Mary and Cade Read online

  Mary and Cade

  Colorado Matchmaker Series Book 7

  Annie Boone

  Contents

  Copyright

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  It’s not quite the end!

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  Copyright

  Copyright 2018, Annie Boone and Sweet River Publishing

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, electronic or mechanical, without written approval by the author, except for short excerpts used in a book review.

  All characters, places, events, businesses, or references to historical facts are fictitious and products of the author’s imagination. Any references to actual people, places, or events are purely incidental.

  http://www.AnnieBoone.com

  http://www.SweetRiverPublishing.com

  One

  Rocky Ridge, Colorado; 1884

  The snow had melted and the sun was shining above the porch roof. Rocking in her seat, Susannah Jessup looked around at her friends. Everyone was crowded around on the bench and chairs, enjoying each other’s company as they laughed at one of Matthew Connor’s jokes. Her heart warmed at the sight and she couldn’t help a contented sigh escape her lips.

  A heavy weight fell across her shoulders and she glanced up, beaming, to find her husband standing above her. Lucas’s blonde hair fell into his sparkling blue eyes as he leaned down to give her a kiss on the tip of her nose. It was soft and sweet but they broke it off when they heard the cheering.

  Though he pulled back, Susannah held onto one of his hands as she grinned. She was just about to ask where he had been for the last couple of jokes when Eleanor emerged from behind him and brought out a cake. It was bright yellow with fresh berries on top and she squealed in delight. “Where did that come from?”

  Eleanor grinned, nodding to Rowena and Christina who hurriedly started pulling out plates and forks. “Happy Birthday, dear! I have my secrets,” Eleanor assured Susannah. “And you have a very big kitchen. Lucas was more than happy to make sure your treat made it to the party safely and secretly.”

  She raised an eyebrow as she looked over at her husband. As everyone started moving about for the cake, the blonde moved closer to Lucas who instinctively wrapped an arm around her waist. Though Susannah attempted to attract his gaze, he kept eyeing the party. “You’re not as observant as you think you are,” he murmured and she could hear the humor in his voice.

  With a shake of her head, she elbowed him. “I was so certain I looked everywhere!” Over the last few years, the two of them had made a game for their birthdays, hiding gifts and treats for one another. Over the last week, Susannah had been particularly careful in her search and had systematically glanced through the rooms daily. How could she have missed this?

  But he winked at her. “Not today, you didn’t. She stopped by early and I put it away.”

  Laughter bubbled up as she shook her head in disbelief. After she kissed his cheek, Susannah made her way around the porch to everyone. She walked around with a large slice of cake and beamed at the children before taking her seat.

  “Wait a moment,” she frowned after she had settled. Susannah had thought something was off and only then realized who was missing. Squeezing past theFitzgeralds, she set her cake down and made her way over to Wyatt. He had just come out with a pitcher of lemonade and had sneaked around the hugs, but she knew it now. Their eyes met and he froze. “Well, Mr. Wyatt Thomas! There you are. And where’s your wife? I don’t see Selina.”

  For a moment, the gentleman hesitated and his gaze turned elsewhere. Susannah frowned and put a hand on his arm before he relented. He might have been a high and mighty bounty hunter before Colorado, but when she wanted to know something, she found answers. Ruffling his hair, Wyatt glanced around carefully before stepping off to the side and taking her with him. She frowned, wondering what was going on if he didn’t want to be within hearing distance. A knot began to form in her stomach. Was something wrong with Selina?

  “I know she didn’t want you to find out like this,” Wyatt started but stopped. Susannah’s brow furrowed as she studied his impassive expression. He was like Lucas in that way, used to watching everyone and everything happen without anyone noticing him. Except she was waiting on him now and she shifted restlessly. Just when she was about to demand some answers, the words slipped out so quietly she wasn’t sure she had heard him correctly. “She’s with child.”

  Her eyes widened. “What?” It came out louder than she anticipated and he gave her a look so she clamped a hand over her mouth sheepishly. Susannah looked around to find Lucas watching them carefully, for he always had an eye out for her to make sure all was well. Offering a nod, she acknowledged his gaze and that all was well. She turned back to Wyatt as excited butterflies began to fill her stomach. This day was only getting better and better. “Do you… I mean, are you certain? Really?”

  Rubbing his neck, the man nodded slowly. “It’s been a few months, to be honest. She wanted to be completely certain and her belly is starting to grow, so we’re very sure now. I know she was going to tell you, so she’ll kill me for this, but she couldn’t come today because she’s been feeling quite poorly. Some days are better than others, but she’s been in bed since yesterday.”

  Her joy was only slightly dampened. “Oh, that poor girl. Yes, I know sometimes it’s rough going. That must be so difficult.” Then Susannah frowned. “But it’s been months! Oh my goodness, there’s so much to do. Wyatt, your baby will need clothes and blankets and shoes and toys and—”

  He put a hand on her shoulder, shaking his head with a grin. “We don’t need much, and we’re working on it. Now, can you please pretend this never happened?” Wyatt glanced around the party. “She’s really nervous but I know she’s happy. We’re just going to take care of this slowly, however. I don’t want her worried about a thing.”

  “Of course not,” Susannah assured him. “I completely understand. Oh! I’m so excited for the two of you!” She squealed quietly this time and gave him a quick hug. “But I can see that you’re wishing to get back to her. Thank you for coming, Wyatt. Please tell her that I missed her today, and that I hope she feels better soon.”

  He nodded appreciatively, and she noticed that he lingered behind only for a few more minutes before quietly departing with his horse. By then, the James babe had woken up and Olivia returned to the party again. Susannah’s focus hopped from one friend to another for the afternoon as they celebrated her birthday. The cake was delicious and they enjoyed a stroll around the garden before everyone needed to return to their duties.

  It was only a Thursday, after all, and there was always work to be done. Susannah waved them all off with Lucas by her side. She smiled widely and dropped her arm when Eleanor and Matthew Connor finally reached the road, then turned to her husband to wrap herself around him.

  “Happy birthday,” he murmured and kissed her forehead.

  She accepted it gracefully. “Thank you, Lucas. This afternoon was excellent. It was just lovely. But are you sure you don
’t need to be in town? I did hear you with Matthew and Jeb about those outlaws hiding out in Colorado Springs.”

  Together, they began to walk back to the house and up the porch. “What? Why, are you trying to get rid of me?” He teased and chuckled at her expression. “They’re holed up and can’t be reached seeing as that pass won’t melt until June. It gives us a few months and I’ve already finished up for that Benson drunkard’s case. Jeb said he had things taken care of for now. And especially for today, Susie darling. There’s no place I’d rather be.”

  “Good,” she nodded primly as she pushed back her long golden curls. “I wouldn’t want you anywhere else but here.”

  He opened the door for her as they grabbed the leftover dishes and returned them to the kitchen. “Speaking of conversation,” Lucas added, “I saw you talking with Mr. Cade before he left. Is everything fine?”

  “Yes, yes, everything’s…” Susannah trailed off and gasped, wondering how she had forgotten. Whirling around, she looked up at her husband with hope emanating from every pore. Clasping her hands together, she tried to remain composed. “Everything is wonderful, Lucas. They’re going to have a baby! Selina is with child! Can you believe it?” She squealed up at him.

  The man’s eyes widened imperceptibly before he offered a roguish smile. “Well, that’s wonderful. Good for them! But why didn’t he tell everyone?”

  Grabbing an apron, Susannah shrugged and tied it around her waist. “I’m not certain.” She hummed a few cheerful notes, just imagining the dear woman with a beautiful little baby in her arms. Just a few months ago Selina had confessed to her that she was worried about having children and knowing what to do with them. Why, she was most likely recently pregnant at that point! The idea made her giggle at the serendipity. “Oh, it’s going to just be wonderful. Can you imagine them with a child? I hope it’s a girl!”

  She tied her hair in a knot at the nape of her neck and turned to the sink. Glancing around, she piled up the dishes together and turned on the water. It really was a good day, she hummed, and then realized Lucas hadn’t replied. As she picked up the bar of soap, she turned back to see him. Lucas was standing by the table, just staring at it with a crease in his forehead.

  “Lucas?” His knuckles brushed the table top absently. Something was on his mind that kept him distracted and it didn’t take a lot of effort to know what it had to be. Susannah sobered up and took a deep breath as she walked over to him. Her hands were covered in suds as she wrapped them around one of his. “Lucas. Dear?”

  At her touch, the man looked down and met her gaze with apprehension. “I worry about you,” he confessed softly. “And about what might have been.”

  Susannah understood all too well. Only four years ago, she had come to the realization and painful acceptance that she would never bear children; it had been difficult for them to face. Even as Eleanor had her second child and all the young women that she was a matchmaker for were beginning to build their families. There were still moments that haunted her about what could have been; and clearly, he felt the same.

  But she shook her head. “You don’t need to.” Susannah stood on the tips of her toes to fix his collar and kissed his rough cheek. “I know what we missed out on, and it’s sad. But have you seen all the good we would have missed out on otherwise? We have so many good friends, Lucas, and- and we’ve been able to help so many people.”

  “And that’s enough for you?” He asked her carefully.

  With a chuckle, she nodded. Her heart was full and she understood she had no right to ask for what wasn’t hers. She was twenty-nine years old now, and knew how blessed her life was. The woman offered a quick prayer of gratitude, thankful to God for all the happiness and love in her life. For years, there had been the burden and pain of not having children of her own but it was beginning to lift off her shoulders. “It’s more than enough,” Susannah assured him. “Now, are you going to help me with these dishes or not?”

  Lucas sighed and she watched the stress roll right off his shoulders. The man’s face softened and the wrinkles went away as he offered her a smile. It was a kind smile, the one she had fallen in love with that hid behind that tough exterior. He was a brave man, a good man, and always knew what to do.

  And sometimes, so did she. Susannah kissed him twice before she felt his arms slip around her waist and pull her closer for a long embrace. “Let’s not do the dishes,” he mumbled.

  She grinned against his shoulder, her eyes closed. One of his hands tugged on her hair. And as she inhaled, all Susannah could smell was her Lucas. He smelled like iron, leather, and berries from that delicious cake. “And pray tell, what else would we do if not the dishes?”

  Lucas offered a chuckle. “I can think of a few things.” And grinning, he kissed her again.

  Two

  Boston, Massachusetts; 1884

  He was right there, right behind her. A strangled cry escaped her lips as he grabbed for her, his fingers brushing against her shoulder. They burned her flesh even through her blouse and she desperately tried to move faster. One foot after another, she tried to run.

  Crashing through the dark, she felt her heart beating out of her chest and she knew she couldn’t go on for much longer. She was out of breath and her fright was taking over. There had to be an escape somewhere, someplace safe. And that’s when his hands closed around her neck.

  Gasping for breath, Mary woke in a cold sweat. She bolted upright and looked around her but she couldn’t see anything.

  Darkness was everywhere but a small sliver of moonlight peeked through her lace curtains. Sitting on the bed with the covers over her legs, she stared at the tiny bit of brightness praying it would keep her awake. She’d give anything not to fall asleep again. She wrapped herself up in her blankets and fought to catch her breath as she leaned back and curled up again.

  “Almighty God, You are the fountain of truth and might. I pray for Your comfort and forgiveness,” she whispered into the silence. “Oh Lord who was crucified for me, I give You my unworthiness and all that I am. Though I’m undeserving, please grant me peace. I beg for Your mercy for my sins and transgressions. Hear my prayer, in Jesus most precious name. Amen.”

  The prayer was supposed to ease the tension in her shoulders along with the fear and the misery living in her heart. Mary clutched the blankets tightly and felt a bead of sweat slide over her forehead. She blinked and looked at the moonlight, knowing that the night was passing her by. Soon the sun would rise, and it would be another day.

  Although her nights held her captive in the nightmares, the days were little better. She swallowed, trying to think about what she would do once it was light outside. It was Sunday, so she would attend church services. With three churches within walking distance she would be able to attend all sermons before retiring for the evening. It was the only thing she could think to do, other than staying trapped inside this dark and lonely house.

  She swallowed the lump forming in her throat. “Almighty God, You are the fountain of truth and might. I pray…” And she recited the same prayer over and over until she finally dozed off. That sleep fortunately held no dreams, but it was restless until the rising sun woke her a few hours later.

  It was difficult to know how much sleep she’d actually gotten during the night, but her body was eager to remind her that it was not enough rest. She slowly dressed and brushed her long red hair. It used to be bright and shiny once, but with time and little care the scraggly curls had grown dull and dry. Sighing at her sad reflection, she went to the kitchen and stirred the corn and beans she’d put over the fire to heat up for her breakfast.

  As she looked for a bowl, Mary found buried in the back of one of her cupboards an old silver platter. It was one that her mother had given her when she got married. When it had disappeared a few years ago, she’d assumed James had sold it. Had it really been in the back of this cupboard for all that time?

  She polished it up, only to find her reflection. Mary Robinson frowned, insta
ntly spotting the dark circles beneath her eyes, the lifeless hair, and a scar across her eyebrow. She hated her reflection.

  She touched the scar, remembering when it had happened. It was still just a bit red, and she cringed at the memory from last year, one of the last times she’d seen her husband. It was a parting gift, after he had slammed her into the table. These recollections weren’t helpful, but she was unable to avoid them. They brought a bitter taste to her mouth and she looked away blinking back tears. She didn’t need that platter anymore. Perhaps she could sell it for a dollar or two at the market.

  “Happy Sabbath,” she murmured as she arrived at the church service soon after finishing her breakfast. Nodding to the folks around her, she clutched her shabby shawl and made her way through the benches. “Hello. Pardon me. Happy Sabbath.”

  Though she always sat alone, Mary enjoyed going to church. She had done so as a child and it had been nice, getting out of the house and away from her parents. Her late husband hadn’t let her go to church for most of the twenty-one years they’d been married, and it was in the last few months that she had found refuge there again.

  Joyful hymns and the sermons spoke of love and peace. Those were her favorites, for they talked about everything she wanted in this life. Joy, love, hope, and peace. Especially peace. The weight on her shoulders was sometimes too heavy to bear, and she knew there was much healing needed in her life. Her time was committed to the Lord these days, where she could atone for her sins. There were many sins to do penance for.