“Seems like your imagination might not know me so well.”
Wyatt chuckled. “A man is allowed to dream, Katie Carter.” His tone was dry, but there was still a twinkle in his eye. “I realize this might seem sudden to you. I didn’t want to declare myself as we were hovering over the Mitchells’ sick bed.”
“I can see that would be remarkably bad form,” Katie agreed with a grin.
“Quite right. But I find that while I have a remarkably good imagination, I cannot envision a future that does not contain you in it, by my side, sharing my life, even helping me with my patients, or pursuing your own interests,” he was quick to add, “whatever you think best, as long as you return home each night to share your thoughts and dreams with me and whatever family we manage to grow together.”
Katie felt tears gather in her eyes. “That sounds wonderful, Wyatt.” Suddenly though, she grew sober once more. “The only trouble is, this is all rather sudden, wouldn’t you say? Just days ago we weren’t sure if we could even bear each other.”
“I knew I could bear you, Katie, I was just afraid.”
Katie smiled over that admission, but continued, “The thing is, Wyatt, I’m a mother now, and I cannot only think of myself. Annie hasn’t been along for the journey of us coming to this understanding. She has to be my first priority. And I need to make sure that she’s all right with these changes. If I agree, you’ll have to understand that you need to court the both of us.”
Wyatt studied her seriously for a heartbeat before he broke into a grin. “I rather think that sounds like double the pleasure.
Katie then surprised him by throwing her arms around his neck. “Well then, I think I might have to quickly agree.”
With a whoop of joy, Wyatt twirled her around while she laughed with delight. Finally, allowing her to sink down to her feet, he bent his head and sealed their bargain with a sweet kiss.
Epilogue
K atie was standing nervously in the spot where Wyatt had asked her to meet him. The exact place where he had declared himself two months prior. She was amazed how patiently he had courted her and Annie. She herself would have thought he needn’t have taken quite so much time. Anyone could see that both she and Annie were head over heels about him. But he had been true to his word. He had taken his time with Annie, allowing her to get over her distrust of doctors. And he had lovingly allowed Katie time to get over her distrust of men. She had come to anticipate the sound of his knock each evening as he called by, even sometimes just for a moment or two, just to say hello and see how her and Annie’s day had been. She knew it must have been exhausting for him after his long days of caring for others. But it had gone a long way to help both of his “girls” arrive at the conclusion that they couldn’t imagine their lives without him in it.
But it had already been a couple of weeks since Katie had arrived at that realization. She was beginning to wonder if she was going to have to propose to him, she thought with a grin as she gazed out at the beautiful vista in front of her. She was beginning to grow impatient with the good doctor. Both in this moment of waiting for him — surely he was late for their appointment — and with this courtship. She was ready to get on with their new life together.
A sound behind her drew her attention. When she turned to look, tears almost clogged her throat. Wyatt was walking toward her, hand-in-hand with Annie. Annie was carrying a beautiful, enormous bouquet of flowers that surely must have taken ages to gather. That would account for the delay, she thought with a grin. Then she realized that Wyatt was carrying a shovel and she frowned in confusion.
“Well this is a pleasant surprise,” she greeted them as Annie ran toward her. “Thank you, Annie, these are beautiful.”
“They’re from both of us. Because we love you,” Annie said, making the tears swimming in Katie’s eyes tumble down her cheeks. “That’s s’posed to make you happy, not cry,” Annie pointed out, becoming distressed.
Katie laughed. “Sometimes tears can be from happiness, not just for sadness.” Annie looked slightly mollified but still somewhat skeptical. Her attention was quickly turned, though, when Wyatt gained their attention.
“Annie, please stand there with Katie. I have something important I want to discuss with the both of you.”
Katie’s heart thudded in her chest, and she felt momentarily light-headed as her mind filled with hope. But she couldn’t help grinning over the wide-eyed confusion on Annie’s face. The tears that had dried were soon joined by more as Wyatt crouched down onto one knee in order to be on the same level with Annie.
“Annie, my dear girl, I hope you realize how truly special you have become to me. I know you have faced many challenges already in your young life, and it has taken a great deal of courage to allow me into your life. I think you’re the bravest little girl I have ever met. And I was wondering if you would be willing to make it a permanent arrangement.”
The child blinked, staring at the doctor without fully understanding his meaning. Wyatt quickly elaborated.
“I know no one can ever replace the mother and father you lost, and I know you have made a new life with Katie, but would you be willing to allow me to join that life, so that we could all live together?”
“So we can be together every day, and you don’t have to go home by yourself?”
“Exactly right. I don’t want to go home by myself anymore.”
The little girl stared at him solemnly. “I don’t like being by myself either. If Katie says it’s all right, I think it’s a good idea.”
Wyatt grinned; his gaze flicked up to Katie for a second, but he kept his focus on Annie while he pointed into the distance. “Would you mind going over there to play for a few minutes while I discuss it with Katie?”
“All right,” she agreed and scampered off.
“Well, Katie, you can now see that my future loneliness or companionship comes down to your say so,” he remarked as they both watched Annie skipping in the field. Turning to her, Wyatt gathered up her hands. “Katie, darling, I have tried to take my time and allow the two of you to grow accustomed to me, but I don’t think I can wait any longer. I love the both of you more than life itself. Please, tell me you’ll put me out of my misery and become my wife.”
Katie burst into laughter. “I thought you’d never ask!”
“What? I’ve been nearly consumed with impatience for weeks.”
“You hid it well, Dr. Jeffries.” Katie’s reply was arch.
He gathered her into his arms. “Are you really going to marry me?”
Katie smiled. “I really am.”
He twirled her around, and their laughter mingled. “How soon can we manage it?”
Katie’s laughter rang out louder. “From taking your time, now you’re impatient?”
Wyatt was rueful. “Do you mind terribly? Do you want to wait for friends or family to come from New York?”
Katie quickly denied that. “Not at all. I have no need for a big wedding. In fact, I am as impatient as you. Maybe even more so. I love you, too, Wyatt, and will happily marry you as soon as it can be arranged.”
They laughed together before Wyatt silenced them both as he stole her breath with a tender kiss.
The End
Melanie
~ BOOK 4 ~
Orphan Train Series
Wendy May Andrews
∞∞∞
Sparrow Ink
www.sparrowdeck.com
Copyright © 2018 Wendy May Andrews
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced, transmitted, or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
www.wendymayandrews.com
Two challenged hearts. One true love?
The death of her mother left ten-year-old Melanie Jones with too many responsibilities. Raising her younger siblings under the weight of her father’s unkind words filled her with insecurities. Despite those early years, she’s determined to make a new life for herself. Moving far away from home, she boards a train to escort the latest load of orphans to Missouri.
Abandoned by his wife then widowed, Cole Miller is forced to raise his daughter on his own. Though his sister is supposed to help, she’s more liability than asset. When a beautiful newcomer arrives in town, her doubts and insecurities leave Cole uninterested. He’s had his fill of women like his wife and sister.
When Melanie steps in to help Cole with his daughter, he’s able to see beyond her timidity and discover her beautiful and gracious soul. Will his discovery be enough for him to let go of his own uncertainties? Is Melanie ready for a family of her own?
Dedication
To Mum & Dad who gave me the foundation upon which I stand.
This heroine holds a special place in my heart. Melanie struggles with her insecurities and would much rather stay home than face people. This book is for all those who feel alone as they face their challenges.
And for my own home hero who makes sure I’m not alone as I face mine.
Acknowledgements
As always, my awesome beta readers:
Marlene, Suzanne, Monique, and Alfred, helped me immeasurably. Then, my lovely editor, Julie Spencer, took it all and made it shine. All remaining messiness is my own efforts.
Also, special thanks go to “GermanCreative” on Fiverr for all the gorgeous covers in this series.
Chapter One
Bucklin, Missouri - Early summer 1854
M elanie stared at the handsome man. She hadn’t expected him to be so good looking. She quickly realized that was a ridiculous thought. Why wouldn’t he be? She hadn’t actually given the man’s appearance any thought, so she shouldn’t be quite this surprised by his flawless face and clear blue gaze. In fact, given how pretty little Mary was, it should have been expected. But nonetheless, she felt tongue tied and gauche and dearly wished she had not made arrangements for Annie to stay over at her friend’s house.
“You must be Annie,” the man said in a smooth baritone that did funny things to Melanie’s stomach while Annie nodded and grinned. “And you must be Mrs. Carter,” he continued, looking at Melanie.
Her nervous giggle embarrassed her as she shook her head. “No, I’m sorry for the confusion, I’m Melanie Jones, Mrs. Carter’s housemate. Mrs. Carter being unavailable today is part of why I agreed to Annie coming to stay over when your wife asked this morning.”
Mr. Miller’s smile should be outlawed, Melanie thought as she blinked, hoping she didn’t look like a dull-witted bovine as she did so. But why is he grinning like that? The thought flitted through her head just as he chuckled.
“Leandra’s not my wife. She’s my sister. She came out here to help me and Mary when my wife died.”
“Oh no, I’m so sorry for your loss.”
The handsome man lifted a shoulder in a half shrug. She could relate to the feeling. Really, what is there that can be said? Losing someone in death is the most permanent form of tragedy. And anyone saying sorry about it is kind but rather useless. There’s nothing that can be done.
“It’s good that you have had your sister to help you out,” she added.
The look he gave her led her to believe that maybe his sister hadn’t been such a help after all. This is why I don’t deal with people, Melanie thought with a twinge of anguish. She hated the awkwardness she always felt when she was with other people. Her insecurities made interacting with strangers nearly debilitating. Once again, she was grateful for her business partner’s willingness to deal with their customers.
Mary’s father interrupted the flow of her disquieting thoughts. “Is there anything we need to know about Annie?”
Melanie’s heart sank. She knew so little about the poor child. “She’s a delight and doesn’t make a fuss about much of anything, so you should be fine.”
“Has she slept over at someone’s house before?” Mr. Miller pressed.
“In a manner of speaking,” Melanie answered, wondering if she ought to air Katie and Annie’s business. With a mental shrug, she figured it wasn’t all that private a matter. “Annie has just recently joined our household. Mrs. Carter adopted Annie. The sweet child has seemed to take it all in her stride so well that I suspect you won’t have any problems with her.”
Mr. Miller looked at her with curiosity clearly evident on his face, and Melanie fought the urge to squirm. “Would you like to come in for a cup of tea or coffee while we see if the girls settle in all right?”
Melanie quite strongly wanted to decline the invitation but when she glanced down at Annie, seeing the hesitation on the child’s face, she realized she ought to do what she could to make sure Annie was comfortable. Melanie would have to set aside her own discomfort this time. Negative thoughts crowded around in her head as she struggled with regrets that she hadn’t insisted Katie not adopt the little girl. But Melanie did her best to reject the negativity. Annie was a delightful child, and Melanie couldn’t begrudge either her or Katie their newfound familial happiness.
Pasting what she hoped wasn’t an overtly fake-looking smile onto her face, Melanie nodded and accepted the man’s offer. “I suppose that might be wise.”
When one side of the man’s handsome face lifted into a lopsided grin, Melanie questioned her own words. No, it was not wise to spend any amount of time around him. She was sure to be tongue tied and awkward. She wished she could fall into a conveniently opened hole in the floor. But those things never happened, no matter how hard one wished for them. She swallowed her nerves as best she could and followed the two little girls and the large man into the house.
Glancing around, Melanie was surprised to see very little evidence of a woman’s touch in the clean but sparse house. It would seem Leandra was not leaving her mark on her brother’s home. To her chagrin, Mr. Miller must have read the curiosity on her face.
“My sister hasn’t been enjoying her time her in Missouri. She is determined to return East as soon as possible, even though she has been here for almost two years now. I think now that Mary is in school, we’ll be able to manage without her. I should really put Leandra on the next train headed east, but I find myself struggling with nerves.”
Melanie was shocked to hear a man admitting to such a feeling. “What are you nervous about?” She colored slightly at the emphasis on “you” as it revealed her own issues, but she brazened it out and waited for his reply.
He shrugged and offered her another lopsided grin. “What do I know about little girls? Or big girls for that matter. I hate keeping Leandra here when I know she’s hating it, but I hate even more the thought of Mary not having the best care.”
Melanie glanced around to make sure the girls were out of earshot but also ensured to keep her voice low as she answered him. “Children are remarkably perceptive and are affected by how they think the adults around them are feeling. I have had a great deal of experience with children. In my opinion, Mary will thrive if she knows you care about her and are doing your best. I don’t know her well, but she seems like a bright, happy child. I don’t think you have to worry overly.” She paused for a moment before adding, “It speaks well of you that you have even given the matter some thought. Most men wouldn’t.”
Mr. Miller offered her a quizzical glance but didn’t comment, merely busying himself getting the water on to boil. Melanie tried to keep her focus away from him, but she couldn’t help being fascinated by the sight of a man moving around a kitchen as though he knew what he was doing there. His large hands managed to handle the kettle dexterously and scoop the roughly ground coffee without spilling. When it came time to set out the dainty cups, Melanie had to bite her lip to prevent a grin from spreading across her face. She wondered why he had such delicate things. She was embarrassed to realize her thoughts m
ust have written themselves on her face when he looked at her with his eyebrows quirked quizzically. The color rose in his cheeks, but his gaze never wavered. He lifted his shoulder.
“My daughter loves to play tea parties, and a good tin cup just won’t do for her. She has convinced me that a well-equipped kitchen is fully stocked with teacups and nothing less should ever be offered to a proper lady.”
Melanie allowed her grin to spread. “Well, I’m honored that you think me a proper lady, in that case.”
His answering grin made her nerves flutter, but she managed not to cower away, grateful beyond words when he didn’t seem to notice, merely turning back to competently set out the coffee that was now ready. He placed a plate of cookies on the table between them as he sat down across from her.
Chapter Two
C ole watched in amazement as his guest nibbled on a cookie. It was better than when she had been nibbling on her lip. He had to work hard not to stare. She was obviously high strung. After the trouble he had been dealing with because of his sister, he should be completely unaffected by her nervous fidgets. But instead, he had to fight an overwhelming impulse to draw her into his arms and comfort her. It was the strangest sensation. The only other person he felt so protective towards was Mary. But the sensations he was feeling towards Miss Jones were most certainly not of the paternal type. It was definitely time for some conversation to divert the mood in the room.
“How are you enjoying life in Bucklin thus far, Miss Jones?”
He tried not to be charmed by the blush that colored her cheekbones as her eyes bounced around the room. Apparently, conversation wasn’t going to help the situation. Cole stifled a sigh. He was glad he managed to retain a modicum of patience. It was soon rewarded.
Orphan Train Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 4 Page 29
