Millie (Pendleton Petticoats Book 7) Read online

  “We’re quite a pair, aren’t we?” he asked, turning just enough she could see the many scars on his back.

  “I guess we are,” she said, encouraged and emboldened by his smile. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed the dimples in his cheeks. “Do you think you can still love me, even though I have these ugly scars?”

  “No,” Gideon said, lifting her in his arms and carrying her across the room. “I can’t love you even though you have scars, Millie. But I love you with my whole heart because of them, because of the wonderful, amazing woman they helped you become.”

  “Oh, Gideon, I love you so. I truly do.”

  He smiled with his heart glowing in his eyes as he held her in his arms. “I love you, too, my beautiful hello girl.”

  Chocolate Pudding

  This is a simple, easy recipe for rich, creamy chocolate pudding. If you’re used to making instant out of a box, try this one!

  2 cups plus 2 tablespoons whole milk

  3/4 cup granulated sugar

  4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped

  3 egg yolks

  2 tablespoons cornstarch

  1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  1 tablespoon butter

  In a heavy saucepan, combine 2 cups milk and sugar. Bring the liquid to a boil to dissolve the sugar then reduce to a simmer. Stir in the chocolate pieces and whisk until the chocolate is completely melted. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks.

  Temper the yolks into the chocolate mixture by slowly stirring in about ½ cup of the hot milk into the eggs. Once it is blended, slowly add the eggs into the saucepan, whisking to blend.

  In another small bowl, mix the remaining milk and cornstarch together. Slowly add the mixture to the saucepan, whisking thoroughly to blend. Bring the liquid up to a boil and cook, stirring constantly until the mixture is thick. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and butter.

  Top the pudding with whipped cream and chocolate curls or garnishes of berries, if so desired.

  Author’s Note

  An election held June 1, 1908, decided the future of the saloons in Pendleton. Not only did the city go “dry,” so did the entire county, along with the counties of Union, Wallowa, and Morrow.

  A special voter’s edition of the Pendleton newspaper was published May 22, 1908. It urged voters to consider the financial impact prohibition would have on the town. In spite of the alleged loss of jobs, income, and city funding, voters made their preference known.

  Pendleton went “dry,” although reportedly 12 of the 32 saloons in town were allowed to continue operating. The how and why those particular 12 remained open is lost to history. If you are among those wondering why a town with fewer than six-thousand residents needed so many saloons, it was due, in part, to Pendleton being an entertainment “hub” in the Eastern Oregon region. The sheer number of cowboys, wheat harvesters, sheepherders, railroad workers, and crews of men who descended on the town to work at various enterprises created the “need” for so many drinking establishments.

  Despite the saloons that remained open, underground drinking rooms and escape tunnels began to pop up and continued through 1933 when prohibition officially ended across the nation.

  In the story, I decided to close all the saloons. It might make for interesting escapades in future stories when those illegal drinking rooms come into play. Can’t you just see Kade and Lars chasing down moonshiners or trying to find a secret drinking establishment in the Underground?

  According to newspaper articles, the saloons went out of business without much fanfare on June 30, 1908, although a group of saloon owners really did try to have the vote declared illegal. While many people were left unemployed and out of work, several of the saloon owners opened new businesses such as cigar shops, movie theaters, and “amusement centers.” (I’m not quite sure what those enterprises entailed.)

  Market Day was something the community of Pendleton seemed to enjoy and take great pride in, at least in 1908. The band really did march through town and the event was billed “better than a circus,” in newspaper advertisements.

  In looking through issues of the 1908 newspaper, I noticed an advertisement for one of the theaters, offering a show called “The Telephone Girl.” That little tidbit was too good not to include in the book. I mean, how fun that Gideon took his “hello girl” to a moving picture about a telephone girl. Although I searched far and wide to see if I could find any information about the movie, the only one I could find with that title was from 1913. I hope you’ll give me a little leeway for incorporating it. Harry Carey played the diabolical villain in this short film that you can watch on YouTube.

  The first around-the-world car race really did begin February 12, 1908 in New York City. The movie The Great Race, featuring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Natalie Wood is based on the event. The United States team won in a 1907 Thomas Flyer car. They made the cross-country trip from New York to San Francisco in forty-one days, the first such journey made by automobile in the winter.

  A big military cannon passed through Pendleton in June of that year, headed for a fort on the Oregon coast. A congressional representative had expressed his concerns about Japan striking the coast. Comments in the newspaper made light of his worries. I wonder if he lived to hear about Pearl Harbor. After it, his predictions no longer seemed so far-fetched.

  Women who worked switchboards were often called hello girls. The term was also used to refer to women who served during World War I as members of the Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators Unit, sworn into the United States Army Signal Corps.

  The horse Gideon bought, the one named Carbonado? That stallion is entirely fictional (although the name does mean black diamonds), but his sire was a very real horse. El Rio Rey was on track to become one of the greatest racehorses of his time until a breathing disorder finished his career as quickly as it began.

  Didn’t the ice sculptures at the ball sound wonderful? I remember as a little girl, my mom had two forms she’d use to freeze ice when we’d have parties at our house. It seems like one of them was a dolphin, although I can’t say for sure. I think the material used in the forms had to be a precursor to our modern silicone molds, because we poured the water into this rubbery-like form, froze it, then rolled the mold away from the ice once it was frozen.

  If you haven’t guessed it yet, I’m a huge fan of the Edwardian era, particularly the fashions. Everything about it seems so lovely and elegant and feminine. Check out my Pinterest board for Millie to get a better idea of the visuals I used in the story.

  I’ve done a few stories where the heroine can’t cook, but I thought it would add an element of amusement if the hero were a great cook. As for Millie’s failed attempts in the kitchen, sometimes even those of us who do know how to cook have a bad day. The little tidbit about Millie burning boiled eggs… I may have done that once. The horrendous smell still haunts me.

  So many of you shared your thoughts on whether Aundy and Garrett should have a boy or a girl - or twins. I so appreciate your interest in their story and your responses. I also appreciated the suggestions for names I’ve received. I hope you like little Emmalee Ruth’s character. You never know when she might end up as a big sister.

  And for those of you ready to stage a revolt because I have not yet written a book about Nik… the story will happen! I promise!

  Beyond Nik, are there other characters you’d like to know more about? If so, just send me an email or Facebook message and let me know!

  As always, I hope you enjoyed the story and traveling back to a different era in one of the West’s wild towns. Thanks for coming along on this incredibly fun journey!

  Thank you for reading Millie.

  Now that you’ve finished Gideon and Millie’s story, won’t you please consider writing a review?

  I would truly appreciate it. Reviews are the best way readers discover great new books.

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hanna’s Newsletter

  It’s fast, easy, and only comes out when new books are released

  or extremely exciting news happens.

  She’s ready to spread her wing and fly…

  He’s scrambling to set down roots.

  Dally (Pendleton Petticoats, Book 8) — Unconventional, Dally Douglas is as likely to be found wearing her brother’s britches and riding a horse as she is dressed in lace-trimmed finery sipping tea in the parlor. With no plans to wed, she convinces her family to allow her to stay at their ranch in Oregon. Free and unfettered, she plans to remain that way, even when the town’s beloved young doctor returns home and captures both her interest and her heart.

  Charismatic, handsome, and dedicated to his work, Doctor Nik Nash finally makes his way back to Pendleton. After years of studying and gaining hands-on experience, Nik is excited to bring his skills and knowledge to the place he calls home. Focused on his career, he has no time for a woman, especially not one as lively, fascinating, and enchanting as Dally Douglas.

  When a freak accident brings the two of them together, their stubborn determination may cost them the chance to know true love.

  Bursting with sweet romance, this tender yet lighthearted story draws readers into a world of rustic elegant charm.

  Turn the page for an excerpt from Dally!

  ~ DALLY ~

  Chapter One

  September 1910

  Pendleton, Oregon

  “This was the best dang birthday, ever!” Dally Douglas exclaimed with dramatic flair. The expensive blush-colored gown she wore, dripping in lavish lace, contrasted to her tanned skin, the dusty cowboy boots on her feet, and the exaggerated twang she inflected into her voice.

  At the exasperated look on her grandmother’s face, she attempted to corral her enthusiasm. At least a small measure of it. Some days proved challenging, attempting to balance her love of soft, girly things with her passion for a western lifestyle.

  She leaned back against the soft leather of the three-seat spring wagon and sighed in contentment. In her opinion, everything about her birthday had been particularly wonderful and sweet, like something from a dream. She couldn’t have pictured a better way to celebrate her special day, spending it in her favorite place on the planet with the people she loved the most.

  Her brother leaned forward from the back seat and gave her shoulder a playful nudge. “You only say that because we got to come to Pendleton for your birthday,” Hunter said. When she shot him a warning glance, he grinned good-naturedly. “Thanks for asking for the trip instead of a present. It gave all of us a gift.”

  “Grandmama still spoiled her,” her youngest brother complained. Jeff had adopted a rather cross, peevish tone when he turned thirteen a few months earlier. Dally hoped he soon outgrew it. “She got three new dresses and a fancy hat from Mrs. Campanelli’s dress shop. Mama bought her a new pair of shoes and a pair of boots from the western shop. On top of everything else, Dad gave her a new saddle!”

  Dally would have turned around and stuck her tongue out at Jeff, but at the ripe old age of nineteen, that seemed a rather undignified and entirely childish thing to do.

  Indulgently, her mother smiled at her from the front seat. “Our girl will only turn nineteen once.” Dacey cocked an eyebrow at her two rascally sons. “Besides, who knows where next year will find us all. I’m glad we could spend Dally’s birthday at the ranch. It was a nice change to get away from the sticky heat at home.”

  “I agree,” Braxton Douglas said, offering his wife a private smile as he guided the team of horses into town. “Not that I don’t love every inch of our home in North Carolina, but it was enjoyable to spend the past weeks here at the B Bar D.”

  From the seat beside her, Dally’s grandmother wrapped an arm around her shoulder and gave her a warm hug. “I’m happy you finally talked me into coming to Pendleton, darling. I can see why you all enjoy it so, but I’m ready to see Bramble Hall again.”

  Dally returned her grandmother’s hug, ducking beneath the brim of a straw hat that rivaled the wheels of the wagon for breadth. Every time the woman moved her head, both boys had to dodge in the back seat to keep the brim from striking them.

  “Why do you want to rush back to Asheville, Grandmama? It’s been a purely miserable summer there this year.” Dally gave the older woman a questioning glance. “I thought I might melt before we left in mid-July.”

  “It was rather unpleasant, wasn’t it?” Beatrice Douglas whipped open her fan and fluttered it in front of her face. “Although it’s been hot here in Pendleton, it lacks the humidity of home.”

  “And that’s why I like it here,” Dally said. A snort from the seat behind her sorely tempted her to reach back and thump Jeff.

  Beatrice glanced at the boy then rolled her eyes in a manner only Dally could see. She hid a smile then shifted her gaze to the farms and ranches that rolled by on their way into Pendleton and the train station.

  “I’m sorry we have to cut our visit short. With our overseer ill and unable to keep an eye on things, we really must hurry home,” Braxton said, looking back at Dally.

  “I understand, Dad. I’m just sorry Mr. Johnson is so sick. After all these years, I wouldn’t have expected him to come down with malaria.” Dally reached forward and patted her father’s shoulder. “I was hoping we all could remain here through the month to attend the annual fair, but I do thank you for allowing Hunter and me to stay so we can attend the festivities.”

  “You’re welcome, sweetheart. I just better not get any reports that you two are misbehaving,” Braxton said in warning. He waved to the Rawlings family as the wagon rolled past their place on the outskirts of town. The deputy herded his twin boys toward a buggy while his feisty wife held the hand of their adorable little girl.

  “We’ll stay out of trouble,” Dally assured her father, waving at Caterina, Kade, and their children. “I sure like the people around here. They all seem so fun and friendly.”

  “And they have excellent restaurants. Mrs. Rawlings creates some of the finest Italian food I’ve ever eaten,” Beatrice said, taking Dally’s hand in hers and giving it a squeeze. “It was so nice of Mr. and Mrs. McBride to host your birthday dinner at their restaurant. The cake Mr. McBride made was perfectly moist and unforgettably delicious.”

  Dacey smiled broadly, turning around in the front seat. “The cake was so pretty, too. It was very kind of him to go to so much work. Millie said Gideon really enjoys projects like that.” She grinned at her daughter. “Did you know when they were courting that Gideon made Millie all sorts of treats in his efforts to woo her?”

  “He did?” Dally smiled, picturing the handsome restaurant owner pursuing the buoyant manager of the telephone office. She giggled. “It must have worked, since they recently celebrated their second anniversary.”

  Jeff snorted again and scooted forward, draping his arms over the seat by Dally. “You won’t have to worry about anyone courting you like that, Sis. Boys will take one look at you in your riding clothes, smelling like horses, and run the other way.”

  Dacey frowned at the boy and he settled back into his seat. “There’s nothing wrong with your sister’s skirts or the fact she likes to ride.”

  Hunter laughed, sharing his seventeen years of wisdom. “Asking her to stay away from horses would be like forbidding a duck to swim in the water. Between Dad, Mama, and Grandmama’s love for them, and the fact we raise thoroughbreds, what do you expect, Jeff?”

  The younger boy remained silent, but turned a stormy, brooding glare on his older brother.

  While Jeff and Hunter greatly resembled their father in height and dark good looks, Dally took after her mother. In fact, people sometimes mistook them for sisters with their identical curly auburn hair, teal-colored eyes, and the vivacious spunk that oozed from them.

  Although Dacey grew up in Pendleton on a wheat ranch, she’d married Braxton Douglas, the only living child of plantation owners in Asheville, North Carolina. The story of them meet
ing and falling in love always filled Dally’s heart with wishes for a fairytale romance of her own.

  Braxton tossed a quick glimpse at his boys in the back seat. “Your mother was wearing a riding skirt, just like those your sister prefers, when we met. In truth, I might have looked right past her pretty face, gorgeous auburn hair, and eyes that put me in mind of tropical oceans if she hadn’t managed to climb on one of my horses and ride it bareback across the pasture. That certainly got my attention.”

  Beatrice laughed. “As I recall, son, you were head over heels in love with her by the time you escorted her up the front steps of the house.”

  “I suppose I was.” Braxton shifted the reins to one hand so he could reach out with the other and wrap it around his wife’s waist, drawing her close enough he could steal a kiss.

  While Jeff covered his eyes and muttered in disgust, Hunter chuckled. Dally felt her heart melt at the sight. Someday, she hoped to find a man who loved her with the depths of emotion her parents shared. After twenty years of marriage, they seemed more in love than ever.

  Then again, she’d seen the same unwavering devotion among her parents’ friends here in Pendleton, too.

  In the midst of her contemplation of the enjoyable couples who lived in the area and their real-life love stories, the unmistakable “burrrrrooom boom boom boom” sound of an engine sliced through the air.

  As they neared an intersection on the edge of town, Braxton took the reins in both hands seconds before a backfire popped like a gunshot. A gray blur whizzed by and Dacey laughed.

  “Aundy didn’t mention Nik was back in town, but there he goes.” She pointed to the rapidly disappearing figure on a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

  “Garrett said Nik was still riding the bike he purchased a few years ago. I think it would be great fun to give it a go,” Braxton said, turning his head to watch Nik Nash take a corner by leaning to the side and barely slowing down.