Men seated around them snickered at Braxton’s words.
Mortified, Dacey stared out the window and held her tongue, doing her best to ignore the handsome man sitting next to her.
Finally, he reached over and took her hand in his. She tried to jerk away, but he held fast. “Why did you leave Bramble Hall, Dacey?”
The sound of his deep voice, especially when he said her name, made her temperature climb.
When she remained silent, his thumb rubbed tantalizing circles across her palm. Wholly entranced with the sensation, she forgot to pull away, to fight him.
“Why did you leave me?” At his wounded tone, she looked at Braxton and fell into the stormy depths of his eyes.
“I had to.” She forced herself to look away but the magnetic draw of his presence was too much and she faced him again, soaking up every feature of his beloved face.
“Did someone say something last night that upset you? Tell me the truth.” Braxton studied her for a moment. His face softened while his voice lowered. “I thought we both enjoyed the ball, especially what happened outside.”
“I did. I was, until…” She snapped her mouth shut.
“Until what? I’m not leaving you alone until you tell me what happened. If it takes the whole train ride to Hendersonville, then so be it. If I have to follow you around for days on end, I’ll do it.” Braxton bumped his leg against hers and grinned. “You know I don’t give up easily.”
“No, you don’t,” Dacey agreed. A sigh that carried her pain and loss worked free from her chest and hung between them for a long moment while she gathered her thoughts. “If you must know, someone shared a number of rather revealing facts about your nature and mentioned your tendency toward indecent habits. Quite simply, I concluded the best course of action was to immediately leave Asheville.”
Braxton frowned. “Did the person sharing these so called facts happen to be Miranda Beaudry?”
Dacey gaped at him, wondering how he knew she’d spoken to the woman. “Yes.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. She’s been full of spite and vengeance since I refused to marry her last spring.”
“But she said you…” Dacey couldn’t bring herself to say the words.
“I what? That I ruined her? That I sullied her sparkling reputation? That I did unspeakable things?” Braxton experienced a degree of gratification when Dacey appeared appalled by his questions. “The truth of the matter is that Father insisted I take her to a soiree and after the one evening we spent attending the festivities, she wouldn’t take no for an answer. I paid court to her for a short time then I couldn’t take it anymore. When I bid her goodbye, she concocted a story she thought would force me into marriage, but she’d woven the same web of lies before and no one believed her.”
“I see.” Dacey stared at her lap, wondering if she dared believe Braxton. He looked and sounded so sincere.
“I don’t believe you do, Dacey. I’d never do any of the things she claimed. Not ever.” Braxton tilted his head beneath the wide brim of her western hat and stirred the air near her ear with his breath. “There’s only and ever been one woman who captured my interest and my heart.”
“I know. I saw her last night and again this morning.”
Perplexed, Braxton sat upright. “What? Who are you talking about?”
“There was a beautiful woman with dark hair at the ball. She had a young son. I saw you and your mother with her. It’s obvious he’s yours, Braxton. How can you say Miss Beaudry lied when you so clearly have a mistress and a son?”
Shocked speechless, the air whooshed out of Braxton and he released Dacey’s hand. After forking his fingers through his hair and leaning forward with his elbows on his knees for several minutes, he sat back and took her hand in his again.
“If you were a man, I’d pop you in the nose for making such an assumption and besmirching my character.” Braxton tempered his words with a teasing grin. “I can see how you arrived at such an outlandish conclusion though, especially with Miranda’s tasteless implications. Honestly, I thought Mother told you. I suppose I should have mentioned it myself.”
Frustrated and confused, Dacey glared at him. “Told me what? That she wants you to wed even though you have no need for a wife? I’m perfectly clear on that fact.”
Much to her dismay, Braxton chuckled. “So was I until you wandered into my life and took up residence in my heart, Dacey Jo Butler.”
It was her turn to sit speechless and stare at him.
He shrugged his broad shoulders as sadness filled his eyes. “I had a brother, William. He died four years ago in a tragic accident. He was hunting with friends and a gun accidentally discharged, killing him almost instantly. It upset Mother and Father so badly, they dealt with his death by removing every reminder of his existence. There isn’t a single photograph of him at Bramble Hall and no one dares mention his name.”
“Oh, Brax, I didn’t know. I’m so sorry.” Dacey squeezed the hand that still held hers. “What about that woman and her child? He looks just like you.”
“That’s because he’s my nephew. Charlotte was married to William. He died eight months before Billy was born. Charlotte stayed with us until the baby arrived. When he was three months old, she returned to her family in Greenville. Eventually, she fell in love with a good man, and remarried.” He gave her a long look. “I meant to introduce you last night, but Charlotte arrived late and then I couldn’t find you. Although her husband couldn’t get away, she and Billy will stay at Bramble Hall for a few weeks.”
Unable to speak around her tears, Dacey didn’t know what to say, how to apologize to Braxton for jumping to conclusions without giving him an opportunity to explain.
“Mother is beside herself that you left.” Braxton resumed rubbing tantalizing circles across her palm. “Cornelia and Caroline both burst into tears and Father stormed around the house barking orders to send out every able body to search for you. My feelings were quite hurt that you didn’t leave a note for me. You wrote such a lovely one for Mother and another for Cornelia.”
Dacey chewed her bottom lip. How could she tell Braxton she loved him and that was the reason she couldn’t write a letter. She knew the feelings in her heart would work their way through the ink of the pen, boldly announcing the truth on the written page.
“I thought you cared for me, Dacey Jo.”
Tears stung the backs of her eyes as she turned to him. “I do, Braxton. Very much.”
“Then how could you leave without saying goodbye? Without finding out the truth? Why did you run away?”
“Because I love you.”
Sparks ignited in his gray eyes as they went from stormy to liquid silver. A slow, easy grin spread across his face. “That’s good news, because I’m in love with you.”
Dacey ignored the tears trailing down her cheeks as Braxton held her gaze. He released her hand and bracketed her face between his palms. “I love you with all my heart. If you’ll stop this running away nonsense, we could plan a wedding. After all, that is the reason you came to Asheville. It’s about time I upheld my end of the bargain.”
She blinked, unable to speak around the delirious joy clogging her throat. Every dream she’d had about love and a happy ever after was about to come true.
Braxton’s thumbs brushed away her tears. “Will you please come back to Bramble Hall with me? Will you come home, honey, and be my wife?”
Dacey nodded and closed her eyes as Braxton removed her hat then lowered his head to hers, gently caressing her lips.
Heedless to the train car full of people watching, he rested his forehead against hers. “Mother thinks a wedding the Saturday before Thanksgiving would be perfect. What do you think? Will you marry me in a week?”
“Yes, Braxton! Of course I’ll marry you! I’d marry you right this minute if it could be arranged.”
A chuckle rumbled out of his chest and he kissed her nose. “Don’t tease me like that. Mother would have my head if we returned already wed
.” He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her against his side, settling back into the seat. “It will sorely test my patience to keep my hands and lips off you for another week, but you, my lovely mail-order bride, are worth the wait.”
Chapter Twelve
“Your handsome husband-to-be asked me to bring you this,” Charlotte said, handing Dacey an envelope.
She smiled at her new friend and lifted the flap. As she read it, she laughed.
“What is it? What did Braxton write?” Charlotte asked.
Dacey looked up and grinned at Charlotte then Beatrice. “He composed his own mail-order bride advertisement.”
“He didn’t!” Beatrice appeared amused as she helped Cornelia fasten the last of the buttons down the back of Dacey’s white silk wedding gown. “Well, darling, you must read it to us.”
“No. I couldn’t.” Dacey’s cheeks pinked, but she held out the paper so the women could read it over her shoulder.
Dearest Dacey,
Since Mother wrote the first one, I thought I better pen my own advertisement for a bride. I don’t exactly know what words she used to convince you to come to Asheville, but I hope these will mean you’ll stay forever by my side.
Wanted: One beautiful, spunky, brave girl with hair the color of autumn’s most glorious crown and eyes the shade of bottomless lakes. Must possess a sense of humor, have a way with horses that surpasses the ability of this man, and be incredibly sweet and kind-hearted. She must also be willing to put up with a strong-willed, opinionated husband who will love her so thoroughly and completely, she will wonder how she possibly survived so long without the warmth of his touch and the flavor of his kiss.
Since you clearly meet all the criteria, if you are interested in becoming my bride, please proceed to the rotunda room when the harp music begins and profess your undying devotion to the man who loves you with every beat of his heart, now and forevermore.
Your humble servant,
Braxton
Charlotte giggled and nudged her with an elbow to her side as she helped pin roses into her hair. “Brother Braxton is quite a romantic.”
“Yes, he is,” Dacey said, furiously blushing.
“What a wonderful note.” Beatrice beamed at her as she picked up a veil and settled it on Dacey’s head amidst the roses. “You must keep it for your daughters to read on their wedding day.”
Dacey’s eyes filled with tears and she struggled to keep her composure.
“It’s okay, sweetheart.” Beatrice gave her a warm hug. “He really does love you to the point of distraction.”
“I know,” Dacey whispered as Charlotte brushed away her tears so she wouldn’t stain the fingers of her satin gloves.
“No more tears. Today is one meant to be filled with joy.” Beatrice kissed her cheek and winked at her, affecting a western twang. “I reckon I better git downstairs and start pluckin’ the harp.” Beatrice offered one more encouraging hug before she rushed out the door.
Cornelia and Caroline adjusted Dacey’s train and veil, accompanying her and Charlotte to the staircase near the rotunda room.
When the soft strains of the harp drifted up to them, Charlotte gave her an encouraging smile then gracefully walked down the steps as Dacey’s attendant.
As Dacey began her descent to where Daniel waited to walk her into the room, she sent up a prayer of gratitude that she’d answered the advertisement for a wife for an Asheville farmer. She hoped her friends had found as much happiness in their new beginnings as she had in hers.
Daniel smiled as she placed her hand on his arm. “You look beautiful, dear girl. Welcome to our family.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Once they stepped into the room, bedecked with flowers, organza, and hundreds of candles, Dacey had eyes only for her handsome groom. Braxton took her breath away as she floated down the aisle to him.
A delighted shiver of anticipation stole over her as she stopped beside him.
He bent his head by her ear as Daniel handed her over to his keeping. “My beloved,” he whispered in a voice thick with emotion.
When she smiled at him with love shining from her face, Braxton’s heart overflowed with love.
Although at the time, he’d been quite irritated with his mother for meddling in his life by sending for a mail-order bride, he was glad she had. If it weren’t for her scheming, he never would have met Dacey.
A life without her in it was inconceivable.
As the pastor pronounced them man and wife, the setting sun filled the room with a brilliant display, wrapping the occupants in a golden cocoon of light.
Braxton lifted Dacey’s veil. His gaze traveled over her face, taking in the glow in her eyes, the pink of her cheeks, the beckoning ripeness of her lips.
Tenderly, his mouth caressed hers in a sweet, gentle kiss. Before he raised his head, he leaned toward her ear. “That was to please those here, but I promise the kisses I’ll lavish upon you later are for our pleasure alone.”
“I’ll hold you to that promise, buster.” Dacey winked at him as they turned to face those gathered around them.
After an elaborate dinner and an hour of dancing, Braxton took Dacey by the hand and led her out of the room.
“What are you doing, Brax?” She asked as he swept her into his arms and started up the stairs.
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m stealing you away.” He kissed her cheek as he rushed up the steps and turned down a hall.
“Then by all means, continue,” she said, trailing teasing kisses across his neck.
He groaned and tightened his hold as he strode to the end of hall then toed open a door with his foot.
“What’s this room?” Dacey asked as he stepped inside and set her down. The wing they were in was secluded from the main part of the house. The large bedroom was part of the rotunda with curved windows catching the last rays of the sunset.
A massive bed and ornately carved furnishings filled the space, done in shades of ivory and green, similar to her room in the main wing of the house.
“This will be our room, honey, if you like it. Mother agreed we need a little privacy and I thought you’d enjoy the light in this room. There’s a balcony where we can sit and watch the sunsets.”
Braxton led her over to a door that opened to a finely appointed bathroom then he showed her the closet where Cornelia had already moved all her things.
Dacey wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a hug. “It’s perfect, Braxton. Perfect and so appreciated. Thank you.”
His lips connected with hers in a fiery, heated exchange. When he finally lifted his head, Dacey clung to the lapels of his coat to keep herself upright.
After a kiss to her nose, he chuckled and stepped behind her, starting the process of unbuttoning her dress. He could have sent for Cornelia to do it, but he’d thought of doing little else since Dacey floated down the aisle on his father’s arm in the enchanting gown.
“I have one more surprise for you,” Braxton said as he struggled to work the buttons free. He considered tugging on the fabric and popping off the buttons, but he knew Dacey wouldn’t appreciate it if he ruined her dress. There was also a bit of enticing delight in unfastening each one.
“You’ve done so much already. I can’t imagine anything else you could give me.” She turned and smiled at him over her shoulder, making his heart leap into a frenzied pounding in his chest.
He stopped fiddling with the buttons long enough to take an envelope from his coat pocket and hand it to her.
“What’s this?” she asked, opening the flap.
“Just read it.”
When she finished, she turned around and stared at Braxton. “You bought the ranch? My ranch?”
At his nod, she threw herself into his arms, laughing and crying as she hugged him tightly. “Oh, Brax! This is the best, best gift you could ever give me.”
As thoughts assailed her, she pulled back. “I know we’ll live here, but how will… what can…”
“
I have it all worked out, Dacey Jo. Don’t fret. Your friend Rowdy has agreed to take over management of the ranch again and he has assured me most of the hands you knew will work there again. I’ve transferred funds into an account for him to take care of the place and he will provide a monthly report.” Braxton smiled as he brushed away a lingering teardrop from her cheek with his thumb. “I assured him we’d need to make a trip in the spring to check on our holdings. You’ll also be relieved to know that your stepfather was sent to prison after he killed someone who accused him of cheating at cards.”
Unable to speak through the emotion clogging her throat, Dacey nodded her head and hugged her husband again.
“I think we’ll need to make a yearly trip to visit the ranch, check on things. Who knows? Maybe one of our sons will want to live there someday.”
“Maybe one will.” Dacey gazed up at her husband with a coy look that scattered his sense. “With your mother talking about us having daughters and you convinced we’ll have sons, we best get started on creating our family.”
He grinned and gently kissed her eyes, her forehead, her cheeks. “I’m more than willing to do my part.”
Utter devotion filled her face as she looked up at him. “You’re the finest man I’ve ever met, Braxton Douglas. I love you and I’m honored you chose me to love.”
“The honor is all mine, honey.” Fire glowed in his silvery eyes as his hands lingered at her sides.
When she pressed against him, he lost the tentative hold he’d maintained on his patience.
Braxton tugged away the remaining buttons and freed Dacey from her gown, lifting her in his arms. “Just promise you’ll never change. I don’t want or need a bride who sits around the house learning needlepoint or perfecting her manners. I need you — a true partner.”
Happier than she’d ever been in her life, Dacey wrapped her hands around Braxton’s neck and drew his mouth to hers.
In that moment, as their souls connected, she knew the rapture of loving a man such as Braxton, of being loved by him.
No longer alone in the world, Dacey’s home was in his arms.
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