by Cat Cahill
“That’s all right,” Penny said, her eyes on Ben. “All I want is to be married to you. Anything else is simply a wonderful addition to that.”
He placed a curled finger under her chin. “I agree, Mrs. Young.”
Her perfect face melted into a smile, and Ben decided that Christmas would be his favorite time of year.
Epilogue
Yards of red satin drifted from Penny’s waist and fell in heaping clouds on the floor. Upstairs, in Caroline’s home over the general store, she could see the hotel over the railroad tracks and the hill that rose between them.
“Just a few more pins,” Caroline said from where she knelt on the floor. With the deft way she folded and pinned the fabric, Penny would’ve never guessed this was the first time her friend was attempting to make a dress.
Dora held up the pincushion for Caroline to pluck another one out. “I’ve never seen anyone be married in red.”
“Me either,” Penny replied. “But it’ll be Christmas, and this fabric is the most beautiful color I’ve ever seen.”
“Besides,” Caroline said as she stuck the pin in the back of the fabric where the bustle would drape, “I doubt Sheriff Young cares what you have on, so long as he’s able to marry you.”
Penny turned and stared down at her friend. “Why, Caroline Drexel! I’ve never heard you say such a thing.” And it was true. Caroline was the most proper lady Penny had ever met in her life.
Caroline grinned wickedly up at her friend. “Perhaps you’re finally beginning to rub off on me.”
Penny laughed. “I could’ve said that about you a few months ago, when you were sneaking out to meet up with a certain young man.”
Caroline’s cheeks went red. “Oh hush, or I’ll stick you with one of these pins.” She tilted her head to study the fabric in her hand. “Or perhaps I’ll make your dress ten inches too short.”
Dora sat quietly, smiling as her friends talked. Penny had never felt so light and free as she had over the past couple of weeks, even though her intended had returned to Cañon City until closer to Christmas. She knew now how Caroline had felt when she’d given her heart to Mr. Drexel, and more than anything, she wished for the same happiness for their other friends, including Dora. “I believe Dora needs a husband,” she said.
Dora’s smile fell and her eyes went wide. “No, I’m happy working in the restaurant.”
Caroline grinned but said nothing.
“Just you wait,” Penny continued. “We’ll find you a strong railroad man, or maybe a handsome, rich stranger from one of the trains.”
Dora stared at her feet, her cheeks ruddy.
“Leave her alone,” Caroline said. “Didn’t you bring a letter from Emma?”
“Yes!” Penny had almost forgotten. “It’s in my reticule.”
Dora went to fetch Penny’s bag, seemingly much happier now that the conversation had turned. She handed the reticule to Penny, who opened it and retrieved the letter she’d received just that morning from their friend. Knowing she would see Caroline and Dora today, she’d decided to wait until they were all together to open it.
As Caroline stuck more pins into her soon-to-be wedding dress, Penny unfolded the page inside and began to read:
Dearest Penny,
This will be a short letter, as I must finish packing all of our things for travel. I have the most wonderful news! Monroe and I will be returning to Crest Stone, for at least several months. He has accepted a position from a wealthy man who wishes to build a few establishments near the hotel. It seems he believes our little place in the valley could be quite the booming town.
“Yes! Thomas mentioned him,” Caroline said, standing up. “Apparently he wants to build a number of places to serve the railroad guests, but he also believes more and more people will begin living here.”
Penny tried to imagine a town where now there was only a handful of crumbling old railroad buildings and a vast valley of sagebrush and snow.
“Go on,” Dora urged. “What else does she say?”
Penny continued.
We’ll be leaving California in a couple of days, and barring any bad weather, should be in Crest Stone very soon. I cannot wait to see you all! Please send my love to Dora and Caroline, Millie, Mrs. Ruby, and the McFarlands. Yours, Emma.
“She’ll be here for your wedding!” Dora said.
“And she doesn’t even know!” Caroline clasped her hands together.
Penny grinned as she looked down at her pinned and tucked skirt. This would be the most perfect December ever.
THANK YOU FOR READING! Now you have to find out about the secretive man Dora meets as the hotel prepares for Penny and Ben’s wedding. Dora’s story, Hidden Forever, is next. To be alerted when it’s available to read, sign up here: http://bit.ly/catsnewsletter I also give subscribers a free Gilbert Girls prequel novella (it tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. McFarland), sneak peeks at upcoming books, insights into the writer life, discounts and deals, inspirations, and so much more. I'd love to have you join the fun! You can also find me on Facebook at: http://bit.ly/CatonFacebook and on my website http://bit.ly/CatCahillAuthor
Turn the page to see a complete list of the books in the Gilbert Girls series.
Books in The Gilbert Girls series
Building Forever
Running From Forever
Wild Forever
Hidden Forever – coming soon
About the Author, Cat Cahill
A sunset. Snow on the mountains. A roaring river in the spring. A man and a woman who can't fight the love that pulls them together. The danger and uncertainty of life in the Old West. This is what inspires me to write. I hope you find an escape in my books!
I live with my family, my hound dog, and a few cats in Kentucky. When I'm not writing, I'm losing myself in a good book, planning my next travel adventure, doing a puzzle, attempting to garden, or wrangling my kids.
