A Mail-Order Dawn Page 9

  Soft light filtered through the lace curtains hanging in the window, and she guessed it was late afternoon. She had a vague recollection of making it home sometime in the evening the day before, and after a round of quick hugs and a wonderful, delicious meal, she’d been rushed off to bed. She didn’t remember anything after that.

  Someone must have helped her clean up and change into a nightgown, since she wasn’t as dirty as she remembered being.

  She’d slept for almost twenty-four hours.

  But who could blame her? She’d been exhausted after so many days of working to survive. She was surprised she’d been able to stay upright on the horse with minimal help from Asher.

  Grateful to be home, alive and well, she closed her eyes and said a quick prayer. She would never take all of this for granted again.

  She sat up slowly, before forcing her legs to swing out to hang off the side of the bed. She was achy and tired, and she just wanted to flop back on the soft bedding. But if she’d really been asleep that long, she had to get up. She couldn’t hide in bed forever.

  I have to see Tom. The thought froze her in place.

  What would she say to him? Would he even want to see her? She was so confused after what had happened just before Sawyer and Asher found them. She had kissed him, and he’d pushed her away for the second time. Would he end up doing the same thing, now that they were back?

  Heavens, just thinking what his response might be now knotted her stomach.

  She scrubbed a hand over her face, turning the situation over in her mind, trying to find a clear solution. She balled her hands in the blankets. This shouldn’t even be a problem. She’d never debated or struggled with what to do. She’d always just barreled ahead and figured things out as she went. And while that had served her well in the past, she wasn’t certain it was the right way to handle this particular issue.

  She wished she could talk it over with her mother. As the only two women in the family, she’d gone to her often for help, and Rosalie had always received good, solid advice. That was what she needed now.

  Heaving a sigh, she stood from the mattress on wobbly legs, locking her knees before she fell over. She was unsteadier than a foal.

  A soft knock sounded on the door a moment before it cracked open. Icy blue eyes met Rosalie’s as the door opened wider and Violet stepped in. “I thought I heard you finally waking up.”

  Violet was the last person Rosalie expected to see. She was the prickliest of Ivan’s would-be brides, an heiress from New York who had fled after being jilted at the altar. When she had first arrived in Promise Creek on the same day as the rest of them, Rosalie had thought her a shrew, but since then, as more of Violet’s past was slowly revealed, Rosalie wasn’t so sure anymore.

  Rosalie offered her a small smile. “I wish I was still sleeping, but it’s time I got up. How long have I been out?”

  “Well over a full day. It’s the second morning since you’ve been back.”

  Rosalie’s jaw dropped. “I’ve slept that long? Was I ill?”

  “Not that we could tell. Just exhausted.”

  Rosalie blew out a long breath. Exhausted pretty much covered it. “I’ve never slept that long in my life.”

  Violet shifted awkwardly in the doorway, as if she didn’t know what to say, and wasn’t entirely comfortable being there. “From what we heard, you needed it.” Reading Rosalie’s confused look correctly, Violet added, “Tom stopped by last night and told us some of what happened.”

  “Tom was here?” Rosalie’s heart felt like it would burst. “What did he say? Did he know I was sleeping? Did someone tell him?” She didn’t want him to think she’d refused to see him.

  Violet gazed at her an extra second, then knowledge began filling her eyes. She walked farther into the room, closer to Rosalie. “We told him as much. He said he would stop by again later today to check on you.”

  He’s coming back? The though both buoyed and worried her. Was he just checking on her, because he felt it was his duty before he washed his hands of her? Or was there something more?

  She clenched a fist against her stomach, lost in her worries.

  “Look,” Violet began, then paused and went back to close the door before continuing, “Tom didn’t tell us everything, but I can see more than you two almost dying happened out there. I’m probably not the person you want to confide in”—she pursed her lips ruefully—“but if you want to talk about it, I’ll listen.”

  Rosalie slowly met the woman’s eyes. While things hadn’t always been rosy between the two of them, Violet wasn’t her enemy. In a way, they were sisters too; both duped by the same man into traveling from their homes, promising them a marriage and future, when he hadn’t meant any of it. Rosalie often wondered what would have happened had they all showed up that day and Ivan had still been alive. Things would have turned out completely different. She probably would have ended up back at home with her family. And while that was safe, it wasn’t what she wanted or what she’d always dreamed of. Violet had her reasons for staying as well.

  “It was pretty scary out there. We were freezing and almost starving. Our horses ran away after a wolf attack, the same wolf who attacked me!” She shivered, remembering. “But something else happened too.”

  “You fell in love,” Violet said, guessing correctly.

  “I did.”

  Violet blew out a long breath. “I knew it.” Her lips curved. “Everyone’s dropping like flies. It’s like love is a disease and it’s catching.”

  A soft laugh escaped Rosalie’s lips. “It sure feels like an illness. I’m both thrilled and terrified; my heart aches, and races too quickly.”

  “Definitely love then.”

  “Yeah.” Rosalie’s voice sounded pathetic, even to own her ears.

  “Tom didn’t mention an engagement. Was he waiting for you to tell us?”

  “There is no engagement.”

  “No engagement? You aren’t getting married? But I thought…”

  “There’s no engagement, because Tom doesn’t love me. At least…he hasn’t said anything.”

  Violet furrowed her brows. “But how can that be? What did he say when you told him?”

  “Told him? Told him what?”

  “That you love him.”

  Rosalie couldn’t even laugh at the exasperated look Violet sent her. “I haven’t told him yet.”

  Violet’s hands went to her hips. “Well, why not? You were living with him, so you definitely had the time.”

  This was the Violet Rosalie knew. Incredibly blunt, never lessening the blow just because it might hurt. “It’s complicated.”

  “You love him, and I’m pretty sure he loves you. I don’t see what’s complicated in that.”

  Rosalie finally let out a shocked laugh. “You make it sound easy, but it’s not. At the cabin, he made it very clear that we shouldn’t grow closer, that we had to keep our distance. He pushed me away more than once, and I’m a little hesitant to be rejected again.”

  “So, what’s your plan, then?” Violet lifted her arms and gestured around the room. “You’re just going to hole up here and cry every night?”

  Rosalie’s jumped from the bed. “Absolutely not!”

  A smug smile crossed Violets lips, and Rosalie realized she’d fallen nicely into Violet’s trap. “Heavens, you’re devious.”

  “Did I get my point across though?”

  As much as Rosalie wanted to deny it, she couldn’t. “Part of me wants to stay here and cry my eyes out every night, just like you said.”

  “Please don’t. With my room next door, I’ll never get any sleep.” Violet gave her another small smile, before softly saying, “It’s interesting, isn’t it? How we’ve all come together and how, one by one, we’re leaving.”

  If there was any chance Tom cared for her, she had to try. One last time. She would tell him how she felt, then it was up to him. If he rejected her, it was over. But if he didn’t… “I hope I’ll be leaving.”

>   “Oh, I think you will be.”

  How strange that Violet’s confidence in the situation could make Rosalie feel better. She reached out her hand for Violet’s, and when their hands connected, Rosalie squeezed. “Thank you. Who knows? You could be next.”

  Violet’s laugh sounded hollow. “I wouldn’t count on it.”

  “Why not? You are still looking for a husband, aren’t you?”

  “I’m starting to think I won’t find the right man here. Or anywhere, if I’m being honest. I’m not like the rest of you. I don’t even know why Ivan wanted me here.”

  “I don’t know about that.” Although Violet was different in a lot of ways, Rosalie was beginning to realize there was more to the woman than she first thought. Who wouldn’t be standoffish after what she’d experienced? It must be so hard to trust again. And if Violet fled from her family, it must have been terrible. “Maybe you just need a bit more time,” Rosalie offered.

  “I’m not sure time is the only factor. The men around here, they don’t want someone like me.”

  “Plenty of them have taken notice of you. I’ve seen it myself,” Rosalie said dryly. Violet, with her ebony curls, piercing blue eyes and fair complexion, garnered more attention than most women could handle.

  Violet waved the comment away. “They’re attracted, I’m not doubting that, but once they speak with me, their attention turns elsewhere. Sometimes…I don’t know…sometimes I wonder if I should contact my parents and go home.”

  The same thought had crossed Rosalie’s mind a time or two shortly after arriving, but she hadn’t felt that urge in a long time. Now that she thought of it, it was surprising not one of the women had chosen to leave. They’d all agreed to stay, which had allowed them to take possession of the mine and house, but Rosalie doubted the town would take it away from the rest of them if one of them decided to leave. “You should do what feels right to you.”

  Although, the thought of Promise Creek without Violet seemed wrong. She’d made an impression here, good or bad, there was history. Rosalie would be sorry to see her go if that was what she chose to do, but she didn’t want her to be unhappy here either.

  Violet finally shook her head. “Enough about me. Back to you and Tom. You need to tell him.”

  And just like that, butterflies danced in her stomach. “I know.” The more she thought about it, the more her nerves got to her. She couldn’t just sit and wait for him. She’d never been able to do that, to just let things happen slowly. She’d always charged forward and made them happen, and it shouldn’t be any different this time. “And I also know if I sit in this room all day, I’ll go crazy. I’m going to town.”

  Violet smirked. “I never had any doubts. Should I have them ready the wagon?”

  “I’ll take my horse.” It would be faster, and Rosalie needed to get this off her chest before she exploded.

  “I’ll ask for her to be saddled,” Violet said as she walked toward the door. She paused in the threshold. “Good luck. I hope it works out for you as you hope.”

  “Me too.”

  Chapter 12

  Rosalie secured her mount to the post in front of Tom’s forge. It was just past lunch time, and she saw smoke coming from the chimney. He was here, working, just as she’d hoped.

  She rubbed her stomach, trying to settle the sick feeling, before she lifted her head and marched up the boardwalk to the entrance.

  Her feet slowed as she drew closer to the door, suddenly feeling as if she was moving toward her execution, but then she scolded herself for such foolishness. Tom wasn’t cruel, and even if he rejected her—for a third time—even if he told her he didn’t love her and didn’t want anything more to do with her, she would be strong enough to get through it.

  It would hurt, a lot, but she was made of stern stuff. They’d made it through so much during their time in the snow, then at the cabin, and she couldn’t believe their survival was the only thing they shared. It couldn’t be.

  With a bracing breath, she opened the door. Despite the cool temperature outside, the inside of the forge was fierce. Heat slapped her face, and she quickly took off her jacket and hung it on a hook next to Tom’s. Hammering echoed down a short hallway, and Rosalie moved in that direction. When she entered a large work area, she found Tom stoking the fire, his eyes watching the rising flames until they were a sufficient height for his work.

  He had a black smudge on his cheek and sweat coated the thin shirt he wore. He must have started work early.

  Wanting just a few more minutes to observe him without him knowing, she leaned against the doorway and remained silent. He worked methodically, heating metal in the fire pot, before using large tongs to extract the glowing material. Placing it on the anvil, he selected a hammer from a long line of tools with an ease that spoke of his master skill.

  Warmth crept through her body, heating her more solidly than the air. I love you. The thought clenched her heart, and she hoped that, within the next few minutes, she would hear those words in return.

  The fiery glow died down, and Tom methodically inspected his work. Unable to wait another moment, she stepped forward. “Tom?”

  He turned quickly, surprise and relief filling his eyes just before he rushed to her and wrapped her in his arms. Through her shock, she hugged him back, relishing him against her. Almost a full minute passed, and they still held each other, saying nothing.

  Relief and happiness wove through her. They were okay; everything was all right.

  Finally, he inched her away, his gaze racing over her face and to her clothes. He winced as he realized he’d stained her dress.

  “Don’t worry about it,” she said. “It’ll wash.”

  His eyes met hers again, his hands still on her arms. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes.”

  “You were sleeping so long, I got worried.”

  Tenderness filled her, and she cupped his cheek. His fingers trailed up her arm to rest over her hand, pressing it firmly on him. “Why? Why did you worry?” she softly asked. Her eyes searched his, trying to find what she desperately wanted to see.

  He leaned toward her slowly. “Do you really need to ask?” His lips brushed against hers once, so soft she barely felt it, but enough that it shot sparks through her.

  She didn’t wait for him to kiss her again, and instead, stood on her toes and closed the gap, taking his mouth and showing him just how much she loved him, how much she wanted him, and how desperately she wanted a life together with him.

  He groaned low in his throat, and like a switch was flipped, gripped her closer, holding her tight, devouring her mouth and her gasps. The world around them fell away, but everything that was Tom intensified. The bristle on his face scraped deliciously against her skin, his scent—both man and forge—filled her, and she tasted a hint of peppermint. She wanted this man to the depths of her soul.

  He broke the kiss on a heaving breath and held her close to his chest, tucked there as if she were the most precious thing in the world. Her heart overflowed and her eyes watered. “I love you,” she said. She didn’t even care she was the first to say it. “I love you so much.”

  He squeezed her tighter. “Thank heavens for that.” He pulled her just enough away to look into her eyes. “I thought I would go mad in that cabin trying to keep away from you. I know I hurt you just before Sawyer and Asher found us, but I never meant for you to think I didn’t want you. I was sick from wanting you, and hurting so much because I couldn’t make you mine.”

  Tears spilled over her cheeks, but she didn’t wipe them away. “I’m sorry I didn’t understand.”

  “I was going to tell you then, but we were interrupted.” He gave her a small smile. “Not that I regret the rescue. It just could’ve come a few minutes later.”

  He kissed her again and her soul lit up with delight. “I’m glad I stopped by then,” she teased.

  “I would have come to you in another few hours. There was no way you were getting away from me.”

/>   “I should hope not.”

  He cupped her chin. “Will you marry me, Rosalie? I’m a blacksmith, but I can provide for you and any children we might have. You’ll want for nothing. But most of all, I’ll love you with every breath in my body, until the day I die.”

  Her chest hitched. “Yes. Yes! There’s nothing I want more in the whole world.”

  With a whoop of joy, he kissed her again—hard, aggressive—and she felt branded. She loved the feeling, and she took her time showing him and telling him how very much she would love him for the rest of their lives.

  Epilogue

  Tom snuck into the house just before lunch time, when he knew Rosalie would be busy getting food ready for Allison and Liberty. She didn’t expect him home, and that was exactly the way he wanted it.

  A pot clanged in the kitchen down the hall and he smiled as he imagined Rosalie there, her belly large with their third child, who Tom was absolutely certain would be a boy. He couldn’t wait to show her his surprise.

  He took a few steps forward when two sets of feet pattered down the hallway. Liberty, his three-year-old daughter, stopped when she saw him, her eyes widening in glee. “Papa!” she shouted before he could stop her, then flung herself into his arms.

  Allison, just a year older than her sister, ran to him next, almost knocking him over. He laughed as they squeezed him hard, jabbering about what they’d bought at the mercantile, and how they’d found a stray cat, which then led to them begging and pleading their father to keep him.

  Rosalie walked down the hall toward them, her rounded stomach causing her to waddle with each step. Her eyes softened as she took in the scene. “This is a surprise.” She took a few more steps forward and kissed him softly. “I didn’t expect to see you until later. Is anything wrong?”

  “Not a thing. I just missed my family.” He took her lips again, a little longer this time. He couldn’t seem to get enough of her.

  “We missed you too.” She glanced down at the girls still holding him and laughed. “Obviously.” She placed her hands on each girl’s shoulder and gently pried them off him. “Go on now. Let me talk to your father while you wash up for your meal.”