Handpicked Husband (Love Inspired Historical)

by Griggs, Winnie

  On the brighter side, Ira and Mrs. Peavy were doing better now. Both had gotten up for a little while yesterday and this morning, and according to Doc Pratt they were well on their way to a full recovery. And Ira had the irritable disposition to prove it.

  And her three suitors were settling into the community quite nicely. Everett had already begun printing the paper weekly, Chance had become enamored with the motor carriage and had decided he wanted to work with mechanical conraptions and Mitchell was preparing for the first day of school which would start in just a little over a week.

  Her thoughts circled back around to Adam, as they frequently did, and she wondered what he’d thought of her train-side declaration. Had he accepted it as the no-strings-attached gift she’d meant it to be, or had it merely made him uncomfortable? Would it change anything about their relationship, and if so, what?

  Gradually she became aware of a racket coming from somewhere nearby. It sounded like a man singing, though he definitely had more fervor than talent. In fact, he wasn’t much better than she was, though she admired his enthusiasm.

  Reggie turned, trying to identify where it was coming from. Her eyes widened and she stopped in her tracks.

  Adam was riding down the road atop the strangest wagon she’d ever seen, singing at the top of his voice.

  People were coming out of their houses to see what was going on. As soon as they caught sight of Adam, most of them stood grinning and watching the show.

  When Adam drew up beside her he set the brake, grabbed a bouquet of flowers from the seat beside him and jumped to the ground.

  Reggie’s heart stuttered, then beat faster. But she was afraid to believe this meant what it seemed to. “I thought you weren’t getting in until tomorrow.”

  “I managed to get away sooner that I’d thought. And I couldn’t wait to see you again.”

  Her pulse kicked up a notch. “You couldn’t?”

  He took her hand. “I’ve finally come to my senses. I’ve been every kind of fool, Regina. You offered me your love and instead of seizing it like the precious gift it was, I let you walk away.”

  The look in his eyes revived that stubborn spark of hope. “But what about—”

  He moved his hand to her lips. “I said I’ve been a fool. You did what you did with Jack as an act of love, not of selfishness, I understand that now. You’ve given him your love, unselfishly, and I will never forgive myself for calling that an ugly thing.”

  Did he truly forgive her? “Oh, Adam—”

  “Let me finish. You are a caring, brave and generous woman, and I don’t deserve you. But your spirit is embedded deep within my heart and soul, and if you took it away from me I would shrivel up into the half-man I was before.”

  His words entranced her, touched her deeply. No one had ever said such things to her, spoken to her with such vulnerable honesty. “I would never take back that which is so fully yours.”

  To the delight of the growing number of onlookers, Adam got down on one knee.

  Reggie felt her cheeks warm. “What are you doing? Stand up this instant.”

  Adam only smiled. “When you learned about your grandfather’s scheme, you said you wanted it all—flowers, gifts, love songs, pretty words. Well, you didn’t get any of that and I think it’s time you did.”

  With a flourish, he offered her the bouquet. “Here are your flowers, the first of many more to come if you’ll accept them. And this wagon is your gift. You can decide how you want it decorated and I’ll follow your instructions to the letter.” He gave a self-deprecating smile. “The love song you already heard, which gives you some indication why you haven’t heard it before.”

  He squeezed her hands. “As for the pretty words, I’m no poet, but here goes. Regina Nash Barr, I want to love and cherish and care for you with every breath in my body and every moment of my life. If you will accept me, I want to marry you again.”

  Reggie’s vision blurred slightly, hindered no doubt by the moisture in her eyes. “Adam Barr, I’ll marry you whenever and however many times you want. Just don’t ever dare leave me again.”

  He sprang up and pulled her to him, giving her a kiss designed to take her breath away. The cheers and catcalls from the onlookers, however, cut it short.

  “Come on.” Adam wrapped an arm around her waist with a can’t-wait grin. “Let’s find us a more private spot to finish this discussion.”

  Epilogue

  Reggie sat beside Adam in her new photography wagon as they rode toward the cabin, contentment washing over her like a warm, scented bath. Jack and the Peavys would follow tomorrow, but for today they’d have the place to themselves.

  It had been nearly a month since they’d had that second wedding ceremony Adam had promised her, and it had been everything she could have hoped for. This time they’d gotten it right, sealing their vows with love and laughter and a genuine commitment to each other.

  And the belated wedding present he’d given her was perfect.

  “You did a wonderful job on the wagon,” she said. “I do believe it’s better than my other one.”

  Adam grinned. “Who would’ve thought orange, pink and green would go together so well.”

  “My favorite part is the weather vane.” She glanced over her shoulder at the bright blue rooster perched on a gold arrow on top of the wagon.

  How would he feel about the gift she had for him? A smile teased her lips in anticipation.

  Cutting him a challenging look, Reggie let her emotions spill out into exuberant song. With a grin, Adam joined in. Their raucous, totally unmelodic efforts echoed through the woods.

  When they reached the end of the chorus, Reggie drew herself up. “Did I see the birds scatter?”

  Adam swallowed a grin at Reggie’s mock outrage. “They just don’t appreciate our unique talents,” he said with a mournful shake of the head.

  But he couldn’t hold that expression for long. In truth, his life was pretty near perfect. As long as his independent-minded, spirited, wonderful wife was here beside him, he didn’t think a man could be happier than he was.

  Reggie sighed. “I’m afraid our children won’t stand a chance, musically speaking.”

  Adam had a sudden image of her, flushed and round with their child. It was an image that pleased him tremendously.

  She linked an arm through his. “And speaking of children, there’s something I need to tell you.”

  Adam’s gaze jerked to hers, and his heart nearly stopped when he saw the soft message in her eyes. He yanked on the reins and set the brake, then placed his hands on her shoulders. “Are you saying...I mean, are you...”

  She nodded. “You’re going to be a father.”

  Unable to speak, Adam drew her to him and stroked her hair.

  He’d been wrong earlier. A man always had capacity for more happiness.

  * * * * *

  If you enjoyed Winnie Griggs’s book,

  be sure to check out the other books this month

  from Love Inspired Historical.

  Keep reading for an excerpt of A Baby Between Them by Winnie Griggs!

  Dear Reader,

  Hello, and thank you so much for taking the time to read Reggie and Adam’s story. It was so wonderful to have the opportunity to revisit and give new life to these characters and the entire community of Turnabout, Texas. Both of these characters came into this story hindered by weighty events in their pasts, and telling the story of how they worked through this to earn their happily-ever-after was a real joy.

  I’m especially excited to report that this book is the start of a new miniseries, Texas Grooms. I’m really looking forward to digging into Everett, Chance and Mitchell’s stories, and finding just the right ladies to stand side by side (and toe-to-toe) with them as they start their new lives in Turnabout.

  Wishing you much love and blessings in your life,

  Winnie

  Questions for Discussion

  1. What do you think of Judge Madison’s unorthod
ox matchmaking scheme? Do you think it was justified?

  2. Does the fact that Judge Madison doesn’t accompany the suitors indicate he doesn’t want to face Reggie himself or do you think there was another reason?

  3. What do you think of Reggie’s gaudy photography wagon? Is it just a bit of fanciful decorating on her part or do you think it symbolized more?

  4. Reggie hatches a plan to look for her suitors’ weaknesses and then try to exploit them. Does this work? Why or why not?

  5. Do you think Everett is truly as cynical as he appears? What did you see to support this feeling?

  6. If you were Reggie and had to select from among the three suitors, who would you select and why?

  7. Reggie waits until just hours before the wedding to tell Adam her secret. Do you think she should have said something sooner?

  8. What do you think of Reggie for hiding from Jack the truth about his parentage? Do you think it was motivated by love, fear, shame or something else?

  9. Regardless of Reggie’s motives, do you think Jack is better off believing Patricia and Lemuel are his parents rather than knowing the truth?

  10. Does Adam’s reaction to seeing his name in Reggie’s family Bible ring true to you? Why or why not?

  11. When Adam learns the full story behind Reggie’s secret, he is able to get past everything but the fact that she gave Jack away. Given the conventions and values of the time, does this ring true?

  12. Adam feels that he has to clear his name before he will truly be whole again. How do you feel about that?

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title.

  You find illumination in days gone by. Love Inspired Historical stories lift the spirit as heroines tackle the challenges of life in another era with hope, faith and a focus on family.

  Visit Harlequin.com to find your next great read.

  We like you—why not like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/HarlequinBooks

  Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/HarlequinBooks

  Read our blog for all the latest news on our authors and books: HarlequinBlog.com

  Subscribe to our newsletter for special offers, new releases, and more!

  Harlequin.com/newsletters

  Harlequin and Mills & Boon are joining forces in a global search for new authors.

  In September 2012 we’re launching our biggest contest yet—with the prize of being published by the world’s leader in romance fiction!

  Look for more information on our website, www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com

  So you think you can write? Show us!

  Chapter One

  Faith Glen, Massachusetts, August 1850

  Nora Murphy looked at her two younger sisters across the room and tamped down the pinprick of jealousy that tried to intrude on her joy at their good fortune.

  After all, this was her sister Bridget’s wedding day to Will Black, a good and honorable man who loved her dearly. Everyone in town was gathered to celebrate here at Will’s home—Bridget’s home now, too. It was a joyous occasion and it would be selfish to put her own feelings above her sister’s.

  So what if just a scant month ago Maeve, the youngest, had also married a wonderful man? No matter how it felt, Nora assured herself, it wasn’t truly pitiable to be the oldest and the only one still single and with no marriage prospects. After all, at twenty-five she had a few years left to her before she’d have to don her spinster cap.

  Strange how in just a little over two months—a seeming eyeblink of time—her whole world had changed. Back then they’d lived in Ireland amidst the terrible burdens of the potato famine and the sickness that had taken so many of their friends and neighbors, and finally their beloved da. Suddenly orphaned and facing eviction, they’d been left all but destitute and desperate. The startling discovery of a possible inheritance across the ocean in America from an old suitor of their mother’s had been an answered prayer. She, Bridget and Maeve had left their homeland, headed for the land of promise with only their faith and the hope of finding a new home in the small town of Faith Glen, Massachusetts, to keep their spirits up.

  They’d all taken jobs aboard the ship the Annie McGee to replenish their drained savings after purchasing their passage. Maeve, the youngest, had fallen in love with and married the ship’s well-to-do doctor, Flynn Gallagher, before they’d even set foot in America.

  And now Bridget, the middle sister, had married Will Black, a mill owner and Faith Glen’s wealthiest citizen.

  How wonderful that her sisters had found good, honorable men who loved them deeply and who could care for them extravagantly. It was surely a blessing from the Good Lord Himself. And she was certain the Good Lord had plans for her, as well. Whether or not those plans included marriage was another question altogether.

  Father Almighty, I really do want to be obedient to You and to patiently await Your will for my life. But please be patient with me when I try to get ahead of You. I am prideful and too often try to control my circumstances.

  “I brought you a glass of punch.”

  Pulled out of her musings, Nora found Sheriff Cameron Long, the man who employed her as housekeeper and cook, standing in front of her. He had a cup in each hand and was holding one out to her. His always-ready, lopsided smile was in evidence, giving him a boyish look despite his imposing size. Really, the sheriff could be so considerate.

  When he wasn’t being so maddeningly stubborn.

  She looked up, meeting his gaze. Unlike her sisters, she had more of her father than her mother in her and had been the tallest of the three siblings. But Sheriff Long still towered over her, which was an uncommon but not entirely unpleasant experience.

  “Thank you.” She accepted the cup and took a quick sip. “’Twas kind of you to bring it to me.”

  He took a drink from his own cup. “If you don’t mind my asking, what are you doing over here by yourself? As a sister of the bride I would think you’d want to be in the thick of things.”

  Nora waved toward the cradle that held her infant ward. “I’ll rejoin them shortly. I just put Grace down for her nap.”

  She still found it hard to believe that no one had come forward to claim the newborn foundling who’d been abandoned during their voyage. Perhaps, for some reason, the child’s family members couldn’t reveal themselves. But whatever the case, Nora was guiltily glad they hadn’t. The idea of giving Grace up now was too painful to consider.

  As usual, the sheriff avoided more than a quick look Grace’s way and merely nodded, then changed the subject. “I understand you made most of the cakes for this little gathering.”

  “It was my gift to Bridget and Will.”

  His smile broadened and his heather-blue eyes regarded her in that teasing way he had. Didn’t he realize there should be a certain formality between an employer and his hired help?

  “And a mighty tasty gift it was,” he said, saluting her with his cup. “That was as fine a use of the Huntley-Black chocolate as I can remember. Most everyone is saying how good the desserts are and I saw several guests sneak back around for seconds.”

  Bridget’s new husband owned and operated the Huntley-Black Chocolate Mill, a business that employed a large number of the town’s citizens. It had given Nora a great deal of satisfaction to devise a recipe using Will’s product for this reception. “I enjoy cooking and baking. I’m just pleased others take pleasure in the results of my efforts.”

  “And I’m pleased I get to enjoy them on a regular basis.”

  Her cheeks warmed at the more personal compliment. “Thank you. As I said, I enjoy cooking.”

  He finished his punch and she expected him to drift away, but instead he nodded toward the other side of the room. “They make a fine picture, don’t they?”

  Bridget had stooped down to say something to Will’s three-year-old twins—her new stepchildren—and the youngsters were giggling. Will stood next to his bride, looking on with a besotted smile.

  Nora nodded. “They do indeed. They are al
l blessed to have found each other.”

  “Do your Maeve and Flynn plan to stay here for a while?”

  She followed his glance toward her other sister and brother-in-law. “No, I’m sorry to say. They’ll be returning to Boston as soon as they see Bridget and Will off. Flynn has some patients to look in on tomorrow.”

  “Well, they can’t get their new home built soon enough. The folks in these parts are really looking forward to having their own doctor right here in Faith Glen.” Cam turned back to her. “And I’m sure you’ll be glad to have your other sister close by.”

  “It will be good to have the three of us close together again.” Maeve and Flynn were having a home built here in Faith Glen but it wasn’t finished yet so they were currently living in Flynn’s family home in Boston.

  Nora cast a quick glance back over her shoulder to make certain Grace was all right. She smiled at the sweet picture the babe made as she slept.

  “Speaking of your sisters,” Sheriff Long said, “it looks as if they’re headed this way.”

  Nora turned back around and sure enough, Bridget and Maeve were crossing the room toward her, arms linked and skirts swishing as they walked.

  “Ladies.” The sheriff gave a short bow as Nora’s sisters halted in front of them. He smiled at Bridget. “I’ve already told Will more than once what a mighty lucky fellow he is.”