Chapter Twenty-Seven

Christmas Day arrived with much to celebrate aside from the religious aspects and the tradition of gift-giving. Luke survived a near fatal shot, her parents accepted Jared wholeheartedly, and he was free of Marcus Rhodes’ revenge and Miguel Ramirez’s pursuit.

The Dalton home glittered with Christmas decorations within. Neighbors stopped by all morning to wish everyone a merry tiding and enjoy a cup of eggnog and good cheer.

Anita and Taryn sat on a cushioned sofa next to the Christmas tree adorning the Great Hall exchanging presents of their own. They were attired in their finery, not one detail or accessory omitted.

After they exchanged gifts, Anita turned to Taryn. “What did Jared give you?”

“We didn’t want to rush through our gifts to each other this morning before we came here so we decided to wait. Have you and Luke exchanged your gifts yet?” Taryn asked.

Anita grinned. “I couldn’t wait, so at midnight I woke Luke up and we opened them. He gave me this,” she said displaying the diamond necklace she wore.

“It’s beautiful,” Taryn said.

“Have you any idea what Jared is going to give you?” Anita asked. “I’d be insane with curiosity,” she added.

“I’m not sure,” she said, her own curiosity peaked. “Whatever it is, he seems eager to give it to me.”

“What did you get Jared?” Anita inquired.

Taryn smiled, relishing her secret. “I arranged through my uncle to purchase two thoroughbreds to breed.”

“How were you able to purchase the horses?” Anita asked. The cost of thoroughbred horses was not inconsequential.

“I sold Brad’s engagement ring,” she responded without shame. “I felt it appropriate. Brad hated horses.”

The two burst out laughing.

“This is one of the best Christmases I can remember,” Anita announced.

“I agree,” Taryn enthused, hugging her friend. “So many wonderful things are beginning to happen. Jared’s even given Robert Michaels the interview he wanted.”

“Your mother told me they plan on moving to Sacramento,” Anita said, seeing Madeline Ashford enter the room.

Taryn nodded. “My parents stunned me when they revealed their plans,” she admitted. “My mother suggested they stay. My mother! My father swears she’s been corrupted by Aunt Gwen. They are very excited. The bank in Chicago where my father works has a large number of its investors who put their money on beef. My father suggested he act as their contact here. His bank agreed.”

Madeline walked over to Taryn and Anita. “Taryn, your uncle is about to make a Christmas toast. Everyone is gathering in the dining room.”

“I better go find Luke,” Anita said hurrying out of the room.

Madeline gazed upon her daughter’s face. “I’ve never seen you happier,” she commented.

Taryn returned her mother’s smile with a brilliant one of her own. “I am happy.”

“Jared’s a fine man,” Madeline offered.

“Do you mean what you say, Mother?” Taryn asked, placing her hand on her mother’s arm.

Madeline nodded, her smile brightening across her face. She hugged Taryn. They held hands at arm’s length, each with tears glistening in their eyes.

“Well,” Madeline said, taking a moment to regain her composure, “we’d better join the others.” She linked her arm with her daughter’s, and they walked into the dining room.

The room held a circle of friends and family surrounding the large table. Anita stood with Luke, while Taryn slipped in beside Jared who pressed her close to his side. Madeline and Dennis Ashford stood on her other side with Etta Briggs, Robert Michaels, and Andrew Donahue. They all turned their attention to Jonathan and Gwen Dalton.

Raising his glass, Jonathan cleared his throat. “First of all, I’d like to thank you all for making us a part of your Christmas celebration. For Gwen and I, this is a special Christmas. It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to spend this day with family,” he said, his view encompassing Madeline, Dennis, and Taryn. Then he shifted his gaze to Luke and Anita. “We are surrounded by old and dear friends,” he continued. “As well as new ones,” he added, his gaze falling upon Jared, Etta, and Robert. “In addition, we have our health. May we always be so fortunate,” he finished.

All raised their glasses in exuberance. Gwen kissed Jonathan’s cheek, squeezing his arm with a twinkle in her eyes.

Taryn pulled Jared into the Great Hall near the Christmas tree. She found her package under the tree where she’d placed it then held it out. “I can’t wait any longer for you to open the gifts I brought for you here.”

He untied the ribbon removing the wrapping. The box contained two white cambric shirts. Lying on top of the shirts, a small spool of thread and a needle. Jared glanced at Taryn.

“The morning following our wedding, I was angry with you because you told me I could mend your shirts to amuse myself. I wanted to replace the shirt I ripped apart,” she explained. “The thread is to show you I’m willing to mend more than your shirts should the need arise.”

A smile spread across his face in understanding of her gesture.

“Before I tell you of your other gift, I need to know if you meant it when you told me you once hoped to breed horses.”

“I meant it.” He believed he’d be good at horse breeding before the incident with Matt Rhodes changed the course of his life. “One day, I’ll try my hand at it,” he commented.

Taryn grinned in anticipation, hurrying Jared out of the house to the stables. At the stables, she presented her other gift. “You are now the owner of these thoroughbred horses,” she proclaimed.

He examined the sleek steeds overwhelmed by her gift. “Thank you, Taryn. He raised her chin, kissing her on the mouth, expressing the depth of the love he felt.

“Uncle Jonathan said you can keep the horses here until we decide what we’re going to do.”

He nodded. There would be no need to keep the steeds there too long. By the end of the next day, they could bring them to their own property after he presented his gift to Taryn. “I hope I have time for both horse breeding and my other job,” he remarked.

Her gaze held question. “But you aren’t working for Uncle Jonathan any longer.” He couldn’t be talking about his profession as a gunfighter. He’d cleared his name.

“Open this,” Jared said in answer, extracting a small package from his pocket.

Taryn felt the radiant affect of his gaze as she opened the package. She stared at the silver star-shaped badge in confusion. She raised her gaze to his. “This looks like Marshal Rhodes’ badge.” Marcus Rhodes’ return was highly doubtful. Yet, it still didn’t explain why Jared gave her the badge.

“It is a marshal’s badge, but Marcus Rhodes is not its owner.”

“Then who?”

“Your husband,” he clarified.

She stared at his face before his statement registered. “You’ve been made marshal?” she asked, still bewildered.

Jared nodded. “I guess we’ll have to settle here.”

Taryn felt like crying in joy. She threw her arms around him with a squeal of happiness.

He lifted her off the ground, swinging her around in his own happiness.

They returned to the house telling the others the news.

“This is delightful!” Etta exclaimed wiping tears from her eyes. “This whole day, delightful.”

After a sumptuous supper, following cheerful conversation, the festivities came to a close. Jonathan and Gwen stood on the porch, the evening twilight hours descending with the sun low in the sky. Arm-in-arm with Jonathan, Gwen watched the couples disperse. Her gaze fell on Etta stepping into her carriage alone. Samuel Hennessey, also alone, mounted his horse turning in the direction of his own home.

“We must invite Sam Hennessey over more. We so rarely see him, and he’s such a charming older man,” Gwen commented.

“He’s been to any of a number of your parties, Gwen,” Jonathan countered.

“Yes, but there are so many people it’s sometimes difficult for guests to talk,” Gwen added. “Maddie,” Gwen said to her sister who sat behind them with Dennis on the porch swing, “what do you think of Doctor Hennessey and Etta?”

“I think they’d be perfect together.”

“Spring weddings are so pretty,” Gwen remarked.

“The month of May would be ideal,” Madeline suggested. She left her husband’s side, taking Gwen by the arm to go inside. “Then there’s always Andrew Donahue and Robert Michaels to consider.”

“You’re so right, Maddie,” Gwen said. “I’m glad you’ll be here to help.”

“Gwen…” Jonathan cautioned in mild agony of his wife’s desire to prevent others from going through life alone.

“Maddie,” Dennis called out, “don’t get caught up in this.”

They ignored the men while continuing their talk on the way into the house. Dennis turned to Jonathan. “Why do I feel like I’m on the verge of losing the power I have to influence Maddie?”

Jonathan quirked his brow at Dennis. “When did you ever think you had it?”

Dennis considered his question, laughing, knowing there wasn’t a time he possessed control, and there never would be.

****

Taryn and Jared arrived back at the hotel late. Jared was distracted, but she couldn’t tell what caused it. Perhaps he anticipated her opening his gift. She anxiously awaited opening her gift having no idea what he might have gotten her. “Before Christmas is over,” Taryn said, knowing midnight approached, “can I open your gift?”

“Are you sure you’re not too tired? We could always wait until tomorrow,” he added.

“Tomorrow! If I wait another minute, I’ll die of curiosity,” she insisted.

Jared grinned as he went to the closet of the sitting room. Unlocking the closet door, he removed her gift. He hooked the satin hanger over the door, gesturing for Taryn to remove the covering hiding the garment.

She walked over toward her gift, a smile of anticipation on her face. He purchased her an item of clothing. He had excellent taste based on the beautiful blue satin gown she loved so much. Reaching for the voluminous amounts of tissue covering the item, Taryn began carefully tearing away at the paper. Completely removing the tissue, she stood back. The cream-colored gown glistened with seed pearls which covered the V-necked bodice, portions of the long sleeves, and trailing down the skirt all the way to the edges of the short train. She fingered the beaded sleeve in awe. “Jared, it’s exquisite,” she breathed, embracing him while still staring at the dress. She gave him a quick kiss before spinning around. “I have to try it on,” she decided.

He obliged her by helping her out of her gown, unable to resist kissing her shoulder as he unbuttoned the back.

Taryn felt the familiar shivers of excitement, but she tempered it, excited to see if the new gown fit. She wiggled away from him, removing her gown with brisk efficiency, letting it fall to the floor. She undid the tiny pearl buttons down the back of the dress, stepping into it. Pulling it up over her head, she once again asked him to help her fasten the buttons.

Meticulous in his motions, he placed the matching loop around each button. Halfway up her back, he paused. “I believe I made a mistake,” he commented. “When I told Marie how I wanted the gown fashioned, I didn’t know these buttons would take so long to fasten.”

“Once you get to a point where I can reach them, I’ll finish it,” she suggested, looking over her shoulder to see how far he’d gotten with the buttons.

“I don’t mind,” he said, continuing to work the buttons up her back. “I’m wondering if it will likewise take as long to unfasten them.”

Taryn laughed. “If it does, think of the anticipation it will create.”

Finished, he stood back. “Now let me see you.”

She faced him, waiting for his reaction.

He stared, speechless. He couldn’t unearth words for the vision she presented.

Taryn couldn’t decipher what Jared was thinking as he continued to stare. “Do I look all right in it?”

“Come and see,” Jared managed. He took her hand, guiding her into the bedroom to the full-length mirror. Standing behind her, he absorbed her reaction.

She stared at her reflection in the gown unable to believe she was the woman reflected in the glass. The form-fitted bodice, drop waist, and folds of the skirt flowed around her.

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” he said seriously, placing his hands on her shoulders.

She felt a familiar blush with pleasure, reaching up and resting her hands over his.

“There’s only one thing missing,” he remarked. He went to the dresser and removed a black velvet box. Opening it up, he removed a pearl necklace, clasping the chain around her neck.

She felt overwhelmed by his gifts. “Jared, this is too much.”

“Nothing I can do for you will ever be too much.”

“The gown is almost too beautiful to wear.”

“I’d like you to wear it tomorrow,” Jared remarked.

Taryn’s brow creased. “This gown should only be worn for a special occasion.”

“Tomorrow is a special occasion,” he returned.

“What’s happening tomorrow?” she asked. They didn’t have any other parties to attend. Most occurred prior to Christmas, and the New Year’s celebrations weren’t for another week.

“We have some place to go.”

“Where?”

“You’ll find out tomorrow,” he said, avoiding her gaze. “Now, let me help you out of this.”

“You’re being very unfair, Jared,” she said, presenting her back so he could unfasten her. “I’ll be curious all night now.”

“Maybe I can help.”

She spun around. “You’ll tell me where we’re going?”

“No,” he said, turning her back around so he could finish unfastening her gown. He enjoyed the knowledge of the surprise he held from her. “I meant,” he said, finishing with her buttons, “I could help you forget your curiosity about tomorrow, and make you curious about other things tonight.” His mouth sought her earlobe.

She leaned into him, closing her eyes. “What things?”

“Hang up the gown, and I’ll show you,” he remarked. While Taryn did so, he removed his jacket, unbuttoning his own shirt.

After hanging the gown, she went to him, her arms reaching up around his neck. “Thank you, Jared. This is the happiest Christmas of my life.” She pulled his head down to meet her mouth, kissing him with rising passion.

He wrapped his arms around her, losing himself in her kiss. He never imagined he could love someone so much. His life was hers for the taking.

****

The following day, Taryn continued to question Jared for information concerning where he was taking her. He was being extremely evasive. Dressed once more in the stunning cream ball gown he gave her, she appreciated him as he positioned his white linen ascot at his neck. Her gaze feasted on the sight of him. Taryn had seen Jared as resplendent as a man could be at Luke and Anita’s engagement party or at Etta’s Christmas gathering, but she had never seen him more attractive than this moment. Dressed in a black tailcoat and pants with the linen shirt and ascot, his appearance was so far removed from the image of a gunman. She gazed at his profile, enjoying the unobserved view.

Finished with his tie, he turned to see Taryn’s focus on him, a sweet smile on her face. “Now you’re staring at me,” he said with love in his eyes. “Are you ready to leave?”

“I’ve been ready since last night,” she said, her gaze filled with excitement. “Are you sure we won’t be overdressed for wherever we’re going?”

Jared grinned. “I’m sure.”

He escorted her out of the hotel toward a beautiful black carriage with gold embossment.

Taryn’s eyes widened at the impressive coach. “Where did you get this?”

“We need transportation,” he replied in a matter-of-fact tone. “It arrived from New York a few days ago.”

The interior of the coach was beautiful with plush white cushioned upholstery and red and gold trim on the wall panels. Two gold candle scones decorated the sides of the panels.

Helping Taryn into the carriage, he stepped up, sitting beside her.

“Don’t you have to tell the driver where to go?” she asked hoping to overhear the instructions so it would give her an idea of what Jared planned.

“He already knows,” he said, her disappointed smirk making him laugh. He hugged her to his side. He enjoyed the anticipation of his surprise as much as he was impatient for the commencement of the day’s events.

The carriage ride took them a distance outside town. When the carriage came to a halt, she was impatient to discover where they were. When he helped her alight, Taryn stared at the beautiful structure. An impressive structure of red brick with white pillars. The estate sat back from the main road. The house was secluded off by a large gated entrance. She couldn’t imagine who lived here. Trees and other abundant foliage surrounded the large piece of property. “Jared,” she finally said, “whose home is this?”

“Yours,” he replied.

Her mouth fell open in astonishment, unable to utter a word.

He slipped his arm around her. “Welcome home, Taryn,” he added, walking toward the stairs leading to the front door. Opening the door, he guided her to walk ahead of him.

“Surprise!”

Taryn stumbled back upon sight of all the faces before her in the foyer. Her parents, Aunt Gwen and Uncle Jonathan, Anita and Luke, Robert Michaels, Marie Dubois, Andrew Donahue, and so many others. Confusion filled her expression.

“I wanted to give you the wedding reception you never experienced,” he explained.

Tears sprang to her eyes. He gifted her the dress, the necklace, their new home, and now, the reception. He planned it all. Taryn couldn’t hold back the tears of happiness, and she turned her face into his chest.

Jared squeezed her close feeling as happy as he’d ever felt in his life. Pulling back, he placed his knuckles under her chin, raising her face to his and kissed her cheek.

Their friends and family surrounded them ushering them up to the large ballroom where beautifully arranged tables awaited the guests. Taking their places at the various tables, numerous attendants poured champagne for the guests.

Jared stood from his place at the head table, addressing the group. “Thank you all for your help in keeping this surprise from Taryn,” he began. “I think we succeeded.” He glanced at Taryn who nodded in stunned acknowledgement. “I hope you enjoy this day as much as I know I will.” The group raised their glasses in toast. Sitting back down, Jared touched his glass to Taryn’s, drinking to their life together.

Dennis Ashford gazed between his daughter and Jared King. He reached over, taking Maddie’s hand in his. Madeline smiled in pleasure, her expression reflecting her husband’s thoughts. She patted his hand, unable to speak.

The celebration continued following the feast with music and dancing. When the guests departed, Jared took her on a private tour of their home.

They strolled through the rooms and about the grounds. They returned to the master bedroom. Standing in the open doorway leading out to the balcony, Taryn leaned back against him with a satisfied smile on her face.

“I have a feeling we have a very bright future ahead of us,” Jared remarked.

Taryn turned in his arms, clasping her hands behind his neck. “I know we do.”

Jared bent his head capturing her mouth in a fervent kiss. Taryn felt all the power of his passion, responding with equal intensity, and cherishing the fortunes of Fate guiding them to an everlasting love.