Touching the Sky

by Tracie Peterson

  “He’s usually very reasonable,” Laura said, finally allowing herself to relax a bit. If Carissa was safe—that was all that mattered.

  “Especially since I asked him if I might have your hand in marriage.”

  Her eyes widened and the fog in her head seemed to clear just a bit. “You . . . asked . . . him . . .” She fell silent and Brandon chuckled.

  “I did. And better still, he said yes.” Then his voice became husky. “But before I can marry you, Laura, I need to know that you won’t be inclined to any more foolish acts. You went to your sister’s house after I specifically told you not to.” Brandon reached out and tenderly touched her cheek. “When I thought you might not live, it very nearly killed me. I don’t want to lose you, Laura.”

  She pressed her hand against her cheek. “I know. I was foolish,” she finally admitted. “We should have waited for you or for someone to come with us or go in our stead. I’m sorry.”

  He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “And it won’t ever happen again, right?”

  “What? Putting my life at risk?” Laura questioned. “Because if that’s what you’re asking, I cannot agree.”

  Brandon pulled back. “And why not?”

  “Because, my dear man, life is a risk. How can I marry and give you children without risking my life? How can I endure the sicknesses and needs of those children without some risk being involved?”

  He let go a heavy sigh. “I know you’re right, but I only want to keep you from harm. I love you more than life, Laura, and when I thought I might lose you—I couldn’t bear it. I want to marry you and grow old with you. I want to know the pleasure we’ll share as husband and wife, and to raise a family of our own.”

  “Then you’d do well to ask me,” she said matter-of-factly.

  He laughed and let go his hold on her. Getting to one knee beside the bed, Brandon reached up and took hold of her hand. “Will you do me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage?”

  She felt tears threaten, but smiled anyway. “I will.”

  Brandon got to his feet and leaned down to take her in his arms. Lifting her, bedcovers and all, he whirled her in a circle, then pulled her even closer and kissed her with great passion.

  It was a little like drowning all over again, Laura thought for a moment. Just as frightening in some ways, but far more pleasurable.

  The next day, Laura didn’t awake until well into the afternoon. Finding herself alone, she got up and donned her robe before making her way to Carissa’s room. She found her sister sitting by the window in her nightgown, staring through the glass.

  “Carissa?” She didn’t so much as blink, and so Laura touched her shoulder. “Carissa.”

  Her sister looked up and shook her head. “Malcolm is dead.”

  “Brandon told me. I am sorry. Sorry mostly that he turned out to be the kind of man he was. Sorry, too, that you have to bear this.”

  “The doctor said only time will tell if the stress of this ordeal causes me to miscarry,” Carissa replied, putting her hand to her stomach. “For now, the baby lives—or so he believes.”

  Reaching for the ottoman, Laura pulled it alongside her sister’s chair and sat. “I hope that brings you some comfort. You’ve already been through so much . . . but know that I’ll always be here for you. Even when I marry.”

  Carissa looked at her oddly. “So he has finally asked?”

  Laura smiled. “He did, and I said yes.”

  Her sister nodded. “I’m glad. I want that for you. Brandon is a good man and has proven himself over and over. Malcolm was nothing but bad.”

  “Brandon loves the Lord and that makes all the difference in how he conducts himself. Had Malcolm been a man of God, his anger might not have led him into sin.”

  “I think I understand that now,” Carissa said, looking back to the window. “I’ve been praying . . . a lot. I know that what you told me about trusting God was right. And for once . . . I yearn to know more.”

  “One of the most important things to know is that God loves you, and He will never leave you.” Laura reached out and gently pushed back her sister’s long hair.

  “I’ve been so foolish,” Carissa said with a sigh. “I am a stupid woman, just as Malcolm told me.”

  “No! No, you are not! You’ve made mistakes, that’s all. You trusted your heart, but we all do at one time or another. Sometimes it turns out well and sometimes it does not. But putting your trust in God first is what is most important. You will see, Carissa: Life will be so much better knowing God’s truth and love. I promise you that much.”

  Carissa met her eyes and sighed. “When is the wedding to be?”

  “We haven’t yet set the date, but it will be very soon. Neither of us wants to wait.”

  “But I thought you were opposed to short engagements. I remember you were quite adamant on that when I was to marry,” Carissa said. “You said it was important to know a man, and now I realize just how right you were. Perhaps you and Brandon should delay, as well. After all, you have known him even less time than I knew Malcolm.”

  Laura considered her sister’s words. “Would it make you feel better if I did?” She wasn’t sure why she asked the question, but for some reason it seemed important.

  Carissa remained silent for a long time. Finally she shook her head. “No. I think it would only make me feel worse. You and Brandon may have only been together for a short time, but you have one very important difference from my situation.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You both love and trust God. You have a faith that will see you through many bad situations. I didn’t have that.”

  Laura patted her arm. “But you do now.”

  For several minutes Carissa said nothing. Laura thought to leave, but then her sister piped up. “And I suppose you will go far away—back north to his family?”

  Laura shook her head. “No. That’s not the plan. Brandon and I spoke long into the night. We want to start a school for the former slaves. A free school. Hopefully we can get support from the local churches, and maybe in time even the state will help to fund it. But for now, Father is calling in favors from his friends. It won’t be a full-time venture, however. We’re also going to purchase some horses. Brandon’s father raises them, and we can start our own herd here in Texas.”

  “Horses and a school. How like you.” Carissa smiled.

  “It will be very simple—at least to start,” Laura replied, “but already I feel God’s approval. It’s a little like touching the sky.”

  Her sister looked at her oddly, but Laura only laughed. “I’ll explain it later. For now, you need to help me plan my wedding.”

  28

  March 1866

  On a beautiful spring Saturday, Laura donned her mother’s wedding gown and pledged her life to Brandon Reid. The tiny church was filled to capacity with friends and family. There was more than a little showing of the Federal blue uniform as Brandon’s friends filled the groom’s side of the church. Laura held only the highest regard for the men who had worked so diligently to save her and Carissa.

  Standing before the pastor now, Laura couldn’t help but think over the past year. The war had ended, and life in Corpus Christi would be forever changed . . . her life would be forever changed. She marveled that so much could be accomplished in so short a time.

  Brandon slipped a simple gold band on her finger and whispered words of promise. “With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee honor, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.”

  Laura met his gaze and lost herself momentarily in the promise. She had promised her life to this man—to love him and honor him, to obey him and care for him. He’d given her the same pledge and the moment was forever etched in her heart.

  “Let us pray,” the pastor declared. “Father, we ask your blessing upon this man and his wife. May they always seek your face and know your grace. May their love be strong enough to weather any storms of life, and may you bless their union with child
ren who will grow to love and devote themselves to your service. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

  “Amen,” Laura whispered.

  The pastor gave Brandon a smile. “You may now kiss your bride.”

  “I’ve looked forward to this all day,” Brandon said. He pressed his lips against hers in a rather chaste kiss. Pulling back just a bit he winked. “I’ll finish this later.”

  She felt her cheeks flame but ducked her head so that no one else would see. No doubt there would be enough teasing as it was—after all, they’d broken with protocol and tradition to marry quite quickly. Tongues would already be wagging.

  At the Marquardt house a grand reception entertained most of the town well into the afternoon. Laura felt exhausted from the day’s events and longed only for a chance to be alone with Brandon. Brandon’s friends, however, had other plans. They constantly worked to keep the couple apart, amused at the frustration they were causing.

  More than once Brandon disappeared from the gathering altogether, only to reappear sometime later searching the crowd for her. At one point, Laura even spied the men throw a gunnysack over her groom’s head and take him in hand.

  “Mercy, but these men are bent on wreaking havoc,” she told Carissa.

  “It’s all in good fun,” her sister countered. “Just be glad they’re leaving you alone.”

  When the clock struck five, Laura went upstairs to change clothes. She had worried all day about causing harm to her mother’s gown and was relieved to at last change into her own clothes. Carlita awaited her in the bedroom.

  “You are a beautiful bride,” she told Laura. “I am so happy for you.”

  “Thank you,” Laura said, waiting for Carlita to undo the buttons down the back. “I felt quite beautiful. I think Mother’s dress would make anyone feel so.”

  The buttons were finally undone, and Laura stepped from the seventeen yards of white satin and lace. The fashion was out of date, but for Laura, it was a perfect choice for the ceremony. When Laura requested to wear her mother’s wedding gown, Agatha Marquardt had burst into tears, declaring it the dearest thing Laura might have asked of her.

  “Where is Mr. Brandon taking you tonight?”

  Laura accepted a dark blue traveling skirt and a shirtwaist from Carlita and smiled. “We have a reservation at the hotel. Then tomorrow we’re to take a ship to New Orleans. I’m so looking forward to it. I’ve never been there, but Brandon has and says it’s a city of wonders.”

  Carlita finished helping Laura dress. “You will be happy, I think. Mr. Brandon is a good man.”

  “He is,” Laura said, smiling. She checked her reflection in the mirror.

  “I can fix your hair again,” Carlita offered. She reached up to tuck a few stray wisps back into place.

  “No,” Laura replied. “I have no desire to keep Brandon waiting. I only hope he’s been able to rid himself of those pesky friends. They seem determined to keep us apart.”

  She stepped into her button-top boots and waited while Carlita secured them. Laura couldn’t contain a nervous giggle. “I can hardly believe this day has come.” She hugged her arms to her body.

  Carlita finished with the boots and went back to the care of the wedding gown. “I will miss you.”

  Laura went to retrieve a small hat and her gloves. “But you’ll have Carissa and a new baby to help with before long.”

  “Sí, it will be good to have a baby in this house. Maybe you will soon give us another one.”

  “Perhaps,” Laura said. “But only God knows when that will be.” She pulled on her gloves. “How do I look?”

  Carlita glanced up from her work. “Lovely.”

  Laura headed for the door. “Now to find my husband and if necessary, force him from his friends and this place.” She giggled again at the thought of manhandling Brandon away from the soldiers.

  She made her way down the stairs and smiled as Esther met her at the bottom. “Don’t forget to remind Father about ordering that list of supplies for the school.”

  “I won’t.” She returned Laura’s smile. “Ya is the prettiest bride they ever was. Mr. Brandon’s gonna be mighty proud to show ya off in N’Orleans.”

  “No prouder than I’ll be to have him at my side.” Laura could see there were a great many people in the front rooms. “Have you seen him?”

  “He said iffn I saw ya I was to tell ya that he gone to the stable. Ya’s suppose to meet him there. Jes don’t let nobody else know, else they might wanna stop ya.”

  Laura suppressed a light laugh. “Such intrigue. Thank you, Esther.” Music was starting up, and Laura knew the guests would soon be busy with dancing and the buffet supper. She leaned close to Esther. “Tell Mother and Father I bid them good evening.”

  Hurrying from the house via the back door, Laura was glad that her father had thoughtfully put in lighted torches for the guests. There was still enough daylight left, but already shadows were dancing on the lawn. Laura gave it one quick final glance. The day had truly been perfect. She all but ran down the walkway to the stables and had nearly reached the door when she heard a noise to her left.

  Thinking it was Brandon, she stopped and turned, only to have a gunnysack forced over her head. Brandon’s friends had apparently extended their games to include her. Laura gave a scream, but the sack muffled the sound. She fought with all her might, but the captor threw her over his shoulder without a word and very nearly knocked the wind from her.

  “Let me go,” she gasped in protested. “Let me go now!”

  The man held her fast, however, and without so much as a grunt, mounted a horse. He shifted Laura in his arms to sit across the horse in front of him. She tried hard to pull away, but he refused to let her go and kicked the horse into action instead.

  Laura thought for certain she would fall from the horse. With the sack down over her arms, she had no ability to even hold on. Brandon would be livid when he found out what had happened.

  The horse slowed and the sounds of the party and city faded away. Laura tried to relax and think about what she would do, but when she heard the faint sounds of the water lapping against the shore, she could only think of the night Malcolm had taken them hostage. She shivered.

  The rider seemed to notice and halted the horse. Then very quickly the sack was pulled from her head. Laura swung her hand upward to strike the man.

  “Don’t—it’s me.” Brandon took hold of her hand to block the hit.

  Laura strained to see him in the dark. “You? How could you?” She didn’t want to be angry, but the memories of Malcolm’s attack fed her fear. “You nearly scared me to death. What kind of man are you to terrify your bride?”

  Brandon laughed and pulled her close. “It was the only way I could get to you.” He kissed her cheek and Laura calmed a bit. “I don’t think our so-called friends were going to ever let us leave.”

  Laura shook her head. “You could have told me. I would have come quietly.”

  “Well, to be honest, I have a surprise.” He directed the horse ahead another twenty or so feet and stopped. “Hold on.” He slid back in the saddle and positioned Laura to be able to grip the horn. Stepping from the horse, he then reached up and pulled her into his arms.

  Ahead of them, a small cottage awaited in the glow of sunset. Brandon easily carried her the distance and put her down only once he’d stepped across the threshold into the darkened house.

  In a moment, he struck a match and Laura waited in silence as he lit a single lamp. The light showed a simple room, hardly bigger than Laura’s bedroom at home.

  “Where are we?”

  “My place,” Brandon said with a grin. “Or should I say, our place. At least tonight.”

  Laura looked at him in surprise. “In all this time, I never even knew where you were staying.”

  “You never asked,” he said, putting his hands on either side of her face. He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her with great longing. “Ah, Laura, how I love you,” he whispered against her ear.
>
  Laura wrapped her arms around him and sighed. “I love you, too. I never thought this day would come. I thought the war had taken all of the good men away. Instead, the war brought me the best.”

  Brandon lifted her in his arms once again. “I could say the same thing.”

  “Then you don’t mind that you wound up with a sassy Southerner who questions authority?”

  He laughed and tightened his hold on her. “I’m very good at teaching men how to obey authority. Surely it can’t be that hard to train one woman.”

  Now it was Laura’s turn to laugh. “Oh, Mr. Reid, you know very little about women. But fear not, I will be a very good teacher.”

  Brandon eyed her with a raised brow as if she’d introduced a challenge. “Then let the lessons begin.”

  TRACIE PETERSON is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 80 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Belgrade, Montana.

  Visit Tracie’s Web site at www.traciepeterson.com.

  Books by Tracie Peterson

  * * *

  www.traciepeterson.com

  House of Secrets • A Slender Thread • Where My Heart Belongs

  LAND OF THE LONE STAR

  Chasing the Sun

  Touching the Sky

  Taming the Wind

  BRIDAL VEIL ISLAND*

  To Have and To Hold

  To Love and Cherish

  To Honor and Trust

  SONG OF ALASKA

  Dawn’s Prelude

  Morning’s Refrain

  Twilight’s Serenade

  STRIKING A MATCH

  Embers of Love

  Hearts Aglow

  Hope Rekindled

  ALASKAN QUEST

  Summer of the Midnight Sun

  Under the Northern Lights