Michael stepped outside and pulled in a deep breath, feeling the weight lift from his shoulders. They’d done it. They’d actually done it. Timothy’s killer had been brought in, they’d stopped the smuggling, and now he could go home and see his pretty new wife. Things felt pretty darned good at that moment.
Ernie came outside and clapped him on the shoulder. “Thanks for saving my life out there,” he said. “I didn’t see that Jamie was aiming for me until the split second before you shot him. He would have gotten me for sure.”
“Hey, that’s what you took me along for, right? Just doing my job.” Michael grinned. “So, what happens now?”
“Now we’re going to ask Charlottetown to send some men to collect our prisoners. With Bryce still out of commission, we can use the extra hands. We’ll send Joe along with them and ask for leniency on his behalf. Right now, though? Right this minute? I think our wives are cooking up some breakfast, hoping we’ll be there to eat it, and I don’t want to disappoint them.”
“Neither do I,” Michael said, breaking into a jog. Kathryn was waiting for him.
***
Dear Mother,
I’m writing with the news you’ve been waiting for. The baby has arrived, and he’s absolutely perfect. We’ve decided to name him Jack. I can’t wait for you to come so you can hold him. He’s healthy and already nursing really well. I wish we were getting a little more sleep, but when you consider why we’re up nights, I can’t complain.
I have another favor to ask. I’ve had another group of Mounties message me. Three this time. They are in Northwest Territories. One of the men is Evelyn’s brother Richard. I’m sure she’s mentioned him to you at least once! Liam is the second Mountie looking for a bride. I’m sure Richard talked all the others into sending for wives along with him. The third Mountie is Curtis. As usual, you’ll be getting follow-up letters, but I wanted you to know that you’re looking for three ladies.
Teddy and I would love it if you’d make a stop here on your way home from dropping them off. I know it’s out of the way, but holding your grandson would be worth it.
Much love,
Jess
Epilogue
Michael and Kathryn stood on the pier, waiting for the ferry to pull up and dock. Kathryn was almost as nervous as she had been when she’d been the one making the trip, and ironically, she was just as nauseated—although for a very different reason this time. Dr. Miller had assured her it would only last another month or so, and she prayed he was right. If it continued the entire nine months, she didn’t know how she’d survive that.
As the ferry drifted into position, Kathryn caught sight of a young woman with Michael’s features. “Is that her?” she asked. “Is that Sarah?”
Michael nodded. “Yes, that’s her.” He looked down at Kathryn. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. I just feel . . . well, what if she doesn’t like me? I know her opinion means a lot to you, and I wouldn’t want you to be swayed . . .”
Michael laughed. “Sweetheart, nothing could ever change my mind about you, and my opinion is the one that matters. Yes, my sister is important to me, but you’re my wife.” He gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Everything is going to be fine.”
As soon as Sarah came down the gangplank, Michael stepped forward and hugged her, then introduced Kathryn. Before Sarah could say anything, though, Kathryn held up a bonnet. “You’ll want to drape this over your nice hat,” she said. “Trust me. And hurry.”
Sarah looked quizzical, but she took the bonnet and did as Kathryn said, placing it over her velvet hat and tying it under her chin. “Not quite the stylish impression I was hoping to make, but all right,” she said with a smile.
Michael turned to get Sarah’s bags, and the two women stepped out of the bustling crowd and found a quiet bench where they could wait.
“I’m very glad you came to see us,” Kathryn said. “Michael has been looking forward to it for weeks.”
“I have too,” Sarah replied. She looked down at her hands, then back up. “Some apologies are best made in person.”
“Apologies?” That was the last thing Kathryn expected to hear.
“Yes. I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but I was opposed to your marriage, and I sent Michael a fairly long letter telling him so.”
“Yes, Michael showed me the letter a few days after the wedding,” Kathryn replied.
Sarah’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, you must hate me now.”
“I don’t hate you. In fact, I understand how you feel. If my brother had done something so confusing, I’d probably have words for him as well. But then, I don’t have a brother, so I could be wrong.”
Sarah laughed. “Well, my brother wrote me back and made sure I understood the truth. When I received it, I realized how very wrong I’d been, and I started planning this trip so I could meet you and speak with you in person. I wish I could have come sooner, but I’m here now.”
“Yes, you are, and I believe we’ll be good friends. We both love Michael, and that’s a good start.”
Michael walked toward them carrying two large satchels, and they fell into place beside him on their way to the car. They were almost there when Kathryn said, “Look out!”
Six small gray creatures zoomed over them, leaving a shower of small pellets in their wake. Sarah gasped, then laughed. “I was going to ask what the bonnet was for. Now I understand.”
Kathryn shook pellets off her own bonnet. “Welcome to Bison Bay.”
About Amelia C. Adams
Amelia C. Adams is a wife, a mother, an eater of chocolate, and a taker of naps. She spends her days thinking up stories and her nights writing them down. Her biggest hero is her husband, and you just might see bits and pieces of him as you read her novels.
You can reach her at [email protected].
Please join Amelia on her website to learn more about her, sign up for her newsletter, stay on top of news and upcoming releases, and follow her on Facebook. In fact, you can join her readers’ group by clicking here!
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The Kansas Crossroads Series:
A New Beginning (free!)
A Free Heart
The Dark and the Dawn
A Clean Slate
A Clear Hope
The Whisper of Morning
A Careless Wind
A Narrow Road
The Bitter and the Sweet
The Calm of Night
A Begrudging Bride
A Broken Wing (A Kansas Crossroads novella)
A Twisted Fate
An Unspoken Dream
A Joyful Noise
The Nurses of New York series:
Sea of Strangers (free!)
Cause of Conflict
Touch of Tenderness
Heart of Hearts
Test of Time
The American Mail-Order Brides series:
Hope: Bride of New Jersey
Tabitha: Bride of Missouri
The Hearts of Nashville series:
Whiskey and Women
Records and Rebels
As part of the Brides of Beckham series by Kirsten Osbourne:
Mail Order Molly
As part of the River’s End Ranch series:
Accidental Agent
Rugged Rockclimber
Welcome Wagon
Santa’s Shopkeeper
Delivering Destiny
Lucky Lifeguard
Poinsettia Promises
Christmas Catch-Up III
Candy Crush
Paislee’s Path
As part of the Grandma’s Wedding Quilts series:
Meredith’s Mistake
As part of the Magnolias and Moonshine series:
Sweet Georgia Peach
As part of the Burnt River series:
Ashley’s Hope
Phoebe’s Fate
As part of the Rocky
Mountain Romances series:
Utah Sunrise
As part of the Mail Order Mounties series:
Bride for Joel
Bride for Jonathan
Bride for Samuel
Bride for Calvin
Bride for Peter
As part of the Seven Sons series:
Benjamin
Daniel
Frank
As part of the Cowboys and Angels series:
Bribing the Blacksmith
As part of the Main Street Merchants series:
And Something Blue
For Love or Money
Five Golden Rings
Just Desserts
In the Stars
Sugar and Spice
As part of the Brody Hotel series:
Generations
RNWMP: Bride for Michael (Mail Order Mounties Book 24) Page 9
