Love Before Midnight

by Kathleen Ball

  Anora gasped. “It’s beautiful.”

  “The horseshoe is for luck, and I was hoping you’d stick around so I could add more charms.”

  A tear rolled down her face. “You’re the sweetest man.”

  “Hey no tears. I have another one for you.” He went back to his desk and pulled another box out. He walked to where she sat and got down on one knee. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He opened the box to display a square cut diamond ring in a sterling silver setting.

  Her eyes widened as she stared at the ring. “You just think you want to marry me. We don’t even know if I could ever be a real wife to you.”

  “Honey, your reaction to me makes me confident we’ll do just fine together. So? Can I get an answer so I can kiss you?”

  “Yes, oh my, yes.”

  He stood up, took both of her hands in his, and pulled her into a standing position. “I love you, Anora.”

  “I love you too.” She gasped as he enfolded her in a hug.

  “We’ll just take our time and do everything slow and right.” He rocked her in his embrace and kissed her neck. Loosening his hold, he kissed her cheek and finally covered her cherry red lips with his. They were every bit as soft as he imagined. Her groan of pleasure filled his heart and when she stood on tip toe to deepen the kiss, he wanted to shout out to the world.

  “It’s a shame we missed the party,” she said as she pulled away and gave him a sweet smile.

  “Truly a horrible shame,” he whispered as he pulled her back into his arms. “When?”

  “When what?” she asked between kisses.

  “When did you want to get married?”

  She gazed into his eye. “I wish I could say today, but I think we’ll wait until after Belle graduates this spring.”

  “Did I mention I love you?” His voice grew husky.

  “Yes, and I love you.” Her smile lit up the whole room.

  “Happy New Year,” he said.

  “It absolutely will be.”

  Epilogue

  Seven Months Later

  Anora looked over the top of her Waterford crystal champagne flute and smiled at Maverick. Her love knew no bounds her joy no limits. They waited for Cooper to finish his toast and clinked their glasses together before taking a sip. Their gaze never once broke.

  “I’m glad we tried to do the locking of arms to drink the toast and realized we weren’t coordinated enough to do it. We’d be drenched now,” Maverick said his eyes twinkling.

  “It wouldn’t have mattered. All that matters is that we’re together. Look at how animated Belle’s face is when she talks to Cooper. I’m glad she decided to stay on the ranch.”

  “They both have the same goals and they love each other but they are sure taking their sweet time telling each other.”

  “It’ll happen. At least now that we’ve turned the security cameras off, they have some privacy. Belle would die if she knew what we almost saw in the hay loft.” She grinned, glad Andy no longer was a threat. He was murdered and it didn’t sadden her one bit.

  He was the past and Maverick was her future. Gazing at his handsome face, she knew their future would be a happy one.

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  We’ve Only Just Begun

  Susan jounced in the saddle as the horse careened through the streets of Independence, Missouri. Being jarred sideways, she grabbed for the pommel but her sweat-slicked fingers began slipping off. Another good jolt and she would find herself beneath Sunshine’s hooves. Frantically grasping the pommel with a solid hold, Susan closed her eyes and said a quick prayer. Her life couldn’t end this way, it just couldn’t. It had been a struggle to make her way to Independence. It was supposed to be a brand new start.

  “Umphh.” Strong arms wrapped around her ribs and hauled her out of harm’s way. His firm grip hurt but it was much better than being run over by a horse. She found herself practically sitting on the stranger’s lap while he held her tight against him. His hard chest and the warmth of his body made her forget her pain. She’d barely been able to catch her breath until he slowed his horse. She gasped when she found herself moving through the air again as he handed her to another man on the ground.

  Once free of the other man, she turned to thank her savior and was dumbstruck. She opened her mouth to thank him but words escaped her. She’d never seen a man so tall before. He towered over her by a few feet. Slowly she worked her gaze up from his dusty boots, along his legs that seemed to go on forever, to his trim waist and then to shoulders as broad as a barn. She gulped. She had to crane her neck to take in the strong, angular chin, the firm lips. Holding her breath, she met his blue eyes, and her heart stuttered at the fury they contained.

  “You could have been killed! You shouldn’t be on a horse if you can’t control it. Where are your parents? Surely they don’t allow you to ride that horse all over town.” His voice boomed, and the crowd that had already gathered grew larger.

  Flames of embarrassment licked at her cheeks. He’d chastised her as though she was a child. A child she certainly was not. “I thank you for coming to my rescue. You risked your life to save mine, and there is no way to repay your bravery.” She hoped she sounded like one of those rich Southern ladies. People never messed with a Southern lady.

  She turned to the other man and blinked, struck by the resemblance to the man who had rescued her. “Thank you kind sir.” She raised a hand to make sure her hair was still up and suppressed a groan. Some of the strands still remained secure but most had haphazardly come loose and her tresses had all fallen every which way. So much for being a fine, Southern lady.

  She gave them both a curt nod and then spun on her heel in the direction she assumed Sunshine went. The crowd was bigger than she’d thought as she made her way through it only to find her Sunshine eating hay out of cart. She marched up to her horse and grabbed the reins. “All this for some hay? Oh, Sunshine how could you? You had plenty of grass to eat, and we’ve only been away from home a little over a day.” Her shoulders slumped as she sighed. She needed a place to repair herself before joining a wagon train and she needed to find one leaving soon.

  “Ya’ll have to pay for that there hay your horse ate. It’s not free you know.” A burly man with greasy blond hair approached, and as he came closer she could smell his filth. He had a gleam in his eye she’d seen before and she had no intention of being a victim.

  “How much?”

  The man smirked as he looked her up and down causing her to shiver. “I’m sure we can work something out.”

  “How much do you charge for hay? Do you charge by the pitchfork full or cart full?”

  His bushy brows came together. “I um, well—”

  “It’s not your hay, is it?” She put her hands on her hips. If he hadn’t had smelled so fowl she would have taken a step forward. “How dare you try to steal money from me! I suggest you leave.” She hoped he left before the real owner of the hay came by.

  “I’m sure we’ll run into each other again soon.” He smirked at her again before he turned and walked away. Her stomach clenched at the possibilities of what could have happened with such a lecherous man.

  “He gave up easily.”

  Startled, Susan’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly glanced over her shoulder and nodded to the man who’d rescued her. “I never did get your name.”

  He waited for her to turn in his direction and then he smiled. “I’m Mike Todd. The man you just tangled with is a mean one. You’ll want to watch to be sure you’re never alone with him.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Todd, for your advice.” She smiled back.

  “No thanks needed, ma’am, and it’s Mike.”

  “I’m Susan Farr. It’s nice to make your acquaintance. You’ll have to excuse my appearance I’m afraid.”

  He stared into her e
yes. “There’s nothing wrong with your appearance, Miss Farr.”

  “Please, call me Susan.” She tilted her head a bit. She’d often observed how rich woman acted and it was paying off.

  “Fine, Susan. Now where are your parents? Do they know how much trouble you’re making in town?” His voice grew deeper.

  “My parents passed recently. It’s just me and Sunshine. I was hoping to join one of those wagon trains to the west. I’ve always enjoyed traveling.” She batted her eyelashes at him and felt affronted when he laughed.

  “Listen lady, this is no vacation. You must be able to work and work hard in order for any wagon master to take you on. Since no one takes women traveling alone, you’ll have to rethink your plans.”

  Dang, I overdid the fine southern lady act. “Mike, I’m quite adept at working hard.”

  “Doing what? Needlepoint? I’m sorry but I’ve taken chances with women like you before, and it never ended in a good way. I can’t take the time to look after a helpless female and I refuse to break up fights among the men who will try to catch your eye. No. Like I said you need a new plan.”

  “When are you leaving?”

  “You’re not listening to a word I have to say.” He frowned.

  “Oh, I’m listening. When are you leaving?” She tapped her foot.

  “In the morning. I wish you luck, Miss Farr. Good bye.”

  She watched him until he was swallowed up in the distance. She needed a strategy to get on that wagon train and she needed one now.

  The next morning, Mike and his brothers Jed and Eli were all busy helping the members of their party get ready to leave. There were stubborn oxen that needed to be yoked and hitched. Despite earlier instructions, meals were not all done being cooked and it was past time to pack up. A few of the women looked as though they wanted to cry. Children ran all over the place and most didn’t heed their parents’ calls.

  Then there were those who’d been ready right on time griping about the delay. Mike had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. It was always like this the first few days. He rode Arrow up and down the line of wagons giving advice until he came to a wagon closer to the end. His eyes narrowed when he spotted Susan Farr. Dang it all!

  He guided Arrow to the wagon she was packing. “Miss Farr, I’m surprised to see you here.” He hoped his voice conveyed his annoyance.

  “Oh hello, Mike. Beautiful day isn’t it?” She gave him a quick uncertain smile and went back to loading the wagon.

  “I already told you not to come. Why are you here?”

  Her shoulders tensed as she turned toward him. “I got married yesterday. I’m not a single woman anymore, and my husband was already part of your party. There’s no reason I can’t go now is there?”

  “Where is your husband?” Her news shocked him.

  “Grabbing a few more minutes of sleep.”

  Mike swung down off his horse and stalked over to the wagon. He took one look inside and shook his head. She’d paired up with a real winner. Clancy Willis was a bit of a drinker. He was hungover, no doubt. “Hey, Clancy!” he yelled into the wagon. “Time to go if you don’t want to be left behind.” When he received no reply he took a cup filled it with water and threw it at Clancy’s head.

  Clancy sputtered. “Why’d you have to go and do that?”

  “Get up and help your wife! We’re ready to leave.”

  Clancy held his head in his hands. “You don’t have to yell so loud. Besides I’m sure Sarah has everything done.”

  Mike took a deep breath and willed himself not to beat the man. “Susan, her name is Susan. Get up and help her.” He muttered under his breath and when he turned around he was tempted to swear. Susan’s big blue eyes were filled with panic.

  “You won’t leave us behind will you?”

  “Where’s your horse?”

  “I gave Sunshine to Clancy to pay for my part of the provisions.” Her gaze fell to the ground and her shoulders slumped.

  “Just get ready to go. I’ll send Jed down to give you a hand but this is a onetime thing. I have to check on the rest of the group. Good day, Susan.” He mounted Arrow, tipped his hat and rode off. The money from selling Susan’s horse was probably long gone, and Mike had no doubt it had not been spent on provisions. Except for more whiskey, of course. But with fifty wagons and over a hundred people to look out for, that wasn’t his problem unless it endangered the wagon train. Susan had made a poor choice, and he was sorry for her.

  He sent Jed to help her. She was going to have a hell of a time with a man like Clancy, but it wasn’t his business unless it endangered the wagon train. It really was a shame; she was such a pretty little lady with a whole lot of gumption.

  Finally both Jed and Eli joined him at the front of the train. It was time to go. “Wagons ho!” Mike yelled, his heart filled with pride as one wagon after another rolled by. The crunch of the wheels on the earth and the plodding sounds of the oxen as they went by lent to a sense of excitement. He could feel it in the air. Most heeded his advice about keeping the wagons light and having everyone but the driver walk. The exception was the Willis wagon. Susan struggled to drive it, but she looked to be giving it her all. Dang, she didn’t have a pair of work gloves. The traces were going to make a mess out of her pretty hands. He jolted upright with a little start pretty hands? He’d best stay away from Susan her being a married woman. Plus he never became involved with other women. He wasn’t in the market, and he didn’t trifle with their feelings. One thing he could say about himself, he wasn’t a cad.

  “Jed, I need you to ride near the back for a while before you go and scout out where to camp. Eli, you take the middle. Remember we have a mixture of greenhorns and farmers. There’s bound to be plenty of frustrations until the greenhorns learn the way of things.”

  “How far did you want to go today?” Jed asked. Of his two brothers, Jed was the most serious of them. “Let’s go for ten miles so we can make sure they have plenty of time to figure out a routine for taking care of the livestock, cooking meals and the like.”

  “Sounds good, I’ll go eat some dust at the back of the line for a while.” Jed turned his horse and rode to the back part of the train.

  “Eli, let me know if any trouble arises.”

  Eli grinned. “You can count on me, Mike.” He too turned his horse and rode away.

  Mike reached into his saddle bag and grabbed out two worn bandannas. He rode to the Willis wagon and slowed until he was riding at Susan’s side. He reached over and handed her the bandannas. “Wrap these around your hands; they’ll help a bit to keep them from being ripped to shreds. Where’s Clancy? Never mind, I already know. How many wagons have you driven?”

  She tried to put on the cloths without relinquishing her hold on the lines. “I’ve driven small farm wagons. Nothing this big before, but I’ll get the hang of it. You won’t have a reason to send us packing.”

  He stared into her determined eyes. “That was the furthest thing from my mind. I’ll check on you later.” He tipped his hat to her before he rode off.

  Susan’s shoulders felt as though they were being pulled right out of her. Her back ached, and she was hungry and thirsty. She called into the wagon a few times to ask for water and leftover biscuits but her husband never answered. He was sleeping, and with each turn of the wheel, she grew more and more angry. She’d been a fool to marry him. She’d been so desperate to leave Missouri, she hadn’t thought it all through. He promised to never touch her but now what was to stop him? He was her husband and had his right. She’d thought she’d paid her way by allowing him to sell her beloved horse, Sunshine but, that wasn’t true.

  Sleep had been in short supply last night. As part of their bargain, Clancy was to sleep under the wagon. It hadn’t happened that way. Clancy left her to fend for herself while he and a few friends drank most of the night. He’d come crawling into the wagon and scared her. Luckily, he’d passed out, but she had lain in fear he’d wake up at any time and try to consummate the marr
iage. Perhaps getting drunk was just a way for Clancy to celebrate leaving. He had acted decent enough when he heard of her plight, stepped right up and offered to help her. A marriage of convenience was what they agreed to.

  She shrugged her shoulders and planned to make the best of the situation. If only she’d had more time and hadn’t had to flee…

  “We there yet?” Clancy’s gravelly voice wasn’t pleasant sounding and it began to grate on her nerves. “I assume we have many more miles to go. Could you hand me some water and a biscuit?”

  “I’m going back to sleep. Besides I ate all the biscuits.”

  Her stomach rumbled, and her mouth felt drier at the refusal of water. Her face heated. She’d been treated shabbily before but not like this. It was her own fault. She should have brought a canteen and some biscuits up front. Her sigh was loud but she didn’t care. Her day just became much harder.

  “Mrs. Willis, you look a bit peaked. Can I do anything for you?” Eli asked as he rode up next to her wagon.

  “A sip from your canteen would be wonderful. I didn’t think to put one up here with me.” She smiled as brightly as she could due to the circumstances.

  “Sure thing, ma’am.” He handed her his canteen and she took a healthy swig.

  It felt glorious wetting her parched mouth and flowing down her raspy throat. Mindful not to take too much more, she put the top on and handed it back. “Thank you.”

  “Any time, ma’am.”

  “Call me Susan please.”

  “Take care, Susan.” He rode to the next wagon to check on the occupants.

  All three brothers favored each other. They all had dark hair, blue eyes and very strong jaws. She bet when Jed and Eli were full grown they too would be well over six feet like their brother Mike. She continued on, her shoulders aching, her arms burning, and her back knotted so hard, she had to grit her teeth against the pain. Soon enough she’d be stronger and the pain wouldn’t be so bad.