Mail Order Blessing

by Maya Stirling

  "What do you mean?"

  Ryan ran hand through his hair. "Look. Right now is not the time. You just got engaged. I'm not interested in spoiling that. You know I hate those Pinkertons. They just cause trouble."

  "You're not going to tell me what it's about?" Aaron insisted.

  "I know you're a lawyer and I know you'd like to know, but I can't tell you. Not right now."

  Aaron frowned. "Can't tell me? Looks like you won't tell me."

  Ryan smiled at Aaron and laid a hand on his friend's shoulder. "You just concentrate on getting your wedding arranged. I'll fill you in when I know a bit more."

  Aaron's eyes narrowed. "There's something you're not telling me."

  "Look Aaron. We've been friends too long for you not to trust me. Leave it with me. I'll speak to you about after the wedding. Which I trust I have an invite to?"

  Aaron smiled and nodded, admitting temporary defeat. "Of course you're invited. How could you not be?"

  Ryan squeezed Aaron's shoulder. "I'm real happy for you."

  "Thanks," Aaron said and sighed. "There's so much to think about."

  Ryan fixed Aaron with a look. "You know what I say? Leave it to the ladies. They all know how to arrange a wedding," he said with a smile.

  Aaron nodded. "I guess you're right."

  Ryan wrapped an arm around Aaron's shoulder. "Now. Let's get to the jailhouse. There's a bottle waiting there which I just know you and I are going to like," he said.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Aaron awoke late next morning. Despite Ryan's attempts to persuade him, Aaron hadn't drank much, only two drinks. Aaron wasn't accustomed to drinking whisky. Back East he'd had the chance to socialize with his fellow undergraduates, but had resisted the temptation. He'd never been a drinker, probably because his father had never been a heavy drinker. Being a lawyer meant he had to have his wits about him at all times, and anyway, his family's religious scruples pretty well forbade any indulgence.

  Nevertheless Aaron's head hurt, just a little. He got dressed and went downstairs, intending to eat something. He'd need all his energy if he was to get through the day.

  His mother was in the kitchen washing dishes in a small basin. He could hear his father out back playing with Emily. Aaron sat down at the kitchen table. His mother turned and Aaron felt a jolt of shock at the sight of his mother's reddened eyes.

  He rose and went to his mother, placing a hand on her arm. "What's wrong ma?"

  His mother turned away trying to hide the obvious tears that were moistening her puffy eyes.

  "What have you been crying over?" Aaron asked.

  "Oh. It's nothing Aaron. Just ignore me. I'll be fine in a moment," she said turning to the basin again.

  Aaron took her arm and turned her to face him. "Tell me, ma. I can't stand to see you like this."

  Lily looked at Aaron and stroked his cheek with the back of her hand. "You always were a considerate son," she said softly.

  Aaron fixed her with a direct look. "Tell me. What is it?"

  Lily reached into a pocket and drew out a piece of paper. It looked like a telegram. She handed it to Aaron.

  "It's from Abby," his mother said quietly.

  Aaron took the telegram. What was his sister doing sending telegrams.

  Lily rubbed her eyes and turned away.

  Aaron unfolded the paper. He saw that his hand was shaking. He looked at the words, trepidation gripping his heart.

  Jonathan sick. Can't come to Sweetheart Falls. Please bring Emily back as soon as you can. Will keep you informed.

  Abby

  "How sick is Jonathan?"

  "You know he's always had problems. Abby told me in her last letter that he's been overworking in his business. Looks like it's caught up with him," Lily said, her voice filled with sadness.

  "We'll have to postpone the wedding," Aaron said.

  Lily frowned. "Of course we won't do that."

  "I can't have the wedding without Abby," Aaron stated.

  "Aaron. I know you and your sister have always been close. Maybe this is one time you'll just have to go ahead with something important without her," Lily said.

  "How is Emily going to get home to see her father? Abby wouldn't ask that if it wasn't serious," Aaron asked.

  "Your father and I have talked about it and we've decided that we're going to take Emily back East ourselves," Lily told Aaron.

  "What? You can't do that. What about pa's health?"

  "The change will do him good. It might stop him from worrying about all the work that's piled up. Anyway, with him gone, that will give you a chance to learn just what it means to be the only lawyer in Sweetheart Falls. " Lily said.

  Aaron felt his stomach churn. "You can't both just up and go. What about the wedding?"

  "We'll go after the wedding. And it will give you and Rachel some time to get to know each other better, while we're away." Lily said.

  "But what about Jonathan? Isn't he ill? You can't wait too long."

  "I know. That's why the wedding is going to take place this week," Lily said.

  "This week?" Aaron felt the blood drain from his face.

  "I've already spoken to the Reverend. He's says it's fine by him."

  "You can't arrange a wedding in such a short time," Aaron said.

  "Of course we can. It happens all the time in Sweetheart Falls. Why, sometimes a bride gets off the train and goes straight to the church with the man she's only just met," Lily said her face lighting up, and a little more happiness edging it's way into her eyes.

  Aaron turned away and ran a hand around the back of his neck. It was awfully warm in the kitchen all of a sudden.

  Lily came to him and put an arm around his shoulders. "Don't worry Aaron. It'll all be fine. Hettie is already working on the plans. And Rachel and her sisters are coming over this afternoon to talk things over," Lily said softly.

  Aaron twisted around. "What! Rachel's coming over? Today?"

  "Yes. Your father and I thought it would be a good idea to get to know some of our new family. I have a lovely tea planned. Emily's real excited to meet them all," Lily said.

  "I need some coffee," Aaron said, admitting defeat.

  Lily brought him a cup and sat down next to him at the kitchen table. "Don't worry. I've sent a telegram to Abby. She knows we're coming. All I'd say is just don't worry Emily. Your father and I will have a long journey and I don't want Emily to be upset. I want the journey home to her momma to be like an adventure with her grandparents."

  Aaron nodded and took a sip of coffee. His mother was right. There was no sense in worrying Emily. She'd get to know how her pa was when she arrived home. Best to keep his little niece happy.

  But then he thought about Rachel coming to the house. That was a whole new thing entirely.

  What was he going to say to her? How would she take the news that the wedding had to be brought forward?

  He couldn't imagine it. She'd already struck him as a young woman who would adapt to most situations. But this was a wedding he was talking about. He knew that when it came to getting married, women could be very particular.

  Lily seemed to sense his concern. "Don't worry. I'm sure Rachel will understand."

  "I hope you're right ma. I really do," Aaron murmured.

  Lily stood up and straightened her dress. The talk with Aaron seemed to have settled her. Aaron was pleased. He never liked to see his mother upset.

  "What do you want for your very late breakfast?" she asked.

  Aaron shook his head and tried to contain his nerves about the upcoming meeting with the three sisters.

  ****

  Later that afternoon Rachel, Martha and Cassie headed into Sweetheart Falls on the buckboard. The talk amongst them was all about the upcoming meeting with their new in-laws.

  Martha had the reins. Cassie was seated between Martha and Rachel. No use putting her at risk of falling off the side of the buckboard in her condition.

  "Well this is all rather sudden," sa
id Cassie.

  "Hettie said it was imperative we all get together as soon as possible today. She really was most insistent," Martha said.

  Rachel recalled Hettie's visit to the ranch that morning. The impromptu visit to the Caldigate's had been arranged in a hurry. Cassie had been brought over to the ranch by Ethan, who decided to stay and help Logan around the ranch.

  They drove up the main street. Townsfolk were out in numbers. The buckboard drove past the church. Rachel looked at it and thought about how in only a very short time she would be inside the building saying her vows to Aaron.

  They all looked at the church and gave each other a knowing look.

  "I do hope your husband to be is handsome," Cassie said with a teasing tone.

  Rachel pinched at her sister's arm. "Of course he is handsome. And he's sensitive, reserved, well mannered, charming..."

  "I think I get the picture," Cassie interrupted.

  Martha laughed. "There's no sense in being jealous now, you two. We're all going to have fine, handsome husbands. After all we've been through, I think that's a cause for celebration. Don't you think?"

  Rachel and Cassie nodded.

  The buckboard drew up outside the Caldigate residence. Rachel was impressed by the house. It was a white boarded, two story house that reflected the success of a prosperous lawyer.

  Rachel helped Cassie get down of the seat while Martha tied the reins up.

  All three sisters composed themselves. Cassie took down the box which had been stowed in the back of the seat.

  "Is it still in one piece?" Rachel asked. She hoped the Caldigate's liked sponge cake.

  Cassie looked inside the box. "Still intact," she said with a smile.

  The front door opened and Rachel's stomach leapt when she saw Aaron standing there. He was elegantly dressed in a dark suit. All she could think was how handsome he looked. His eyes fixed on Rachel and he flashed a smile at her that made Rachel's pulse quicken.

  Aaron stepped out and came toward them. Rachel saw Aaron's parents emerge from the house behind him. A little girl held onto the hands of the two middle aged man and woman.

  "Welcome to you all," Aaron said striding forward confidently.

  Introductions were carried out with the minimum of fuss. The little girl, Emily, seemed the most excited of everyone. Rachel could see she was being well mannered, especially under the watchful eye of her grandparents. Aaron's parents seemed genuinely glad to see Rachel.

  They all made their way into the cool of the house. In the parlor the table was already laid and Cassie's cake eventually took pride of place next to the silver stand and tea pot.

  Rachel took an immediate liking to Lily. Aaron's mother fussed and bothered but in the most delightful way. Rachel caught Lily's eye more than once. She wasn't sure, but there seemed to be a hint of sadness in Aaron's mother at this moment. Aaron's father was polite and sociable. He kept on glancing at Rachel and giving her a gentle reassuring smile. Rachel liked him. His eyes seemed friendly as well as having the knowing quickness of a lawyer.

  The conversation soon went to the subject of matrimony. Rachel started to feel awkward since all the talk suddenly shifted to the bride, and what she needed for the day, and how quickly it could all be done. There were so many details. Rachel knew weddings were a complex thing to arrange, but there seemed to be so much to think about.

  All during this, it was as much as Rachel could do to keep her gaze from Aaron. He sat on the opposite divan, looking restrained and ever so slightly ill at ease.

  From time to time he glanced at Rachel and smiled gently. There was a pleasing glint in his eye which Rachel hadn't really noticed before. She had to admit that the brightness in his eyes spoke of a mischievous quality in her betrothed.

  Rachel looked at him more closely, just to be sure. At that exact moment he looked at her, and his mouth widened into a knowing smile. His eyes had the most appealing laugh lines around the edges. Maybe Aaron was a man who enjoyed laughter. That suited Rachel. She was too young to be too serious. There would be plenty of time for that later, when she was older and more mature. But for now, Aaron looked like a man who knew how to appreciate the lighter side of life.

  Rachel watched him. He was listening to his parents chatting with Martha and Cassie. Next to him sat his niece. He had a gentle arm around the shoulder of his niece. He looked comfortable with children. The way his niece repeatedly looked up at Aaron told Rachel that he had built a good relationship with Emily. The little girl seemed to trust Aaron and wanted to please him, judging by the way she sat by his side, composed and well behaved.

  "How is your tea?" Lily asked Rachel.

  Drawing her attention away from Aaron and back to the room, Rachel cleared her throat.

  "It is delicious Mrs Caldigate."

  "Call me Lily," the kind featured woman said.

  Rachel was taking a real liking to Lily. She had an easy charm. The same easy manner Rachel had already noted in Aaron.

  "Aaron didn't you say you wanted to speak with Rachel?" Lily asked.

  Aaron looked confused for a moment, and then seemed to understand what his mother meant.

  "Of course. Yes. Rachel can I ask you to accompany me to the garden. I'd very much like to show you the wonderful things my parents have done to make it the nicest garden in town," Aaron said.

  "You're going to embarrass me," Lily said laughing.

  Rachel put her tea cup down on the table. "I'd be delighted to, Aaron."

  When she stood up she saw the way Aaron watched her. His gaze was full of what Rachel could only describe as almost complete admiration. Now that they were both so close together, and surrounded by polite company, Rachel had to work hard to maintain her composure.

  Aaron pointed the way to the doors at the back of the parlor. He followed by her side. Rachel was acutely aware that the conversation behind her had stopped. For a moment Rachel found the silence disconcerting. They were being watched. She was sure of it. Everyone was quietly savoring the image of the newest couple in Sweetheart Falls.

  Aaron opened the doors and Rachel stepped out into the garden, relieved to escape the room. From inside she heard the conversation resume.

  Aaron smiled at her. "Seems like we were being watched," he said.

  Rachel nodded. "I guess we're the reason why they're all here."

  Aaron led Rachel along a narrow gravel path that was bordered on either side by rows of flowers. They were of all colors and varieties. Aaron's mother had obviously spent a long time cultivating such a beautiful arrangement.

  Rachel let out a gasp. "They're lovely."

  She kneeled down and ran her fingers through the reds, yellows and pinks. She inhaled the scents. It was like a perfume store.

  "I think I know where you got the flower you brought me," she said, looking up at Aaron.

  "Seemed like a shame to waste it all."

  Rachel stood up. Aaron looked more relaxed out here in the garden. His eyes still glanced uncertainly toward her from time to time. She realized she found his reserve quite alluring. There was something similar in Ethan and Logan. They both also could be quiet and thoughtful when the moment required.

  Rachel thought it might be a good moment to ask Aaron some questions that she hadn't been able to ask before. Who was the woman Beatrice? Did he still want to leave Sweetheart Falls at some point in the future? Why exactly was he so reluctant to settle down in the town?

  So many questions.

  Before she had a chance to say anything Aaron spoke.

  "I need to tell you something," he said.

  Rachel heard the tightness in his voice.

  "It's about my sister, Abby," he said. He lowered his head and seemed to be searching for words.

  "I'm afraid I don't know much about her," Rachel said.

  "She lives back East. In Pennsylvania. Her husband, Jonathan, has a business there. They've been doing well these past years. Emily goes to school there. I brought her out here to see her grandparent
s. They hadn't seen her in a long time."

  Rachel saw the pleasure that showed on his face when he mentioned Emily. It was clear he had a strong attachment to the little girl.

  "The thing is, we got some news that Jonathan is unwell."

  "I hope it's nothing serious," Rachel said.

  "I don't think it is. Jonathan always has been prone to overworking. I think he's just worn himself down. They were going to come out and join us. Attend the wedding. Now they can't come."

  Rachel felt the color rise to her cheeks at the mention of the big day.

  "I'm sorry they can't come to the wedding," she said.

  "Abby has to stay with Jonathan."

  "Of course. But what about Emily?"

  Aaron frowned. "That's the thing. Obviously it's best that she goes back to be with her parents. This was always supposed to be a short visit anyway. Plans have had to be changed, though."

  "So how is Emily getting home?," Rachel asked, feeling concern for the sweet, little girl.

  Aaron cleared his throat. "My parents are going to take Emily home after the wedding," Aaron said.

  Rachel stiffened. "Oh. Are they sure they can do that? I thought your father's health was a problem."

  "Not so much that it'll stop them taking Emily home. My father may look delicate but he's a tough old critter," Aaron said.

  Rachel smiled at Aaron's description of his father.

  "The change'll do him good. He hasn't seen Abby for a while. And if anything does happen to him... well, I guess he'll want to have seen her before it's too late," Aaron said.

  Rachel saw the concern on his face. Family obviously meant a great deal to her soon-to-be husband.

  "All of this means one thing," Aaron said with a sigh. "The wedding is going to have to take place sooner than we thought."

  Rachel looked at Aaron. "How much sooner?"

  "This week," Aaron stated.

  Rachel felt a jolt of panic. "But there are things to prepare."

  "I know. And I'm sorry for this. But my parents need to leave as soon as they can. It won't affect the day. It's still going to be a wonderful wedding," Aaron said reaching out to Rachel. She let his hand settle on her arm and savored the tingle that she felt.