by Danni Roan
My Dearest Marni,
I’m afraid that I will not be returning to you in the Vale. I have received a fatal wound from our first skirmish and now rue the day that I walked away from you and the mill.
My dearest girl, I am sorry for the pain that this news will cause you, and wish I could at least gaze upon your beauty one more time. You have been the joy of my heart since the moment we met. You completed me from that day when you laughed with me even while you helped me from the icy creek where I had been fishing.
Tell mother she was right, and I should have stayed home. Look after her as best you can, but I know I will see her on the other side before long. She loves you like her own daughter, and I know you will be a comfort to her after I am gone.
My beloved wife, sweet, sweet, Marni mine, when I am gone do not wait too long to find love once more. You are a young, vibrant, and beautiful woman, and you deserve to be happy. Do this knowing that it would make me happy to know that you are loved and cared for. There is someone out there who will love you as I did. Someone who will bring that smile to your face that I so loved to see.
Please forgive me for leaving you for visions of glory and honor. I was a fool, but you never complained. Your love for me was selfless and made me a better man.
Goodbye, my dear one. Live a new life for both of us.
Jordan A. Simms
“He really loved you?” Braden said. “He didn’t want you to be sad.”
“That was the Jordan I knew,” Marni agreed. “He was my heart, but now,” she hesitated meeting his eyes. “Now, I have a chance to love again, and Braden you have brought joy back to my heart.”
Braden placed a soft kiss on Marni’s damp lips tasting the salt of her tears even as he soaked in her strength and dedication. “I love you, honey,” he said. “I might not be the man Jordan was, but I promise to love you forever, and I’ll never leave you as long as you’ll have me.”
A sad smile spread across Marni’s face as she met Braden’s blue eyes. “You have my heart,” she said, “and as soon as this ugliness is behind us, I want us to get married.”
Chapter 28
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."Ephesians 5:31
“You don’t have to do this,” Braden said, still clinging to Marni’s hands two weeks later, as they stood at the depot.
“I think I do,” Marni said. “I don’t want to leave you, but I need to see him laid to rest.”
Braden kissed Marni’s fingers and nodded. “I understand,” he said, “but I don’t want you to do it if you aren’t sure.”
“When the sheriff got a confession from that horrible man who tried to pass himself off as Jordan, I was so angry,” Marni admitted. “As a witness, I confirmed that he was not my husband and explained that he had been in the same hospital as Jordan. They had talked about their homes and lives, so when Jordan died, the imposter swapped papers with my husband and deserted. Jordan was buried under a false name leaving me to wonder what had happened to him for all those years. Now I have a chance to see that set to rights, and I have to do it.”
Braden nodded. “I understand,” he said. You know I’ll go with you if you want me to. You don’t have to do this on your own.”
“Once this is done,” Marni said, “there won’t be anything to come between us. I’ll come home, and we’ll be married,” she said. “But I think I need to say goodbye on my own.” Her dark eyes searched his face, imploring him to understand.
Braden kissed her fingers again as the whistle blew then helped her onto the train. “I’ll be here when you get home,” he said. “I love you.”
Marni turned in the entrance to the train car smiling at the man she loved. As much as she hated to leave him behind, she knew she had to do this. It was time to put her past behind her and embrace a brighter future.
Marni laid the russet mums on the gravesite and smiled down at her husband’s name on the stone. It had taken a written confession from that horrid man, and some hard work to get the stone changed, but she had done it, and now she sat on the cold ground gazing at her late husband’s final resting place, her heart at peace.
“I’m sorry it took me so long to find you,” she said, speaking to the name marker. “It’s been a long trail to get us both here.” She paused brushing a fallen leaf from the white stone as a tear trickled from her eye. “I’ll always love you, Jordan,” she continued, “but I’ve found that other person just like you said I would. He’s a good man, hard-working, honest, and full of hope, like you. It’s time for me to say goodbye Jordan, and thank you for thinking of me at the end.”
“Mrs. Simms?” a man’s voice interrupted her thoughts and Marni turned to look up at a lean young man in a dark coat.
“Yes?” Marni said, twisting around her furled skirts on the cold earth.
“I’m Byron Botes,” the young man said. “Your husband saved my life.”
Marni blinked confused by the man’s words. “How did you know that Jordan was here?” she asked indicating the grave.
“I’ve been looking for him in the rosters for years. I wanted to thank him, and only found out about the mix up with the name last week. I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you,” Marni said. “I only recently discovered what had happened myself,” she said. “I’m afraid another man tried to pass himself off as Jordan some weeks ago,” she added as the young man reached down to help her to her feet.
“That’s terrible,” the young man said. “Is that how this got fixed?” He waved at the stone as Marni brushed dead leaves from her dark skirt.
“Yes, Marni admitted. “I finally had a chance to say goodbye.”
“Your husband was a good man,” Byron said. “He was wounded saving me after I was hit in the leg. I can’t help but think he would have still been here if he hadn’t come back for me.”
Marni laid her hand on Byron’s arm. “Jordan always did what he wanted to,” she said. “He felt your life was worth saving,” she continued. “Live a life that proves him right.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Byron said. “I will.”
Chapter 29
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."Ephesians 5:31
“You look beautiful,” Miss Ella said, as she walked around Marni examining her creamy dress. “You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
“Why am I sure that you say that to all of your brides?” Marni laughed as she smoothed her creamy lace-covered silk gown.
“But it’s true,” Ella said. “Every bride is beautiful, and on her special day, she is the most beautiful bride ever.”
“Perhaps one day you’ll be a bride again,” Marni teased. “You’re still young enough to remarry,” she insisted.
“I’m perfectly happy the way I am,” Miss Ella said, smacking Marni with her fan in reproach. “Josiah runs the farm well. I have my little business, and I get to meet the most delightful people. A husband would only complicate things,” she added with a smile.
Marni reached out hugging Ella tight. “Thank you for all you have done for me,” she said. “You’ve gone far beyond what any client could expect of you. You’re not just a matchmaker, you’re a friend.”
Ella beamed at Marni. “I must say I haven’t had a case quite like yours before, and for a while, I was worried that I’d never find your perfect match,” she admitted. “I’m glad you showed me just who you needed in the long run.”
Marni laughed then jumped as someone knocked on the door of the back room of the church. She still couldn’t believe that her wedding would happen in the beautiful Lutheran Church next to the Pelican River.
They had planned the ceremony early enough that the bright sun would be warm enough to have the wedding luncheon outdoors even in November’s cold grasp.
“It’s time,” Minnie said with a grin stepping into the room. “I think
Braden is getting nervous,” she added clasping her hands and admiring Marni in her stunning gown. “I can’t believe that was your mother-in-law’s dress,” she continued. “How you ever saved it all this time I don’t know.”
“It is special to me,” Marni admitted. “I feel like I’m surrounded by all the love my family ever shared wearing this,” she added twirling the long train behind her.
“Well now it’s time to start a new family. ‘Bout time you get up there and put that young man out of his misery,” Minnie laughed.
Miss Ella pulled the gauzy veil down over Marni’s dark hair and squeezed her hand. “Are you sure you don’t want anyone to walk you down the aisle?”
“No, I want everyone to know I’m doing this all on my own,” Marni smiled. “Today I become Mrs. Braden Prater and I’m the happiest woman in the world.”
“Then you’ll be extra happy to know that the wedding supper will be served by the river. The clouds blew over, and we’ll have a wonderful time.”
Braden stood at the front of the church waiting as the pianist played one more song. He couldn’t help but fidget as he waited for his bride. He suddenly wanted this whole thing to be over and for Marni to be his not only in heart but in name. He didn’t know what he would do if something happened to keep them from marrying.
It seemed like there had already been too many delays, and he couldn’t take one more. He wanted Marni beside him day and night. He wanted to know that he could talk to her, share his hopes, his dreams, and his cares.
Marni was unlike any woman he had ever known, and he wouldn’t trade her for anything. Perhaps he didn’t have much to offer her, but he knew he would give her every bit of his heart.
The sound of the piano changed and Braden turned to look up the aisle at a vision in creamy lace. He could tell instantly that it was Marni, and even the gauzy veil covering her face couldn’t hide her dancing eyes as they glowed in the light streaming through the windows of the church.
Today Braden’s world would change forever. He would become a husband and a friend. “God let me be the best that I can be,” he pleaded under his breath as Marni made her way toward him placing her hand in his as the final notes of the wedding march ended.
The ceremony seemed to fly by and before he knew what was happening Braden was being instructed to kiss his bride. Smiling he lifted the veil from Marni’s face and leaned in to touch her lips with his as he tried to imbue all of his hopes, love, and joy into that one kiss.
“Well Mrs. Prater,” he said, whispering in her ear as they turned to face the congregation of Pelican Rapids, “I guess that makes it official.”
“I guess it does,” Marni agreed. “Now Mr. Prater, I believe all we have to do is endure our dinner and dancing before we can go home and start the rest of our life.”
Braden laughed as he hurried her back the way she had come to the applause of their friends and neighbors.
“As long as you’ll agree to love me for the rest of my life, I’ll be able to manage that,” he said, with a laugh.
Marni giggled as she dove out the door of the church only to be sprinkled with handfuls of corn and grain, an old blessing for wealth and prosperity, on the new couple.
“Oh, one more thing,” Marni said, dragging Braden to a stop. “I might have a wedding present for you.”
“What?” Braden said, looking at her in wonder. “Why?”
Marni nodded before her as a smart carriage pulled up in front of the church. “For you my beloved,” she said, with a smile as Braden’s eyes fell on the handsome red roan horse they had seen at the fall festival.
“Marni,” he gasped. “How?”
“I may have tasked Josiah with a little job,” Marni laughed.”
“You shouldn’t have,” Braden chided his voice hushed.
“Braden, what’s mine is yours,” Marni said, turning to look at him fully. “We are more together than we ever could be separately.”
Braden turned to his new wife, gathered her into his arms and kissed her soundly, to the cheers and whistles of their friends and family. He was deeply touched, and deeply humbled by her trust. He hadn’t expected her to include the money she had earned selling the mill for him. It was her former life and hers to do with as she pleased.
A new bride had come to Pelican Rapids, and a new start was born of love. Together two hearts became one in every way.
The End
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Other Books by this Author:
From the Cattleman’s Daughters
Katie Isabella
FionaAlexis
Meg Mae
Cattleman’s Daughters Companions
Cathleen
The Redemption of Rachel
Sean’s Secret Heart
Mel
Sweet Annie
Joan
Tales from Biders Clump
Christmas Kringle
Quil’s Careful Cowboy
Bruno’s Belligerent Beauty
Tywyn’sTroubles
A Teaching Touch
Prissy’s Predicament
Lucinda’s Luck
Ferd’s Fair Favor
The Travels of Titus
Winter’s Worth
Strong Hearts: Open Spirits
Maggie’s ValleySadina’s Stocking
Celestre’s Song Beloved Beulah
Whispers in Wyoming
Love Letters & Home
Counting Kadence
Mercy’s Light
Failing Forward
Racing Destiny
Baby be Mine
The Ornamental Match Maker
Carousel Horse Christmas
Loose Goose Christmas
Pineapple Persuasion
July’s Jubilant Christmas Jumble
Shutter Shock Christmas in July
Brides of Needful Texas
Daliah
Prim
Peri
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Dear Reader,
Thank you for choosing to read my book. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. If you enjoyed the story please feel free to leave a review wherever you purchased the book. Leaving a review will help me and prospective readers to know what you liked about this book. It is an opportunity for your voice to be heard and for you to tell others why the story is worth a read.
About the Author
Danni Roan, a native of western Pennsylvania, spent her childhood roaming the lush green mountains on horseback. She has always loved westerns and specifically western romance and is thrilled to be part of this exciting genre. She has lived and worked overseas with her husband and tries to incorporate the unique quality of the people she has met throughout the years into her books.
Danni currently lives in her thirty-six foot RV with her husband and is traveling the United States to see this beautiful country and experience its history first hand.
Danni and her ‘every-day-hero’ have one son who is attending college and finding his own way as his crazy parents experience the author life along with life on the road.
As a Christian Danni, believes strongly that God brings new challenges, and blessings into one’s life to help them grow and she hopes that her words were both and encouragement and inspiration to you.
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