Renee Ryan

by The Outlaw's Redemption

  “That’s exactly what happened,” Annabeth confirmed.

  “Oh, Pa. You’re a hero!”

  “I’m no hero.” The words rasped beneath a long exhale. “I merely did what had to be done.”

  “Say what you will, Hunter Mitchell.” Annabeth moved in closer and peered over Sarah’s head. “You’ll always be my hero.”

  “Mine, too,” Sarah declared.

  “Mine, too,” Mattie said from behind Annabeth, making all four of them laugh. Hunter a bit more subdued than the rest.

  His gaze locking with Annabeth’s, he gave her a crooked smile. “Guess all I need is a sunset and a white horse to make the picture complete.”

  “Plenty of time for those,” she said, touched he wanted to give her the fairy tale. How could she not love this man? “Let’s get you healed first.”

  He reached up. Understanding the silent summons, she took his hand in hers. For a long moment, neither said a word. They didn’t need to speak. They communicated in their own private way, inside the stare, using a silent language that was all theirs.

  “I never asked you properly. And I certainly never used the right words. I love you, Annabeth.” His words swept over her, soothing away the last of her doubts. “Will you be my wife?”

  Before she could answer, Sarah gasped in delight. “Say yes, Aunt Annabeth.”

  Taking her eyes off Hunter, she looked over at the child, the very happy child. “You approve?”

  “I do, I do.” She bounced in the chair. “Say yes.”

  “You heard the girl.” Mattie patted Annabeth’s arm. “Say yes to the man.”

  With a happy sigh, Annabeth turned back to Hunter. It mattered that the two most important women in her life supported their marriage.

  And yet, she hesitated. She believed Hunter loved her, but did he love her unconditionally and without reservation?

  She needed to know his heart.

  “The last time we had this discussion, you put restrictions on your offer.” She ignored his wince and pressed on. “What sort of marriage do you want with me, Hunter?”

  “A real one, the kind the good Lord intended between a man and woman.” He held her gaze, communicating his message with an intimate smile on his lips. “There will be no secrets between us, no barriers. With Christ at the center, our marriage will be full of faith, hope, mutual trust and—”

  “Love,” she added.

  “And love.” He pressed a kiss to her hand. “Definitely love.”

  There was only one thing to say to that. “Yes, Hunter. Yes. I want to be your wife, in every way that matters.”

  Sarah cheered.

  Mattie sighed.

  Hunter grinned. “I knew you’d come round to my way of thinking.”

  Seeing that they were of a like mind, Annabeth simply returned his smile. Lost in Hunter’s stare, she felt each of their pasts melt away and reveled in the future before them. A future as husband and wife built on a foundation of faith in God, enduring love and family.

  Epilogue

  On the day of her wedding to Hunter, Annabeth stood outside the chapel situated directly behind Charity House. The sun was making its slow, colorful descent behind the mountain peaks. There was still a lot of daylight left, but the western sky was turning an orangey pink.

  Having forgone tradition, Annabeth chose to have her mother give her away. As soon as Mattie joined her outside, they would begin their walk down the aisle.

  The guests had already arrived and taken their seats. Much to Annabeth’s pleasure, every member of Hunter’s family was in attendance. Their presence was proof that they fully supported her union to the returning son.

  The Mitchells had even embraced Mattie as one of their own. For weeks now, each one had put their own form of subtle, albeit loving, pressure on the infamous madam to sell her brothel and move to the Flying M.

  Their efforts had not been wasted. Mattie had begun negotiations with several potential buyers.

  God had blessed Annabeth beyond measure. She couldn’t wait to begin her future with the man she loved and the child they shared.

  As if sensing her eagerness, Mattie chose that moment to exit the church. With a worried expression on her face, she hurried down the steps. “Hunter is nowhere to be found.” Her anxious gaze landed everywhere but on Annabeth. “And I’m afraid Sarah is missing, too.”

  Despite Mattie’s agitation, this news did not alarm Annabeth. Hunter had warned her that he planned to pull Sarah aside before the ceremony for a private father/daughter moment. If Annabeth knew her man—and she liked to think she did—he was presenting the child with another doll for her collection, this one in a wedding dress to commemorate the special day.

  “It’s all right, Mother. They’ll be here shortly.”

  The sound of pounding horse hooves had her turning to look toward the west.

  A jolt of surprise went through her. And then came the joy. It reared up from her toes and settled in her throat.

  “Oh, my,” she said, her breath stalling in her lungs.

  “I say.” Mattie shook her head. “That boy certainly knows how to make a grand entrance.”

  Not a grand entrance, a grand gesture, the grandest of them all, because there he was, her man, riding atop a white horse with a coat so pristine it looked too perfect to be real.

  Sarah was balanced on the saddle in front of him, smiling broadly, a new doll clutched in her hand.

  As if wishing to create the best possible effect, Hunter had timed their entrance perfectly. By the time he reined in his magnificent steed, the sunset had reached spectacular proportions, creating a perfect backdrop for man, horse and child.

  “Oh, Hunter,” Annabeth whispered. “You magnificent man.”

  Their gazes collided and she felt the impact all the way to her toes. Her eyes filled.

  “You were right, Pa. We did make her cry.”

  Eyes filling all the more, Annabeth laughed. “Happy tears, Sarah. I’m crying happy tears.”

  “Those are the very best kind,” Sarah decided, then looked over at Mattie who’d become suspiciously quiet. “Look, Pa, Miss Mattie’s crying, too.”

  “Will wonders never cease?”

  Appearing highly pleased with himself, Hunter set Sarah carefully on the ground then dismounted behind her. He approached Annabeth with the hint of a grin flirting in his eyes and dancing on the edges of his lips.

  “I can’t promise the fairy tale everyday of our lives. There will be ups and downs, easy days and hard ones, good times and bad. But, Annabeth, my love—” he kissed her square on the mouth “—with the Lord as our guide—” he kissed her again “—I promise to stand by you all the days of our life together.”

  “I thank God for you, Hunter Mitchell.” She lifted on her toes and kissed him square on the mouth. “I’ll thank Him every morning, noon and night, until the day I die.”

  Laney popped her head out of the church. “It’s time.” She eyeballed Hunter. “Come inside and take your place.”

  He turned to Annabeth, a question in his eyes. “What do you say the four of us make the trek down the aisle together?”

  “I can’t think of a better way to start off our life as a family.”

  Arms linked, the four of them entered the church together. The assembled guests drew one, great collective breath and then broke out in applause.

  Annabeth couldn’t think of a more perfect beginning for her marriage to the man she loved, or a stronger testament to the family they’d already begun.

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from The Baby Compromise by Linda Ford.

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for choosing The Outlaw’s Redemption, the sixth book in my Charity House series. If this is your first book in the series, welcome. I hope you enjoyed Hunter and Annabeth’s story. If you’ve been with me before, welcome back!

  Many of you requested Hunter’s book after he showed up in The Lawman Claims His Bride. Thank you for the much-nee
ded nudge. I wasn’t sure where his story was headed, but I knew he needed his own happy ending. Like many of you, I adore wounded heroes in need of redemption. When a woman is the catalyst for that journey, well then, I say, more the better.

  The most rewarding part about writing a series of connected books is the opportunity to revisit characters that once had a starring role in their own stories. It’s always fun to see where their journey has led them and what advice they have to give. One character in particular just wouldn’t go away, no matter how often I tried to shove her aside. Mattie Silks. The ornery madam has given many of my characters fits, especially the heroes, but she’s also shown a surprisingly tender heart under that hard exterior. Just as Hunter tells her, it’s never too late for any of us to change. Isn’t it a joy to know God never turns away those who seek Him?

  The Charity House series isn’t complete. Molly Taylor Scott is all grown-up now, as are Hunter’s younger siblings. Those Mitchell men fall fast and for keeps. Their sisters are the same. I’m looking forward to sharing some of their stories with you.

  I love hearing from readers. You can contact me through email at renee@reneeryan.com or at my website, www.reneeryan.com. I’m also on Facebook and Twitter.

  In the meantime, Happy Reading!

  Renee

  Questions for Discussion

  Why does Hunter visit a brothel owned by a notorious madam in the opening scene? What makes this especially difficult for him? Is he wise to try to get answers out of Mattie Silks? What does she have to tell him? Have you ever received startling news from an unexpected source? Explain.

  Who shows up in the middle of Hunter’s discussion with Mattie? Why has she shown up now? What connection does she have with Mattie? Have you ever tried to maintain a secret, only to have a most unlikely source tell you they know the truth? What happened?

  Why does Annabeth distrust Hunter at first? What in her background makes it hard for her to see the man he is now, rather than the man he once was? Is her judgment of him fair? Why or why not?

  What motivated Annabeth to return to Denver, when she was happy in Boston? How has her life changed since returning home? How has she changed? Have you ever had something good come out of a terrible situation? What was the ultimate outcome?

  Why does Hunter go to Charity House the next day? Who does he meet there? Is this a happy reunion, or not? How does Annabeth react when Hunter proves to be reasonable? Why do you think she would have preferred a fight?

  When Hunter first meets young Sarah, was she the way you expected her to be? Do you think her upbringing has made her the girl she is now? If so, how much influence did Laney and Marc Dupree have on her, and how much do you think was innate to her inner character? Did her reaction to Hunter’s news take you by surprise? Why or why not?

  When Hunter takes Annabeth out to lunch to discuss Sarah’s future, who shows up? Why does Mattie make such a fuss about Annabeth and Hunter’s agreement concerning Sarah? What does she want for Annabeth and why? How does Hunter treat Mattie during this and subsequent altercations? Why do you think he treats her this way?

  Hunter and Annabeth met years ago, when he was just off the ranch and married to her half sister, Maria. What happened at that first meeting? Does that explain Annabeth’s reaction to the hairbrush he gives her now, or is there more to her response? If so, what?

  When Sarah first meets Hunter, she reacts positively. However, later in the book, her behavior toward him changes. What do you think happened that caused this? What do you think her friends told her? Have you ever been influenced by well-meaning friends in a matter where they didn’t have all the information? What happened?

  What happened when Annabeth made it clear to Mattie that she was going to marry Hunter, regardless of what she thought? Why do you think Mattie reacted the way she did? What in Mattie’s past makes her so distrustful of men like Hunter?

  What mistake does Hunter make when he takes Annabeth to the lawyer’s office with him? Why do you think he did what he did? What does Annabeth really want from him? Why is it so hard for him to give her what she wants?

  Hunter thinks his past is behind him. What happens to prove him wrong? How does this encounter finally help him give Annabeth what she wants? What happened when he finally said the words she needed to hear?

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title.

  You find illumination in days gone by. Love Inspired Historical stories lift the spirit as heroines tackle the challenges of life in another era with hope, faith and a focus on family.

  Enjoy four new stories from Love Inspired Historical every month!

  Visit Harlequin.com to find your next great read.

  We like you—why not like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/HarlequinBooks

  Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/HarlequinBooks

  Read our blog for all the latest news on our authors and books: HarlequinBlog.com

  Subscribe to our newsletter for special offers, new releases, and more!

  Harlequin.com/newsletters

  Chapter One

  Evans Grove, Nebraska

  Late May, 1875

  One day. He could spare one day away from home. He owed it to the people of Evans Grove to help with the construction of the town’s new orphanage. A single day wasn’t much, but it was something. The orphans rescued from the clutches of Felix Baxter deserved a safe place to call home.

  But still, twenty-eight-year-old Colton Hayes paused at the door as he planted his favorite black cowboy hat firmly on his head.

  “Ma, Pa, you’ll be okay until I get back?” He didn’t like to leave them alone.

  “Those poor children need the orphanage as soon as they can get it,” Pa said. “You go do what you can to help.”

  “I’ll try to make supper.” Ma had her long-suffering tone down to a fine art. Not that she didn’t have cause. Bearing him late in life had overtaxed her heart. From a young age, he’d done all he could to ease her burden.

  “Don’t worry about it, Ma. I’ll make something when I get back. You two just take care of yourselves.” He’d be hungry after a day of work, but he had pork chops in the icebox. He’d learned long ago to boil potatoes in their jackets to save time.

  “Pa, you need anything?”

  “I’m fine, son.” And to prove it, he pushed up from his chair.

  Before he could hobble more than a step, Colton leaped forward to take the cup from his trembling hands. Since his accident three years ago, Pa lived in constant pain that made walking almost impossible.

  Knowing his stupidity had caused Pa’s injuries twisted Colton’s insides. He silently vowed yet again to take care of him the rest of his life.

  Colton filled the cup and carried it back to the table beside Pa’s chair. “I’ve left soup on the stove. Ma, can you see that Pa gets a bowl of it?” He really should stay home and make sure they were both safe.

  Ma sighed. “I ’spect I can manage, though I’ve been feeling poorly these past days.” She pressed a hand to her chest.

  Colton studied her. Did pain deepen the lines on her face?

  She waved wearily. “You go ahead. We’ll be fine.”

  “I’ll be back later.” Still he hesitated, torn between his parents’ needs and the building project. “Seems we should help the community as much as we’re able,” he said, reminding himself why he’d made the commitment away from home. “After all, God spared us from the devastation of the flood.” A storm in the spring had caused the nearby dam to break, flooding the town, damaging many of the homes and businesses, and causing several deaths. Then, in hopes of ensnaring more children for his child-labor schemes, Baxter had started a fire that destroyed the school. Thankfully, his attempt to implicate the local orphans so the citizens of Evans Grove would send the children to Greenville had failed. The townspeople were pulling together to rebuild. Colton owed it to them to lend a hand.

  Pa settled back in his chair with a muffled groan. “God truly spared us.�
� He lifted his hand in a half wave. “You go help out where you’re needed.”

  Colton closed the door quietly, then turned toward town. One day to work. Then he’d be back home, taking care of his responsibilities.

  He swung into the saddle and rode the few miles to town. He passed familiar homes, called a greeting to Mr. Gavin as he passed the general store. Like many of the homes and businesses in town, it still bore the mark of the high water of the flood.

  He continued onward to the raw frame of the orphanage. Once it was finished, it would be a two-story structure with bedrooms upstairs for the children and staff. Rooms on the main floor would be used for daytime activity.

  Strange. No one had arrived to work yet. He understood that men had volunteered and were scheduled to show up on specific days. Just as he had signed up to work today.

  He studied the shell of the building. Wasn’t there supposed to be a stack of lumber nearby? Bought and paid for by the generous, yet anonymous, donor funding the project? The gift had everyone talking and guessing as to who the donor might be.

  It would be interesting to know who had enough money to fund two building projects—both the orphanage and the school. But unless men showed up to work, the money would benefit no one.

  He slipped from his horse, tied the reins to the nearest post and continued his inspection on foot.

  As far as he could tell, there’d been nothing done since his last visit to town three days ago. He scratched his head. Moreover, it appeared as if someone had tried to knock out part of the framework where the front door would be. Was there something wrong with the work? He examined the braces and could see no flaw in the construction. Strange.

  He circled the building to the back and stared. Someone had left a basket in front of the doorway. Laundry, by the look of it. Who would do that? And why? This whole thing was beginning to feel wrong.

  He crossed the distance and squatted by the basket. Looked like... He lifted the first item. Bedding? Small bedding. What on earth?