Aurora, A Romantic Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 2)

by Hildie McQueen

  There was an awkward silence before Evan could continue. “I want you to meet Aurora. I do believe you will like her. She is a good woman.”

  “That, I don’t doubt,” Emmett said. “I just hope you didn’t make a mistake. I know it’s hard to remain so long without a partner, but remember our reason for coming here, for moving so far from home.”

  Evan didn’t have to be reminded. Their parents had a horrible, bitter marriage. Throughout their lives, the boys were used as pawns by their parents to hurt each other.

  Both had lovers. The affairs were not kept secret. In fact, their father paraded a woman about town at social events just to irritate his wife in an effort to get her to agree to a legal divorce.

  Their mother never relented, too afraid of losing the lifestyle she valued more than anything. Definitely more than family.

  Neither had protested upon their decision to move out of the home into one of their father’s townhouses.

  Then when attending a social event, their father had made one of the biggest mistakes. Perhaps it was meant to hurt his wife, the brother would never know. But he’d seduced Emmett’s fiancée.

  The younger woman, Jacquelyn, enthralled by the man’s fortune did not hesitate to fall. She believed the older man’s promise to divorce and marry her.

  So in love with her, Emmett had tried everything to convince her to return to him, going so far as to make a fool out of himself in society.

  Upon learning of the affair, Jacquelyn’s father demanded redemption. Finally, their father got what he’d been wanting all along. A divorce. Unfortunately, he was forced to marry the young Jacquelyn.

  Within months, the affairs began anew. A broken and bitter Jacquelyn propositioned Emmett to an affair in revenge.

  Tired of all the dramatics and not wanting to be dragged into it, Emmett decided to move west and start a new life. Afraid his brother would come to harm, Evan and Elias left everything behind to go with him.

  Evan looked at the two familiar faces. “We’re family, the three of us. You both are the most important people in my life. Now, there are four of us. Once we find women crazy enough to marry the two of you, our family will grow. I look forward to that day, a peaceful life with nephews and nieces running around. We came here to start anew. To not make the same mistakes our parents did. I care for Aurora already and I plan to be happy. I want the same for my brothers.”

  One eyebrow raised, Elias let out a breath. “Gonna be hard being there’s no women in this town.”

  “Aurora has an acquaintance who runs the Matrimonial Gazette. She lives near here. I think the both of you should place ads for wives,” Evan suggested and sat back waiting for the protests.

  “Look here, just because you’re hitched and settled, don’t try to change our lives,” Emmett grumbled with a scowl. “I’m fine with the way things are.”

  Unlike Emmett, Elias was impulsive and had a quick wit. “I’m game. It’ll be nice to have a woman to cozy up with during the winter.” He scratched his beard. “Not too sure about living with someone. You know, having them around day in and day out.”

  Emmett burst out laughing. “What are you going to do? Put your wife in the barn during the day?”

  They began spurting out ideas of what Elias could do with his wife to keep her from being around until they were laughing so hard, they could barely catch their breaths.

  Evan prepared to return home and he hugged both brothers. Emmett would remain for the night and return to Billings the following morning.

  Mounted, he urged his mount toward town.

  His brother, Elias, had no idea. Once finding the perfect wife, being with her daily enriched the experience. Heck, there were times he would rush home for a few moments just to catch a glimpse of Aurora.

  One day, his brothers would understand why he spurred his horse to a gallop to return home.

  Chapter Eighteen

  When the front door opened and Evan walked into the house, Aurora jumped from her seat and rushed to him. He enveloped her in his arms and kissed her temple.

  “I take it you missed me?” His deep voice sent tingles of excitement down her spine.

  “Yes, I did.”

  Knowing she’d want Evan to herself for a few moments, Lucille, who’d been reading, put her book down and stood. “Hello, Evan. I’ll make some coffee. I know you must be chilled.”

  “I would appreciate it.” He waited for Lucille to leave the room. “I can get used to two women waiting on me.”

  “Don’t get too used to it,” Aurora replied with a smile.

  Her husband waited with a questioning look for Aurora to elaborate.

  “She’s a head turner in town. Can barely walk a few steps without someone stopping her. It won’t be long before our Lucille will be married.”

  “I noticed Tobias kept an eye on her all throughout supper the other day,” Evan replied, guiding her to the dining table. “I believe they would be a good match.”

  Aurora couldn’t help but laugh. “I never took you to be a matchmaker.”

  “Who are you discussing?” Lucille placed a cup of coffee before Evan. “If it’s me, don’t try it. I’ll find a suitable husband on my own.”

  “What about Tobias?” Evan asked.

  Lucille’s mouth fell open. “Did he say something?”

  “Didn’t have to.” Evan took her hand and moved to the kitchen table. His darkened eyes roved her face bringing heat to her cheeks.

  “I think you and Tobias would make a lovely couple,” Aurora joined in teasing Lucille. She needed to distract her mind away from wanting to drag her husband to bed.

  Lucille rolled her eyes. “He’s attractive and nice from what Evan has told me. However, he didn’t say one word to me. Barely spared me a glance. Because you two are enthralled with each other, you see things through rose-colored spectacles” She placed a hand on her hip. “Don’t do anything. I don’t need help from either of you.”

  “I suppose she’s right. We should allow her to do this alone.”

  “She’s coming with us when we visit the Hamiltons next week. Perhaps they can get to know each other slowly.”

  Evan didn’t sit, but drank his coffee standing, his arm around her waist.

  Aurora looked to where Evan’s jacket was hung by the door and wondered about the letters. “How was your visit? Anything interesting happen?”

  “My brother, Elias, wants to meet you. I told him we’d come visit. He can’t get away from work at his ranch right now.”

  Aurora pressed closer to him, enjoying the feel of his larger, harder body. “Of course. I can’t wait to meet him and get to know Emmett more as well.”

  Later that night, as she lay across Evan’s chest, Aurora couldn’t stop from thinking about the letters. Evan had talked nonstop about the land and what they planned to do. Subdivide and rent it out to newcomers who’d farm it and pay for the use of the land. According to Evan, they’d get their investment back and more.

  He’d not changed toward her, if anything was more attentive and amorous than ever.

  “Evan?”

  “Mmm?” His groggy reply made her smile.

  “I missed you.”

  His reply was a soft snore.

  Two days later, Aurora couldn’t hold back any longer. She’d gone so far as to search for the letters in Evan’s jacket pockets. Every pocket was empty.

  Busy packing for their visit to the Hamiltons’ land, she waited for a moment alone with her husband. He lifted a shirt and looked to her. “I don’t think I need more than two.”

  Aurora fortified herself. “Evan, I saw some letters. One was addressed from a woman named Kathryn Martin. Who is she?”

  Evan’s brows lifted. “She is an acquaintance from Boston. A woman I courted prior to moving here.”

  His straightforward reply took Aurora aback. “Oh goodness. Should I be worried?”

  “About what?” He folded the shirt and placed it into the bag they were sharing for the two-da
y visit.

  Aurora moved closer and peered up at him. “About you…and her?”

  “Why would you worry? She and I parted ways.”

  “If that is true, then why was the letter perfumed? And the young mother mentioned a woman.”

  The corner of his lips lifted. “You sniffed the letters?”

  “It is not in the least bit comical.”

  In that moment, Aurora wanted to find a large rock and climb under it. She was making a fool out of herself.

  Evan, on the other hand, was enjoying the moment. “What did they smell like?”

  “Don’t toy with me. I know you picked both letters up and took them with you to your brother’s house.”

  He stood and leaned forward until their noses almost touched. “I think you’re jealous.”

  “I think you’re not very nice.”

  “Come here.” Evan held out his right hand. “I have something to tell you.”

  When she walked closer, he pulled her to the window and pushed back the curtains. Behind the house was a wide field that would soon be green and lush. For now, there were mostly leafless trees and some patches of snow. “That is how my life seemed before you came.”

  She continued to scan the landscape. “I certainly hope to have brought good into your life.”

  “More than that. You are a treasure to me, Aurora.” Evan looked down at her, their gazes meeting. “I love you, Mrs. Aurora Jones.”

  No matter how much she blinked, Aurora could not stop tears from spilling. “Do you truly? I have been so scared. I overheard what Emmett said. Did you love Kathryn?”

  “I thought I did. Until I met you. Now I know what true love is. What I felt for Kathryn was more an infatuation, I think.”

  “What did she write about?”

  “She informed me of her upcoming marriage. It’s a habit of hers to perfume letters. I don’t believe it was intentional. Either way, she professed to be very happy. As far as to the woman the young mother spoke about, it was not Kathryn, but a woman who I visited with.” His cheeks colored. “Nothing came of it.”

  “You don’t have to explain your past to me. I trust you and now I feel silly.”

  “I find you adorable.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  “I wish we lived closer so that we could see each other daily,” Wilhelmina professed. “However, seeing you once a month is better than not at all.”

  Aurora nodded and pulled a needle through the fabric she held. “I imagine the travel will be easier come spring. Honestly, it surprised me that Evan agreed to bring us so soon. Although the travel was a bit daunting, it wasn’t too horrible. The poor horses must be so cold.”

  Eleanor laughed. “They are strong working horses. I’m sure they are fine. You’re sweet to worry about them.”

  “Where is Lucille?” Aurora asked, noticing her friend was missing.

  Wilhelmina pressed her lips together in a vain attempt to hide a smile and exchanged looks with Eleanor.

  “She went to the barn. I asked her to fetch the men for supper,” Eleanor replied.

  “I don’t understand,” Aurora said, looking to the doorway. “I thought they’d gone out in the opposite direction to check on your house?” She looked to Wilhelmina.

  Her friend giggled. “They did…except Tobias.”

  The dimness of the barn forced Lucille to hesitate at the doorway. It was eerily quiet. If the men were inside, they were either asleep or whispering. That’s it, Lucille thought. They were probably keeping their voices low to keep from waking a newly born animal.

  She tiptoed further into the large space. The smell of hay and nickers of horses made her smile. Although she’d lived in Philadelphia most of her life, she’d lived on a farm when she was very young.

  “Rest now. I’ll be right here.” The man’s voice was soft with sadness. “If it’s time to go, I’ll hold you until you do.”

  She recognized Tobias Hamilton’s voice. Whatever was happening, she wasn’t sure it was a good time to intrude. However, being curious, Lucille moved closer in hopes of getting a glimpse of what was going on.

  The large man sat on the ground next to a dog. He ran a hand over the animal’s fur while speaking softly to it. The dog lifted its head and licked Tobias’ hand then let out a soft whine.

  “Let the medicine work. Soon, you’ll be feeling better.” Tobias’ voice cracked and his head fell forward.

  It was silent for a few moments while Lucille tried to figure out how to make her presence known. She cleared her throat. “Is someone here?”

  For a moment, she thought he would not reply. Finally, he did. “Yeah. I’m here.”

  She walked from where she’d been standing. “I came to fetch you and the others for supper.”

  “They’ve all gone to see about Marcus and Wilhelmina’s house. I’m the only one here.” He didn’t look to her. Instead, he continued rubbing the dog’s side.

  Lucille bent down and petted the dog’s head. “Who is this handsome fellow?”

  “Butter.”

  “That’s an interesting name.” The dog was a beautiful shade of golden yellow. “But I understand how he came about it.”

  “I named him,” Tobias replied still not looking to her. “Thought it suited him.”

  “He’s very sick.” Lucille stated the obvious. “Will he get better?”

  “No. He’s almost fifteen. It’s surprising he lived this long.”

  “I’ll keep you both company.” Lucille lowered down onto the hay and let out a sigh. “When I was young, I had a dog named Sampson. He was a huge, strong dog…”

  Aurora looked up when Evan entered the room. Neither Lucille nor Tobias were with him. “Why aren’t they coming to eat?”

  Her husband moved closer. “Tobias’ dog is dying. He won’t leave the old guy. Lucille is keeping him company. I’m taking them a few blankets as I doubt they will leave the dog alone.” He gave her a knowing look. “Seems they are getting along just fine.”

  “Tobias is having a very hard time getting over our mother’s death. Although we hope he does take interest, don’t be surprised if he is reluctant to get to know Lucille,” Eleanor explained with a grim sigh. “My poor baby brother. Now, he’s losing Butter.”

  Evan took Aurora’s hand and guided her out of the room. “I think it’s time for bed. You look exhausted.”

  “I do?”

  “Yes,” Evan placed a kiss on the tip of her nose. “Very much so.”

  It took a moment to realize what he had in mind. “We are here as company. Besides what if they hear us?”

  “They are all busy doing whatever. I doubt they’ll go to bed this early.”

  “Oh my goodness.” Aurora was torn between desire and not wanting to create an embarrassing situation. “I’m not sure this is a good idea right now.”

  Evan pulled her against him and took her mouth with so much ardor that she had to cling to him to keep from collapsing. “What do you think?”

  “I think we need to hurry.” Aurora pulled his hand as she moved quickly toward a bedroom. “We must hurry.”

  “We should proceed with caution and be quiet. It would be best to take things slow,” Evan whispered in her ear as they neared the bedroom, sending shivers down her spine.

  As soon as they were inside, he pulled the dress down from her shoulders and pressed kisses along the right edge of her neck. “Very slow.”

  And he did.

  The End.

  About the Author

  Whether a rancher, a highlander or a hunky cowboy, you will fall in love with Hildie McQueen’s heroes!

  Hello Dear Reader. Writing is my dream come true. There is nothing I love more than bringing my characters and stories to life and sharing them with you.

  I thoroughly loved writing Aurora and Evan’s story. If you enjoyed Aurora, A Romantic Bride, please recommend it to your friends and family and leave me a review.

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  Keep Calm and Read On!!