Kate Wingo - Western Fire 01 (35 page)

Only four hours had passed since he’d arrived; and in that short span of time, Captain Strong had managed to turn their quiet household on its head. While the Hibbert women had all been tearfully gladdened that Benjamin Strong found his way here, the McCabe clan had been forced to accept that the latest addition to the family wore Federal blue. An inconsequential matter as far as Lydia was concerned. In truth, she’d always been secretly relieved that Missouri failed to secede from the Union.

The fact that Captain Strong
intended to leave for Kansas within the fortnight was, however, of tremendous consequence.

“ . . . until death do you part?”

Smiling broadly, Spencer answered in the affirmative.

To Lydia’s dismay,
those particular words of the marriage vow made her recall her own wedding. So deeply had she’d loved James McCabe, a part of her, the most vital part, the heart, had died with him. To honor that love, she continued to wear mourning.

But life must go on
, she silently affirmed.

In just a few moments, she would be relinquishing responsibility of the McCabe household to the flaxen-haired woman at Spencer’s side. And when that happened, she would no longer be needed here.

“
And do you, Mercy Anne Hibbert, take. . . .”

Already Mercy sat at the head of the table,
as was her right. Not that Lydia was jealous, or even angered, by the usurpation. In her estimation, the strong-willed New Englander was exactly what Spencer needed. There was little doubt in her mind that she would be leaving the McCabe household in very capable hands.

Granted, it
wouldn’t be easy to leave. Lydia knew that full well. For the last eight years, she’d help to raise Ginny and Dewey, and had tended to the farm whenever Spencer was far afield. But over the course of the last few weeks, she’d come to feel like the proverbial third thumb.

Then, just when she’d begun to despair of the situation, Benjamin Strong
had appeared at the doorstep.

Soon after
his arrival, he’d informed his family that he intended to journey west to Kansas. Which was certainly fortuitous for her. No doubt, Captain Strong would need a helpmate, a wife, someone capable of managing a household. Who better than she?

Surreptitiously casting a glance in Benjamin Strong’s direction, Lydia deemed him to be a man possessed of gentlemanly self-restraint. Surely, one did not rise to the rank of captain unless possessed of
a moral fortitude and an unflagging sense of duty. Admirable qualities, indeed, for any husband to possess.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

Returning her attention to the ceremony, Lydia smiled indulgently; even though she considered Spencer’s show of affection a bit too exuberant. Personally, she preferred a man to be less demonstrative in public. Although, given that this was Spencer’s wedding day, she was willing to overlook his lapse in good manners.

As the ceremony
concluded, the Hibberts and McCabes rushed forward to congratulate the newlyweds. Appearing every inch the happy bride, Mercy smiled brightly before tossing her floral bouquet into the air. Everyone present held their breath as they watched the bunch of pale pink roses gracefully sail across the parlor.

Because it happened so quickly
, Lydia wasn’t entirely certain how she came into possession of the colorful bouquet.

Unable to
hide her astonishment, her lips curved in a pleased smile.

I must remember to thank my lucky stars
.

Dear Reader,

For those who love the passion and adventure of Scottish Medieval romance, I’ve recently published the first book in my
Highland Mist
series,
Her Scottish Captor,
in which the darkly handsome and fearsome laird of Castle Maoil, Iain MacKinnon, abducts Lady Yvette Beauchamp, the highborn daughter of his sworn English enemy. Hearts and swords clash in this richly depicted and highly sensual Highland romance. Look for it in the Kindle Store!

And fans of time-travel romance should be delighted to know that I’ll be releasing two new titles later this year under the pen name Chloe Douglas: the first,
A Love For All Time
(Forever Yours 9/2/14), followed by
Our Time Is Now
(Forever Yours 12/2/14). Both stories weave together the past and present as they explore the themes of kindred spirits, reincarnation, and unforgettable passions that span the boundaries of time.

Also, be sure to read my exciting series of esoteric thrillers published under the pen name C.M. Palov that chronicle the adventures of the Oxford-educated historian Caedmon Aisquith and his partner, American photographer Edie Miller. (According to
Publisher’s Weekly
: “Fans of Dan Brown and Steve Berry will be enthralled.”) Begin with the prequel,
The Templar’s Quest,
which introduces the character of Caedmon as he embarks on the most thrilling quest of all, the hunt for the Holy Grail. Then, pick up with Caedmon and Edie as they criss-cross the globe, court danger and intrigue, and uncover some of the most spectacular treasures of the ages. Let the adventure begin!

Cheers!

Kate