She cuddled to him. They needed to know she wasn’t mad. However, she refused to let them decide her future or marry her out of obligation and guilt. She had absolutely no remorse about anything she’d done today.
* * * *
Emily slept and she’d certainly earned it. Jack should’ve felt shame for taking her virginity and letting it get out of hand, but she responded naturally to them. She wanted more.
Henry slept too. The man tossed and turned until he was curled in a ball, as usual. His orphan days still haunted him. Jack spooned Henry and kissed his neck until he woke slowly.
“What’s wrong?” Henry asked.
“Shh, let’s not wake Em. We need to talk before the sun comes up and the mob returns.” Jack tugged Henry carefully out of bed and over to a corner of the room.
“Why are you second-guessing everything and making this hard?” He hugged Jack. “It’s what we want. It’s what she wants. You’re afraid to be happy. I know your family wasn’t happy, but we’re nothing like your father. She’d never tolerate it. Stop making her think we’re using her and backing off.”
It was true. Two men alone could handle their issues like men. Everything was equal. When women and children entered the picture, it was easier for things to get out of control. Men could abuse their power.
“I know you want a family. I want to give you and Em everything. It’s just happening so fast.” Jack rubbed his temples.
Henry frowned. “You don’t do impulsive things. But this isn’t new. We’ve known her and wanted her for a long time. We can keep her safe and have her here. I was so worried she’d stay in Denver with her sister and never come back. Family is important, but she shouldn’t be a spinster. No one wants to be left behind.”
He hated that he couldn’t give Henry answers. They’d gone to the orphanage by a family friend, who hadn’t left them a name. Henry’s parents’ names weren’t given either. The records indicated his parents had died of an illness and no other family had stepped forward to claim him. Voluntarily or not, everyone in his life had abandoned Henry.
“She loves you and wants you. You should marry her.” Jack nodded.
Henry shook his head. “No. First of all, Bonner isn’t my legal name and we don’t need a headache if that ever got out. Second, you’re the one with doubts and you’re more settled than I am. You marry her. The commitment will calm you.”
“Henry,” Jack protested.
“No,” Henry cut him off in a harsh whisper. “You love her and we all know it. She loves you too. You have to prove you’re willing to lead this family. People will believe I’m the fun-loving, flirty bachelor who doesn’t want to be tied down. You need a wife. It’ll cover everything perfectly. It’s the balance we all need.”
“You’re right. But it’s her final decision, not that it matters. It’s just a piece of paper. We’re all together.” Jack looked at her sleeping form. “She’s ours.”
“Damn right.” Henry hugged Jack. “You and Em will never leave me. And we’ll have kids. However, we’ll never know who the real father is. It’s not a dream, right?”
“Not at all.” Jack pinched Henry’s firm ass.
He kissed Jack hard. “It’s real. It’s ours. She’s ours. We just have to make it official.”
“Official? What are you two plotting without me?” she asked.
They looked over at her.
“We didn’t mean to wake you,” Henry said.
“Are you kicking me out before dawn?” She sat up. “I should go home, but we must resolve our situation fully.”
“No, we’re not kicking you out if you want to stay.” Jack sat on the bed and Henry snuggled behind Emily.
“He has such a way of wooing women.” Henry laughed.
“We have to do something. I’m sorry if I put you both in an awkward position. If you don’t want to marry me…” She looked at Jack then glanced back at Henry.
“He does. We don’t have a ring or anything.” Henry kissed her shoulder.
“I don’t need a ring.” She shook her mussed hair.
Jack couldn’t believe how beautiful she looked after just waking up. “You do need a ring and you’ll wear one. We’ll have one made.”
“I have my mother’s wedding rings. It’d be a shame to leave them in a jewelry box untouched.” She grabbed Jack’s hand. “If that’s a proposal.”
“You have to marry him. I’ll be the fun bachelor uncle to the kids.” Henry wrapped his arms around her waist.
“We won’t know who the actual father is anyway. I want kids with both of you.” She kissed his cheek. “The wedding is for show. We’ll know the truth.”
“Absolutely.” Jack kissed her. “So that’s a yes?”
“Yes!” she said.
Jack kissed Henry and hugged her between them. Reality began to set in. This was real and soon he’d have to tell the mob of bachelors. The sooner they got married the better.
“What’s wrong?” Henry asked.
“We need a cover story for where she’s been. Unless…the housekeeper is here by now. We’ll find an excuse.” Jack sat back. “Then we’ll announce things and marry as soon as possible.”
“Good. After last night, I’d rather not sleep alone in a bed ever again.” She ran her hands over his chest. “I want to be Mrs Bonner.”
“Soon you’ll be Mrs Bonner. For now, Miss St. Claire needs to get dressed so we can figure out a way to avoid a pointless search party.” Henry pinched her bottom.
“If I go now, I should be able to slip in the house before anyone notices. Dora won’t give me away.” She kissed Jack then Henry as she slid off the bed toward her clothing.
* * * *
That afternoon, Jack called on Emily with Henry in tow. If Alice thought it was odd for Henry to be there, she didn’t show it. He went to fetch the reverend after Jack proposed in front of everyone. Emily said yes, of course, and the relief was enormous. It had all worked out perfectly.
“What’ll happen to Mrs Lange?” Dora asked as she brought in tea.
“Dora, that’s not your business,” Alice snapped.
Emily sat on the sofa next to Jack. “Don’t you worry. Any of you. I have a plan for everything.”
“A plan? You’ll always be my friend, Emily. But you don’t need me anymore. My husband didn’t leave me much, but I’m capable of managing my own situation.” Alice frowned. “I’m happy for you, I am. Maybe I’ll marry someday?”
“Until then, I hope you’ll consider my suggestions. I want you to stay here.” Emily smiled.
“Here?” Alice asked.
Dora opened the door as the reverend and Henry stepped up onto the porch.
“I hear congratulations are in order,” Reverend Young said.
Jack shook his hand and nodded. “We’d like to get married, and the sooner the better.”
“I hope it’s not because of town pressure,” Reverend Young said to Emily. “I know you’ve been seen courting, but its fine to take time for an engagement.”
She put the polite society smile on her face she’d used in Denver when people were being rude and condescending. “You don’t think I’m that weak-willed, do you?”
“Of course not. It’s just sudden, that’s all.” The reverend backed off.
“We’ve known each other for years. My father’s illness made proper courting inappropriate. And the mourning period did that as well. That doesn’t mean there wasn’t an attachment formed before.” Emily had no interest in going over the history. “When do you think we can have the wedding?”
“Well, I don’t know. Generally, I like couples to spend a little more time planning their futures. Marriage takes work.” Reverend Young accepted a cup of tea from Dora.
Emily wouldn’t play his game. She turned to Jack. “My sister’s minster in Denver would be happy to marry us. She’ll want to attend the wedding, wherever it is.”
“Wherever you want to be married is fine by me.” Jack smiled at her.
“You don’t need to
do that. If you’re set on a quick wedding, we can say a month to get everything ready. Weddings take a little time to plan, the dress and flowers. And your sister will want to come early to help, I’m sure. So you decide what date works for you and we’ll talk more then,” Reverend Young said.
“Sounds good.” Jack nodded. “The sooner she can move out to the ranch, the better.”
“Move to the ranch?” Alice asked.
“I have another plan for this home. Being so near to town, this place can be more useful in other ways. We can’t keep herds of cattle here.” Emily chuckled.
“Very true,” Henry said.
Reverend Young looked a bit shocked and cleared his throat. “You certainly seem to have embraced the idea of marriage, Miss St. Claire. It’s a big change, but I see you’re ready for it.”
“I am, thank you. A woman is expected to marry. I may be a bit unconventional at times, but I never planned to be a spinster. My father’s health interrupted the natural flow of things. God gives us tests, but in this case, it’s a reward.” She beamed. In just one month she’d be a happily married woman.
Epilogue
Six months later…
Emily was finally accustomed to being called Mrs Bonner. She’d settled in at the ranch and no one suspected her marriage included three people instead of two, or that she’d gone to the altar with her virtue already gone. The only other person alive who knew of the odd sleeping arrangements was their housekeeper, who was so thrilled not be replaced that she would’ve kept any secret for her.
The new respect Emily had in town was as silly as she’d imagined, but it still felt good. People looked at her differently, treated her better—all because she was married.
As she walked to the front porch of her old home, now tied with a big red bow across the front of the doors, she saw another dream coming true.
The plaque read, “St. Claire Charitable House. In memory of Jacob St. Claire.”
She turned and smiled at the townsfolk. They’d all turned out for the ribbon-cutting. A charity house made the town look bigger and more progressive. The fact that she’d had the inside renovated for the new plan and was employing the townsmen, also helped with support of the project.
Mrs Lange was in charge of the overall house and traditional education. Sarah controlled the cooking, the cooking lessons and food distribution to the poor. Dora took charge of the cleaning and reached out to the prostitutes. So far there were no orphans to house except the stable boys she employed already. However, two more whores had left the saloon when they learned they had a safe place to go and wouldn’t be intruding on someone’s home.
Emily smiled at Jack and Henry, who beamed with pride. She clutched the scissors in her hand. This was real. Her dreams had come true. In fact, she had more than she’d ever dreamed of after falling for two amazing men. The world may not approve, but she would play the game to protect and help everyone she could…including the men she loved.
“I want to thank all of you for coming out today. Especially those who worked so hard to remodel the inside. Mrs Lange will be in charge of the day-to-day, but we’ll consult monthly on the needs and projects that arise here. Anyone interested in the suffrage movement is invited to the Wednesday tea in the parlor where we’ll discuss it further.” She looked out over the crowd of familiar faces. “A list of events and classes will be posted in the newspaper as well. I hope you’ll all tour the building and don’t hesitate to make use of it. Mrs Lange has signup sheets for classes in reading and arithmetic for adults. Also, if you have excess crops, we’ll buy them and see that people who need food gets it. We can’t promise top dollar, but we’re all in this together as a town. My father loved it here and it’s my pleasure to dedicate this building to his memory.” She cut the ribbon then opened the doors.
The crowd applauded and filed inside. Jack stood next to her and Henry stood holding the other door open. The reverend paused at the plaque and said a prayer.
“This is too generous of you.” The sheriff tipped his hat. “Your father would be very proud, Mrs Bonner.”
“Thank you. It’s the perfect arrangement.” Emily nodded.
The saloon owner swaggered up with a few of whores. Some of the townsfolk whispered and stepped away.
“Don’t tell me, we’re not welcome.” The saloon owner mocked her.
“Everyone is welcome on the tour. I doubt you need charity, but I’m very happy to have the women see what we have to offer them when they’re free of you.” Emily grinned.
The saloon owner leveled a glance at Jack then Henry. Both men were armed, as usual. In the end, the man shrugged and tugged the poorly clad women along with him.
“That’s odd,” Jack whispered.
“Not much activity in town this year. It’s been quiet and this is a distraction. If all the customers are here, he might as well be too. I’m glad the women will see it.” Emily heard Mrs Lange conducting the tour with the authority of a school teacher.
As the last of the people filed in, Henry walked over. “This is great.”
“I’ve set aside enough money to keep it running. There’s still money left to expand the ranch.” She loved her progressive husband who didn’t concern himself with his wife’s fortune.
“The ranch is fine. Set your money aside for our children. I want them to be able to have whatever education they want. Maybe we’ll take a family trip to the sea one day.” Jack smiled.
“We should get started on the kids soon,” Henry said.
She smacked his arm. Emily was waiting a bit. A year, at least, just to be sure things were stable. In her heart, she knew it was perfect, but she wanted to enjoy that before becoming a mother. “Don’t rush things. Once I’m a mother, nothing will be more important than the children. My husband deserves a bit of my attention first. Plus, I wanted this project well started.”
“Your father would be very pleased.” Jack nodded.
The trio walked inside and one of the saloon girls ran up to Emily. “Sorry, Ma’am. Are the reading lessons for anyone? Even if you don’t live here and work where I do? I’ve got some more time on my contract.”
“Of course, the classes are for everyone. Reading, arithmetic, sewing and cooking. All the lessons are open if you want to learn. My mother died when I was young, so I didn’t learn everything I could from her. But other women can help in those matters.” Emily patted her bare shoulder.
“Thank you, Mrs Bonner! I think I will sign up for one or two.” The girl headed to Mrs Lange and her lists.
“That saloon owner is going to love you,” Henry teased.
“He’ll just bring in more girls from Denver.” Emily shook her head and grinned. “More women to help. More women to vote when the time comes.”
“The rest of the town loves it. It’s the right thing, so that’s what counts. If anyone tries to disturb the peace here, we’ll take care of it.” Jack folded his arms and glanced at Henry.
“The sheriff will,” she corrected. “I want you two nice and safe. I may be unconventional but this is the town my father loved. It’s where he would want me to be. Safe and loved with a bright future ahead.”
“Very true.” Jack offered his arm.
She took it and toured her renovated home. The memories tugged at her heart, but living life meant dealing with change. She was proud of everything in her life, even if her marriage was unorthodox in private. Regardless, she knew their love was real. She’d run from this house to the Bonners twice. Now she was a Bonner and would never have to run away again.
Also available from Totally Bound Publishing:
Fantasy Castle: Kat’s Karma
Cheryl Dragon
Excerpt
Chapter One
Brody Huxley closed the file drawer and turned back to his desk. Midday sun streamed into the office through the big windows and highlighted the well-worn furniture in the old building. Customers rarely came to the location. The part-time help would be in after lunch, but Brody didn
’t mind manning the place solo.
In the quiet moments alone he knew something was missing. The pinch in his knee reminded him of all the things he’d put in the past. He was haunted by the memory of the fighting overseas and an IED that had exploded close to him and his best friend, Sean Morgan. His knee had been replaced, but the muscle and tendon damage seized up occasionally, causing him pain. His fighting days were behind him, but at twenty-seven, his life wasn’t over yet.
As usual, Sean had been right. A desk job had been the safe bet considering Brody’s knee. Pride was something he’d had to let go of back in rehab when he’d fallen for a sexy physical therapist who could knock Brody over with a smile. Needing a little help hadn’t killed him, but when Sean had wanted her as well, things had become complicated.
Kat Calvino had made Brody and Sean work hard to regain their independence. She’d also solved their dilemma by laying down her law of never dating patients. Six months out of rehab and Brody was still hung up on the raven-haired woman nearly ten years older than him.
Behind the desk, Brody dispatched a couple of handymen to new jobs. Sean and his father owned a small construction company that operated a handyman service on the side. In the winter they added snow removal service since construction slowed way down around Chicago. The routine was good, but today something nagged at Brody until he opened the Internet and went to the site for the Fantasy Castle.
Sean walked in and plopped in the guest chair. “I’m done for the morning. Want to grab lunch?”
“Sure.” Brody glanced at Sean’s arm. He wore short sleeves and didn’t think twice about the ugly scars trailing up and down his arm. Multiple fractures had meant pins and surgeries for him too.
“What are you staring at? Found naughty pictures of Kat on a website?” Sean rounded the desk eagerly.
Sean wasn’t over Kat either but when neither of you won, did it matter? As much as they’d tempted her to break that rule about dating patients, she was a professional. At thirty-six, she wasn’t playing hard-to-get. She knew what worked for her. All the more reason he admired her.
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