Promises Made Promises Kept

By Connie Kay

Heather was hit with two life-changing pieces of news in a single day: her father's terminal illness and her proxy marriage to a family friend. Her father says that his intention was to keep her safe from harm. Is there a specific threat that she needs protection from? With its blend of magic, mystery, and love, life on the ranch in this Historical Romance will never be the same.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Connie Kay
• Release date: Feb 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301462452

Connie Kay

Connie KayAfter raising our four incredible children, my high school sweetheart and I returned to our home in Arizona. We love spoiling our six fabulous grandchildren when we travel to the various states they call home.The stories that have been haunting my thoughts are finally being given life on paper, and I am excited to see where they will take me. I am thrilled to have you on this journey with me.I would love to hear from you at [e-mail] connected with me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook and stay up-to-date on the latest updates, contests, recipes, and interesting facts by visiting conniekay.us2.authorhomepage.com where you can also purchase signed copies of my books.

Book preview

Promises Made Promises Kept

Where Love, Magic & Mystery Unite

Connie Kay

Enchanters Night Shade Publishing

Copyright © 2013 Connie Kay

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover by Dominique at Canva

Copyright © 2013 by Connie Kay

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate or encourage piracy of any copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

For information address:

Enchanter’s Night Shade Publishing

[e-mail]

Copyright © 2013 & Revised 2023 Connie Kay

DEDICATION

For my mom and dad who have always

been my biggest supporters.

Knowing that someone believed in me was the motivation I needed to keep going.

I am grateful for the unwavering support,

faith, and road trips.

I love you more than you will ever know.

To my family and friends, without all your help, ideas, editing, and critiquing. This would still be in the crevices of my mind or scattered on a thousand sheets of paper.

To my readers and fans. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I have enjoyed writing it. I love hearing from you. Please contact me at:

[e-mail]. Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Visit conniekay.us2.authorhomepage.com for the latest updates, to participate in contests, discover delicious recipes, uncover interesting facts, and purchase signed copies of books.

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

About The Author

Chapter 1

PROLOGUE

June 15, 1882 Red Rock, Arizona Territory

What was taking so long?

Jake stood at the side of the preacher; anxiety written deep in the lines of his face. Nervously, his hands clasped before him. If he let them go, they would race to his pocket to pluck the watch from its hiding place and examine the fleeting moments.

What could take her so long? Jake leaned over and whispered to Pete.

Aw, you know how females like to look perfect, especially on their wedding day. It shouldn’t be too long now. And stop fidgeting, you’re making me nervous!

Jake stood still, letting his mind slip back to the last time he had been in church. The air was heavy with grief as he stood at his parents’ funeral two years ago. Pete, then too, was by his side, helping him through the years. Under the guidance of Pete, he gained skills in ranch management and matured as a person. Pete was just like a substitute father, keeping him going when all he wanted to do was give up.

You clean up real nice, son. Pete brushed off some lint off Jake’s black suit, bringing him back to the present.

Jake smiled at him and then peered out into the congregation. It looked as if the whole town had shown up for the wedding. A buzz ran through the chapel, and the laughter, excitement, and anticipation were palpable. Jake knew they were here for Belinda more than him. He maintained a certain level of detachment from the people in town. After his parents were killed, he wanted nothing to do with anyone, until now. He knew he needed to count his blessings and repent for not going to church after his parents’ death, but he could not help blaming God for taking the only family he had in this world. However, he would now have Belinda by his side, and in five years, when they achieve financial stability, they would start a family.

Yes, he was the luckiest man alive. Today he was going to marry Belinda McClintock. How he ever captured the heart of the most beautiful and sought-after girl in all three counties was beyond him.

He could just imagine her in the elegant white gown, accentuating her long, slender, curvaceous body, adorned with the Parisian lace she had ordered from San Francisco two months earlier. The moment it arrived, her eagerness was apparent. He smiled as he remembered how eager he had gotten them, too. That was the first time they could not stop themselves from consummating their love, and they had vowed to not have a repeat performance until tonight. He could feel himself getting uncomfortable as he thought back to that day.

He anxiously waited to undo the tiny pearl buttons that would bare her delicate porcelain back. Oh. How much fun I will have taking it off her. Any minute now, and she would walk down the aisle. Her long shiny black hair would be tied up in ribbons with curls framing her creamy white complexion, her electric blue eyes and soft kissable lips would smile up at him as she said, I do.

I thought this was supposed to start a half hour ago? the murmurs in the church were getting louder. Just look at him, trying to act as if nothing is wrong.

Jake glared at the two old women, then glanced around the chapel. He could smell the roses and wild flowers that decorated the church, along with bright yellow ribbons and bows tied everywhere. The women in the community did a wonderful job of decorating, and the food on the overloaded tables was sure to fill everyone.. I will have to remember to thank them later.

The day was perfect for a wedding. The sky was mostly clear, with just a few white billowy clouds floating on the soft wind to cool the sun’s warm rays.

He couldn’t wait to see the look on her face as he carried her over the threshold of the new home he just finished yesterday. The two-story ranch house would hold a large family, their family. Of course, he had to get the ranch in good running condition and be able to support them, especially through the rough winters.

He had planted a flower garden as a wedding gift for her. The yellow roses had bloomed for the first time today. He used the last of the gold from his father’s mine to buy the furniture he was sure she would love. Belinda was worth it, and much, much more.

The new bedroom suite made of maple with the delicate hand-carved roses on the headboard had arrived two days earlier, and tonight they would begin their new lives together in the feather bed.

Yes, today was turning out to be the best day of his life. In all his eighteen years, Jake had never been happier.

Anytime now, he would see his beautiful bride walk down the aisle... What could be taking so long?

Chapter 2

March 12, 1887 Red Rock, Arizona Territory

Jake walked into the Henderson Hotel lobby and let his eyes adjust to the dim interior. After a few seconds, he spotted his longtime friend sitting on a chair with a look of total despair etched on his aging face. As he walked closer, he noticed that his hair seemed grayer and the sparkle that was always in Pete’s eyes was gone, making him appear much older than fifty-eight.

Pete, what’s wrong? he asked in what he hoped was a calm voice.

Pete glanced up and a look of relief washed over him. Jake, I need to talk to you. Let me buy you some supper and I will tell you what’s going on. Pete slowly stood up and together they started walking towards the restaurant lobby.

Across from Pete, Jake calmly sat and waited for him to place their order of steaks and coffee. His mind conjuring a myriad of thoughts and ideas about what could be distressing his friend so much.

So tell me, what have you been so worried about? Jake said after the waitress had left.

After a long pause, Pete looked at Jake with tears in his eyes. There’s just so much to tell you. I don’t have a clue where to begin.

I’ve found the beginning is always a good place to start. Jake smiled, hoping to cheer up his old friend a little.

I guess you’re right. I’m going to be blunt because there’s no easy way to say this. Pete sat back in his chair and just stared into space for a while before he continued. After looking around to see if anyone was listening. Dr. Kane has been treating me for a while now. He’s advising me to settle my affairs because my time is running out. He informed me that my tuberculosis is worsening at a rapid pace.

Pete, I am so sorry. Jake sat stunned in his chair and fought back the tears that threatened to come. Recalling the only other time he had cried, seven years ago when his parents were killed in the buggy accident.. He fidgeted with his hat until he realized what he was doing and slammed it down on the table. And now Pete, who was always there for him and who he has loved as a father, just told him he was dying. He knew for certain that he would do anything that Pete asked him to do. Returning to the present, he whispered. What can I do to help? I will do anything for you. You know, all you have to do is ask. Tendrils of fear at losing someone else near to him crept up his back.

That’s kind of you Jake, and that’s what brought me here, but there’s more and I feel you should hear all of it before you agree to anything. I need a favor, a mighty big favor, and you are the only one I trust to handle it. Pete looked everywhere but at Jake.

I promise I will do everything in my power to help you, Pete. Just let me know what I need to do. He knew his friend would be mortified to know Jake saw them; his heart ached for the pain Pete was going through, and he wanted to reach out any way he could.

Your kindness is appreciated and what I am relying on.

The waitress set the plates down and looked at Pete, concern etched on her face. Can I get you anything else?

No, we’re fine, thanks. Jake looked up at her and answered. After she had walked away, he continued. All right, go on, I’m listening. He picked up his knife and fork and started cutting into his steak.

Well, it’s Heather. She’s in trouble and she doesn’t even know it, Pete began, the devastation clear in his voice, which was getting raspier with each word he uttered.

Your daughter? How much trouble can a little girl get into? She’s got to be about twelve now, right? Jake thought back to the last time he had seen her. Five years ago. His wedding day. He abruptly closed off the giant ache in his heart that always rushed to the surface when he thought of that embarrassing day. The day he was left at the altar.

Pete laughed. My, it has been a long time since you’ve seen her, huh? She is not a little girl anymore, Jake. She grew up real pretty, just as her mamma did. Guess she’ll be eighteen in a couple of months.

Well, what kind of trouble can she be in if she doesn’t even know it yet? Jake asked, with a confused look.

You remember Adam, don’t you? After pushing the food around on his plate for a while, Pete finally set it aside.

What trouble has her stepbrother caused now? Jake, too, set his plate off to the side, only the uneaten fat remaining.

I was in town the other night and overheard him talking to a saloon owner named Ace. Pete shook his head in disbelief as he continued. Seems he bet on a sure thing and lost.

What does that have to do with Heather?

She was the bet, and now Ace wants him to pay up. Said he had until the first to get her to him, or he’ll hunt them both down and neither one would live to see another day. It just makes my blood boil to even think about it. Pete was so furious and upset that he shook all over. The events of the last couple of days seemed to take its toll on him.

Jake slammed his fist on the table, the coffee spilling out over the edges. Why that dirty S. O. B. What gave him the right to bet her in a card game? Jake was as furious as Pete now, but one look in Pete’s direction and he was getting real concerned about his friend’s condition. He knew he had to set his own anger aside. Pete, calm down and relax. Getting all worked up won’t do anyone any good. I’ll help you in any way I can. I promise you that nothing will happen to Heather.

I need you to promise me you will take care of her, no matter what, Pete pleaded. I thought about this long and hard and there is only one way I can think of that will protect Heather that she will be happy with. Jake, there is no other solution. Promise me you will help me out. I have asked nothing of you before. I really need you now. Please do not let me down. Promise me, Jake. Please promise me! Rambling on as if he was completely out of time and scared to let Jake refuse, Pete talked as if his own life depended on it, not just Heather’s. In between coughs and hacking spells, he pulled out his handkerchief and spit some blood into it, and then he took a shuddering breath and looked with desperate eyes to Jake.

Okay, calm down, Pete. I promise I will do anything I can to keep Heather safe. Just tell me what I need to do. It’s the least I can do after everything you have done for me over the years since my parent’s death. Jake promised.

Anything, Jake, are you sure? Do you promise? Pete sighed. He looked like the world had been lifted off his shoulders. My plan will shield Heather from her scheming brother and the unscrupulous saloon owner.

Good, let’s hear it, cause frankly I can’t think of anything offhand that doesn’t involve killing both men.

Well, that’s where you come in. Heather will be safe and you will be taken care of, too. Pete looked as pleased as a kitten that had just been given a bowl of cream.

Out with it, Pete, I’m not getting any younger, you know. Are you going to share this grand plan with yours or not?

I have a special gift for you. My most prized possession. It’s simple, all you need to do is marry Heather. Pete sat grinning from ear to ear.

DO WHAT! Jake shouted, then lowered his voice when he noticed everyone in the restaurant staring at them. Pete, this is the most stupid idea I have ever heard of. I’m not going to marry anyone. You, better than anyone, should remember the last time I tried to get married. And what difference is there between you marrying her off or her brother losing her in a bet?

There’s a lot of difference. First off, Heather is not Belinda. I never did like that woman to begin with. She wasn’t right for you. Second, Heather won’t leave you at the altar. I can promise you that. Third, I am looking out for both of you. She needs your help and you need her just as bad even if you don’t see that now. I know you will grow to love each other. Besides, you promised me you would do anything for me. Jake, this is the only thing I have ever asked of you. Are you going to break your promise already? Pete whispered.

Jake thought of all