“God, that had to have been hard — for both of you. She must’ve been scared witless, and yet, you had to feel like the criminals you arrest.” Angus pushed the brim of his hat up, wiping the sweat from his brow. “But I sure thank you for saving her. She may be some trouble, but she’s a good girl. She’ll make you a good wife. Trust me.”
“Are you ready to shoot me or make a gunshot wedding?” Silas had no idea how Angus would respond. He was ready for any reaction at that point.
“Nah, Silas. You’re of good stock. Anyone who’d go to the trouble you did to save a woman, and yet keep her from being defiled, is a good man. I ain’t going to attack you.” Angus stared at Minnie quietly for a moment. “And if I was a betting man — which I am sometimes — I’d say you two will be married within the month.”
“From your lips to God’s ears, Angus. I don’t even understand it, but I can’t imagine not having her in my life. How does that happen?” He was serious. He had not a clue how he’d fallen for a woman that quickly. He’d had women who’d thrown themselves shamelessly at him, but he’d never felt a thing for them. This slight, delicate woman with a naughty, fiery spirit had stolen his heart in less than twenty-four hours.
“Sometimes there’s a thing called God’s will, and no matter what, things fall into place at the right time. I’ve seen it many times in others’ lives — and in my own.”
They nodded at each other and continued their journey in silence. No additional words were necessary.
* * *
Minnie had been more than ready to make it to Devil’s Gate. Even though it hadn’t been a long ride, with a bottom as sore as hers, it felt much longer than it had actually been. And even though she’d been as mad as a wet hen at him for making her sit on that pillow, she would have never made it without the pillow.
When they pulled up to the wagon camp, the women of the Widow Wagon came out to them, screaming, shouting and crying. She struggled to get off the horse, and Silas laughed, helping her down before she hurt herself.
The four women — Margie, Lizzie, Minnie, and Clara stood in a huddle, just weeping. Minnie found it remarkable to feel such love from women who’d been complete strangers just a little over two months ago. And yet, these women who she’d slighted and fought with had forgiven her and taken her in as one of their own. It was more than humbling.
“Clara, Lizzie, Margie, I’m so sorry for the trouble I caused. I’ve been foolish and selfish. I promise that we’ll move forward from this and you’ll see I’m a changed person.” Minnie had a hard time saying it through her tears, but she hoped that they knew she meant every word.
Clara threw her arms around Minnie’s neck. “I swear I would never have forgiven myself if something happened to you on that trail. I felt so responsible for letting you go. Please forgive me.”
At that point, Angus and Silas walked up to them, the wagon master speaking first. “We need to just let the past be the past. Mistakes were made all around, but it ended well and Minnie is back.” He leaned back pulling Silas forward. “This gentleman here is Silas Stone. He’s a U.S. Marshal — and was one of Minnie’s renegade captors. He kept her safe, and is solely responsible for the arrest of the outlaws. He and Minnie have decided to travel with us to South Pass to determine if they are going to be married. I want you all to say hello and treat him with the respect he deserves.”
“Angus, none of this is necessary, but thank you.” Silas wrapped his arm around Minnie. “How could I not save a sweet woman like this?” He brushed the back of his knuckles on the side of her face, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Everyone stood in silence observing them. Minnie looked up, realizing that they were all teary-eyed, staring at how Silas felt about her.
Angus clapped his hands together. “Okay, let’s get us some grub. We’re hungry. And as I said before, it’s time for every one of you to cinch your saddle, and move forward.”
The women scattered to cook the food for everyone, leaving Silas and Minnie standing arm-in-arm. “You think you might be happy with having a renegade in your life?”
“I like the thought of being your captive more.”
Silas raised his eyebrows at her, giving her a slow, gentle kiss. “Let’s see where this journey brings us, Miss Minnie.”
TO BE CONTINUED…
By Megan Michaels
The Service & Submission Series:
Finding Submission
Mastering Inga
The Widow Wagon Series:
Book One: Second Chances
Book Two: More Than She Bargained For
Book Three: Cinch Your Saddle
Published By Stormy Night Publications
What Naughty Little Girls Get
The Little Princess Cruise
From The Author
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Cinch Your Saddle (The Widow Wagon Book 3) Page 17
