“It is hard to explain,” Susan said. “Sometimes, I think there is just a way that one soul speaks to another soul. I believe we have that. Besides, just listening to all the people in town talk about how wonderful you are helped me feel comfortable with my choice to accept you.”
***
“I think you might have something there,” Michael said. “Almost from the moment you stepped off the train, I knew that you were the one for me. It wasn’t just that you’re beautiful. There was more to it than that instant physical attraction. I’d felt a deep connection with you. Every minute I spend with you, I feel it more and more surely that you are the home I’ve been missing all my life. No matter where you came from, or what you want to build, I want to be right there with you as you do it.”
“Really?” Susan asked.
“Of course,” Michael said.
Susan practically leapt into his arms and hugged him tight. “You have no idea how much this means to me.” She lifted her head and leaned in to kiss him, then stopped. “Does it bother you when I kiss you?”
“Bother me?” Michael laughed. “Heavens yes, but not in a bad way. Darling, I’m only bothered because kissing is all we’ve done.”
“I’m sure we could remedy that.”
“I do hope so.” Michael lowered his lips to hers and kissed her long and sweet, wishing he was at his own house without their house guest.
“How long do you think it will be before we can get another room added on for Jessie?” Susan asked.
“I’m sure we could build it quickly. Especially if we get a few more logs cut and hauled there tomorrow.”
Susan kissed him again and Michael groaned deep in his throat. “Or, maybe we could see if he wanted to set up a cot at the shop. That way he could get the fire rekindled every morning.”
Susan laughed and shook her head. “Yeah, but then where would he get his breakfast?”
“I’d bring it to him. Every morning, I swear.”
“Don’t worry,” Susan said. “We’ll get his room added on fast. It’ll be worth the wait, I promise.”
Michael accepted another kiss and only barely managed to pull away from her when the horse shook himself and the wagon moved a bit. “Maybe we should head back. Jessie is probably wondering what happened to us.”
Susan laid her head against his shoulder and placed her hand on his leg again as he took the reins and turned the wagon around.
“I will send a letter back home getting all my things settled and gathering up some money. I could also ask for some blueprints with building ideas and we can get started on the boarding house as soon as you’re willing.”
“Anything for you, Susan.” Michael hugged her once more, then kissed her softly. “Though, if you don’t mind, I’d like to get our house addition finished first.”
“That is an excellent idea.” Susan said with a grin. “The sooner we get Jessie a new room, the better.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Epilogue
Susan stood outside the church building that doubled as a school during the week and waved goodbye to her students. Then just as she did every day, she looked at the new bricks that had been added to the boarding house. She had been forbidden to help with it and it was a little frustrating to watch from a distance. She had wanted to be involved in every part of it, and giving up control was hard, but now she was mostly fine with that. While Michael built her dream, she would work on building the healthiest baby she could.
Jessie stepped out of the schoolroom and handed her the bag she kept her things in. “Are you ready to go, Ma’am?”
Susan smiled. Jessie had been an incredible blessing to her and Michael. He’d helped pick up the slack when the morning sickness got to her in those early months. With winter over and spring going strong, he’d helped Michael with the planting of the garden and they’d still managed to work long hours at the smithy then come to the boarding house and work on it.
“Just let me lock it up,” Susan said. “Then we can go meet Michael.”
Jessie took a few steps as if wanting to head to the smithy already. Then he paused and waited for her to join him.
“We’ve still got a few hours of sunlight,” Jessie said. “I think we can get a lot more work done on your place.”
“I hope so,” Susan said. She couldn’t wait until the boarding house was done. Though it would still be a few months, and she’d probably have the baby before they could move into the boarding house.
It had taken a while to get the property, permission to build, and convince the mayor and others in the town that a boarding house would be in the best interest of the town of Birch Creek. Once that was finally taken care of, she and Michael had made a trip to Oakley to talk to the brick makers and the lumber mill where they could get the supplies they needed.
As Susan looked at the small town and thought of everything she’d seen, she still couldn’t believe it was all working out. She walked with Jessie the short distance to Michael’s smithy and at the lack of hammering, she knew he’d be ready to go work on the boarding house.
“Susan,” Michael said as they stepped into the shop. “You just can’t stay away from me, can you?”
“What can I say,” Susan said coming close to him. “I’m using you for your muscles. I want you back over there working on my building.”
Michael laughed and Jessie just shook his head. He seemed to have gotten used to her oddity and didn’t question anything she said. Susan wrapped her arms around Michael’s shoulders and kissed him before tucking her head against his chest.
“How are you feeling?” Michael asked. “The school’s not wearing you out too much is it?”
“No,” Susan said. “I’m fine, but growing a baby is hard work. Not as muscle defining as your work though.” She ran her hand down his arm and squeezed. “Speaking of muscles, let’s get yours busy again on that house.”
Michael laughed and hugged her again. “Anything for you, Susan. But only because I love you.”
“I know you do. I see it in everything you do for me.”
“You know,” Michael said. “I’m not sure these muscles can take a lot more work without some food.”
“I know how to fix that,” Susan said adjusting her bag and pulling out some bread and cheese. “After you get some more work done, I’ll make you a real dinner.”
“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” Michael said.
“You’d manage,” Susan said. “Because you are amazing.”
“I wouldn’t want to manage alone,” Michael said. “You are the best decision I made in my life. Thank you for taking the chance on me.”
“Thank you for the man you are. I knew things would work out when I decided to come marry you, but I had no idea how much I would grow to love you.”
***
A sneak peek at
The Clerk’s Bride
Annabelle stared at the door of the post office. Could she actually do this? If she didn’t, her only hope would be to continue working at miserable jobs like the factory she’d left. With the rumors going around among the other girls living at the boarding house, Annabelle really didn’t want to go speak with Mr. Staley and ask to be hired on at his factory. He wouldn’t be any better than the awful supervisor she’d fled from.
When Susan Hanson had told her she had decided to move to Birch Creek Idaho to become a bride to some blacksmith out there, Annabelle had thought the girl crazy. Who in their right mind would want to go marry some complete stranger and live in the west with all the things going on out there?
Susan had grown up in a grand house in New York with all the privileges and necessities provided for her. Of course, when her uncle had passed, things had changed for everyone. Annabelle had lost her position working for Mr. Charles Bromly and Susan and had found work in a clothing factory. At first it had been tolerable, until a new supervisor had taken charge.
Annabelle looked at the outgoing letter in her hand then pulled out the folded on
e she’d had in her apron and opened it once more to read Susan’s letter.
Dearest Annabelle,
I know you have been worried about me so I thought it would be wise to send you this letter to let you know how things have gone with me. I arrived in Birch Creek with only a small problem when the train was delayed by weather. The storms in Kansas caused us to be late by a day. I did worry Michael would be upset. My concerns were unfounded and I have been welcomed to Birch Creek with kindness and excitement.
We were married the day I arrived and the whole town was here to celebrate with us. I can’t believe how kind and welcoming everyone is. Now I am discovering I truly love my new home and my husband. Any fear I had of marrying a stranger was completely unfounded. Michael has been a wonderful and very kind man to me. I do believe I can safely say I am in love.
If you ever do want to leave New York and all the heart-ache that is there, then don’t be afraid to look at answering the advertisements like the one Michael sent. If you come out to Birch Creek as well, you’ll always know you’ll have an old friend here already. I’m working on getting a boarding house built up for the chance to help women come out west and have a place to stay. Unfortunately, it will take a while before it’s ready. I’d love to hear from you. I hope you are doing well.
With all my love,
Susan
Annabelle smiled at the thought of her dear friend so happy. It gave her courage to make her next move. Tucking Susan’s letter back in her apron pocket, Annabelle took the last few steps up to the post office and opened the door. She smiled at the man behind the counter and handed over her own letter with the few coins required to post it before she could change her mind.
If Lester hadn’t already found a bride and still wanted her after she sent him the letter, she’d be able to go find Susan in Birch Creek in the Idaho territory herself.
***
The train ride to Idaho would take about a week and Annabelle knew she couldn’t change her mind. She’d made an agreement with Lester and he’d sent the details about what ticket she’d need to buy. He’d sent a small amount of money that she’d use for food on the long trip. Annabelle turned around and hugged her friend one last time.
“I can’t believe you’re going.” Grace held her tight and whispered the words into her ear.
“I know,” Annabelle said. “I thought Susan was foolish to do it, but she’s there, and things worked out well for her.”
“You keep in touch,” Grace said.
“You could come with me,” Annabelle said. “Susan would have a place for us.”
“I can’t.” Grace shook her head. “Who would watch the boys if I left?”
Annabelle nodded. “Maybe when I get out there, and things are more settled, I can find a place where you and your brother can come. Susan said there is a lot of land out there. You could become farmers.”
Grace laughed. “I don’t know a thing about farming, and neither do you.”
“I know,” Annabelle said. “But I can learn. Besides, I’m going to be there to cook and clean and keep house for him. He’s not a farmer. He works for a businessman out there.”
The whistle on the train blew and Annabelle turned to look at the doorway she would be entering.
“I wish you all the best,” Grace said. “Be careful and make sure you write.”
“Tell your brother and the boys goodbye for me.”
“Will do.” Grace waved and stepped back, leaving Annabelle nothing else to do but board the train and look toward her future. She said a prayer that things would turn out well. Anything was better than putting up with the snide remarks and inappropriate touches or disgusting offers from men like Mr. Staley.
She could be a wife to a man out in the west. As long as he didn’t abuse her, she could handle most anything else.
***
Colten could practically smell the man the moment he walked in the door. Though there wasn’t a saloon here in Birch Creek, Lester Olsen was able to find any source of liquor and pour it down his gullet.
“Need me something.” Lester’s words were slurred enough to give further proof he’d found some already today
Colten didn’t want to even venture a guess at what the man wanted this time so he waited as patiently as he could for the cogs in Lester’s brain to begin turning.
“I got someone coming and I need to get her something purty.”
“Who’s coming?” Colten asked.
“Don’t know,” Lester waved his hand as if it didn’t matter. “Just coming today. Said she wants a place.”
Colten looked at the man, wondering if he was so intoxicated that he was imagining things. “What kind a place?”
“A place. Not a factory.”
Colten shook his head. “Lester, you’re drunk. You should go home and sleep it off.”
“Nah,” Lester shook his head, then grabbed it as if it pained him. “Coming today. I gotta get something purty.”
“What kind of thing?” Colten decided to just go along with it and try to get rid of the man. It was doubtful Lester had any money anyway. Not with the way he smelled right now.
“Purty. Like a woman. Flowers!” Lester shouted.
“There are some flowers, right outside.” Colten took his arm and turned him around, then gently pushed his shoulder to get him to move back toward the door. He’d hoped there would still be a few wildflowers to send the man to.
“Good.” Lester moved over and bent to pick a flower, but missed and had to adjust his feet before trying again. The poor flower he grabbed was crushed in his hand and Colten nodded in mock support when Lester held it up high. “Perfect. Now to find her.”
Colten laughed under his breath at the antics of the drunk. He pitied the poor woman Lester would try to woo. Of course, any woman in her right mind would steer clear of Lester. As Lester staggered away toward the edge of town near where the train station lay, Colten returned to the store and picked up where he’d left off when Lester arrived.
A few minutes later, Colten looked up at the sound of the mercantile door opening, dreading the possibility of Lester again. Instead, he was pleased to see who’d arrived. “Good morning, Susan. How are things coming with your building?” He still wasn’t sure why she was so adamant about the need for a boarding house. It’s not like all that many people wanted to come out to Birch Creek and live in the town itself. Most of the new residents of the valley were here to set up farms and even do some ranching with either sheep or the occasional beef herd.
“It is almost to the point we could live in it. Though there is still a lot to be done.”
“Glad to hear it’s getting closer. How are things with you?”
Susan placed a protective hand on her belly. “Same as yesterday. This baby is still not ready enough.”
“What can I help you with today?”
“I was wondering if there was any mail?”
“Nothing’s arrived yet, but the stage coach hasn’t reached us yet either. Are you waiting for something?”
“Nothing particular. I had hoped to hear from a friend of mine. She’s not written back yet.”
“Maybe it’ll be on the train coming later today. You ever think of sending her a telegram?”
“I should look into it I guess.” Susan moved over to the counter and pulled out one of the hard candies. “Could you put this on our tab?”
Colten smiled. “Sure thing. Want to take one for Jessie and Michael?”
Susan laughed. “No. It wouldn’t make it that far. I have absolutely no willpower when it comes to butterscotch.” She turned around and headed back to the door. “Thanks, Colten. Tell your mother hello for me.”
“Will do.” Colten glanced in the back room where his mother was going through the inventory. They’d need to request a larger order of supplies in the next week or so in order to have everything restocked before the winter season hit. She was much better at keeping all the details organized and Colten was happy to let her write it al
l down. When the train arrived later today, he’d be the one to take the wagon and pick up the crates that had been shipped to them.
As if thinking about it made it appear, Colten heard the familiar whistle of the train, still a few miles out but done as an alert to the people in town. Those who were expecting something, or just curious to see who might be arriving left their homes or shops and headed to the station.
“Mother, you in a place you could watch the front? I’ll go get the wagon hooked up.”
“I’ll keep an eye out. Thank you, Son.”
Colten left the store and headed around to the stable. “Hey, Pa. I’m going to head to the station. How’s the colt doing?”
“He’s on the mend. I’ve almost got the fence repaired as well. Sure hope the wire I ordered was sent this time. If not, it’ll be another two weeks before the next train arrives.”
“If it doesn’t come in today’s shipment, someone might have some they’d be willing to part with.”
His father chuckled. “Yes, I’m sure they would, but when you’re the owner of the mercantile, you should have everything everyone needs.”
“True,” Colten said with a smile. “I’ll be back soon.”
Once the horse was harnessed to the wagon, Colten climbed atop and allowed the horse to move at its own slow pace toward the station. The people would exit the train first. Since they were delivering a load of supplies, the passengers on the train would have a few minutes to stretch their legs and get some fresh air. It would take close to a quarter hour to unload the boxes for the store and whatever other things they had. Michael and Susan had sent for some things to help with their boarding house when it was finished. Colten might even be able to take their items as well.
He pulled the wagon up to the station platform just moments after the train came to a complete stop. The doors hadn’t opened yet so Colten remained sitting on his wagon bench.
The Blacksmith's Bride: A Golden Valley Story (The Brides of Birch Creek Book 1) Page 10