When she returns, he is finishing his coffee and just stares at her with a look of such love that her throat clogs with tears. Leaving him will be the death of her. Determined not to ruin the moment she spins slowly for him.
“Do you like?” Her hair is in waves around her shoulders, and the green velvet enhances the blue of her eyes. When she completes her spin, she finds Dalton in front of her on his knees. She is stunned speechless.
“Cassie, I love everything about you.” He is holding a one carat round cut emerald, set in a halo filigree, emblazoned with four small diamonds at north, south, east and west on the ring.
“I need you, no, I want you to be mine for life. Each of the smaller diamonds represents the members of your family, Cassie, so they are never forgotten.” Cassie sinks to her knees in front of him. Tears flowing, unable to grasp this moment she can’t look at him. Dalton lifts her chin, and she stares into his tear-filled eyes.
“I chose the emerald, because green represents hope, like the green of spring and new life. You thought your life was over, those left behind stripped you of the possibility. Some believe the emerald to be a seeker of love and the revealer of truth, inspiring a search of justice.” He wipes her tears with his thumbs.
“Cassie, I have been seeking you all of my life, I just didn't know it until you walked in and saved me. Those who dare stand against you, will not find you alone this time. I love you, and I will not let you go without a fight. Will you be my wife, my future?”
“I can’t Dalton? What about your family? Will you be able to live with the consequences if something happens to one of them, because of me?” she asks. Dalton smiles at her, hearing her yes in the question.
“They want my happiness, Cassandra, none of us are promised tomorrow. Dare to dream with me!” Desperate to hear her say yes, he pulls her closer and takes her left hand slipping the ring on. “A perfect fit, just like you! Say yes, Cassie!”
Dare to dream, Cassie! She hears in her heart. “What is the point of life, without love?” Cassie murmurs, looking at her hand and when her eyes lift to his she whispers, “Yes! God help us, I will marry you, Dalton.” He kisses her, and they laugh, and she cries happy tears. He pulls her to her feet from the floor and guides her to the fireplace.
Cassie stares at her hand and the ring unable to believe this is happening to her. Dalton sits in the chair beside the fireplace and pulls her onto his lap. She can't help but laugh at the satisfied look on his face. “Dalton, what is that look for?”
He pulls out a piece of paper and hands it to her. “We've been married since San Francisco.”
Her gasp of shock sends her shooting to her feet.
“What?!” she stares open-mouthed at the paper in her hands and remembers the hotel room with Mr. Wells, Mr. Constant, and Dalton. It was a conspiracy of distraction so she would sign the papers.
“Technically, I haven’t lied about us, but if you want a huge wedding Cassie, we will have one.”
“What! Why would you trick me Dalton?” but when she looks at him, she can only laugh. He isn't even trying to look guilty. She should be outraged, but in truth she is relieved.
“Monsieur Constant suggested we make it official before our first son is born.”
Cassie sputters at him… “Our first son! What did he say, exactly?” Dalton tugs her back into his arms and shakes his head no.
“Somethings are better left unsaid. I know it was wrong to trick you, but I love you, and I promise to spend the rest of our lives proving it to you.”
Cassie stares at him, and she smiles, “Is this what our life is going to be like?”
“I promise it will be full of laughter and love, Mrs. Rivers.”
“I’m going to hold you to that promise, Mr. Rivers, now take me to meet your family.” Laughing, he takes her hand and leads her from the cabin.
Chapter 33
Aiden looks up and smiles when William Young sits down in front of him. “Finally, a man who looks the part.” The man looks to be in his early thirties, cleanly dressed, black hair slicked back and a mustache.
“William Young, at your service, you can call me Bill.” As he sits, he pulls out a cigar from his coat pocket, lighting it, he smiles at Aiden. “I heard you were looking to hire some guns.”
“I am, indeed. So far all I have met are drunkards. Tell me what services you are offering, Mr. Young.” Aiden says sipping on his beer.
“Well, if you look carefully around the room you will see my crew, four of them. All members of my gang. Our skill set is unique because we are the best, train robbers, cattle rustlers, and Confederate guerillas.” He leans forward, and his black eyes meet Aiden's unflinching gaze. “The only thing we like better than blood is gold.”
Aiden leans forward with a matching gleam of lust in his eyes. “Perhaps you would like to discuss your payment in my room, Bill, over both blood and gold. I have a special treat waiting for me, and I hate to keep her waiting too much longer.”
Bloody Bill smiles, “Sounds perfect.”
One train robber, one gunslinger, one cattle rustler, and two guerilla soldiers, make up the gang known as the BB gang. Fueled on sex, alcohol, and
