Twelfth Moon (32 page)

“She took care of us all. I always suspected she felt guilty about the whole thing, as though she could have protected her mother, somehow kept her from dying. But I was there. If anyone should feel guilty, it’s me.”

“She told me what happened. How old was she?”

“Eleven.”

Jonah’s heart lurched for the little girl who’d had to grow up so quickly. She’d not only suffered the loss of her mother, but had been a witness to it. Despite all she’d been through Cadence had blossomed into a beautiful, courageous woman. Her time-tested strength had been forged in the fires of sorrow, adversity, and perseverance. His throat closed up at the rush of emotions, his voice turning rough. “She’s the most amazing woman I’ve ever known.”

Charles grinned. “She is at that. I’m proud of her. I knew my Cadence would make it through this tough time. You seem like a good man, Jonah Kincaid. And since my daughter knew it enough to choose you as her mate, I have no objections to the two of you making it legal. In fact, I insist.”

“Thank you, sir.”

They both stood. “Now let’s go tell everyone the good news,” Charles said. He reached over, found Jonah’s shoulder, and gave him a solid slap on the back. “Congratulations, son. I just might be making an offer myself, soon.”

“Mrs. Riley?”

Chuckling, Charles said, “Noticed did you? Well, you’re right. She’s the best woman a man like me could ever hope for. Has the patience of a saint. But don’t tell anyone yet. I don’t want to steal my little girl’s moment.”

Jonah’s grin matched his future father-in-law’s. “Now there’s an area I know not to mess with.”

They made their way down the hall, in the direction of voices, where everyone was gathered. Jonah was impressed at how easily Charles navigated his way without assistance. He entered the room ahead of Jonah.

“I have an announcement to make.”

Everyone looked up at the sound of Charles’ voice. Jonah moved to stand next to Cadence, his arm slipping possessively around her waist.

Cadence looked up at him, her eyebrows raised. “An announcement?” As if she didn’t know, the sweetheart.

His own silvery gaze glittered with devilry, but he only smiled.

“It is my great pleasure to announce the engagement of Jonah and Cadence,” Charles said. “May their lives together be long and happy.”

Everyone cheered, circling around to congratulate the couple. Her father raised his voice in order to be heard. “And I expect at least a dozen grandchildren!” That caused a burst of laughter, accompanied by a fresh round of cheers.

From everyone except Jonah, that is.

Cadence noticed the pallor of his face, and knew immediately what had caused it. “He was only joking, you know.”

Jonah swallowed, blowing out a relieved breath, making her laugh. “As long as
you
don’t want a dozen children.” His tone turned suspicious – and a little frightened. “You don’t do you?”

“Of course not. I’m thinking of only seven or eight.”

At Jonah’s shocked expression, she laughed. “All right, maybe not that many.”

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. “Let’s just start with one, shall we?” His expression turned hot and sultry. “I’m imagining all the fun we’ll have in the attempt.”

“Jonah! Not here.”

“Okay, then come with me.” Grabbing her hand, he towed her out into the hallway, leaving the others, who were excitedly discussing the upcoming nuptials. He backed her into the wall, hands on her waist, quickly closing the distance between them. The heat from his body seared her from head to toe. “Is this better?” He dipped his head, placing his mouth against the side of her neck, murmuring huskily, “I can’t seem to keep my hands off you, Hellcat.”

Cadence was breathless. “Well, then don’t. But not in the hallway.”

He leaned back, his hands resting intimately on her hips, his expression turning serious. “There’s something I need to do today, but tomorrow I’d like to take you to meet my parents and sister.”

His lips flattened into a grim line. “I wasn’t sure at first, considering the one who killed Robert is some kind of spirit. It’s not like I can issue a wanted poster on him, which would only cause Ba'cho problems, since they look so much alike. If they knew the murderer was an Apache, it would get ugly. I decided to state that my brother’s killer died in a gunfight.”

Our special day.
Bless his heart. It almost brought tears to her eyes. “It will have to be in the next few days. Jaelene just told me they’re leaving at the end of the week.”

He grinned. “My mother will be disappointed about the haste, but as soon as she learns the news that I’m finally getting married, she won’t complain too much.” His smile faded when he noticed her concern, felt her apprehension. “What is it?”

“My God, Cadence,” Jonah whispered hoarsely. “You’re the most generous, loving person I know. This means a lot to me. My parents and sister were never able to see the darker side of him as I did.”

“Will they like me, do you think, your parents and sister?”

He wrapped her in his arms. “They’ll love you, just as I do – well, maybe not
exactly
the way I do.”

She slapped at his arm playfully. “Jonah!”

“Ow!”

Cadence giggled.
Giggled.
She hadn’t done that since she was a little girl, before her mother had died. But right now, she was filled with so much happiness she was nearly giddy from it.

“I have to see to Athos. I’ve left him for too long. I’ll have to thank Kara for taking care of him.”

“She loves horses, or any animal for that matter. Strangely enough, considering what we are, they seem to love her as well.”

Twenty Six

THEY WERE IN a district Cadence had never been in before. The houses lining the street were huge opulent mansions separated by sprawling lawns that were so well manicured they didn’t look real.

Jonah had sent for a carriage that arrived with a driver wearing actual livery of black and gold. Apparently, he hadn’t exaggerated about being a wealthy man.

When they entered a long, winding drive that led up to a magnificent, four-story house, the front supported by six huge, gleaming white pillars, she couldn’t suppress a gasp of surprise.

The front courtyard had a beautiful fountain in the center, the drive continuing around it in a circular pattern. The house’s many windows reflected the morning sun, making them sparkle like multi-faceted jewels. Large cypress trees and willows flanked each side of the house, with meticulously groomed shrubs, and well-maintained flower beds adorning the front on either side of the sprawling porch.

She was in awe, never having seen such splendor. “Is this—” She swallowed. “Is this your parent’s house?”

“No.”

Jonah sat beside her, their thighs touching, sending shivers of awareness through her with every bump of the carriage. Would she always react to him this way? She certainly hoped so. Her brow crinkled in confusion. “Then why are we here? Do you know the people who live in this house?”

He smiled at her. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.”

“Are you going to tell me who they are?”

“
We
are the people who live here – or
will
live here, as soon as you move your things in.”

Jonah chuckled at the shock that must have obviously shown on her face. It took her a moment to find her voice. “This – this is
our
house?”

“Yes, sweetheart. It’s called Willowmere. You like it don’t you?” He frowned. “If you don’t, we can find something else.”

“No. I mean yes, it’s wonderful. I love it!” She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. “Oh, Jonah, I feel like a fairy princess!”

“You
are
my princess,” Jonah said huskily, his arms holding her firmly to him. “And I want to spoil you rotten.”

“And I want to be spoiled rotten. Really.” She grinned. “I don’t mind at all.”

Jonah barked out a laugh. He ran his finger down the gentle slope of her nose. “I see I’ll have no trouble convincing you to accept my riches.”

He grew suddenly somber. “I wanted to bring you here first. I love you, Cadence, and I want you to know that I will always take care of you.”

Tears filled Cadences eyes. She’d taken care of her family for so long, she’d forgotten what it was like to have someone take care of
her
. When her mother had died, Cadence had stepped into shoes she’d not quite grown into yet – a role that had been thrust upon her at a time when she’d still needed a nurturing influence. Of course, Mrs. Riley and Mrs. Clemens were there, but it wasn’t the same as having a loving mother. “Oh, Jonah, I just love it, and I love you too.”

Jonah shifted her to the seat beside him. “Let’s go have a look, shall we? There’s still time for you to meet my parents after I take you on a tour.”

They stepped from the carriage and walked toward the huge porch. “You never told me how you became so wealthy. So much has happened since you dropped that shocking bit of news, I haven’t had the opportunity to ask you about it.”

Jonah didn’t hesitate. “My father owns a shipping company, which, incidentally, assisted during the war. And then several years ago, we both invested in the railroad. Work on the new Pacific Railroad line is almost complete.”

“I’ve heard of it,” she said excitedly. “They say the new railroad system will connect the east and west, making travel much safer.”

Jonah smiled down at her as they ascended the porch steps. “Yes indeed. But it will also serve as a vital link for trade and commerce, opening up vast regions of the country for settlement.” Their heels clattered on the wooden surface of the porch as they neared the open front door. “It’s a very exciting time. And if you’re ever in the mood to travel, I have a custom-built luxury Pullman car at my disposal.”

“Good Lord, Jonah! If you have so much money, what were you doing out in the middle of nowhere risking your life to pursue wanted criminals? Wait. Don’t answer that. It was because of Beth Ann. I remember you saying you wanted to get away.”

“And like I said, I would never have met you, my little hellcat, if I hadn’t made that choice.” He took her hand in his, brushing his lips across her knuckles.

They entered the foyer, where there was a line of servants waiting. Jonah had wanted Cadence to meet them all, and had included a note for them to prepare the house for their new mistress when he’d sent for the carriage.

He watched as she greeted each of the servants, repeating their names back to them, asking questions about their duties, as well as inquiring about their families. She was warm and gracious, smiling and shaking their hands. She was well mannered and respectful, yet able to convey confidence as the lady of the house.

One of the things he’d noticed about Cadence was that no matter the person’s station in life, she treated them in a nonjudgmental way, unless, of course, their actions warranted otherwise. But then in his case, Jonah reflected with a wry twisting of his lips, she’d allowed him into her heart, even though he’d treated her so badly in the beginning. He was a lucky man, indeed.

“
THIS
IS YOUR parents’ house?” Cadence couldn’t suppress her incredulous outburst. This house was even grander than Jonah’s – correction –
theirs
was. It was all a little bit daunting. Her nerves twisted in a jumbled mass of worry over how his family would receive her. Not only were they going to be meeting her for the first time, but there was the news of their impending marriage – to take place in record time, no less.

Jonah rubbed her arm. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. Everything will be all right, you’ll see. As I already told you, they’ll love you.” He kissed her, his lips lingering over hers. “
I
love you. That’s all that really matters.”

He jumped down from the carriage, turning to assist her. She took his outstretched hand, and as it engulfed her smaller one, his warmth radiated into her. A commotion at the door drew their attention.

“Jonah!”

A pretty young woman trotted down the steps and sprinted toward them, skirts clutched in her hands, showing a large portion of white-clad ankles. Golden ringlets danced over her shoulders with youthful abandon, shimmering like angel dust in the sunshine as she threw herself at Jonah. She squealed with delight, her delicate arms clamping around his neck. He caught her in his arms with a robust laugh, twirling in a circle.