Wanted: Tycoon Read online

  She gave him another smile, saying, “Thank you, Harrison, but I need to tell you something.”

  “Oh, what’s that?” he asked, wondering if she would tell him she loved him.

  “I came here to tell you that I no longer need to marry you to save my family’s farm. It seems, the loan has been paid in full.” She tilted her head to the side as if she were watching him for a reaction. “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

  Harrison shrugged, avoiding telling her the whole truth. “It seems God made a way for your family to keep the farm. I’m glad it worked out.”

  “I am too, but I’ve decided it doesn’t change what we agreed upon. I promised to sell you the land for the brickyard even if things didn’t work out between us. I still want to follow through on that promise.” She pulled out a stack of papers from her tapestry bag and slid them across the table. She signed her signature at the bottom with the terms they had agreed upon. “All this needs is your signature, and the land is yours.”

  Harrison pulled the papers towards him, glanced down at them for a moment, before looking back up at her. “Don’t you need this land to keep farming?”

  “We have plenty, and considering my papa’s condition, it’s probably best if we are managing less land.”

  “All right, I suppose if you insist it’s for the best,” Harrison said, scribbling his signature across the bottom of the document. “I’ll make sure these are filed and made official,” Harrison said, placing the papers to the side. Staring at her, he asked, “Is that the only reason you came?”

  “No, I had one other reason,” Willa confessed, “but I’m not sure if I can discuss it now that I’m here.”

  “How about I go first then?” Harrison offered. “I have a few things I would like to say. First off, I want to apologize for reading your private papers. That was not my place, and I’m ashamed I did it.”

  “It’s all right. I should have never kept that letter. It was such a stupid mistake, and as far as the journal entries, I was trying to figure out—”

  Harrison cut her off, “You don’t need to explain any of that to me. You have a right to privacy, and I shouldn’t have violated that right.”

  “Thank you for apologizing,” Willa said, “I didn’t expect that.”

  “I want to be honest with you, Willa, which is why I need to explain why I did what I did. When I stormed out of your house, I did that because I was jealous of George Caldwell. Jealous of your history with him, jealous that you might have feelings for him—feelings I want you to feel for me, not another man.”

  “That’s just it, Harrison, I do feel them for you. I realized that even though I care for Georgie, it’s only as I would for a brother or a friend. I know the difference now because… I very much am in love with you.”

  The words brought more joy to Harrison than he could have ever imagined. The fact that Willa Brown was in love with him was the best news he had ever heard.

  “You are?” he asked with excitement.

  Willa nodded. “I was too scared to admit it before now. I was afraid you didn’t feel the same, and I didn’t want to be the one to say it without it being reciprocated. But now that I know we aren’t getting married, it doesn’t matter the way it did before. I know our relationship is over, but I owe it to both of us to tell you the truth.”

  “It doesn’t have to be over,” Harrison countered. “If you love me, and I love you, we can make a relationship work, Willa.”

  “Wait, did you just tell me you love me too?” Willa inquired with disbelief.

  “I did, and it’s true. I love you, Willa, with every inch of my heart. It’s why I was so jealous. I couldn’t imagine you being with any other man than me. And if you’ll still have me, I want you to marry me.” He pulled the ring box from his pocket and opened it to reveal a diamond and sapphire ring. “Please marry me, Willa Brown, and make me the happiest man in all of Silverpines.”

  Tears formed in Willa’s eyes as she shook her head up and down.

  “Is that a ‘yes’?” Harrison inquired.

  “Yes, that’s the biggest yes in all the world,” she shouted.

  He took her hand and placed the ring on her finger. “I love you, Willa, and I can’t wait to be your husband.” He came around the table, pulled her up from her seat, and gathered her into his arms. As his mouth descended to hers, he realized that this kiss was the beginning of a future he never expected. Though it was unforeseen, it was a far better future than he could have ever planned.

  As he pulled back, a giant grin formed on his lips, and he let out a laugh.

  “What’s so funny?” Willa probed with curiosity.

  “I was just thinking, God sure has a funny sense of humor. I came to Silverpines thinking God brought me here to help a struggling town and family. But it turns out, God brought me here because he knew my perfect match was in this town.”

  “Well, God works in mysterious ways,” she said, laughing herself.

  “Wait until we tell our grandkids how we met one day,” Harrison added with a chuckle.

  “Maybe we can leave out the part about the Groom’s Gazette,” Willa suggested.

  “Why? That’s the best part? You should be proud you landed a man of means,” Harrison teased.

  “It was never really an option for me,” Willa said as she scrunched up her face in aversion. “You know that’s why I never sent off that advertisement.”

  “And here I thought it was because you already found a potential husband,” he jested.

  Letting out a sigh, Willa asked, “You’ll never let me forget that, will you?”

  Not wanting to upset her, he shook his head. “Consider it forgotten. I only want to make you happy Willa. We’ll omit it from our story for future tellings.”

  “Now that we have that settled, I think you should kiss me again,” Willa said with a wink.

  “As you wish, my love,” he said, dipping his head down and searing her lips with a tender kiss.

  Chapter Eleven

  Without the pressure of the looming loan over their heads, Willa and Harrison took their time to get married. One of the most pressing concerns was the health of Willa’s papa. Though the doctor in Silverpines was good at basic medicine, he didn’t have the knowledge needed to help with illnesses of the mind.

  Harrison made inquiries for any doctors that specialized in the area. Once he had the name of the best alienist in the country, Dr. Carlton, Harrison reached out to the doctor and asked for him to make a trip to Silverpines. The adventurous man was only too happy to travel and see the country on Harrison’s dime. When the alienist arrived, everyone in town was talking about the big city doctor’s visit.

  To Willa’s relief, Dr. Carlton could work with her papa and help him with “the talking cure.” It was a curious treatment, with her papa spending time outside in a chair with the doctor. At first, the doctor did most of the talking, with lots of long pauses as he waited for Cyrus to react. Over several weeks though, her papa slowly responded, eventually sharing his thoughts and feelings with the doctor, lessening the melancholia.

  Within a couple of months’ time, her papa was resembling the man Willa once knew. There was scarring in his heart and mind Willa suspected would never go away; however, having any part of her papa back was better than not at all.

  The other interesting part was that the alienist ended up helping several other people around town who had lost children or spouses during the earthquake and mudslide. Though originally Dr. Carlton had only been brought out for the help of her papa, Willa was grateful that the alienist could also help all those in need of relief.

  Surprisingly, Dr. Carlton was staying in town. He explained he was interested in investigating the effects of settling the West on people.

  “You’re certain I can ask your father?” Harrison inquired, awkwardly shoving his hands into his pants’ pockets. “I don’t want to upset him and jeopardize his recovery.”

  The question b
rought Willa’s attention back to the present. “Yes, I asked Dr. Carlton yesterday. He said my papa is finally in a healthy place.”

  “I’m glad to hear it, considering the wedding is less than a week away,” Harrison pointed out. “Which brings me to my next question. What if he doesn’t give his permission?”

  “Then we must elope,” Willa joked. “But that’s not going to happen. He’s gotten to know you from all the time you spend over here. At this point, it’s more of a formality than anything. I’m not even sure why you’re so insistent on doing it.”

  “Because it’s the right thing to do. Besides, when we have daughters, I would hope the men that wants their hands in marriage would ask for my blessing.”

  “Daughters? You made that plural. How many children do you plan on us having?” Willa asked, arching an eyebrow.

  “As many as you’ll give me,” Harrison stated with a grin. “But I’m hopeful it’s a large number.” Turning towards the door, he added, “Wish me luck.”

  “You won’t need it, Harrison Holt. You’re the perfect man for me. I’m sure my papa knows that.”

  About fifteen minutes later, Harrison came rushing back into the house with her papa trailing behind.

  “You tricked me. That wasn’t nearly as easy as you said it would be,” Harrison accused as his brows furrowed together in irritation.

  “Did I say it would be easy?” Willa teased. “No, no, I didn’t. I said you would get his permission, and I bet you did—eventually.”

  “Oh, he did. After I put him through the wringer,” her papa said, settling into his chair in the living room. “You picked a good one here, Willa. I’m happy to give you both my blessing.”

  “Thank you, Papa, it means the world you approve.”

  “I’m just grateful I’m well enough to do so,” her papa said with a dark look on his face. “I wasted so much time feeling sorry for myself.”

  “Don’t dwell on that. We have plenty to be happy about,” Willa encouraged.

  “That’s right. Soon you’ll have grandchildren to spoil,” Harrison said with a giant grin. “Lots and lots of grandchildren.”

  “Won’t that be a sight,” Cyrus said with his own grin. “I like the idea of little babes bouncing on my knee calling me Grandpa.”

  “And that would make me their Uncle Arthur, right, Papa?” Willa’s brother yelled, running into the room.

  “It would indeed, Son, and I’m sure you’ll be a fine uncle to your nieces and nephews,” Cyrus said, patting his son on the back as he came to sit on the edge of the chair.

  “And I never thought I would live to see the day I would have great grandbabies, but I’m looking forward to it,” Willa’s grandma said, coming into the living room to complete the family assembly.

  “You two need to hurry and get married so you can make us all some babies,” Arthur ordered.

  Everyone laughed, the feeling of lightheartedness returning to the Brown family for the first time in a long time.

  Willa had never been so happy in her life as she was right now. Though she suspected next Saturday would surpass it when she married Harrison Holt, the brickyard tycoon who changed her life forever.

  Chapter Twelve

  August 11th, 1900

  Everything was as it should be. Silverpines was rebuilding from the fire, stronger and better than ever. The new buildings that were popping up all over were preparing everyone to make the move from a fledgling town to a thriving city. Harrison was proud that his local brickyard—which just had its grand opening last month—was a huge part of the process, and would be for the foreseeable future. Resilient as ever, Silverpines was just getting started; filled with people with equal measures of gumption and gratitude, giving and greatness, geniality and grit. Harrison was proud to call this place home.

  When his parents died, Harrison thought he would never have a family again, but today, he was gaining a whole new one when he promised to be with Willa for the rest of his life. He was gaining a father, a brother, a grandmother, and one day, he would have his own children with the woman he loved.

  The music began to play, drawing Harrison’s eyes towards the back of the church. As each of Willa’s four bridesmaids walked down the aisle, they smiled and took their spots across from him. Tonya, Maude, and Betsy’s husbands were sitting towards the back with all of their new babies in their arms, including a set of twins in Alezander’s lap.

  When Harrison had asked why Willa was having so many bridesmaids, she explained she couldn’t pick between Tonya, Maude, Betsy, and Penelope, as they were all her best friends. Harrison, on the other hand, opted for just Braylon. His solitary groomsman proudly standing up next to him as the music finished.

  The doors opened a second time, allowing light to flood the area behind Willa and her father as the Bridal March echoed through the church. She was breathtaking in her handmade white satin and lace wedding dress. As she floated down the aisle towards him, the gown billowed around her, making Willa look like a radiant angel.

  Harrison reached out his hand as they came to a stop by his side. Her father placed her hand in Harrison’s, leaned over and kissed her cheek through the veil before taking a seat.

  “You look gorgeous,” Harrison whispered. “That’s the best dress you’ve ever made.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered back. “Hopefully it will spark a need for them so my store will be flooded with orders.”

  He had no doubt she was predicting the truth. One of the newest buildings to open in the business district of Silverpines was Willa’s dress shop, which Harrison built for her as a wedding gift. She already had a steady stream of customers with orders that would keep her busy for the next two months.

  Pastor James greeted the assembled guests, welcoming them to the union of the happy couple. He said a few words about love and what makes a good marriage. The whole time, however, all Harrison could do was focus on how beautiful his bride was and how he couldn’t wait to kiss her.

  When the time came to say the vows, Harrison stared into Willa’s eyes as he repeated them. “I promise to love, honor, and cherish you, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, until death parts us.” Willa repeated the same words to Harrison.

  Next, they exchanged their rings, placing the simple gold band on one another’s fingers, then repeated the words, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

  “Please turn and face your family and friends,” Pastor James said with a smile. “It’s my great honor, by the power vested in me by God, to pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  Harrison lifted Willa’s veil, leaned down, and kissed her on the lips, a gentle, loving reminder he would be hers for all time. As he leaned back and saw the love reflected in her eyes, Harrison couldn’t be happier than he was in that moment.

  They rushed down the aisle as everyone clapped and cheered for them. Once outside, Harrison picked Willa up and spun her around in circles, causing them to both to laugh until they were giddy.

  “I love you so much, Willa,” he said, as he slowed to a stop, but continued to hold her close. “I’m so glad you married me.”

  “I love you too, Harrison. If this is a dream, don’t wake me up.”

  He shook his head. “This isn’t a dream. We’re married and get to spend the rest of our lives together.”

  The noise of people filing out of the church made Harrison realize they needed to duck out of the way before they got surrounded by well-wishers. There would be plenty of time for that at their reception. For now, he wanted just a few moments with Willa before the rest of the day was given over to everyone else.

  “Come with me,” he whispered, setting her down, then pulling her along after him.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Not far, but where I can have you all to myself for just a moment,” he said, stopping just around the corner and out of sight. “And so I can do this,” he said, leaning down and kissing her with all the pent-up passion he had been holding back
until he knew she was his wife.

  As she surrendered to his touch, he deepened the kiss, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers running through his hair.

  Harrison moved back and smiled. “Wasn’t that worth sneaking off for a moment?” he asked with a wink.

  She nodded. “I don’t want to leave, but we should make our way over to the park for the reception.”

  “Agreed. Besides we’ll have plenty more time for that tonight,” he promised, kissing her on the mouth one more time before he took her hand and guided her across the street.

  As they arrived, Willa was glad to see everything had come together for their reception. The local orchestra was playing in the bandstand with an area lined with paper lanterns ready for everyone to dance later in the evening.

  Tables were set up in one area with a massive cake on one, punch and teas on another, and food on a third.

  More cheers and clapping echoed through the park as they entered the premises. Friends and family took turns congratulating them, offering them advice, and telling them how wonderful everything was while Willa and Harrison enjoyed a meal at the center table.

  Her family came over, beaming smiles on their faces as they each gave them a hug and congratulated them.

  “You’re glowing, Willa. Your happiness makes you the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” her papa complimented.

  “The dress does its part too, Cyrus,” her grandma corrected. Then turning her attention to Willa, she praised, “You did an expert job, Willa. You should be proud.”

  “Thank you,” Willa said. “I’m glad all of you are here. A few months ago, I wouldn’t have thought that would be the case.”

  “God has been faithful to see us through,” her papa said with a nod. “We’re lucky to have one another and be able to celebrate together.”

  “I still think this is a lot of fuss for nothing,” Arthur said with an irritated shrug. “What’s the big deal about getting married, anyway? You just end up stuck with a girl all the time.”