Mail Order Blessing

by Maya Stirling

  Something was wrong. She was sure of it. A stab of anxiety appeared in her stomach.

  Then, suddenly there was a splash and a wet, muscular hand came thrusting out of the pool and grasped her own hand.

  Aaron's face burst out of the water in front of her, water dripping off his hair, a huge smile spread out across his features.

  Rachel screamed and heard Aaron's laugh cut through the sound of her surprise.

  She tried to leap back but Aaron's hand held onto her's with a firm grip.

  "Got you!" Aaron cried out, coming to the side of the pool.

  Rachel tried to leap back but Aaron wouldn't let go.

  "Aaron!" Rachel cried out.

  But Aaron was too busy laughing.

  Rachel finally gave in an burst into a hysterical laugh of her own.

  "Come on in," Aaron said.

  Rachel shook her head, trying to contain her laughter. "Aaron, I can't. I won't."

  She pulled her hand free of his. Aaron swam around for a while, gazing mischievously at Rachel from time to time. He swam well. She was pleased to see how much he enjoyed swimming. Aaron was still laughing as he finally raised himself up on the bank and heaved his wet body out of the pool.

  Rachel stepped back and watched him emerge. The undergarments clung to his tall body in a way that left nothing to the imagination.

  Aaron shook himself down. Water dripped off him.

  Aaron smiled at Rachel. "The water's cold. But it's nice," he said. Rachel watched him bend over and shake the water out of his hair.

  "You're going to catch your death," Rachel said.

  There was an extra blanket in one of the baskets. She took it out and handed it to Aaron. "Here. Dry yourself with this."

  Aaron grasped the blanket. Instead of taking it from her, he pulled it hard and before she knew it Rachel was in his arms. He enclosed her and thrust his lips onto her mouth. The kiss overwhelmed her so much that, for a moment, she didn't even notice how wet he was. She submitted to his ardent, insistent attention. His body felt cold and hot both at the same time.

  As if sensing her unease Aaron stepped back and took the blanket.

  "Sorry. I'm getting you wet," he said looking at her dress.

  He started to dry his hair. His eyes were bright and watched Rachel the whole time.

  "What were you thinking of, Aaron? You had me worried something had happened to you."

  Aaron frowned. "I'm sorry Rachel. It's just being in this place made me remember what it was like when I was younger."

  Rachel sighed. "Don't you ever do anything like that again, Aaron Caldigate. You near had me scared to death."

  Aaron looked at Rachel and nodded. The intense feeling of the moment seemed to have dissipated as he saw how concerned he had been.

  "I'm sorry if I startled you Rachel."

  Rachel realized she wasn't really mad at him. Especially when she saw how he looked standing there in front of her. The wet clothing clung to Aaron in a manner which made Rachel feel something entirely new about her husband. And all of this on the day after their wedding.

  "I think it might be a good idea if you turned around for a minute or two," Aaron said.

  Rachel looked confused for a moment. "Why?"

  Aaron gestured to his wet body and Rachel immediately got his drift.

  She turned and faced the trees. Behind her she heard Aaron disrobing and drying himself. Rachel felt her throat tighten and it was just about all she could do to stop herself imagining what was going on behind her back.

  "Safe now," Aaron said with obvious mischief in his voice.

  She turned and faced her smiling husband. He was fully clothed in his shirt and pants again. His damp undergarments lay in a pile by his feet."I hope you're satisfied with your very bad behavior," Rachel said with a grin.

  "Obviously you bring out the bad little boy in me," Aaron said with a mischievous grin.

  "Oh Aaron! Don't be silly," Rachel said waving an exasperated hand at him.

  Aaron came over to her. "Now that I'm dry maybe we can finish that kiss," he said wrapping his arms around her and drawing her close to him.

  Rachel held her arms up on his chest. There was nothing left to forgive. He had been naughty, it was true, but she had to admit she had secretly enjoyed it. There was more to learn about Aaron than she had realized.

  "You forgive me?" he whispered.

  Rachel looked into his eyes and saw the seriousness of his desire. "Of course I forgive you," she said.

  Aaron dipped his head and kissed Rachel. His lips were still cool from the swim. They tasted sweet. Rachel let herself be held close. His warmth spread around her. He held her firm and close. Her heart beat fast as his lips caressed her softly.

  Then his head leaned back. His eyes locked on her.

  "We best get back to town. I want to show you something," he said, eagerness in his eyes.

  "What do you want to show me?" she asked.

  "It's a surprise. But I'm sure you'll love it," he said.

  They packed up and made their way back to the carriage. As she lifted herself up onto the seat Rachel realized she was happy. It had been a lovely idea to come here. It had washed away some of the feelings from the previous night. She wondered what Aaron had in store for her.

  When she looked at him she saw that the past few hours had had the same effect on him. She was glad. Rachel didn't want anything to come between them both. Although there were still questions hovering in the back of her mind, she was willing to put them to the side and simply enjoy the fact that her husband was doing his best to make things better between them.

  As they started back toward town, Rachel told herself that maybe today would be the finest start to her honeymoon after all.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Aaron was pleased with how things had gone at the Falls, even if he still felt slightly damp under his clothing. He'd have to get home soon and get properly dressed. But, in the meantime, he wanted to share with Rachel the one thing that he knew they really needed.

  Aaron thought about how Rachel had reacted after he'd leapt out of the water. He smiled inwardly at the memory of her shock and surprise. The truth was he'd surprised himself with his youthful, impulsive action. For a moment he'd remembered what it had felt like being a young boy again. It reminded him of just how happy he'd been growing up in Sweetheart Falls.

  So how come he still felt so ill at ease being in the town? It was the influence of back East. He'd seen so much, witnessed the potential that life back there held for people. There was still a nagging doubt that life in Sweetheart Falls would pale by comparison.

  That wasn't fair on Rachel. She had committed herself to him by taking the ultimate step. Marrying him. Was he still thinking that they'd leave the town if things didn't turn out well for them?

  No. It wasn't fair on Rachel. Maybe what he was about to show her would make a difference to how they both felt about living and settling down in Sweetheart Falls.

  He steered the carriage up the main street. As they passed the sheriff's office he saw the door open and two figures emerged.

  Aaron's throat tightened.

  It was Ryan and the tall figure of the man who'd been watching them at the wedding.

  The Pinkerton.

  He slowed the carriage and Rachel turned to look. He heard her take in a sharp breath.

  "What's that man doing talking with the sheriff? He was with Beatrice last night."

  Aaron frowned. "I don't know. Maybe I should find out."

  Aaron pulled the carriage to a halt. He saw Ryan look over at him and make a gesture with his hand that made it clear to Aaron that, for the moment, he should stay well away.

  Aaron paused and sat by Rachel's side on the carriage, watching the conversation between Ryan and the man come to a conclusion.

  The Pinkerton walked away and Aaron stepped down. "Wait here Rachel. I'll be back in a minute," he said.

  Aaron stepped up on the boardwalk and went to Ryan who was
standing outside the sheriff's office door with a look of deep concern written on his face.

  Aaron looked along the boardwalk and saw the tall man disappear into the saloon.

  Ryan smiled weakly at Aaron. "How's the newly married man?" Ryan said, although his heart didn't seem to be in the attempt at humor.

  "I'm fine Ryan. What was that guy saying?" Aaron asked.

  Ryan frowned. He seemed genuinely uncomfortable. Aaron felt a knot of worry twist inside him. He looked over at Rachel and saw the concern on her face. Why was it that every time he tried to be happy with her something always got in the way?

  "I can't say buddy," Ryan said shifting from side to side.

  "Can't say? Or won't say?" Aaron asked.

  "Bit of both really."

  "Should I be worried about anything?"

  "Not really," said Ryan, but Aaron wasn't convinced.

  Ryan seemed to reconsider and looked at Aaron. Ryan looked like he was going to ask Aaron something. Before he spoke, Aaron saw Ryan glance over to Rachel. Ryan's lips tightened and then he put a hand on Aaron's arm and led him inside the sheriff's office.

  Aaron was surprised by the gesture and looked at Ryan with surprise. "What is it?"

  "I don't want Rachel hearing me," Ryan said.

  "What do you mean?" Aaron asked.

  "It's best she doesn't get herself worried," he answered.

  "Why would she worry. It isn't about me. Is it?" Aaron asked.

  Ryan shook his head. "No. It's not about you."

  The inside of the jailhouse was cooler and a welcome relief from the heat of the street.

  Ryan looked out the window toward Rachel who still sat on the carriage seat waiting for Aaron.

  Ryan sighed. "How well do you know Ethan Macleod?"

  Aaron frowned. "What kind of a question is that?" Aaron's voice snapped with slight impatience.

  "Don't go getting on your high horse," Ryan said firmly. "How well do you know him?"

  Aaron frowned. "Not very well. Apart from the fact that I'm related to him now by marriage, I haven't really had much of a chance to get to know him."

  Ryan peered into Aaron's eyes. "What do people say about him?"

  Aaron tried to understand where this line of questioning was leading. "They only say good things," he said after a pause.

  Ryan nodded. "That's what I hear too. He seems like a good man."

  "What's that got to do with you?"

  "It's not me that's asking. It's the Pinkerton," Ryan said.

  "Why's the Pinkerton asking questions about Ethan."

  Ryan sighed and frowned. Aaron had never seen his friend so disturbed before. He looked like there were warring emotions fighting inside him.

  "I can't say right now. I just need you to help me?"

  "What do you want me to do?"

  "I've heard some things about Ethan that I just need to check out. If you can find out anything more about his background and how he came to Sweetheart Falls, then it might help me keep this Pinkerton off all our backs."

  "What kinds of things do you want me to find out?"

  "Just how he came here, and what he did immediately after arriving."

  "That's easy. I know that already. Rachel's sisters told me. He came to town after Hettie arranged a marriage for Rachel's sister Cassie. Ethan and Cassie got married and settled down. Then Rachel and Martha came here. That's it."

  Ryan nodded. "You see that's the thing. It's how the two sisters came to town that I need to know more about. Can you do that for me?"

  Aaron frowned. Ryan's request seemed a bit odd to him. Surely the Pinkerton had no interest in how Martha and Rachel had ended up in Sweetheart Falls. It made no sense.

  "I'll find out for you," Aaron said.

  Ryan laid a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Don't worry. Everything's going to be alright," he said.

  Aaron looked out the window and saw Rachel stepping down off the carriage. "I best be going. I have something to show my new bride."

  Aaron headed out of the office. Rachel strode up to him. Her brows were furrowed with concern.

  "Is there something I should know?" she demanded.

  Aaron looked at Ryan and saw the stern expression on the sheriff's face. "Nothing to be concerned about," he said. "That's right Ryan. Isn't it?"

  Ryan smiled at Rachel. "Just catching up with your new husband."

  Rachel smiled but didn't look convinced. Aaron thought she was going to demand a fuller answer. There would be time to ask Rachel some questions later. Now wasn't the time.

  "Let's go. Ryan's busy and we have something very important to view," he said to Rachel, taking her gently by the arm.

  Ryan tipped his hat. "Have a lovely day you two," he said with a kindly, if forced, smile.

  Aaron led Rachel away.

  They got back on the carriage and Aaron quickly steered it on it's way up the drag of the main street.

  Aaron chatted casually and tried his best to make sure that Rachel wouldn't ask any awkward questions. He didn't want anything to spoil the upcoming moment.

  They came to the edge of town, the same side of town where Hettie lived.

  "What's this all about?" Rachel asked.

  Aaron quirked a smile at her. "Just hold on. It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, would it?"

  Rachel smiled and cocked her head. "I guess not."

  Aaron was pleased to see that her concerns had faded for the moment.

  Aaron steered the carriage along a road that led through a group of small, neat single story houses.

  They turned a corner and Aaron pulled the carriage to a halt.

  "This is it," he said, pointing to the white boarded house in front of them.

  "What do you mean?"

  "This is going to be where we'll live."

  "What!" Rachel ejaculated.

  "This is the house my father is going to help us buy."

  Rachel gazed at the pretty house. Aaron could see her face flush in excitement. "This is ours?"

  "Not quite yet," Aaron said, feeling satisfaction at Rachel's reaction. "The paperwork has to be finalized. And there's the small question of money. But that can be sorted out with the bank."

  Rachel flashed a look at Aaron."We can't afford something like this."

  "We can if my father helps us. And I've got a stable profession as town lawyer. The bank'll give us what we need."

  "Are you sure?"

  He smiled. "Of course I'm sure."

  Rachel gazed at the house again. "It's beautiful."

  "It sure is. And we'll have Hettie as a close neighbor."

  "Is that a good thing?" Rachel said with a smile.

  "We'll just have to see how that works out," he said grinning.

  Rachel stepped down off the carriage and went toward the house.

  There was a picket fence, a small front garden, a narrow front porch. The house needed some work done to it, but it would look fine once it had a lick of paint and some of the woodwork repaired. There was a wooden sign nailed to the fence by the gate. Two words were carved on it.

  SWEETHEART HAVEN

  Aaron thought that just about summed up the beautiful little house. It would be a haven for Rachel and himself.

  Rachel loved the house. Aaron could tell. He felt pleased that she was excited at the prospect of them living in such a house. He could see them in the place together; see them sitting on the porch in the cool evening; see their kids running around the garden.

  He caught himself at that thought. What was he thinking? They didn't even own the place yet.

  Rachel laid a hand on the fence and looked back at him. "It's wonderful Aaron," she said with a wide grin.

  "I'm glad you like it," he said.

  "When will it be ours?"

  "Some of the paperwork has to be signed and sealed and the money taken care of. When my father gets back we'll get it all sorted."

  Rachel nodded.

  "Can we go inside?"

  Aaron shook his h
ead. "It's empty but we have to wait. Not strictly legal for us to go in there right now. You don't want Ryan arresting you for illegal entry, do you?" he said with a smile.

  Rachel shook her head. "I can wait."

  She looked at the house and he heard an audible sigh of contentment from her. That sound made him feel good. Real good. He'd gone a long way to repairing the damage of the previous night. He was sure of that. He loved watching her be happy. It had been like at the Falls. He'd seen how content she'd been at one of her favorite places. How could it have become so important to him so quickly that Rachel be happy? He didn't know the answer to that. All he knew was that he wanted desperately to make this woman happy.

  Rachel started back toward him. "Whose house was it before?"

  "I don't know. I can find out."

  "So why is it empty?"

  "I'm not sure."

  Aaron realized he had some work to do, if he was to satisfy Rachel's curiosity.

  She got back up on the carriage and leaned in close to him. "It's wonderful, Aaron." She kissed him on the cheek.

  He leaned back and looked at her, his eyebrows raised. "Was that supposed to be a kiss?" he asked.

  She smiled. "That's all you're getting for now. We don't want to get a reputation with the neighbors. Do we?"

  Aaron smiled. "I guess you're right. If we're going to be here for a while, we better be on our best behavior."

  Rachel smiled, hooked an arm through his and leaned her head against his shoulder.

  For a few moments they both sat in silence, just looking at the house. Aaron was sure she was imagining what life would be like for them. He was fine with that. They'd taken one more step toward a life together in Sweetheart Falls.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  They made it back to Aaron's parent's house just as some clouds settled over the late afternoon sun. They parked up and Aaron led her into the house, holding her hand. She loved the little things he did that made it clear she was the center of his attention.

  Rachel closed the door and stood in the hall for a moment.

  After the delight of viewing the other house where they just might set up home together, Rachel felt strange coming back into a place which wasn't their own. She felt like an intruder. Nothing here felt like it belonged to her.