The Betrothed (Cutter's Creek Book 7)

by Vivi Holt

  “My darlin’ Charlotte. The house I built – it’s for you. Why do you think I dragged you up there in the dark to see it? You asked me why I cared what you thought of it – I care because I built it for you. For us. Everything I’ve done since I met you has been for you. From the moment you almost ran me down in Greyburn, you’re all I think about, all I want. You drive me crazy, you make me whole. You’re the one I want to share my victories with and the one I want to hold close when things go awry. Oh, can’t you see – it’s all been for you.”

  He dropped to his knees as he spoke, taking her hands in his. “Charlotte, my sweet Charlotte – I want to spend my whole life makin’ everything just so for you. I know I can’t give you everythin’ in life you’ve been accustomed to, but maybe you’ll settle for happiness instead. Because I can promise you that – we’ll be happy. Love does that, you know – makes one happy. And I love you, I truly do.”

  When he finished his declaration, he smothered the backs of her hands with tender kisses, then looked up into her eyes, his own pleading for her response.

  Charlotte’s heart hammered in her chest and tears rolled down her cheeks. The confusion that had reigned in her head was gone, blown away with the breeze coming off the jagged mountain range behind him. She knew the truth, finally. She understood what she had to do. She loved him too. They’d been through so much together: run from their homes, crossed the ocean, fought their way from New York to Montana.

  And now nothing else seemed as true, nothing as pure, nothing as clear, as the love she had for him. Her heart was open, her mind was clear, and she could run from her feelings no longer. Her heart was his.

  She knelt in front of him, her hands still clasped firmly in his, her cheeks streaked with emotion. “I love you too, Harry. And yes, I’ll marry you.”

  He pulled her to her feet and lifted her high into the air above his head with a shout. He drew her close, wrapping his arms around her tightly, his lips finding hers with a furious passion that took her breath away and made her knees weak. He kissed her then, fully and completely, with abandon and love and all the words that had remained unspoken through the long months together and yet still apart in so many ways. Now there would be no more space between them.

  Charlotte felt a tightness release from deep within her as her lips sought his and she wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers lacing through his thick hair.

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Harry stood on his front veranda and gazed out across the valley. Lanterns wound their way up the drive to his new home as wagons full of friends and family made their way to his housewarming party. He and Camilla had moved into the house two weeks earlier.

  What he was really looking forward to, though, was when Charlotte would join them. The wedding would be held in three weeks, and he was anxious for the day to arrive. He’d told Charlotte they should get married immediately, but she was insistent he give her time to sew a dress and put together a trousseau. And according to her, five weeks was the absolute minimum amount of time she’d need to do all of that.

  He smiled as the Todds’ peddling wagon rounded the bend and came into view, carrying Sam, Estelle and Charlotte. He’d lined the drive with lanterns, and the entire house was lit up as well. Heath was helping people unhitch their horses and bed them down in the new stables behind the house. He’d been very good-natured about their engagement, even offering to help Harry finish off the barn and stables. A line of wagons filled the side yard as a line of townsfolk traipsed into the house and between the rooms, with exclamations of approval drifting out through the open front door.

  Sam helped Estelle from the wagon and slapped Harry on the back. “Well done, Harry my boy. It looks wonderful. You’ve done a superb job – you should be proud. I know your parents would be if they could see it.”

  Harry ducked his head, feeling a sudden pang of homesickness. He did wish Mam and Da could be here to see what he’d achieved. And to meet Charlotte. He knew Mam would just love her once she got over the fact that her son was marrying Lady Charlotte of Beaufort Manor. He chuckled as he imagined her face when she heard the news.

  Charlotte smiled at him from the wagon seat. He stepped over to help her down, then pulled her close for a quick kiss. “Harry, mind your manners, there are people around.” She laughed and slapped at him playfully, her cheeks flushing a pleasant shade of pink.

  He loved that he got to kiss her whenever he wanted now. All those months of longing and it seemed like a fantasy that she was going to be his wife. He wondered how he’d ever gotten so lucky. No, it wasn’t luck – it was blessing. He said a quick prayer of thanks and escorted her into the house on his arm. “Lady Charlotte, welcome to your soon-to-be home.”

  She stepped over the threshold and gasped.”Oh Harry, you and Cammie have done an amazing job. It looks lovely! Look at these curtains and this settee.” She hurried over to stroke the chair. “It’s horsehair – where on Earth did you get it?”

  “I had it delivered by stage.”

  “Oh my. I can’t quite believe it – it’s all so homey and warm. I love it!” Her eyes sparkled and she clapped her hands together in delight. He nodded, pleased that she was happy with the result of his hard work.

  “You’re here!” Camilla floated in from the kitchen, a lace-trimmed apron over her green cotton gown. “Come into the kitchen – there’s food and drink galore.”

  They followed her into the kitchen, where a long table was filled to bursting with good things to eat. Friends and neighbors had all contributed, and the table was laden with spring berries, pies, stew, cornbread, fritters, salt pork, johnnycakes and more. The kitchen overflowed with well-wishers who chattered among themselves as they ate.

  Harry raised a glass high and tapped it with a spoon. “Attention please, everyone.”

  The room fell silent as everyone waited to hear from him.

  “Thank you all for joinin’ Camilla and I in our new home. All of you have helped us to fulfill our dream of buildin’ a home on this rise overlookin’ our wonderful town. And as you have no doubt heard, it will soon be Charlotte’s home as well – since she has agreed to become my wife.”

  The room was filled with cheering, and words of congratulations washed over the couple as they grinned at one another.

  “Before I let you get back to your merriment, I want to take the opportunity to present my bride with a gift.” He pointed toward the sitting room and the crowds parted.

  Charlotte’s eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t been expecting a gift. She tiptoed forward, at Harry’s urging and stopped short. Her mouth dropped open and her eyes clouded over with tears. In the sitting room, against the far wall, sat a brand-new upright piano.

  Harry came up behind her and laid his hand on her back, leaning forward to whisper into her ear. “For my beautiful bride.”

  “Oh Harry, I can’t believe it. It’s wonderful. I didn’t imagine I’d ever get to play again, living here. I’d quite given up on the idea.” She turned to face him, grasping his hands between her own. “Thank you.”

  “You are most welcome, my love.” He kissed her on the forehead and the crowd around them burst into applause.

  “Please everyone – eat, drink and enjoy yourselves. No doubt, Charlotte will regale you with some very fine music shortly. And we look forward to havin’ each of you over many times in the years to come. We might be new to Cutter’s Creek, but I think I can speak for myself, Charlotte and Cammie when I say that in the short time we’ve lived here it has already become a home to us, and all of you are so dear to our hearts that we feel quite loved.”

  Once again the kitchen was filled with pleasant noise as the townsfolk erupted into congratulations and cheering.

  Harry shuffled over to Charlotte, pushing his way through the crowd. The kitchen was spacious, but even so, having that many people in it all at once meant there was little room to move. “Are you ready?”

  “Ready for what?” She popped a piece of pie into h
er mouth with a grin and chewed.

  “To become Mrs. Brown.”

  Her face fell and she frowned. “Oh dear, I didn’t think about that. My name will be Mrs. Brown. That is rather dissatisfying.”

  He laughed out loud and touched the tip of her nose with his finger. “You didn’t think it through, did you? I guess we’ll have to call the whole thing off then.” He turned to walk away.

  With a cry, she grasped his arm and reeled him back toward her. “Never!”

  He leaned dangerously close to her, feeling the warmth from her body emanating against his own and whispered in her ear, “I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

  She gasped and her face flushed red. “Well, Mr. Brown …”

  He laughed again. “Besides, you can be Charlotte Beaufort-Brown, if you like.”

  “You wouldn’t mind?”

  He arched an eyebrow. “My darling, I get to marry the most beautiful, kind and wonderful woman in the new world. You can call yourself whatever you’d like if it means you’ll be my wife.”

  She chuckled and surreptitiously ran the tips of her fingers over his arm. “I’ll be sure to thank you properly once we’re married.”

  His eyes flew wide in surprise and he swallowed hard. “Are you certain we have to wait three more weeks?”

  “Yes, I am. It will go quickly, I promise you.” She turned with a mischievous glint in her eyes and disappeared through the crowd to mingle with their guests.

  He rubbed a hand over his forehead and breathed out a deep sigh. His heart was pounding in his chest and his hands trembled. If being married to Charlotte Beaufort was going to be like this, he wasn’t sure he would survive it. But even so, he looked forward to trying.

  Chapter Forty-Six

  The chapel was adorned in spring wildflowers and bunting. The people of Cutter’s Creek had filled the pews with no room to spare. A wedding in town was a big affair and one that no one wanted to miss. Reverend Howard Latsch stood at the altar, smiling and greeting people as they came in and found their seats. Harry stood beside him, looking tense and nervous.

  He wore a new charcoal suit with an emerald tie. His dark hair was freshly washed and curled over his tanned forehead. He’d shaved, and his smile revealed a dimple that had been covered by a shaggy beard for many long months. Beside him, Winston stood with his hands linked behind his back, his face scrubbed pink and his hair parted in the middle and slicked back.

  Charlotte stepped over the threshold and the piano began to play. Leaning on Sam Todd’s arm, she caught Harry’s eye. His face relaxed, and he turned to watch her make her way down the aisle. Her gown was made from emerald green linen with tiny pink rosebuds scattered across the fabric. With a low neckline, puffed sleeves and a tightly corseted waist, she was very happy with how the dress had turned out. Her outfit was completed by the emerald drop-pendant necklace, that hung about her porcelain neck on a fine, gold chain. She reached one hand to clasp it, thinking of Mother, and Grand-mama, and home.

  She couldn’t help comparing her dress to the white silk gown that she’d donned in England more than a year earlier. She’d worn it only the once, for the fitting when Mary had stuck her with pins. Even though it was far more luxurious and fashionable than the simple dress she wore today, she loved this dress better than she’d ever liked that one. It meant more to her than any silk, pearls or French lace ever could. She’d fashioned it with her own hands, and in it was about to become Harry’s wife. This dress would hold a special place in her heart forever.

  Camilla walked ahead of her, scattering flower petals as she went. She looked delightful in a simple cream dress with a green ribbon tied around her waist. They each wore wildflowers in their hair and slippers on their feet.

  As the couple vowed in front of God, friends and neighbors to love and cherish each other always, Charlotte watched Harry’s deep brown eyes. They were fixed firmly on hers and reflected such a depth of love, happiness and passion that her breath caught in her throat when it was her turn to speak.

  She coughed to clear her throat, then recited the words, meaning them from the bottom of her heart. All the reservations she’d had over so many months had dissolved when he’d finally declared his love for her. And now she could barely remember what any of them had been.

  Charlotte’s eyes filled with tears as the reverend declared them husband and wife. Harry dipped her in his arms and stared into her eyes for a moment before kissing her gently on the lips. “I’m so glad I found you, even though you’ve been living almost under my nose my whole life,” he whispered against her hair.

  “I’m glad you found me too.”

  Epilogue

  March 1869

  Charlotte moved back and forth in the rocker, knitting needles flying over and under between her fingers. Her brow furrowed in concentration, she shot a look at Camilla who rocked beside her. “Okay, so you aren’t keen on Mr. Fraser. What about Heath – what do you think of him then?”

  “Oh, he’s handsome, but I don’t know. He’s so … manly. I’m from England, it’s a bit unnerving.” Camilla laughed and shucked another pea into the bowl on her lap.

  Charlotte chortled along with her. “Manly is good, Cammie. Especially in Montana Territory, my dear. But there are other reasons as well – oh, you’ll understand one day.”

  Camilla’s cheeks flushed pink and she sighed. “I suppose you’re right.”

  “Well, you’ve certainly got enough admirers. I’d say you could take your pick.”

  “It’s flush with men out here, that’s for sure. I just hope I get to be as blessed as you and my brother.”

  “Yes, I hope so too.” Charlotte raised a hand to her stomach and rubbed the growing bump.

  “Do you feel well?” asked Camilla, laying the bowl of peas on the veranda beside her, ready to spring into action.

  Charlotte smiled. “I’m fine. The baby just kicked me, that’s all.”

  “Oh.”

  With a hand raised to shield her eyes from the setting sun, Charlotte gazed across the valley below them. The sunlight glanced off the river, sending a rainbow of colors reflecting back to them. The town sat snug against the foothills, hazy curls of smoke winding their way skyward.

  A lone figure walked up the drive, a lunch pail in his hand. Harry pulled his Stetson from his head to wave at them, then blew Charlotte a kiss before returning the hat to his head and continuing to trudge up the hill.

  She smiled and rubbed her stomach again. “I could never have imagined we’d end up here,” she said, returning to her knitting.

  “Never once,” agreed Camilla, still shucking peas.

  “But I’m sure glad we did.”

  Harry reached the women. He patted Camilla on the shoulder, then squatted before Charlotte. He lay a hand on her protruding belly, and smiled. As he leaned forward, he removed the hat from his head, and kissed her — first on her forehead, then the tip of her nose, then her waiting lips. She felt a rush of desire flood through her. He was so handsome. So rugged. So strong. And his heart belonged to her. She grinned, and returned his kiss with passion.

  “Have you had a good day?” he asked, rubbing her stomach gently with the tips of his fingers in a circular motion.

  “Mmmm… and you?”

  “Yep. Nearly got the porch finished for Jack and Willow Carlson. They’re going to love sitting outside in their rocking chairs, just like you two are doing now.”

  “Yes they will. It is divine out here, I must say. Supper is cooking, but you’ve got time to sit with us for a while before it’s ready, if you’d like.”

  He nodded, and pulled a rocking chair over, to relax by her side. He linked his fingers behind his head, and crossed one leg over the other. As he rocked back and forth, Charlotte saw contentment written plainly across his chiseled features. His beard had grown in again soon after the wedding, and she loved the wildness of it. She reached up to run her fingers over it, touching his lips gently with the tip of her pointer. He smiled, and ki
ssed it, before taking her hand into his and holding it while he rocked. The two of them turned to watch the brilliant colors of the sunset behind them reflecting on the river below, and across the sleepy hamlet of Cutter’s Creek.

  ***

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  Read on for an excerpt from Of Peaks and Prairies (Paradise Valley, Book 1).

  Excerpt: Of Peaks and Prairies (Paradise Valley, Book 1)

  Chapter One

  2nd August, 1867

  Fort Worth, Texas

  Genevieve Waters-Ewing walked from the church with her hand resting lightly on Quincey Ewing’s raised arm. He’d shaved for the first time in months, and she glanced with distaste at a scratch on his cheek where the blade had nicked his weathered skin. Her whole body trembled and she fought hard to push down the sobs that threatened to escape her aching throat at any moment. He turned to face her with a grin, his ten-gallon hat perched unevenly on his square head.

  The minister who’d married them was so old and frail and his hearing so bad, each time she shook her head and shouted “no” during their vows, he simply nodded with a toothless grin and continued on with the ceremony. When she tried to run, Quincey held her close and pinched her arm. In the end she stood her ground, confident that the law would never uphold such a marriage – until, that is, her new husband forged her signature on the marriage certificate. Now she wasn’t so sure.

  She glared at him as her stepfather came up alongside her. “Congratulations, Genny – yer a married woman now! Isn’t that what ya always wanted?” He chuckled, and she caught him winking behind her back at his childhood friend – the man who’d just been pronounced her husband.

  “Well, at least it’ll get ya out from under my feet,” he continued. “I can’t be payin’ for yer upkeep forever. Your Ma done died on me, leavin’ me with a rug-rat I never wanted. Now it’s time for ya to find yer own place in life. Can’t say as I’ll miss ya much, ‘part from the cookin’ ‘n sech of course, but I’ll find a missus to do that soon enough with ya out of the house. ‘Course, yer not goin’ far – just across the way. I’m sure ya could find it in yer heart to help me out a time or two, after all I’ve done fer ya.”