Victor sweeps her up in his arms, whispering softly, “Summer, only in my dreams did I ever believe you would be mine. I love you.”
“Show me,” she whispers pulling him to her.
As the last embers of the fire flicker in the dimmed suite, Summer rolls over in Victor's arms so she can stare into the eyes of her future.
“Victor.”
He opens his eyes, staring lovingly at his new bride. “Yes, Mrs. Yates.”
“I didn’t think it was possible,” a tear shimmers on her cheek, threatening to spill over.
“What, Summer?”
“I didn’t believe it was possible to heal a broken soul, but you did.” Scooting up higher on his chest, she presses a kiss to his mouth. “You taught me the true meaning of love. You’ve given me a family and hope. I love you, Mr. Yates.”
“I love you too, Summer.” He pulls her up higher on his chest. “The next two days are ours and ours alone.”
“I can’t imagine what we will do with all that time,” she says, nibbling on his chest.
“Let me show you.”
Chapter 40
A smart man always has an escape plan ready, and Dr. Jung Rudolph is a brilliant man. He left New York a wanted man and arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as Dr. Grant Shepherd. He feels the excitement in the air of the train depot as the townspeople gather to celebrate the expansion of the railroad. It brings hope for jobs. Tourists will come to vacation along the Perkiomen Creek, and that means money for the local businesses.
Dr. Grant Shepherd rents a little cabin that rests along the creek before heading to the post office to check about available rental spaces. He will need to set up his practice immediately and see what kind of competition he will have with the current physician.
Luck is with him when he finds an available rental space right next to the post office. They are happy to rent it to him for a three-month advance, and he walks out humming with the keys to his new practice. Now to get to know the locals.
“Fireworks tonight!” A young boy shouts and presses a paper into his hand. A musical concert and fireworks to celebrate the expansion. “Perfect.” Jung smiles and walks to the livery to order a wagon and have his bags delivered to his cabin.
Three weeks later he is fully ensconced in the community. The retiring doctor was more than willing to take him under his wing and introduce him to the community. Of course, courting his pretty little granddaughter is a plus. Sasha is a singer on the steamboat that cruises up and down the small river in the summertime. Gambling cruises are a fun escape for the bored miners and vacationers who need a place to spend their money. During the offseason, they only run two trips a day, if the water isn't iced over.
“Hurry up, Grant or we’ll miss the boat.” Sasha lifts her skirts and runs down to the steamboat. Tonight, they are on a gambling cruise with two other couples. “I’m right behind you!” They run down the dock and are soon caught up in drinking and dancing. Fireworks are shot from the shore lighting the water with their rainbow pattern.
Dr. Shepherd grabs the hand of the curvy redheaded serving girl as she pushes through the crowd to deliver drinks to the tables. “Another round for our table,” he orders. She has been avoiding his attention for long enough.
“Right away, Dr. Grant,” she snaps and tries to pull her hand back, only to feel him squeeze tight enough to have her draw a sharp breath.
“I want it delivered cold this time.” He releases her hand when a squeal of laughter draws his attention. Jung laughs at the look on Sasha’s face when his friend reaches over and drops a coin into her bodice. His mouth waters at the thought of digging through her luscious breasts to look for that later.
“I can dig it out for you, Sasha?” He leers at her until she shoves him backward into a chair. Laughter erupts as Misty spins and pushes through the crowd, up to the bar, delivering the order for his table. Her hand is throbbing, and she mutters, “Bloody animals.”
“Everything alright, Misty?” The bartender asks, placing the drinks on her tray.
“Dr. Grant's group is back,” she says rolling her eyes. He has been notorious for his physical, and she has grown sick of it. She tosses her long red curls over her shoulder and shakes her head.
“Leave the tray, I will have one of the boys deliver it,” he offers.
“No, besides, they tip well. I can put up with it.” When she turns to go, she collides with a tall wall of a man.
Her tray wobbles and she squeals before he snatches it, keeping the drinks from crashing to the floor. “I beg your pardon.” Misty closes her eyes, expecting the crash to be explosive, but it never comes. When she opens her eyes, she is staring up into the eyes of a tall, lean Englishman. He is grinning at her and steadies her with his free hand.
“Fast reflexes, thank you,” Misty says with an appreciative smile.
“I beg your pardon, I should have paid more attention.” Alex hands her the tray and watches her walk back to the table.
“We found him, now we wait,” Seth says from behind him. “Let's get a drink.”
They order two glasses of whatever beer is on tap and turn to watch the crowd. “It's hard to believe we were able to pick up the trail so easily.” Alex murmurs. “He really does think he is untouchable, doesn't he?” Tempted to kill him where he stands Alex is forced to turn around. He downs his beer, tapping the counter
