each table adorned with a small vase and few blooms of wildflowers.
White lace curtains festooned each window.
“This is lovely,” Emma breathed.
“Thank you, Welcome to Tilly’s. I’m Tilly Crenshaw. Where would you like to sit? Nice to see ya again, Nik.”
“Pleased to be back. Any table will do. We need to place a large order to take to the infirmary. This is Emma, her father is the man I brought to the doc a few days ago.”
“Sorry to hear about your pa. Doc says he’s on the mend.”
“Yes, he’s doing quite well, thank you.”
Tilly led them to a corner table. A good place to pass the time while they waited. She brought each of them a slice of apple pie and a cup of coffee.
Chapter 39
Cord
Cord waited until the following morning to speak with Emma’s father. Last night, the doc told him he could travel in two or three days. He arrived right after sunrise, finding both Emma’s parents sitting on the back porch in rocking chairs.
“Mornin’ Mr. and Mrs. Monteith, I was hoping to get a word with Mr. Monteith if you don’t mind, ma’am.”
Sage Monteith stood, gave her husband a brief kiss on the lips, then went inside.
“What’s on your mind, Sheriff?”
“Cord, please. I’d like your permission to ask Emma for her hand in marriage?”
He watched Philip regard him for a few moments. They felt like an eternity.
“Do you love her?”
“Yes sir, I do.”
“You have my permission; however, the choice remains hers.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Call me Phillip, you’ve more than earned the right. I wouldn’t have my daughter back if it weren’t for you.”
“I didn’t do it alone.”
Phillip smiled. “I’ll have a scar to prove th
at. Emma should be down for breakfast soon.”
“One more thing sir. I believe that the woman who holed up with the outlaws might try and ruin Emma’s reputation. What with her being alone with the robbers then in the woods. I’d like to marry your daughter before we return to Cooperstown to make sure her good name stays intact.”
“I’ll speak with Sage. It’s a promising idea if she agrees.”
“If you don’t mind, I’ll be back to pick Emma up in an hour.”
“Not at all.”
Cord walked back the way he came, untied the surrey, and headed to the train station to meet his parents. He wanted them here for the wedding. His parents greeted him when he arrived.
Hopping down he hugged both his parents and kissed his mother on the cheek.
“Sorry, I’m late. I wanted to speak to Phillip first.”
“We understand, son. You just drop us off at the Diamond and we’ll get settled in.”
“Yes ma’am.”
After everyone piled in, he drove his parents to the hotel, dropping them off before making a few more stops. An hour later he knocked on the back door of the clinic. Sage Monteith answered the door.
“Mornin’ Mrs. Monteith.” He handed her a bouquet of purple irises. “I’ve come to call on your daughter, ma’am.”
“Please come in, Cord.”
It took his eyes a few moments to adjust from the brightly lit morning to the interior of the doctor’s parlor. The moment he spotted Emma; his knees nearly buckled.
He swallowed having never seen her hair completely loose and dry rendered him momentarily speechless. Add the pink and green confection she glided across the floor in. Yes, confection. She looked good enough to eat.
He must have stood slack jawed for too long. He heard Emma giggle and her pa clear his throat. Cord offered her the large bouquet of pink peonies. She took them, bringing them closer to inhale their fragrant blooms.
“They’re lovely Cord, thank you.”
“Not half as lovely as you. Would you like to accompany me on a ride?”
“I would.” She turned. “Father, may I go on a ride?”
“Of course, my sweet. I’ll see you after my nap.”
Emma gave both her parents a hug and kiss before he escorted her out the door. Leading her across the small field several buildings shared. A smart buggy awaited them.
Cord helped Emma in climbing up after she settled. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did, thank you. Did you?”
“You look beautiful today, Em.”
He caught her smile out of the corner of his eye, his focus on driving the buggy.
“Only today?”
Cord couldn’t help but chuckle. He never saw her playful before.
“Every day, but especially today. The green in your dress is the same color as your eyes.”
“Thank you. Where are we going?”
“For a nice drive. Fresh air, sunshine, and your company. All a man needs for a good day.”
“I declare you’re going to turn a woman’s head if you’re not careful.”
“If you’re the woman, it’ll be worth it.”
They spent the next twenty minutes chatting. He pulled the buggy into a field of wildflowers, stopping close to the lazy stream running it through it. A large tree provided shade.
“Would you like to go for a walk?”
“I’d love to.”
Soon they were following alongside the stream. He reached for her hand, pleased when she didn’t pull away. Her soft, smooth skin was warm against his work roughed hand.
“I owe you an apology.”
She stopped looking up at him.
“For what?”
“That night, I knew it wasn’t Nora. Part of me didn’t care. I just needed to find solace, needed to be inside a woman to ease the pain of things I recently saw. The moment I realized it wasn’t her, I should have stopped.”
She reached up, placing a hand on his face, her earnest eyes searched his.
“I should have called a halt to it. I could have said stop, no, anything, but I didn’t. The fault is not yours alone.”
Cord placed a hand under her chin, gently lifting it he kissed her forehead. “Why didn’t you stop me?”
“I... I’ve never felt anything like it before. My whole body lit on fire.”
He brushed his lips over hers. “You make me feel like no one else ever has.”
He grabbed her face gently with both hands. “When I found out the outlaws took you, I thought I’d lose my mind. Then your parents came into town, your father insisted on going with me. I’m sorry he got hurt.”
“That’s not your fault. If you hadn’t taken him, he would have found someone else who would have. My father is an incredibly determined man.”
“You take after him.”
She laughed. “Am I dreadful?”
“You’re wonderful. Will you be patient with me? You see, until I met you, I thought I knew what love was. You’ve shown me differently.”
He dropped to his knees, taking both of her hands in his.
“I’m not much for fancy words, and I’m only a sheriff. Not rich like your pa, but I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Arabella Emmaline Monteith, will you do me the honor of being my bride?”
Emma
A million thoughts ran through her mind. She couldn’t deny her feelings for Cord, but what of Nik and Wolf? She thought of Tilly, the way the woman looked at Nik. Nik deserved someone who loved him, and only him. Truthfully, she’d never be able to fit in. Wolf’s sister wouldn’t allow it.
“Yes, I’ll marry you.”
She heard him let out a breath.
“You had me worried for a moment. There are some things you need to know.”
“You already have a wife?”
Cord
How do I tell her? “I’m not sure where to begin.”
He took her hand leading her to the shade. A moment later, he had a blanket laid out on the ground and helped her sit. Taking a seat beside her, he took her hand again.
“Nora is determined to ruin your reputation. She’s telling everyone that the bank robbers sold you to a local tribe. When word arrived you’ were found, she was quick to tell everyone who would listen you would come back a ruined woman.
“My father told me she even approached him, telling him she has proof that we slept together. She says if you come back to Cooperstown, she’s going to tell everyone.”
“She’s just trying to throw everyone off the trail. She’s the one running with a group of outlaws. Wait! When did you talk to your father?”
“This morning after I spoke with your father. I gathered he and my ma from the train. Emma, I know its sudden, but I think we should marry before we go home. I’ll tell everyone I found you in the woods after you escaped.”
“Did anyone bother to ask Evanora how she knows I was supposedly sold to the Indians?”
“If only that’s how gossip worked. We could have a ceremony tomorrow at sunset.”
“If it’s all right with my parents.”
He wanted to shout from the rooftops. He hated the reason for the hurry, but tomorrow night he would be a married man. A married man who planned to be buried balls deep in his wife as often as possible.
He brought both her hands to his lips, kissing the backs of her knuckles.
“Are you ready to get back?”
“Yes and no. I do want to see my parents.”
Chapter 40
Emma
The next thirty-one hours flew by. Her mother fussed with her hair; she only wished her best friend could be here to stand up with her.
A lone tear slid down her cheek thinking of Amanda. The two had much to catch up on.
“Why the tear, Bella?” her mother asked softly.
“Of all the things wrong with this, I miss Amanda the most.”
Her mother surprised her by laughing.
“Oh, don’t look at me like that. This is not what I want
ed for my little girl, either. You’ve taken this in stride to the point of making me and everyone around you comfortable.
“Of all the things you could be sad about, it’s missing a friend. You, my sweet angel, are gentle, thoughtful, and compassionate. Had your father not told me of everything your young man did to get you back, I’d call off this wedding and tell everyone in Cooperstown to go plant themselves.
“I’ve seen the way you look at him. His actions and your love make this day bearable.”
Her mother suddenly clutched her tighter.
“I feel like I failed you, Arabella. Can you ever forgive me?”
“Oh, Mum, no. You didn’t fail me. No one could have foreseen any of this.”
“You don’t understand!” her mother cried, pulling away. Anguish painted across her face.
“I did see it.”
Her mother sat on the edge of the bed. “I should have told you after your third birthday.”
“Told me what? Mother, you're scaring me.”
Sage
“I’m sorry, my angel. Come and sit beside me.”
She patted the bed, dread threatening to make her bolt, but the time had come to tell her daughter everything.
“Do you remember all those tales Mamit taught you?”
A smile spread across her daughter’s lovely face.
“I do.”
Sage took both her daughter’s hands in hers, pausing momentarily to marvel how remarkably similar they were to her own.
“Do you also remember the dream you keep having, the one about your third birthday?”
“The one where I jumped and fell off the roof?”
“Yes. What happens after you fall, angel?”
Another smile from her daughter, it warmed her heart and emboldened her to finish this.
“I scream, thinking I’m going to hit the ground. I just know it’s going to hurt. A large bird swooped in and saved me before I hit the ground.
“I felt relieved, thankful, instead of fearful at being in the clasp of a giant bird. Mamit came out and called to the bird, who gently dropped me into her outstretched arms.”
