“That would be pretty expensive without transportation.”
“We just have to get the cattle to Sweetwater Springs. If the herd is big enough, it will pay off.” He raised his hand to stop any protest. “I know, I’ve got to find the rest of our cattle.”
“That’s just one of our problems.” Johnny folded his arms over his chest. “So you’re telling me the only reason you want to marry my sister is to help us regain control of the company?”
“I didn’t say that.” Oh, boy. How could he explain this one? “I think you know I care about your sister. And I’m trying to help you both.”
“Yes, but we’re talking about marriage.”
“I respect Letty. I would never do anything to hurt her. You have my word, Johnny.”
“Well, isn’t this nice?” Letty walked into the kitchen. “I guess I don’t have any say-so in whom I marry.” She glared at Paul. “You’re asking my brother, but what about me? Aren’t you supposed to ask me?”
He stood. “I’m sorry, Letty. I thought it necessary to ask Johnny first, since he’s the head of your family.”
“Are you all crazy?” Johnny argued. “There isn’t going to be a wedding.”
Paul looked at Letty. “There is if Miss Loretta will agree to marry me.” He started to go down on one knee.
Johnny pulled him back up. “Stop it. This isn’t making any sense. Letty belongs back in Chicago, not living in a mining town in Montana. Hell, we’re not even a state.”
Letty turned to her brother. “I have nothing back in Chicago. I work at a school and live in a convent. I loved traveling here.”
Johnny shook his head. “You can’t handle the hardships of prairie life.”
“I survived a snowstorm, below freezing temperatures and sleeping on a shack floor. What else do I need to do to prove it to you?”
Her brother frowned. “There are plenty of things.”
Letty stood in front of him. “I’m stronger than I look, Johnny. I had to be, I’ve been on my own for a lot of years.” She saw the regret in his eyes.
He said, “I should have stayed in Chicago for you.”
“You can’t change the past, but you can change our future.” She touched his arm. “Don’t let Jensen win. We need to get back our birthright, Drennan Meat Packing Company.”
Johnny hesitated, and then sighed. “Oh, all right. Once you’re married—in name only,” he stressed. “I’ll go back to Chicago, take care of this matter, and once the company is back in the family’s control, you can have the marriage annulled.”
Paul nodded. “That seems the wisest way.”
Both men looked at Letty.
Her cheeks felt warm. Her brother was trying to protect her virtue.
She looked at her husband-to-be. How could she fall in love with a man after only four days? Yet, that was exactly what she had gone and done.
***
The next day, the threesome sat down and made the decision to have the wedding in Morgan’s Crossing. Letty actually knew more people in this town than in Sweetwater Springs. Besides, she’d learned from Prudence Morgan that a visiting priest was due in two days.
Paul didn’t want to think about how crazy this idea was. He told himself it was a business proposition. Johnny needed him, and it would help him with the ranch. They’d have some revenue to help replenish the stock. And Letty would have her mother and brother back.
With their plans set, they all rode into town. Johnny wanted to speak with Michael Morgan about seeing an attorney.
At the mining office, Michael stood to greet them. “This is a pleasant surprise.” He grinned at Letty, and then looked at Johnny and Paul. “Do you need to send another telegram?”
“Maybe,” Johnny said. “We were wondering if you know of a lawyer that we might talk with.”
Michael nodded. “Yes, Roger Jacobs from Sweetwater Springs. In fact, he’ll be coming into town tomorrow with some contracts for me.”
Johnny sighed. “Do you think he would have time to talk with us? Our mother sent us some legal papers that we’d like a lawyer to look over. We’ll pay him for his time, of course.”
“I don’t see a problem,” Michael said. “I hope everything is all right.”
Time for the show to start. Paul put on a smile, and then slipped his arm around Letty’s waist. “Yes, it is, Michael. In fact, it’s nearly perfect. Letty has agreed to marry me.”
Michael frowned as he glanced at the couple. “Well, I’ll be dam…That’s wonderful,” the town owner said. “I can’t tell you how much we love to see new people come to town.” He took Paul’s hand and shook it. “Congratulations, Paul.”
“Thank you.”
Letty tried to take a breath, but her chest constricted with the lie. Then she felt Paul’s hand squeeze her waist, and she relaxed a little.
Michael turned to her. “And I add my best wishes to you, Miss Drennan. Paul’s a lucky man.”
Letty couldn’t stop the blush heating her cheeks. “Thank you. And please thank your wife, Prudence. She was a lovely hostess yesterday. Very soon, I’ll enjoy returning the invitation and have all the ladies out to the ranch.” Oh, goodness, soon she’d be living with Paul there, all alone.
“I’m sure Pru will be delighted.” Michael’s smile widened. “Why don’t you all come to the house tomorrow night and we’ll have a celebration?”
Letty waved her hand. “Oh, no, that is so much trouble.”
“Not at all,” Michael insisted. “In fact, my lawyer, Roger, with be coming, and after supper, you can discuss your business with him.” He winked at Paul. “And the ladies can go over wedding plans. What do you say?”
Letty looked at her brother, and he nodded. “It sounds like a lovely idea, Michael.” She looked up at her future groom, praying she had the courage to keep playing this charade.
***
The next day, Loretta was preparing breakfast, even though she didn’t have an appetite. What had she gotten herself into? Then she thought about Paul. He was the one who was making the biggest sacrifice. At least, they would have their mother and the family business. Hopefully, Paul would also profit from this arrangement.
The back door opened and Paul walked in. He hung his cowboy hat on a peg on the wall then said, “Good morning.”
“Good morning to you, too.” She turned back to the stove and flipped the eggs, then opened the oven and, using a towel, pulled out the tray of biscuits. “Sit down, I have everything ready.”
Carrying his coffee to the table, he took a seat.
She placed a full plate of ham and eggs in front of him, then brought over the basket of biscuits.
“This looks delicious. I guess you really can cook.”
Letty took a seat across from him. “Did you think I was lying?” she teased. She hated that things between them had become strained since their decision to marry.
“No, but I’m glad you didn’t stretch the truth.” He winked at her and took a big bite of eggs.
Her eyes rounded. “I’m very honest, Mr. Slater.”
“I noticed that about you right off, then I noticed your big brown eyes and pretty yellow hair.” His gaze went to her mouth. “I could list a whole lot more of your assets, if you want.”
A funny tingling settled in her stomach. “Thank you, I think that’s a long enough list.” She concentrated on her food.
“Letty, please don’t let this situation change us. I know marrying me wasn’t in your plan, but I want to help you. And Johnny is my best friend.”
“It’s just odd that we barely met a week ago, and in a few days, we’ll be married. And I want you to know, as soon as the company goes to my brother that I will give you your freedom.”
He opened his mouth to speak when the door opened and Johnny walked in.
“Hey, is there any food left for me?”
“Of course.” Letty jumped up, got a plate and filled it for her brother. “Here, is that enough?”
He was buttering a bisc
uit, and he looked down. “Yes, and it looks good.” After swallowing half of the roll, he took an envelope from his pocket. “A messenger from town brought this by. It’s from Mrs. Morgan.”
Letty took it and saw her lovely handwriting on the back. She opened it and read,
“Dear, Loretta, Paul and Johnny,
Michael and I would like to extend an invitation to you for dinner at our home, tonight at six o’clock.
Sincerely,
Prudence and Michael Morgan
P.S. To Letty,
I am so happy to hear about your upcoming nuptials with Mr. Slater. I would be honored to assist you with any of the preparations. Sincerely, Prudence”
“Seems I have someone to help me with the wedding.”
She thought about her mother, and her not being here on her special day. She glanced at Paul. No need to worry, this wasn’t a real wedding.
CHAPTER TEN
Later that evening, after dinner at the Morgan’s home, Johnny and Paul went into the study with Roger Jacobs. Paul was reluctant about overhearing Drennan family business, but Johnny convinced him that they wanted Michael to think this was about their ranch. And besides, a lawyer couldn’t divulge any of the confidential information that went on in this meeting.
Jacobs spent twenty minutes going over the document that Letty brought with her. The middle-aged man with the wire-rimmed glasses looked up at them. “Gentlemen, everything looks to be in order here. The will states clearly who is to take over the company.” He looked at Johnny. “Your father wanted you, but the stockholders still have to take a formal vote. Johnny, you have thirty percent of the DMP shares, and along with your sister, Loretta’s thirty percent of the shares, you have the control you need to vote yourself in as head of the company.” He raised a hand. “The problem is, your sister isn’t of age, yet, or is she married.”
Johnny stood up. “What if she were married?” he asked. “Could she vote her shares, or give them to me to vote as her proxy?”
Jacobs’ gray eyes gave nothing away. He nodded slowly. “To be sure, you should have her signature notarized. I could do that.” He looked at Paul. “I take it the wedding will be soon.”
“Tomorrow.”
Roger Jacobs pursed his lips. “Okay, if you would like, I could draw up the papers tomorrow morning at the mining office. Then after the wedding takes place, I’ll have Loretta sign her voting shares over to you. Then you’ll have the sixty percent to take control. Too keep away from any legal issues you should take along the marriage license or an affidavit. Better yet, Loretta and her husband could go back to Chicago with you.”
Paul shook his head. “I have to look after the ranch here and can’t take the time away.”
Jacobs nodded. “I understand. So we need to have the paperwork in order.”
“My main concern is my mother,” Johnny said. “She’s being held a prisoner in her home. Letty saw her and is worried about her health and well-being. One of the staff, Maggie O’Brien, has been watching her closely. She helped Mother find out where I was living.”
Roger Jacobs leaned back in the chair. “I have a lawyer friend who practices in Chicago. I think it would be best if I get in touch with him. You need someone to help you in person. Robert Kendrick is his name. I will wire him in the morning, and I should receive a reply before I return to Sweetwater Springs. You need to have good representation when you confront your stepfather. In my experience, I doubt Mr. Jensen will give up his position easily.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of. I’m older now, though, and I can handle his wrath.” Johnny looked at Paul. “At least Letty will be safe here.”
***
In the upstairs bedroom, Prudence looked through all the dresses in her closet. Mrs. Tisdale was with them, too, helping her go through the many selections.
Prudence showed her frustration with a sigh. “Oh, I wish there was time to have something made for you, or at least time for a trip into Sweetwater Springs for a dress.”
“It’s all right, Prudence. We don’t have the time, especially since Father Fredrick won’t be back for another month. And I so want to be married by a Catholic priest.”
Prudence smiled. “And you will be.” She turned back to her closet to continue her search.
Mrs. Tisdale winked at Letty. “Whatever you wear, I’m sure that anxious groom of yours won’t mind at all. He will only see you.”
Letty hated to deceive these wonderful women. If only this were a real wedding, maybe then she could feel more excitement.
“Here we are.” Prudence pulled out a gown and looked at it longingly. “This will be perfect.”
Letty’s eyes widened when she saw the beautiful gold-hued silk gown. “Oh, my, this is…lovely. I couldn’t possibly wear it.”
Prudence smiled. “Of course you can. I wore it on my wedding day. Even though your hair is blond we have similar coloring, so this shade won’t make you look washed out.”
“It’s too generous. Surely, you want to save this dress for your daughter…”
Prudence’s hand touched her stomach. “I hope she would like this, but to loan it to you for a few hours will be my pleasure. You see, like you, I only had an hour to prepare as I had just stepped off the train and met Michael for the first time.” A giggle escaped the woman. “And he wasn’t really happy to see what he’d gotten for a mail order bride.”
Letty swallowed. “You were a mail order bride?”
She nodded. “I came from an agency in St. Louis. Michael picked me, sight unseen.” She shook her head. “And I was so unhappy about living in Morgan’s Crossing, I think he was ready to ship me back.” Again, she touched her rounded stomach. “We finally came to a loving…understanding.” She gripped Letty’s arm. “I would be honored if you wore this dress and be married here, in our home.”
Letty had to fight the tears. “I am so touched by your kindness. Thank you, Prudence. And if you would agree to stand up with me as my matron of honor, the day would be perfect.”
***
The next afternoon, the snow had all but disappeared from the ground as Paul stood in the parlor at the Morgan home. The room had been transformed into a makeshift church. Chairs tied with colorful ribbons were arranged with an aisle down the middle for the bride. His bride.
He tugged at his collar. Dressed in his only suit, he moved his shoulders, feeling a slight tightness. He looked down at his polished boots and tried not to think about what he was doing. He knew that he was marrying Letty for all the right reasons. So she could claim her inheritance, and Johnny could take back the family company.
It was what he wanted for his friend, but in the end, he wasn’t sure if he would survive. He truly cared about Letty. He also knew that, in the not-so-distant future, she would return to Chicago, and he’d remain here.
Johnny nudged him as Father Fredrick walked in and took his spot at the head of the room. “It’s time I go to Letty.” He looked at Paul then bent closer, lowering his voice. “I should talk her out of this crazy notion, but we both know there is no other way. So I need your word, Paul, that you’ll take care of her.”
“I promise, I’ll guard her with my life.”
“That’s all I need to hear.” Johnny gave him a curt nod and walked out of the parlor.
A woman sat down at the piano and began to play softly.
Then the priest gave a nod to begin.
Soon Prudence appeared, carrying a small bouquet of silk flowers. Smiling, she walked down the aisle and took her place on the left side, next to the priest.
When the music swelled, the few guests attending the ceremony stood, and Paul looked toward the back of the room. The bride appeared in the doorway.
Johnny offered his sister his arm, and they started the journey.
Paul couldn’t stop staring at Letty. She was dressed in a gown of gold with lace on the sleeves and neckline. She moved gracefully in the full skirt, and as she drew closer, he recognized the cameo pinned at the high necklin
e. Her hair was worn down, with matching golden ribbons and silk flowers woven in the curled honey-yellow strands and in the bouquet she carried in her hands.
When their gazes locked, he couldn’t seem to look away, nor did he want to. His heart raced in awe of her beauty. He took a slow breath and released it as she reached him. He smiled, and he received one back from her.
Then the priest began, “Let’s all bow our heads in prayer.”
The next ten minutes flew by in a blur as Paul gave his grandmother’s ring to Father Fredrick to bless before Paul slipped it on Letty’s finger. There was another prayer and blessing, and then finally the priest announced that they were man and wife. He heard the words, ”You may kiss your bride.”
Paul took Letty into his arms and lowered his head. He watched her eyelids flutter shut as he closed his mouth over hers. He held back, only brushing a light kiss on her lips. He stepped back as applause broke out.
“It is my pleasure to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Paul Slater.”
Letty and Paul were quickly swept away by Prudence and into the hall to form a receiving line so the bride and groom could greet their guests. Then, with the help of Bertha, Mrs. Tisdale and Rosa, there was an array of food set up on the buffet in the dining room.
Letty looked up at her new husband. Even though he was smiling, this was probably more than he had bargained for. Soon the line of well-wishers diminished, and the couple was led to another line and fed small sandwiches, potato salad, and some canned fruit.
Then Mrs. Tisdale appeared, carrying a three-layered, white frosted cake.
Letty gasped. “Oh, this is more than I ever dreamed…”
Mrs. Tisdale and Bertha beamed at each other. “We’re privileged that we could do this for you.”
“And we thank you so much.” Tears filled her eyes. “You’re so kind.” She looked at Prudence. “So are you, to loan me this gown and open your home to us.” Letty had trouble controlling her emotions, and she felt Paul’s arm coming around her, drawing her close.
“What my wife is trying to say is that we feel so blessed to share this day with all of you.”
Montana Sky: Slater's Bride (Kindle Worlds) Page 9