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Thirty-Four
“May we call you Mother?”
Mercedes gasped at James’ question. Her heart quickened, and tears stung her eyes. Slowing the horse they’d been riding, she smiled down into his upturned face. His gray eyes glistened, so much like William’s. A lump of emotion tightened in her throat. Amazing how fast she became emotional lately, but James’ sudden request caught her by surprise.
“Of course, you may call me Mother.”
“You won’t g
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When William entered the dining area the next morning, Gabe waited for him, just as they’d planned. William’s breakfast of eggs and fruit were on a plate, ready for him.“Top of the morning, Gabe,” William greeted.His friend chuckled and shook his head. “I envy you. I don’t think I will ever find a special woman to share my life with.”William sat and picked up his fork. “Don’t say such things. You are a strapping young man.
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Here’s your chance. Tell her.William smiled and took Mercedes’ hand, helping her out of the buggy. Shadows of doubt filled her green eyes, making his chest ache with sorrow. He had been an imbecile, plain and simple. But he didn’t want to doubt her, and he didn’t want her to mistrust him. Bringing her hand up to his mouth, he kissed her knuckles. “My love, I trust you with my life.”“Then prove it. Tell me what bothers you so.”
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The door to the office opened, banging against the wall with a resounding crack. William jumped in his chair and spun toward the noise. Gabe rushed in, his face flushed as he wheezed to catch his breath. He glanced toward Brandon’s empty desk before hurrying over to William’s side.“Gabe, what ails you this afternoon? You look like you have been running for miles.”His friend placed his hand over his chest, nodding with a smile. “It seems I have.” He chuckled. “But when I received the letter, I couldn’t wait to show you.” Gabe handed forth a folded piece o
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Mercedes made her way down the stairs to the dining room the next morning. Angry voices rose from the study. William’s voice boomed louder than the others, sounding panicked. Her heartbeat quickened.Lifting her dress to her ankles, she hurried toward the room. William and five of his servants cluttered inside his study. The door stood ajar, so she peeked inside. All the men held the same worried expressions of drawn brows and sorrowful eyes. William’s lips pulled together, his hands balled at his side. William stalked to the liquor tray and poured a glass of bourbon—something he rarely did. He tipped it to his lips and gulped as if it was water.
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Mercedes blew on her cold hands. Her nerves jittered out of control, making her body shake from more than just the cool night breeze. She slowed her horse, leading him at the back of the jail. Voices from the soldiers out front of the building echoed through the night.She reassured herself everything would turn out perfect. She had nothing to fear. William would make certain of that. After dismounting, she tiptoed to the back window and peeked inside. Henry Wilkes sat in a chair, leaning his elbow on the table as he twirled a stick between his fingers. It appeared as if he were the only person inside.Forcin
Let's Pretend (book 1) Forty
The following morning, Katherine groaned as she held her head. The constant throb had gotten worse, and it wasn’t from last night’s entertainment, either. She suffered from some kind of illness, but so far, no physician could tell her why the headaches remained constant and happened more frequently.Forcing her eyelids open, she glanced around the bedroom and scowled. Her sister had moved into William’s room, and it took all of Kat’s willpower to crawl into William’s bed last night. Thankfully, he hadn’t joined her.Father had wanted Mercedes to marry William and had though
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William squinted against the sunlight pouring upon his face through the window. Every muscle in his body screamed in pain, even his eyelids ached. An intense throb began in his skull. He jerked his head up from his desk and sat straight. Cursing, he rubbed his eyes as he tried to remember what had caused him to sleep in his study instead of going upstairs to join his wife in their bed. He stretched his stiff neck and rolled his achy shoulders.The pitter-patter of small feet echoed outside his study mere seconds before the door flung open. James, still wearing his nightshirt, came running toward him. William stood and stepped toward his son.
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Mercedes’ body screamed in pain. Her skull had long since stopped throbbing, but being in one position for a lengthy amount of time stiffened every muscle in her body. When Captain Wilkes wasn’t looking, she’d tugged both her arms and legs, trying to free herself from the ropes. But to no avail. After several hours, she slumped in the corner in exhaustion.She leaned her head against the wall. Where was William? She blinked back tears threatening to streak down her face. Crying wouldn’t assist William in rescuing her, so why waste her energy?Henry had stepped outside the barn, and rel
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