HisBootsUnderHerBed (23 page)

Elena came over and clasped Rory’s hand. “Come, dear, and go back to bed.”

“I’m not letting her out of my sight, Aunt Elena.”

“She needs sleep, nephew.”

“I’m not letting her out of my sight, Aunt Elena,” Garth repeated firmly. “We’ll just sit on the stoop for a little while. Aunt Elena, will you let Saddle out of that closet before he suffocates?”

“Sí, sobrino,” Elena said, hurrying off.

Garth put his arm around Rory’s shoulders and they started to walk away.

With a savage cry, Benito snatched the knife from the ground and lunged at Garth.

Bullets from three guns slammed into him, and the madman was dead before he hit the ground.

Garth spun around and looked at his brothers and Rico; their smoking guns were still in their hands.

He nodded in gratitude. “Thanks for the wedding gift, fellas.”

He lowered himself onto the step of the stoop and pulled Rory down beside him.

A short time later, Elena came out to once again insist Rory return to bed. She found the girl curled up on Garth’s lap with her head against his chest. Both of them were sound asleep.

Elena smiled down tenderly at the couple. Henry’s nephew had the heart and the soul of a saint. And she marveled at the physical resemblance between Garth and his uncle and Rico.

“Sí, mi querido,” she whispered, “su sobrino es un buen hombre.”

Saddle, who had been lying at the foot of the stoop, lifted his head with a single bark, as if to say he agreed—or perhaps merely to display his newly discovered skill as a watchdog.

Elena put a finger to her lips. “Hush, perro, or you will wake them,” she scolded softly.

Then Elena glanced across the patio to where her son and his two cousins were keeping a vigil in the event Benito had any accomplices.

She smiled with tenderness. “They, too, will not let anything happen to them, little perro.” She went back inside and quietly closed the door.

The following morning, Elena helped Rory dress for the wedding. She wanted the young woman to have a proper gown for such an important occasion in her life. When Father Chavez had informed her of the forthcoming wedding, Elena had unpacked, laundered, and pressed the gown.

Elena had made the gown for her own wedding when she married Henry Fraser. With shuttle and thread, she had woven the white tatting that formed the neckline and cap sleeves of the dress, as well as the matching lace that adorned the hem. Elegant in its simplicity, the white muslin gown dropped in delicate folds to the tips of the satin pumps that Rory had saved from her dancing days in saloons.

Having shampooed Rory’s hair with rosewater, Elena brushed it until the scented strands glistened like a gold mantle down Rory’s back.

“This is the mantilla my mother wore on her wedding day,” Elena said as she placed a white lace mantilla on Rory’s head.

She stepped back to admire the outcome. “You look lovely, querida. My nephew has chosen wisely. You will have handsome children.”

Rory couldn’t believe it was her own image she was viewing. Never one who ever lingered at the sight of herself in a mirror, she felt lovely and twirled around as she viewed herself from all angles. “Oh, the gown is so beautiful! What a lovely bride you must have made, Aunt Elena.” Rory turned in consternation. “Do you mind if I call you Aunt Elena? It is bold of me to take such license, as if I were already one of the Fraser family.”

“It pleases me that you do so. This Fraser family is just as new to me. And since my mother died, I have known and lived with only male family members, so I enjoy sharing these moments with a woman again.”

“I can’t thank you enough, Aunt Elena. The only family gown I have is the red one I wore in the saloon. I want Garth to be proud of me.”

“I don’t think you have to worry, my dear. The love and pride he feels for you is very visible when he looks at you.”

Rory sighed with happiness. “I love him so much, Aunt Elena. I never knew how loving someone can swell the heart with so much joy. A simple smile or touch from him makes me feel precious and sheltered. I ask myself over and over what I have done to deserve such happiness. Is that how Uncle Henry made you feel?”

Elena smiled in remembrance. “That is how I still feel, little one, because his smile still lingers in my memory and his voice in my ears.”

At the sight of the tears misting in Rory’s eyes, Elena said quickly, “Now, have we forgotten anything? It is said on her wedding day a bride must wear something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.”

“My shoes are blue,” Rory said. “And the gown is borrowed, and the mantilla is old.”

“Then let us think what we have that is new for you to wear.”

“Must one wear it?” Rory asked.

Elena thought for a moment. “I really don’t know. What do you have in mind?”

“I was thinking of
new
hope. I can feel it, Aunt Elena—not only in my life, but in all our lives.”

“Then wear that new hope, querida. Wear it with the faith and assurance you carry within you.”

Rory hugged and kissed her. “I love you.”

“And I you, little one. Now, we must not keep your handsome groom waiting.” Merriment danced in her eyes. “We are all aware of the groom’s impatience to get on with the pleasure of the wedding bed that follows.”

“Aunt Elena!” Rory cried, embarrassed.

“Aha, let us hasten; the blush now on your cheeks has made you even lovelier.”

Elena took her by the hand, and they hurried to the church.

G
arth nervously rose to his feet when Rory and Elena entered the sanctuary. He looked at Rory with awe, then drew her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to the palm.

“You’re the most beautiful bride a man could ever dream of having,” he murmured, and handed her a nosegay of poppies to carry.

“And there will never be a more handsome groom, my love,” she replied.

Father Chavez stood behind the altar with one of the altar boys near by. The Fraser brothers and Rico were seated on one side of the aisle, and her father sat in a pew across from them, dabbing at his eyes.

Elena sat down next to Paddy.

Colt winked at Rory as Garth led her to the altar, and suddenly all her jitters dissolved.

She had been blessed not only with the finest man she had ever hoped for, but had gained wonderful brothers, a cousin, and an aunt who was more like a mother to her.

As she gazed into Garth’s eyes when he slipped the small gold band on her finger, Rory knew that this moment would be etched on her heart and mind forever.

When the ceremony ended, Rory was deluged with hugs and kisses from her two brothers-in-law and their more reserved cousin. Elena had prepared a savory meal of chicken and rice for the occasion, topped off with a two-tiered wedding cake.

When they finished their meal and the wedding toast offered by Clay, Garth stood up with Rory at his side.

“Ladies and gentlemen, my wife and I would like to thank our hostess for the delicious meal and her successful efforts to make our wedding special for us.

“Everyone in this room is related either through blood or marriage, and other than the sanctity of marriage, nothing is more inviolable than family loyalty. We are indebted to my brothers and cousin for risking their lives to save ours.

“I came here as a stranger, in search of a gold mine, and discovered a much greater wealth—an aunt and cousin that I never knew existed. Why my quest should lead me to a mission in this small village can only be due to God’s design.” He grinned at Father Chavez. “I’m sure you would agree, Father.

“And that is why Rory and I have reached this decision. We feel the gold we discovered belongs to the rightful owners—the wife and son of Henry Fraser. Therefore, we are giving them our share of it. And we hope Paddy will do the same.”

For a long moment, the room remained silent as all those present absorbed the full meaning behind Garth’s words.

Rico was the first to speak up. “We can’t accept such a gift. You were almost killed mining that gold. Why would you give it away?”

“Because, just as Garth said, the gold doesn’t belong to us,” Rory answered.

“I could never consider accepting it.”

“Nor I,” Elena said, in support of her son’s decision.

“Would you consider accepting it to save this mission?” Garth turned to Father Chavez. “You haven’t told them, have you?”

“Told us what?” Elena asked.

“That the diocese is considering closing down this mission for financial reasons. It has become too costly to run.”

Shocked, Elena asked her brother, “Is that true? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was waiting until our guests departed,” Father Chavez said. “You were so happy and excited over this wedding, mi hermana. I haven’t seen such happiness in your eyes for years, and I didn’t have the heart to diminish that enthusiasm.”

“Will they really close down the mission, Uncle?” Rico asked.

“I am afraid so, my son.”

“Does that make your decision easier to make, Rico?” Garth asked. “It certainly did for Rory and me.”

“Well, it doesn’t change
my
mind,” Paddy suddenly spoke out. “I’ll not be giving away the gold that I worked so hard to get. Me and me daughter filed the claim on that mine, so I’m the one to be having the say of it.”

Clay and Colt stood up. “This is a personal issue between you, so we’ll clear out,” Clay said. He shook Garth’s hand. “You’ve done the family proud, Garth.”

Colt nodded and slapped him on the shoulder as they departed.

“And I’ll be taking me leave as well, for I’ve had me say. I’ll not be giving up me gold.” He strode from the room.

“God bless you,” Father Chavez said. “The love and generosity of you two young people will live in our hearts forever.”

Garth clasped Rory’s hand. “Come on, sweetheart, let’s go and find my brothers. Lord only knows what kind of trouble those guys have gotten into.”

Rory looked askance at him. “ ‘Physician, heal thyself!’ ”

Father Chavez burst into laughter. “Garth, my son, you have your hands full. This truly is a union made in heaven.”

Upon returning to his quarters, Paddy dug in his pack and pulled out a pint of whiskey he had purchased at the cantina, then took a deep swallow. “Well, I guess I’ll be going me way, and she can go hers. She has a husband now to be looking after her needs.”

Paddy sat down on the edge of the bed and once again dug through his pack. He withdrew the two green pouches of gold and held one in each hand. “These are mine; I’ve earned them.” Returning the pouches to the pack, he reached for the whiskey bottle.

“Helping the poor, indeed! Why don’t they help themselves, like I did? All me life I’ve been poor, scratching and scraping enough to keep food in me daughter’s stomach or a roof over her head. You know I’m right, don’t you, Katie? Now I have a chance to live out the rest of me life not having to worry about our daughter, or where the next pint is coming from.”

As if seeking reassurance, he took another swig of the whiskey. “And I’ll not be feeling no guilt or shame over it. Feeding the poor and saving the mission doesn’t fall on the shoulders of Patrick O’Grady. The mine really belonged to me.”

He finished the whiskey and sat with the empty bottle dangling from his fingers.

His voice softened. “She has a husband now to be tending to her needs, and a good job he’ll be doing of it. He’s a fine man. Surely a finer man than Paddy O’Grady, though it hurts me to be saying so. We’ve had many a cross word between us, but I’m not one to bear a grudge. I know a real man when I see one.

“So there’s no further need for me. No need a’tall. I’ll have me gold and me pint, so I’ll have no need of her, either.”

He wiped the tears off his cheeks, and lay back with his head on the pillow. Paddy closed his eyes and the bottle slid through his fingers. “No need a’tall.”

It was late when Rory slipped into her father’s room, and she shook him gently to wake him.

Paddy opened his eyes to the sight of his beautiful daughter clad in white. “Faith and begorra, ’tis an angel,” he murmured. “I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

“Are you okay, Pop?”

“Aye, darlin’.”

“I just came in to say good night. Garth wants us to get an early start in the morning.”

“Aye. ’Tis the smart thing to do.”

“Pop, I was upset about your keeping the gold, but you have every right to do what you want with your money. Father Chavez and Garth said the same thing. Now go back to sleep. We’ve got a long trip ahead of us tomorrow.” She kissed him on the forehead, and started to leave.

“I’ll not be leaving with you,” he said.

She turned around. “What do you mean?”

“I’m thinking of staying here for a few more days.”

“Pop, we can’t do that. Everyone is packed and eager to get back to their homes. Rico is even going with us. He has to take the gold to the bank, where it will be safe, so we all thought it wiser if he travels with us. And I won’t think of leaving you here, either.”

“You have no need for me, darlin’. You have a fine husband who loves you and will take good care of you.”

“But that doesn’t mean I don’t need you, too, Pop. I’ll always need you.”

She knelt at the bedside and clasped his hand. “Clay told Garth there’s good land available right next to his. It sounds like a wonderful place to build our home and raise our children.

“But we can’t be a family without you, Pop. Garth wants our children to grow up knowing their grandfather, their uncles and aunts, and their cousins, the way he did. He said that’s what family is all about, and it’s something I never had.

“He said we’ll build a special place that will be yours alone. Even under a separate roof, if you prefer, where you can sit on the porch every day and have your pint, teach your grandchildren and their cousins how to stack a deck of cards, or tell them those wonderful stories about Ireland. They’ll need you as much as I do, Pop.”

Paddy thought his heart would burst with joy. He brushed the tears out of his eyes. “Well, now that I have the money, I’ve been thinkin’ of taking a trip back to Ireland, so let me think on it again.”

“There’s nothing to think about, you old curmudgeon. You’re coming with us. I won’t have it any other way.”

“You’ve a strong will, daughter. Just like—”

“My Grandmother Finn,” Rory finished for him. She got to her feet. “I love you, Pop.” She kissed him again, then went out to join Garth.

There was no sign of him with the others, and after several minutes Rory realized where she would find him. She went to the small cemetery and stood back as he said his final good-bye to his uncle.

“We’re pulling out at first light, Uncle Henry, and I don’t suppose I’ll be back this way again, so I guess this is good-bye. We got your gold back for you, and I’m sure Aunt Elena and Rico will put it to good use.

“I know you’d be proud of him, Uncle Henry. He looks like you, too. And Aunt Elena is wonderful. I wish the two of you could have had more time together.

“She gave us the wedding ring that you made for her, and it will always be a memory of you.

“Thanks for everything, Uncle Henry. I never forgot you, and I never will.”

Rory walked up and slipped her hand into his, then leaned down and laid her wedding bouquet on the grave.

Slipping an arm around her shoulders, he drew her to his side. “I wish you could have known him, honey.”

“I think I do know him through you and Rico, my love.”

“He was my hero. I realize now that it wasn’t his dream that drew me to him—it was the man.”

He smiled and kissed the top of her head. “I suppose you’re wondering right now if the man you married is a little soft in the head.”

“More like soft in the heart, my darling. One of the things I love most about you is how you embrace whomever you love, whether it’s a brother, Father Chavez, or even a dog or horse.”

Garth chuckled. “I hope there’s a wife included in there, because I can’t think of anything or anyone I love more.”

He turned her in his arms and kissed her, then tenderly caressed her check. “Lord, I love you, Rory.”

A mischievous gleam flashed in his eyes as they turned to go back. “Is it permitted for a man to make love to his wife on consecrated ground?”

“If it’s not, it should be,” she said.

“Well, I think we might not be the first.” He looked back and winked. “Right, Uncle Henry?”

“You’re just the one we’re looking for,” Colt said, as they crossed the patio and joined him and Clay. “The others have all gone to bed, but we thought we’d have a final toast before we do the same.”

“Honey, do you mind?” Garth asked.

“Not at all. Good night, all.” She managed to escape from under the hugs and kisses on the cheek from her new brothers-in-law.

Smiling, Rory returned to the small room Elena had prepared for them to spend their wedding night. She opened the shutters to catch the evening breeze and stood in the darkness, gazing out with love at Garth as he shared this final drink with his brothers before they retired for the night. She could see how happy he was to be with them again, and her heart swelled with love for all of them.

“How long has it been since we’ve all stood together in a toast?” she heard Colt ask.

Clay spoke up at once. “At Fraser Keep, the night before we left to join our regiments.”

“My God, that had to be almost seven years ago,” an astonished Colt exclaimed.

“You’re wrong, Brother Clay,” Garth said. “The last time was when the war ended and we’d come back to Fraser Keep. Remember, Clay? It was the night before we left for California.”

Clay shook his head. “No, I’m talking about the last time we
all
stood in a toast together. When, Dad, Will, Andy, and Jed made that toast with us.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. This sure isn’t the same, is it?” Garth conceded.

“And never can be again,” Colt added sadly.

“But nor are we the same fellows who stood in that circle and made that toast,” Clay reminded them. “There’ve been many changes in all our lives since then—some painful, many joyous. We’ve all traveled long and different roads since then.”

“None as long and different as the one the three of us had to travel to get us here to California,” Colt interjected, in an effort to lighten the mood.

“I sure agree with that,” Garth said. “And when we get back to Clay’s house, we can stand all night making toasts with his wine, compliments of our vintner host. But now, as much as I enjoy your company, I would like to spend my wedding night with my wife. So let’s get on with this toast.”

Colt nudged Clay’s arm. “Does that sound like the brother Garth we grew up with? He never passed up having a drink with us to be with a woman before.”

Clay chuckled. “That’s the pot calling the kettle black. Before Cassie brought you to your knees, you and Garth were like two peas in a pod. How often did we hear that a woman would never tie down either one of you?”

“I don’t recall making such naïve statements, do you, Colt?” Garth asked, tongue in cheek. “But at least Colt and I were sober when we said our I dos, which is more than you can say.”

“You know very well the explanation for that,” Clay replied in an effort to defend himself.

“Which I listened to for four months on the trail and do not care to hear again.” Garth slapped his brother on the shoulder. “Can we get on with this toast? My wife awaits her lord and master.” He was immediately rewarded with groans and pummels to his head from his two brothers.

Rory couldn’t help smiling.
You’re going to pay dearly for that, Garth Fraser. We’ll just see who’s the lord and master.