Pony Express Hero

by Rhonda Gibson

  “I thought you loved me, too. Was I wrong?” The need for reassurance filled his lowered voice. His chest heaved as if he couldn’t get enough air in his lungs.

  A cry broke from her lips. “Oh, I do love you, Jacob. More than anyone in the world. When I thought Sam would kill me, my only regret was that I hadn’t told you.”

  He gathered her tightly against him, his face buried against her neck. She felt the shudder that racked his body.

  “I was scared out of my mind. Life would be miserable without you, my precious Lilly.” His voice broke with huskiness.

  Lilly withdrew slightly from his embrace, unable to see clearly she watched the stars disappear and his face grow closer. She knew he was going to kiss her and raised her face closer to his.

  His kiss was soft and caressing, yet she inhaled sharply at the contact. “I’m sorry, darling. Did I hurt you?” Jacob’s hand cupped the side of her face and his lips brushed her hairline.

  “You didn’t hurt me. Sam did.”

  Jacob rained kisses along her jaw; she kissed his chin. Her heart sang with delight.

  Jacob raised his head. “Lilly Johnson, will you marry a stock tender who works for the Pony Express?”

  “No, but I will marry Jacob Young, my protector.” She reached up and touched the cut next to his eye. “We really should get you to the house and let the doctor have a look at you.”

  He gently nudged the horse forward and they headed home. “He’ll want to look at you, too.”

  “I know.” Lilly turned in the saddle and faced forward once more. “Jacob?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Are you still going to buy the McConnell farm?”

  “Yep.”

  “Why?”

  He rubbed his chin against the top of her head. “Because I think it will produce a nice orchard.”

  “I can put your name on the ranch, too.”

  “There is no need for that. The ranch is yours and Daisy’s. I’m happy to own the farm next door. Besides Daisy might want to keep her family on that ranch someday. You and I are going to need our own place.”

  His lips brushed the top of her head. “Lilly?”

  “Yes?”

  “I’d like to invite my family to the wedding.”

  Lilly leaned against him. “I’d like that, too.”

  “Do you mind waiting until September or October to have a wedding?”

  Joy bubbled in her laugh and she placed her arms on top of his as he held the reins. “Not at all.” Lilly sighed contently. For the first time since her father died, Lilly looked forward to the future. She’d known all along that Jacob wasn’t like other men. God had sent someone just for her and she felt blessed.

  Daisy would be thrilled to learn that Jacob had asked her to marry him. She couldn’t wait to share her happy news with her little sister. At last they could all be a family. A real family.

  Epilogue

  Lilly couldn’t believe it was her wedding day. She stared into the mirror and admired herself in her mother’s dress. It was made of a soft cream-colored, satiny material with gold round buttons from her neck to her waist in the front. A wide gold belt encircled her narrow midriff. From there the dress flowed out into a beautiful cream-colored train. Lilly loved the lace on the sleeves. It looked more country than citified and that’s why she loved it so. That and the fact that her mother had worn it on the day she married her father.

  Tears filled Lilly’s eyes as she realized how much her mother would have loved to have been here on her special day. She refused to let the tears flow and instead focused on her hair.

  Willow had pulled a part of it up and left the rest flowing around her shoulders in soft ringlets. A pretty gold comb sat on top of the curls. It had taken what seemed like hours to get it to stay in place. Dogwood petals were tucked into the tresses not only making her hair look elegant, but they also put off a sweet fragrance.

  A soft knock sounded at the bedroom door.

  Lilly had hoped to have a few more minutes alone but knew Daisy was as antsy to see her as a puppy for a new bone. She assumed the knock came from Willow since her sister would have pounded on the door. She laughed. “Come in.”

  A young woman that Lilly had never met before entered and shut the door behind her. She was of average height with light brown hair. Her blue eyes shone brightly with unshed tears, but the wide smile on her face said they were tears of joy. Twin dimples winked at Lilly as the woman approached.

  “I hope you don’t mind my barging in like this. Seth and I just arrived and I couldn’t wait to meet you.” She didn’t offer a handshake, she simply enfolded Lilly into her arms. After the quick hug she stepped back and held Lilly at arm’s length. “It is so nice to meet you. I am Rebecca Young, Jacob’s mother.”

  Lilly returned her smile and barely swallowed a happy squeal. “Oh, I am so happy to meet you, too. Jacob was afraid you wouldn’t be able to come.” Happiness filled her and she moved in for another hug. “Jacob loves his family and wanted you all to be here for the wedding.”

  Rebecca laughed. “I almost had to light a fire under that dear man of mine, but at the last minute he picked up the pace and here we are.” She released Lilly’s hands and stepped back a little farther still. Her blue gaze took in the wedding dress and Lilly.

  She didn’t know what else to do or say. Lilly nervously ran a hand down the front of her dress. “I’m glad you and your husband could come.” She wet her lips.

  In an awe-filled whisper, Rebecca said, “Your dress is beautiful and so are you. I was really worried about Jacob when he left Wyoming, but now I see that God knew what He was doing all along.” She came forward and touched one of the curls that lined Lilly’s face.

  Lilly swallowed. “Thank you. I am so nervous.” Her hands began to tremble to prove her point. She clutched them in front of her.

  “That’s to be expected, after all it is your wedding day.”

  Why did she suddenly feel so nervous? Was it because Jacob’s family had arrived? Or because she was about to marry someone who took her breath away and made her feel special?

  “Can I come in now?” Daisy yelled from the hallway.

  Rebecca laughed. “We better let them in.”

  Lilly nodded, glad that her sister had arrived.

  As soon as the door opened, Daisy ran into the room. She slid to a stop and looked up at Lilly. “You are beautiful. Is that really you, Lilly?”

  All nervousness disappeared. Lilly kneeled down and met Daisy’s gaze. “Yep, it’s me. Do you think Jacob will recognize me?”

  Daisy nodded. She went into Lilly’s outstretched arms. “I love you, Lilly.”

  “I love you, too,” Lilly whispered back, tightening her hug.

  After a moment Daisy pulled back. She pointed at a little girl about her age. Blue-green eyes stared back at Lilly, aware that all attention was now on her. The child tucked her face behind Rebecca’s dress.

  Lilly remained kneeling. “You must be, Joy. Jacob has told me all about you. He loves you very much and I know I will, too.”

  Joy peaked out. A small grin parted the little girl’s lips.

  “She doesn’t talk as much as me. Her mama says she’s shy. I’m not shy, am I, Lilly?” Daisy said.

  Lilly laughed. “No, you are not, sweet girl.”

  Rebecca laughed, too. “Come on, children. Let’s give the bride a few more minutes alone.” She took each girl by the hand and walked to the door.

  After the girls had exited, Rebecca turned to Lilly and said, “Welcome to the family, Lilly. I’m sure we will all love you, as much as Jacob.” Then she shut the door, leaving Lilly alone in the quiet room.

  She turned back to the mirror and smiled. “Thank You, Lord for bringing Jacob into our lives just when we needed a protec
tor. You knew I didn’t trust men and he didn’t trust women. I still don’t know how You managed to make us fall in love, but I’m so glad You did.” Lilly ran her hands down the front of her dress one more time.

  She straightened herself with dignity and walked to the door. A sense of strength came to her. Today was her wedding day and she couldn’t wait to see her groom. Lilly resolved to make Jacob the happiest man alive; to be the best wife she could. In just a few moments she would vow to love and cherish him all the days of her life. She wanted to savor every detail of her wedding. Lilly yearned for success in this new chapter of her life with Jacob. With God’s help and blessing, they would have many years together.

  With dazzling determination and anticipation, she entered the small church and walked straight toward her groom, a tall, dark-haired man, eyes brimming with tenderness and passion and a curious deep longing that echoed in the very depths of her heart. Her Jacob. Proud, tall handsome Jacob.

  And when the preacher said, “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder,” she lifted her face for Jacob’s kiss, giving herself freely to this man who’d stolen her heart, body and mind.

  His lips captured hers like a whisper. Lilly thanked the Lord for bringing the perfect man for her into her life. She realized if it hadn’t been for the Pony Express, then Jacob may never have arrived at the ranch. With a smile, she also thanked the Lord for the Pony Express.

  He whispered in her ears the words she’d longed to hear all day. “I love you, Lilly Young.”

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from BRIDE BY ARRANGEMENT by Karen Kirst.

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  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed Pony Express Hero. The Pony Express has always fascinated me and when I wrote Pony Express Courtship, the book before this one, I fell in love with Jacob. The 1860s were an exciting time for our country and the Pony Express added to the excitement in a big way. There were many boys that were orphaned and most had no idea why their parents gave them up for adoption or left them in orphanages, much like Jacob. When Lilly entered the pages of my mind, I immediately saw her as a Cinderella-type character, only she had no fairy godmother to help her out but I knew she had a Heavenly Father who would change her life and that He’d use Jacob to bring love into that life. Writing about Jacob and Lilly enriched my life and I hope their story has touched yours, also.

  Feel free to visit me on my website and blog www.rhondagibson.net.

  Warmly,

  Rhonda Gibson

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  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title.

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  Bride by Arrangement

  by Karen Kirst

  Chapter One

  Cowboy Creek, Kansas

  June 1868

  Noah Burgess wasn’t cut out to be sheriff. He’d worn the badge less than three days and had already failed the town he’d helped found. Seemed one simple task—rounding up the Murdoch brothers and their band of outlaws, men who’d managed to relieve the bank of its gold and end Sheriff Davis’s life—was beyond him.

  Muscles stiff from long hours in the saddle, his shirt clinging to his sticky, sweat-slicked skin, he welcomed the sight of his homestead rising up from the sea of prairie grass. The steadfast sun painted everything in a butter-yellow haze. The one-and-a-half-story cabin wasn’t grand or vast like his friends’ houses. In fact, with its awkward roofline and porch awning dissecting the front facade, the home he’d designed and constructed was somewhat of an eyesore.

  Unlike Daniel Gardner and Will Canfield, his best friends and cofounders of Cowboy Creek, he didn’t plan on taking a wife and filling his home with offspring. His cabin may not impress folks, but it was practical. Kept him warm during the brutal prairie winters and cool enough during the summer months. Kept the rain and snow out. What critters managed to breach its walls the cat took care of.

  He’d done a better job with the barn. Granted, he’d gone a tad overboard. The structure was large enough to house five wagons abreast and ten deep. Straight ahead, stately cottonwoods lining the creek bank blocked the frequent breezes sweeping across the undulating plains. Above him, a hawk’s cry sliced the air, the bird’s broad wings outstretched as it dipped and peaked searching for a meal.

  The tight ball of tension between his ribs unraveled as his sorrel horse, Samson, carried him closer. This slice of Kansas granted him sanctuary and tenuous peace after years of fighting on chaotic battlefields and months of inescapable suffering in filthy field hospitals.

  Ranching was in his blood. Working the land and tending livestock came naturally. Running thieves and outlaws to ground? Not a profession he’d ever aspired to.

  Noah was headed for the barn when he noticed the cabin’s front door ajar. Pulling up the reins, he slid out of the saddle and had his revolver unholstered by the time his boots hit the ground. His senses sharpened. The vegetable garden was undisturbed, and the fields dotted with shorthorn cattle revealed nothing unusual.

  Multiple scenarios ran through his mind. Outlaws like the Murdochs wouldn’t think twice about helping themselves to others’ property. An unattended homestead presented the perfect pickings. Indians in these parts weren’t too pleased with the locals, either, the needless slaughter of buffalo solely for their hides provoking some to violence.

  His ears strained for unfamiliar sounds.

  Jerking down the loading lever, he fumbled in his tiny cap box for the percussion cap. When he had it in place, he gently replaced the hammer. He could get off one good shot. Weapon outstretched, he eased the door open inch by inch. Narrow steps ascended into the loft. Perfect place for a body to hide. He scanned the half wall’s top ledge. Farther in, the pie safe and hutch came into view, as did the Waterloo step-stove he’d ordered because it was the same kind his ma had used.

  A chair creaked and Noah reacted.

  He lunged into the room. “Make another move, and I’ll shoot you where you stand...” He trailed off, jaw sagging. Had he entered the wrong house?

  “Don’t shoot! I can explain! I—I have a letter. From Will Canfield.” A petite dark-haired woman standing on the other side of his table lifted an envelope in silent entreaty. Her jewel-adorned fingers trembled. “Are you Noah Burgess?”

  At the mention of his friend’s name, he slowly lowered his weapon. But his defensiv
e instincts still surged through him. It was difficult to make sense of encountering a female in his home. Not an ordinary female, either. This one belonged on the finest streets of Paris, France or New York City. What she was doing in an isolated, male-dominated Kansas cow town he couldn’t fathom.

  From the polished boot tips peeking beneath her bell-shaped skirts, to the orderly perfection of her hair swept up and off her neck, she oozed sophistication. Elegance. She may as well have stepped from the pages of a child’s fairy tale. He got an impression of creamy, rich fabric, dainty pink bows and skirts that formed a cascading cloud of perfect folds. A thin pink ribbon encircled her neck. Noah had no words for the hat atop her crown. Too small to provide shade, the ivory-colored contraption was drowning in pink and red bows.

  She was dainty. Ethereal. And clearly lost.

  When he didn’t speak, she gestured limply to the ornate leather trunks stacked on either side of his bedroom door. “Mr. Canfield was supposed to meet us at the station. His porter arrived in his stead... Simon was his name. He said something about a posse and outlaws.” A delicate shudder shook her frame. “He said you wouldn’t mind if we brought these inside. I do apologize for invading your home like this, but I had no idea when you would return, and it is June out there.”

  Her gaze roamed his face, her light brown eyes widening ever so slightly as they encountered his scars. It was like this every time. He braced himself for the inevitable disgust. Pity. Revulsion. Told himself again it didn’t matter.

  When her expression reflected nothing more than curiosity, irrational anger flooded him.

  “What are you doing in my home?” he snapped. “How do you know Will?”

  “I’m Constance Miller. I’m the bride Mr. Canfield sent for.”

  “Will’s already got a wife.”