A Little Bit of Romance

By: Callie Hutton

Three Short Stories:
My True Love Gave To Me
Band of Gold
Love and War
This is a wor of fiction! "ames# characters# $laces# and incidents are either the $roduct of the
author%s ima&ination or are used fictitiously# and any resem'lance to actual $ersons livin& or
dead# 'usiness esta'lishments# events# or locales# is entirely coincidental!
C()*R+GHT , -./0 'y Callie Hutton
All ri&hts reserved! "o $art of this 'oo may 'e used or re$roduced in any manner whatsoever
without written $ermission of the author e1ce$t in the case of 'rief 2uotations em'odied in
critical articles or reviews!
Cover Art 'y Boo Gra$hics
)u'lishin& History
3irst 4dition
-./0 5i&ital
)u'lished in the 6nited States of America
5edication
To the (lahoma Romance Writers Association
My True Love Gave to Me
a partridge in a pear tree
By: Callie Hutton
)em'erton Hall
Christmas 5ay# /7/0
Shes here.
A 8olt of e1citement shot throu&h Marcus# 9iscount Weather'y# as he
s$otted her after scannin& the crowd $aced into the 'allroom at )em'erton Hall!
He had carelessly tossed aside the invitation he%d received to the lavish Christmas
Ball the 5ue and 5uchess of )em'erton hosted each year! Then when )enrose
mentioned at White%s yesterday that Lady Surrey would 'e in attendance# he new
nothin& could ee$ him away!
Emma--my Emma.
Almost as if connected 'y an invisi'le cord# he headed in her direction#
snatchin& two &lasses of cham$a&ne from a $assin& footman! Tryin& his 'est to
shoulder his way throu&h the crush# he &roaned in frustration when Lord Lei&hton
ste$$ed u$ to 4mma and e1tendin& his arm# led her to the dance floor seconds
'efore Marcus reached the s$ot where she%d stood!
He downed 'oth &lasses and leaned a&ainst the wall# his arms crossed as he
watched her turn in Lei&hton%s arms! His &roin ti&htened when she smiled u$ at her
$artner# her lovely face li&htin& u$ in $leasure!
+n the three years he%d 'een in +ndia# she%d not chan&ed from the 'eautiful#
$assionate woman he%d had one &lorious ni&ht with! Merely days 'efore her
$arents announced her 'etrothal to the 4arl of Surrey!
)iled in a not at the to$ of her head# her &olden hair cau&ht the s$arlin&
candleli&ht as she turned and twirled# the slender twists of curls at her tem$les
caressin& her creamy sin! He new first:hand her crystal 'lue eyes would 'e
&lowin& with e1citement! His fin&ers itched to cu$ her face and $ull her to him#
coverin& her lush mouth in a soul:searin& iss!
(nce a&ain# the ra&e and ho$elessness of readin& her 'etrothal
announcement in the news$a$er swe$t over him! His 'eautiful 4mma to 'e sold in
marria&e to a man old enou&h to 'e her &randfather!
He turned as someone sla$$ed him on the shoulder! ;Weather'y! Thou&ht
you &ave u$ on these affairs!<
Marcus shru&&ed! ;5oesn%t hurt to $o$ in once in a while!< He lowered his
&a=e to the cane Richard# 9iscount Tetterly# leaned heavily on! ;What the devil
ha$$ened to you><
Tetterly &rimaced! ;Attended a huntin& $arty last weeend at 5rae%s
$lace!< He 8oined Marcus a&ainst the wall# si&hin& with relief at the added su$$ort
to his frame! ;Lord Bucley insisted on huntin& those dratted little 'irds! Had the
'eater thrashin& the 'ushes to &et the little devils movin&! Wouldn%t you now one
of them flew u$ into a tree! So as Bucley too aim at a $artrid&e in a $ear tree# he
stum'led 'acward# nocin& me to my arse# then landed on my 'ent nee!<
Marcus &rimaced! ;Sounds $ainful!<
;With Bucley%s &irth# +%m duced lucy he didn%t 'rea the 'loody thin&! +%ll
'e ho''lin& around for wees!< He &rinned! ;*ou should have seen the head
&ardener railin& a&ainst the 'eater for ruinin& his shru's!<
Tetterly si$$ed his whisey! ;*ou didn%t answer my 2uestion! What 'rin&s
you here> Could%ve sworn hearin& you loudly $roclaim you%d never a&ain ste$ a
foot in a ton affair# ri&ht 'efore you hied off to +ndia!<
;"o $articular reason! )erha$s + wanted to cele'rate Christmas with my
friends!<
Tetterly snorted! He studied Marcus for a minute# then turned to see what
had ca$tured his friend%s attention! ;Ah! The &lorious Lady Surrey! + should have
&uessed!<
Marcus stiffened! ;+ have no idea what you%re talin& a'out!<
;Give over# old man! +f memory serves# you and the charmin& lady were
2uite the thin& 'efore her $arents whised her off the marria&e mart and 'etrothed
her to Surrey! A shame# that!<
Marcus $ushed away from the wall! ;Later Tetterly# + see someone + need to
s$ea with!< He made his way throu&h the dancers returnin& to their cha$erones!
?
4mma curtsied to Lord Lei&hton# then sna$$ed her fan o$en# movin& the
heated air across her face! She fin&ered the dance card dan&lin& from her wrist!
The ne1t dance# the first walt= of the evenin&# had 'een $romised to her old friend#
Ste$hen!
;He%s here!<
4mma turned towards the whis$erin& voice! Her 'est friend# Lady Cecile#
the 5ue of Alford%s sister# &ras$ed 4mma%s el'ow in a &ri$ sure to leave mars
on her tomorrow!
;What are you talin& a'out> Who%s here><
;Lord Weather'y!<
4mma felt all the 'lood drain from her face! ;5on%t 'e ridiculous! He%s in
+ndia!<
Cecile shoo her head! ;+ have it on &ood authority he returned a few wees
a&o# and he%s here now!< She &lanced u$# her eyes &rowin& wide! ;+n fact# he%s
headed this way!<
4mma whi$$ed her head around to see Marcus stalin& in her direction# a
sli&ht smile on his 'eloved face! Beloved@hahA She hated him! He%d left her when
she needed him the most!
;Cecile# you must &o with me to the ladies% retirin& room! + can%t face him!
+%m still too an&ry!<
;*ou must! The day was 'ound to come when he would return home! *ou
can%t avoid him forever!<
;May'e not# 'ut + can ri&ht now!< She scurried away# dra&&in& Cecile with
her! 4mma &lanced over her shoulder to see frustration on Marcus%s face! Tall#
dar haired# with the $er$etual curl fallin& over his forehead# her heart melted
des$ite her resolve! His 'road shoulders were encased in a ti&ht fittin& 'lac 8acet
a'ove 'uff 'reeches outlinin& every muscle in his $owerful le&s! The hun&er in his
ha=el eyes started the same flutterin& in her stomach as it did three years a&o! She
dra&&ed her &a=e away# and attem$ted to fill her lun&s with air as she $ro$elled
Cecile forward and 8ostled $eo$le out of the way to mae her esca$e!
?
Marcus watched 4mma sitter away from him# dra&&in& Lady Cecile with
her! Why the devil did she loo an&ry> With him> He ran his fin&ers throu&h his
hair# and cau&ht the last &lim$se of her 'lue sil &own as she made her way u$ the
stairs! 3rom $ast e1$erience he new women could 'e doin& whatever it was they
did in the retirin& room for a&es! He si&hed and turned on his heel# headin& to the
card room!
He too a seat across from Lord Swann# who most liely was dod&in& all the
females in his family! Seven dau&hters# and not one of them wed! Marcus had seen
them floatin& 'y 'efore in a &rou$ of $astel &owns lie a 'ou2uet of wildflowers!
He couldn%t hel$ 'ut &rin at the si&ht of Lady Swann# her face flushed from the
effort of tryin& to cha$erone that &a&&le!
;Weather'y!< Swann nodded in his direction# and 'e&an to deal the ne1t
hand! Marcus $iced u$ his cards and studied them# $leasantly sur$rised!
He $assed the ne1t hour winnin& and losin&# until finally confident that
4mma would have returned to the 'allroom 'y now# $ushed his chair 'ac#
&athered his winnin&s# and left the room!
+t didn%t tae lon& to s$ot her! She and Lady Cecile had their heads to&ether#
chattin& 'ehind their fans! They made a ca$tivatin& $air! 4mma with her $ale
'eauty# and Lady Cecile with her dar hair and sna$$in& 'rown eyes!
He ate u$ the distance 'etween them# hurryin& 'efore someone else claimed
4mma for a dance!
Two red dots a$$eared on her chees when she s$otted him# and once a&ain
she turned to flee! +n one lon& stride he mana&ed to &ras$ her hand to sto$ her!
Lady Cecile cast him a sli&ht smile# eyes twinlin&! The &irl seemed relieved! He%d
heard she was 2uite the romantic! )erha$s he%d than her one day for ee$in&
4mma from catchin& si&ht of him too soon!
;Lady Cecile! *ou%re looin& s$lendid this evenin&!< He 'ent over her hand
and &ave it a sli&ht iss! Then he turned toward 4mma and his heart sto$$ed! All
the memories of their one ni&ht to&ether flooded his senses! +n a flash he saw her
$erfect rose:ti$$ed 'reasts# heavin& with $assion# her eyes a dee$er 'lue as she
stared u$ at him and whis$ered she loved him! He could still smell her fra&rance# a
li&ht floral scent# alon& with the heady $erfume of her arousal! Startlin&ly
deli&htful# she was all &race and 'eauty! And &larin& at him in an&er!
What the bloody hell?
;May + have the $leasure of this dance# Lady Surrey><
She raised her chin and stiffened her shoulders! ;+%m afraid not# my lord# it
a$$ears my $artner stands 'ehind you!<
;That%s ri&ht# Weather'y! Lady Surrey is mine for this dance!<
Marcus turned towards Lord Beaumont# a $leasant smile on his face!
;+f you will e1cuse us!< Beaumont reached for 4mma%s hand!
Marcus clam$ed his hand on the man%s shoulder! ;Say old man# do me this
favor# if you will!<
Beaumont &lanced 'etween Marcus and 4mma# and shru&&ed! 41tendin& his
hand to Lady Cecile# he ased# ;May + have this dance><
She curtsied &racefully# then raised a 'lushin& face to him!
;Shall we>< Marcus e1tended his arm to 4mma!
4mma 'ristled! ;+t a$$ears you%ve left me no choice# my lord!<
?
+t was truly foolish to continue to avoid Marcus! As Cecile had remared#
4mma had to face him sometime if he $lanned to mae his home in 4n&land a&ain!
3rom the &ossi$ she%d $iced u$ since returnin& from the retirin& room# that was
$recisely his intention! +f she could 8ust &et throu&h this one dance# she would wish
him well# and return to her comforta'le life with her $ride and secret intact!
As they lined u$ for the 2uadrille# she snuc a $ee at him! His dashin& &ood
loos had 'een enhanced 'y the sli&ht tannin& of his sin! She shivered
remem'erin& his stron& hands stroin& her 'ody until she felt she would catch fire!
Their one ni&ht of $assion@any ni&hts after that cut short 'y her $arents% edict to
marry Surrey# and Marcus%s a'andonment!
(h# how she%d hated her $arents then! But nothin& com$ared to the wrath
that envelo$ed her at Marcus%s easy acce$tance of her 'etrothal! They%d made
love# and she envisioned her life with him! Then within days of that 'lasted
news$a$er announcement he a$$arently threw u$ his hands and left for +ndia! And
too her heart with him# never sus$ectin& what he%d left 'ehind!
The dance 'e&an# and they came to&ether!
;+%ve missed you!< Marcus touched her hand li&htly as they moved around
each other!
;+ndeed>< She $ut as much disdain as $ossi'le into that one word!
They retreated once more and switched $artners! Their eyes remained lined
as they studied each other as they moved# lie two animals# circlin&# each waitin&
for the other to strie first!
;+ wish + could offer condolences for your late hus'and# 'ut +%m afraid +%m
too selfish to feel remorse!< They came to&ether# and then $arted 2uicly as they
a&ain circled each other!
They touched hands and moved in time with the music! ;+ want to tal with
you when this is over!< Marcus s2uee=ed her fin&ers 'efore releasin& her!
4mma hesitated# losin& her ste$s# receivin& u$raised eye'rows from Lord
Hawthorne to her ri&ht# who waited for her to circle him!
;"o than you# my lord! My ne1t dance is s$oen for#< she whis$ered
furiously!
Marcus reached out and tore the small card that dan&led from her wrist 'y a
slim &old ri''on! ;+ have all your dances for the rest of the evenin&!<
They remained in stony silence as the dance $roceeded! When the final notes
faded away# 4mma turned to hurry 'ac to her safe s$ot ne1t to Lady Cecile!
Marcus too her arm# and in a firm &ri$# moved her in the o$$osite direction! ;This
way# my lady!<
Left with no alternative save main& a cae of herself# 4mma moved with
him# her s$ine ri&id!
?
Marcus had not ima&ined it! 4mma was enra&ed! Her mis$laced an&er
smarted# since her $arents were the ones who%d ri$$ed them a$art! He led her down
the hallway where he remem'ered the li'rary was located! Marcus $laced his hand
on her lower 'ac and ushered her throu&h the door! Someone had 'een thou&htful
enou&h to li&ht a fire# &ivin& off warmth to the dar# silent room! They moved
closer to the flames# warmin& themselves!
He leaned his arm a&ainst the mantle and studied the only woman he%d ever
loved# her e12uisite features ti&htened! ;4mma! +B+ don%t even now where to
start!< He $inched the 'rid&e of his nose with his inde1 fin&er and thum'! ;+%m not
&ood with words# 'ut + want you to now + still love you# and now that you%re free#
+ wish to marry you!<
She 8ered 'ac as if sla$$ed! ;How dare youA<
His 'rows rushed to&ether! ;Sweetheart# + &et the distinct im$ression you%re
an&ry with me!<
4mma $aced! ;*ou thin so> 9ery astute# my lord!<
He $laced his hand on her shoulder to sto$ her frantic racin& to and fro!
;4mma# $lease tell me what%s wron&!<
Tear rimmed eyes met his and her voice shoo! ;Why didn%t you come for
me><
Marcus shoo his head in confusion! ;What do you mean><
;The ni&ht after the announcement a$$eared in the news$a$er@without my
$ermission# or nowled&e@+ $aced my 'a& and waited for you to come for me!<
She swi$ed at the tears runnin& down her chees! ;+ thou&ht you loved me!<
Marcus $ulled her into his arms! ;(h# sweetheart! + didC+ do! And comin&
for you was $recisely my $lan! +%d arran&ed for us to run off to Gretna Green!<
She tilted her head! ;+ don%t understand!<
;*our father cau&ht me a'out to raise the ladder to your 'edroom window!
He 'rou&ht me inside# &ave me a drin of whisey and e1$lained that you were in
favor of the match!< Marcus clenched her shoulders! ;*ou%d left me a note# for
God%s sae!<
4mma frowned! ;A note> + never wrote a note!<
He swore he could hear the sound of his heart landin& in his stomach! ;"o
note><
She slowly shoo her head! ;"o!<
;But he showed meBand + 'elieved the 'astardB< He &lanced at her!
4mma colla$sed into a chair in front of the fire! ;They lied!< She raised her
&a=e to him! ;They lied to you! + never wrote a note! (n my weddin& day + was so
livid with 'oth them and you# + thou&ht + would e1$ire from it!<
Marcus dro$$ed to his nees 'efore her# tain& her soft hands in his! ;My
$oor 4mma! "o wonder you%ve 'een so an&ry with me! + loved you then# and +
love you now! + never would have a'andoned you! "ever!< He reached out and
cu$$ed her chin# his mouth coverin& hers hun&rily!
Tentatively at first# then with a firmer &ri$# she wra$$ed her arms around his
shoulders# moanin& as he slid his ton&ue into her mouth# tastin& her sweetness! He
$ulled 'ac and issed her eyelids# her nose# her chin! ;+%m so very sorry!< He
leaned 'ac ;+# too# felt 'etrayed! + thou&ht you loved me# and after our ni&ht
to&ether would never &ive yourself to another man!<
;+ didn%t!<
He raised his eye'rows! ;But you were married# how didB<
4mma shoo her head! ;Surrey was fee'le! He tried! (h# Marcus# it was
horri'le! The few times he attem$ted to 'ed me# he never succeeded! He died
$eacefully in his slee$ only wees after we married!<
She shivered# remem'erin& those times! Surrey%s hands were cold as ice# his
$ale 'ody a&ed and sa&&in&! When she%d lain awae after his attem$ts#
remem'erin& Marcus and their lovemain&# she%d 'eaten her $illow in frustration
and cried herself to slee$!
Marcus 'rou&ht her fin&ers to his mouth to iss each ti$! ;+ thou&ht + heard
you had a child# a little &irl><
She too in a dee$ 'reath! This was it# no more secrets! ;+ do!<
;Then howB>< At the loo of love on her face# he new the answer! ;+ have
a dau&hter>< Stunned# his li$s were 'arely a'le to move! He%d left her with a child!
6na'le to s$ea# she nodded# tears s$illin& from her 'eautiful eyes! ;*es#
Marcus! *ou have a dau&hter! 4li=a'eth is 8ust $ast her second 'irthday!<
Trem'lin& fin&ers reached out and touched his face! ;She has your eyes!<
3eelin&s of love# $ride# &uilt# and lon&in& washed over him! He was a father!
He and 4mma had created a little &irl from their love! S$eechless for $ro'a'ly the
first time in his life# he $ulled her onto his la$ on the floor# and issed her with all
the $assion and love in his 'ody!
He $ulled away! ;We must marry immediately!<
4mma &rinned! ;Well# we have to $ost the 'anns# and $lan a ceremony!<
Marcus stood# and $ulled her u$! ;3ine# $lan whatever you lie! But now +
want to mae love to you more than anythin& in the world!<
;+%m a house &uest! +# ah# have a room u$stairs!< She cast him a sideways
&lance# her chees a charmin& shade of $in!
His heart lea$t and he waved her toward the door! ;Lead on# my lady!<
Hand in hand# they raced u$ the stairs# 'arely noticin& Lady Cecile &rinnin&
from her s$ot 'ehind the $otted $lant at the 'ottom of the stairs!
;Ah# love!< She si&hed and returned to the 'allroom!
D The 4nd D
Band of Gold
By: Callie Hutton
3e'ruary /0# -./0
Aileen Eramer &lanced out the car window and her 'reath cau&ht at the
ma&nificence of 9alentine# Colorado s$read out 'efore them lie a $icture $ost
card! The soft &low from the ca'ins and snu& homes radiated a&ainst the &listenin&
snow# servin& u$ a ma&ical 'acdro$ for the SweetHart Lod&e# where she and
S$encer headed!
Magic! That%s what they needed# and what S$encer ho$ed to find here! At
least that%s what he%d told her when he $ro$osed this tri$! Their last &etaway 'efore
the divorce 'ecame final! She slanted a &lance at her almost e1:hus'and! 4i&ht
years of marria&e hadn%t taen a toll on him as it had her!
At twenty:ei&ht he was still handsome# the lines in his face only addin& to
his a$$eal! He%d maintained his muscular 'uild with years on oil ri&s! He could
easily &race the cover of GF with thic 'lac hair fallin& over his forehead# and
rivetin& 'lue eyes surrounded 'y eyelashes a woman would ill for!
She# on the other hand# looed every 'it of her twenty:seven years# $lus
many more! 5es$air and de$ression did that to a $erson! She%d sto$$ed $ayin&
attention to herself somewhere alon& the line while she cared for Becy! Then the
num'ness followin& her death 'rou&ht every $art of livin& to a &rindin& halt! She
si&hed and returned her notice to the lod&e &rowin& closer!
Built on a small rise# with several $o$ulated well:lit si runs 'ehind it# a
welcomin& si&n with two hearts# entwined with the names 9al and Tina Hart
underneath# teased her li$s with a rare smile!
;+%ll dro$ you off in front and $ar the car!< S$encer threw the car into $ar
and ho$$ed out! +n his usual ener&etic manner# he strode around the car and o$ened
the door 'efore she could even do it!
She crin&ed at the ho$eful loo on his face! Why didn%t he understand there
was nothin& left in her to &ive> That everythin& she was# and would ever 'e# she%d
'uried with their three year old dau&hter>
Please, Spence, dont make this weekend harder than it already is.
Aileen had 'een fla''er&asted when S$ence had sto$$ed 'y her a$artment to
su&&est a 9alentine%s 5ay weeend flin&! G(ne last tri$% he%d called it! When she%d
$ushed him to tell her why after all this time# he merely ased her to &ive them one
more chance!
9alentine%s 5ay weeend! They%d had se1 for the first time on 9alentine%s
5ay! Two teena&ers# fum'lin& in the 'acseat of the Eramer family 9olvo! She
was his first# and he was hers! 3irst and only! 3or her# anyway! She really didn%t
now what S$ence had done to relieve the stron& a$$etite he%d always had! 5idn%t
want to now# either!
;Come on# honey! + understand the owners are a real hoot!<
;Sir# +%ll 'e ha$$y to $ar your car!< A youn& man dressed in 'lac slacs
and a hooded 8acet with the SweetHart Lod&e twinnin& hearts em'roidered on the
chest waled u$ to them# snow crunchin& under his feet!
;Hey# that%s &reat# thans man!< S$ence reached in for Aileen%s hand and
$ulled her out# almost as if he thou&ht she%d rather s$end the tri$ sittin& in the car!
He retrieved their two suitcases from the 'ac seat and started toward the
door! Aileen &lanced 'ac at the car# not an1ious to leave the sanctity of the dar
interior! "ow that they headed into the li&ht# she felt stri$$ed# vulnera'le! She
would have to s$end the ne1t forty:ei&ht hours tryin& hard to act normal# feel
normal!
An older woman dressed in si $ants# furry 'oots and a white sweater with a
hu&e heart on the front &reeted them at the front door! ;Howdy# fols! +%m Tina
Hart# and welcome to SweetHart lod&e!< Had she 'een dressed in a red and white
fur suit she could easily have $assed the most cynical child%s scrutiny as Mrs!
Santa Claus! Round and red cheeed# her smile too u$ most of her face! 5es$ite
Aileen%s mood# she smiled 'ac at the woman# her s$irits liftin&!
;We have a reservation for Mr! and Mrs! Eramer!< S$ence followed Mrs!
Hart to the front des and dro$$ed the lu&&a&e at his feet!
;S$ence>< Aileen%s heart s$ed u$# and she tu&&ed on his sleeve# $ullin& him
aside! ;+ thou&ht you said we would have se$arate rooms>< she whis$ered# dartin&
a &lance at Mrs! Hart!
;Honey# there%s no $oint in comin& here#< he waved his hand around# ;and
stayin& in se$arate rooms!<
;But you $romised!< Her already thum$in& heart s$ed u$ even more! She
couldn%t stay in the same room with S$ence! "o# no! This would never wor! She
liced her li$s and a$$roached the counter! ;+s it $ossi'le for us to have se$arate
rooms><
Mrs! Hart &lanced 'riefly at S$ence and shoo her head! ;+%m sorry# Mrs!
Eramer# 'ut we%re 'ooed solid for the entire weeend! 9alentine%s 5ay# you
now!<
Aileen chewed on her li$! Could she 'rea her $romise and insist he tae her
home# since he%d 'roen his $romise for se$arate rooms>
S$ence rested his $alm a&ainst her chee! ;)lease# honey! Two days! That%s
all +%m asin& for!<
She &ave him a curt nod# ru''in& sweaty $alms a&ainst her thi&hs! Somehow
she%d &et throu&h this! Then she%d never have to deal with him a&ain! All the
'reath left her 'ody as she $ondered that thou&ht! "ever was a lon& time!
?
S$encer &ra''ed their 'a&s and followed the directions Mrs! Hart had &iven
them to their room# leavin& Aileen to reluctantly trail 'ehind! He%d nown it was a
dirty tric to tell her they would have se$arate rooms when he%d had no intention
of doin& that! There didn%t seem to 'e a $oint to them comin& here if they were to
'e se$arated! 4s$ecially at ni&ht! He%d made sure their room had only one 'ed# too!
Althou&h# Mrs! Hart lau&hed when he%d ased# and assured him SweetHart Lod&e
would never have rooms with more than one 'ed! He could almost see her &ivin&
him a cons$irin& win at the other end of the line!
He slid the $lastic card into the reader and $ushed the door o$en! *esA
)erfect! A hu&e 'ed sat smac in the middle of the room# covered 'y a white satin
2uilt with several $in and red hearts em'roidered in the center! Rose $etals had
'een strewn over the &enerous $illows! The 'ottle of cham$a&ne he%d ordered
rested in a silver 'ucet# 'eads of condensation runnin& down its sides! The
confirmation he%d received from the Lod&e assured an unfor&etta'le weeend of
hocolate, !lowers and . . . He new how he wanted that $romise to end!
To the ri&ht# he s$ied the 'athroom with a heart sha$ed tu'# 'i& enou&h for
two! (r more# de$endin& on your inclinations! "ot his! All he wanted to do was &et
Aileen in that tu' with a &lass of cham$a&ne in her hand!
All the sorrow of the last two years mared her face! Althou&h he%d loved
runnin& his fin&ers throu&h her lon& 'lond hair# her new cut with the s$rin&y curls
surroundin& her cheru' face# softened the tense lines! She%d lost wei&ht# and he
&uessed she 'arely 'roe a hundred $ounds on the scale! But since she was a tiny
woman anyway# she didn%t have the scarecrow loo of a fashion model!
But the saddest thin& a'out his wife was her hu&e 'rown eyes# that one time
s$arled with mischief and humor# and now looed vacant and dead! Lie their
Becy!
He shoo his head# $ushin& the dar thou&hts to the 'ac of his mind! He
loved Aileen# and wanted her 'ac! But not the shell of a woman he%d nown since
Becy%s death! He wanted the woman he%d fallen in love with# who lay in 'ed
'eside him at ni&ht# whis$erin&# sharin& dreams and ho$es for the future! The wife
who sur$rised him with s$ecial dinners when he returned from wor# who loved
him with a $assion he new he%d not find anywhere else! Hadn%t tried to find#
either!
;Let%s &et some dinner!< S$encer shru&&ed out of his si 8acet and tossed it
on the 'ed!
;All ri&ht!< Aileen slowly un=i$$ed her coat# the entire time nervously
&lancin& at the 'ed!
?
The Lod&e teemed with $eo$le# cou$les with their arms wra$$ed around
each other# clutchin& coffee cu$s and wine &lasses! The lo''y stayed cold with
&uests enterin&# checin& in# and headin& to their rooms! They $assed the $aced
coctail loun&e# two 'artenders racin& from one end of the hi&hly $olished 'ar to
the other# $ourin& 'eer and mi1in& drins! The lau&hter and shoutin& ru''ed her
raw!
"ow that she%d seen their room# Aileen new this entire idea was a hu&e
mistae! Better they should have 8ust $arted friends and &one on with their lives!
S$ence rested his warm $alm on her lower 'ac and 'ent toward her ear!
;5id you want a drin 'efore dinner><
She shoo her head# no $oint in tryin& to answer him with all the noise!
He slid his hand u$ to her shoulder# leavin& a trail of fire a&ainst her sin#
and moved her forward# toward the hostess seatin& &uests! The familiar smell of
S$ence%s favorite colo&ne# "iorgio #rmani# mi1ed with the uni2ue scent that was
all him# wafted to her nostrils# 'rin&in& unwanted memories! Tears s$ran& to her
eyes! 4yes that until now had remained dry for what seemed lie forever!
5es$ite the 'ustlin& crowd# they were seated ri&ht away# in front of a lar&e
'ay window with a 'reathtain& view of the mountain# lit u$ with red and white
li&hts! A few well 'undled siers rode the lift# sis dan&lin& from their feet and
$oles clutched firmly in their hands!
;*ou do now + don%t si!< Aileen fum'led with the $in cloth na$in#
sna$$in& it and $lacin& it on her la$!
;+ now! + thou&ht may'e we could &ive it a &o tomorrow! They have
lessons at ten o%cloc for 'e&inners!<
;And do they have first aid lessons for the 'e&inners in the afternoon>< She
smired# then her 'rows drew to&ether! She%d actually said somethin& humorous! +t
felt odd# actually! Stran&e! Lie she%d crawled out of the ra''it hole to view the
real world where she no lon&er 'elon&ed!
S$ence &rinned! ;+%ll have to chec the schedule for tomorrow! They have a
lot of activities! +f we don%t want to si# we can ice sate# snow tu'e# tae a dance
lesson!<
;A dance lesson><
;*es! + understand there%s a real hot cou$le who teach the Salsa!< He
wi&&led his eye'rows# and she &rinned! Then his eyes &rew heated and her
stomach fluttered! S$ence could still turn her nees to 8elly! But it had 'een so lon&
since she%d $aid attention to those feelin&s! She flashed 'ac to their room with the
one 'ed! And the sunen 'athtu'! "o! She didn%t want to &o there!
The waiter a$$roached them and too their orders# leavin& them with a
'aset of warm rolls! S$ence reached for one# and 'roe it a$art! ;*ou loo lie
you%ve lost wei&ht!< He &lanced at her as he 'uttered his roll!
Aileen shru&&ed! ;A little!<
He chewed and swallowed# then wi$ed his mouth! ;How%s the new 8o'><
;All ri&ht! + still can%t 'elieve they hired me as assistant mana&er!<
S$ence leaned 'ac! ;Why not> Before BecB Well# 'efore# when we were
first married# you wored as a front end mana&er in that su$ermaret!<
;+ now# 'ut +%ve only wored as a sales cler since BecB< She sto$$ed and
dro$$ed her hands in her la$# her shoulders slum$ed!
;Aileen# we can%t continue to avoid sayin& her name!< S$ence lowered his
voice and leaned forward! ;She was our dau&hter! We made her to&ether# we loved
her to&ether# and we lost her to&ether!<
She shoo her head! ;+ can%t do this! + have to &o home!< She $laced her
hands on the ta'le to rise# 'ut S$ence reached over and sto$$ed her!
;5on%t &o! )lease!<
;This was not a &ood idea!< She tu&&ed her hand free# tossed her na$in
down# then fled the room# 8ust as the waiter arrived with two $lates!
?
;Can you 'o1 those u$> +%ll tae them with me!< S$ence s$oe to the waiter
and watched Aileen retreat# his &ut clenched with an&er! They had to have this out#
and she wasn%t &oin& to run this time# if he had to tie her to a chair with his 'elt!
The waiter returned to the itchen# and as S$encer finished si&nin& for their
meal at the hostess%s des# the mana&er arrived with the 'o1es! S$encer too them
from him and strode toward room H/H!
When he entered# Aileen sat on the 'ed# her arms wra$$ed around her
middle# starin& off into s$ace!
;Honey>< When she didn%t acnowled&e him# he set the 'o1es ne1t to the
T9 and 8oined her on the 'ed! ;Can we tal><
She too a shudderin& 'reath# 'ut remained silent!
S$ence rose# runnin& his fin&ers throu&h his hair! He stood in front of her#
his hands on his hi$s! ;Tal to me!<
She shoo her head# a low eenin& sound comin& from her stiff 'ody as she
roced 'ac and forth!
S$ence sat a&ain# unclenched her arms and too her ice cold hands in his!
;Honey# it%s time! Tal to me!<
;+ can%t!< Her soft whis$er tortured him!
;*es# you can! Try!<
He remained silent &ri$$ed 'y the $ain in her face! 4ventually# she seemed
to draw stren&th from somewhere dee$ inside her!
She started off soft# slow! Then lie a wave en&ulfin& the shoreline# the
words tum'led out! ;All the months of Becy%s illness# the tri$s 'ac and forth to
the hos$ital# the ho$es that a new treatment for her leuemia would surface 'efore
it illed her# + was alone! *ou never taled to me# never told me how you felt!< Her
'lea eyes $inned him!
;How do you thin + felt>< His voice rose# 'ouncin& off the walls of the
room! He too a dee$ 'reath and s$oe softer! ;+ couldn%t tell you! 5on%t you see>
*ou $ushed me away! + tried! God did + try# 'ut you never wanted me# never cared
that + was sufferin&# too! *ou closed me out when + needed you the most!<
;Becy needed meA<
;And so did +!<
Aileen%s throat wored# misery on her face! ;*ou never told me! *ou went
to wor# came home and ate# and went to 'ed! The only time you s$oe out loud
was when you taled to Becy!<
;God# honey# don%t you remem'er> *ou were lie delicate &lass# so fra&ile#
ready to shatter! What was + to do# add the 'urden of my &rief to yours> Watch you
crum'le lie dust# and leave me forever>< He whis$ered# almost to himself! ;Lie
Becy did!<
;5on%t do this# S$ence! 5on%t dred&e all this u$ a&ain! This was a mistae#
comin& here! +%m leavin&!< She attem$ted to stand# 'ut he &ras$ed her shoulders!
;"oA *ou%re dyin& inside# Aileen! *ou%re fadin&# disa$$earin&! And + can%t
let you &o!< He neaded her arms! ;+ love you! +%ve always loved you! And + need
you! *ou%re the only $erson in the world who feels lie + do# who%s suffered lie +
have!<
She closed her eyes# 'ut didn%t move away! ;*ou%re wron&! +%m not dyin&#
+%m already dead!<
;"o# you%re not!< He shoo her sli&htly as her mouth wored# fi&htin& 'ac
tears! ;Cry# dammit! *ou never cried even one sin&le tear while Becy was sic# at
her funeral# or after! *ou have to &et it out! Cry# honey# cry# $lease!<
;+ can%t<
;Why not><
Her voice &rew thic! ;Because if + start# +%ll never sto$! 5on%t you
understand> As lon& as it%s 'ottled u$ inside me# + can stand it! +f + let &oB<
;Let it &o# 'a'y# $lease#< he $ulled her to his chest and whis$ered in her hair#
his li$s leavin& a scatterin& of isses alon& her forehead
She shoo her head frantically# tain& &reat &ul$s of air! Then her shoulders
started to shae 'efore racin& so's 'urst forth from her 'ody! S$encer drew her
onto his la$# nestlin& her in his arms! He ru''ed her 'ac as her 'ody trem'led#
losin& her 'reath at times as her &rief eru$ted in a torrent of wee$in&!
Time stood still# their com'ined &rief the only $resence in room H/H at the
SweetHart Lod&e# as they clun& to each other lie they should have two years
'efore!
Soon S$ence%s tears mi1ed with Aileen%s# and they hun& on# so ti&htly he
new there would 'e mars on her thin arms tomorrow! She 'urrowed into his
chest as if she wanted to enter his 'ody# lose herself# 'ecome $art of him!
After a'out a half hour# when Aileen%s so's had turned into soft hiccu$s# he
iced off his shoes and removed hers! He left her lon& enou&h to $ull down the
2uilt and slide her under it! She rolled to him as he clim'ed in alon&side her!
S$ence settled her on his shoulder! ;Slee$# 'a'y! Ri&ht here in my arms
where you 'elon&!<
?
Bri&ht sunshine $oured throu&h the immense wall of windows as 9al Hart
too his usual stroll throu&h the dinin& room# ha$$y to see a full house a&ain! 4ven
thou&h The SweetHart Lod&e always did a &ood year round 'usiness# he always
lied 9alentine%s 5ay weeend the 'est! The $lace was crammed full with lovers!
+t 'rou&ht a &low to his old heart! Made him a$$reciate his Tina even more!
He sto$$ed and chatted with a few diners en8oyin& their 'reafast! He s$ied
a cou$le in the corner# eyes for no one else 'ut each other! ;Howdy# fols! Glad
you 8oined us!<
The man stood and shoo hands! ;S$encer Eramer# sir! And this is my wife#
Aileen!<
;And +%m 9al Hart!< He studied their hands clas$ed to&ether lie they would
never let &o! ;Let me &uess! *%all are newlyweds# ri&ht><
They &lanced at each other and smiled! ;*eah! "ewlyweds + &uess you
could say that#< the man said as he moved his wife%s hand to his li$s and issed the
&olden 'and on the third fin&er of her left hand! ;"ewlyweds!<
9al &rinned and moved away! He could always $ic Gem out!
D The 4nd D
Love and War
By: Callie Hutton
Santa 3e# "ew Me1ico
Au&ust# /I/I
5eanie Lawrence sto$$ed a few 'uildin&s down from the Loretto Cha$el
and too a dee$ 'reath! She chewed her li$ in contem$lation! This was not a &ood
idea! 5es$ite 3ather Ryan%s assurances# she dou'ted comin& face to face with )eter
after all this time would heal the an&er in his soul! "o! Her former fiancJ des$ised
her# and with &ood reason!
The church stood outlined a&ainst the crystal 'lue "ew Me1ico sy! +t had
always 'rou&ht her comfort# es$ecially durin& her darest hours! The ma8estic rise
of the stee$le and &othic desi&n of the 'uildin& itself 'rou&ht a sense of calm to her
ra&in& nerves! Wi$in& her sweaty $alms down the front of her sirt# she started
forward! She would do this for Koey%s sae! "o fear was too &reat that she wouldn%t
face it for him! Her resolve stren&thened# she hurried forward# now an1ious to &et
the meetin& over with!
The coolness of the church%s interior slid over her as she $ulled on the heavy
wooden door! 3amiliar smells of candle wa1 and incense lured her in! The well:
nown and miraculously constructed staircase to the left of the $ul$it 'rou&ht
visitors from all over the world! +t was a $eaceful $lace# soothin& for 'oth sinners
and saints alie!
When 3ather Ryan had a$$roached her a'out this $lan# he%d told her )eter
was doin& re$airs to the church# a$$arently the only 8o' he could o'tain after
returnin& home! He%d 'een dischar&ed from the hos$ital in )aris a few months
after the end of the Great War# missin& one eye! After a lon& tre home# )eter
discovered his family home and $ro$erty had 'een lost for ta1es# and his family
scattered! The last she%d heard Mrs! Wilson had died of +nfluen=a and Mr! Wilson
now resided with )eter%s sister# Kane# and her family in Te1as!
How he must hate her for what he considered her 'etrayal! Less than two
months after he left with the 3irst +nfantry Re&iment# "ew Me1ico "ational Guard#
for California# and then 4uro$e# she%d married Russell Lawrence!
Good# ind# Russell! (ld enou&h to 'e her father# 'ut so $rotective of her!
He%d made it clear from the start that he would always tae care of her# and not
allow anyone to dis$ara&e her! The stren&th of his name and re$utation had e$t
her from 'ein& cast out of the community! 6ntil the end of her days# she would
always remem'er his indness! The small 'ou2uet of flowers she $laced on his
&rave each wee for the $ast few months was a $ittance com$ared to what he%d
done for her!
She slowly made her way u$ the aisle# her eyes dartin& 'ac and forth in the
cool dimness# seein& the man she still loved with all her heart! Her 'reath cau&ht
when she s$otted him on his nees# e1aminin& a church $ew! The sun $eein&
throu&h an o$en window that 'athed his $rofile 'rou&ht a rush of emotions# almost
choin& her! His 'rown and &olden hair was lon&# tuced carelessly 'ehind his
ears! The stron& chin# strai&ht nose and hi&h chee'ones were as familiar to her as
her own face! How she%d loved his face! 3or years! 3rom the time they were
children# until she issed him &ood'ye as he went off to war!
"o! She%d continued to love him even after he%d left# and served his country
overseas! "ow he%d returned a wounded warrior! Her warrior! She dran in the
si&ht of him# sure that once she made her $resence nown he%d liely snarl at her
and stal off! He turned# $erha$s aware of someone watchin& him# and she &as$ed!
A 'lac $atch covered one eye# 'ut aside from that# the rest of him looed
$erfect! Stron& muscular chest# solid arms# the lower $art e1$osed from where he%d
rolled u$ his sleeves! Without conscious effort# tears flooded her eyes! She &ri$$ed
her hands to&ether# attem$tin& to sto$ the shain&! Her muscles ached from
holdin& her 'ody stiff# $reventin& her from rushin& forward and throwin& herself
into his arms! ;)eter><
Slowly# he clim'ed to his feet# a flicer of somethin& warm and lovin&
simmed over his face 'efore his features fro=e into a mas# and any love she%d
&otten a &limmer of# shut off# turnin& his e1$ression to stone! Cold stone!
;Well# well! +f it isn%t Ke=e'el!<
She covered her mouth with her hand to ee$ from cryin& out! Althou&h
she%d e1$ected it# hearin& his dee$ voice condemnin& her cut her heart into little
slivers! (h# how she must dis&ust him!
;+ heard you returned a few wees a&o!< Her shay voice 'arely rose a'ove
a whis$er!
He $laced the tools he held on the 'ench and crossed his arms! ;And now
you%re here to chastise me for not runnin& to you ri&ht off> Why> +s your 'ed too
cold now that your h$sband is dead>
+f he%d waled u$ to her and sla$$ed her# it wouldn%t have hurt as much as
his words and o'vious loathin&! Her mouth dried u$# and she fou&ht the ur&e to
turn and race from the 'uildin&! 3rom that condemnin& face!
5eanie swallowed 'ile# and cleared her throat! ;+%m sorry a'out your eye!<
)eter shru&&ed! ;9ery few returned from the war the way they left!<
;Are you well otherwise><
He $laced his hands on his hi$s! ;Why are you here# 5eanie>< When she
didn%t answer him# he continued# ;+f it%s to tell me how sorry you are# and s$urt
sym$athy over my in8ury# you can leave now!< He 'ent and $iced u$ a hammer!
;+ have wor to do!<
She moved closer! ;+ thou&ht since we 'oth live in the same town# we could
at least 'e friends!<
????
We co$ld at least be %riends.
4ither somewhere alon& the line he%d missed how cruel she was# or she%d
lost the intelli&ent mind he remem'ered! He and 5eanie had 'een friends for years
'efore they declared their love for one another! They%d 'ecome en&a&ed# and then
he%d 'een called to war! Memories of their few ni&hts to&ether had 'een what e$t
him &oin& all the lonely months in fo1holes# $rayin& for the Good Lord to s$are his
life so he could return to her! But to learn after he%d returned that she%d married
someone else merely wees after he%d left had cut him lie no amount of a&ony the
'attlefield could have delivered!
5es$ite the nife turnin& in his heart# he lau&hed! A 'rittle sound from dee$
inside# not meant to $rovide humor# 'ut to remind him that even thou&h he still
loved this woman# he%d never let her now! "ever &ive her the o$$ortunity to ri$
his world a$art once more!
;Ah! + don%t thin we could 'e friends! + don%t &enerally allow my friends to
deceive me!< He crin&ed# wishin& the words 'ac! The last thin& he wanted was for
5eanie to now how dee$ly she%d hurt him! How she could &ive him her love so
freely# $romise to wait forever for his return# then wal down this very aisle with
Russell Lawrence 'efore the dust from his retreatin& army 'oots had cleared the
air> "o! +t was 'est to end the conversation 'efore he acted on this overwhelmin&
desire to as why!
;+%m sorry!<
)eter closed his eyes# not wantin& to see the tears runnin& down her chees!
To watch her hands twist the fa'ric of her sirt# hear the catch in her voice! His
arms ached to hold her!
He &ri$$ed the hammer harder! ;As + said! + have wor to do! 3ather Ryan is
e1$ectin& these re$airs to 'e made!< He turned and headed toward the side door!
;*ou have a son! Koey!<
Althou&h the words were soft# they 'ounced off the walls of the church#
enterin& his ears lie the 'eatin& of a drum!
# son?
+f she%d intended to sto$ him in his tracs# success was hers! He lost his
'reath as if someone had suced out all of the air from the room! Slowly num'ness
melted into an&er# and then to a s$ar of 8oy! A son! He too a dee$ 'reath 'efore
$ivotin& to face her! ;+ left you with a child><
5eanie nodded# and wi$ed her wet chees with shay fin&ers! )eter reached
into his $ocet and withdrew a handerchief! He moved closer and held it out to
her! Her soft sin as it 'rushed his hand sent heat s$iralin& throu&hout his 'ody!
Closer now# with the sunli&ht streamin& throu&h the window# he &ot a &ood loo at
her!
She%d matured from the &irl he%d left 'ehind! Her face was fuller# her 'ody
more lush! 5id child'irth do that to a woman> But the dee$ 'lue eyes were the
same! He%d always felt she could see ri&ht to his very soul! He mentally shoo
himself! She%d 8ust uttered words that roced his world# and here he was admirin&
her! )erha$s the 'rain%s way of dealin& with shoc! 3ocus on somethin& else#
holdin& at 'ay all the emotions &ettin& ready to slam into you full force# lie a
'oulder 'ouncin& on the mountain a'ove you# a'out to crush you under its wei&ht!
;Why should + 'elieve any child of yours is mine><
She too a ste$ 'ac# her face the color of new snow! She hu&&ed her
middle# tensin& as if to tae fli&ht# 'ut then stiffened her s$ine and raised her chin!
;*ou are the only man +%ve ever 'een with!<
The lau&h 'urst forth 'efore he even reali=ed it! A 'itter# harsh soundL totally
mirthless! ;+%ve 'een 'ac a few wees# 5eanie! )eo$le tal! + now you were
married for more than two years!< He tu&&ed his fin&ers throu&h his unruly hair!
;Are you tryin& to tell me Russell Lawrence never came to your 'ed><
????
She shoo her head! ;That was our deal!< This was all wron&! )eter didn%t
'elieve her# and since the town had acce$ted Koey as Russell%s son# he mi&ht never
'e convinced! And Koey would never now his father! The wonderful man who
stood 'efore her# radiatin& hurt! Hurt that she%d caused! ;+ feel a 'it shay! +s it all
ri&ht if + sit for a minute><
)eter nodded# 'ut didn%t 8oin her on the church $ew! +nstead# he waled in
circles# his head down# his hands on his hi$s! ;So what is this deal you had><
5eanie wi$ed the sweat 'eadin& her u$$er li$ and too a dee$ 'reath! ;"ot
too lon& after you left + discovered + was with child!< God# her voice didn%t sound
lie her own! His $acin& was main& her more nervous than she already was! ;6m!
Could you sto$><
He came to an a'ru$t halt and studied her! ;Sorry!< He craced his nucles
and sat alon&side her# leavin& enou&h distance that she almost felt the need to
shout!
;When my $arents discovered my shame# they threw me out!< Her eyes
filled with tears remem'erin& the terror at 'ein& all alone with a child on the way!
;Why didn%t you write to me><
;+ didA< She too another dee$ 'reath to calm herself! Shoutin& wouldn%t &et
her anywhere! ;+ did!<
He studied her with narrowed eyes! ;+ never &ot a letter from you! "ot the
entire time + was &one!<
5eanie reached out and touched his arm# &rateful that he didn%t $ull 'ac! ;+
wrote you every day for wees! + $rayed! + s$ent more time on my nees than +
sle$t!<
;How did Lawrence 'ecome involved><
;+ was stayin& in the 'ac of the old Benson dry &oods store! Sadie at the
cafJ let me wash dishes for meals!< Slowly all the fear and des$eration of that time
returned# releasin& a torrent of tears to course down her face!
)eter moved closer! ;Go on!<
;+ was so scared!< She shoo her head! ;+ even considered! ! !<
;What><
She liced a tear from her u$$er li$! ;(ne mornin& + came here# to the
church# and ased 3ather Ryan for &uidance! + was close to! ! !< She shuddered!
;But + never would have! + could tae my own life# 'ut not that of my 'a'y!<
????
)eter reared 'ac at her confession# all the 'lood leavin& his face! His an&er
melted with the vision of a des$erate youn& woman# with no home# no hus'and#
and no way to su$$ort herself# and a child on the way! He inched even closer# and
covered her ti&htly fisted hands with his!
;3ather Ryan told me to $ray and return the followin& day! + s$ent hours on
my nees# $rayin& for a miracle! The ne1t mornin& as + entered the cha$el# Russell
was sittin& ri&ht here in this $ew! 3ather Ryan left us alone# and that%s when +
found $eace for the first time since you%d left!<
As she told her story# her 'ody seemed to ease! He found himself ru''in&
her nucles with his thum'# $leased to feel her ice cold hands warmin&! ;And><
;Russell e1$lained that 3ather Ryan had s$oen to him of my trou'le! He
didn%t 8ud&e me! He said if + would allow it# he%d 'e honored to have me as his
wife# and claim my 'a'y as his own child!<
His eye'rows drew to&ether in confusion! ;Why would he do that><
5eanie shru&&ed! ;He isCwasCa wonderful man! He%d 'uried his wife
years 'efore# 'ut was tired of 'ein& alone! He wanted someone to share the
remainin& years of his life# and was thrilled at the idea of havin& a child to leave
his hardware 'usiness to!<
He fou&ht a wave of &uilt that almost 'rou&ht him to his nees! How could
he have ever thou&ht 5eanie would 'etray him> His hurt and an&er had consumed
him# causin& him to $ush away the one woman he%d always loved# and would
always love!
;Russell e1$lained that he wouldn%t e1$ect me to 'e his wife in truth# since
he was so much older than me# and all he wanted was com$anionshi$!< She turned
to him# fresh tears standin& in her eyes! ;+ loved him! So much!< She shoo her
head! ;"ot lie + love! ! !<
)eter cu$$ed her chin# and turned her face toward him! ;"ot lie you love!!!<
5eanie &lanced away from him! ;Anyway# + 8ust wanted to e1$lain# ho$in&
to ease some of your $ain!<
He leaned his head 'ac# starin& at the ceilin&! ;+ was hidin& in fo1holes or
on the move from the time + left until the war ended!< He turned his head to loo at
her! ;That%s $ro'a'ly why + never received any of your letters!<
;+ understand!< She nodded and stood# 'rushin& off her lon& 'lac sirt!
;MamaA< The small voice echoed throu&hout the church# sendin& chills
down )eter%s s$ine!
He continued to stare strai&ht ahead# listenin& to the sound of small feet
toddlin& u$ the aisle! 6ntil now it had all seemed unreal! (nce he turned# he%d face
the small 'oy who could chan&e his life forever!
)eter &lanced to the side when 5eanie &runted as a small 'ody hurled itself
into her arms! ;Mama! CooieA<
6na'le to sto$ himself# he twisted his nec and stared at the ima&e of
himself in the worn $hoto&ra$h he%d carried in his $ocet for years! He and his
twin sister# Kane# him &rinnin&# and her looin& very much the little lady! His
'reath left him as if a $owerful fist had $unched him in the stomach!
;Koey>< His voice ras$ed# and he liced his dry li$s! ;+sn%t that your name><
The little 'oy duced his head a&ainst his mother%s chest# and slid two
fin&ers into his mouth! ;*eth!< Li&ht 'rown curls# &olden at the ti$s in the sunli&ht
from the window# covered the child%s head! Two chocolate 'rown eyes he%d seen
in his own mirror for years stared 'ac at him with curiosity!
His &a=e left Koey%s# and he re&arded 5eanie! Tears traced down her chees
as she hu&&ed the small 'ody to her and roced him!
Within seconds )eter stood and wra$$ed his arms around his family# the
'a'y scent of Koey and flowery scent of 5eanie envelo$in& him! He hu&&ed them
close# never wantin& to let &o# not even em'arrassed to have his tears fall on
5eanie%s hair!
A soft cou&h 'rou&ht their attention to the old $riest who stood 'ehind them#
his 'lue eyes twinlin& with mirth! ;And sure it%s time for me to mae a
su&&estion# lass><
5eanie nodded# her head restin& a&ainst )eter%s chest!
;Would you 'e after me &oin& for a cou$le of witnesses so we can &et on
with the weddin& +%m sure you%re 'oth wantin&><
She lifted her head# and looed at )eter# love &lowin& on her face!
;5eanie Lawrence# +%ve loved you forever# and don%t want to s$end another
minute without you! Would you &rant me the $rivile&e of 'ecomin& my wife><
She rested her hand on his chee! ;+%ve never sto$$ed lovin& you# either!
And + would 'e honored to 'e your wife!<
;Me wife# too>< Koey looed 'ac and forth 'etween his $arents# a frown on
his small forehead!
5eanie and )eter 'oth lau&hed and hu&&ed their little 'oy as 3ather Ryan
hurried from the church# mum'lin& a thanful $rayer!
D The 4nd D
+ ho$e you en8oyed these three short stories! Here is a list of my 'oos:
The Oklahoma Lovers Series:
M/ A Run 3or Love
M- A )rescri$tion for Love
MN A Chance to Love A&ain
M0 A Wife 'y Christmas
MO Any$lace But Here Pcomin& in -./OQ
The Marriage Mart Mayhem Series:
M/ The 4lusive Wife
M- The 5ue%s Fuandary
MN The Lady%s 5is&race
M0 The Baron%s Betrayal
MO The Hi&hlander%s Choice Pcomin& in -./OQ
(ther 'oos 'y Callie Hutton:
4mma%s Kourney P(re&on TrailQ
5aniel%s 5esire PCivil WarQ
An An&el in the Mail PMail (rder BrideQ
A Tum'le Throu&h Time PTime TravelQ
Miss Merry%s Christmas PRe&encyQ
Wild Western Women P'o1ed set with Eirsten (s'ourne# Merry 3armer#
Sylvia Mc5aniel and Caroline Clemmons
Choose *our Heart Pcontem$oraryQ
Tessa%s Treasures Pcontem$oraryQ
6SA Today 'est sellin& author of The 4lusive Wife# Callie Hutton writes 'oth Western
Historical and Re&ency romance# with ;historic elements and sensory details< P&he 'omance
'e(iewsQ! She also $ens an occasional contem$orary or two! Callie lives in (lahoma with
several rescue do&s# two adult children# and dau&hter:in:law Pthanfully all not in the same
houseQ# and her to$ cheerleader hus'and of thirty:ei&ht years! She also recently welcomed twin
&randsons to her ever e1$andin& family! Callie loves to hear from readers# and would welcome
you as a ;friend< on 3ace'oo# or as a mem'er of her street team on 3ace'oo# Callie%s
Comments! *ou can contact her throu&h her we'site: www!calliehutton!com# or write her
directly at calliehutton//R&mail!com