by Lily George
The triumvirate had, as she suspected before, collapsed. But she would always love her sisters, no matter what.
“I love you all.” She sighed. “Thank you for making my wedding day so perfect. A bride could not ask for more.”
Susannah grabbed a posy of sweet pea and violets and handed them to her. “Your bouquet, my dear. We love you, too. I am so happy to see you happy, Becky.”
“I love you, too,” Nan added, but her voice was a little reserved and her eyes downcast. Poor Nan. Was she feeling left out? Becky placed her hand on her sister’s arm as her bedroom door flew open.
“Becky!” Juliet flew into the room and hugged her around the waist. Becky reached down to pat her darling’s shoulder, and gasped in horror. Juliet’s fine lawn dress was streaked with mud. Her curls, so neatly arranged by Susannah only an hour ago, were now a mass of tangles down her back.
“What on earth have you been into?” Becky extricated herself from Juliet’s embrace and set her posy aside. Then she glanced down in growing dismay. Even Juliet’s slippers were caked with mire.
“Mud pies,” Juliet proclaimed happily. She squeezed Becky around her waist once more, burrowing her cheek into her white silk skirts.
“Upon my word, she is filthy! Where is the servant who was supposed to be watching her?” Susannah strode out into the hallway. “No one is here,” she said. “They must have been called away for the ceremony.” She came back into the room. “Child, you are a sight.”
Juliet nestled closer to Becky and hid her face.
“She’s ruined your gown,” Nan piped up. “Oh, dear. You are smudged from head to toe.”
Becky patted Juliet’s back tenderly, staring down at her damaged dress. “Well, I did look rather fine. For a few moments.” She couldn’t suppress a chuckle. “This is absolutely perfect.” For so it was. They had managed to smooth the rough edges from Juliet, but she would always be herself. She would never become a docile little lady, and that was all right. In fact, it was brilliant.
“But your storybook wedding! Whatever are we going to do?” Nan began pacing, as was her habit. “You’re needed at the chapel in just a few moments. Everyone will be waiting.”
“I’ll go and ask them to delay the ceremony,” Susannah pronounced. “In the meantime, Nan, help Becky and Juliet to clean up. If their gowns are too spoiled, well, they will simply have to put on something else. It’s not ideal, but at least they will be clean.”
Becky shook her head firmly. “No, indeed. We’ll go as we are now.”
Her sisters let forth a chorus of distressed cries.
“You cannot be serious!”
“Don’t be absurd!”
“I am serious, and I am not absurd,” she rejoined. “Once I had dreamed of a life where everything was just so. In my romantic fantasy, I married a handsome, faultless man, lived in a small and cozy house, and in time, I would have a beautiful, bouncing baby to call my own. It was a pretty little flight of fancy, but rather empty. I wouldn’t wish any of it back. My storybook wedding needs nothing more than this mite here.” She gave Juliet’s cheek a gentle pinch. “Along with Paul, scars and flaws and all.”
“But...you’re a mess.” Susannah shook her head.
“Nay, we’re authentic.” Becky gave her sisters a satisfied smile. “This is the wedding and the life I want. It’s better than anything I could have imagined.”
Susannah cast her arms up in the air and heaved a gusty sigh. “Very well.”
“It’s bizarre, but if it’s your wish...” Nan shrugged her shoulders.
“It is.” Becky took Juliet’s grubby hand in hers and grabbed her posy. “Let us go to the chapel.”
Her sisters followed her through the back corridors of Goodwin and out to the garden. The chapel wasn’t far, just a short walk to the clearing in the woods. But every step was an eternity. Would she ever get there? Her eagerness to see Paul was overwhelming, causing her breath to come in short bursts.
At last they reached the chapel door. “Here. Let us go in first,” Susannah muttered, tugging Nan into place in front of Becky. “We’ll save the best for last.”
Becky smiled, choking down a laugh at Susannah’s sarcastic tone. Trust her sisters to only care about appearances. She may not be a romantic any longer, but she would never lose her artistic touch. And this was art. Between them, she and Paul had created a beautiful life at Kellridge, one that she was impatient to continue.
The little church was packed with people. She picked out familiar faces in each pew as they walked in up the aisle, mostly tenants and servants from both houses. Becky smiled broadly at Mrs. Clairbourne as they passed. The housekeeper’s eyebrows shot up to her hairline when she spied Becky’s dress and Juliet’s mud-caked attire. They would certainly hear from that good lady after the ceremony.
All that must wait, and it didn’t matter now, for her sisters marched over to their pew and she spied her husband-to-be for the first time in too long.
At first, his eyes glowed with an intensity that made her heart pound in her chest. But then, an incredulous look spread across his face. “Are you quite all right?” he muttered as she drew close to his side.
“Of course,” she whispered in return. “One has to make mud pies on one’s wedding day.” She tugged at Juliet’s hand. “Right, little one?”
Juliet gave a vigorous nod.
Paul quirked his eyebrow. “I see. I gather my niece was being rather naughty.”
“Not at all,” Becky assured him. “She was merely being herself, and I could not ask for a better niece.”
Paul placed his arm around her shoulder and drew her closer. “Are you certain this is what you want?”
She rested her head on him for just a moment, savoring his strength. “I couldn’t dream of anything else,” she replied.
Reverend Kirk began the ceremony, and while she paid heed to his words, her mind drifted a bit—back to the moor, on the day that she found Lieutenant Walker had jilted her. What if he hadn’t? What if she had gotten her heart’s desire then? She suppressed a shudder. Nay, the Lord knew what He was about. He knew that she needed Paul and Juliet, and He had found a way to bring them all together.
They would never part again.
She glanced out from under her bonnet brim at her soon-to-be husband’s scarred cheek and clasped Juliet’s dirty hand more tightly in hers. What she’d told her sisters was true. Once she had dreamed of a perfect life, filled with romance and mystery. But life with Paul and Juliet was infinitely more satisfying.
As Reverend Kirk asked her to repeat her vows, she did so with nary a tremble in her voice. Then she smiled at her husband.
True romance did not come to her on a windswept moor. No, it came to her in the hundreds of tender glances, the camaraderie of conversation at the end of the day, at the shared concern over a tiny human being. Romance was in the daily round of setting out a routine for a headstrong child, in caring for a man with a wounded cheek and in helping that man find a path into spirituality.
As her husband folded her into a tender embrace to seal their troth, Becky melted into his hold.
Truly, a heroine could not ask for a happier ending.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from BIG SKY COWBOY by Linda Ford.
Dear Reader,
I confess that children were very much on my mind as I wrote Becky’s story. In fact, my own daughter Olivia and one of her friends, Taylor, were the inspirations for Juliet’s character. Olivia is now seven, but when she was two, she and Taylor ruled their tiny classroom at our church’s Mothers’ Day Out. They were the smallest of the group, but both had iron wills and it was astonishing to see the other children defer to them in every little thing. I had fun recalling those memories as I wrote about Juliet.
Children are also on my mi
nd for a different, and sadder, reason. My daughter’s friend Maddie passed away from brain cancer just a month ago. Maddie battled against that terrible disease with everything she had. Her parents were her staunch and unyielding advocates. Watching her battle taught me a lot about strength and bravery. Her battle also enlightened me about pediatric cancer. I had no idea how underfunded the studies are for cancer in children, and how few options are open to pediatric cancer patients and their families.
To that end, I am donating ten percent of my royalties on this book to CURE Childhood Cancer, a nonprofit cancer research foundation dedicated to finding cures for childhood cancer. It’s not much, but it’s a step in the right direction. If you want to learn more about Maddie’s story, simply search #fightformaddie on Google or any other internet search engine.
If pediatric cancer has touched your life in some way, I would like to hear your story. You may email me at [email protected]. I am also on Twitter as @lilygeorge2, and on Facebook as LilyGeorgeAuthor.
Thank you for allowing me to share this story.
Blessings,
Lily
Questions for Discussion
In the beginning of the book, Becky has a rather fixed view of what her life should be. By the end of the book, her entire view of the world has changed. Have you ever been frustrated when you thought life should go a certain way, and then it changes on you?
Paul loses his faith when his fiancée, Ruth Barclay, passes away. Is this a normal reaction? Can grief take away your faith? Can it enrich your faith?
Becky is secretly jealous of Susannah’s marriage. What is the most effective way to deal with jealousy?
Paul divides his life neatly between debauchery and responsibility. Is this a good way to live?
Paul allows his siblings to follow their own paths while he shoulders all of the family’s burdens and responsibilities. Why would an eldest brother do this? What effect does this responsibility have on Paul?
Nan and Becky have gone from being very close to very distant because of the responsibilities of running the millinery shop. Why would running a business put increased pressure on family relationships?
Becky and Paul work together to try to bring routine and order to Juliet’s life. Do children really need routine?
Paul blames himself for Juliana’s downfall. But was it really his fault? Have you ever accepted the blame for something you could not control?
Becky feels that she is called by God to be Juliet’s nursemaid. Do you feel that your career is a calling? How does this affect your daily life?
Becky also questions her calling as a nursemaid. Have you ever felt uncertain of the plans God has for you? What did you do about your uncertainty?
Both Becky and Paul come to the realization that, had they married other people, their lives would not have been as wonderful as they imagined. Have you ever imagined your life should be one way and then found out later something better was around the corner?
Discuss Paul’s notion of the whole man—one who blends spirituality and responsibility. Does this coincide with your idea of being whole?
Becky feels that she must leave Kellridge because she is afraid she cannot mask her feelings for Paul. Then she realizes that she cannot leave Juliet behind. Have you ever felt like you had to stay in an uncomfortable situation because of a child?
Paul’s conversion to faith starts with John 15:5. Is there a Bible verse that resonates with you?
By the end of the book, Juliet has changed a little but still remains true to who she really is. Do you have kids in your life who resist change? How do you work with this challenge?
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title.
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Chapter One
A farm near Bar Crossing, Montana
Summer, 1889
Squee.
What was that awful noise?
Wyatt Williams eased back on his reins and glanced over his shoulder to his brother, Lonnie. The sixteen-year-old shrank back as if he wished to disappear into the saddle.
Squee. Squee.
The sound came again, rending the air and filling it with tension.
Wyatt stared at the farm ahead. From where he sat he had a good view of the place. A pretty little house with a bay window and a little veranda faced the road. A tumble of flowers in every hue of the rainbow surrounded the house. A garden as precise as a ruler ran from the river to the trees at the back of the lot. There were several tidy buildings, some pens and the naked skeleton of a barn.
Wyatt considered his brother and the mare he led. Fanny was heavy with foal. The weeks of moving had taxed her strength. He couldn’t push her farther.
His gaze went past Lonnie and the horse. He couldn’t see the other mares that he hoped to start a new ranch with, but he knew they were tied securely down by the water. He only wanted permission from the farmer to camp by the river until Fanny foaled, and she and the newborn grew strong enough to resume their journey. Plus their supplies were running low and he hoped to restock here. He could ride to the nearby town for what he needed, but it seemed unnecessary. Wyatt studied the sign nailed to the gatepost.
For Sale—Eggs, Milk, Cheese, Garden Stuff.
His mouth watered. Fresh food had never sounded so good.
“Wait here,” he told Lonnie, and rode forward.
From around one of the outbuildings came a squealing pig with a floppy-eared, big-footed dog barking at its tail.
A young woman skidded around the corner, blond braids flying. “You get back here, you little trouble-maker.” She dived for it, catching the animal for about ten seconds before it slipped away, squealing righteous indignation and leaving the gal in the dirt.
Wyatt drew to a halt and grinned.
The woman picked herself up and shook a finger at the dog. “Grub, enough. I’ll never catch the crazy pig with you barking and chasing after it.”
Wyatt took Grub to be the dog’s name, for it stopped and yapped and then turned back to pig chasing, which seemed to be the sport of the day. The young woman took off after them. The pig veered from side to side. She pounced on it again, but it wasn’t about to be captured. It wriggled free and headed in Wyatt’s direction.
His horse snorted.
“Rooster, you never mind. He’s just a wee oinker.” Wyatt reached for his lariat, swung a lazy loop and dropped it over the pig’s head.
The little pig yanked on the rope, trying to get free. The squeals that erupted about deafened Wyatt and, he guessed, anyone within a hundred yards.
The gal blinked at Wyatt. “I just about had him.” Her brown eyes challenged him. Seemed she didn’t care to have someone interfere in her work.
Her attitude tickled Wyatt clear to the pit of his stomach. He grinned. “You’re welcome.”
She planted her hands on her hips. The flash in her eyes told him how hard it was for her to maintain her annoyed look.
He tipped his head toward the pig, who continued to fight the rope and put up an awful fuss. “Ma’am, if you don’t mind me suggesting it, why not let me lead the pig to his pen.” Though he guessed “lead” was only a wish.
She nodded decisively. “No doubt that would be wise. Come along, the
n.” She moved toward an enclosure while Wyatt dragged and tugged and generally fought his way after her, Rooster snorting his protest at the indignity.
She held the pen gate open. Wyatt dismounted and pushed the pig through the space she gave him, then slipped off the rope. Five other little pigs rushed forward, joining in the melee. An old, fat sow huffed over to them.
The young woman sighed and wiped her hand across her brow, leaving a streak of dirt to match the three on her dress.
The dog sat on his haunches watching the pig.
Wyatt gave the dog further study. “Does he always wear a grin?”
“A grinning dog and a crying pig. Who’d believe it?” The girl hooted with laughter.
Wyatt couldn’t remember when he’d last heard such a freeing sound. His grin widened, went deep into his heart.
She calmed her chuckles, though her quivering lips warned him it might resume at any moment.
From behind him came a strange sound. He jerked around to see the source. Lonnie had moved close enough to see and hear, and he laughed, too. A sound almost foreign to Wyatt’s ears.
Lonnie noticed Wyatt watching and immediately sobered.
Oh, how Wyatt wished his brother would stop being so tense around him. Lonnie was even more jumpy around strangers, and yet...
Wyatt looked at the woman before him. Had her laughter drawn Lonnie forward? He shifted his gaze toward the pigs. Was it the animals that attracted Lonnie?
Whatever it was, Wyatt was grateful.
“I don’t believe I’ve seen you around before.” The pretty young woman drew his attention back to her.
“Nope. Name’s Wyatt Williams. This is my brother, Lonnie.”
“Pleased to meet you both. I’m Cora Bell. What can I do for you?”
“My mare needs to rest.” He indicated Fanny. “The rest of my animals are down at the river. We want permission to stay there until she’s ready to travel again. We could use some supplies, as well. I saw your sign on the gate and thought...”
