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If Eli took her back to Bakerville, he could buy the ranch he had spoken of and keep Daisy with him. He was genuinely fond of the little gal and she in return adored him.

  Why not sacrifice herself so they could be happy? She had nothing and no-one now. Pa wouldn’t want her, Freddie had Nick, and Alex would find herself a good husband one day. Let the Montagues take their revenge and do whatever they wanted to her. She really had nothing left to live for. Tears spilled out of her eyes and she let them fall. Her death wouldn’t be in vain if it set Eli and Daisy up for life.

  Sniffing back the tears, she got on with chopping the potatoes. She would stick to her menu. Let them have one last supper together, like in the bible when Jesus was betrayed by his friend. Was it blasphemous to even compare her situation with his?

  The meat and potatoes were cooking as were the pancakes when Daisy came up to her. “What is it, darlin’?”

  She started hopping from one foot to the other. “Oh, you want the outhouse.” Alfie moved the pan to one side so the contents wouldn’t burn.

  As they walked down the backyard, Eli was standing, feet slightly apart, staring into the distance. “Supper is nearly ready,” she growled as she passed by. Most women would have let him go without, but she wasn’t vindictive. Until he’d found out who she was, he had treated her with respect. Now he had turned on her like a rabid dog.

  He wouldn’t consider his actions wrong. She was a wanted woman with a price on her head. He was a bounty hunter who made a living out of handing people over to the law. Most of them probably deserved their fate, but she was innocent and that’s what hurt. He didn’t believe her, or he believed her but wasn’t prepared to forgo the reward money. She couldn’t decide what hurt the most.

  Eli was now pacing up and down but lifted his hand. Once Daisy had finished she dashed across to Eli who swung her up in his arms. “And how’s my best gal doing?”

  Alfie walked back to the cabin. She had made the right decision, sacrifice herself for them. It was a worthy cause. “Stop it,” her inner voice scolded. “Don’t make yourself out to be a martyr because you aren’t.”

  All the cussing and blasphemous words, surely God would understand that she hadn’t really meant them?

  “Goddamit.” There she went again, she just couldn’t help herself. Storming inside, she placed the pan back on the fire and took out the pancakes. They would eat well tonight. Eli had even bought a chunk of butter.

  Daisy skipped in and went straight over to the bed to pick up Raggy. The doll badly needed a wash, Alfie idly noticed.

  Eli came in and stood near the doorway. “I’m sorry about before.”

  She turned back to the cooking.

  “I believe what you told me,” he said quietly.

  “Since when?”

  “Since when I thought about it. Apart from the fact no-one could make up such a tale, it made sense.” He gnawed his lower lip. “I acted badly and I’m sorry.”

  “I’ve made up my mind.” She squared her shoulders. “Take me back and hand me in. That five hundred dollars would set you and Daisy up for life.”

  He gasped in shock. “What about you?”

  “I’ll take my chances. The Montagues might not want to kill me now there’s no baby.”

  “If that’s the case, they wouldn’t pay me, either. I’d probably get a bullet in the back.”

  She stopped dishing up. “But, the Marshall.”

  “He’s on Montague’s payroll, you said it yourself. I’ve got a better idea.”

  She piled the fried potatoes and meat on to his plate and a lesser amount for her and Daisy.

  “What is it?”

  “Let’s get hitched.”

  “What!” Was he loco?

  “It’s the logical thing to do. It would kill several birds with the one stone.”

  She spooned potato into her mouth watching as Daisy did the same. She had good manners. Maybe she was older than what they had previously thought. Five or six, but small for her age.

  Eli snapped his fingers. “Are you listening to me?”

  “Yes, you want us to get hitched.”

  “Well?”

  “No, I can’t burden you with someone like me.”

  “Damnation woman, why do you keep putting yourself down? You’re pretty, you have a good heart, you’re brave and smart, and by the smell of this food you can cook.” He stared intently at her.

  She handed him a pancake slathered in butter to give herself time to digest what he’d said.

  “What more could a man want?”

  “Love.”

  He gave a snort of annoyance. “I don’t know anything about love. I liked kissing you, and I think you liked it as well.”

  “I don’t know, it could put you and Daisy in danger.”

  “How? We won’t be going anywhere near Bakerville or the Montagues. Besides, you aren’t carrying their grandchild, and if you’re married to me I’ll be responsible for you. Even if you could have gotten something from being Toby’s widow, and I doubt that you could have. Once you married me you definitely wouldn’t be entitled to anything.”

  “What about the five hundred dollars? It would buy you a ranch. You could make a good life for yourself and Daisy. Find a suitable bride.” It nearly killed her to utter the last few words.

  He banged his spoon against his plate, causing her and Daisy to start.

  “I’ve found the woman I want to marry.”

  “I don’t know.” She gnawed her lip. “I’ve made so many mistakes over the last few months, I don’t want to make anymore.”

  “If you need to think about it long and hard, it’s best if you say no right here and now.”

  She didn’t like ultimatums, never had. Dare she grab hold of this opportunity to find happiness?

  “Take a chance, Alfie,” her inner voice made itself heard. You like Eli, what have you got to lose?

  “All right, I’ll marry you, but….”

  “None of this marriage in name only, either. I want you for my wife in every sense of the word. I’ll look after you, never be disrespectful, never ill-treat you and I’ll remain faithful. That’s my promise to you, and I’m a man of my word.”

  “Thank you, Eli. I would like to marry you and I accept your terms.”

  “Good.” He grinned. “Now we’ve got that out of the way. Have you got anymore pancakes?”

  “Here they are.” Alfie put three on his plate.

  “Thanks, these are good. Daisy, you’re going to have a new Ma, just as soon as I can get to see a preacher.”

  Daisy smiled. “I’ll be your Pa from now on, too. Would you like that?”

  She nodded her head.

  There should be a preacher in town, I think I saw a church there when I rode in. We’ll go there tomorrow.”

  “We could wait for a while.”

  “No. The sooner we get married the better. I won’t ask anything of you until then, but I’m anxious to have you in my arms.”

  “We don’t have to wait, if you can’t,” she said. “It’s not like I haven’t been married before.”

  “You’re beautiful. I want you so bad it’s nearly killing me, but we’ll wait. This way you’ll know I respect you and want to do the right thing by you.” He grimaced. “I’m not going to like sleeping in the barn, but if I bring my bedroll in here I would want to swap places with Daisy.”

  Alfie laughed. “You poor man.”

  “I might be a poor man tonight, but when we get married to tomorrow I’ll feel like the richest man in Texas.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Next morning, they set off for town. Daisy rode up with Eli and Alfie rode a horse she had borrowed from Florence. Eli seemed to think her horse would never be much good now. Maybe he would be all right for Daisy to ride around the paddock. She wouldn’t be getting rid of him. He had proved to be a good luck charm. If it hadn’t been for his injury and the distinctive hoof mark he had left, Eli would never have found her.

  Alfie was wearing her
usual buckskin britches and coat, Eli a clean shirt with his black waistcoat. There wasn’t much Alfie could do about Daisy’s dress which looked more than a little shabby, but her face was scrubbed clean and her hair neatly plaited.

  “If we’ve got time, Eli, maybe we could buy a few yards of material so I can make Daisy another dress. I’ll have to get needles and thread too, that’s if you can afford it.”

  “I can afford it, I’m not that poor,” he snapped.

  “What’s wrong with you? You’ve barely spoken to me since supper last night. You step away every time I come near you.” She couldn’t believe he was acting so cold toward her. If you’ve changed your mind about us getting hitched, say so instead of sulking.”

  “Dammit, I’m not sulking, and as for not touching you, I don’t trust myself because….”

  “Oh!”

  “I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from making you mine in every sense of the word.”

  “Is that all?” She laughed. “I thought you were regretting your proposal.”

  “I’ll never regret that, but I’m nervous as hell about this getting hitched bit.”

  “Nothing to it,” she said breezily. “I’ve done it before and….”

  “I don’t think I want to hear about it.”

  Could he be jealous? If so, it might mean he did have strong feelings for her.

  ****

  After about an hour, they rode down the main street. Eli had been right it was just a typical little western town, about half the size of Guilford Crossing.

  The pain of not being with her family was now eased because of Eli and Daisy. One day she had to believe, that as a family, they would return home.

  “I’ve got a wedding ring,” Eli suddenly said.

  “You have?” She laughed. “Carrying it around on the off chance of finding yourself a wife?”

  “No.” A look of sadness flashed across his face. “It belonged to my mother.”

  “Oh, darlin’, I’m sorry, I was only trying to make a joke so you’d feel less nervous. I’d be mighty proud to wear her ring if you think I’m worthy.”

  “You’re worthy. It’s the only thing I have of hers. I was young when she died and can’t remember her. Pa gave it to me when I was about fifteen, made me promise to only give it to a worthy woman like she was.”

  Tears sprang to her eyes. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. You won’t be sorry, you’ll see. I’ll make you the best wife ever.”

  They rode up to the church and dismounted. An old man kneeled on the ground pulling weeds from the garden.

  “We want to see the preacher about getting married,” Eli said. That was another thing she liked about him, he always came straight to the point.

  “Well.” The man stood and stuck out his hand. It was gnarled and arthritic looking, and Alfie figured he looked to be about ninety. His smile was warm and his eyes twinkled.

  “I’m Eli Darcy. This is my wife to be, Alfie Montague.”

  Alfie watched, and there was not a flicker of recognition of the name showing in the preacher’s faded blue eyes.

  “Who is this little cherub?” He smiled at Daisy.

  “Daisy.” Briefly Eli explained the situation.

  “I’m sorry. I’ll say a prayer for the souls of her parents.”

  Alfie could tell Eli was starting to get agitated. He wanted everything to be over and done with, and so did she.

  “Preacher, I’m sorry,” Alfie said, “but we are in a bit of a rush. Daisy hasn’t been well over the last couple of days and we….”

  “I understand.” The old man smiled. “My wife is always telling me I don’t know when to keep quiet.” He chuckled. “I never take any notice. Jolley by name and nature.”

  Alfie laughed. “Pleased to meet you.”

  “Howdy,” Eli said. “I’m sorry for sounding abrupt. I’m mighty nervous about all of this.”

  “Come inside.”

  They entered the white wooden church. It was so plain as to be austere, except for a stained-glass window down the front depicting an Angel with it’s wings around a group of children who were playing near the edge of a cliff. There was a strong smell of incense. Peace descended on Alfie, the trauma of the last few weeks seeming to lift from her heart.

  Daisy stood silently staring up at the angel, and a shaft of sunlight hit the colored glass, and a rainbow aura encircled her face. Alfie glanced at her. There was something going on here that she didn’t understand. There was a nonplussed expression on Eli’s face, too, so she hadn’t imagined it.

  A middle-aged couple acted as witnesses. Eli’s hand trembled as he slipped the ring on to Alfie’s finger, and after they were pronounced man and wife, the preacher positioned Daisy between them then made the sign of the cross. “Go in peace,” he said. “May God’s blessing be upon you all.”

  They thanked Preacher Jolley then headed down the aisle as man and wife. Eli placed some money in the collection box before they exited the church.

  “Thank goodness that’s over.” Eli kissed Alfie on the forehead, before doing the same for Daisy. “Where to now?”

  “The Diner for a coffee,” Alfie said. “And a piece of apple pie.”

  “Candy,” a little voice piped up.

  Alfie was rooted to the spot with shock. Eli squatted down, bringing himself at eye level with the child. “What did you say, little darlin’?”

  “Candy.”

  He picked her up and swung her around, and Alfie’s eyes filled with tears of joy. People might think she was loco, but she had just witnessed a miracle.

  “You shall have some.” His eyes looked moist, also.

  “As much as you want,” Alfie said.

  “Not too many.” Eli grinned. “They will rot your teeth.”

  “Lots,” Daisy said.

  Alfie encompassed both Daisy and Eli in a hug as they stood in the main street, oblivious to anyone else.

  Epilogue

  Two years later.

  Their wagon was loaded and they were ready to leave for Guilford Crossing. Alfie nursed twelve month old Caleb on her knee, while Daisy sat between her and Eli.

  After Florence had passed away, they discovered that the old lady had used the ranch as collateral, after her husband died, for a lifetime income. The bank now owned the property and were keen to sell it. Eli didn’t think it was worth the price they wanted, and refused to buy it.

  “I’ll miss this place,” Alfie said. “But, I’m glad to be heading home. “Imagine Pa offering you a job without even meeting you.”

  “Yeah, I wonder if my shooting ability had anything to do with it?”

  “Who knows with Pa, he’s so ornery and unpredictable. It was real lucky you meeting up with cousin Jeb like that in Austin.”

  “Yeah, a million to one chance after I passed through with that herd of cattle for Ned Elliot.”

  “I don’t care how it happened, I’m just glad you met him and he told Pa about us.”

  “Yeah, well, I don’t really know whether I want to meet your father or not.” Eli laughed. “It wasn’t the nicest of letters he sent us.”

  Get back here with my grandson. I need another driver. Nick wants to do ranching full time. Plenty of room at the house.

  Alfie turned around for one final look at the place where she had met Eli and Daisy, consummated her marriage, and conceived and bore their son, Caleb. It would always have a soft spot in her heart. It had been a refuge when the storm of life had almost become too much to bear, but Guilford Crossing was home. Once she got there she never wanted to leave it again.

  The End

  If you read this book and enjoy it, I would love for you to post a short review on Amazon. Thank you so much for your support. Margaret

  Other Western Books by Margaret Tanner

  Lily – Guilford Crossing Brides – Book 1

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GC19PFP

  Freddie – Guilford Crossing Brides – Book 2

  https://www
.amazon.com/dp/B07H1N2C1J

  American Mail Order Brides - Edwina, Bride of Connecticut

  Cowboy Christmas

  The Sheriff’s Outcast Bride

  The Cowboy And The Quaker

  Savage Possession

  His Brother’s Wife

  Fiery Possession

  The Soiled Doves Series

  Sophie - Book 1

  Tess – Book 2

  Laura – Book 4

  Claire – Book 5

  Jessica – Book 7

  Scarlett – Book 9

  Annabelle – Book 3 – Susan Horsnell

  Grace – Book 6 – Susan Horsnell

  Bessie – Book 8 – Cheryl Wright

  About the Author

  Margaret Tanner is an award winning, bestselling Australian author, who writes drama filled Historical Romance and Western Romance. She loves delving into the pages of history as she carries out research for her historical romance novels. No internet site is too boring, no book is too old or tattered for her to trawl through, no museum too dusty. Many of her novels have been inspired by true events, with one being written around the hardships and triumphs of her pioneering ancestors in frontier Australia. She once spent a couple of hours in an old prison cell so she could feel the chilling cold and fear. As a girl she used to watch and love all the Westerns on TV. Her favorite shows were Wagon Train, Little House On The Prairie and Bonanza

  Margaret is married with three grown up sons and two gorgeous little granddaughters.

  Margaret’s websites:

  http://mjljtanner.wixsite.com/fictionalromance

  http://www.margarettanner.com/