“Shhh, there diosa,” he crooned, holding her tightly and kissing the top of her head. “I am so sorry I had to put you there. I know you hate the dark. I didn’t want to betray your trust, I just couldn’t take any chances.”
“I know why you did it,” she whispered against his shirt and noticed it had bloodstains on it. “Are you hurt?” she exclaimed, backing away to examine him. Her hands flew along the torn fabric, searching for any injury.
“Not really… but is that what it takes to get you to touch me?” he whispered, with a thick laugh. His finger tipped up her chin, forcing her to look up at him. His dark eyes were filled with a yearning and tenderness that caused her own to well up with tears of relief.
“I was so scared,” she breathed, ignoring the gathering people around them. “I heard the gunfire and…” Swallowing hard, she stared at him, unable to voice her fears aloud. She’d been afraid he was hurt or dead. Concerned that her anchor, her friend was gone.
Seeing his expressive face watching her tenderly, she knew now that he was more than just a friend. She needed him in her life. Swallowing hard once again, she could not break her eyes away from his soothing ones.
“I was scared I’d never get the chance to do this again.” Maggie grabbed his shirt and desperately pulled his dark head towards her. She wanted to feel comfort, warmth, and to celebrate life. Their lives.
Anthony only needed a brief second and then she felt him embrace her in return. His lips were warm and tender as he returned the kiss she had begun. This was different from the first kiss. That one had been so intimate, so sweet. This kiss was almost desperate and full of need, not unlike the one he’d given her before putting her into the well, only the rush was gone. He showed no intention of hurrying, instead savoring the moment. She knew it and relished the feeling of warmth under her lips, a sign that they were alive, together.
“The fight is over, but the war is coming,” she heard announced behind her by a deep, booming voice, interrupting them. “Mejia, I believe we have a few here that might need your attention. I, myself, could certainly use a few stitches as well.”
Maggie pulled back and glanced, embarrassed, at the voice of the tall man. He had an air of power to him that had nothing to do with arrogance. He simply commanded respect and it was evident how the other men looked up to him, including Anthony. She felt him pull back and look down at her face. “I could use some help, if you are up to it.”
“Of course,” she murmured.
“Collinsworth, let’s get you sewn up, sir,” Anthony agreed and began assessing the injuries around them. They were very lucky. They saw few dead considering there had been just fifty men when Anthony told her that he had opened the gates behind the church, allowing the Texians to rush in. She was surprised he had not been shot down instantly when he had betrayed the Mexican army. They thought he was one of them and he proved he was not.
She was relieved that he had slept the night before or there might have been a different result. She could have been lying there dead where she lay or held as a hostage. Anthony had kept his promises to her, and always had so far. He swore to protect her and proved that he would do so regardless of what came. She finished wrapping the bloody limb on the man that lay on the ground next to her, studying Anthony from afar. He was deftly stitching a gash on a man’s side, hard at work. Several others sat nearby, their wounds already addressed.
There was something about him that intrigued her. He had been kind from the very beginning, even when she acted like a trapped animal. He had coaxed her back and stood by her side at every turn. No judgment, no repercussions, nothing save that he wanted to be there. Maybe, things could be different. Perhaps, she had no reason to fear him. He had tended to her and there had been opportunity, yet he had not touched her. Did he not want her like the fake viscount had? Anthony had kissed her but respected her wishes. The other man had lied to her. Her soul had felt wounded. Now, she did not feel so betrayed, so lost. She felt recovered. Protected. Cherished.
Feeling a shadow fall over her, she glanced up and saw Anthony’s smiling face standing above her. A lock of his long, black hair swept forward, falling into his eyes. The scruff of beard on his face was just beginning to shadow his chin, making her want to feel the texture. He stood there, extending a hand towards where she sat on the ground.
“You are, by far, the loveliest assistant I’ve ever had,” he teased. “Come, let’s get you some food and rest.” He took her hand and placed it on his arm politely, leading her to where a wagon was unloading.
“I’d like that. It’ll be nice to be able to eat and sit near a fire, instead of being cooped up in that tiny building.”
“I’m sorry about that,” he said, suddenly stopping in his tracks. “I didn’t mean to confine you or trap you down in that well. Seeing your scared face and that you thought I might hurt you nearly killed me. It’s just that I didn’t want to take any chances with your safety.
“I know that, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be a part of what is going on. I might be scared, but I feel like…” Maggie looked away, biting her lip. Her heart was pounding at what her next words would invite. “I feel like I should be a part of your world. That a husband and wife should help each other and take care of each other.”
“Maggie,” he breathed softly, surprise written on his face. “If I have ever given you the impression that you weren’t included, I’m sorry. I may be a talker, but I believe in backing up what I say. I meant it when I said I’d protect you always and keep you safe. You do that for people you care for… and I very much care for you, diosa.”
Staring at his tender expression, she returned his smile. “Think you could be patient with me and grow to love me?”
“I’m already there, love. I just didn’t want to scare you off, my little bride. I love everything about you. Your smile, your touch, even the way you snored in the cabin when we shared those awful cots.”
“Hey! I don’t snore! You shouldn’t say such things about ladies.”
“You are right, diosa. You purr delicately like a kitten in your sleep,” he said, chuckling at the outrage on her face. “I love you. I don’t want you to ever fear what we have together. I will be tender when you decide to join my bed,” she heard him say in a deep voice, as he leaned down towards her. His breath tickled her ear as she found herself holding her breath. “And I think, perhaps, that we should see what you are comfortable with tonight, when we are alone.” He gently kissed her cheek and nuzzled the sensitive flesh. His beard scratching her fair skin felt sinfully delicious.
“Would you mind?”
“I can’t wait,” she breathed, surprising herself at the honesty of the statement. The idea of being this man’s wife in all things held promises of love and a secure future. She had faith that he would cherish her and never make her feel unwanted or uncared for. Though she had been through so much and traveled so far, finding Anthony and strength in herself had been worth it all.
Nine
March 1836
La Bahia, Texas
Maggie smiled and brushed a lock of hair off of Anthony’s forehead as a tiny stream of light peeked through a seam of the tent. She would have never imagined in a million years the change in direction that her life had taken. From living in an orphanage and struggling to put clothing on her back, to gilt halls and fancy dreams? The feeling of being at death’s door and the freedom that being in the right spot at the right time brought. Being saved by Anthony and the tenderness he had shown to her from the very beginning allowed her to blossom and grow as a person. She’d been so close to having a breakdown or dying that she’d seen that mental cliff in her mind. She could have pictured the reaper standing over her… but no. It was an unexpected angel.
Her angel.
The man had the patience of a saint and it showed each time he helped someone. He had a gift. Their screams or cries of pain didn’t fall on deaf ears. They fell on his and he truly cared. He held people’s hands and asked f
or their permission to treat them, he soothed the frightened with the calm nature of his personality. She was amazed by him and he was her husband.
That same patience gave him an inner strength she admired, thus making her feel secure and strong. She’d stepped out from the shadows and began helping him as they made their way around aiding others. They’d spent a few blissful weeks alone together in the privacy of his bare cabin, simply loving and learning each other. She’d needed that time, that solitude to get her bearings. She couldn’t imagine life without him at her side. She loved Anthony more than she ever realized that she could.
“Good morning, my love,” she breathed and dropped a tender kiss on his forehead where her finger had just lingered. His black eyes opened slowly as he smiled at her. She would never get tired of that look of fierce pride and tenderness.
“And to you. Why are you up so early, diosa?” His gravelly voice was thick with sleep. His warm hand cupped her face.
“Just thinking how lucky I am.”
“I believe that I am the one who is lucky.” She lay her head down on his chest, listening to his heart beat. They’d gone through so much and things had been so good, she kept expecting the carpet to be yanked out from under her, waiting for something bad to happen. That was part of the reason she hadn’t told him that she loved him yet. She was confident of herself, more secure… yet she felt more vulnerable as well.
The world was volatile around them and he was her sanctuary in all this madness. She’d heard of the recent battles around them at the Alamo and Refugio. They’d been on their way to return to Anthony’s family at Washington-on-the-Brazos but took shelter at La Bahia instead. They’d heard of the slaughter at the Alamo. Anthony’s face had paled as his stricken gaze had met her own. The Mexican troops had executed everyone at the mission. No one had been safe.
The Texian army had holed up here and made Maggie feel safe until the battle began yesterday morning. She was surrounded by soldiers, including Colonel Fannin. He was fierce and inspiring, never wavering. The man was brilliant and not one person failed to follow orders. The sounds of gunfire made her skin crawl. While she hated being in the well not long ago, the idea had merit and she could see the intelligence behind Anthony’s idea. She’d been safe then and, if need be, she’d take refuge once again at his urging.
She didn’t know what the day would bring, only that she felt desperate for comfort. Much to Anthony’s surprise, she boldly encouraged his touch and their lovemaking this morning. She was afraid of her world changing yet again or losing him, and it ate at her soul. In the back of her mind, she worried if the troops would be able to hold the facility that housed them all.
This would not be the case.
As they exited the tent later, Maggie almost collapsed when word of reinforcements for the Mexican army had arrived during the night. Heavy artillery and a slew of soldiers now surrounded the small fort. Word had spread like wildfire that Fannin and a majority of the men had opted to surrender rather than fight. If they fought, the fear was that they would be slaughtered like the people at the Alamo. If they surrendered, there was a greater chance they’d be paroled and released to the United States instead.
Goliad, or La Bahia, was no longer their haven, it was their prison.
They spent a week waiting for what? They didn’t know. Several insisted that they’d be freed in a few weeks and, in the meantime, she and Anthony made their way around the wounded to make sure they were ready to travel. Approximately thirty to forty men would be unable to walk if they had to depart today as they were bedridden with injury or fever.
Maggie dunked a rag into a bowl of water, washing a man’s forehead. Someone grabbed her arm from behind forcibly drawing her to her feet. It was Anthony. The look on his face was telling, something was seriously wrong. It was the same expression he’d once had months ago when he tossed her bodily into the well.
“You need to leave or hide,” he said thickly, his voice breaking and laden with fear. Fear for her.
“What’s going on?”
“Colonel Fannin was just executed in cold blood. They’ve marched all the Texians out of the fort and I overheard one of the soldiers speaking in Spanish. They aren’t coming back. They’ve been given orders to round up everyone.”
“What about you?”
“I don’t care about me, but you’ve got to be safe.”
“Well I care about you! We’ll hide together.”
“No, I’ve got to make sure you are safe.” He pulled her from the makeshift clinic out into the courtyard where men began to gather at gunpoint. She could see the angry looks on their faces and the bitterness of defeat.
They knew.
They all knew.
Hot, salty tears ran openly down her face as she met their eyes sadly. This was the end of them all. There would be no escape or second chances. No running wildly into the night. She’d had more adventure, heartache and found more love than she ever imagined. No, if this was her time, she’d be by Anthony’s side.
“Don’t put me down in the well again. I will stand with you.”
“I won’t let you. If not the well, then what?”
Anthony hurried along behind the row of tents and makeshift buildings that had been erected. He pulled her along forcibly as she struggled to keep up with his quick pace. “Slow down, please!”
“I can’t. There’s no time.”
“I know. I’m trying to keep up with you.”
They darted behind the largest adobe building that served as a church. Grabbing a thin ladder, he pushed it against the back wall of the church.
“Climb quickly! I’ll be right with you,” he ordered in a hushed voice.
Without a word, Maggie began her ascent and struggled as the ladder wiggled from the loose rope at the corners where it was tied. She focused on holding tight as she continued her climb. At the first sound of gunfire, she nearly fell and yelped uncontrollably.
“Keep going, my love. I am right behind you.” Anthony’s voice was strong and clear, giving her momentum and drive to keep climbing up the ladder. She was almost at the top and understood his idea. He would have them hide atop the church together and try to remain unseen.
“I’m almost there.”
“I know, hurry.”
As she reached the top, she pulled herself bodily on the flattened rooftop and glanced to see how far he was behind her. Devastated, she saw he wasn’t even on the ladder. He was standing on the ground looking up at her, smiling sadly.
“No!” she yelped and covered her mouth, shaking her head desperately. She reached for the ladder, intent on climbing back down but just before she could get a leg over the edge, he moved it away, allowing it to fall to the ground.
“I love you, my brave, strong wife.”
“No, you can’t do this!”
“You have to be safe and I will always protect you. Now, lie down and wait till it’s silent. I will come for you when it’s safe.”
“No! Please! Anthony!”
“Be quiet, querida. I will be back as soon as I am able.”
Stunned, she watched him walk away. Great, sopping tears of fear tracked down her face as the gunfire began in earnest. Lying down, she tried to make herself as tiny as possible in order not to cast a shadow on the ground below.
She lay up there for hours on end, fear eating at her soul as she realized that she’d waited too long to tell him that she loved him. She said prayer after prayer for her Anthony, desperately wishing for some sign that it was safe to look over the edge for any sign of him. As the day gave way to darkness, she heard her name whispered in the silence.
Scrambling towards the edge of the building, she felt her face ache painfully from the sunburn she’d received by lying atop the building all afternoon. She didn’t care. There was Anthony’s beautiful face looking up at her. He was covered in dust and had blood on his clothing. The only thing that stood out was the glaringly white armband tied to his upper arm. He quickly put his finger u
p to his mouth, indicating she should be quiet. Nodding, she watched as the rickety ladder was propped against the building. Carefully, she clutched the ladder as she descended as quickly as possible. She was so happy to see him!
Maggie felt herself picked up off the ladder as she neared the bottom and pulled tightly into Anthony’s arms. She locked her arms around his neck as she held him tightly, thankful to have the opportunity to hold him again.
“I love you so much,” she whispered in his ear, feeling his arms tighten around her again. Her ribs ached as he held her aloft. Both of them needed the connection, needed this moment. “I needed to tell you and, suddenly, you were gone. What happened?”
“I need to get you to shelter, first. Tie this on your upper arm and don’t remove it until the Mexican army is gone. This is the only thing indicating that you aren’t to be shot on sight, that you are a doctor. We’ll work together, and I’ll help you.”
“These bands will keep me from being shot?”
“Yes, querida. They took no hostages. They are leaving the fort soon and killed the Texian Army just southeast of here, leaving them to rot in the sun. As soon as I can get word out, then I will see that they have a proper burial. Such good men…” his voice trailed off, lost in unimagined horror and sadness.
Nodding silently, she held out her arm to have the white scrap of cloth tied tightly. “Promise me you’ll never leave me again. I was devastated that you left me behind again.”
“When it comes to you, I will always protect you, my sweet wife. I will protect you and any of our children if we are so blessed. No one will ever harm you.”
“You hurt me when you left me to wonder if I was abandoned again.”
Fallen Bride: A Historical Western Romance (Bride books Book 6) Page 8
