Mail Order Bride: Ultimate Mail Order Bride Collection: 6-Book Bundle ~ Clean Historical Romance (Shades of Romance Series)

by Jill Maguire

  As held the cup to her lips, he said a silent prayer of thanks. Somehow it didn’t really matter anymore what she had done or even what Aaron had done for that matter. At this very moment, all he cared about was that she was okay. She held his hand for a long time without speaking and he thought that maybe she had fallen back to sleep. He was about to leave and go finish his conversation with Aaron when she started to speak.

  “Don’t be angry,” she whispered. “This was something I had to do. It didn’t turn out quite the way I had planned, but I did it.”

  “And just what is it that you’ve done besides nearly get yourself killed?”

  She was silent for a moment, hurt by the anger in his tone. He regretted his harsh words immediately.

  ”I’m sorry. That was uncalled for, but you gave me a scare. I don’t know what I’d do if anything ever happened to you.”

  Virginia smiled weakly. Every muscle in her body still hurt. “For that, I’m sorry. But I’m not sorry that I did what I did. I found the man who murdered my family. I faced him and in doing so I faced the demons that have haunted me my entire life.”

  “But he almost killed you in the process.”

  He couldn’t believe his eyes as she shook her head. “I don’t think he would have killed me. If I had taken the time to talk to him then, none of this would have happened.”

  “What do you mean?” Fletcher didn’t want to let go of his anger.

  “When Aaron confronted me on the trail, I panicked. I sent the horses into a run and they just reacted to my lead. The wagon accident wasn’t their fault or Aaron’s. It was mine.”

  “He caused it just the same.”

  “I can see your point. But Fletcher, if he had wanted to kill me, he needed only to leave me there. I would have died in the desert by the time you found me. But he didn’t. He came back for me and he brought me here and cared for me. He’s not an evil man.”

  “What are you saying? That he has done nothing wrong? That he shouldn’t be punished? For this or his other crimes? You can’t mean that.”

  Virginia sat up took both his hands in hers. “I’ve talked to him Fletcher. His past has been just as tormented as mine. He has tried to build a new life just as I have. Those things he did during a time of war shouldn’t be counted against him today. He’s not the same man anymore and I’m no longer that little girl. We’ve both moved on. It’s time for forgiveness.”

  “I’m not sure I agree. And as a man of the law, I’m not sure I can just let this go.”

  She looked at him and her eyes filled with tears. ”You have to Fletcher. As much for me as for him. Having him hang would haunt my future and I’d still not be rid of him.”

  Fletcher looked into her pleading eyes and couldn’t resist. “I suppose, unless you testify against him, I have no proof of what he’s done. But are you sure you’ll be able to put this all behind you with him living in the same town?”

  “With God’s help, and yours, I truly hope so.”

  Fletcher wasn’t sure he would be able to be as forgiving, but for the sake of this woman he loved, he would try.

  Chapter Twelve

  Fletcher sat beside the bed, his head in his hands. Aaron had left them alone at the livery and had gone to the hotel. As Virginia slept through the long night, he sat and prayed for the guidance he would need to help him forgive the man who had almost cost him to lose the love of his life. Sometimes he couldn’t believe how much he had come to love her in such short a time.

  He knew that he would do anything for her, and if this was what she wanted, he would somehow have to do it. But he also knew that it would be a long time before he would want to look Aaron Kipling in the eye and say he was forgiven. He really hoped the man would just keep his distance for a while.

  As soon as the light of dawn filtered through the curtains, Fletcher headed out to get Doc Miller. He wanted him to examine Virginia thoroughly before he tried to take her home. As he walked across town he glanced about for any signs of Aaron. But the man was apparently staying out of his way, and Fletcher was glad.

  “She’s going to be just fine,” Doc Miller announced to a relieved Fletcher. “She has a few bruises and scrapes but there’s no indication of anything more serious. I’d say you can take her home any time. I’d suggest a gentle wagon ride, however, not horseback. She’s going to be a little sore for a while.”

  Fletcher thanked the doctor, and offered him what cash he had in his pocket. “Keep it, son,” the old man replied. “Have that wife of yours cook me dinner some time and we’ll call it even.”

  “Thanks, Doc. We’ll have you over as soon as she’s back on her feet.”

  Fletcher hurried back to Virginia to give her the news. All he had to do now, was find a wagon to bring her home in. He was considering his options when Morgan tapped on the door. He had come with Kate to make sure Virginia was okay.

  “Kate,” he said tipping his hat. “Morgan, thanks for coming by. I was just about to head out to your place to borrow your wagon. Doc says Virginia isn’t quite up to riding horseback yet.”

  “Would have been happy to lend it to you, friend,” Morgan said with a strange smile, but I’m thinking you won’t need it.”

  Fletcher frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “Come on outside while the ladies talk. There’s something you need to see.” Wondering why his friend was acting so mysterious, Fletcher followed him outside.

  “Look there,” Morgan said pointing to the front of the livery. Fletcher’s eyes widened in surprise when he saw Ben and Bart standing there all hitched up to a fine new wagon.

  With all of his concern over Virginia, and making sure that she was alright, he hadn’t even thought about his team. And now here they were, standing there in perfect shape waiting patiently just as they always did. And on top of that, they were hitched to a fine new wagon.

  Fletcher turned to Morgan who just shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.

  “Don’t ask me how they got here. They was standing there all hooked up when me and Kate pulled in.”

  Fletcher glanced about. There was really only one person who could have done it. Turning back to Morgan he asked, “Did you see any signs of Aaron Kipling when you came through town?”

  Morgan scratched his head. “Nope. Can’t say as I did. This is his livery. Isn’t he around here somewhere?”

  Realizing that Morgan knew nothing about Aaron’s connection to the accident, he hurried to change the focus of the conversation. “Guess he stayed away to give us some privacy while Virginia rested.” Morgan seemed satisfied with that explanation and said no more.

  When Kate came out of the livery, she gave Fletcher a big hug. “I’m so glad she’s okay. She wants you back in there now. Before you go though, we’d like to share some happy news.” Snuggling up to Morgan she told Fletcher about the baby. “I told Virginia this morning but we wanted you to know too.”

  “Congratulations, friends. That is wonderful news. I can’t think of anyone who would make better parents.” Then as an afterthought he added. “Except maybe myself and Virginia.” Together they laughed and for Fletcher, the laughter seemed to take some of his anger away.

  When he went back into the room he was pleased to see Virginia sitting up and her eyes bright. She smiled warmly reached for his hands. “The doctor says I can go home. But before we go, there’s something I’d like to do.”

  “For you my love, anything.”

  “I fear this is something you probably won’t like, but it’s something I have to do.”

  Now Fletcher frowned. Chances are, if she said he wasn’t going to like it, then he really wasn’t going to like it. Warily he asked, “And what is it?”

  She gripped his hand just a little bit tighter as if he were planning to draw away. “I want to speak to Aaron again. Alone.”

  Just as she figured, he tried to pull his hands from hers. He succeeded and walked away from the bed shaking his head. “No. I won’t allow it. He tried to kill
you remember? I’m not about to leave you alone in the same room with him.”

  Virginia reached for him again, smiling. “Fletcher,” she reminded him patiently, “I have been in this room alone with him for hours. He has no intention of killing me. I just need to talk to him.”

  “What could you possibly have to say?”

  Virginia’s smile faded and her expression turned serious. She let go of his hands. “I have to tell him that I forgive him. I want him to know that I harbor no ill feelings toward him. It’s important to me that I say that to him.”

  Fletcher paced back and forth in the small room. After some time he returned to the bedside and looked deep into her eyes. “You are a remarkable woman, you know that? I’ll see if I can find him.”

  Virginia settled back against the pillows, a grateful smile on her lips. “I knew you would understand.”

  Morgan and Kate had returned home and the street outside the livery was deserted. Ben and Bart stood patiently, heads down waiting to pull the wagon home. Fletcher ran his hand along the smooth wood of the wagon admiring the fine workmanship. It was a fine piece of craftsmanship, and would have come at a dear price. He supposed it was Aaron’s way of making amends. He wondered if he would ever be able to forgive the man as his wife had done.

  He glanced up and down the quiet street, wondering where the man might be. He tried the hotel first but the proprietor there said he hadn’t seen Aaron since early morning.

  He tried the café and a few other places but no one had seen him. Aaron Kipling had apparently vanished into the night. Knowing that Virginia would not be happy if he returned with that news, he decided to ride a ways out of town to see if he could pick up a trail.

  Not far into his ride, he spotted a horse tied to a tree by the river. A lone figure was perched atop a rock looking out over the water. Fletcher recognized him right away.

  Hearing the hoof beats behind him, Aaron watched the rider approach. When he realized who it was he stood, ready to defend himself.

  Fletcher swung down from his saddle in one fluid movement, his eyes never leaving the man he had come to confront.

  “You can relax,” he said as he strode forward. “I just want to talk.” He could see the man’s posture relax some.

  “Have to admit I’m a little surprised at that,” Aaron said.

  Fletcher held up his hands as if he was just as surprised. “It wouldn’t be something I’d want, but Virginia insists that she talk with you.”

  Aron looked suspicious. “And you’re okay with that?”

  “I wasn’t at first,” Fletcher admitted. “But she is a very determined woman, and I do what I can to give her what she wants, and apparently she wants to talk to you.”

  It was Aaron’s turn to shrug. “I guess if it’s okay with you, it’s the least I can do after all that’s happened. I’ll head back with you now and continue on after.”

  “Where were you headed?” Fletcher asked.

  “Nowhere. Anywhere. Just wanted to get out of town.”

  “Running?” Fletcher queried, unable to keep the hint of condemnation out of his voice.

  Aaron shook his head. “Nope. I was ready to face the consequences for what I’d done. I just wanted a bit of time to clear my head. I wasn’t going far.”

  Fletcher didn’t feel like telling him that he wouldn’t be facing any legal action. He would leave that to Virginia. It was between the two of them now to settle things. All he wanted to do was get her home and get their life back on track.

  For a minute he rode silently, his mind drifting back to the conversation he’d had with Morgan and Kate. Having a baby would be a wonderful blessing. Once this ordeal was behind them, he decided to suggest that they make that their top priority.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Fletcher waited outside while Aaron and Virginia had their conversation. He perched himself of one of the stools in the livery and glanced around the room. Aaron had built quite a thriving business for himself. It couldn’t have been easy, Fletcher thought, considering the amount of emotional baggage the man was carrying around.

  Fletcher looked up when the door creaked open. Aaron walked out slowly, his head down and his hat in his hands. He wouldn’t have noticed Fletcher sitting there if he hadn’t spoken.

  Aaron was almost to the door before Fletcher spoke. “Aaron, hang on a second. I just wanted to say that, although it may be against my better judgement, I support Virginia in her decision to let things go.”

  Aaron paused, twirling his hat in his hands. When he finally looked up, Fletcher was taken aback by the depth of sadness he saw in the man’s eyes.

  “Thank you. I’m grateful for your forgiveness and I appreciate it, but I have already made my decision to move on.”

  “Did you tell her that?” Fletcher asked.

  Aaron nodded. “I did. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way.” He tugged his hat back on his head and untied his horse. Fletcher hurried to follow him outside.

  Putting his hands on the reins of Aaron’s horse, he looked him in the eye again. “I thank you for finding my horses. And thank you for the wagon. It was a most generous gift.”

  Aaron nodded. “It was the least I could do.” He gave the reins a tug as Fletcher stepped back. Then he tipped his hat and was gone.

  Fletcher watched him ride off and then hurried back to Virginia. She was wiping the tears from her face when he walked in. “What is it,” he asked kneeling by the bed. “Are you in pain?”

  She shook her head. “No. I just want to go home.”

  “Then let’s get you there.”

  He helped her up from the bed and hen supported her as he walked her outside. The mere sight of Ben and Bart brought the first smile to her lips that he had seen since this whole ordeal began. She walked over and gently rubbed the nose of each horse. “It’s good to see you guys,” she whispered. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

  Then she noticed the wagon. With a question in her eyes, she glanced up at Fletcher.

  “Aaron,” he said. Virginia’s eyes widened in surprise but she didn’t know what to say. Instead she just took Fletcher’s hand and climbed up.

  Fletcher kept a watchful eye on her as they drove home, worried that she might be too uncomfortable, but the smile on her face told him she was fine. As they approached the spot where Aaron had confronted her on the trail, Virginia felt her nerves tense. Fletcher sensed the change in her composure immediately and slowed the team to look at her. She reached over and placed a hand on his arm.

  “I’m fine,” she said. “Just keep driving. I really want to get home.”

  As the house came into view, Virginia sighed. “I don’t think anything has ever looked as welcoming as the sight of home,” she said, looking lovingly at Fletcher. That night she repeated the same sentiment as she settled into her soft bed.

  In a few days Virginia was back to normal. Fletcher went to work in the morning and she was happy to be back into her routine. The summer heat was still upon them and the wild roses were in full bloom. Virginia hadn’t had the dream at all since she’d been home, and for that she was grateful. Forgiveness was a great healer.

  Kate came by often and the two friends spent many happy hours sewing, knitting and chatting about the approaching birth.

  “You are absolutely glowing,” Virginia said to her one day. Kate blushed.

  “There really is nothing like it. I haven’t even seen or held this baby and yet I am madly in love with him or her. It’s truly amazing.”

  “I’m so jealous,” Virginia laughed.

  “It’ll be your turn next. And our children will grow up being best friends.”

  “Oh, I hope you’re right.”

  When Fletcher came home that evening, thoughts of a baby were still on her mind. She had cooked him his favorite meal of meatloaf and baked beans and he was devouring it like he hadn’t eaten in days. She laughed at his enthusiasm. When he finally tipped his chair back from the table, she suggested they take their
coffee out to the verandah.

  “I think that is an excellent idea,” he agreed. As they watched the sun start to set, she turned to him with a strange little gleam in her eye.

  “And just what is that look for?”

  “Oh, I was just thinking about Kate. She says she’s madly in love with her baby even though he or she isn’t even born yet. That must be so amazing.”

  Fletcher arched a brow and looked at her. “I’m sure it must be. Are you trying to tell me something?”

  Realizing what he was thinking, Virginia laughed. “No, silly. I’m just thinking that I can’t wait until it’s my chance to experience that.”

  For a second, Fletcher was a bit disappointed. Then he smiled. “Well then, I guess that’s something we need to have a talk about.”

  “Oh ya?” Virginia teased. “You think we should talk about it?”

  Fletcher frowned, uncertain of her tone. “Sure, shouldn’t we?”

  Virginia laughed and cozied herself into his lap. “Well, cowboy,” she drawled, running a hand down his cheek. “You know what they say.”

  Fletcher’s eyes darkened with the love he felt for her. “And just what do they say?”

  She rose slowly and took his hand. “That actions speak louder than words.”

  Epilogue

  Sumer seemed to pass in the blink of an eye and before long the wild roses were gone and the days were turning cooler. Virginia welcomed the change because each new day brought her one day closer to the much anticipated birth of their first child.

  Many a long fall evening had been spent discussing names and they had finally decided upon two. Elizabeth Grace, after her mother if it was a girl, and Joshua Mathew after Fletcher’s father if it was a boy.

  She and Kate spent hours discussing birthing, parenting and how to help their husbands through the ordeal of childbearing. They joked about which parent would be the disciplinarian and which would be the soft touch. They looked forward to watching their children grow up together and be friends.