The Bounty Hunter's Bride (24 page)

The pianist struck the opening notes of a bridal march. The music soared to the rafters, bounced off the walls and filled Beau’s head with memories of singing hymns in the barn. He had a new life…a good life. He loved Dani more than he could say. God had saved Beau’s soul, but she’d saved him from his hate. No way would he give Clay Johnson this precious moment. Without a whit of hesitation, he focused on the spot where he’d see his bride for the first time.

Just as he imagined, Dani came through the door in a cloud of ivory and gold. A veil hid her eyes but not her smile. Her dress, a mix of lace and silk, made him think of snow melting in the sun. When she’d first arrived at the farm, he’d complained of too much purity and light. Now he cherished it. When Dani reached his side, he touched her elbow and smiled. Together they faced Josh.

When he saw the minister’s scowl, Beau remembered Clay Johnson. “It’s okay,” he whispered. “Do the ceremony.”

Dani didn’t understand. Why would Beau tell Josh to go ahead with their vows? Had Harriet Lange threatened to protest the wedding? Dani glanced at Beau and saw nothing but confidence. It settled her nerves until she saw Josh peering over Beau’s shoulder. She wanted to turn but couldn’t. Every eye in the room was focused on her back.

The minister cleared his throat. “Dearly Beloved, we’re gathered here today to witness the joining of Daniela Baxter and Beau Morgan in holy matrimony. Marriage is a sacred bond, one that unites a man and woman for the rest of their lives.”

Josh sounded steadier, but he glanced again to the back corner of the church. His eyes hardened. She’d seen him use that look once before. Harold Day had been harsh with his wife and Josh had escorted him outside for a talk.

Was he looking at Harriet Lange? Who else would disrupt the wedding? Dani didn’t know, but she’d go toe-to-toe with anyone who’d question her love for Beau. Apparently sensing her unrest, he gripped her elbow. Josh opened his Bible, looked from Dani to Beau, then focused on the congregation. “I know Beau and Dani well. They’ve overcome loss, heartache and challenges to their faith. It’s a privilege to lead them in their vows.”

Dani breathed a sigh of relief. In a moment she and Beau would be joined forever.

Josh looked first to Dani. “Face Beau and repeat after me. ‘I,’ then say your name.”

Dani looked into Beau’s eyes. “I, Daniela Sarah Baxter.”

“Take you, Beaumont Christopher Morgan.”

“Take you, Beaumont Christopher Morgan—”

“To be my wedded husband.”

“To be my—”

Footsteps pounded up the stairs. Startled, Dani turned and saw a balding man in a white apron charge into the church.

“I gotta talk to Beau!”

Beau looked mad enough to spit. “Not now, Wallace.”

“But I saw Clay Johnson!”

“I
said
—”

“But he’s here,” said the barkeep. “I saw him ride into town.”

Sheriff Dawes pushed to his feet. John Baylor followed. The room broke into a tumult. Johnson and his gang spelled danger for everyone but something even more sinister for Dani. Beau’s greatest temptation lay within his grasp. Today he would choose between love and hate.

She looked up at his face, but his eyes were skimming the congregation. She started to lower her flowers, a surrender to the inevitable, but he clasped her fingers under the bouquet and kept it level. He raised his other hand to signal the crowd.

“Hold up!” he shouted.

The room went still.

“Sit down. All of you.”

They sat…except for a ragged-looking man in the back pew. Needing to see clearly, Dani lifted her veil. She’d seen the stranger slip into the church just before her entrance. She hadn’t given him a thought. Looking at him now, she put the pieces together. Clay Johnson had come to church.

The outlaw glanced at Dani. “I’m sorry, miss. I didn’t mean to spoil your day.”

Dani didn’t need the wedding hoopla, but she feared desperately for Beau.

He still had his hand on hers. “What do you want, Johnson?”

“What happened in Denver…” His voice quavered. “I didn’t mean to kill your wife. It wasn’t exactly an accident. I was aiming for you, but that seemed fair at the time. When she fell, I…” His eyes rose to the pink cross, lingered on the stones, then focused on Josh. “I can’t live with what I did. My mama was a God-fearing woman. She’d be ashamed of me.”

Josh met his gaze. “You’re not alone, Clay.”

“I know, Reverend. You told me about the whale.”

Dani didn’t know anything about whales, but she saw a broken man. Was Beau’s quest for justice finally over? With a prayer on her lips, she turned to read his expression. She saw wonder in his eyes, even awe.

He looked at Clay without rancor. “You came to turn yourself in, didn’t you?”

“That’s right.”

“In the canyon,” he said. “You could have killed me, but you didn’t.”

“I have a bullet coming. You don’t.”

Beau squeezed Dani’s hand so hard she felt the tension in her wrists. “I’m no better than you, Clay.” With a shine in his eyes, Beau faced Dani. “As sure as Clay took Lucy’s life, I almost destroyed our future. I put the girls at risk, and I left you to suffer the consequences of my stupidity. I will
never
make that mistake again.”

He’d make others and so would she, but today promised a new beginning.

Beau turned back to Clay. “I chased you for five years with more hate than a man should feel. I’d have done anything to see you dead. I wanted vengeance, but only God can make that call. Today you’ve given Lucy justice. I think it’s time for mercy for us both.”

Clay took a deep breath. “I expect to hang for what I did.”

“We’ll leave it up to a judge,” Beau answered.

Dawes pushed to his feet. So did John Baylor. “You got my gray?” the rancher asked.

“Yes, sir.”

“I want it back.”

Clay looked proud. “It’s out front.”

Dawes maneuvered past the people in the pew. “You’re under arrest, Johnson. For Lucy Morgan’s murder and raiding the Rocking J.”

Clay stepped into the aisle. Dawes jerked the outlaw’s hands behind his back and herded him out the door. Beau’s chase had come to an end. Dani touched his arm. “Are you all right?”

His eyes twinkled. “I’ll be better after I kiss the bride.”

She smiled. “That sounds good to me.”

Josh spoke in a low tone. “I can finish up or—”

“Finish up,” they said in unison.

Josh signaled the congregation for quiet. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have a marriage to witness.”

As the crowd settled, Dani and Beau laced their fingers together. She glanced at the girls, wide-eyed but unafraid, dressed in white with red ribbons in their yellow hair. Her gaze rose to the pink cross, then shifted to Beau’s meadow-green eyes. The ring on her finger sparkled with silver and blue.

In that blending of all colors—the fullness of perfect light—Dani and Beau took the vows that made them man and wife. One flesh, one life, one hope. Forever and ever. Amen.

Dear Reader,

Halfway into writing this book, I came to a scary realization. I didn’t know a thing about dairy cows and I had to learn. I’m very grateful to Patricia Schroedl, who kept me from making some embarrassing mistakes. I thought cows gave milk all year round. Nope! The mamas get a break before delivering their calves. Patricia gets credit for everything that’s right in this story. If there are any mistakes, they’re mine.

By the time I finished the book, I was in awe of the men and women who gave life to this country’s dairy industry. I’ll never pour a glass of milk again without being grateful for someone’s hard work. It takes love, skill and discipline to make a dairy farm a success. Cows don’t like to be kept waiting. They can be as cantankerous as Beau Morgan and as sweet as Dani.

Another thank-you goes to my brother. He’s a genuine cowboy these days, riding the Colorado trails and helping to run a ranch. We both grew up listening to Marty Robbins singing “El Paso” and “Big Iron.” While I’ve chosen to write about the West, John’s living it. I’m proud of him!

Best wishes,

Victoria Bylin

1. Beau Morgan is determined to catch Clay Johnson, the outlaw who murdered his wife. Does he cross the line between seeking justice and seeking revenge? If so, when and how?
   
2. Dani comes to Castle Rock expecting to marry Patrick and adopt his daughters. Instead her world is turned upside down. How did she cope with Patrick’s unexpected death? Why did she feel so strongly about adopting his daughters?
   
3. Emma, Ellie and Esther cope with their father’s death in different ways. Which daughter most touched your heart? Why?
   
4. The color pink is significant throughout the book. What does it represent?
   
5. The milking contest is a test for Beau. What happens to crack his reserve with Dani and the girls?
   
6. How does Dani cope when she finds Patrick’s letters to his deceased wife? Would she have been justified in burning them to protect his daughters? How would burning them have affected her future?
   
7. In spite of his reluctance to love again, Beau slowly loses his heart to Dani. Which events in the story are turning points for Beau? Describe how his feelings evolve.
   
8. When Beau proposes a marriage of convenience, Dani must choose between her desire for a loving marriage and a compromise that would allow her to keep Patrick’s daughters. What tools does she use to make that choice? How does she find peace?
   
9. Reverend Joshua Blue preaches on Isaiah 50:10. What does this verse mean to you? What happens when Beau puts his faith in himself instead of God?
   
10. When Harriet Lange threatens to take the girls to Minnesota, Dani compromises her beliefs and agrees to a marriage of convenience. Is her decision noble or desperate? Is she acting in fear or faith?
    
11. Beau follows Clay Johnson into Sparrow Canyon in spite of a coming storm. It’s an act of stubbornness, but he survives. How does the experience change his perceptions of God and Clay Johnson?
    
12. Beau’s unrelenting pursuit of Clay Johnson comes at a personal cost. What does he sacrifice? What motivates him to finally give up the chase?
    
13. What motivates Clay Johnson to turn himself in? What role does prayer play in his decision?
    
14. Dani and Beau both endure personal tests. What is Dani’s greatest challenge? What is Beau’s most difficult choice? What motivates their decisions?