Secrets of the Heart: Brides of Lilac Grove, #2

By Kristene Holloway

Clara and Logan were both devastated by the other's betrayal. Will a secret from their past be the final blow to their damaged love? Or can it give them the second chance they both desperately crave?

 

Forced to return to the place of her failed marriage and agonizing heartbreak, Clara arrives with a tightly held secret. A secret that is tearing her apart and that she is eager to share. While caring for several patients as a midwife, Clara must navigate her conflicting emotions and decide once and for all if her heartbreak can be healed.

 

Logan Miner was devastated the day he returned to an empty cabin, a signed set of divorce papers under his wife's wedding band on the kitchen table. For the last three years, he has fought with his abandonment issues, first from his parents and then from the love of his life. Now she is back. And Logan is determined not to lose her again. Can Logan win her back before she leaves again? Will the secret she has been keeping from him be too much to bear? Or can love ultimately heal the rift between them?

 

Secrets of the Heart is the second installment of Kristene Holloway's clean and wholesome historical romance Brides of Lilac Grove. Buy it today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kristene Holloway
• Release date: Apr 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201054939

Book preview

PROLOGUE

LILAC GROVE, MONTANA Territory, May 1883

She gazed out the back window of her upstairs hotel room, drinking in the beautiful sight that was the Montana Territory. Clara Montgomery had only just arrived in Montana a fortnight prior. And up until the last two days, it had rained every day. And when it wasn’t raining, the skies were grey and the ground was brown with mud. And then, as if by some miracle, the rains had dried up and the sun came out. And overnight, the valleys and grasslands surrounding Lilac Grove exploded in a symphony of color as every wildflower in the entire Territory of Montana, it seemed, had deemed it safe to come out.

Logan had teased Clara that he had special ordered the weather just for their wedding day.

Clara let out a dreamy sigh as her mind drifted to Logan Miner, as it was prone to do ever since she had stepped off the stagecoach in Lilac Grove and fallen head over heels in love with her soon-to-be husband.

Truth be told, her mind had been occupied with thoughts of Logan ever since their correspondence began nearly six months prior. Her mama had lamented that she was technically just a mail-order-bride. However, Clara had pointed out repeatedly that she had not found Logan by a mail-order advertisement. She had found him through Arthur Clive, one of their family’s oldest friends. In fact, Arthur’s approval of Logan was the defining reason that Clara’s mother had not expressly forbid her making the journey.

Not that Clara needed her mother’s permission. She was almost twenty - one after all. But she certainly did not want to come all the way out here with a strained relationship with her mama.

The light knock sounded at the door, pulling Clara away from the window and back into reality. She stopped by the ornate swivel mirror on the way to the door. All in all, she thought she had done a relatively good job at fashioning her hair and make-up for the occasion, considering she usually did not have the time or the patience for such things. She had pinned the front of her hair up, letting the rest of the copper locks fall where they would around her shoulders and down her back. She had a wreath of wildflowers on her crown in an attempt to imitate a John Waterhouse painting she had once seen and admired. Loose curls framed her face, accentuating her big, green eyes.

Her dress was simple, cream colored and made out of satin and lace. Cora, Clara’s twin sister and an absolute genius with a needle, had designed and sewn it for her by hand. Clara had adamantly refused the bustle; but had agreed to the corset; an undergarment she rarely wore on most regular days. Instead, Clara usually wore a loose-fitting, corset-like undergarment her sister had created that was much less restrictive and allowed for ease of movement. But for her wedding day, Clara agreed that the corset was an ideal choice.

Opening the door, Clara greeted Arthur with a brilliant smile. Arthur had been a friend of her mother’s since before she was born. He was definitely more like an uncle than a family friend. In fact, he had saved Clara’s family when she was young, endearing him to the Montgomerys for life. When Clara had first considered searching for a husband out west, her mother had insisted she write to Arthur to ask if he knew of any eligible bachelors. Clara was most certain that her mother secretly believed Arthur would send Clara a letter disabusing her of her foolish notions. Instead, Arthur’s letter arrived with Logan’s a few weeks later.

You look absolutely beautiful, my dear, he said, his hand going to his heart.

You aren’t looking too bad yourself, handsome, Clara returned. Although the suit Arthur wore looked dated by over a decade, it was clean and appeared almost new. It seemed familiar somehow, but Clara assumed it was because it was an older fashion. He had not cut his hair for the occasion of walking Clara down the isle, but he had slicked it back. And his face was clean-shaven revealing his dark leathery skin, proof of a hard life living and working outside.

Arthur beamed, tugging at his lapels and turning slightly each way for her inspection, Not bad, is it?

Clara frowned a bit, I think it might just be missing one little thing.

Arthur mirrored her frown, bending at the waste to examine the front of himself, down to his newly shined boots, I cannot fathom what that might be.

As he straightened again, Clara was holding the corsage she had made him to match her bouquet and the wreath in her hair. Arthur’s eyes lit up.

I believe you are right, he agreed and stepped forward for her to pin it to his chest.

And this, Clara said. She handed him a silk handkerchief that matched her dress. His initials were embroidered on the corner. A gift from Cora.

Well, that is wonderful. That girl has such talent. And it matches perfectly with this suit she made me, Arthur tucked the handkerchief in his breast pocket.

Now I remember, Clara smiled. Cora had made the suit for Arthur when they were much younger. After her father had left, Clara’s mother had been forced to begin making a living as a midwife to support the girls. Clara had always accompanied her mother when she would visit patients making house calls, essentially her apprentice. Cora had stayed home following her own passion for sewing, as the sight of blood made her queasy, and Arthur would keep an eye on her. Cora had been eight years old when she made it. I believe that is the first suit Cora ever made.

Arthur tugged at his lapels again and beamed proudly, I know for a fact that it is.

Clara was struck, not for the first time, how lucky she and her family were to have Arthur in their lives. He was an amazing man.

Arthur, I just wanted to thank you for everything. Please know how much I appreciate all you have done. And thank you for agreeing to give me away today. I cannot imagine anyone else I would rather have.

Clara did not mention the tears she saw welling up in his eyes. Instead, she stepped forward to give him a warm embrace.

Now, girl, Arthur gruffed. He quickly swiped at his eyes as she stepped back. You are going to have me crying in front of a town full of men. I have a reputation to keep. He gallantly stuck out his arm. Are you ready then?

Clara grinned at him in answer. She had been ready the moment she had stepped off the stagecoach two weeks ago. However, Logan had informed her long before she arrived that he thought it would be best if she stayed at the hotel for a couple weeks while they got to know each other in person. He had paid for everything. That was another factor that had swayed her mother’s opinion.

And Clara could not complain. The last two weeks had been the best of her life. Logan had spent the last two weeks courting her as if she were a princess. He was kind and attentive. Since it had rained every day, they spent much of their time in the hotel and restaurant. But Logan had also planned a few outings to show her the town of Lilac Grove and his cabin outside of town, somehow managing to plan them perfectly in between the rainstorms.

Clara now glanced around the room that had been her home since arriving at this wonderful little town that she already loved. She mentally said goodbye to her time as a single woman, closing the door on those chapters in her life. Taking Arthur’s arm in one hand and gathering her skirts in the other, she turned, ready to embrace the new one. The swarm of butterflies that had been noticeable in her mid-section since she woke that morning exploded into a flock of geese. She giggled as the excitement threatened to overwhelm her. Arthur patted her hand on his arm reassuringly. There was just enough space in the narrow hotel hall for the two of them to walk side by side. Right before the landing, Arthur stopped and turned to her.

Alright, child, are you sure this is what you want?

"You are asking me this now? Clara was suddenly incredulous. You don't think this is a mistake, do you, Arthur?"

Of course not, dear, Arthur chuckled a bit in an attempt to reassure her. "I just want to make sure that this is your decision and not influenced by anyone else. And I certainly don’t want you to feel like you must do this.

My offer still stands. You are welcome to stay with me while you get set up and begin taking on patients.

Now it sounds like you are trying to talk me out of it, Clara said, but her tone was gentle with understanding. She knew that Arthur only had her best interest at heart. He had offered for her to stay with him at his cabin if she had any doubts about marrying Logan. Or if she just wanted to take things slow. He had also been very supportive of her desire to begin working as a midwife here in Lilac Grove and the surrounding areas.

Secretly, Clara’s dream of working as a midwife on her own had been one of the driving factors when she first considered becoming a mail-order-bride. Leticia Montgomery, Clara’s mother, was the best midwife in three counties back home in Illinois. Women came from all over seeking her expertise. And Clara had studied under her mother since she was barely five years old.

It was unusual, as midwifes were usually married women who had children of their own. But Clara had shown great potential from a young age. Her mother, the practical, forward-thinking woman that she was had bucked convention and the nay-sayers and taught Clara everything she knew. And as most little birds eventually do, Clara became determined to spread her wings and leave the nest.

Clara had declared her intentions to work as a midwife as soon as she arrived in Lilac Grove. Arthur had been incredibly supportive, as had many of the men in Lilac Grove, especially Mayor Daily and some of the business owners

. They had shared their plans of transforming the small town and managed to convince her that it could indeed become a thriving community for women and families. Although the current lack of women in town did not offer a great number of prospects for a midwife business, Clara believed that, in time, she would have more than enough work to keep her busy.

As encouraging as Arthur and the other men of Lilac Grove had been, no one had been more supportive than Logan. One of Clara’s biggest fears had been that her new husband would turn out to be the type of man that did not think women should work outside of the house. And indeed, when they first had the conversation, Logan had been quick to assure her that he could provide for her and she would not have to worry about money. He had been up front in his letters that he was not an overly rich man, but he owned a decent sized property and a home.

The homestead itself was situated on a mine claim that he had inherited from his Uncle Robert. He had not struck it rich yet; but the mine consistently paid a small income. And Logan did not put all his stock in the mine. He worked a variety of jobs around Lilac Grove and for local ranchers to make money. He also had a small bit of savings.

Though she was relieved that he had put such thought and effort into supporting her as his wife, Clara told him that was not the issue. She explained that being a midwife was a part of who she was. It gave her purpose and made her happy in a way that nothing else seemed to do. She even admitted that she would do the work for free if necessary.

Clara’s heart warmed when Logan understood. He told her that he would absolutely do what he could to support her in her endeavors. He was in agreement with the men of Lilac Grove, that soon there would be more brides and women moving to town, and they would need a good midwife. Over dinner at the restaurant they had made grand plans for the future. Logan become particularly excited when he told her that in a few years, they could even buy land in town and he would build Clara her own clinic. It was that night that Clara knew she was in love with him. That was also the night that he had kissed her for the first time, as they had walked the quiet streets of Lilac Grove under the stars. It had been magical. Clara felt as if she was gliding on air. Truth be told, she had not yet come back down to the ground.

All I’m saying, Arthur stammered, trying to express himself without sticking his foot in it. Is that I don’t want you to feel pressured or rushed.

It was now Clara’s turn to reassure Arthur. I have never been more sure of anything in my life. And that was the truth.

Right, then, Arthur gave her a nod. He peeked his head around the corner and gave a nod to someone down the stairs. When he turned back, his grin stretched from ear to ear. Let’s get you married.

As the first chords of "Here Comes the Bride" filtered up from the stand-up piano in the hotel’s lobby, Clara and Arthur stepped onto the stairway landing.

As Clara’s eyes fell on Logan, the rest world seemed to melt away.

Lilac Grove’s first church was being constructed, and was still without a roof, so Mr. Fletcher had offered the hotel for the ceremony. The hotel resembled the fields outside, so full of wildflowers it was. It was also packed with the men of Lilac Grove.

But Clara did not see the flowers or the men or hear the song; she did not see the people who had gathered for their celebration; she didn’t even feel herself moving down the staircase. It felt like she was floating. Her entire being was focused on the man who stood on the first floor at the makeshift alter awaiting her arrival.

Logan’s gaze held hers as she made her way down to him. For the millionth time, she marveled at how handsome he was. His sandy brown hair was cut short, and his sun-kissed skin was tanned from his work outside. At six-foot, he was nearly a foot taller than her five foot, two inch frame. And yet, they fit together perfectly. He cut a striking figure in his new suit, his broad shoulders narrowed to a trim waist balanced by long, strong legs.

The walk to the make-shift alter was only a few steps. When Arthur kissed the back of her knuckles and gave her hand to Logan’s, Clara’s knees almost buckled at the contact. His warm, strong hand holding her hand an instantly steadying effect. His dark grey eyes held hers, and he flashed her his endearing crooked smile that had already become familiar.

Even though she was certain she could stand there, holding Logan's hand, gazing into his eyes for eternity, the ceremony was over before she knew it. She did have enough sense to respond when it was her turn to say her vows. But much of what the minister said faded in the background as she reveled in the moment. And then, like that, it was over.

And just beginning.

I now pronounce you man and wife. Logan, you may kiss your bride.

The celebratory whooping and hollering of the guests also faded from Clara’s mind as Logan stepped forward. His warm palm came up to her cheek and his other arm wrapped around her back, pulling her close. As his firm lips lowered to hers, Clara’s arms rose to encircle his neck. And when his kiss deepened, Clara’s knees did buckle. But she did not fear falling, because she was in his arms.

This kiss was unlike any of the others she had experience over the past two-week courtship. It was possessive. It felt like he was claiming her right then and there, for all the world to see. At the same time, he was completely surrendering everything and giving all of himself to her in front of everyone.

If she had had any secret doubts, they were vanquished. This was the man that she was supposed to marry. This was the man that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. This was the man that she loved.

Yes, Clara had never been more certain of anything in her life.

CHAPTER ONE

MONTANA TERRITORY, AUGUST 1886

She was incredibly anxious. More anxious then she had ever been in her entire life. As the stagecoach rocked back and forth, Clara Montgomery looked down at the telegram she had received only three days prior -

Sick. Better come now. Rush please. You can.

-Arthur

The paper itself, though not quite seventy-two hours in her possession, was well-worn and looked like it was a hundred years old, as she had taken it out and re-read it so many times.

The telegram completely terrified her. Arthur Clive was not a man to ask for help. And if he did, it would not be in such a direct and urgent manner. Nor would it be so brief and incomplete. Clara could only infer that Arthur was near death.

And Clara did not even want to consider that possibility.

Arthur was like a father to her. And had been in her life and more supportive than her biological father ever was. Arthur even gave her away at her wedding.

Clara glanced out the stagecoach window and let her mind drift back to that happy day. It had been the happiest day of her life. And her marriage was the happiest three months of her life - at