by Lynn Landes
Magdalaine’s laughter spears him straight through the heart and he freezes. Relief floods through him and he glances at his family with tears in his eyes and finds her Father, Conner looking at him. Shock flickers and then understanding. He didn’t let her make this trip alone. His hand covers his heart and he nods at Conner who smiles at him.
Turning he watches as Raphael spins her and walks her to the side of the dance floor. “That was heart pounding, Mr. Millard,” Maggie laughs and fans herself.
“I’ll take it from here, Gramps,” Shep says from behind her. He doesn’t miss the way she jerks at the sound of his voice.
“Don’t screw it up this time,” he snaps and walks away to claim his bride. Shep laughs and waits for her to look at him.
“Magdalaine?” his voice is hoarse with emotion but doesn’t touch her as he waits. She looks up at him, and he’s stunned by her beauty. “I’ve missed you,” he whispers and reaches out to touch her face.
“You promised that you’d always come back for me,” she whispers and leans into his touch as he cups her face.
“I’m sorry. It takes time to sell a house,” he grins at her look of surprise.
“I don’t understand,” she says.
“I know, but I really need to hold you Magdalaine, will you dance with me?” he asks softly and offers her his hand.
A tear slides down her cheek, “I’ve missed you, Shepherd,” she grips his hand and he swipes her tear away, promising that he’ll never make her cry again.
The moment they step on the floor, his family joins them, and they dance, floating together and savoring the time together.
Chapter 39
“Magdalaine, I have so many things to say to you,” Shep paces in the sunroom off the back of the house. “I need you to understand,” he stops talking when she stands up and steps in front of him.
“Shep?” he stops walking. His dark hair is tousled and when he looks at her, she sees it. A flicker of hope glinting in his eyes and all her doubt fades away. “I love you, Shepherd Millard.”
“What?” he stares at her as she steps close enough to feel the heat from her body.
“I’d really like to stop running now. I’m sorry I scared you and I’ll try to be less impulsive, but I really need you to kiss me now,” she says.
He grips her upper arms and announces, “We’re getting married,” just before he takes her mouth. Maggie is laughing as he kisses her. Her hands thread through his black hair and she grips it tightly and savors the feel of him.
Shep pushes back and ignores her hum of frustration as he walks her over to sit down. “Magdalaine, you need to let me have my say.” He drops to one knee in front of her so they can be eye to eye.
“Yes, Shepherd,” she stare at his lips and he laughs softly.
“I’ll speak quickly,” he promises and grips her hand. “Magdalaine Rose O’Malley, I love you. I love the woman you are, who gives so freely of her heart and skills. I love the woman who fights for what she believes and if you’ll have me, I promise to spend my life proving it to you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my bride?”
“Yes,” she says through tears and laughter. He pulls her up into his arms and kisses her thoroughly.
“That’d better be a yes to a marriage proposal,” Conner says from the door.
Maggie buries her face in his neck, blushing as his family laughs from behind him. “Mr. O’Malley! I should’ve asked you first,” Shep says, setting Maggie on her feet keeping her hand in his.
Conner steps into the sunroom and smiles at his daughter. “Magdalaine are you sure he is for you?” he asks.
“Yes, Dad, I’m keeping him,” she announces.
“Then you’ll need this,” he holds up a ring and Maggie stares in shock. “It was your Mothers. It’s one of the few things I kept of hers and I’m sure she’d want you to have it.”
“May I?” Shep asks. Conner places it in his hand and steps back. Shepherd turns and holds up the ring. It’s a simple gold band but to Maggie it shines brighter than any gem.
“Marry me, tonight,” he asks.
Maggie laughs, “I can’t possibly,” she stammers…
Alice clears her throat, interrupting her, “Actually we invited the pastor and he said he’d be more than happy to marry you for a donation to the church.”
“You don’t have to answer right now, Magdalaine, we can wait as long as you wish, until you’re ready,” Shep says blocking her from their view, always protecting her.
“I’d be honored to marry you, Shepherd Millard,” she sniffs back tears. “I didn’t dare hope that this would happen.”
“I plan on making all of your dreams come true, Magdalaine. I sold my house in San Francisco and I have a job in Minneapolis building a new Steam-powered Mill. We’ll have to live there for a while, if you’re okay with that?”
“Shep,” she weeps, and he grabs her hands and pulls her close to his chest. “Dad! You hired Shep?”
“Of course, I don’t want to lose you when I just got you back,” Conner explains.
“Are those happy tears?”
“Yes, but you didn’t have to sell your house,” she accepts a handkerchief from Alice and wipes her eyes.
“I can work from anywhere, though I’d like to build a home here and spend a few months a year with my family.”
Maggie nods her head and Raphael claps his hands. “That’s settled then, let’s get you married.”
They drag Shepherd away from Maggie and she laughs at the look of outrage on his face. The women help clean her face and fix her hair, before guiding her to the garden, lit with lanterns.
“It’s so beautiful,” Maggie gasps and stares at the guests who are probably wondering what is going on. She laughs softly.
“Not as beautiful as you are tonight,” Conner tells his daughter.
“Dad,” she kisses his cheek. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she says.
“Me too,” he says as he walks her towards brown dance floor, where Shep is waiting with the Pastor.
“Who gives this woman to be married?” the Pastor asks.
“I do,” Conner places her hand on Shepherds, and he covers her hand with is other hand.
“Take care of her,” Conner says and steps back.
“I will,” Shepherd and Maggie face the Pastor.
He speaks clearly for the guests.
“Roman 12:12 says, ‘Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.’ It will take trust to know that in your hearts you want what is best for each other. It will take dedication to learn and grow together. It will take loyalty to go forward without knowing what the future brings. And it will take commitment to hold true to the vows you make today.”
He smiles and continues.
“Will you Shepherd Millard have this woman to be your wife, to live together in Holy marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?”
“I will,” Shepherd replies loud and clear.
“Will you Magdalaine Rose O’Malley have this man to be your husband, to live together in holy marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?”
“I will,” Maggie says through tears of joy.
“By the power vested in me by the State of Arizona, it is my honor and delight to declare you married. Go forth and live each day with a hopeful heart and hand in hand. You may seal this declaration with a kiss.”
Shep pulls her close and kisses her softly while cheer erupt in the garden. They laugh and fireworks erupt surprising the guests.
Chapter 40
Boone and Alice smile as they watch Shepherd and Magdalaine dance together. “Is it ready?” he asks his wife.
“Of course. You didn’t give me much time, but he did design it, so I’m sure they will cherish the time together,” she smi
les.
The song ends and Boone gestures to his son. He leaves Maggie talking to Avery.
“We have a surprise for you,” he whispers in his ear when he’s near.
“It’s finished?” Shepherd glances at his parents in surprise and gratitude. “Thank you,” he kisses his mother’s cheeks and hugs his father before striding over and scooping his startled wife up in his arms.
“It’s time to leave wife,” he growls, and the men cheer and Maggie burrows in his neck while her father laughs and waves.
“Shepherd!” He ignores her gasp of surprise and hurries through the gardens to a newly cleared path where his cousin waits.
“Congratulations,” Chandler says and hands him the reins to a two-person open carriage. They thank him and she is smiling when he steps inside and sits next to her.
“Magdalaine, do you trust me?” Shep asks.
“With all my heart,” she replies.
“Good answer,” he snaps the reins and she is laughing as they ride down a private path a few miles. She scoots close and loops her arm through his. They are chatting and laughing as they talk about the day. Soon Shep turns the carriage and a soft glow sparkles ahead.
“When I designed the house for Chandler and Anna they asked for a guesthouse, for family or visitors. I designed a much smaller version of the main house. It’s ours for as long as we wish.” He pulls up in front of a white two-story wood home with two turrets and a wraparound porch.
“This is a guest house?” she stares at the beautiful house with sculpted hedges and glowing windows. He laughs an shrugs his shoulders.
“It only has five bedrooms and two bathrooms, but I can’t wait for you to see the gardens.” He walks around and helps her down. “Later,” he kisses her softly and presses his forehead to hers.
“Much later,” she whispers and threads her fingers through his hair, drawing his mouth back to hers. Shep guides her inside.
Chapter 41
“Magdalaine I have images of you frozen in my mind, moments that will be forever embedded in my memory, but this, the sight of you waking up fresh from loving me is by far my favorite,” he kisses her softly and laughs when she burrows into his neck.
“Stop,” her muffled voice says.
“Never,” he nibbles on her ear and she leans to give him access. Shep rolls over top of her, startling a yelp of surprise.
“Shepherd!” she stares up into his eyes and struggles to hide a smile.
“Don’t run from me wife,” he growls, and she wraps her arms around him.
“Never again,” she promises.
His stomach growls, and she laughs. “You promised to take care of all my needs husband,” she pushes back on him as his own stomach growls.
“Demanding,” he sighs. “The kitchen is stocked,” his hot mouth trails down to her ear and down her neck to her collar bone. He nips it and she jumps with a surprised gasp.
“Shep, I’m starved,” she whispers.
“Can’t have that,” his mouth takes hers and later they have a picnic in the sculpted gardens.
“Shepherd how is it possible to have such an extravagant landscape in this environment?”
Her eyes trail around the sculpted gardens. “Anna hired a German landscape designer to create what you see. He used hedge mazes to create paths and included a mix of native and exotic plans to create the unique strategy. Walk with me,” he pulls her to her feet, and they stroll through, following the paths.
“Shep, I hear water!” she jerks away from him and runs, with him just behind her. They pass large cactus, some flowering with bright red flowers until they come to a waterfall feature.
“It’s lovely,” she stares at the stone fountain with a smile.
“Not as lovely as you,” he kisses her again and they continue walking. “Are you ready to go home yet?” Shep asks.
“Wherever I’m with you is home,” Maggie respond’s and he stops to look at her touched beyond words.
“Magdalaine, I hope you mean that. I’d like to stay for a few weeks. I haven’t seen my family in a very long time. If you wish to go with your Father,” Maggie laughs interrupting him.
“Trying to get rid of me already, husband?” she quips.
“Of course not,” he frowns at her.
“I understand and I’d like to have some time with them too. My place is by your side,” she steps into his arms and wraps her arms around his waist. Pressing her ear to his chest, she listens to his heart, “I don’t want to be away from you.”
“Perfect, because once we get back, I have to start on a design for the new mill.” He continues walking, circling around and heading back to the house.
“I’d like to work with Dr. Hall,” Maggie says, and he looks at her in surprise.
“Magdalaine, I can provide for us, very well in fact. You don’t have to work anymore,” he says.
“I thought about it, but at least until we have children I’d like to work. I have skills that are useful and …”
“The Lord has gifted you Magdalaine. I’ll support your decision as long as you aren’t in any danger.” He grins at the idea of small version of her. “Until we have our children,” he drags her up the stairs laughing.
“How many children are we talking about?” she groans as he whirls her around and slams the door shut with his foot.
“As many as the Lord gives us,” he is smiling as he takes hers mouth in a heart stopping kiss.
“I’m not sure I’ll be a good housewife,” she says as he drags off his jacket.
“Why not?” he drops his jacket and starts to loosen his vest.
“I hate cooking,”
“I’ll hire a cook,” he teases as she removes her overcoat and lays it on a chair. His eyes darken with desire when she starts to walk towards him.
“What if I want to work after the baby is born?” she asks and starts to unbutton his vest.
“I’ll hire a nanny,” he tugs her into his arms. “We aren’t bound by any laws but our own, Magdalaine. I meant what I said, you will use your skills to help and save lives as long as you wish too.”
“What did I do to deserve you Shepherd Millard?” she swipes a tear from her cheek.
“We are blessed to have found each other, now we have to fight to never forget that.”
“I will love you with all that I am for as long as I draw a breath,” she promises.
“That’s a good start,” he teases.
Epilogue
May, 1885
Little Falls, MN
“Raphael Millard you let your brother go right now,” Maggie snaps at her four-year-old son.
“Adrien, tell Rafe that you don’t like it when he sits on you,” squatting down she pulls her three-year-old up and wipes the tears from his dirt stained cheeks.
“I don’t like it!” he shouts and kicks Rafe in the shin, startling a gasp from Maggie and knocking her off balance. She is caught by a pair of strong hands before she can hit the ground, and both boys gasp.
“Papa!” Rafe laughs as all three of them shout in excitement. He kisses his wife and scoops up two boys, one blonde and one dark, and carts them over to the porch.
“What did I tell you about keeping your mother safe?” Shep demands as he sets them on the porch.
“Mama is a treasure and must be protected,” they chant, and Maggie has to cover her mouth to keep from laughing.
“That’s right, no more fighting. If you can go inside and get cleaned up, I may have a surprise for you.” They stare at him with wide eyes and run for the house.
“Why didn’t you wire that you were coming home?” Maggie demands.
“I wanted to surprise you,” he murmurs against her mouth. Maggie releases all the stress and worry fade away and savors the scent, taste and feel of her husband.
“I’ve missed you terribly,” she groans.
“Not as much as I’ve missed you,” he pulls her inside, and they can hear the housekeeper fussing at the boys to pick up their dirty
clothes. “Did you work at the hospital today?”
“Yes, I had an early shift.” She guides him inside and they sit together in the home that he designed for them and talk.
“Did you finish the job?” Maggie asks.
“I did and as promised, I’m taking a break. The next job is one that we need to discuss. It’s overseas.” Shep watches the color fade from her face. “I turned it down, Magdalaine. I know how important your work is at the hospital and with the last check from the silver mine, I can afford to take off as much time as I want.”
“We need to talk about the hospital,” she starts to say but the boys run inside, jumping and begging for their treat.
“Okay, now, it’s outside,” he follows them with a laugh.
Maggie follows them outside and watches as he drops a box for each child and they tear into it, squealing into delight to find baseball gloves and balls.
“Mommy, look!” Adrien says with his light blue eyes shining.
“I can’t wait to see you catch,” she laughs with delight as he struggles to put his hand inside.
“It’s too big, Daddy,” he frowns.
“No, that’s mine, keep looking,” Shep puts his hand inside and helps Rafe put his on.
“Found it!” Adrien shoves the small glove onto his hand and shouts at his brother, “Let’s play, ball!”
“Shep, is that all that’s in the box?” Maggie asks frowning with concern as she looks inside.
“You want a baseball glove?” he teases and pulls her close to him to kiss her.
“No, but I’m afraid we will need another one soon,” she laughs when he lifts her chin to look into her eyes.
“Magdalaine! Truly?” Delight fills his eyes and she smiles through happy tears. The boys came so quickly but they weren’t sure they’d be blessed with more after years of trying.
“When?” he demands placing a hand over her belly.
“February,” she says.
“I love you, Mrs. Millard,” he whispers.
“I love you, more,” she says against his lips.
