A Moment in Time (52 page)

      
"I reckon," Cole said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
 

      
"We wouldn't want to interfere with history.
 
Would we?"
 
She smiled.
 
"Maybe Lolita will fall in love with her kidnapper–just like I did–and they'll live happily ever after."

      
Cole chuckled.
 
"That's nice, but I only care about us living happily ever after."

      
"Bank on it, big guy."
 
Jackie looped her arm through his as soon as Blade and Lolita were gone.
 
"Let's go to church."

      
The patrons in the saloon booed and shouted in outrage.
 
Goodfellow climbed onto the stage and offered a reward for Lolita Belle's safe return.
 
Several men raced after Blade and Lolita with dollar signs in their eyes.

      
Jackie laughed.
 
"I'm really free now," she said.

      
"Only until you say 'I do.'"

      
"I can hardly wait."

      
They walked down the street of Devil's Gulch, ignoring the crazed men galloping through town after Lolita.
 
None of it mattered now.
 
Only the man on her arm and her new family mattered.
 
"Where's that church?"

      
"Right there."
 
Cole pointed to a small building constructed of logs and stone right at the edge of town.
 
He held the door open and they all stepped inside.

      
"I'll fetch the preacher from the parsonage next door," Cole said.
 
"You wait here."

      
"Wait, Pa.
 
I forgot something."
 
Todd pulled an envelope from his pocket and passed it to his father.
 
"This came for you today."

      
Cole opened the envelope and scanned its contents.
 
"Well, I'll be."

      
"What is it?" Jackie asked.

      
Cole smiled at her, then turned his attention to Chief Byron.
 
"You remember those stories I wrote about you, Chief?"

      
"I do."

      
"They want to
publish
them."
 
Cole's smile revealed his pleasure at this news.

      
"You're a writer?" Jackie asked, amazed all over again by this man she loved.
 
"That's wonderful, Cole."

      
"The publisher bought the whole series and they want to see anything else I write."
 
He pulled a check from the envelope and his eyes glittered.
 
Glancing from Todd to Jackie, he said, "
Now
we're going to Oregon."

      
Todd and Jackie danced around in a circle, and Chief Byron joined them.
 
Cole laughed and put the check and letter back in the envelope.

      
"Chief, how would you like to come with us to Oregon?" Cole asked, and they all stopped dancing to stare at the chief.

      
The old Indian appeared thoughtful, then he said, "I remained here after my people left, because my pride would not permit me to leave my homeland.
 
Pride does not keep a man from being lonely."
 
He drew a deep breath.
 
"When you came here, I had family again.
 
When you leave, I will be old and alone.
 
Yes, I will go with my white family."

      
Todd and Jackie both hugged Chief Byron, and Cole shook the old Indian's gnarled hand.
 
"I'm glad," he said.
 
"Real glad."

      
"We all are," Jackie said.
 
"So let's get married, big guy."

      
"I'll let the preacher know we're here."
 
Cole stopped in the doorway and smiled.
 
"I'll bet I could write a whole book about Lolita Belle and the people here.
 
Maybe I'll call it
The Legend of Devil's Gulch
."

      
A wave of dizziness washed through Jackie.

      
Cole held the envelope out to her.
 
"Hold onto this for me?"

      
"Sure."
 
She took the envelope and scanned the address.
 

      
      
      
C.R. Morrison

      
      
      
General Delivery

      
      
      
Devil's Gulch, Colorado.

      
A few incredible minutes later, Jackie walked down the aisle of the small church on Chief Byron's arm.
 
She exchanged vows with Cole as if living a dream, though she had to laugh when her promise never to sing again was part of the vows.
 
Finally, the minister said, "You may kiss the bride."

      
Yes, a dream.
 
A wondrous, delicious dream.

      
Cole pulled her into his arms and covered her mouth with his.
 
She kissed him with all the love burning in her heart and soul.

      
"Are you happy?" he asked as their lips parted.

      
She nodded and smiled up at him.
 
"Yes, more than I ever believed possible."

      
"Can you wait until after we're in Oregon for a proper honeymoon?"

      
Todd said, "Ewwwwww."

      
Chief Byron chuckled.

      
Jackie sighed and said, "Every day will be a honeymoon with you, big guy, but forget that proper business."

      
Cole's eyes glittered.
 
"I guarantee it."

      
"Good," she said, heading down the aisle with her husband and new family.
 
As they stepped into the evening together, she sighed.

      
"I hope that's a happy sound," Cole said, squeezing her hand.
 
"As long as it isn't singing."

      
"I promise.
 
I have everything now–a man who loves me, a son."
 
She smiled at a blushing Todd, then looked at Chief Byron.
 
"And, if you're willing, maybe you can be the father I've never known."

      
Chief Byron's eyes widened.
 
"You honor me, Miss Jackie."

      
"Thank you." She gave him a peck on the cheek.
 
"But no more of that squaw business, Chief."
 

      
Chief Byron, Cole, and Todd all laughed and Jackie sighed, meeting her husband's loving gaze.

      
"Yes, I have it all," she said.
 
"And now I even know how that script ends."

Page Forward For An Excerpt From

Deb Stover's Award-Winning

Another Dawn

A Time-Travel Historical Romance

Foreword

"The current flows along a restricted path...in the meantime the vital organs may be preserved; and pain, too great for us to imagine, is induced... For the sufferer, time stands still; and the excruciating torture seems to last for an eternity."
 

~ Nicola Tesla

Chapter 1