"Come next door," Olivia Blakely said and then gave Lacy and Molly a pointed look. "Everyone is invited for coffee and cake."
As the women filed out, Lucas remained with Camille. He waited until the women were out of sight then lifted her face to him. "I am glad you're happy. I hated seeing how distraught you've been the last few days."
She covered his hands with hers. "I know you had something to do with this."
His wide shoulders lifted and lowered. "I was mostly a pack mule. All of this was the women's idea."
She took one more look around the space. As much as she wanted to discuss where they stood with Lucas, this was not the moment. He was being attentive again; the anxiety over her living situation was taken care of. So for this day, she would concentrate on the blessings and not fret over the "what ifs".
When Lucas took her mouth with his, she melted against him unable to keep from taking what she could from the man she loved.
Each moment was precious, a lesson Camille would never forget.
He pulled her against him and brushed kisses across her face to her ear. "Let's go have cake." The hoarseness in his voice made her smile.
Lucas wanted her more than cake at the moment.
Chapter Eleven
"It's definitely been an event-filled day," Camille told Lucas who walked up the stairs before her carrying a bag she'd packed at Sarah's. "Thank you again so much for everything."
He placed the bag on a chair and faced her. "Stop thanking me. I am supposed to take care of you, it's my duty."
"Duty?" She raised an eyebrow and studied him. "Interesting choice of words."
He looked to the floor and then back to her. "You are my woman aren't you?" His lips curved into a flirty grin. "Mine."
"So how did you come to this conclusion?" She couldn't wait to hear his reply.
Lucas frowned and cleared his throat. "I suppose I shouldn't speak for you. But Camille, damn it, I've been clear since the beginning. I plan for us to be together for the rest of our lives."
She walked closer and pushed at his chest with both hands. "Your plan? Have you considered taking my opinion into consideration?"
When he didn't stop smiling, she wanted to kick him. Instead, she huffed and crossed her arms. "Well?"
Lucas stopped smiling and dropped to his knees. He looked up at her, meeting her gaze. "Camille Johnston, will you please marry me? I won't take no for an answer. Just a warning."
Camille opened her mouth then closed it. What kind of a proposal was that?
"You are the woman for me and I know you feel the same. Be my wife, Camille."
Her heart melted at the anxious expression when she didn't reply right away. "Lucas McKade, I would be happy to marry you." Camille lowered to the floor and wrapped her arms around his neck bringing him to kiss her.
She'd never tire of his larger body, the heat that coursed through her veins when Lucas touched and kissed her. Just to be in his presence was enough to make her feel secure and safe.
"Let’s get married right away." Lucas held her against him. "I don't want to wait."
Camille allowed him to assist her to stand. "I don't know, Lucas. I think we should wait until after Brogan and Sarah's wedding. They get married in a few days. We should at least wait a day or so later."
"I suppose." Lucas held her hand and sat in a chair, pulling her to sit on his lap. "How long before we get married then?"
It was nice to laugh while talking to the man she loved. "I'll speak with Sarah and see what we come up with. I'd prefer something simple. No need for a fancy dress or anything of the sort. I'd rather it just be us, Sarah and Brogan at the church. Is that all right with you?"
Lucas caressed her cheek. "If that is what you wish. I know you don't like to have a lot of people about."
"Actually, I don't mind being around groups of people. In the past, I was nervous Tim or another of the Burns family would be among a crowd without me knowing."
"You were in hiding. I understand."
Camille relaxed knowing he did, indeed, understand. "There is so much we have to learn about each other." She giggled. "I'm glad we're getting married right away before you change your mind."
"I never will."
Cupping his face, she pressed her nose to his. "I need to ask you something."
"I'm listening."
"Does my past bother you in any way? Five years from now will you bring up that I was married to an outlaw?"
"Everyone has a past. If anything, when I think of your past, I can't help but admire how courageous you were to escape and manage to keep from being caught."
"I couldn't take living under those conditions any longer. It was either leave or eventually die. My spirit was dying. I found no reason to keep living."
He held her for a long moment, neither of them speaking. How wonderful it felt to be accepted by this wonderful man who loved her no matter what.
Lucas reveled in the feelings of his woman. She was like no other he'd ever known. She had so many good qualities; it astounded him that she felt as if he could judge her in any manner.
"Camille. Have you thought about the fact I may have been the one to kill your husband? Although we were all shooting, the two other men were felled right away. Only Brogan and I remained. I am pretty sure I killed him."
Her somber eyes looked past him for a beat before meeting his gaze. "I have thought about it. I know it will sound harsh, but I didn't feel sadness when they told me he died. It was going to happen sooner or later. Bill Burns was poison, not only to his family but also to the entire town. I have a feeling now that he's gone, Blairsville will flourish."
"I hope so. You didn't answer my question."
Her lips curved and he couldn't resist kissing her. "If anything, I should thank you. You saved me from a horrible outcome. If he'd been alive when I was returned, he would have beaten me. Tim was his father's son."
Lucas didn't want to imagine what Camille had gone through at the hands of the Burns’. Instead, he concentrated on the present. "I should go. I'm impatient for the time to come when I don't have to leave you."
With reluctance, he let her slide off his lap. She straightened her skirts, the actions, although prim, were very alluring. "You should go Deputy McKade. Both of us have a lot to do tomorrow."
The bright summer day arrived with the fanfare of bright sunrays, birdsong, and light warm breezes. Camille strolled down the center of the small chapel to the front where Lucas and Brogan already stood. The entire room was filled for the occasion, everyone in town glad for an excuse to celebrate.
Both the sheriff and his deputy looked exceptionally handsome, Brogan with his long hair pulled back with a strap and Lucas next to him in a white shirt and vest. Her lips quivered at noticing how nervous the men looked, both swallowing visibly with rounded eyes. If one didn't know any better, it could be assumed they were about to be hung.
Camille motioned to them to relax lest they pass out and make a spectacle at the wedding. Sarah would be mortified if she were to be upstaged by two men fainting.
Violin music played and everyone stood to watch Doctor Sutherland escort Sarah down the aisle. She looked resplendent, her long, blonde hair pulled up, a long veil flowed down her back. Her face was pink with happiness as she locked eyes with her soon to be husband. Camille sighed at the sight of undeniable love between the two.
Just past them, Lucas watched her, his warm gaze sending shivers of delight through her. They'd be married the next week in a much simpler ceremony.
Although she'd told everyone she didn't want all the fanfare of a wedding, now witnessing Sarah and Brogan exchanging vows before so many well-wishers, she wondered if perhaps she'd made the wrong choice.
Instead of the chapel, they'd chosen to have an outdoor wedding, which would be more their style. So far, the only guests invited were the Blakelys, Brogan, Sarah and Doctor Sutherland. She'd asked Lacy, who'd politely declined stating it wouldn't be feasible. Of course, women like her w
ere not sociably accepted, especially not at a religious ceremony. Still it saddened her.
The couple kissed and everyone stood once again, cheering and clapping as they made their way out. Lucas took Camille’s hand and placed it on his arm as they followed the newlyweds. He leaned closer and whispered in her ear.
"Next week we'll be in their shoes."
Camille smiled, unable to keep from giggling like a schoolgirl.
That night, Camille couldn't sleep. She fidgeted at every single sound. Since returning from her ordeal, nights had been horrible. Every time she was close to falling asleep, something would wake her. Now the sound of men arguing sent her from the bed to the window.
Below, in the middle of the street, two drunken men argued, pushing each other to make a point. A third man ran over and before long, all three were yelling curses and fighting. She moved away from the window and let out a sigh. Although she and Lucas had yet to discuss where they'd live, she would prefer to move away from the center of town. It was too noisy.
A shot rang out and she shrieked when her window shattered. Camille fell to the floor and scrambled to the kitchen. With her back to the far wall she waited to hear what happened next.
"Camille!" Lucas called out from below and Camille blinked away sleep. She'd fallen asleep on the floor for fear of another shot.
She jumped to her feet and went to the window. Careful of the broken glass, she peered down. "I'm here. Is everything all right?"
Lucas nodded. "Are you hurt?"
"No. Give me a minute." She motioned for him to wait as she stepped over broken glass, grabbed a robe and wrapped it around her.
Once downstairs, she opened the door to Lucas. His hair stood at odd angles, since he'd obviously been awakened out of a dead sleep. "I had to lock the drunks up before coming to check on you. When I saw they'd shot your window, my heart sank.” He hugged her tight and lifted her face. "Are you sure you're not hurt?"
"I was frightened, but I'm fine otherwise. I was already awake when they shot the window. Thankfully, I'd just moved away from it."
She shuddered and he cursed at the thought. "I had a surprise for you, but given the situation, tomorrow you are moving to our house."
"Our house?” Camille took a step back. "What do you mean?"
"The house that was just built down the road from where Brogan and Sarah live. I bought it."
Camille shrieked with happiness and threw herself at him, making him stumble backwards. "I am so very glad. It hadn't occurred to me until tonight that we had not discussed our living plans."
Her wedding day finally arrived.
"I never imagined that the weather might not cooperate," Camille said frowning. "It's summer for goodness sakes. Why is it so windy?"
Mrs. Blakely patted her hand. "Don't you worry, sweetie. It will all be fine. Just wait and see."
They were under the cover of a makeshift tent, as the guests assembled before a large oak tree. It was the same tree Camille had climbed on the day the bull had chased her.
Both she and Lucas had decided it was the perfect place, since it was a short ride from town and there was plenty of shade under all the nearby trees.
Just then, a gust of wind blew, billowing up the flaps of the tent. Sarah laughed at Camille's shocked expression when her skirts threatened to fly up.
"Let's get this done before we all end up blown away or rained on," Camille grumbled, picking up her dress.
When she stepped from under the tent, she stopped and her mouth fell open. There were at least twenty people there. She could only gape at the tree. All the lower branches had been decorated and standing before it was Lucas. Once again, he was handsome in his dress clothes. But on this day, his face was bright with a wide smile when he looked at her.
Nothing else existed as she repeated words after the pastor and listened to Lucas' deep voice repeating the same words. Finally, they were pronounced man and wife.
Everyone gathered there chuckled when Camille cried out "Hurray!" and wrapped her arms around her new husband. The kiss was lighter than she expected, but due to the fact there were so many witnesses, she was tickled that Lucas was a bit shy about it.
Arm in arm, they greeted the guests and everyone spread out to picnic in the shade. Thankfully, the wind died down as she and Lucas made their way to where Mrs. Blakely and Sarah had set up food for them.
"Look," Lucas pointed across the way to where cattle were fenced in. "A well wish for you from an old friend."
On the other side of the fence, the bull stood watching her, around its neck a wreath of wildflowers and ribbons.
"Oh my goodness," Camille laughed at the spectacle. "How did you ever manage that?"
Lucas chuckled. "Surprisingly, he's pretty docile. His owner helped me do it. Even made sure he'd been within eyesight."
The bull shook its head, seeming to be confused.
"Serves you right," Camille said to the animal that decided to ignore the obstacle and lowered its head to graze only to jerk back up when the wreath slipped down past his face to plop on the ground. The animal studied it for a second and then galloped away.
Camille shook her head. "That didn't last long."
"Are you happy, Mrs. McKade?" His darkened blue gaze moved over her body. Camille lay back in the bed, clad only in a sheer chemise.
"Hmmm?" Camille felt only excitement under his perusal.
When his shirt slid from his broad shoulders to be discarded and he pulled off his trousers, Camille devoured every inch of his muscular body, unable to tear her eyes from the man who would be hers for the rest of her life.
He straightened and immediately she focused on his thick erection. "Why yes, Mr. McKade. I am so very, very happy."
She opened her arms inviting him to join her and he did.
****
Excerpt from Scarlett, A Summer Bride
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1874
At her desk in the study, Lady Eugenia Price placed her pen down beside her journal and peered through the window to the wet street outside of her home. Spring showers were in full effect, the steady droplets like a sheet of silk. Although it was lovely to watch, at the same time quite annoying if one planned to go anywhere.
She wondered if her pupil would come that day. If it were her, she’d prefer to remain indoors and away from the rain and rapidly forming puddles. Then again, it was nice to see other people from time to time; so chancing the weather could be worth it.
A black carriage rumbled by, its wheels sunk into puddles sending muddy water up and over the sides. Yes, it was not a good day to be outside, as there didn’t seem to be any end in sight to the rain.
Her maid, Bettina walked in. “Would you like tea?”
She let out a sigh. “I hoped to wait a bit, but I don’t think she’ll come with the weather being so awful. I may as well have a little something.”
Lady Price stood and walked to the window to get a better look up and down the quiet street lined with thick trees and well-spaced homes of the wealthy.
In the distance a slight figure appeared. A woman huddled in a coat walked with quick steps, moving sideways on occasion to avoid puddles.
“There she is. My goodness, if I’d known she didn’t have transport, I would have sent Clarence.”
Lady Price turned to Bettina who’d joined her at the window. “Be a dear and fetch towels and set out some dry clothes for the poor thing.”
When her maid hurried off to do as told, Lady Price rushed to the front door and pulled it open. Thankfully there was enough of a cover over the door, which kept her dry as she waited for the young woman to near.
The young woman walked faster and climbed the three steps to where Lady Price stood.
Indeed upon close inspection, the poor creature was soaked, her hair plastered to the sides of her drawn face and clothing hung limp dripping water onto her sodden shoes.
Scarlett Franklin looked up at her with sorrowful eyes. “I’m afraid I can’t possibly come
inside until I dry a bit.” She let out a soft sigh. “I apologize for my lateness. My reticle was snatched just as I signaled for a coach.”
“Oh no. You poor thing,” Lady Price took her by the shoulders, careful not to get too close. “Come into the parlor. We’ll get you dried up before you catch a cold.”
“I should at least remove my coat here,” Scarlett said.
“Don’t be silly,” Lady Price replied, tugging her in.
Leaving a trail of water, Scarlett shuffled inside, her gaze moving from Lady Price to Bettina who swiftly instructed she remove all her clothing before taking another step into the house.
It was no use to correct the willful maid who pretty much ran her entire household like a well-oiled machine. Lady Price helped hold up a blanket as Scarlett did as told. Then bundled the young woman into the blanket and Bettina went with the overwhelmed girl to a bedroom to dress in dry clothes.
Lady Price chuckled when a younger maid hurried in and picked up the wet clothing making a dour face. “Tis not right for a woman to be out alone in the rain,” the young girl said in a thick Irish accent. “That a miserable rat took her reticle is the least of what could ‘ave happened.”
“Eavesdropping again Innis?”
The girl’s eyes rounded. “No ma’am, she said it loud enough that I didn’t ‘ave to.” Innis dashed away before Lady Price could say anything more.
Bettina returned with a tray of tea and small cakes. “She’ll be out shortly. Is there anything else you require?”
“Please see that her clothes are hung out to dry. She may require a coat, as hers seems to be ruined. Look in the back room for one that I may have placed there for donating to the poor.”
Moments later Scarlett entered the room. The transformation was astounding. The young woman seemed pretty upon first inspection. However once one took notice of her violet-blue eyes and petulant lips, she was captivating.
Her deep brown almost black hair was pulled back from her heart shaped face showcasing her thick lashed eyes. The dress, a simple frock, in a soft cream suited her coloring perfectly. Across her shoulders she wore a shawl.
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