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  “I remember you said you and Matt were related to King Rudolph.” Lena Mae said.

  “Oh, yes. Matt’s grandfather Petrovich, King Rudolph, and I are cousins.”

  Mama turned to peer at her. “Did you hear that, Beth. Matt is related to King Rudolph and Ivan.”

  “I heard. You and Matt don’t look alike, Ivan.”

  “No, he looks like the late King Rudolph. I favor my mother’s father. He, too, was not so tall, but not as fat as his cousin, the impostor Gregorov.”

  They reached the main gate and turned in. Soldiers stood sentry, but a line of men and women waited on the steps of what looked like the main building. Beth tried to take in everything. From tall poles, two flags snapped in the breeze, one the stars and stripes and she supposed the other was that of Bayergrovenia. She counted ten buildings before the buggy stopped.

  Ivan said, “Ah, finally we’re at the Lodge.”

  A man in what looked like formal wedding attire rushed forward. “Your Excellency, we are so proud you honor us. Everything is as you wished.”

  Others rushed forward to assist Beth and her mother. When she stepped down and turned, she saw that the women in the second buggy were also being assisted. Ivan offered his arm to her mother.

  Davey proffered his arm for her. “Why, thank you, kind sir.”

  Davey giggled, ruining his man-of-the-world emissary persona.

  She fought the urge to gape as they entered the grandest room she’d ever seen. She couldn’t hear everything Ivan and Mama said, but she recognized excitement in Mama’s tone.

  A servant appeared and clicked his heels then bowed. “Dejeuner will be served when you are ready, Your Excellency.”

  Ivan followed the servant with Mama on his arm. Everyone else traipsed behind. Ivan told them where to sit. He took the head of the table and directed Mama to sit at his right and Beth at his left.

  Barely filling a third of the chairs around the huge table, their small number grouped at one end. A bevy of smiling servants brought in dish after dish and served them. Never had she seen such exotic food.

  The servant who announced dinner leaned to speak to Ivan. “I beg your indulgence, Excellency. The staff cannot stop smiling because you are here and safe.”

  Ivan waved him aside. “No matter. We are in America. Here we can smile whenever we wish.”

  After dinner, Ivan raised his glass. “I wish to propose a toast.” He looked at Mama. “My dearest Lena Mae has consented to be my wife and live here with me.”

  Davey clapped his hands. “Hooray, now you really will be my grandpa.”

  Beth stared thunderstruck across the table while everyone else offered Ivan congratulations and best wishes to her mother.

  Mama bit her lip. “You’re happy for me, aren’t you, Beth?”

  “Of course I am, Mama. You know I want your happiness.” She leaned over and kissed Ivan’s cheek. “Welcome to the family, Ivan.”

  But she didn’t feel happy. She didn’t feel anything. Numbly she wondered if she would run the boarding house alone?

  “Of course, you and Davey will live here with us, Beth. Davey will be able to run and play all he wants and you and your lovely mother will never have to serve others again.”

  “But what about us?” The Widow Nehmier frowned. “Who will take care of us?”

  “Yes, who’ll keep the boarding house?” Hetty Tabor asked.

  Ivan sent them each a warm smile and stretched out his arms. “But you are all my family. You will live here with us.” He looked at Mr. Harvey. “And you should retire, Bill. You’ve worked long enough. It’s time to relax and enjoy yourself.”

  Mr. Harvey gulped. “If you mean that, Ivan, I believe I’ll take you up on your offer. I’m tired of four or five nights in that many places and only two or three at home.”

  Ivan shook his finger at Beth. “And you, young lady. You’d best give Matt another chance. You’re foolish if you don’t latch onto that young man. You won’t find a better man anywhere.”

  “I disagree.” Mama patted Ivan’s hand. “I know of one.”

  Cacophony filled the room. Beth was left to her own thoughts as those around her made plans to move to the ranch.

  Ivan gestured to the guy in the evening clothes. “My aide, Monsieur Dumas.” He stood. “We’ll have our tour now, then perhaps the ladies might like to rest before our drive back to town.”

  Ivan might be only the cousin of a king, but he inherited the bearing. What Ivan called his lodge had as many rooms as the castle it resembled. At least it seemed palatial to Beth.

  Mr. Harvey helped Mr. Findley up the stairs.

  Ivan said, “Don’t worry, Ned, we’ll find a nice ground floor room for you, but first I want you to see everything.”

  They toured all the rooms and all the guest suites. When they reached Ivan’s suite, Lena Mae gasped.

  “You mean we’ll live here? Your private rooms are almost as large as the entire upstairs of the boarding house.”

  “Yes, but I enjoyed living at your boarding house, my love. You made it into a real home.” He looked at Beth. “Matt’s suite is very like this one, but is at the other end of this floor.”

  She stared at Ivan. “Matt’s suite?”

  “Of course. Did I forget to tell you that Matt is half owner of this ranch? I promised him half the ranch for helping me. The other half will go to Davey.”

  Tears welled in her eyes. “Davey? Oh my word. You can’t mean it.”

  “Don’t cry, Mama. It’s a good thing. Ivan promised he wouldn’t die for a long time.”

  She hugged her son. “I certainly hope not. Oh, I don’t know what to say.” Then she rushed over and hugged Ivan. Next she hugged her mother. “Imagine, Mama. I don’t have to wonder how I can support Davey. I don’t have to worry about your ankles swelling or you growing old before your time because you work so hard.”

  She hugged Ivan again. “I can’t thank you enough, Ivan. I’ve lain awake worrying so many nights.”

  “Why, Beth, I never knew that.” Her mother wiped her eyes. “Guess I’ve worried my share too.

  “Neither of you shall ever worry again.” He held up his arm, forefinger pointing at the ceiling royally. “I forbid it.”

  They all laughed. Beth had never believed she’d ever feel this lighthearted again. If only Matt were here to share this. If only she hadn’t been so cold to him.

  Matt led Henry Oslo’s horse. Oslo rode with cuffed hands tied to the pommel. They stopped at the sheriff’s office. Tom Carpenter stepped to the door. “Damned if you didn’t catch him.”

  “I’d like to have shot him after what he did, but I brought him back to stand trial. I hope the judge throws the book at him.”

  “I’ll take care of him from here on out. You’d best get on out to that ranch.”

  Matt wasn’t certain he’d heard. “What?”

  “Reckon a lot’s happened while you’ve been gone. All those folks from the boarding house moved to the ranch with Ivan. Seth Brendan and his wife bought the boarding house. They have ten kids, so it’s about the right size for them.”

  Tom clapped him on the back. “Don’t look so surprised. You been gone a month. Didn’t think time stood still did you?” He laughed. “They’ve been waiting for you to get back.”

  “Who has?” Matt hoped Tom would say Beth, but he knew that would never happen.

  “All of ‘em. Go on now.”

  Matt knew he looked rode hard and put up wet, but he couldn’t wait to learn what Tom meant. At the creek, he beat the dust from his clothes and reached for a clean shirt. He slapped the saddlebag closed. Damned if he’d go looking like this. He turned around and rode to the bathhouse. After a hot bath and a shave, he felt almost human again.

  He set out for Ivan’s ranch, hope building then dashing as he rode. How could Beth tolerate the man who shot Davey’s father, even if Jeffers was a good-for-nothing bastard? Maybe she’d forgiven Matt, though, since she didn’t want Jeffers near Davey.<
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  Dear Lord, I know I said I’d never ask for another thing, but give me one more. Let me have Beth and Davey for my family. I’ll be a good husband and father, I swear I will.

  Maybe he wasn’t supposed to swear a vow to God. But he figured the Almighty knew what was in his heart and knew he meant every word. He worried back and forth all the way to the ranch. He saw men herding cattle, men who looked like real drovers. When he reached the gates, they stood open.

  Riding toward the main building, everything looked the same, yet different. People smiled and spoke to him.

  At the hitching rail, a stablehand rushed up to take Jezebel. “We have awaited you, sir. Everyone will be pleased you are here.”

  He climbed the steps and a man stood at attention on either side of the door. Then one pulled twice on a rope.

  The door opened and a man in a fancy suit gestured him to enter. “Welcome, Mr. Petrov. Please follow me, sir.”

  He was shown into the large parlor. Ivan rose to greet him. “At last, you’ve arrived. The ladies are resting.”

  “Good to see you looking fit, Ivan.” He nodded at the other two men. “Mr. Harvey, Mr. Findley, how are you?”

  Mr. Findley laughed. “Never been better, and that’s a fact, isn’t it, Bill?”

  “Right you are, Ned. Ivan moved us all out here as his guests and I retired. Never thought I’d live a life of ease, but I have to admit I’m right fond of it.”

  “They are all my family. As are you, Matt.”

  “Thanks.” Matt didn’t know what to do. Should he sit down or make his excuses and leave? No, Damned if he’d leave without at least seeing Beth and Davey.

  “Your suite is ready for you.”

  “My suite?” Damn when did he start repeating everything said to him? “Nice of you to take in all these folks, but you don’t need to include me.”

  “Surely you remember I promised you half my ranch. Now that your mission is over, you’re no longer a Federal Marshall are you?”

  “No, not now. But, aw, I didn’t expect you to honor that, Ivan. I would have helped you anyway. You know that.”

  “I do, which is why I insist. Half of this belongs to you. The other half will go to Davey when I die.”

  Matt almost staggered. “You can’t mean it. Half of your ranch.”

  Ivan placed a hand on his heart. “Certainly I mean it. My word is my honor.”

  From behind him he heard the whisper of skirts. “Which means, Matt Petrov, that you can afford a wife and son.”

  Whirling, Matt was caught off guard. Beth was dressed in a new blue dress the color of her eyes. Her hair was arranged like the best-dressed ladies in Austin wore theirs.

  Hands on her hips, she cocked her head at him. “Well, are you just going to stare at me?”

  “I could look at you forever.” He closed the distance between them and whirled her around. “You know you just promised to wed me in front of witnesses?”

  “Keep that in mind if you want to escape.”

  A week later, the wedding festivities were underway. The minister from Winton Crossing arrived with half the town. Beth giggled when she spotted Miss Pounds looking like she’d sucked a lemon as she gazed around the palatial rooms. Served the biddy right for her pettiness.

  The Widow Nehmier, who had decided to go by plain Agnes Nehmier, and Hetty Tabor were matrons of honor. The grooms, both Ivan and Matt, waited at the fireplace end of the parlor.

  Mr. Harvey escorted her mother down the aisle. One last time, Mr. Findley escorted Beth. This time, the elderly man guided her down the aisle toward the man she loved.

  Beth had never been so happy, had never expected to be. Beside her, Mama glowed. She looked at least ten years younger. She’d never have to slave again. Beth floated, giddy as a girl. She watched Davey walking in front of her. In his coat pockets he carried beautiful wedding rings. He marched like a little soldier, back straight and head up and proud.

  She met Matt’s gaze across the room. Could he really love her as much as his eyes conveyed? She smiled at him as she answered herself. That much and more. And she loved him for all time

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  About Caroline Clemmons

  Thanks to readers who have made me an Amazon bestselling author of historical and contemporary western romances. My latest release is GABE KINCAID, book four of my popular Kincaid series. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, I’ve has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel.

  I’m a member of Romance Writers of America and the Romance Writers chapters of Yellow Rose, From The Heart, and Hearts Through History. My latest publications include the acclaimed historical Men of Stone Mountain series: BRAZOS BRIDE, HIGH STAKES BRIDE, and BLUEBONNET BRIDE and the audio books of BRAZOS BRIDE and HIGH STAKES BRIDE.

  My Hero and I live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets. Prior to writing full time, my jobs included stay-at-home mom (my favorite), secretary, newspaper reporter and featured columnist, assistant to the managing editor of a psychology journal, bookkeeper for the local tax assessor and—for a short and fun time—an antique dealer. When I’m not indulging my passion for writing, I enjoy reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, painting, and getting together with family and friends. Find me on my blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, WattPad, Shelfari, and Pinterest.

  Best wishes,

  Caroline

  Here’s a bonus selection from Caroline Clemmons,

  A short story linked to the Men of Stone Mountain series

  STONE MOUNTAIN REUNION

  Radford Crossing, Texas

  Late August 1874

  Hot wind swirled around Gwendolyn Jones as she stepped off the stage and shook her skirts. Someone from the school board was supposed to greet her upon her arrival. Her valise clasped firmly in her hand, she watched the stage driver unload her trunks.

  A young man from the hotel rushed down the steps. “Shall I take those for you, ma’am?”

  From behind her, a familiar baritone called out, “No need, Hiram. Unless I’m mistaken, this must be Miss Jones, our new school teacher.”

  Gwen whirled toward the speaker and stared, unable to believe the man who’d once broken her heart stood in front of her. “Mark? But I corresponded with a man named Joel Stone.”

  Color drained from his face and Mark Hardeman gaped at her as if he also had trouble believing they were again face to face. “Gwen? I-I had no idea you were the Miss Jones I was meeting.”

  He exhaled and stepped closer. “Um, Joel Stone’s the head of the School Board, but he’s an attorney and is in court today. He asked me to fill in for him.”

  She looked anywhere but at him. “Can you tell me where I’ll be staying? I understand there’s a house near the school.”

  He shrugged as if shaking himself then moved toward her belongings. “I’ll load your trunks and take you there.” He heaved her things into a nearby wagon.

  When he finished, he extended his hand to help her up to the seat. Her fingers twitched and she fought the urge to pull away. Resolved, she allowed him to touch her only to learn his strong grip still sent tingles along her arm.

  But this was the man who’d crushed her dreams and she couldn’t help jerking her arm away from him abruptly once she’d sat on the bench. Barely sparing her a glance, he went to the other side and climbed up into the wagon. Once seated, he turned his attention to the horses without another word.

  He was even more handsome than when she’d last seen him in Austin two years ago. His dark blond hair showed beneath his Stetson and his tawny eyes were mesmerizing. He’d filled out and appeared even stronger.

 
Once again, she wondered what had caused him to leave without a word. She stared down at her hands, her thoughts whirling. Of all the men in Texas, how had she managed to run into Mark? She had questions, but she would bite off her tongue before she let him know she still gave a fig about him.

  Soon he stopped the horses and set the brake in front of a small, clapboard home. The two-story home had a covered front porch. A white picket fence encircled the front yard and large trees offered shade. Pale gray paint on the structure was accented by white posts and trim with dark gray shutters. The pleasing appearance delighted her.

  Mark helped her down and handed her a set of keys. “To the house and the school. Go on in and look around. I’ll bring the trunks.”

  Carrying her valise, she unlocked the door and stepped into a small entry and moved forward to the parlor. The smell of beeswax greeted her and explained why sunlight through sparkling windows reflected on shining wood surfaces. A sofa in pale green sat on one side of the fireplace and faced two armchairs in a deeper forest hue. She set her valise on the carpet of greens, wine, and gold and walked through to the kitchen.

  Dishes and pots and pans filled white cupboards, some with glass-paned doors. A pump at the sink meant she wouldn’t have to carry water. Someone had thoughtfully set a small bag of Arbuckles coffee on the counter near the coffee pot. Shopping would be on her agenda tomorrow, but at least she’d have her cup of brew in the morning.

  Curtains in blue checks framed more glistening windows and looked cheerful against yellow walls. From the back door, she glimpsed what she thought was the school. How nice to be only a short walk each day, yet have the privacy of a home.

  A child’s swing hung from a large tree in the back yard. How odd. Surely the School Board didn’t allow a married teacher. The sound of someone on the second floor caused her to hurry back to the parlor.

  Mark ran down the stairs and stopped in front of her. “I put the trunk in the largest bedroom. You want the other trunk up there?”