CLAYTON MADDEN ARRIVED at his brother’s home just before noon the next day. Jamie knew Sophie wasn’t happy when he left her at the Wades’ to meet with Clayton. She never wanted to be out of the action, but she conceded that he was doing it for her own good, so he kissed her and made his way next door to the Madden’s home, confident she would stay put.

Jamie expected Clayton to be much like his brother, but he was the polar opposite. When Jamie walked into Richard’s office at the back of the house, he tried to hide his shock as the tall, blond man stood and held his hand out in greeting.

“Jamie, this is Clayton. Clayton, Jamie,” Andrew said.

“Nice to meet you, Clayton.”

“You, too.” Clayton indicated one of the chairs. “Please, have a seat.”

Clayton didn’t look much like his brother, other than height and build. Clayton reminded Jamie of blond Orlando Bloom with a soul patch. His hair was longer than Richard’s, much lighter, and where Richard’s features had a coldness about them, Clayton appeared friendly. Jamie sat in the chair next to Andrew, facing Clayton, and the men began to strategize.

The meeting took over an hour. Jamie had to admit he enjoyed both men’s conversation, which might have been why he didn’t leave earlier. Clayton’s sense of humor, although subtle, was almost as wicked as Andrew’s, and the three of them spent less time coming up with a game plan for the dead prisoner than laughing about various anecdotes.

After leaving the meeting to make his way back to Sophie, Jamie let himself into the house and went looking for his wife. He found her asleep on the parlor sofa. He stood and watched her for several minutes, amazed that he had been blessed all over again. He knelt next to her and kissed her forehead, her nose, her lips. It didn’t take long for her to wake up and start to kiss him back.

“Where have you been?”

“It took a little longer than expected.”

Sophie sat up and stifled a yawn. “Did it go well?”

Jamie pulled her off the couch and cupped her cheek. “Very well. You look tired, baby. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine now that you’re back.”

Jamie narrowed his eyes in disbelief, but changed the subject anyway. “Andrew, Clayton, and Richard are joining us for dinner tonight and it’s almost ready. Shall I escort you?”

Sophie’s lip popped out in a mock pout.

“It won’t be a late night, grumpy pants.”

“I want you all to myself.”

“And you’ll have me... after dinner.” Jamie raised an eyebrow. “Are you still feeling sick?”

Sophie shrugged. “A little.”

“Well, let’s have some dinner and wine. You’ll feel better once you eat.”

Dinner passed quickly, and rather than everyone hanging out after the meal, they seemed to scatter to the four corners of the earth. Before retiring, Michael pulled Jamie aside. “James, I’d like to have a word with you tomorrow if you don’t mind. Would you come to my office before breakfast please?”

“Of course.”

Jamie looked at Sophie and shrugged at questioning expression.

“Good night, you two. Enjoy the rest of the evening.” Michael and Nona went off to bed, leaving Jamie and Sophie to their own devices, so they chose to spend some time in the library.

Jamie pulled Sophie onto his lap and kissed her.

“We need to talk about what we’re going to do once we’re married. Where will we live, what will we do for work? Can you stay with the army and actually make a living?”

Jamie chuckled. “One question at a time, love.”

Sophie wrinkled her nose.

“I see your wheels turning, Ten-Cow. Let’s not borrow trouble, all right?”

“We’re in a strange place in a strange time. I don’t know how any of our skills will translate to the nineteenth-century. We’re really good at a few specific things, namely computers, which don’t exist here. It’s not like I can go into human resources when no one has ever heard of it. You don’t have the Internet to tap in this century, so what are we going to do?”

Jamie raised his hands in surrender. “Sophie, stop. I’ll talk to Andrew tomorrow about options. Christine would be a great resource for you, especially considering she knows the whole truth. She’s smart, honey, I know she’ll have some great ideas.”

“Despite your irritating logic, I can’t help but be worried. You have always been the glass half full guy.”

Jamie laughed. “Sophie Jane. You were dying and God made you whole in an entirely different century. Then, He made it so I joined you, and you’re worried about a little thing like money? You don’t think He’s going to take care of us?”

Sophie sighed. “I suppose you’re right.”

“Of course I’m right.” He kissed her nose. “I’m always right. Now, let’s go to bed and concentrate on other, much more pleasant things.”

* * *

Before breakfast the next morning, Jamie went to Michael’s office. “You wanted to see me, Michael?”

“James. Good morning. Yes, please sit down.” Michael indicated a chair.

Jamie entered the room and sat in one of the chairs facing Michael’s desk.

“As you may or may not be aware, I have plans to sell off a portion of my property to the east of the lake. I have always felt the land we have now is too much to take care of, and I’d like to offer you the option to purchase that section of forty acres. I’ll give you a fair price, and we can work out payment details that will work for you.”

Jamie’s eyebrows went up in shock. “Thank you, Michael. I’ll definitely speak with Sophie about this, and let you know quickly.”

“Now, I have one other request. You have been instrumental in the training of the men, and Nona and I’d greatly appreciate it if you and Sophie would live in our home for as long as it takes to build yours.”

“Michael, this is very generous of you.”

“Nonsense, you would be doing us a great service. When we built our home, we thought it would be filled with family, however, the war and life have changed things slightly, and Nona and I feel as though we’re rattling around in wasted space. We have both come to view you and Sophie as our family and would very much enjoy the company.”

“Are you sure, Michael?”

The doctor laughed and rose to his feet. “I promised Nona that I’d somehow convince you, and she will not be happy if I come back with a ‘no.’”

Jamie stood and shook Michael’s hand, suddenly at a loss for words. They walked together down to the dining room and found the ladies waiting for them. Once the meal was over and the rest of the group dispersed for their various duties, Jamie pulled Sophie into the library.

“What?” Sophie whispered.

“You are never going to guess.” Jamie relayed the conversation with Michael.

“What does this mean, Jamie?”

“It means, my sweet pessimist, that we have a permanent home here if we want one. So, do I accept?”

“Well, gee, Jamie, I don’t know. What do you think?”

Jamie chuckled as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her breathless.

* * *

The next few days were a blur of Nona and party planning. Sophie felt as though she’d worn a hole in every carpet in the house with the amount of pacing she’d done in an effort to stop herself from pulling her hair out. She wasn’t allowed to lift a finger and it drove Sophie nuts. Waking on the morning of her “reunion, slash, engagement” party to an empty bed, she sat up and noticed several boxes neatly stacked in the corner of her room. Climbing out of bed, she made her way to the pile and knelt down to investigate. Before she could open the first box, a knock sounded on her door. “Come in.”

“Good morning.” Christine poked her head in.

“Hey there, what are you doing here so early?”

“Early? Have you forgotten how long it takes to wash your hair?”

Sophie laughed. “Good point.”

Christine laid a large box on Sophie’s bed. “Betty is arranging baths for both of us.”

Sophie leaned over to investigate the delivery. “What’s this?”

“Have a look.” Christine stepped away from the bed.

Sophie opened the box, and inside was yet another exquisite gown. Ivory chiffon with tiny green flowers embroidered into the fabric. Sophie lifted it out and let out a quiet whistle. “You guys are spoiling me.” She hugged Christine. “Thank you.”

“I can’t take the credit.”

“You can’t?”

Christine shook her head. “Read the card.”

Sophie located the card just as Betty came in with a few of the male staff carrying the large copper tub. Christine directed the filling of the bath and then left her alone to read her letter.

Christine returned to find Sophie in tears on the edge of her bed. “Sophie, what’s amiss?”

“I’m just married to the most amazing man.”

Christine smiled. “In that case, are you ready for your bath?”

After her bath, Sophie let Christine assist her with her hair before leaving her again to get ready next door. Sophie worried she would be late to her own party, but no one else seemed concerned, so she tried her best to relax. Her stomach clenched with nervousness, and she felt a little under the weather.

Christine returned to help with her corset, and then Sophie stepped into the hoops, petticoats, and finally her gown. Sophie put the finishing touches on her hair, leaving it to hang in flowing waves. Just the way Jamie liked it.

Christine gave her shoulder a squeeze. “You look beautiful.”

Sophie looked in the mirror and felt her heart swell as she stared at the gown that was almost identical to the one she used to wear for reenactments. Sophie ran her hands over the fabric and sighed. Jamie remembered every detail, down to the size of the flowers, and the feeling of the overlay. Once Christine’s hair was styled, the girls made their way downstairs. Jamie paced the foyer, his hands shoved deep in his pockets.

“You okay?” Sophie reached for his hand.

Christine left the couple to enter the ballroom.

“Yes. I just hate that I couldn’t run up the stairs and get you myself. Too many people around.” Jamie leaned down and kissed her cheek. “You look incredible, love.”

“Thank you for the dress. I can’t believe you remembered all the details.”

Jamie chuckled. “I’m observant. Did you forget?”

Sophie slid her hands under his jacket and kissed his neck. “Never.”

“I also put it on you a hundred times.”

“And took it off me a hundred times, if I recall,” Sophie said with a secret smile.

Jamie kissed her quickly and then presented his arm. “Are you ready to face our new families, Ten-Cow?”

Sophie slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow and leaned against him for support, suddenly dizzy.

He squeezed her hand and she heard the concern in his voice when he whispered, “Honey, are you okay?”

“Just feeling a little sick.” She dropped her head onto his shoulder. “I think I got a little overheated today.”

“Can I get you anything?”

She took another deep breath and forced a smile. “No. It’s passed. Let’s go.”

They found Nona and Michael standing by the ballroom doors waiting to escort them in. Sophie’s nerves seemed to get the better of her, and she clung to Jamie for support. He kissed her cheek and whispered, “Relax, baby. I’m right here.”

The moment the foursome entered the ballroom, they were confronted with a sea of faces.

“Surprise!” everyone shouted in unison.

She looked at Jamie. “What did you do?”

Before he could answer, the butler came in with a cake and twenty-seven candles.

“Make a wish, sweetheart.” Jamie pushed her gently forward.

“There’s only one thing that would make this life perfect.” She closed her eyes and blew out her candles. They fluttered out after one blow, and the crowd applauded as Jamie kissed her and helped her cut the cake.

“Thank you, everyone! This is a wonderful surprise.” Sophie beamed at the crowd. “Please,” she motioned to the dance floor, “dance and enjoy.”

The musicians took her cue and started up a lively quadrille. Jamie took her hand and squeezed it. “How are you feeling?”

Sophie grinned. “Perfectly fine.” Her nausea had gone as quickly as it had come.

“Your ladies are waving you over.”

Sophie glanced at the tables by the French doors and waved back. Elizabeth and Christine were giggling and conspiring like teenagers, motioning for her to join them. Jamie kissed her cheek and whispered, “I’ll find Andrew.”

She made her way to the table. “What are you two conspiring?”

Christine laid her palm on her chest. “Us?”

Sophie smirked as she took a seat between them and thanked the man who laid a piece of cake in front of her. Before she could take a bite, however, Michael pulled her aside and handed her a piece of paper.

“What’s this?” she asked.

Michael smiled. “It’s a transfer of ownership.”

She unfolded and read the note, and her eyes filled with tears instantly. “Michael, I can’t accept this.”

Michael gave a little chuckle. “Sophie, you have to accept this. You have ruined him for anyone else. I have been told that he pines when you’re not around, and I can’t have a horse that doesn’t act like a horse.”

Sophie leaned over and kissed his cheek. “This is incredible. I love that horse more than you could ever imagine. Thank you.”

“It’s my pleasure. And, of course, I hope you’ll keep him in our stables until you can build your own,” he said.

Sophie saw Jamie and Andrew approaching. Jamie’s face showed concern, so she wiped her tears and plastered a smile on her face. Jamie reached her side and Sophie handed him the note. Michael excused himself and Sophie noticed a smirk on Andrew’s face. “Did you know about this?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact I did.” Andrew chuckled. “I almost let you in on the surprise the other day. Did I cover it up well enough?”

“I had no clue, Andrew. You did well.”

Andrew lifted her hand and kissed her fingers before leaving them to find his siblings.

Jamie pulled Sophie into one of the alcoves for a moment of privacy. “What are you doing, Mr. Ford?”

“I am accosting you, Mrs. Ford.” Jamie leaned down and kissed her.

“Sophie?”

Hearing Christine’s voice calling for her, she dropped her forehead into Jamie’s chest. “Just when it was getting fun.”

“Give me a second before you answer her,” Jamie requested.

Sophie grinned up at him. He got half a second before they were pulled from their hiding place at the insistence of Christine. “Time to toast the happy couple.”

Nona waved the couple to the center of the room and insisted on a few speeches. Sophie blushed under the wonderful things everyone had to say and generosity of their gifts. The family spent the next few minutes congratulating them, and then it was time for everyone to leave and the group made their way to the door.

Sophie followed the group out onto the porch, Jamie’s hand firmly linked with hers. They waved as the buggies disappeared down the drive. Andrew and Christine stood with them, intending to stay for a bit longer. The evening grew cooler as the sun set and Sophie sighed as Jamie guided her toward the front door. “Time to go, sweetheart.”

“Just one more minute? I don’t want to go inside just yet.”

Jamie shook his head. “Ten-Cow, it’s not safe. Come on inside.”

“Okay.” As she turned, she heard a sudden whoosh, then excruciating pain in her arm, and the sound of her own voice screaming.

“Sophie!” Jamie threw her to the ground and covered her body.

Andrew jumped over the porch railing and ran in the direction of the threat, as Christine knelt beside Sophie and cradled her head in her lap. “What was that?”

Jamie climbed off Sophie to assess the situation. Blood oozed from her arm. He pulled out his handkerchief and pushed it against the wound.

“Jamie,” Sophie moaned. “What happened?”

“You’ve been shot,” he replied as he frantically tried to get the bleeding to stop.

Sophie pulled away from his hand. “It burns.”

“I know, sweetheart. Christine, can you get Michael, please?”

Christine nodded and rushed inside.

“Sophie, I need to get you in the house. I’m going to lift you, okay?”

“I think I can stand.”

Jamie’s eyebrows puckered. “Are you sure?”

Sophie nodded and braced her uninjured arm around Jamie’s neck. With his hand around her waist, he lifted her, stopping when he heard her whimper. “I’m going to be sick.” Jamie held her until her stomach settled. “This really, really hurts.”

He lifted her into his arms. “I know, sweetheart.” Jamie carried her upstairs, his voice shaking as he settled her gently on the bed and said, “I need to get your clothing off you.”

Sophie stood and braced her good arm against the bedpost so that Jamie could unbutton her gown. She dropped her forehead against her arm and took a deep breath. With shaky hands, Jamie tugged and tore at the corset, in an effort to give her breathing room. As he pushed the garment from her hips, Sophie stumbled. Jamie caught her as she lost consciousness and laid her on the bed, his heart racing in fear.

The door flew open, bringing Michael, followed closely by Christine.

“She’s been shot,” Jamie said. “And now, she’s unconscious. I don’t know how bad the wound is.”

“Step aside, son.”

Jamie felt Christine’s hand tugging gently on his arm. He looked up and stepped back to give Michael space to work. Pacing the room, Jamie felt as though his world was slipping away, reminders of their future and Sophie’s disease slowly ripping the life from her.

“James?”

“Hmm?”

“It’s a flesh wound. There is no bullet and with a few stitches, Sophie should be fine.” Michael patted his shoulder.

Jamie rushed to her side and stroked her cheek.

Michael caught his eye and said, “I think I should try and stitch the wound while she isn’t lucid.”

Jamie nodded. “All right, will you please hurry?”

At Jamie’s insistence, Michael washed his hands and then prepared a needle for Sophie’s wound. “You’re both going to have to hold her down in case she wakes up.”

Jamie stretched out beside her, pinning her good arm behind his back. He wrapped one arm under her neck and the other around her waist, while Christine sat at her feet just in case she began to kick. Michael pulled a chair next to the bed and got her arm into position.

“Ready?” Michael asked Jamie.

Tears filling his eyes, he nodded and held Sophie a little tighter. As soon as the needle hit her flesh, Sophie woke with a scream, and tried to pull her body away. She pounded Jamie’s back with the arm trapped behind him in an attempt to get him to move.

“Shh, sweetheart, it’s okay. Michael has to close the wound.”

Sophie screamed again, her head thrashing against the pillow.

Jamie grimaced. “Hurry, Michael.”

Christine sat on her feet to keep them still, and sweat beaded her forehead from the effort.

“I’m almost done.” Michael kept his head down and inserted the needle again.

“Jamie!” Sophie begged.

“Just relax, Ten-Cow, it’s almost over,” Jamie whispered.

“Make it stop! Make it stop!”

Michael stepped back. “I’m done.”

Jamie loosened his hold and Sophie rolled toward him. She threw up, and her sobbing grew uncontrollable. Jamie watched her agony, certain the pain would be overwhelming. Jamie held her hair and stroked her back until her spasms subsided. Christine cleaned the blood from her arm and bandaged the wound, tight enough to stop the bleeding, while Jamie climbed off the bed and followed Michael to the door.

“I’ll make a poultice,” Michael said. “We’ll begin putting that on her in the morning. For now, I can give her laudanum or morphine for the pain and to help her sleep.”

“No,” Sophie groaned.

Jamie winced. “I’ll find you if her pain worsens.”

Michael nodded and then left them to tend to Sophie. A tense twenty minutes passed as they worked to control Sophie’s pain and calm her frayed nerves. Jamie lifted Sophie from the bed and carried her to one of the chairs.

“Jamie, you should get cleaned up.” Christine gathered the dirty rags. “I’ll retrieve fresh linens.”

He shook his head. “I’m not leaving.”

“It’s okay, Jamie,” Sophie rasped.

Jamie leaned over and stroked her cheek. “I don’t want to leave you, sweetheart.”

“You have puke all over you.” Sophie took a deep breath. “I’ll be fine. I think the worst is over, and you really need to change.

Jamie sighed. “All right. But I’ll wait until Christine returns with sheets.”

Christine took the cue and left the room.

“I can live with that.” Sophie squeezed her eyes shut and reached for her arm. “This really, really hurts.”

Jamie pulled her hand away. “I know.”

Christine returned with Betty in tow, and Jamie leaned over and kissed Sophie’s cheek. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Fine.”

Jamie left the room and made his way out the front door. As he stepped off the back porch on his way to the stables, he was met by Andrew. “We got him.”

“The shooter?”

Andrew nodded. “Clayton is interrogating him now.”

Jamie slapped his shoulder. “Thank you.”

“How’s Sophie?”

“The bullet clipped her arm.” Jamie grimaced. “She needed stitches but I think she’ll be fine.”

“What happened to you?” Andrew pointed to the stain on the front of his shirt.

“Sophie was sick.”

Andrew stepped back slightly. “Do you have a change of clothing?”

“I do. I think I’m going to make a stop at the lake and then check in with Clayton.”

Andrew nodded. “Well, if you need anything, let me know.”

Jamie grabbed a horse and made his way out to the lake. After cleaning up, he rode back to the Madden’s. Met by their housekeeper, Jamie was shown into the parlor, and instructed to wait. He didn’t have to wait for long.

“Jamie?”

Turning, he reached his hand out as Clayton walked in. “What did you find out?”

“The man said his name was Victor Cary.”

“Was? What happened?”

Clayton nodded. “He’s dead.”

“How?”

“I don’t know what happened. He was speaking and then white foam spilled from his mouth. He fell from the chair and didn’t move again.”

“Poison,” Jamie whispered.

“What was that?”

“Nothing.” Jamie sighed. “Are we sure he was the shooter?”

“Yes. Andrew confiscated his gun—”

“Where is the gun?” Jamie interrupted him.

Clayton frowned. “Andrew said he disposed of it.”

Jamie relaxed. “Ah, well, great.”

“Is there something you want to tell me?”

“No, it appears you and Andrew have everything in hand. Please let me know if you need anything from me.” Jamie forced a smile. “I should get back to Sophie. I’ll let myself out.”

Jamie jogged back to the Wades house and rushed inside. Climbing the stairs, he met Christine on the landing. “How is she?”

“In pain,” Christine said. “She seems more comfortable since we changed the bedding and put her in a nightgown, but she’s putting up a brave front.”

Jamie smiled and squeezed Christine’s arm. “Thank you. I’ll take over from here.”

“I’ll be back to check on her in an hour.”

“You’re a good friend, Christine.” Jamie let himself into the room and found Sophie teetering at the edge of the bed. Rushing to her side, he settled his hands on either side of her hips to steady her. “What are you doing?”

“I’m thirsty.”

“Sweetheart, get back into bed. I’ll get you a glass of water, and anything else you need.”

She nodded and sat on the mattress.

He handed her the water. “Clayton interrogated the shooter.”

“And?” Sophie took a sip.

“It was Victor Cary—and he’s dead.”

“How?”

“Poison, as far as I can tell.”

Jamie filled her in on his conversation with Clayton.

Sophie gasped. “That sounds so very secret black ops or something.”

He chuckled. “I know.”

Sophie shook her head. “How did the shooter get the poison?”

“He must have hidden a cyanide capsule in his mouth.”

“Wow.” Sophie bit her lip. “How do you think he knew about me?”

Jamie paused for a minute.

“Jamie?”

Jamie sat heavily on the bed. “Do you remember that secret donation to the company last year?”

“The one you had to have your accountant track?”

Jamie nodded. “Yes. It was from the Cary family.”

Sophie sat up with a gasp. “The Cary family?”

“Yes.”

“The ‘let’s buy up every political seat in Washington State’ Cary family?”

“Yes.”

“Holy cow, Jamie. That’s huge.” Sophie frowned. “Is that why Brian was so freaked out when he called?”

Jamie nodded. “He wanted to keep the money, but I made sure it was all returned with a note of ‘thanks but no thanks.’”

Sophie rubbed her forehead. “Do you think Cary knew the connection before they sent the money?”

Jamie shrugged. “I don’t know, but it would seem so.”

“Bernadette says I’m to make sure history stays the same. Granted, I know a lot about the war, but I don’t know everything. I suppose if Victor Cary is dead, I won’t have any trouble keeping things on track, will I?”

Jamie frowned. “Nope, and it means I don’t have to kill him.”

“I’m going to be fine.” Sophie sighed. “I wonder what Andrew did with the gun. I’m dying to know if it’s from our time.”

“I’ll ask Andrew tomorrow to fill in the blanks. For now, I want you to rest.”

“I feel like that’s all I ever do.” Sophie raised her hand to her bandage.

Jamie caught her hand and pulled it away. “Don’t touch it, sweetheart.”

“It burns.”

“Do you want me to get you something?” Jamie frowned when Sophie squeezed her eyes shut and nodded. “Why didn’t you tell me it was that bad?” Jamie pulled her into his arms briefly. “I’ll be right back.”

Once he found the doctor, he rushed back to the bedroom. “Michael’s bringing morphine.”

She nodded with a whimper. Her door opened, and Michael walked in, holding a syringe that reminded Jamie of several horror movies he’d seen.

“Is that a new needle?”

Michael raised an eyebrow. “As a matter of fact, it is. They’re good for several uses, but this one is new.”

Jamie relaxed. “Good. Please promise me you will only use this needle on Sophie. No one else.”

The doctor frowned. “Seems like a waste to me.”

“Michael, please. It’s important to me.”

“Well, I suppose, if that’s your wish.” Michael administered the morphine and then left them alone again.

Jamie watched her eyes turn to glass. “How’s the pain now?”

“It’s still there but I don’t care.”

Jamie chuckled and pulled her close, sweeping her hair away from her cheek. He held her until she fell asleep and then joined her.

* * *

Jamie woke the next morning to find Sophie climbing back into bed. “Sophie Jane, what are you doing?”

“I was thirsty.” Placing her hand on his chest, she pushed him back onto the bed. “No, don’t get up. I’m perfectly capable of getting some water.”

“How’s your arm?”

“It hurts.”

Jamie sat up. “Do I need to get you more pain meds?”

Sophie grimaced. “No. My headache is almost as bad as my arm, so I’d rather refrain.”

“I’m sorry, honey.”

“I wish we had some milder pain meds.”

“Wasn’t aspirin invented in this century?” he asked.

“Yes, but the buffered version isn’t created for another thirty years or so, and in Germany, which won’t help Americans for several years. Plus, at the beginning it did more harm than good, so it wouldn’t be an option anyway.”

Jamie chuckled and kissed her head.

“What?” she asked.

“Your brain’s ability to hold that much information astounds me.”

Sophie smiled. “I do love to astound you.”

“Baby, your arm’s bleeding through the bandage.” Jamie pushed himself from the bed and pulled her with him. “Come sit in the chair so I can look at it.”

Sophie sat by the fireplace and Jamie unwrapped her blood-soaked bandage. “It’s puckered and red. Do you feel sick? Like, fever sick.”

Shaking her head, she swallowed but didn’t respond.

“I’ll be right back.” Jamie dressed quickly and rushed to find Michael, who followed him back to the room, bandages and poultice in hand.

Jamie knelt next to Sophie’s chair and waited, rather impatiently, for Michael to examine her arm. At Sophie’s groan, Jamie took her hand and held it to his lips. “Just look at me, Ten-Cow.”

She nodded and turned tear-filled eyes toward him.

“It doesn’t appear to be infected.” Michael squinted to get a better look. “Yet. The poultice should help with the pain, Sophie, and also help ward off infection.”

Jamie stood and took the supplies from the doctor’s hands. “I’ll take care of her.”

Michael nodded. “All right. Sophie, if you need more morphine, let me know.”

“I will. Thanks, Michael.”

Jamie waited for him to leave the room and then went to work on her arm. “You can break down now, Ten-Cow.”

“I’m fine.”

Jamie raised an eyebrow, but didn’t contradict her. When he finished cleaning and bandaging her wound, he lifted her and settled her onto his lap. “I’ve got you.”

Sophie leaned her cheek against his shoulder and cried.

* * *

One week later, Sophie’s arm was almost healed. The pain subsided, and an annoying itch replaced it. Christine and Nona focused on her wedding celebration, asking on occasion for her opinion but telling her she was in the way if she tried to help.

With Jamie at the arena and her morning visit with Samson completed, Sophie wandered the house, uninterested in holing up in the library again. Just before lunch, she heard Jamie call her name. “In here, Jamie.”

He rushed into the parlor and pulled her off the couch. “You need to change.”

“Huh?”

“Go put your breeches on and then meet me outside.”

“Riding?”

Jamie kissed her and then grinned. “Yes.”

Sophie took the stairs two at a time and changed quickly.

As she stepped onto the porch, she heard a trumpeting hello. “Samson?”

Shielding her eyes from the sun, Sophie saw Samson saddled and sidestepping, as Jamie tried to keep him from rushing the porch to get to her. Sophie let out a squeal of excitement and clapped her hands as she ran and threw herself into Jamie’s arms. “I get to ride him?”

Jamie grinned as he caught her. “You do. Michael gave the okay. Are you ready?”

Samson nudged her back with his muzzle and Sophie laughed. “Okay, boy, I’m coming.” She turned and stroked his face. “Will you fly with me?”

“No flying, baby. Slow and careful,” Jamie said as he helped her mount. She’d worn light skirts over her breeches, and she adjusted them for modesty while Jamie held Samson. Once she told him she was ready, Jamie jumped onto his horse and then led them toward the lake.

“Race ya,” Sophie challenged and dug her heels into Samson’s side. Her heart soared as Samson responded. With a yell of pure joy, Sophie guided him to a fence, leaned her body forward, and gripped with her thighs. His front hooves rose and flew over the hurdle, clearing it with several feet to spare.

The sound of pounding hooves barely registered behind her as she set Samson toward another fence. Once he cleared it, she slowed him to a trot and then a walk, and turned in surprise to find Jamie right next to her. “Hi.”

Jamie smiled, despite the look of fear on his face. “Are you okay?”

“Are you kidding me?” Sophie grinned. “I am the happiest I have been in a while.”

“Well, could you please be happy and slower in the future?”

Sophie laughed. “Probably not.”

“Samson looks quite happy as well.”

“I love this horse and he knows it.” Sophie slapped Samson’s neck and his ears went back to hear her voice. Sophie turned to Jamie. “Your riding has improved.”

He smiled. “I’m in the saddle every day; I would hope it would have.”

“Well, I’m impressed. And in love.” Her head dropped back and she smiled at the sky. “And happy.”

“I have another surprise. Follow me.” Jamie led them to the lake and dismounted.

He lifted Sophie from Samson and then gathered the supplies he’d attached to their saddles.

“What have you got there?”

Jamie took her hand and pulled her closer to the water. “I have food, blankets, and the rest of the day off to love you.”

Sophie’s joy bubbled out with a laugh. “Well, then, let’s not waste any time.”

* * *

Several hours later, as the sun rose in the sky, Jamie suggested they head back for dinner but this time, their ride back was slower and filled with conversation.

When they arrived back at the barn, Sophie spent some extra time to shower attention on Samson. He was dozing when she finally left his stall. Sophie took Jamie’s outstretched hand and followed him to the house. Dinner included Andrew and Christine, but Michael and Nona were with friends, so the four of them lingered over their meal.

“I have what you’ve been asking for,” Andrew said to Jamie.

“Where?” Jamie whispered.

“Perhaps we could have drinks in the library.” Andrew stood. “We can discuss it in there.” Andrew led them into the library before closing the door and slipping the lock.

Sophie raised an eyebrow in Christine’s direction, but her slender shoulder rose in a shrug. The three watched Andrew make his way to the window seat.

Throwing the pillows to the ground, he pulled out a rather large knife and pried a loose board of wood from the top. Reaching inside, he pulled out a gun. Jamie whistled as Sophie gasped.

“That’s the gun?” Jamie asked, despite the obvious.

Andrew nodded. “Yes, it’s the most incredible piece of artillery I have ever seen.”

Jamie removed it from Andrew’s hands. “It’s some kind of Beretta.”

Sophie moved closer and ran her hand over the serial number. “It kind of looks like a gun made in this century, don’t you think? In fact, it’s a little uncanny how much it looks like a Union issue rifle.”

“Yes,” Andrew said.

“That’s probably why they chose it.” Jamie raised it to eye level.

“No, Jamie. Look. It’s been modified.” Sophie pointed to the trigger mechanism.

As Jamie and Andrew studied the rifle, Sophie watched her husband’s face flicker with several emotions, including appreciation. “This is genius.”

“Why?” Sophie asked.

“They’ve essentially taken a Beretta and put it inside a Union issue rifle shell. Unless you were really looking at it, you probably wouldn’t know the difference.”

Andrew’s breath came out in a whoosh. “The army could use this.”

Sophie shook her head. “That would be dangerous, Andrew. We have to keep this hidden.”

Andrew frowned. “I know. I just wish there was a way to utilize this for our side.”

“Without ammo, it’s pretty useless anyway,” Jamie pointed out.

“Why the window seat, Andrew?” Sophie asked.

“You seem to be here more than most, so I figured it was the safest place.”

Sophie grinned. “Smart.”

Jamie handed the gun back to Andrew and sat on the edge of the hearth. “Tell us what happened with the shooter.”

“He let it slip that he was Victor Cary, and was angry that he had failed.” Andrew placed the gun back in its hiding place.

“Did he slip, Andrew, or do you think he was trying to throw us off track?”

Andrew sat on the window seat and settled his forearms on his knees. “He convinced both Clayton and me, and I doubt he could have done that if he weren’t who he said he was. He had documentation proving who he was, as well.”

“What kind of documentation?” Sophie asked.

Andrew pulled something from his pocket. “I had never seen anything like this, so I confiscated it before Clayton could see it. I assume it’s something from your time?”

Jamie stood and took it from him. “It’s a license for Washington State. Most definitely from my time.”

“The photograph was accurate.”

Jamie slapped the plastic against his fingertips. “Thank God this is over.”

Andrew nodded. “I assume you’ll want to keep that.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“I’ll take my leave, then.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Jamie offered.

“I’ll meet you upstairs, okay?” Sophie said.

She hugged Christine and made a dash up the stairs while Jamie walked them to the door. She only just made it to the bowl on the dresser.

Jamie joined her not long after. “Honey, what happened? Are you okay?”

Sophie groaned. “I don’t know. I’ve been feeling sick for about an hour.”

Jamie rushed to unbutton her dress and unlace her corset to give her some breathing room. “You’re probably just hot and overwhelmed with everything. Come on, let’s get you into your nightgown.”

Sophie was sick once more before Jamie helped her into bed and crawled in beside her. It didn’t take her long to fall asleep, but she didn’t stay that way for very long.

* * *

Jamie, kept up all night with her, worried more with each passing hour. She finally fell asleep for good at three o’clock, so he stole a few hours of sleep. Woken at six by Sophie’s groan, he reached for the bowl. “I’m getting Michael.”

He found him at the dining room table. Michael grabbed his medicine bag and followed Jamie upstairs. He was forced into the hallway and paced the aisle while Michael examined her.

After what seemed like hours, Michael opened the door and patted Jamie on the shoulder. “You can see her now.”

Jamie bolted into the room, relieved to see Sophie sitting by the window, looking much less green. “Baby?”

“Hmm-mm.” Sophie smiled.

“So, what’s wrong? Why are you sick—” Jamie stalled. “Sophie, why are you smiling?”

“Well...” Sophie laid her hand on her stomach. “We’re going to have to build a bigger house.”

“Why?” Sophie stared pointedly at him. It took him a minute. “Seriously? NO way.”

“Yes, way. You’re going to be a daddy.”

He sat down and ran his hands through his hair. “Wow.” He jumped up and pulled her into his arms. “Holy shit. Wow!”

Sophie laughed as he continued to repeat the word and hold her tighter with each passing minute.

“Everything’s perfect.” Sophie reached up and cupped his cheek. “We’re staying.”

He kissed her palm. “We’re staying.”

The decision was made to stay in the past and do their best to guide any further travelers that might arrive, keep the history as accurate as possible, and to finally live the life they’d dreamed of as a young couple.

As they spent the rest of the night coming up with baby names and planning their future, Sophie sent up a silent prayer of thanks. She’d been reunited with the man of her dreams, her heart was working better than it ever had, and she had wonderful friends surrounding her.

Her price truly had been paid in more ways than she could count.