“I intend to marry you.”
“Do you plan to ask first?”
He slanted her a mischievous grin. “Will you say yes if I do?”
She wet her lips, loving him, wanting to pinch herself to see if she truly lived this or if it was but a dream. “My parents will never accept this.”
“You once told me you’d defy them for love.”
Her heart fluttered. “I still would,” she said quietly.
“Good. By the way, I paid a visit to Hugh. He’ll be straightening things out soon enough with your parents. If I were you, I wouldn’t worry about them.”
“I hope you did not hurt Hugh too badly.”
“He’ll live.” He smiled and before she could react, dropped to a knee. “Will you marry me?”
Marry? Pulse roaring through her, Gracie pivoted and paced the room. This was a shock, a dream come true, a nightmare. She couldn’t sort her feelings. Marriage to him would be wonderful. She was in love with him, but what if he restricted her the way her parents did? Love could quickly turn to bitterness.
She stopped in front of him. “Perhaps we ought to try a courtship first.”
“You’re afraid.”
“What nonsense,” she sputtered, then caught herself. It would not do to sound exactly like mother. “This is simply so—oh, who am I trying to fool?” Dropping down to her knees, she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face into his shoulder. “I’ve missed you so much and of course I’ll marry you. We’ll be wonderful together,” she babbled. “I don’t want to be a spoiled socialite. Please don’t back out now. I don’t think I’ll ever feel about anyone the way I do you.”
Her tears wet his shirt and she felt his hands stroking her hair, her back.
“I won’t ever back out.” His voice was gruff.
She nodded against his shirt.
“Come, sit with me.” He led her to the couch.
Wearing trousers, writing scandalous articles, they would never take the place of love. If Trevor didn’t like those things, then she would deal with that but she would not stop loving him.
At least playing chess was acceptable to him, she told herself.
He handed her a handkerchief and she finished drying her eyes.
“I’ve been learning a lot lately. I couldn’t get you out of my mind. Mary finally suggested maybe God wanted me with you, that He sent you to us for a reason. I prayed and I felt peace inside.” His teeth flashed, even and white, maybe the first real smile she’d ever seen him wear. “You introduced me to a God that makes you laugh, that gives wisdom and strength. Thank you, Gracie.”
“I love you, Trevor.” She sniffed. “I’m sorry I was such a snob when we first met. God has changed me, as well. He has shown me love in my darkest times. I do hope you realize I will never be like that Eunice.”
“That’s history.” He chuckled. “I loved her briefly. Her and the dream of a wife and a family. I never cared about her the way I do you. I’ve changed.”
It was true his face looked different now. Smoother, more malleable, as if spring had finally arrived and softened the winter deadness of his soul. Something like hope blossomed inside her. A lovely silence ensued until the clock struck the five o’clock hour. Startled, Gracie realized she hadn’t seen a trace of Striker.
She smoothed her hair and patted her cheeks with a lacy hankie. “When will Striker be here?”
“Do you want background on him first?”
She arched a brow. “How would you know those details?”
“We’re close, very close.”
Ha. He must be Uncle Lou. “But I asked you about him.”
“I was not at liberty then to speak.”
“But you are now, because he’s retired?”
“Something like that. You know he received government contracts that sometimes led to assassinations?” Trevor leaned against the back of the couch and stretched his legs out beside her.
Disappointment spiraled through her. “I had hoped not.”
The look on his face confirmed her fears. “Council Bluff?” she asked.
He nodded. “The government sent him after persons of interest, mostly for capture but sometimes to take out. Council Bluff changed things. The women and the children weren’t expected. An unforeseen calamity.” A raw edge caught his voice.
Suddenly, the truth hit her. Of course. The rug and fireplace so similar to Trevor’s. The heaviness in his tone when he spoke of Council Bluff.
Uncle Lou wasn’t Striker at all, though he’d protected him all these years.
She leaned forward, longing to hold Trevor’s hand. “What he did for our country has not changed, Trevor. Perhaps Striker killed criminals, but he also rescued innocent women countless times. He cannot be held responsible for what evil men did at Council Bluff. This is what I know of him, this American hero.” She angled her body to face him. “The government made him a part of an elite group of agents designed to enforce the White Slave Traffic Act of 1910. Later he was based near the Mexican border to collect intelligence and reduce smuggling. He did so well, however, and rescued so many women being transported for immoral purposes, that the government asked him to help with espionage.”
Trevor’s eyes remained fixed on her. “You have quite a bit of information there. But nothing personal.”
“I know.” She gave him a gentle smile. “Tell me his story.”
“He followed Mendez when he kidnapped a close friend. He rescued her and that was how he met an older agent who recruited him to begin work with the government. He enjoyed his job. The justice of it. The thrill of hunting out the perfect stock. The honor of rescuing others, however anonymous it was. But he didn’t like death. He retired, tied up all his loose ends and now lives how he wants.”
“Hmm.” Gracie looked down at her notes. “All interesting information but I think I should wait for the interview.” She stood and let the papers float to the floor. “At the moment, I really don’t care about interviewing Striker. I shall marry you, Trevor. How soon can we get it done?”
Trevor rose and chuckled. “Soon as possible, but I imagine your parents will want a fancy wedding.”
“Two weeks. We can accomplish it, assuming they’ll agree.”
“They will.”
“You seem overly confident, Trevor.” She glanced around the spacious room. “I suppose the fact that you have money and a decent living bodes well.”
Trevor handed her a piece of paper. “Let’s discuss this.”
“What is it?” She took it. “I don’t understand.”
“I love you, Gracelyn Riley. I love your spirit and ideals, the way your hair curls around your face when it escapes from your hat, the way your cheeks pink when you’re caught eavesdropping. I never want to smother you with propriety. I want us to grow old together and discover all the wonderful joys God has in store for us.”
His words warmed her. Caught her on fire actually. Squealing, she leaped into his arms, squeezing and kissing his shadow-rough neck. The paper he’d given her crinkled. Whatever it was, it couldn’t be better than what he’d just said. She dropped back and scanned the contents of his note.
She couldn’t stop her grin. It was probably the most foolish smile she’d ever worn, but she didn’t care. There was no doubt now. God had placed them together.
“This is quite romantic, Trevor.” She studied the paper in her hand. “Let’s see, I must wear trousers whenever the mood is upon me, must always write forward-thinking articles, must never lose at chess. Now, Trevor, that last one is hardly fair.” Her smile widened until her cheeks hurt. She flung the list to the floor. “I would have married you anyway, Mr. Cruz.”
“I know.”
“There is one thing.” She pulled back
from his embrace. Would he say it? Would he tell her the truth? She’d love him no matter what, but did he know that?
“Name it.”
She tilted her head up. His face sharpened as he leaned toward her. When his mouth hovered inches above hers and her legs felt like molten mush, she pulled back and whispered, “Who is Striker?”
Trevor’s hands tightened on her back. “They call me Striker.”
Relief weakened her knees. Or perhaps the love shining in his eyes did that. She smoothed a dark lock of hair from his brow. “I know. And I love you, Striker.”
* * * * *
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading Love on the Range. I loved writing this book. It’s actually the first manuscript I ever finished and I’m so excited that Love Inspired Books offered to publish it.
The origin of the FBI is fascinating and I enjoyed exploring the historical agents who served our country. Giving my hero the occupation of a secret agent for the FBI was fun. The story of Gracelyn going west formed when I first read about the Spanish influenza pandemic. After World War I the flu began taking thousands of lives. By the end of this pandemic, millions around the world had died.
Nineteen eighteen was a scary time, and yet it was also a period of great inventions and changes in American culture. Trevor and Gracelyn, two characters from completely different backgrounds, captured my imagination and kept me hostage for many years. I hope you enjoyed their story. I’ve done my best to reflect historical details accurately and hope you’ll forgive any mistakes I have made.
I adore connecting with readers! I can be found at my website, www.jessicanelson.net, or you can send me an email at [email protected].
Hope to hear from you!
Jessica Nelson
Questions for Discussion
Gracie and Trevor come from different backgrounds. Do you think a romantic relationship like theirs can last? What common values do you think create a satisfying, lasting relationship?
Mary and Gracie are both Christians and yet share their faith in different ways. Do you think one way is more effective than another? Why?
Although Gracie does not come from a troubled home, what conflicts does she face in her life? How can she resolve them?
At the beginning of Love on the Range Trevor has trouble with forgiveness. How does he view forgiveness and how does his perspective change by the end of the story?
Everyone has felt shame. How does Trevor deal with his shame?
Gracie tends to be an optimist, which can cause her to appear shallow and unrealistic at times. Could you relate to her? Why or why not?
Uncle Lou doesn’t talk about God or seem interested in Him. Do you know people like that? What makes someone uninterested in God? Is there a sensitive way to share faith with a person like Lou?
Because of Mary’s Paiute heritage, she was treated badly. Have you ever come across prejudice? How did you deal with it?
Gracie was raised in a wealthy household. Although she is an avid supporter of women’s rights, until the end of the book she hadn’t given much thought to helping the poor. How does she come to realize this lack in her life? Who influences her change in perspective?
Trevor’s mom, Julia, has hurt others for her own benefit. How does she try to rectify her mistakes? Do you think she’s changed by the end of the book? Is it possible to make up for bad things you’ve done to others?
What do you think about the characters’ attitudes toward Julia? How would you treat someone like her?
Each character in the story has personal values. Who did you relate to the most? Why?
Some people appear more admirable than others. Who did you admire in this story? What qualities did they display that you admired?
Some people are difficult to like, or even to relate to. Was there a character in Love on the Range whom you disliked? What traits made that character unlikable?
Forgiveness is important. Have you ever had to forgive someone for something they did to you? Have you ever had to forgive yourself? Explain.
ISBN: 9781459226593
Copyright © 2012 by Jessica Nelson
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
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