Olivia regarded the youngest of the brides. “Of course. Didn’t you read the contract? If we renege, we have to return the money provided for the fare and meal costs, and repay the broker’s fee.”
Frowning Lillian put her hands on her hips. “Surely you did read the document before you committed, Beth.”
Ducking her chin, Beth stared at her hands. “I was in a bit of a hurry so I just signed. If you remember, I barely made the train.”
Olivia sighed then held out her hand. “I’m staying. Who’s with me?”
After a moment’s hesitation, the other three brides stacked their hands on top of hers.
Ruby was first to break contact. “I’m returning to my room and resting until someone calls us to go downstairs. That train ride jarred me to the bone and the sleigh ride froze me. Sure glad our bedroom has a fireplace.”
***
Over the rise and inside Caleb’s three-room cabin, Jamie fought to control his anger with his brother. “What the hell do you use for a brain? As if things aren’t bad enough with four brides arriving, you’ve got a saloon girl stashed here.”
“I didn’t know the girls were arriving, did I?” He stabbed a finger against Jamie’s chest and leaned into his face. “Because my big brother kept that fact a secret.”
Jamie knocked away his brother’s hand. “Because Mama made me promise on my honor. I only found out when I caught her writing a letter. If she hadn’t looked so guilty when I walked in, I never would have read part of the page.”
Caleb rubbed together his hands. “Well, you three can make yourselves a bed wherever you find a spot. I’m going to my room with Desiree.”
Jamie stepped in front of him, stopping him at the door. “No, you’re not.”
His brother Gideon stood beside Jamie. “This has gone on long enough, Caleb. Not only are you leading a reckless life, but you’re encouraging Ethan to follow you. Starting tonight, you reform, and tomorrow you marry Lillian, the pretty woman who’s waiting to become your wife.”
“Hell and damnation.” He shook his fist at them. “I deserve one last night before I become a shackled husband. Desiree’s waiting for me on the other side of that door. It’s taken me months to get her out here.”
Jamie smirked. “That’s ‘cause she was busy making the rounds of everyone else’s beds.”
Caleb pulled back his arm to swing at Jamie, but Gideon grabbed his fist to stop him. “I know we’re all taken aback by this circumstance, but fighting among ourselves won’t solve anything.”
Tugging on the cuffs of his shirt, Caleb said, “That Lillian looks like she has a steel rod up her—“
Gideon put his hand over Caleb’s mouth. “Don’t besmirch any of those women. Each came here with good intentions thinking one of us had sent for her. If we don’t marry them, not only will we ruin their reputations, but we could ruin Mama’s standing in the community.”
Caleb batted away his brother’s hand. “Is that right, little brother? Well she just likes to reign over the other mothers because you’re a preacher. Anyway, who’ll know if we don’t marry those gals?”
Jamie calmed himself and tried to make his fool brother understand, “Everyone who saw them leave the train or who knows someone who saw them. Which means everyone in Angel Springs and for miles around.”
Caleb gave a derisive laugh. “Let me get this straight. You think I’m marrying that stiff-necked spinster and settling her in with Desiree and me? You’re crazy.”
With crossed arms, Gideon met Jamie’s gaze. “What about Pete’s house? Desiree could stay there and he could move into the bunkhouse for a few days.”
Jamie nodded. “Sounds like a good plan. Pete’s a decent guy and will help us out. We can sneak her over there at dawn tomorrow.”
The door opened a crack and Desiree peeked out. “I can hear you, you know. I’m not a chair or a lamp to be shoved around like unwanted furniture.”
Gideon bowed slightly. “Begging your pardon, Miss Desiree. We’re merely trying to accomplish what’s best for you and for the rest of the people on the ranch until the snow lets up and you can go home.”
Her generous breasts heaved, drawing the gazes of all four men. “If you put it that way, I’d appreciate some time off. My feet could use a rest from all that lugging drinks back and forth. But y’all better be ready to calm down Charlie after I don’t show up for work for a few days.”
Jamie pulled his gaze away from her chest and tried to concentrate on her blue eyes. “We’ll make sure someone explains the situation and makes it right with him.”
“Well, all right. Goodnight.” She closed the door.
Caleb glared at each of his brothers. “See what you’ve done? I could be sleeping on a soft mattress with a warm, willing woman. Instead, I’m stuck in here staring at your sorry faces.”
His eyes snapped with anger as he waved around the room. “Look, I don’t have enough blankets to supply pallets. Unless Mama included bedding in your valises, everybody has to sleep on the hard floor. I’m taking the spot nearest the fireplace. I hope you three freeze your asses off.”
But instead of lying down, he sat cross-legged on the floor. For a few seconds the only sound was the fire crackling in the grate. “I swear I will not marry that Lillian. Guess she’s not that bad looking, but I’m not ready to wed. When I am, I can choose my own wife and she won’t be some old dried-up virgin”
Jamie watched Gideon sit beside Caleb. “Let’s talk, big brother.”
***
Early the next morning the women darted around in a frenzy but once again gathered in the master bedroom.
Butterflies took flight in Olivia’s stomach. She closed her eyes and took a calming breath. This was why she’d come so far, after all. She wanted to look her best for her groom, especially since he didn’t appear happy to marry her. She’d prove she was the right choice for him and for his children..
Poor little dears. At dinner last night they were wild and ill-mannered but they’d been without a mother for three years. At first, she’d thought the auburn-haired four-year-old was a boy until told otherwise. Her name was actually Catriona but they called her Cat. The little boy was James Fraser, III, and called Jake to avoid confusion. Obviously, both children needed a mother’s loving influence and she intended to be that positive force in their lives.
Olivia held up her lavender foulard gown and shook it. She’d chosen a dress that she could wear later to church and social gatherings. White lace trimmed the neck, cuffs, and flounces. “I should have hung this up last night so more of the wrinkles would disappear. I wonder if we have time to press our things?”
Lillian shook her head. “I already asked about an iron, but there’s too much going on in the kitchen with food preparation. We’ll have to make do.” She held up her white grosgrain dress decorated with pink embroidery. Smoothing her hand along the skirt, she touched the pink roses and trailing vines and leaves.
Olivia thought the dress would look pretty with Lillian’s dark hair. In addition, the garment would be lovely for church and other occasions.
Ruby touched her stomach. “I’ll wear my green traveling suit. I brushed it this morning and I think it looks better than anything else I have.”
Looking forlorn, Beth glanced down at the wrinkled and soiled dress she’d worn on the entire trip. “This is the best thing I have.”
Olivia suspected the garment was the only thing she had. Her small valise couldn’t hold more than one other dress if that. “Why don’t I ask Mrs. Fraser if she has something appropriate?”
Beth chewed her lip for a few seconds. “I-I don’t know. I guess you could.”
Olivia hurried downstairs to explain the situation. She didn’t want to appear interfering, but Beth needed help. How sad to get married in a filthy dress.
Mrs. Fraser greeted her with a bright smile as she dried her hands on her apron. “I have just the thing. I think my own wedding dress will fit her. Of course, the cut is out of style, but it�
�s very pretty.”
Olivia followed her to the room at the opposite end of the hall from Jamie’s. Her soon-to-be mother-in-law opened a trunk at the foot of the bed.
After removing items and stacking them on the coverlet, she pulled out a cream silk gown. “Here it is. Let’s see if Beth can wear this.”
Not only could Beth fit the elegant garment, but when Olivia and Mrs. Fraser presented the gown to the young girl, she beamed. “This is lovely. I’ll have the best dress there.” Her eyes widened and she glanced around the group. “Uh, no offense meant.”
Olivia rolled her eyes at Lillian. “None taken.”
“I need to get back to the kitchen.” Mrs. Fraser said, “Ten o’clock will soon arrive and I still have to change and do my hair.”
When she’d gone, Beth twirled to straighten the train which fanned out in a whisper of cream silk. “I could do a whole lot worse. Ethan is handsome and Mrs. Fraser really is a nice woman.”
Lillian gave the girl a soft smile. “Who’ll soon be our mother-in-law, even though she deceived each of us and each of her sons. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I had no intention of marrying a man dragged to the altar.”
Ruby sat on a rocker. “She had her boys’ welfare in mind and we each needed a groom. I don’t see a problem as long as the men show up and go through with the wedding.”
Beth’s eyes widened. “If we’re snowed in, who will perform the ceremony?”
In spite of her appearing a bit sly, Olivia wondered how bright Beth was. “Gideon is a minister. He can officiate.”
As the hands of the clock moved closer to the hour, the room quieted. Chatter ceased as the women appeared to contemplate their upcoming vows. The other three must be as anxious as she was.
Olivia’s hand fluttered to her neck. She glanced uneasily around the room at the ladies she would forever be tied to—her new sisters-in-law. For better or worse, they were about to take a huge step by marrying men they’d just met.
A knot formed in her stomach at the thought of Jamie, her soon-to-be husband. She’d hoped for weeks of getting to know him. Suddenly she was being thrust into marriage. A wedding night only hours away would be shared with a man she hardly knew.
Could she go through with the ceremony? Could she share her body with a stranger? Her chest tightened and she struggled with her decision.
Releasing a deep breath, she chided herself for wavering. She’d come this far to insure she had a home and a family. She wouldn’t give up her dreams when achieving them was so close.
At ten o’clock, Milly rapped on the door. “The men are ready. It’s time.”
Olivia’s tension lessened and relief blanketed her. The men had shown up for the wedding. That had to be a good sign. With one last glance in the mirror over the washstand, she left the room. After this moment, her life would be forever changed for better or worse.
“Good luck, ladies.”
Chapter One
Olivia was still in turmoil when she led the other three brides down the stairs. How dare Fiona Fraser appear so sweet and innocent when she had deceived each of them? The future didn’t look bright with a duplicitous mother-in-law who would manipulate her sons and four unsuspecting women to achieve her personal goals. To say nothing of a groom who not only hadn’t known she was arriving, but didn’t want her.
Once again the sting of being unwanted peppered her insides. She knew she wasn’t a beauty like Beth, but didn’t believe she was hideous either. Why didn’t a man want her? In this instance at least, she tried not to take the rebuff personally. Tried, but how could she not?
When Olivia caught sight of the brothers lined up in front of the double windows, her breath caught in her throat and she almost stumbled. The Fraser men were a strikingly good-looking group. Jamie was the handsomest man she’d ever met and soon they’d be linked for life.
He stood tall with his two fidgeting children flanking him. Even for the wedding, his daughter wore boy’s clothing with her dark red hair in braids. His son was a small replica of Jamie but with the addition of a cowlick. Sunlight through the glass cast highlights in Jamie’s dark hair. His sky-blue gaze locked onto hers. Although stoic now, the lines on his face indicated someone who smiled frequently.
Her heart beat so hard Olivia feared she would have bruises on her ribs tomorrow. Fighting to appear calm, her chest constricted and she could hardly breathe. She battled the foolish impulse to turn around, run to the bedroom, and lock the door. Or to flee into the snowstorm toward town.
Her groom appeared strong and powerful. Would he ever hit her? She hoped not, for she would never tolerate a man who struck a woman. Seeing the children wiggle and tug on their father, she wondered how she could solve the many problems the poor little dears presented.
***
Jamie stood in line with his brothers and watched the four women slowly descend the stairs. He’d thought his bride comely enough but not overly attractive. He’d been wrong. Now he couldn’t help staring at Olivia. Sure, all four looked appealing, but what a change a night’s sleep had made in her appearance.
With her blond hair piled on her head except for a few curls gracing her shoulder, Olivia appeared prettier and more feminine. Her lavender skirts swished as she glided toward him. The top of her dress hugged her body and showed off to advantage the curves he’d noticed yesterday.
Dang, if he had to marry, he figured Mama had made a good choice. Olivia might not be pretty in the same way as his first wife, but her classic good looks would last her lifetime. He immediately kicked himself for comparing her to Lucinda. The less he thought about his first wife, the happier he’d be.
Beside him, Jake tugged on his pants leg. When Jamie leaned down, his son whispered. “We don’t like her. She’s thinks she can tell us what to do.”
“Get used to her. She’s gonna be your new mama.”
Cat crossed her arms and screwed up her face. “Nuh-uh. Don’t want her.”
“Shh, Uncle Gideon has to say preacher words now.” Jamie straightened and hoped for the best. He gulped and held out his hand to his bride.
Earlier in the morning, Mama had produced gold bands for him and his brothers to use for the ceremony. He slipped the ring on his small finger until time to slide it onto Olivia’s. He couldn’t prevent memories of his first wedding when he’d been walking on air.
Now, duty and anger weighed him down like an anvil. As pretty as his bride was, he hadn’t chosen her. How could he not feel cheated?
Milly and Pete stood as witnesses. Soon, Gideon had pronounced them husbands and wives. Jamie wondered if it was legal for his minister brother to preside at his own marriage.
One way or the other, Jamie figured he was stuck with Olivia. She appeared happy, even relieved, in spite of the conditions. From the firm set of her jaw, she wasn’t a woman who backed down easily.
Mama stood from the piano where she’d played for the wedding. At least one person in the room appeared in high spirits. In fact, Mama beamed with pleasure lighting her face.
When she looked like she did today, he thought she was a handsome woman. Age had softened the color of her dark red hair which still held no gray. He could have sworn her dress was new.
“Milly has a nice meal ready for us. Everyone come in to the dining room. This is a momentous day.”
Sure enough, the dining room table was set with a feast befitting the occasion. He helped Olivia with her chair and sat down. Jake and Cat ran around the table pretending to be Indians before he coaxed them into their places.
“Do you always let them run rampant like that?” Olivia’s gaze held censure.
What the hell? There was nothing wrong with his children. “They’re children. That’s what children do.”
“I see.” She paused for Gideon to give the blessing.
Afterward, she appeared to listen attentively to conversation and smiled at appropriate times, but made no comments to him.
Olivia’s mind warred with whether or not t
o make an issue of the children’s rude behavior. They displayed no manners and heeded no one except their father. Apparently they obeyed him only when the mood suited them.
She sensed a confrontation about them on the near horizon but didn’t want to spoil the day. She wanted to get to know them before she said more. Clearly, these children needed a mother’s influence and she intended to be the best one possible.
After the meal, the men excused themselves to change clothes and take care of chores. Olivia helped Lily, Ruby, and Mrs. Fraser clear the table while Milly, the cook-housekeeper, started washing dishes. Beth turned up her nose and strolled into the parlor.
Lily, who’d become a good friend on their trip, nudged Olivia. “Guess Miss Priss believes doing dishes is beneath her.”
Olivia leaned toward her friend. “That’s Mrs. Priss now.”
They laughed and continued helping.
When they’d cleared the table, Milly shooed them out of the kitchen. “Shouldn’t have to clean the dishes on your wedding day. Time enough for that later.”
Mama Fraser echoed her cook. “Go on, girls, I’ll help Milly.”
Olivia looked at the stack of plates and pans. “Not with this much work. I’d not feel right unless you let me pitch in.”
Lily and Ruby stayed too, but Beth had bolted for the parlor. After they’d returned the kitchen to spotless, they went to the parlor while Milly went to her room.
Beth sat in an upholstered chair at one side of the fireplace.
Lily sat in the chair opposite Beth’s. “Wouldn’t have killed you to help, Beth.”
“That’s a job for servants. I’ll be asking Ethan to hire more people. He can’t expect me to cook and clean.”
Olivia sat on the sofa and rolled her eyes at Lily.
Ruby sat next to Olivia. “Cooking and cleaning in my own home will be a pleasure. I can hardly wait to see what it looks like.”
Beth harrumphed then a sarcastic tone filled her voice, “I suppose you’ll go with him to make calls on the congregation members.”
Hurt shone from Ruby’s green eyes as she looked at each of the other three women. “W-Why wouldn’t I? If he wants me to and feels it’s proper, I’ll help in any way I can.”
Jamie Page 2