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Twenty-Three
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2020-07-23 00:31:30Mercedes stared wide-eyed at herself in the full-length mirror as she adjusted the sash on her dress. The woman staring back at her had sparks of excitement in her eyes and a rosy hue to her cheeks. Even her lips looked fuller, as though she’d been kissed good and hard by a loving man. She giggled like a schoolgirl. How could she not feel so elated after what she and William shared this morning?
She wasn’t anxious to meet the other ladies downstairs because she worried her expression would give away this morning’s enjoyment. Yet if she dallied in her room any longer, they’d think her lazy.
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William kept his gaze on his wife as the physician finished examining him. Mercedes had remained by William’s side every minute, tending to his needs and comfort. Even through all of this, he didn’t dare believe she had become the wife he’d always wanted. He couldn’t have his heart broken again.When he’d regained consciousness, his head had throbbed and his leg ached just as painfully, but she’d done everything possible to alleviate his discomfort. So different from the woman he’d married.The physician finally pulled away and closed his medical bag, then turned to M
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William fidgeted with the bed covers and groaned from inactivity. He pulled the sheets tighter across his leg, and the subtle movement caused a sharp pain in his knee. He gnashed his teeth. Thankfully, his head wound healed quicker. He prayed his leg would be as speedy so he could get out of this bed and back home with his family where he belonged.His nerves had been tight and his temper ready to explode since the accident. Of course, it didn’t help when his wife kept herself from joining him in bed, laying blame to his injured leg. She didn’t want to accidentally bump it, she told him. As much as he protested, she had stuck to what the physician said about not moving him. If he could get his hands around the physician’
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William sat by the open window and smiled. Since the patio was underneath the bedroom window, he’d heard the conversation between Lady Burwell and his wife.As he closed the window, his heart beat with unprecedented life, opening a new future for him. A future he couldn’t wait to pursue. My wife does love me!Whether or not Mercedes admitted her love, he planned on telling her his feelings tonight. He still doubted she was the woman he exchanged marriage vows with, and that thought made him happier than he expected. If the woman wasn’t his wife, that meant she hadn’t been inti
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Shadows teased throughout the room. Shapes appeared on the wall from the moon’s glare, slicing between small openings on the curtains. William halted his footsteps. The shadows played with his imagination and sent prickles of trepidation dancing up his spine. Floorboards creaked outside the hallway. He spun toward the closed door and listened.Nothing.Only the fierce beating of his heart pounded in his ears, making him re-think his purpose for probing through Colonel Burwell’s study. William had to accomplish his goal tonight, for in the morn he and Mercedes would return home. This would be his l
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Happiness and gaiety filled William’s home upon their return. The children ran into their father’s arms and greeted him with kisses, and then turned and rained the same affection on Mercedes. Her chest expanded with happiness.For the rest of the day, she stayed by William’s side as he sat on the couch and played with the children. He touched her often with gentle caresses. Was this all a wonderful, beautiful dream?But all dreams had to end, and William’s problems made her heart sick. When she first decided to play her sister’s role, she was out to prove him unlawful. Yet now th
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Gabriel Lawrence, Watch Brandon Kennedy closely tonight. I have it on good authority that Mr. Kennedy is going to meet Captain Wilkes in secret to sell him some drawings. I fear your friend, William Braxton will be blamed for something, and I want it stopped.Your Friend, Always.William scowled as he glanced at the missive in his hand. &ldquo
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Mercedes stepped outside onto the back porch and the wind blew against her face. The children were in the nursery. This afternoon, she needed time for herself yet the more she thought about her problems, the more worried she became.With a heavy ache in her chest, she walked toward the stable. The maid, Beth, informed Mercedes of the conversation one of the servants had eavesdropped on while at the bank. Mr. Braxton was meeting someone tonight at nine o’clock to secure a deal. All the servant knew was that the men spoke in hushed tones.Anxiety hammered through Mercedes. Would William tell her about thi
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Trees canopied the darkened sky and hid the moon, making the path harder to follow. The cool wind howled around Mercedes, blowing leaves and dust in her face. With one hand she gripped the reins. With the other she pulled the hooded, black cloak tighter around her head. The cool night’s breeze slipped through the man’s clothing she wore.Where is William?She’d feigned sleep until she heard him leave the house. Instead of following him immediately, she waited a few minutes, then left. She scrambled out of bed and ran to the stable to dress in the servant’s clothes Hyrum had le
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Mercedes screamed and pressed her body firmly to her husband, closing her eyes. Silently, she prayed his life would be spared.Off in the distance, a man’s shout rent the air, and seconds later, another pistol fired. And then something thumped heavily on the ground. Mercedes snapped her head up. No longer was Kat standing over them holding a pistol. Instead, she lay on the ground as blood covered her chest.William’s gasp alerted Mercedes to someone walking their way
Let's Pretend (book 1) Forty-Two
Mercedes’ body screamed in pain. Her skull had long since stopped throbbing, but being in one position for a lengthy amount of time stiffened every muscle in her body. When Captain Wilkes wasn’t looking, she’d tugged both her arms and legs, trying to free herself from the ropes. But to no avail. After several hours, she slumped in the corner in exhaustion.She leaned her head against the wall. Where was William? She blinked back tears threatening to streak down her face. Crying wouldn’t assist William in rescuing her, so why waste her energy?Henry had stepped outside the barn, and rel
Let's Pretend (book 1) Forty-One
William squinted against the sunlight pouring upon his face through the window. Every muscle in his body screamed in pain, even his eyelids ached. An intense throb began in his skull. He jerked his head up from his desk and sat straight. Cursing, he rubbed his eyes as he tried to remember what had caused him to sleep in his study instead of going upstairs to join his wife in their bed. He stretched his stiff neck and rolled his achy shoulders.The pitter-patter of small feet echoed outside his study mere seconds before the door flung open. James, still wearing his nightshirt, came running toward him. William stood and stepped toward his son.
Let's Pretend (book 1) Forty
The following morning, Katherine groaned as she held her head. The constant throb had gotten worse, and it wasn’t from last night’s entertainment, either. She suffered from some kind of illness, but so far, no physician could tell her why the headaches remained constant and happened more frequently.Forcing her eyelids open, she glanced around the bedroom and scowled. Her sister had moved into William’s room, and it took all of Kat’s willpower to crawl into William’s bed last night. Thankfully, he hadn’t joined her.Father had wanted Mercedes to marry William and had though
Let's Pretend (book 1) Thirty-Nine
Mercedes blew on her cold hands. Her nerves jittered out of control, making her body shake from more than just the cool night breeze. She slowed her horse, leading him at the back of the jail. Voices from the soldiers out front of the building echoed through the night.She reassured herself everything would turn out perfect. She had nothing to fear. William would make certain of that. After dismounting, she tiptoed to the back window and peeked inside. Henry Wilkes sat in a chair, leaning his elbow on the table as he twirled a stick between his fingers. It appeared as if he were the only person inside.Forcin
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Mercedes made her way down the stairs to the dining room the next morning. Angry voices rose from the study. William’s voice boomed louder than the others, sounding panicked. Her heartbeat quickened.Lifting her dress to her ankles, she hurried toward the room. William and five of his servants cluttered inside his study. The door stood ajar, so she peeked inside. All the men held the same worried expressions of drawn brows and sorrowful eyes. William’s lips pulled together, his hands balled at his side. William stalked to the liquor tray and poured a glass of bourbon—something he rarely did. He tipped it to his lips and gulped as if it was water.
Let's Pretend (book 1) Thirty-Seven
The door to the office opened, banging against the wall with a resounding crack. William jumped in his chair and spun toward the noise. Gabe rushed in, his face flushed as he wheezed to catch his breath. He glanced toward Brandon’s empty desk before hurrying over to William’s side.“Gabe, what ails you this afternoon? You look like you have been running for miles.”His friend placed his hand over his chest, nodding with a smile. “It seems I have.” He chuckled. “But when I received the letter, I couldn’t wait to show you.” Gabe handed forth a folded piece o
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Here’s your chance. Tell her.William smiled and took Mercedes’ hand, helping her out of the buggy. Shadows of doubt filled her green eyes, making his chest ache with sorrow. He had been an imbecile, plain and simple. But he didn’t want to doubt her, and he didn’t want her to mistrust him. Bringing her hand up to his mouth, he kissed her knuckles. “My love, I trust you with my life.”“Then prove it. Tell me what bothers you so.”
Let's Pretend (book 1) Thirty-Five
When William entered the dining area the next morning, Gabe waited for him, just as they’d planned. William’s breakfast of eggs and fruit were on a plate, ready for him.“Top of the morning, Gabe,” William greeted.His friend chuckled and shook his head. “I envy you. I don’t think I will ever find a special woman to share my life with.”William sat and picked up his fork. “Don’t say such things. You are a strapping young man.
