The reluctant widow, p.15
The Reluctant Widow, page 15
part #2 of Sweet Savannah Series
“My darlin’, you have nothin’ to apologize for. But I do. I shouldn’t have blamed you. It was wise of you to think about my family’s farm and how long it would take to plant. I hadn’t thought of that. If you had given me the money when I first asked for it, my family would still be starving, and the bill collectors would still be houndin’ me for money I don’t have.”
He ran his thumb across her bottom lip. “My mother and sisters are at my aunt’s house bein’ cared for. Everythin’ has happened the way it was supposed to. And I have you to thank for that.”
Tears burned her eyes, but she refused to cry even as happiness swelled in her heart. “Jesse, you have come to mean so much to me. I know I told you how I never wanted to marry, but... I love you. I want to be your wife.”
His smile widened, and his eyes sparkled. “You’ve made me so happy. But... what of your curse?”
Slowly, she shook her head. “I realized that the only curse I have is my brother-in-law. He was the one who tried to make me think I was cursed, and I truly believe he was the one killing off my husbands.”
Jesse’s eyes widened. “Why would he do that?”
“Money.” She sighed. “His brother was wealthy, but Lewis wasn’t. After Angus’ death, Lewis convinced me to hire him as my financial manager. He handled all my money and I was all right with that. It makes me wonder how much of my money he spent. Why else would he urge me to marry wealthy men – if not to get more money?”
Jesse nodded. “I think you may be right. But somehow, he’s involved in sellin’ and distributin’ weapons. Colt and Adam are investigatin’ it. Benjamin Carmichael is involved, too. The weapons were bein’ stored on your plantation. The fire was started only to divert our attention away from them movin’ the rifles elsewhere.”
Anger filled her quickly, and she wanted to strangle Lewis for everything he’d put her through. “Where were they moving the rifles?”
“I don’t know. That’s why it’s important to find Lewis. Of course, I’m sure one of your field workers will open up about what’s goin’ on, especially if he doesn’t want to get arrested.”
“I can’t believe my field workers were in on it, too.”
“They were. What Colt believes is that Mr. McMurdie and Mr. Carmichael had an argument and parted ways. Lewis must have gotten involved around that time, which is why he convinced you to buy the property.”
Memories returned from the time Lewis told her about the plantation until the time when she decided to live there. “Lewis wasn’t very happy that I wanted to live there, but I wouldn’t let him sway me.”
“Now you know why he was upset.”
She nodded. “Whatever he’s doing with Mr. Carmichael, I’m sure it’s illegal.”
“Yes. This is why we need to find Lewis. I’m hopin’ that they’ve arrested Carmichael and Joseph by now.”
Sighing, Summer cuddled beside Jesse and laid her head on his chest. “I want my life to return to normal. Now that I have found a man to love with all my heart, I want to start living again.”
Jesse kissed the top of her head. “I want that, as well.”
A few silent moments passed before Summer tilted her head back and gazed into his face. “Jesse?”
“Yes, darlin’.”
She smiled, loving the way he said that. “I’m still going to give you the money to pay the debtors. I want you to get your family’s home back.”
He cupped her face as tenderness touched his expression. “Summer, you are my home. You’re my life, and I want to be with you always.”
Never had she thought a man would say those words to her. Of course, she never thought she’d fall in love, either. “And you are mine.” She kissed his palm. “But your family cannot live with Charles’ mother forever. They’ll want a home of their own.”
“Then we’ll find one for them, but with me married, I won’t be able to work the farm, and my mother and sisters won’t be able to do it by themselves.”
“Then we’ll find somewhere for them to live.”
Jesse winked. “Yes, but let’s take one problem at a time, startin’ with the one with Lewis. The sooner he’s out of our lives, the better.” He pulled away from her. “Which means I’d better get out there and help my cousin find him.”
“Although I don’t want you to leave, I understand it’s something you must do.”
He stood, and she quickly rose to her feet. Before he could leave, she slipped her arms around his waist and smiled up at him.
“Please hurry back.”
He kissed her lips briefly. “I will, darlin’. There’s nothin’ that will keep us apart ever again.”
From in the hallway, the floor creaked, followed by a man’s deep laugh. “I wouldn’t start planning your wedding yet, my dear Summer.”
Fear shot through her and she gasped. Jesse’s arms tightened around her as he blocked her from Lewis, and especially from the rifle he had pointed at them. Lewis’ eyes were red as he pierced them with a terrifying glower.
She’d never seen him so angry... And she’d never been so afraid in her life. Just as she finally found love, Lewis was going to try and take it away from her.
EIGHTEEN
JESSE GRITTED HIS TEETH as he stared at the barrel of the rifle pointed at him. How long had Lewis been standing there? But what mattered more was whether Colt and Adam knew Lewis was in Emily’s house. Summer had assured Jesse that her brother-in-law had never been to Emily’s house, but somehow the man knew, anyway.
“Put the gun down,” Jesse said in a steady voice, although his nerves were jumping all over the place. “I know you don’t want to hurt Summer.”
Lewis chuckled. “I’m not going to hurt my future wife. I plan on hurting the man who stands in my way.”
Jesse released Summer and pushed her behind him. He met Lewis’ cold stare. “You would kill an unarmed man?”
“Of course I would. In a heartbeat. After all, I had no qualms about killing my brother and Summer’s other two husbands. Why should another man’s death bother me?”
Summer sobbed and clutched the back of Jesse’s shirt. “Lewis, you’re despicable! I’d never marry you.”
Lewis tsked and shook his head slowly. “I’m sure I can convince you otherwise. After all, you wouldn’t want me harming your sisters, would you?”
She cried out again, pressing her head against Jesse. He fisted his hands. He hated knowing that Summer was suffering. Lewis was inhuman. This man needed to be stopped... by Jesse and none other.
“Are you jesting?” Jesse asked. “Lewis Claremont, are you really the kind of man who has to threaten in order to win a woman’s affections? How pathetic.”
The other man’s expression darkened. He lifted the rifle higher, pointing it toward Jesse’s head. “I make threats when necessary,” he grumbled. “Now step away from Summer so I can kill you. I don’t want your blood getting on her pretty gown.”
“No,” Jesse said with a little more confidence. “I would rather die knowin’ that I tried to stay alive. Let’s fight like real men. Are you a real man, Claremont? Can you fight using your fists? Or are you a weakling who must use a weapon?”
Silence stretched in the room for a few seconds. Lewis’ gaze assessed Jesse. He hoped Claremont hadn’t heard about Jesse’s strength yet. He wanted to see firsthand the surprise on the man’s face.
If a stranger were to compare Jesse to Lewis, they might suspect that Claremont would win at fisticuffs. After all, the man’s shoulders were wider, and he was leaner. But Jesse had always been strong. Not that he believed he had the strength from Samson in the Bible, but because Jesse had worked for it throughout his life. Lewis, on the other hand, never worked an honest day in his life. The lazy man sat back and let other men do his bidding while he reaped the rewards.
Lewis looked hesitant, and he needed a little more nudging.
“If you want Summer to look at you differently,” Jesse said, “then show her how manly you are. Fight me like a real man. Prove to her that you’re not despicable.”
Finally, a smirk crossed Lewis’ face and he propped the rifle up against the wall.
“I’m going to make you eat your words, farm boy.”
Jesse pushed Summer aside before holding up his fists. Lewis matched his stance.
Summer darted to the stairs, crouching on a step as she clung to the railing, peering through the separated posts with tears in her eyes.
Lewis threw the first punch, hitting Jesse’s jaw. He allowed the other man this luxury, only so he could gauge his opponent’s strength. Just as Jesse suspected... his opponent was a weakling.
Lewis puffed his chest and strutted like a proud peacock. Jesse wanted to laugh but refrained. He wouldn’t let the other man know he was just toying with him for the moment.
Another punch flew through the air, nicking Jesse’s face. He pulled back quickly, acting as if the hit stunned him. This action gained another notch on Lewis’ pride list.
Jesse had enough. It was time to end this charade. When Lewis threw another punch, Jesse blocked it with one arm while plowing his other fist smack into his opponent’s face, hitting Lewis’ nose exactly.
The man whimpered and stumbled, cupping his nose. Seconds later, blood streamed down his chin. He pulled his hand back to look at the blood. Fire shot through Lewis’ gaze as he looked at Jesse.
Instead of giving the man time to think of his next move, Jesse threw another punch, hitting Lewis’ jaw this time. The man stumbled again, but Jesse didn’t stop. He threw punch after punch until Lewis had fallen to the floor.
Cautiously, Jesse moved closer until he stood above him. Lewis’ right eye was swollen, and his cheek was red and bruising quickly. The man’s nose continued to bleed.
Jesse shook his head and frowned. “Sadly enough, you are despicable.”
A deep growl rattled through Lewis’ chest and he reached in his boot and withdrew a knife, shoving it at Jesse. He jumped away from the blade, but Lewis swiped again, nearly cutting Jesse’s stomach.
Suddenly, a rifle blast echoed through the room. The knife fell from Lewis’ bloody hand. The bullet had made its mark in the middle of Lewis’ palm. He cried out and clutched his hand to his chest.
Emily stepped closer with the rifle, pointing it at Lewis who looked at her with questioning eyes.
“No, I didn’t miss,” she told him. “I was aiming for your hand so you’d drop the knife. Now,” she shifted her stance, pointing the rifle at his head, “if you want me to try again, I’ll gladly comply. After all, I don’t want folks spreading rumors about me not being able to hit my target.”
Jesse chuckled. He’d forgotten how Emily had helped Adam fight off the Irishmen. “Thanks for your help.”
She glanced at him and nodded before returning her attention to the injured man. “I was tired of him being in my house. Mr. Montgomery, if you don’t mind, would you drag his bloody carcass to the front lawn and wait for my husband to arrive and arrest him?”
Jesse laughed. Summer rushed to his side, hugging him. He kissed her forehead.
“I’m so glad you’re safe,” she whispered brokenly.
“My darlin’, haven’t you realized yet what I can do?”
Her eyes twinkled when she looked at him. “I’ll never doubt you again.”
SUMMER STOOD NEXT TO Jesse as they greeted their guests. She’d never had an engagement party, but both Hannah and Emily insisted upon it. Several invitations were sent out, and surprisingly, almost everyone who’d been invited came.
Hannah and Emily introduced most of the people to Summer and Jesse, and the townsfolk acted as if they were genuinely happy to meet the soon-to-be-wed couple. It surprised her how many people in the community offered to help replant the east field. Summer had never felt so much acceptance before.
As the guests moved around the room, chatting with each other, Jesse slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, smiling down at her. She adored this man’s face, and the love projecting from his expression made him that much more handsome.
“Everyone loves you,” he said. “But you’re an amazin’ woman. I’ve always known that.”
“I think you’re an amazing man.”
“Is it any wonder we fell in love?”
“Thank you for not giving up.”
He stroked her cheek. “You mesmerized me. Givin’ up wasn’t part of my plan.”
Sighing, she leaned against him as her gaze moved briefly around the room. “I’m very relieved nobody blamed me for what was going on at my plantation.”
“No, darlin’. It wasn’t your fault. Mr. Carmichael and Mr. McMurdie were the ones selling guns to the Irish.”
“Don’t forget about Lewis.”
Jesse chuckled. “I doubt he did much except plan when the pick-up would happen.”
“He also started the fire and he killed three men.”
“That’s very true. For certain, that man will be hanged, and I’ll be happy to see it happen.”
“Jesse,” she said softly. “Do you think it’s possible that my cousin Brian was involved?”
He frowned and nodded. “The evidence is stacked against him. Unless he has an alibi, I fear he’ll be arrested.” He shrugged. “But since he’s disappeared again, he’s makin’ himself appear guilty.”
“I know. I just wish...” she paused. “I just wish he wasn’t guilty.”
“Yes, I know, darlin’.”
From the doorway, a familiar face entered the large room. Sheriff Colt Montgomery stepped inside and stopped. His attention moved from person to person as if looking for someone in particular. Dressier than she was used to seeing him, Colt wore a blue suit jacket and matching trousers, with a black vest over his white shirt. His dusty-blond hair was swept back away from his face. Summer never realized how handsome he was until now. He resembled his cousin only slightly, since they were both tall with broad shoulders, but she still thought Jesse took the prize for the best-looking man she’d ever seen.
Colt’s gaze stopped, and he smiled. He straightened his shoulders and made his way through the crowd, heading in one direction... only stopping when he reached Summer’s sister, Hannah. When she smiled up at Colt, his face brightened.
Hannah laughed at something Colt said, and her cheeks grew pink. At times, she even appeared shy. Summer chuckled. Hannah shy? She didn’t think so.
“Oh, my,” she whispered to Jesse. “It looks like Hannah has an admirer.”
Jesse looked in the direction of his cousin. Seconds later, he laughed. “Well, I’ll be... A woman has finally captured my cousin’s heart.”
Summer looked up at Jesse and caressed his goatee. “It was bound to happen, you know.”
“It was?”
“Yes. Love is in the air.”
“Maybe it’s the water here in Savannah. After all, Emily and Adam fell in love here, too.”
Summer laughed again. “No, it’s not Savannah, because I was falling in love with you while we were still in Atlanta.”
“I was fightin’ my feelings, but it was here when I realized I couldn’t live without you.”
Her heart tripped with happiness. “You are all I’ve ever wanted in a man, before I knew what I wanted.”
“I promise to make you happier than you’ve ever been.”
She turned fully in his arms, facing him. “Oh, Jesse. You’ve already done that.”
He stared at her for the longest time in silence. She was content to gaze into his dreamy eyes.
“What do I get a woman for her weddin’ when she has everythin’?
She smiled wickedly and patted his chest. “Children.”
His expression relaxed, and he nodded. “That, darlin’ can be arranged. Except for one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“We’ll have to get married tomorrow. I don’t think I can wait.”
Laughing, she closed the space between them and rested her head on his muscular chest. Finally, she was getting a normal life, and a man she would never stop loving. But Jesse was right. They would have to marry tomorrow because she was not a patient woman.
THE END
LOOK FOR THE OTHER stories in this series:
Surrender Your Heart (book 1)
The Reluctant Widow (book 2)
Destinies Unite (book 3)
Love Heals All (book 4)
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Author’s Bio
MARIE HIGGINS IS A best-selling author of Christian and sweet romance novels; from refined bad-boy heroes who make your heart melt to the feisty heroines who somehow manage to love them regardless of their faults. She has 51 heartwarming on-the-edge-of-your-seat stories, and broadened her readership by writing mystery/suspense, humor, time-travel, paranormal, along with her love for historical romances. Her readers have dubbed her "Queen of Tease", because of all her twists and unexpected endings.
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