by Avery, Joan
“Well, move ahead, woman, so’s I can give a howdy to the group.”
Peg rushed headlong toward Kate, embracing both she and the boy in her arms. “Oh, but you’re a sight for sore eyes. A day didn’t go by that I didn’t fear you’d been eaten by a bear or frozen in some mountain.”
Kate laughed. “We’re perfectly fine, Peg. Perfectly.” She looked toward Stephen, who had set down her valise next to the hall table.
“Well, did you get the bastard?” Dusty blurted out.
“Morse and several of his men have been taken to Canon City for trial thanks to the persistence of a Pinkerton man Kate hired. They’re to stand trial for Lizzie’s murder and for attempting to murder us as well.”
“Murder you? Oh, Lord.”
“Everything is fine now, Peg.” Kate smoothed away a stray curl that had fallen into Andy’s eyes.
Stephen moved to Kate’s side. “We’ve a story and a half to tell you all, but first...” He held his hands out to Andy. “Tell your mother she must share you.”
“Papa!” Andy moved into his father’s arms.
Kate caught Peg and Dusty exchanging a glance. Stephen had never referred to Kate as Andy’s mother. It was something he had meticulously avoided in the past.
“Well?” Peg asked. Dusty’s eyes were wide with curiosity as well.
“Well what?” Stephen kept one arm around Andy and wound the other around Kate’s waist.
“Don’t torment us, boy. We’re too old for such game-playing.” Dusty stomped his foot.
“What is it you want to know?” Stephen teased.
“You know, about...”
“Oh, about that.” Stephen raised an eyebrow. “I think my wife should be the one to answer any questions about that.”
“Your wife?”
Kate beamed. “Yes, we were married in Canon City day before yesterday.”
“Married.” Peg elbowed Dusty. “I told you, but you wouldn’t believe me.”
“Well we’ve a surprise of our own. Did you tell him to come?”
“Of course I did woman. He was right on my heels.”
“Uncle George?” Kate rushed forward to embrace the man who appeared in the kitchen doorway. “What are you doing here?”
“I couldn’t stand not knowing that you were safe. I came after the Pinkerton man sent his first report. Just yesterday I got a telegram here in Denver from him.” He extended a hand to Stephen. “I’m sorry, son. We were wrong about you from the beginning. I’ve forgiven you and I’m sure Mary Katherine will as well.” He put an arm around Kate’s shoulder.
She smiled. “Oh, I have, Uncle. You have not heard. I’ve found a new metallurgist to help us with the smelting operation.”
“And who would that be, my dear?”
“My husband, Uncle. My new and dearly loved husband.”
Uncle George was momentarily taken aback. But he recovered quickly seeing his niece’s happiness. He folded her into an embrace.
Stephen smiled. “I think it is time to celebrate. A cookie and some milk would do the trick. What do you think, Andy?”
“Cookie?” Andy brightened.
“Yes, a cookie.” He put his free arm around Kate and led the small group toward the kitchen. He smiled down at Kate. “Maybe even two.”
Acknowledgments
With thanks to Mira Perrizo, Publisher, Johnson Books for use of the Sinawaf creation story. (Utes, The Mountain People by Jan Pettit, Johnson Books: Boulder, 1990)
About the Author
Joan Avery was an award-winning writer/producer at a major national advertising agency for over fifteen years before she “retired” to raise a family and write. Joan has been blessed with a daughter, two sons and two stepsons. She and her husband now have five grandchildren. Although she has lived in the Detroit area her entire life she has traveled extensively for both work and leisure. She and her husband, an attorney, have visited many fascinating parts of the world. Joan feels her travels enrich her writing. THE WORTH BROTHERS’ TRILOGY takes place in three of her favorite places.
Are you feeling…
Scandalous?
Our readers know that historical doesn’t mean antiquated, that’s why they choose Scandalous—an Entangled Publishing imprint—for love stories from eras gone by.
Our romances are bold and sexy and passionate. After all, torrid love affairs are even more illicit when forbidden by social mores. Take a little time for yourself, escape to another era, and discover a timeless romance. There’s never been a better time to fall in love.
Never miss a release by subscribing to our newsletter, and join us on our social media pages to keep up with our specials, giveaways, prizes, and what is new with scandalous authors.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter
Experience more rugged historical romance with these Scandalous titles...
The Lawman’s Agreement
by Nancy Fraser and Patti Shenberger
U.S. Marshal, Zack McCade, takes pride in protecting the beautiful Dr. Suzanne Martindale - and getting under her skin. Suzanne doesn’t have time for courting – especially a charming Cajun rogue like Zack. When he proposes a fake betrothal to keep the matchmaking town out of their hair, she’s sure it’s a bad idea but can’t deny her longing for a respite from the over-zealous bachelors in town. Their ruse starts a fire in their hearts that neither expected, but will the re-emergence of Suzanne’s real fiance douse the flames?
Norse Jewel
by Gina Conkle
AD 1022
A stolen woman of rare qualities…
Seized by marauders and taken to the icy northlands by the wolf-eyed Viking warrior, Helena will do whatever it takes to earn her freedom and return to France.
A mighty Viking Chieftain…
Betrayal has turned Hakan’s heart to ice, but the spirited Frankish maid warms him in a way he’s never known. The spell she weaves leaves them both breathless, but can he keep his promise to return her home even if it means he’ll lose his precious jewel forever?
Her Wicked Sin
by Sarah Ballance
Salem, MA 1692
Henry Dunham comes to Salem on a mysterious errand, but is thrown from his horse and rescued by the local Puritan midwife, Lydia Colson. Lydia is running from her own dark secrets, pretending her dead husband is simply…away. When she and Henry are caught in a compromising situation, one punishable by Puritan law, he saves her from scandal by claiming to be her errant spouse…and claiming her bed. As their lies become truths, a witch hunt threatens their burgeoning love, and Lydia’s life.
Discover historical romance with new titles from Scandalous...
No Ordinary Mistress
by Robyn DeHart
London, 1814
Remington Hawthorne has spent his life protecting the Crown. When he’s assigned to play the part of lover to Emma Masterson, he’ll have to risk his heart as well as his life.
Perpetually tasked with proving she is as valuable as any man in her profession, the last thing Emma needs is to be reunited with the one man who makes her want to forget her duties and get lost in passion. It will take every ounce of strength not to give in to him…
The Duke’s Quandary
by Callie Hutton
London, 1814
Drake, Duke of Manchester, is searching the Marriage Mart for a perfect bride, a woman who does not want the useless emotion of love. Socially awkward Miss Penelope Clayton isn’t meant for marriage. She’ll never fit in with the ton, especially if they discover she’s been pretending to be a man within the scientific community. Why then, do they find it so hard to resist each other?
ale(100%); -o-filter: grayscale(100%); -ms-filter: grayscale(100%); filter: grayscale(100%); " class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons">share
