by Renee Ryan
“I’ll take care of you, Molly. I won’t leave you, or forget about you, or put you in a position to be afraid or feel alone.” Tightening his arms around her, he bent down and kissed her forehead. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. My heart is yours.”
A smile crossed his lips. “I like the sound of that.”
“We’re getting married, immediately, this week if possible. Our families will adjust.”
He beamed with pleasure. “You’ll get no argument from me.”
“But if you think I’m going to let you sacrifice your future for me, think again.” She planted her fists on her hips. “You’re taking the job in St. Louis, and that’s the end of it.”
“No, Molly. I’m not, I’m—”
“And,” she cut him off midsentence, “you’re going to help me start my own millinery shop. We’re going to do great things together, Garrett. In St. Louis.”
Something shifted in his eyes, something that looked very much like the hope she herself felt. “Anyone ever tell you your bossy?”
She laughed. “Only every person who meets me.”
“I love you, Molly Taylor Scott.” He pulled her to him, evidently uncaring that they were in a busy train station where anyone could see them. “I’ll make you a good husband.”
“I’ll make you a better wife.”
“I have no doubt, my love.” He pressed his lips to hers, retreated, pressed again. “Absolutely no doubt.”
Epilogue
Their wedding was one of the most well-attended events in their individual families’ history. The mother of the bride cried. The father of the bride came close.
The bride remained perfectly dry-eyed, until she entered the church and saw her groom waiting for her at the end of the aisle, in all his masculine glory. She was finally a bride—Garrett’s bride. He was the only man she’d ever loved.
God’s perfect timing. Worthy of a few tears, she decided, and then let several fall.
“Ready, kitten?”
She nodded.
Without another word, her father guided her down the aisle. He looked nothing like the tough lawman of legend today, but more like the father she’d come to know and love, the one who adored his daughter to distraction.
She adored him in return.
Halfway down the aisle, Mrs. Singletary caught her eye and winked. Two full months after Garrett’s marriage proposal at the charity ball, the widow was still gloating.
Seemed fitting, somehow.
Molly winked back.
At the end of the aisle, her father kissed her on the cheek, and then handed her off to Garrett.
From that point forward, the ceremony proceeded without a hitch. After the traditional vows were spoken, Garrett took her hand and recited the same words he’d professed the night of their engagement.
“Molly, I know I’ll make mistakes through the years. I’ll frustrate you at times. I’ll let you down. But I’ll honor you, always. I’ll protect you with my life and love you until the day I die.”
She sniffed delicately. “Oh, Garrett, you remembered.”
“Word for word.”
“I love you,” she said through her tears. “I’ll always love you, through good times and bad, to the end of our days.”
They stared into one another’s eyes, this moment of quiet solidarity the most precious one they’d shared so far.
“Yes, well.” The preacher cleared his throat. “I, uh…I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
The congregation cheered when Garrett swept his bride into his arms for a soul-searing kiss.
There was no traditional reception planned because the newlyweds had a train to catch. A collection of their most treasured family and friends joined them on the platform immediately after the wedding ceremony.
With her new husband’s arm wrapped around her waist, Molly surveyed the assembled group.
Some of their loved ones smiled at them, while others— namely their parents—attempted to hide their teary-eyed sorrow behind handkerchiefs and booming words of wisdom. All were there to say goodbye in their own way.
Knowing it could be a very long time before she smelled the scent of Colorado pine, Molly drew in a deep breath of cool mountain air. She would miss Denver, the only home she’d ever known. She would miss her family and friends even more.
But her life was with Garrett now.
They needed to take this next step together. Nevertheless, her eyes filled with bittersweet tears. She blinked them away, determined to maintain a small degree of dignity in these final moments with her family.
She would not cry. She would not cry. She would not cry.
She would, however, indulge in one, lone, heartfelt sigh.
Misinterpreting the sound, Garrett pulled her closer still. “It’s not too late, Molly. You may still change your mind. We don’t have to go—”
She kissed the rest of his words away.
“We’re making the right decision,” she whispered against his mouth, then drew back and smiled into his beautiful amber eyes. Mitchell eyes. She prayed every child she bore him inherited that stunning characteristic.
“Molly—”
“I’m not going to change my mind, Garrett. It is my greatest joy and honor to take this leap of faith with you. Whatever comes our way we’ll see it through—”
“Together,” he finished for her, kissing her once, twice, three times.
Another bout of tears threatened, this time tears of joy.
As soon as she and Garrett boarded the train to St. Louis, the next chapter of their life together would begin. Or, as Garrett had whispered in her ear in the carriage ride over, they were about to embark on their next Grand Adventure. Their first as husband and wife.
He fill thy mouth with laughing, thy lips with rejoicing.
The backs of her eyes stung. Blinking away the dampness, that was quite enough crying for one day, she smiled up at her husband. The wind had tousled his hair, giving him a very roguish appeal. He was so handsome, so strong, so…hers.
A train whistle split the air.
Garrett pulled his arm away from her waist and took hold of her hand. “This is it, time to say a final goodbye to our family and friends.”
“I’m ready.”
Chin lifted high, Molly walked across the train platform, her husband by her side.
Garrett’s nearness gave her the strength to kiss her mother goodbye, and then her father and all the rest of their family and friends.
His earlier vow to protect her with his life gave her the courage to board the train without an ounce of fear or regret.
His ever-abiding love gave her the surety to know that she would never be alone again. It had taken them seven long years to find their way back to one another, but God’s perfect timing had prevailed.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from WOLF CREEK WEDDING by Penny Richards.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for choosing Finally a Bride, the seventh book in my Charity House series. Molly has always held a special place in my heart. She first showed up in book one of the series, The Marshal Takes a Bride, as a five-year-old orphaned scamp in desperate need of a loving mother and a father.
With her willful disregard for bath time and her refusal to follow most rules, Molly stole the hero’s and heroine’s hearts from the moment she skidded on the page. It was a joy to give that rambunctious little girl a happy ending of her own. That her hero was the only man she’s ever loved made the journey all the sweeter.
This book has many themes I love—reunion, runaway bride, first love, a nosy matchmaker. Add the Old West in the mix and, well, this story has turned out to be one of my personal favorites to date. From page one, Garrett and Molly didn’t stand a chance, especially with Mrs. Singletary nudging them along.
I love hearing from readers. You can contact me through email at [email protected], or at my website: www.reneeryan.com. I’m also on Facebook and Twitter.
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br /> In the meantime, Happy Reading!
Renee
Questions for Discussion
In the opening of the book, Molly is surrounded by several potential suitors vying for her attention. What is it about Molly that draws men to her? How does Garrett show himself to be a cut above the rest?
What is Mrs. Singletary up to in the opening scene? Does she have a hidden agenda for offering her business proposition to Garrett? What? How do Garrett and Molly act toward one another in his office? What’s behind the tension between them?
What advice does Molly give Garrett’s sister about her engagement? Do you think this is good advice or bad advice? Why? When Garrett discovers his sister has broken her engagement to his boss, whose help does he seek and why?
Why is Garrett trying to prove his own worth at the law firm? What name is he given by the townspeople who know his brothers? Have you ever been in someone else’s shadow? If so, how did it make you feel?
Why didn’t any of Molly’s previous engagements work? What secret has she been harboring about her breakups? Why do you think she’s perpetuated this pretense? What did her former fiances claim was the reason they couldn’t marry her? Were they right?
What event does Mrs. Singletary ask Garrett to attend with her and her companion? Why is attending this event a problem for him? Why do you think he agrees to go anyway?
What was the source of Molly and Garrett’s first argument when they were together seven years ago? How did that argument end? Does the memory of this cause tension between them? Why or why not?
When Molly and Garrett figure out Mrs. Singletary’s agenda for them, what do they decide to do in response? Why do they only draw up three variables to the formula at first? What interrupts the process? Does this bring them closer or push them further apart?
Where do Molly and Garrett go after leaving the law firm? Why? What do they discuss at this lunch? What does Molly reveal about her past engagements? Have you ever made decisions during a vulnerable emotional state? What happened?
Why does Mrs. Singletary put Molly in charge of the charity ball? Why is this new duty a problem for Molly? What happens at the ball that changes the course of Molly and Garrett’s relationship?
What arrives at Garrett’s office from St. Louis? Why does this letter change his life forever?
What secret pain from her past makes it difficult for Molly to leave Denver? Who has she shared this information with before now? Why does she share it with Mrs. Singletary?
Who’s waiting for Garrett at the train station when he returns from St. Louis? What happens at this rendezvous? How is the St. Louis problem resolved?
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Chapter One
Wolf Creek, Arkansas
October 1885
The faintest sound of a baby’s crying was carried on the brisk October breeze. Dr. Rachel Stone’s buggy pulled to a stop in front of a large, rambling farmhouse, which was located west of town, three miles down the road that led to Pisgah.
Forest-green shutters framed the front windows and contrasted with pristine white clapboards. A porch, complete with a green swing, spanned the front of the house. Autumn’s chill was slow to arrive in southwest Arkansas. Blue morning glory climbed up posts toward the roof, and blankets of native clematis rambled onto the lawn, hundreds of tiny white flowers bobbing in the gentle breeze.
Abby Carter made a sound of disbelief, and her wide-eyed gaze found her friend’s. On some level she’d known the Gentry family was one of the most affluent in Wolf Creek, but until now, she had never given it much thought.
Smiling at Abby’s astonishment, Rachel climbed down and looped the reins over the hitching post. Rounding the carriage, she reached up to take baby Laura from Abby’s arms.
“Mind your manners,” Abby reminded six-year-old Ben as he scrambled down. Still wearing an expression of amazement, she jumped to the ground, and they all started up the broad steps of the porch.
They had barely reached the top when the front door crashed open. Abby’s startled gaze flew to the face of the man who would be her new employer. Caleb Gentry. Wealthy gentleman farmer. Father of newly born Betsy. Widower, as of a few hours ago. He was a big man—tall, broad-shouldered and narrow-hipped, his features too chiseled and angular to be considered handsome. His clothes looked as if he’d slept in them—which he no doubt had, if he’d managed any sleep the previous night—and he was in dire need of a shave. His thick, coffee-brown hair stood on end, and there was a wild look in his steel-gray eyes.
He looked angry and unapproachable. Difficult. Abby’s heart sank. What had she gotten into?
* * *
At the first sight of the quartet coming up the steps, Caleb flung open the door, relief sweeping through him. Their arrival offered welcome respite from the sickening churning of his stomach that had plagued him since Rachel emerged from his wife’s room and informed him that Emily was dead. Stunning news to a man who had only recently come to terms with the idea of being a father.
Accustomed to dealing with the many unexpected problems that cropped up with the running of a successful farming operation and his most recent enterprise, a gravel business, Caleb felt that in general he handled his life with a certain competence. In the blink of an eye, though, he discovered things were going to be very different. When Rachel left him in charge of the baby while she went to talk to Abby Carter about becoming a wet nurse and to inform Emily’s parents of her death, he’d known that he was not prepared to bear sole responsibility for every aspect of his daughter’s welfare.
In fact, thus far, he’d done a miserable job of things.
The baby, whom he had named Betsy according to Emily’s wishes, had spent more time crying than sleeping. Scared witless to hold her, he had nonetheless picked her up and patted, bounced and even tried singing to her. “Old Dan Tucker” vocalized in a gravelly baritone hadn’t done a thing to still her wailing. He had drawn the line at diapering—she was just too little and it was too scary to handle her any more than necessary. No doubt she was wet as well as hungry, which is why he was so relieved to see the approaching foursome.
Rachel Stone led the way, carrying a baby who looked just under a year old. A boy of five or six followed her, and a slight blond-haired woman who must be Abby Carter brought up the rear.
“What the devil took you so long?” he growled, raking long fingers through hair that already stood on end.
“We got here as soon as we could,” Rachel said in a conciliatory tone, ushering Ben ahead of her.
Betsy gave another ear-piercing wail. Without waiting for introductions, Caleb turned his wild-eyed gaze to the newcomer, grabbed her arm and hauled her through the doorway. “She’s been screaming for hours,” he snapped. “Do something.”
Instead of answering, Abby Carter looked from the fingers gripping her upper arm into his eyes. Hers were calm, though he thought he detected a hint of reproach and maybe even irritation in their blue depths. He snatched his hand away, as if she were hot to the touch.
Without a word, Mrs. Carter crossed to the cradle sitting near the fireplace, where a small blaze kept the chill at bay. She took a diaper from a nearby stack and set about changing Betsy while murmuring whatever nonsensical things women say to children in need of comfort
. Things that were missing from male vocabularies. Finished, she wrapped a flannel blanket around Betsy and looked at Rachel, a question in her eyes.
“The kitchen is through there,” Rachel said, pointing. Without a word, Mrs. Carter disappeared through the doorway, bestowing the briefest glance on him as she passed.
Caleb planted his hands on his hips and dropped his head, silently berating himself for his impatience with the woman who had only come to help. From the kitchen, Betsy’s crying stopped. Quiet, the first in hours, filled the room, bringing with it a calming peace that Caleb had sense enough to know was bound to be short-lived. He scrubbed a trembling hand down his face.
“I know it’s nerve-racking,” Rachel said. “You’ll get used to it.” Seeing the expression of panic return, she offered him a weary smile. “Abby can’t fix everything, Caleb. Babies cry for lots of reasons, but everything is going to be fine. She’s a good mother.”
Caleb was not so sure about anything being fine ever again.
“Did the Emersons come while I was gone?” Rachel asked.
He nodded. “Your dad sent someone…for Emily. They’re coming back later to see Betsy.”
“Well, then,” Rachel said, setting Mrs. Carter’s baby on the floor, “I’ll just take care of the birthing room, help get Abby settled and get back to town.”
She gave Ben instructions to keep an eye on his sister, and disappeared into the room Emily had moved to early in her pregnancy because his “tossing and turning” kept her awake.
With silence reigning in the kitchen and the knowledge that Abby Carter was there to help smooth out this new wrinkle in his life, a sudden weariness overtook Caleb. Huffing out a deep sigh, he sank into a corner of the camelback sofa and revisited the events that had changed his life forever.
