Brazos Bride (29 page)

Dear Lord in heaven, what had she been thinking?

Nothing, that’s what. Actions based on emotion and the burning need within caused her to act without a care for consequences.

But that did not worry her. Could she not raise a child alone? Many women did.

She slid from bed and pulled on her chemise and drawers. Empowered by Micah’s lovemaking, she padded to the balcony’s double doors. As silently as possible, she opened the doors and stepped outside. The lanterns no longer gave light, but bright moonlight flooded the terrace and gardens.

After fighting hard, she won the right to run her life and her estate as she wished. But what were her wishes?

Chapter Thirty-two

After their late night, an assembly of groggy people ringed the breakfast table and resulted in a quiet breakfast. Only Teresa still chattered when Judge and Mrs. Henderson shooed her and John toward the buggy.

John climbed in beside his wife, but leaned his head out to call, “This will be the lead story in the paper’s next edition. It’ll be a great follow for the capture.”

Hope and Micah watched the buggy disappear down the drive. She was grateful John did not mention Ramona’s suicide. He would include it in his paper, of course, because reporting the news was his job. She vowed not to read about it. Betrayal’s pain was still too fresh.

Maybe it always would be
. Treachery carried a heavy and long-lasting burden.

Micah guided her back inside and they drifted toward the dining room.

With a big sigh, Maggie gazed at Hope. “Guess you and Micah won’t need us here any longer.”

Not need their smiles and laughter? “Oh, please stay as long as you wish. I have become so fond of you.” There was that word again.

Fond, fond, fond.

Why couldn’t she convey her true feelings? Struggling against a lifetime of suppressing emotion, she admitted, “I have come to l-love you as if you were my own flesh and blood aunts.” She faced her two brothers-in-law. “You, too, are now my family.
Mi casa es su casa por siempre
. That means my home is your home forevermore.”

Joel said, “Thanks, little sister, but now that you’re safe, Zach and I plan to round up the robbers that stole our family’s money.”

“
Won’t bring our parents back,” Zach’s eyes filled with sorrow. “But we figure we can protect a lot of other folks from having their lives destroyed.”

“
If you don’t mind, we’ll get our gear together and head out after the Kirby gang. Sooner we leave, sooner we can get them in jail.”

Zach said, “With any luck, one of them will still have Papa’s watch and ring. Those should have gone to Joel.” He nudged his older brother. “Then he can give me that fine pocket watch he’s carrying now.

The aunts looked at one another, then Maggie addressed Hope. “We’ll stay a few more days. Tomasina is almost ready to take over as your cook.”

Lizzie nodded. “She’s a treasure, Tomasina is. Devoted to you, and such a quick learner.”

The aunts hurried off toward the kitchen.

Once they were alone, Micah stared at her. His eyes held adoration. How had she ever thought she could send him away?

“
Does that offer of a home apply to me?”

“
Most of all you,
mi amor
. For the first time in my life I have learned to say the words, you see? I love you, Micah Stone.”

He swung her into his arms and twirled. “That’s the best news in the world, because I love you, Mrs. Stone.” When he set her down, he held her gently from him and searched her eyes. “And will you be sleeping in your bedroom or mine?”

She knew what he asked. “
Mama’s
bedroom would make a lovely nursery when the time comes, would it not?”

“
Perfect!” His dimpled grin beamed happiness. “The perfect use for it. As you are the perfect bride for me.”

“
All because of your need for Brazos River water and my need for protection.”

“
Which makes you my Brazos bride.” He kissed her. “Also because I have adored you since I first saw you. I will love your forever.”

“
Forever.” She melted into his embrace. “
Por siempre
.”

About Author Caroline Clemmons

As long as I can remember, I've made up adventures. Okay, I admit the early creative stories featured me riding the range with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and saving the West. What a disappointment to learn that Roy was exclusively committed to Dale! Eventually, my best friend from across the street and I decided to become better detectives than Nancy Drew. We drove our parents and neighbors crazy sticking our pert little noses where they didn't belong. About that time I started writing down my adventures, but mostly I was a reader. Not until I read Nora Roberts' early novels did I decide to create my own romance manuscripts. My road to publishing was a lot slower than Nora's was. No surprise there! I still read Nora's books—as well as those of countless other authors—but now I write full time. Unless life interferes, that is.

My Hero and I live on a small acreage in the ranching and horse country of North Central Texas. Our two daughters are grown, but live nearby. Living with Hero and me now are Webster, our sweet black Shih Tzu, and our two shorthaired cats: Sebastian, a large black and white tuxedo who thinks he's our watchcat; and Bailey Erin, a shy apricot tabby. When I'm not writing, I love spending time with family, reading, traveling with Hero, browsing antique malls, and digging into family history and genealogy. Writing about strong heroes and heroines who overcome amazing obstacles to forge a meaningful life together is my passion.

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