“Aren’t you glad you listened to me?” Deidra lay across Carter’s chest, enjoying the glow of the fire roaring in front of them. The opulently appointed hotel suite in Philadelphia’s Robinson Crusoe Hotel was warm and toasty, both from the fire and the closeness of their bodies.
“Yes. Running off to get married was a very good idea.” He stroked his hand over her hair, tousled from their lovemaking. “I’ve never stayed in a hotel this nice before.”
“It is such a lovely place. I’m almost sad to go back home this evening.” They’d left Graham at February’s end and it was now two weeks into March. If Carter was going to get an early start on the expansion of their cabin, they couldn’t stay hidden away in their honeymoon suite forever.
“I’ve got to get to work on the cabin. The ground’s beginning to thaw and we still have some preliminary things to do.” He sighed, releasing her from his arms. “I suppose we should get dressed and be on our way.”
She rolled away from him and they slid off their respective sides of the bed to get ready for the journey back to Graham. They dressed, packed and put their valises into the new carriage they’d received as a wedding gift from Yardley and Richard. The vehicle was handsomely appointed, done in black and maroon, with all brass mountings, handcrafted by the smithy Martin Johnson. Carter saw to checking them out of the hotel and settling the bill. After that, they climbed onto the seat and got underway.
As they left the crowded streets of Philadelphia and entered the quiet of the surrounding forests, Deidra snuggled up next to her new husband. The buffalo hide he’d brought along provided a nice respite from the chill that still hung in the air. All around her, she could see the signs of the coming spring. New buds had appeared on the flowering bushes just waiting to open. The air held the scent of young grass just beginning to push through the soil. And inside of her, another sign of renewal was growing, healthy and strong. She’d missed her monthly courses and even though she’d yet to have the doctor confirm it, she could feel the life she and Carter had created. All that remained was confirming it and finding the right time to tell him.
They stopped overnight in Lancaster, staying at a small boarding house to rest for the night. Over the next two days, they made similar progress, stopping at night to rest and regroup. The fifth day, when they pulled their buggy up to their little cabin, she looked on the place with fresh eyes. This was going to be their home, the place where they lived, and loved, and raised a family. The thought of all they would share together there made her a bit misty.
Carter got down from the seat and came around to help her down. Catching her moist eyes, he paused. “What’s the matter, sweet?”
She shook her head. “I’m all right, Carter. I’m just so damn happy.” And she was.
The two of them got their bags and went to the front door. As Carter started to put the key in the lock, he stopped. “Wait a minute. There’s a note on the door.”
She put her bag down, letting it come to rest near her feet. “Well, open it.”
He put down his bag and took down the envelope that had been tacked to the door. She watched as he tore it open, unfolding the paper. He began to read out loud.
Dear Carter and Deidra,
I didn’t want to disturb your honeymoon, but here is the word I’ve gotten from Marshal George M. Keim, US Marshal to the Eastern Pennsylvania District. The penalty for counterfeiting is ten years of imprisonment, as well as a hefty fine, so Aaron Wilson has now forfeited ownership of all his properties, even the ones obtained with real money, to pay his debt to the government. Just thought you’d like to know. Mayor Farnsworth has decreed that due to this development, Deidra’s land and property are hereby returned to her. Come on by town hall when you’re ready, and we’ll turn the deed back over to you.”
Until Then,
Sheriff Percy Farnsworth
Deidra clamped a hand over her mouth. Could it be? She was getting her land back, as well as the club. Part of her felt triumphant and vindicated. However, she’d changed since the day she’d left her former home.
“So, what do you wish to do with the property?”
She thought on it for a moment. Reopening the club was out of the question. The moment she’d given her heart to Carter, all desire to run the whorehouse had been extinguished. Besides, she and the girls had all moved on with their lives. But there was something the town didn’t have, a sort of gap she could fill. “Why don’t we open it as a boarding house? Graham doesn’t have one and it’s the only place around here with enough rooms.”
He scratched his chin, nodding. “Actually, it’s a mighty fine idea.” He placed the letter in his pocket and gathered their bags and opened the door to the cabin. “Let’s go inside.”
She sat on the settee and when he’d deposited the bags in the bedroom, he joined her.
“We just need to spruce the place up a bit. It’s in good condition. A bit of paint and a new sign and it will serve the purpose just perfectly.” She clapped her hands together. “And I’ll just bet the town council will go along with it. Folks have been complaining about the lack of a boarding house around here for years.”
“See? I told you, you’re a shrewd woman. I think it’s a wonderful idea. We’ll look into everything first thing Monday morning.” He paused, looking thoughtful. “What are you going to call the place now that it will be a boarding house?”
She closed her eyes, and thought on it for a moment. The first image she saw was her mother’s smiling face. She’d always wanted to do something to honor the memory of her mother who’d raised her with love and compassion. Opening her eyes, she brushed away a tear. “I’ll call it...Sarah’s Suites.”
He smiled and gathered her into his arms. “I’m sure your mother would be proud.”
She settled into his arms for a long winter evening, knowing that by summer’s end, they’d add a third member to their family. That cold morning, when she’d been stripped of her home and her business, she had no idea where she’d end up. Now, as she sank into Carter’s embrace, she was grateful that all the dreams she never even knew she had were about to come true, thanks to her being ensnared by love’s lasso.
The End