Winter Magic Read online

  WINTER MAGIC

  Cheryl Pierson

  Winter Magic by Cheryl Pierson

  Copyright© 2015 by Cheryl Pierson

  Cover Design Livia Reasoner

  Prairie Rose Publications

  www.prairierosepublications.com

  All rights reserved.

  This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real.

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  HEARTS AND DIAMONDS

  SPELLBOUND

  LUCK OF THE DRAW

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  HEARTS AND DIAMONDS

  Revenge sets Nick Diamond after a bride, and nothing will stand in his way. But when that bride happens to be outspoken firebrand Liberty Blankenship, all bets are off. Anything can happen when Hearts and Diamonds collide!

  Liberty Dawn Blankenship had always been too wild for her own good, according to everyone in the small town of Hollow Springs.

  She supposed they’d had good reason to think that way. She’d never been much good at holding back her honesty, corralling her words, or lassoing her “forward thinking”—as others called it.

  “You’re so lucky, Libby.” Her mother’s voice brought her back from her thoughts, to the reality she sought to escape. Bustling around the small anteroom beside the sanctuary of the Hollow Springs Baptist Church, Mrs. Blankenship straightened Libby’s veil for what seemed like the hundredth time.

  “Granted, Mr. Ridgeway is a bit older than you—”

  “Twelve years,” Libby said tonelessly.

  Her mother went on as if she hadn’t heard. “And he’s got a nice ranch—”

  “It ought to be really nice what with the dowry Papa paid him.”

  Eleanor Blankenship shook her head, stopping to stare pointedly at her only child. “He loves you, Libby, dear.”

  “He loves me for what I can do for him, Mama. Increase his wealth and become his own private brood mare.”

  “Liberty! That is so—common.” She shook her head. “The fact is, you’re not getting any younger, my dear. And you’re so—outspoken.” She rushed on. “While your father and I have always loved that quality in you, I fear we may have encouraged it a little too much.”

  Libby looked down. No one knew better than she how disappointed her family was in her. Nearly twenty years old, and only now landing a husband…the trouble was, she didn’t want to be married—at least, not to Carlton Ridgeway. She dreamed of things she could never have. Freedom to be herself, without always feeling the disapproval behind the politeness of the townsfolk; and if she must marry…oh, why couldn’t it be for love rather than necessity?

  But she had agreed to this loveless match between herself and Mr. Carlton Ridgeway, and now she must see it through. In less than half-an-hour, her name would change, and so would her entire life. All because she wanted to do something her parents could be proud of—for once.

  “It’s not as if you’re dying, Libby,” her mother said softly as the organ began bellowing The Wedding March.

  Libby managed a small smile, her heart shriveling in her chest. “No.”

  But she was. Inside, she was.

  ****

  Almost time. Nick Diamond slowly dismounted in front of the church. The sham of a wedding should be starting any moment now. Already had, evidently, from the sound of the organ.

  Carlton Ridgeway had stolen everything from him. Well, now it was time to even things up some. A twinge of guilt rippled through him.

  He didn’t particularly want a wife, but he was set on taking Miss Liberty Blankenship for his own. He remembered Libby—vaguely. She was years younger than he, and he’d been gone for many of those years. Maybe none of this would have happened if he’d stayed in Hollow Springs.

  He looped the reins around a hitching post and headed for the door, removing his hat the instant he entered the church. The smell of snow was in the air, and he was ready for a bit of warmth.

  Most everyone was in the sanctuary already, and he hurriedly took a seat near the front, on the end of one of the rough wooden pews.

  He kept his coat buttoned, for more than one reason. Normally, no one would’ve shown up at a wedding wearing hardware, but Nick had taken a chance that this would be an exception—and he’d been right.

  Carlton Ridgeway’s men were there, all with weapons strapped on. Glancing around, Nick could see by the dubious looks they were receiving from the other guests that they weren’t being looked upon kindly—and neither was he.

  There was another way he could steal Libby out from under Ridgeway—hopefully without a shot being fired—but would Libby ever forgive him?

  Word about town was that she didn’t relish this union with Ridgeway, but she was getting desperate for a husband. After all, she was closing in on the ripe old age of twenty. He smiled at that. It was a good age to be.

  The congregation stood as Liberty Dawn Blankenship and her father, the Reverend Oliver Blankenship, began their march down the aisle together.

  Nick studied Libby’s face. Though she tried to keep a pleasant look on her lovely features, it was all a façade. Couldn’t everyone see what he saw? The trembling full lower lip, the lackluster half-smile she wore, the hollow, haunted look in her deep blue eyes…

  And knowing Carlton Ridgeway for the scheming snake he was, how could Libby’s parents sacrifice her to him?

  As she neared Nick, her eyes met his briefly, and he could have sworn she was pleading silently with him to stop this madness. Of course, he knew that wasn’t true. She wouldn’t be here unless she wanted to be…or, unless those rumors were true.

  Blankenship grimly stood between his daughter and Ridgeway. He gave the prospective groom a brief look of what seemed to Nick suspiciously like regret.

  From where he stood, Nick could also catch a glimpse of Libby’s mother, who looked none too happy either, now that the moment had arrived.

  Libby deserved better than being married to a skunk like Ridgeway. But she may not see it that way.

  No matter. He was set on his course. If Libby wanted an annulment later, he’d give it to her. But for now…

  The crowd began to be seated once more as Carlton Ridgeway reached to take Libby’s hand in his, and Reverend Blankenship moved aside. Ridgeway’s gray eyes were veiled, but Nick recognized the predatory gleam in them. Did Libby? She moved back involuntarily, Nick noticed. Something had put her off.

  The preacher, a friend of the Blankenships, intoned, “Dearly Beloved,” and the ceremony began. It wasn’t long before the words were spoken that Nick had been waiting for.

  ****

  “If any man can show cause as to why these two people should not be united in marriage, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

  Nick stood slowly. “I can.”

  Libby and Ridgeway both turned and stared at him. The preacher looked almost relieved.

  “Diamond?” Ridgeway stood gaping, incredulous. “Nick Diamond? What are you doing here?”

  “Ridgeway.” Nick met Libby’s sapphire blue eyes. “Libby knows why.”

  Ridgeway gave her a sharp look. “Liberty? What’s this about?”

  “I—”

  Nick stepped out into the aisle. “It’s not anything either one of us wants to announce here. But there’s no choice. She’s been afraid to tell you.”

  “Tell me what?” Ridgeway’s face was mottled. He turned back to Libby. “What the hell is going on here? What were you afraid to tell me?”

  “I—Carlton, I don’t�
�”

  “Libby and I, we’ve…been together,” Nick interrupted, infusing his voice with what he hoped was the right amount of regret and hesitancy as he moved toward the altar.

  “We have—” Libby began, but Nick put a hand up.

  “Honey, if we’re gonna do this, now’s the time. The preacher’s here, and so am I.”

  “You slept with him? With—with Nick Diamond? How could you, Liberty?” Ridgeway’s voice was shrill, his fists clenched as he turned to Libby once more.

  “How dare you accuse me!” she gasped, one hand going to her throat as the other clutched the bouquet of daisies with a death grip.

  “No one else would have you! I’m doing you a favor—and this is how you repay me?”

  Libby’s cheeks flamed. Somehow, pride struggled to the forefront and made her utter something no one expected. She drew herself up stiffly.

  “Oh, yes, Carlton. Someone else would have me—and did!”

  Nick tried to keep the surprise from his face. He stepped closer to the couple.

  Ridgeway tensed with shock.

  “Liberty Dawn Blankenship!” The words were barely out of Mrs. Blankenship’s mouth before she sank to the floor in a faint. Libby’s father bent over his wife, retrieving the smelling salts he carried in his pocket for occasions such as this.

  “You beastly man!” Libby cried, humiliation fueling her anger. “I only agreed to marry you because—because I felt sorry for you!”

  Ridgeway’s lips curved into a sneer. “Sorry enough to pay twice a normal dowry so I could take you off your parents’ hands?”

  From her stricken look, Nick knew she had not known that was the case until Ridgeway had thrown it into her face.

  She recovered well. “They paid it because you are so greedy, Mr. Ridgeway, and demanded that sum.”

  “Don’t expect to be released from it, my dear,” Ridgeway murmured silkily. “You are the one who is—soiled. By your own admission, in front of witnesses!”

  “A small price to pay to be rid of you!”

  A collective gasp came from the congregation. Silence settled, as every person there waited to see what Carlton Ridgeway would do next.

  “Then, I’ll take my leave,” Ridgeway said harshly, “and leave you to your…gunfighter.” He stepped away from her, motioning to his foreman, who stood. His other men began to file out as the congregation watched.

  “Please,” Ridgeway said before he stood down from the dais, “the rest of you stay and enjoy the…festivities.”

  Libby took a step toward him, but Nick moved to stand beside her.

  “Shall we get on with this, honey?”

  “No—I mean—I don’t—”

  “Proceed, Reverend Tyler,” Reverend Blankenship told his old friend tightly. Mrs. Blankenship was coming around, and Libby’s righteous father seemed to be in a hurry to marry his daughter to someone.

  “Father—”

  “Liberty Dawn Blankenship, you will wed this man and—and make things right in God’s eyes!”

  “But, I didn’t do—”

  “Now, Libby, honey,” Nick said, putting his arm around her. “You know this is what we’ve wanted…”

  “No—I—”

  “Dearly Beloved,” Revered Tyler began once more, with a quelling eye on Libby, forestalling her protests.

  Nick tightened his grip on her, feeling her tremble under his grasp. “You won’t be sorry, Libby D. I promise you.” His whispered words made her look up into his face, disbelief mixed with yearning in her eyes.

  ****

  It was over quickly, and Libby could have wept with relief that the ordeal had finally drawn to a close. Halfway through the ceremony, she realized just who she was marrying.

  Nick Diamond—the boy who’d moved away with his two younger brothers after his father had died several years ago—so long ago, that Libby had forgotten it completely. A scandal rose up in gathering detail in her mind, coming together in bits and pieces around the words of Reverend Tyler, binding her to this man she barely remembered.

  Carlton’s father had stolen the Double D Ranch from Nick’s father. And Everett Diamond had killed himself when he’d lost everything. There had been talk, but she had not paid attention—such a subject hadn’t interested an eight-year-old girl. Eleven years ago. And now Nick was back, here in Hollow Springs.

  Why?

  Not to marry her, she was sure. Yet…that was precisely what was happening. Against her will. She had just said, “I do,” to a man she didn’t know, to avoid a scandal she’d never had a part in, but had confessed to before the entire town. Of all the wild things she’d ever done, this took the cake. The wedding cake. What would become of her now?

  “You may kiss your bride,” Reverend Tyler intoned.

  Nick lifted her veil, his fingers skimming her hair away from her cheek. He met her eyes for a brief moment, just before his warm mouth closed possessively over hers.

  His lips were firm and sensuous. Libby’s insides melted at the surety of his touch as he pulled her close to him, into the shelter of his hard body. The silent protection he offered was almost enough to bring her to tears after what she’d just been through.

  His kiss was sweet and thorough, but not demanding. And Libby was shocked to realize she was responding to him. In front of the congregation. The way her body melded close to his, the possessive embrace with which he held her, and the hungry way she’d kissed him back all branded her guilty of just what he’d claimed in front of everyone.

  What had he claimed? And what had she admitted to? Not that it was true, whatever it was—and right now, she could think of nothing but the security of his arms, the taste of his mouth, the heat rising up in her belly.

  The kiss continued on. She didn’t let go of Nick Diamond even when she heard the commotion in the first pew, and her father’s exasperated sigh.

  Mama had fainted again.

  ****

  The congregation spilled out onto the street behind Libby and Nick as they left the building for the short, frigid walk to the hotel.

  Nick secured a room for them and gave a young boy a dollar to take his horse to the livery and carry the saddlebags up to Room Twelve, where he and Libby would be staying. The Honeymoon Suite.

  Libby could hardly contain her curiosity. Though she barely remembered Nick, she sensed he would not harm her. Now, she wanted to understand why he’d done what he had done.

  He opened the door to their room, stopping her before she entered. “I believe this is where I carry you over the threshold.”

  He held her gaze, then slowly reached out for her.

  “That…makes it official, Nick.”

  A slow smile curved his lips. “It’s already official, Libby D. That happened in the church. I think…maybe you liked it as much as I did.”

  She shivered in the cold hallway, then held her arms out to him. He picked her up, carrying her into the room. With a light kiss, he slowly lowered her from his arms to the floor.

  Libby moistened her lips, remembering the kiss that had “made it official”—and turned her world upside down.

  Nick shut the door and turned to look at her.

  “Will you tell me what’s going on, Mr. Diamond?” Her voice sounded breathless. She put her hands together, as she’d been taught well-bred young ladies should, and gave him a cool look as she awaited his answer.

  He glanced away, then said, “First of all, I want you to know that this wasn’t all for revenge on my part.”

  A ribbon of cold snaked up through her, settling in her chest. “Revenge? What do you mean?”

  He smiled, his dark eyes warming with some kind of inner joke, it seemed. “I remember how you looked when you were little. Just then, that reminded me—” He broke off and shook his head. “I’d never hurt you, Liberty.”

  The sincerity in his voice melted some of the icy fear that had encircled her heart.

  “You did, though, Mr. Diamond.”

  “Will you call me N
ick?”

  “No. I won’t.” She drew herself up regally. “You lied about something I never did. You intimated that you and I—that we—well, that you…took advantage of me.”

  “Not quite.” He grimaced. “I believe I intimated that we were intimate mutually. No ‘taking advantage of’ by either of us.”

  Libby drew in a deep breath, her heart pounding. “Yes, and you did so in front of everyone—including my mother and father.”

  “It was the only way I could think of to do what I had to do without bloodshed.” His tone took on a hard edge. “I figured you’d rather be my wife than my hostage.”

  “Your hostage?”

  “Libby—”

  “This was to be my wedding day! A day every woman dreams of!”

  “Was it? Was it a day you were dreaming of?” He came swiftly toward her, anger burning in his eyes. “Was Carlton Ridgeway the man you dreamed of marrying? Of sleeping with? Of having children with?” He swept his hat off and threw it on the bed.

  “Yes!”

  Nick shook his head. “No. No, he wasn’t. You want to know how I know, Libby D.? Because you need a real man for a husband, not some lowlife son of a bitch bastard that lies and cheats and steals. Because if he does all that to other men, just think of what that means for a woman…for his wife…his property. You would never be happy with him, and you know it. So don’t resent me for keeping you from making the biggest mistake of your life.”

  Libby stood toe-to-toe with him, looking up into his face, noticing all the details about him she could drink in as his words surrounded her, enfolding her, as troubling as the man himself.

  The blue flannel shirt he wore fit close around the muscles of his chest and shoulders. His raven-black hair was a bit too long, just over his collar in the back. His dark eyes were filled with anger, but also with the need to bring her to an understanding of why he’d done what he had.

  “Be honest, Libby,” he said softly. “You weren’t any more in love with Carlton Ridgeway than you are with me. So what difference does it make you which one of us you marry?”