"August, 1865 The War is over and as America is trying to recover, Nicholas Gregson is trying to get used to his civilian life. But the deep scar on the side of his face will always remind him of the most violent war in America. One windy day, Nicholas gets a visit from his former General with a rare proposition: He wants him to marry one of his daughters. Although Mary is beautiful and well brought up, he hesitates. He doesn't know if he can love her and he is certain she won't ever be able to surpass his war scar. Olivia Clark is happy for her twin sister, marrying a man their father respected dearly was bound to be a good marriage. But she worries. Scars of her own remind her that men can not be trusted. Will Olivia let her guard down and allow love to enter her life? Will Nicholas give himself a chance to be happy with a woman that won't even look at his face?"
Chapter 1 An Unexpected Visit
August
None of it was supposed to happen like this. As Nicholas looked out his bedroom window, he dreaded the arrival of the carriage that would take him and his family to an unknown town, to a stranger's house. Even though she was not really a stranger, now was she? They were now engaged, he couldn't possibly still think of her as someone he did not know.
Her name was Mary Clark. A woman of three and twenty. She lived in a small town in Boston. Her mother deceased, her father, a farmer. He was a general in the Civil War, Nicholas served under his command when he joined the California 100. When Mr. Clark returned to his town in Boston, he was greatly respected man for he was one of the few that made it back from the Battle of Gettysburg. He came back from the war to his daughters, with an amputated leg, but he got himself around just fine, as far as Nicholas could see.
General Clark came to visit Nicholas one windy day to see a loyal friend. They kept in contact after the war through long letters, each expressing their struggles to adjust to their daily life routine after the long violent war. They discussed their nightmares, and thus finding support in each other regardless of the three thousand miles between them. General Clark arrived with one of his daughters, Mary.
Mary was tall, fair skinned, and a very dashing woman. How was she still unmarried, he did not know. General Clark adored his daughters, he spoke so well of them in his letters that Nicholas looked forward on meeting them. They arrived to his childhood home, as he was in the yard helping his mother with her rose garden. Their arrival brought back some terrible memories, but some great ones as well.
Mary pushed her father in his wheelchair and Nicholas felt sorry for him. A strong, brave man, trapped in a wheelchair, if that wasn't unfair, he did not know what was. Though the visit was unexpected, it was very well welcomed. Nicholas mother, Mrs. Gregson, knew exactly who General Clark was and she treated him with courtesy and respect. They stayed over for dinner and they discussed everything and anything. Nicholas's sisters, Jane of twelve years old and Josie of fifteen, admired Miss Clark's beauty. She let them braid her long dark hair, which made his sisters smile all day.
After dinner, the conversation between General Clark and Nicholas took an unexpected turn. He wanted Nicholas to marry his daughter.
Nicholas stood there unable to process his proposal. Nicholas was twenty seven years of age, unmarried, and at one point, he was very handsome. But the war did not leave him unscarred. During the Battle of Cedar Creek, a confederate soldier swung his sword towards Nicholas and it got him on the right side of his face. It slashed his lips and it took a piece of his cheek right off. Now a dark, scar reminded him of that horrible war.
"Please, " General Clark said. "I don't mean to meddle but I do believe you make a beautiful couple. Mary is so very fond of you already."
Nicholas turned to him not believing a single word. Mary was unable to look at him in the face ever since she arrived. "I don't understand why you want me to marry into your family, " he admitted quietly.
"I just want my daughters in good hands. What better hands than yours."
As Nicholas discussed the matter to his mother later that night, his mother shook her head sadly. "It was bound to happen sooner or later."
He knelt before her and held her hands tenderly. "I won't leave you."
"Oh but you must, " she replied rapidly. "Since your father's death, you haven't been able to enjoy your own life."
"Of course I have. I enjoy being here with you and my sisters."
"You need to make a living for yourself, " she replied gently. "You need to find a girl and get married, make me a grandmother before I get too old."
"What about father's business?" he asked referring to the sale of farming equipment that his father had left behind.
"We can handle it. Just because we're women, it doesn't mean we don't know how business is done."
Nicholas chuckled knowing very well what a great business woman his mother was. "You think I should try then?"
"Of course! You won't lose anything by trying and who knows, maybe Miss Clark will be a great wife to you."
Nicholas nodded. With his face looking the way it did, he doubted he would get any more offers.
Chapter 1 An Unexpected Visit
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Chapter 2 From California to Boston
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Chapter 3 Dinner with the Clarks
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Chapter 4 Olivia Has Doubts
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Chapter 5 Night Terrors
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Chapter 6 Apologies
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Chapter 7 God's Mercy
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Chapter 8 Etiqutte
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Chapter 9 Miracles
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Chapter 10 Beautiful Boston
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Chapter 11 Gifts and Lessons
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Chapter 12 Dinner Interrupted
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Chapter 13 A Father's Pride
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Chapter 14 Pain and Destruction
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Chapter 15 The Hen House
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Chapter 16 Uncle Bradford O'Brian
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Chapter 17 Olivia's Terrors
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Chapter 18 Her Scars
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Chapter 19 The Painful Truth
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Chapter 20 Decisions
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Chapter 21 Exile
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Chapter 22 Sacramento
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Chapter 23 Regrets and Memories
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Chapter 24 Married Life
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Chapter 25 Olivia Comes Home
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Chapter 26 His Rescue Mission
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Chapter 27 Epiphany
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Chapter 28 Time
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Chapter 29 The Everlasting Wait
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Chapter 30 Nicholas Comes Home
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Chapter 31 Together At Last
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Chapter 32 The Proposal
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Chapter 33 The Ceremony
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Chapter 34 The Wedding Night
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Chapter 35 Author's Note
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