His Mountain Miss (Smoky Mountain Matches) (22 page)

He brought his mouth tantalizingly close. “Soon?”

“As soon as possible,” she murmured, sliding her hands up to lock behind his neck.

He kissed her then, a dazzling kiss full of promise. He held nothing back, infusing all the love and affection he felt for her into the embrace. Her despair of minutes ago had vanished, replaced with a heady sense of rightness, of completeness, that only being with Lucian could inspire. This was where she belonged. With him. Her love. Her hero.

Epilogue

Three weeks later

July 1881

“M
y dear, you look radiant.”

Megan’s mother, Alice, reached up to tuck a pink rose more
firmly into her curls, then stepped back to observe the dress for the umpteenth
time. Nicole had offered her the ivory silk confection she’d worn to the poetry
recital as a wedding present. With its seed pearls adorning the scooped neck,
lace overlay about the skirt and gold-and-silver stitching along the hem, it was
a perfect choice for a wedding dress. Instead of the sparkly diamond pins she’d
worn last time, Megan had decided to wear roses in her curls.

Tears glistened in her mother’s eyes.

“Don’t cry, Mama,” Megan admonished with a smile, “or else I
will, too, and the last thing I want is to greet my groom with splotchy skin and
puffy eyes.”

Alice glanced about the spacious upstairs bedroom. “It was kind
of Lucian to offer the house for you and your sisters to get ready.”

“Thoughtfulness is just one of his many endearing
qualities.”

Pausing in her fussing, she cocked her head to study her.
“You’ve always been a happy girl, but now that he’s come into your life, you
seem...oh, I don’t know the right word. Settled, maybe? At peace? Before, there
was a restless gleam in your eye. That’s gone now.”

Megan swallowed back a tide of emotion. It was true. With
Lucian in her life, she felt complete. “You do approve, don’t you, Mama?”

“From what I’ve seen and heard, Lucian appears to be a kind and
decent man. And it’s plain to see he’s besotted with you. I believe the two of
you are a good match.” She shook her head in consternation. “Just once I’d like
to witness one of my daughters falling in love. First Juliana meets her true
love while on the run from outlaws and comes home already married. And while I’m
away attending the birth of my first grandchild, you fall for a stranger. I’m
not leaving home again until your sisters are all settled.”

Megan’s chuckle was interrupted by a succinct knock before the
door swung wide to admit Nicole—stunning in blue, her raven curls piled on top
of her head in an elegant arrangement—and the twins, lovely in matching shades
of seafoam-green that enhanced their auburn tresses.

Her only regret on this, her most special of days, was that
Juliana couldn’t be here. Evan had been firm in insisting the journey would be
too risky for his wife and baby James. Megan understood. Of course her nephew’s
well-being was paramount. The fact that she and Lucian would be traveling there
in just two days’ time softened her disappointment. She could hardly wait to
hold James and introduce Lucian to her sister and brother-in-law.

Nicole handed Megan her bouquet. “The ceremony starts in
fifteen minutes. We need to head over to the church now if you don’t want Lucian
to think you’ve changed your mind.”

Jessica gave her a quick hug. “Lucian is going to swoon when he
sees you, sis. I’ve never seen you look more beautiful.”

“I don’t think grooms swoon.” Jane frowned at her twin.

They debated and teased all the way to the church. Megan found
it difficult to concentrate on their words, her mind on Lucian. Was he as
anxious as she was? The minutes were passing in a blur, and she wished she could
make time slow, wanted to savor every moment. In just a little while, she would
walk out of this church a married woman.

In the alcove, Owen was waiting with a fully recovered Sarah,
who’d eagerly agreed to be Megan’s flower girl. Adorable in a cream confection
created by Nicole, her fine hair had been braided and twisted into a neat circle
about her crown. At the sight of Megan in her wedding dress, her eyes widened.
Then, seeing Megan’s reassuring smile, she smiled back.

The music started, and everyone hustled into place.

Before she knew it, Uncle Sam was taking her arm and guiding
her through the inner doors. The faces on either side of the aisle failed to
register, her focus all on Lucian, the man of her dreams, elegantly handsome in
his black formal attire, his brown hair tousled like always. She smiled then,
happy he hadn’t attempted to tame it.

He returned her smile, an action that transformed his features
and made her heart kick in recognition. She’d become quite familiar with that
dazzling smile over the course of the past three weeks. That and his husky
laughter. And his gentle touch. They’d spent nearly every day together, taking
long walks and plotting their future.

Now she was here, about to pledge herself to him for a
lifetime.

He was gazing at her with awe, as if finding it hard to believe
she was his, and an eagerness that matched her own. When she at last reached his
side, he took her hands in his, his thumbs gently stroking in a soothing
gesture. They spoke their vows with reverence, and when Reverend Monroe
announced them husband and wife, Lucian grinned, leaned over and kissed her
soundly. Their guests laughed and clapped. And then she and her husband were
hurrying down the aisle to a chorus of well-wishes.

He paused on the steps to lean close, a happy grin playing
about his lips. “There’s no changing your mind now, Mrs. Beaumont. You’re mine
from this day forward.”

“As if I’d ever dream of such a thing, Mr. Beaumont.” She
splayed a hand on his chest. “I’m perfectly happy with my choice.”

Chuckling, he kissed her briefly before they were swept up in
the crowd as everyone made their way to their house for the reception. Mrs.
Calhoun had joined forces with Alice, Aunt Mary, Kate, Jane and Jessica to
produce a brunch worthy of royalty with succulent meats, egg dishes, hearty
breads, bowls of fresh fruit and an astonishing array of desserts. Fresh-cut
flowers, courtesy of Fred, adorned every room, scenting the air with sweet
summertime.

By the time the gifts had been opened and all of the guests
besides family had departed, Megan was eager for time alone with her new
husband. Catching her gaze from across the parlor, he set down his cup and, with
a parting word to Josh and Uncle Sam, strode purposefully towards her. His dark
gaze was so full of love it made her want to weep. All of his doubts had been
swept away, his misgivings given to God, and now his heart was fully hers for
safekeeping.

“Care to take a stroll in the gardens, my love?”

Smiling up at him, she slipped her hand in the crook of his
arm. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Blushing at the knowing looks her family cast their way, she
walked with him through the house—she still couldn’t quite grasp it was to be
her new home—and on to the back porch, where they encountered Nathan leaning
against the porch railing, staring moodily out at the gardens.

He turned at their approach. Smiled and clapped Lucian on the
back. “In case I forgot to say it, welcome to the family, Beaumont.” Then he
kissed Megan’s cheek. “Congratulations, cousin. I’m glad you found your happy
ending.”

“Ah, but this isn’t an ending.” Lucian shared a smile with her.
“It’s a beginning.”

“Right you are,” Nathan conceded. “To a happy beginning,
then.”

Megan touched his arm. “You looked upset a moment ago. Are you
all right?”

He looked surprised at the question. “I’m fine.” At the quirk
of her eyebrow, he continued, “This is your wedding day. Go enjoy some time with
your husband.”

“I didn’t see Sophie today,” she persisted. “Wasn’t she
supposed to come?”

A barely perceptible change came over him, and he fought to
hide his frown. “She told me she’d be here. It could be that her grandfather
wasn’t feeling well. I’m heading over there soon to check on them.”

“Please tell her that we missed her.”

“I will.”

When he’d gone inside, Lucian guided her down the steps and
along the stone path they’d traveled countless times. “Who’s Sophie?”

“You don’t remember Sophie Tanner? My aunt and uncle’s
neighbor?”

His eyes lit with recognition. “Oh, do you mean the young
tomboy? The one with a younger brother about ten years old? I forgot his
name.”

“William. And you can’t blame Sophie for being a bit rough
around the edges. She hasn’t had a female role model in her life. Her mother
died when she was very young, and her father ran off soon after. She was raised
by her grandfather.”

“I see.” He stopped before the rose arbor, lowered himself onto
the stone bench and tugged her onto his lap, wrapping his arms loosely about
her. “Enough talk about Nathan’s friend. I’d much rather focus on my beautiful
wife. How much longer before everyone goes home?” he said wryly.

Arms draped about his sturdy shoulders, she laughed and wiggled
her eyebrows. “Perhaps we’ll just have to hide out here for a while. They’ll get
the hint eventually.”

“Good idea,” he whispered before he brought his mouth to hers
in a soul-stirring kiss. When he lifted his head, he gazed at her adoringly.
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re the loveliest, most radiant bride that
ever lived?”

“Actually, they have,” she teased. “You’re just one in a long
line of people.”

“What?” He reared his head back in mock horror. “That’s
unacceptable.”

Smoothing his collar, she grew serious. “Are you absolutely
certain you’ll be happy here? You won’t miss city living? Your work?”

His smile was patient and gentle, as if this wasn’t the
twentieth or so time she’d asked this exact question. “My home is where you are,
mon chou.
All that matters is that we’re
together. Besides, I like it here. I have a new family. New friends who don’t
give a fig what my last name is or how much I’m worth. As for work, Fred isn’t
getting any younger. I’m going to enjoy helping him work the land. I’ve got
plans, my dear. First on the list is building your mother and sisters a new
barn. Owen still needs help, and Nathan and your uncle can always use an extra
hand—”

“Okay, okay.” She laughed, convinced he was sincerely eager to
dig into rural life. “I can see you’ve got it all figured out.”

“And if we feel the need for a change of pace, we can visit the
city anytime.”

“I can’t wait for you to meet my sister and Evan. They’re going
to love you. And I can’t wait to hold baby James.” They planned to stay about a
week in Cades Cove before heading down to Louisiana. His father had sent his
regrets—not a surprise to Lucian—along with an extravagant gift. She was a bit
nervous about meeting him. “How long do you think we’ll stay in New
Orleans?”

“For however long you’d like. One day. One week. A month. We’ll
play it by ear.” Then he tossed her a roguish grin that made her blood heat. “We
can’t stay away too long, though, if we’re to get a head start on those ten kids
you’re set on having.”

“And what if all ten are girls?”

His expression turned intense, a fiercely protective glint in
his eyes. “I’ll love each and every one because they’ll be a part of me and you,
proof of our love and commitment.”

Satisfied, she caressed his cheek. “Twins run in my family, you
remember. My father and Uncle Sam were twins. And, of course, Jessica and
Jane.”

Leaning slightly forward, arms secure about her waist, Lucian
glanced around the rosebushes at the stately Victorian awash in golden sunlight,
his smile brimming with joyful expectation. “Then it’s a good thing we have
plenty of space.” His expression turned thoughtful. “What do you think my
grandfather would think about us?”

“Charles would be thrilled, no doubt about it. In fact, I
wouldn’t be surprised if he’d considered such an outcome. He knew me well enough
to know I’d fight to use the house. And I think he came to know a little about
you, too, from your mother’s letters. He must’ve suspected you’d want to hold on
to the house.”

“He may have willed me a house, but he gifted me with so much
more.” Eyes burning bright, he buried his fingers in her loose curls. “I love
you, Megan.”

At home in his arms, she moved in close for a kiss. “And I love
you.”

* * * * *

Keep reading for an excerpt from
The Cowboy's
Surprise Bride
by Linda Ford

Dear Reader,

Thank you for choosing
His Mountain
Miss,
the third installment in my Smoky Mountain Matches series. I’ve
always dreamed of having my very own English-style garden like Lucian’s, one
with winding paths and fountains and secret hideaways where I could sit and read
for hours without distraction. When I mention this to my husband, however, he
points out my poor track record with plants. Maybe one day I’ll have that
garden...with hardy varieties that can survive my bumbling attempts at
gardening!

When I began Lucian and Megan’s story, I had no idea how God
would work through it to help me deal with my dad’s unexpected passing months
earlier. Like Lucian, I chose not to face my grief. But as I wrote, God helped
me to see that in doing this, I was not honoring my dad’s life. I still have a
long way to go, but I’m working through it with God’s help. I hope that if
you’ve lost a loved one, something in this story helped you, too.

Please feel free to write me at
[email protected]
or swing by my Facebook page. If you’d
like to find out more information about the O’Malleys and this series, please
visit my website,
www.karenkirst.com
.

Blessings,

Karen Kirst