As a widow, she would honor her husband’s memory by following the strict rules of society. She’d stayed in her home the first two days simply hiding from everyone- including George. He’d pounded on her door repeatedly wanting to talk, but she avoided him. She didn’t want to talk to George nor be coerced into anything else for the sake of family.

  She’d made that mistake once already… and now she was free.

  Katherine hated the black crape dresses that were required. She’d have to wear these for at least another several months before she could dress in black velvets and satins. Her life was on hold, even if it had barely begun.

  She would never dishonor Christopher’s name – even if they’d been married in name only. She’d packed up her things quietly to avoid any more confrontations from George. She’d felt betrayed that her stoic husband had discussed their private life with his brother. She couldn’t stay there, knowing that he possibly could have spread word further – or that George might have said something while in his cups.

  Being out here in Wyoming, breathing the fresh air and feeling the sunshine on her face, made her feel alive for the first time in months. She realized now that she’d busied herself helping those less fortunate in an attempt to run away from the life thrust upon her by marrying Christopher. She felt like she had a second chance at happiness now – even if it was to be sometime before she could ever grasp at the chance!

  Watching Mr. Bryant, or Jeremy as he’d introduced himself, she saw his muscles flexing and the tendons in his forearms moving under his tanned skin. It was like watching a flame dance on a candle, bright and elemental. He was much taller than her and made her feel quite diminutive. He had a gun strapped to his thigh that drew her eyes like a wanton woman. His words reached her ears as she looked away from the sight of him.

  “What’s in here?” he’d asked and she couldn’t help the retort that spilled from her lips, reminding her of the woman she’d once been. A girl that teased her sister or taunted her friends.

  “Lead.”

  The look of shock on his handsome face as his eyes met hers made something blossom deep down inside of her. She laughed. It sounded rusty to her, but began to bubble forth uncontrollably and she quickly covered her mouth to prevent others from staring at her. Widows didn’t laugh, they were in mourning for their husbands and this was not a jovial time.

  Only she didn’t feel like she’d been married either.

  Katherine found herself apologizing to the stage coach driver as he finished securing the trunk. It seemed like several minutes passed and she was seated inside the large stagecoach- alone- just like several other moments in her life. Sitting there, she saw the plush lined seats and the glossy paint of the interior. As they rolled away from the train depot, she saw the small town disappear behind them as acres and acres of lush greenery spread before them.

  She could hear a faint tinkling sound and realized there was a small bell nearby that seemed to be a charming welcome to her new home. Katherine expected a small, sprawling western town and wasn’t disappointed.

  Belle, Wyoming was lovely!

  A flurry of activity on the main street that bisected the growth of buildings showed several families were walking about. It was fascinating to see the smiling, welcome faces as they waved to the coach arriving. She could see a river off in the distance as well as a massive tree in the center of town. The coach circled it and came to a stop not far from what looked to be a boarding house.

  This would be her stop. She wasn’t sure Alex nor Carrie would welcome another mouth to feed under their roof and she’d received word that the baby had been born almost a month ago. She could only imagine that the small family was still in the process of learning each other and creating those bonds necessary between them.

  A family was something she imagined she would never have of her own at this rate and she idly wondered if it was meant to be like that. Perhaps she would have been a horrible mother? Maybe this was God’s way of keeping her from having to deal with explaining to her own child why their father was gone from the world. Shaking her head, she tried to wipe clean the thoughts in her mind simply because it would do nothing but bring her down mentally.

  This was a fresh start and she would need to carefully make her way in the world now, alone. Katherine heard Mr. Bryant jump down and saw his smiling face appear in the window just before he opened the door. She watched as he extended his hand towards her and hesitated a moment. Placing her gloved hand in his, she felt the warmth of his fingers through the material. At the contact, it was as if her soul sighed in relief, startling her. Glancing up, she saw him watching her.

  “What’s your name?” he whispered, a slight smile touching his lips.

  “Mrs. Madison,” she repeated.

  “What is your first name?” The smile on his lips widened, causing his eyes to crinkle at the corners in delight. She realized that he still held her gloved hand even though she now stood in the street not three feet from him.

  “Katherine,” she admitted.

  “It’s very nice to meet you, Kate,” he uttered warmly. “Welcome to Belle.”

  “It’s Mrs. Madison.”

  “I know,” he chuckled. “Go on inside, Kate- and I’ll get your things.”

  “You shouldn’t call me that. It’s taking a liberty I haven’t given you.”

  “I didn’t ask for it either.”

  “Mr. Bryant!” she gasped in shock, pretending to be scandalized at the boldness from him, but secretly pleased to hear him say her name.

  “Call me Jeremy – and I am giving you the liberty of using my name.”

  “I will not.”

  “You will,” he winked, grasping the strap on her trunk and heaving it onto his back with a strained grunt. The weight of it caused him to hunch over as he held it tightly against his body. “Move, little Kate, so I can walk a straight path to your door.”

  “It’s not my door,” she stressed.

  “I’m thinking all roads will lead to you,” he said with a warm smile, glancing up at her. His bright eyes were dancing with keen interest and a possessiveness that made her stomach dance nervously. She’d never had a man pursue her before and the thought of it, and the impropriety of it during her mourning, made her feel a curl of wicked delight she’d never expected.

  “Think again, Mr. Bryant,” she whispered hotly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She noticed that his beautiful smile widened as she moved out of the way. As he took several steps forward, he turned back to look at her once more before heading inside the boarding house.

  “The game is on, sweet Kate.”

  4

  Kate got checked into her room and quickly unpacked only the necessities she would need in the next few days. She had no intention of staying in the lovely boarding house. No, she planned on making Belle her new home and being a part of her niece’s life.

  Kate had received word that Destiny had made her way into the world the day before she’d left Pennsylvania. The idea of holding a tiny bundle of joy that was made in love and a part of her beloved sister was mind-boggling. She couldn’t wait to see if little Destiny resembled Carrie or Alex more.

  She’d asked the clerk at the counter directions to the Madison homestead and was told it was ‘quite a way in that direction’ – which was no help at all. It sprung to mind that she could ask Jeremy…ah… Mr. Bryant, to run her out to the homestead, but quickly pushed that thought downwards. The man wasn’t seemly and far too headstrong for her… besides, she didn’t want to encourage his attention any more than she seemed to already be taking it.

  Instead, Kate spent the afternoon before dusk simply walking around town to stretch her legs and get the lay of the land. She would make her way to her sister’s home in the morning. Heading into the mercantile, she quickly picked up a few gifts for her arrival and spotted a home nearby that struck her.

  It was adorable but in need of a few repairs. She could see that a shutter needed to be re-hung, as well as a few warped boards on the veranda that needed to be replaced. It wasn’t a large home, but the small yard to the street was quite overgrown, telling her that it had been empty for a bit. Feeling inquisitive, she wandered carefully around seeing the other homes nearby were obviously inhabited. Waving politely, she glanced around back and saw a man walking towards her.

  “May I help you?”

  “I’m just looking about the property. Is it for sale?”

  “I’m Sheriff David Knight and I believe the property is up for sale. You’d have to inquire at the land agent’s office. This place has sat empty for about fifteen years so it’s bound to need some work.”

  “I see that, but I’m in need of a home and relocating here, so it strikes me as just about perfect. Could you point me in the direction of the land agent’s office?”

  “I’ll do one better- I’ll take you there myself.”

  Within hours, Katherine was holding the key to the house and was mystified at how fast the transaction was finalized. Apparently the house had been quite an eyesore for some time. Both the land agent and the sheriff were glad to have someone purchasing the property.

  It was getting dark out now and she would have to see her new home and move during the next few days. The idea of sprucing up a place that was completely hers was thrilling. She could make it her own and fill it with new memories. She’d wanted a fresh start and this could be just the thing she needed. That night, her mind ticked with ideas for the little home as she lay there in bed trying to sleep. She couldn’t wait to be reunited with her sister tomorrow!

  Getting up early, Katherine dressed lightly as possible in the black crape dresses she was confined to for the next several months. She gathered up her basket of things and began walking towards Belle Creek. The sun was low in the sky, keeping things a little more comfortable in the summer months. This afternoon the walk back was sure to be dreadful in the dark material she was garbed in. She couldn’t wait for airy calico dresses and cotton gingham gowns so she could fit in.

  As she’d unloaded from the coach yesterday, she felt like she was being stared at and it had nothing to do with her arrival. She felt like a charlatan in her mourning attire. She missed having someone on her side – and that is what Christopher was to her. Her friend by marriage and her only support.

  She just felt utterly alone now.

  “Kate!” she heard her name hollered in the silence of the early morning and grimaced. It was Jeremy Bryant. The man seemed to be everywhere and knew no boundaries, it seemed, calling her Kate instead of Mrs. Madison.

  “It’s Mrs. Madison,” she reminded him as he drew to a stop beside her.

  “I know it is,” he grinned and pushed the brake with his boot. “What are you doing out so early?”

  “I’m walking obviously.”

  “Where to?”

  “My sister’s, not that it’s any of your business.”

  “Actually,” Jeremy drawled out with a knowing smile. “It is my business. Would you like a ride?”

  “Look there,” she feigned politely, trying to dissuade him. “I seem to have forgotten to bring my coin purse.”

  “One sweet smile and that will be payment enough, sweet Kate.” he said dramatically, putting his hand over his chest emphatically and looking at her. Katherine stared at him in surprise and amazement at his boldness. She quickly looked around to see if anyone else heard his brazen words.

  “You just don’t stop, do you?”

  “Not when I see something I like.”

  “You can’t like me,” she began. “I’m in mourning, you fool. My husband died a few months ago.”

  “And I’m sorry for your loss- and his- but that leaves you a beautiful, single woman that has me completely fascinated and on foot. Both of which I feel inclined to rescue.”

  “I don’t need you to rescue me.”

  “How do you need me then?” he asked softly, jumping down beside her onto the ground. Kate stared at him in confusion as his words poured down her spine making her bones turn to liquid.

  “I don’t,” she protested faintly, looking up at him.

  “Everything in me says that you really, really do.”

  “You are too much.”

  “I’m perfect for you.”

  “You’re nothing to me.”

  “I plan on being everything to you, if you’d give me a chance.”

  “I think I will walk, Jeremy.”

  “I love the way you say my name. Get in the coach, Katie.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Then I will pick you up,” he said with a wicked glint in his eyes. “I’m not about to let you walk a mile by yourself when I can drive you to your sister’s and pick you up this evening.”

  “You don’t have to do anything.”

  “But I want to,” he whispered huskily, stepping closer to her. His bright hazel eyes were full of desire, making her heart beat quickly in her chest as she caught her breath. “So, are you getting in the coach of your own free will or shall I pick you up and see just what you feel like in my arms, little Katie?”

  Swallowing hard, Katherine jerked open the door to the coach and missed a step as she climbed inside hastily. Her black dress snagged on the catch, revealing a bit of her petticoat underneath. The heat in her cheeks had nothing to do with the temperature as she heard his chuckle.

  The man was incorrigible!

  She grabbed the material and gave it a mighty yank, hearing it tear and not caring in the slightest. Slamming the coach door shut, she sat back staring stonily at the panel ahead of her. Ignoring him, she felt the coach give as he hopped back onto the seat and gave a whistle, causing the conveyance to lurch forward into movement.

  It didn’t take long to get to Carrie and Alex’s home and would have taken some time if she’d have walked. She hated to be grateful to the man who was setting her world on its side, but she was. As he pulled in front of a small clapboard house and came to a stop, she saw his face as he opened the door, blocking her exit.

  “Where’s my sweet smile?”

  “Back in town,” she retorted, annoyed.

  “So, you’ll smile at me this evening when I drive you back?”

  “No. I didn’t say that.”

  “Then you’ll kiss me goodnight?”

  “What?” she balked immediately. “No! What’s wrong with you?”

  “I’m under your spell,” he said wistfully, with a grin. He crossed his arms along the top of the door frame, watching her longingly. “You’ve got me quite enchanted, little Katie.”

  “Quit calling me that.”

  “Oh?” Jeremy said faintly, holding his hand up to his ear. “I think I hear your sister coming.”

  “Move out of the way, you dolt.”

  “Where’s my smile?”

  “Seriously?” she uttered in disbelief staring at the man. He looked immovable, almost like a wall blocking the doorframe. It aggravated her to no end to have the men in her life pushing her around all the time. First Christopher, then George, and now this stranger! Why would they just not leave her alone or understand that she didn’t welcome their attention?

  “Jeremy,” Katherine began politely, looking over his shoulder out the window. She could see Alex and Carrie standing there on the porch, looking at her quizzically. Katherine quickly looked back at Jeremy’s wide smile. “Please don’t push me like this. I just can’t right now and this isn’t fair of you.”

  “Life isn’t fair. That’s why you have to grab happiness where you can.”

  “And you think it’s with me?” she gaped in surprise, looking at him.

  “I’d like to see if it could be and it all starts with a little smile.”

  “Not a kiss?”

  “I think you’ll kiss me someday but I will wait until you are ready.”

  “You’ll have a very long wait.”

  “Apparently so will your family if you don’t smile at me, Katie.”

  “You are holding me hostage?”

  “All for a sweet smile,” he agreed readily, watching her face. Katherine smiled at him nervously, and she knew it looked more like a grimace of pain. Why couldn’t he just move out of the doorway?

  “Is everything alright, Katherine?” Carrie called out as Alex started to walk over to the coach.

  “Is everything alright, my sweet Katie?” Jeremy whispered seductively.

  “No! Now move you louse!” she whispered hotly.

  “I smiled at you, now go away as agreed.” His laughter echoed inside of the walls of the coach and felt like it bounced against her very being. She abruptly got up, feeling closeted inside, and pushed at his chest regardless of who saw her. Jeremy grabbed her hand, and stepped to the side, pretending to help her down.

  “Was that so hard?” he whispered intimately to her. Katherine glared up at him without a word, causing him to chuckle lightly.

  “Katherine! Welcome to our home!” Alex called out as he arrived to where she and Jeremy stood. She eagerly allowed herself to be pulled into her brother-in-law’s arms for a quick hug and ran up to the porch to see her sister. Carrie quickly hugged her with one arm as the other held the baby. Glancing sideways, she saw Jeremy lift his hand and wave before pulling the coach away.

  “Isn’t he nice?” Carrie said. “He brought me home the first day and helped me with my bags when I was large with little Destiny. Would you like to hold her?”

  “Yes,” Katherine said quickly, being ushered inside the house. Only she didn’t know if she was agreeing to holding the baby or the fact that she thought Jeremy Bryant was nice. She didn’t know if she would describe him as nice – but intriguing? Intimidating? Interesting? Heady? Yes. Yes. Yes!

  Taking a seat at the table, Katherine was in awe as the baby was placed in her arms arms. Her sister leaned down to kiss her on the cheek. Katherine’s eyes were glued to the sleeping infant in her arms. She’d never seen or held something so precious in her entire life. She’d delivered children before and been around ones that were ill, grasping their hands and saying prayers together as they received their medicine from nurses and doctors.