“God, woman. Ye’re insatiable. After seventeen years together, ye’re still my wanton bride.”
“Let your body go to fat, lose your teeth and hair, and we’ll see how wanton I am.”
“So ye’re saying I turn ye on?”
“You’re a handsome, sexy man in his late sixties, and yes, you turn me on. And your bride doesn’t like spending so much time apart. It’s not good for us.”
“There’s a solution for that, my dear. Spend more time at MacKlenna Farm and empower Rick to make decisions.”
“He’s doing a fantastic job. I’m lucky to have him. And Elizabeth, my God, she’s the Energizer Bunny. Kenzie is a top-rated attorney. So is Elizabeth, but she has twice the experience, especially negotiating with insurance companies, which I’ve learned, you can never have enough—”
“Sex?”
“Well, yeah, but I was referring to insurance.”
This was why he loved her so much. Her sassy humor, the easy dialogue, the potent attraction? “Do ye think Elizabeth would ever join us full-time? They are brooch owners.”
“Speaking of which, where is the amber brooch?”
“In the box in the desk. Rick gave it to me the day of Amber’s surgery.”
“Good. Elizabeth asked about it. Her granny had described it to her, but Elizabeth had never seen it.”
“Is that how Amber got her name?” Elliott asked.
Meredith laughed. “When Elizabeth found herself pregnant a few weeks after she delivered Olivia, she recalled the soul mate legend, and decided the babies would be soul mates, raised as twins. After hearing stories of how close they are, I believe it. They’re inseparable. Daniel and Connor will have their hands full. But speaking of Rick—
“Were we speaking of Rick?”
“Yes.” She gathered her dark hair, taming it for a bun at her nape, and using a clip from the nightstand, clipped it there. “I worry about him. He fell in love with Amber. It’s like the David—Charlotte—Braham triangle all over again.”
“David had a long talk with him, and Pops said Rick had started therapy and was doing much better handling his black moods.” Elliott gathered Meredith closer as if by molding her body to his they could shut out the rest of the family with all its complications and heartaches. He kissed her then, not deeply, but lightly and as a sort of affirmation.
“Where’d Connor and Olivia and Daniel and Amber decide to go for their big double-date vacation?”
“After the clan’s Thanksgiving next weekend at the plantation, if Amber is up for it, and Charlotte lets her, they’re flying to Scotland for two blissful weeks at the castle.”
Meredith pretended to ponder, rubbing her chin. “That’s interesting. Why there?”
“Daniel and Connor said they wanted to treat the sisters like princesses. So they’re spending two weeks in the Highlands.”
“Be sure to tell the guys about the sleigh in the barn. Taking me out on Christmas Day was the most romantic thing you’ve ever done.”
“I remember ye asking me, ‘Does everything with ye always come back around to sex?’”
“And you answered, ‘I am in the breeding business.’ And now it seems our roles have reversed.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “It was a slick move, wasn’t it? If the boys take the Kelly girls out for a sleigh ride through the Highlands, we’ll be planning a huge engagement and house warming party at the Colorado ranch when they come home.”
“I hope so. Elizabeth and Matt hope so, too. Having the Kellys around is a godsend. I love Elizabeth, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Kenzie couldn’t continue working the hours she was working. Now she can really cut back and take it easy through this pregnancy.”
“What are they going to do about their law firm?”
“Since the girls don’t want to practice law, I think they’ll sell it. Matt wants to be a full-time grandfather and professor. The kids adore him. They’re planning trips all over the world. I heard whispers the other day about a trip back to the late 1700s, so the kids could meet America’s Founding Fathers. I shiver to think of it.”
His arms slipped to her waist, rested loosely there. “I’ll have to sign up for that trip.”
“You, Matt, and five kids. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.”
“Maybe not.” Elliott kissed her nose, and the centuries-old floorboards creaked as he got up, tossed the towel on the bathroom floor, and moved about the room gathering pants and T-shirt.
Meredith rolled her eyes at the pile of towels she could see from her side of the bed. “I saw the call from Sotheby’s on your call log. I assume you talked to someone about Daniel’s property. What’d they say?”
“I had a few questions about valuations. I didn’t talk specifics since the treasure hasn’t been found yet. We’re waiting on David to put all the ducks in a row. The first two steps have been completed. Olivia deeded her house to Amber, and Amber assumed Olivia’s contract for the renovations. Before work begins, David will bury the documents, quilt, stock and bond certificates, books, coins, and relics in a Civil War cartridge crate in the basement.”
“How’s he going to make it look like it’s been there for a hundred and fifty years?”
“When I talked to him this afternoon, he was reviewing videos and photographs of the Confederate gold and antiquities he and Braham uncovered in California. He’s writing a computer program using all the data he can find on Colorado’s weather dating back to the late 1800s. Then he plans to create a cave-like environment in the basement using nineteenth-century technology to control humidity and temperature.”
“What about water runoff and pest control?”
“He’s factoring that in, too.”
Meredith lifted her brow. “So when specialists evaluate the condition of the items, they’ll be in awe of the owner’s forethought to protect the documents and books for posterity’s sake. I don’t buy it.”
“That’s just one or two of the moves in this chess game he’s creating. He’ll figure it out. He always does.”
“Does David have a plan for establishing provenance?”
“Daniel’s identity is baked in. There’s a historical record of him dating back to 1862 as a Pinkerton agent and a member of President Lincoln’s security detail. He’s mentioned in the Denver newspaper as the surviving spouse of Lorna Robinson, daughter of Denver banker Alec Robinson. And a few years later, he appears in several articles about the Royal Gorge War when he worked as a Pinkerton agent for the Rio Grande Railroad. That puts him in and around Denver in the 1870s.”
“Impressive. I guess all the ducks are lining up. Hope David stays on his ulcer medicine, so he can get this done.”
“He’s taking it religiously,” Elliott said.
“Good. So once Sotheby’s gets the items, their specialists will photograph, catalogue the property, and schedule an auction.”
“Wham, bam, here’s yer check, ma’am. That about sums it up.” Elliott sat on her side of the bed and bent to draw up his khakis.
“Where are you going?”
“I heard the older boys heading into the bedroom about thirty minutes ago. I wanted to give them time to fall asleep before I went in to say good night.”
“Don’t you think they’re getting a little old for the ritual?”
The thin, intervening quilt that separated them slithered down to her lap, and his fingers traced the contours of one breast. “Did ye ever get too old for this?”
“Never,” she said.
He kissed her, and she scooted closer, settling her head on his chest. “Do not move. I’ll be right back.”
She rubbed her cheek against the ridge of muscle overlaying his ribs. “Are you really going to leave me like this?”
“Exactly like this.” He enjoyed the surprised look on her face.
She shrugged and picked up her phone. “Okay. I’ll send some texts while you’re gone.”
Like a tire running over a spike strip, she punctured
his ego. Whish! When he glanced back at her, a coy smile said all he needed to know. She’d be ready with open arms when he returned.
He left the bedroom and strolled down the hallway. None of the other adults were sleeping in the mansion tonight, which was probably why all the kids had congregated in James Cullen’s room for a sleepover. With Kenzie pregnant again and more weddings to come, he’d have to build a lodge at the farm to house all the kids, which wasn’t a bad idea. They enjoyed the lodge at the winery, and now that it was gone, a replacement was needed. Why not put one in Lexington, too? He’d talk to David about it tomorrow.
Elliott tiptoed into the bedroom, sniffing the air. He used to smell popcorn and baby soap. Now the room smelled like dirty gym socks and unisex hair products.
The room was divided tonight with the boys sleeping close to their idol, University of Kentucky basketball standout and power forward Austin O’Grady; and the girls sleeping close to theirs, UK pre-med student Isabella Ricci.
As Elliott threaded his way around the sleeping bags, turning this way and that, listening to their snickering, he counted heads: Amelia Rose, Laurie Wallis, Kitherina, Robbie, Henry, Noah, Patrick, Lincoln, Emily, James Cullen, Isabella, and Austin.
What a crew. How many years had it been since he first stood over Kit’s crib and blessed her precious head? Forty years, maybe more. With her comings and goings from one century to another, he couldn’t keep up with it.
With all the children accounted for, he stood at the door, smiling. “Good night, lads and lassies. May God hold each of ye in the palm of His hand.”
Sighing, Elliott retraced his steps, only to find Meredith putting on a pair of jeans. “What are ye doing out of bed?”
“Kevin just texted. He and JL are on their way to the hospital. Your grandson will be here before breakfast.”
Elliott closed his eyes. “Lord, I hope Yer palm has room for one more wee lad.”
THE END
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Katherine graduated from Rowan University in New Jersey, where she earned a BA in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Following college, she returned to Central Kentucky, where she worked as a real estate and tax paralegal.
Katherine is a marathoner and lives in Lexington, Kentucky. When she’s not running or writing romance, she’s enjoying her five grandchildren: Charlotte Lyle, Lincoln Thomas, James Cullen, Henry Patrick, and Meredith Lyle, and a dog named Ripley.
Please stop by and visit Katherine on her social media sites or drop her an email. She loves to hear from readers.
Website * Facebook * Twitter
I’m A Runner (Runner’s World Magazine Interview)
Email:
[email protected]
Family trees are available on Katherine’s website
* * *
THE CELTIC BROOCH SERIES
THE RUBY BROOCH (Book 1)
Kitherina MacKlenna and Cullen Montgomery’s love story
THE LAST MACKLENNA (Book 2 – not a time travel story)
Meredith Montgomery and Elliott Fraser’s love story
THE SAPPHIRE BROOCH (Book 3)
Charlotte Mallory and Braham McCabe’s love story
THE EMERALD BROOCH (Book 4)
Kenzie Wallis-Manning and David McBain’s love story
THE BROKEN BROOCH (Book 5 – not a time travel story)
JL O’Grady and Kevin Allen’s love story
THE THREE BROOCHES (Book 6)
A reunion with Kit and Cullen Montgomery
THE DIAMOND BROOCH (Book 7)
Jack Mallory and Amy Spalding’s love story
Many More Brooch Books to Come!
If you would like to receive notification of future releases
Sign up today at KatherineLowryLogan.com or
Send an email to [email protected] and put “Sequel” in the subject line
* * *
Thank you for reading THE AMBER BROOCH.
I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Reviews help other readers find books.
I appreciate all reviews, whether positive or negative.
AUTHOR NOTES
Leadville, Colorado: The day I drove down from Denver to visit Leadville was the weekend of the Leadville Trail 100 MTB. This is the race of all races. One hundred miles across the high-altitude, extreme terrain of the Colorado Rockies. In 2017, it took the winner six hours and fifteen minutes to complete the race. It was fun being in the city with all the bikers. Olivia claims she snuck in under the sub-twelve-hour cut-off by only ten minutes. I’d still be pedaling. If you visit Colorado, be sure to go to Leadville—a small city with a big history.
The Bones War: The war between Dr. Marsh and Dr. Cope is well-documented. They constantly sabotaged each other’s sites and publications. If you have an interest in dinosaurs, I highly recommend visits to Dinosaur Ridge and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. And if you would like to immerse yourself in dinosaurs, check out: Dino 101: Dinosaur Paleobiology.
Rheumatic Heart Disease “RHD”: RHD is the most commonly acquired heart disease in young people under the age of 25. It most often begins in childhood as strep throat and can progress to serious heart damage that kills or debilitates adolescents and young adults. The disease has been virtually eliminated in Europe and North America, but remains common in Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia, the South Pacific, and impoverished pockets of developed nations.
The Royal Gorge War: I read several accounts of the Royal Gorge War in books, blog posts, and newspaper articles and there was one thing they all had in common—Bat Masterson. After talking at length with Larry Green, a Royal Gorge War expert, and reviewing a summary of his thirty years of research, I decided to write The Amber Brooch as close as I could to his findings. Although for the sake of the story, my plot took a few liberties. If Bat Masterson was in Pueblo or Canon City on June 11, 1879, the day Rio Grande took the roundhouse, it’s likely he was at the gambling tables and was not part of Santa Fe’s armed militia.
By November 1878 the Rio Grande had run out of money and signed a lease with Santa Fe which gave them the use of the rail lines and all equipment, including the rolling stock. This lease was signed six months before the battle of the roundhouse—and almost from the first day Rio Grande claimed foul and plotted to find a way to break it.
The Royal Gorge War officially came to an end on March 27, 1880 with the signing of the Treaty of Boston, and the payment of $1,800,000 by the Rio Grande to Santa Fe. By August 1883, financial difficulties led to a shake up among the Rio Grande board of directors, and General Palmer resigned as president.
Creative Liberties: I opted to take some creative liberties with the battle of the roundhouse so it would coincide with Dr. Lakes’ appearance in Morrison, I had to adjust both the dates of the lease and the battle. All the events occurred, but in a different order. The true events of the day may never be completely known or understood. I’m sure no one wanted to admit to any criminal activities.
I would especially like to thank the following:
• Dr. Ken Muse (Medical Consultant) and Annette Glahn (Story Consultant and early reader): Without their ongoing assistance, suggestions, and advice this story could not have been written.
• Beta Readers: Patty Chapa, Robin Epstein, Mary L. Johnston, Marjorie Lague, Rebecca Partington, Rosanna Phelan, Nancy Porter, Paula Retelsdorf
• Larry Green: Consultant on the Royal Gorge War
• Kevin Rucker: Consultant on 19th century Denver (Metropolitan State University of Denver, history professor and LoDo Historic Walking Tour Guide
• John Retelsdorf: Pinkerton Agency research
• Robin Epstein: Music research on sea shanties
• Cover art by Damonza and Interior design by BB eBooks
• Staff at Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison, Colorado
• Staff at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
• Sarah Chrisman: Consultant
on Victorian life
• Jeffco Open Space: Provided information on the Dakota Ridge Trail
• Mick Major, owner of EVOO Marketplace located in the Wells Fargo Building in Denver
• Anne’s Healing Hands: Anne Tsamas CMA, LMT, Lexington, Kentucky
The Amber Brooch: Time Travel Romance (The Celtic Brooch Book 8) Page 68
