O'Neill's Texas Bride

by Caroline Clemmons

  “Ridiculous. I can’t afford those things.”

  “Aye, you can and you’ll give all the workers a ten percent raise. You’ll do that to keep out the unions. Were the unions to come in, you’d spend far more than what I’ve outlined.”

  “Damned if I won’t fire that troublemaker Hartford for talking up unions.”

  “Oh, no, you may think firing Hartford will keep out unions, but you’re that wrong, man. You think he’s the only one wanting a union? The working conditions in this mine beg for the unions to step in. Then you’ll have strikes and inspections. You’ll have ten times the headache James Llewellyn caused.”

  Farland’s jaw set and his expression as petulant as a misbehaving child’s. “I don’t want unions in here. They’re nothing but trouble.”

  “You bet they will be if they see this place.” Finn shoved the draft at Farland. “I’ll have you double this amount on a fresh draft. Else I’ll tell everyone I know to ask for a union representative to come here.”

  Farland paled. “You wouldn’t dare? Why, we’re almost related.”

  “Then don’t try to cheat me.”

  Face red, Farland opened his checkbook and penned another draft. “Take this and be damned.”

  Finn glanced to make sure the amount was correct this time. “I’d say workin’ here has been a pleasure, but t’would be a lie.”

  He strode from the office and offered his arm to his intended. “Shall we go, love?”

  She smiled up at him. “I’d be delighted.” Finn patted her slender hand where it rested on his arm. “Love, I’ve already spoken to your father and he gave us his blessing. Now we need to discuss our wedding.”

  She sent him a perplexed gaze as they walked down the hill toward her home. “When did you speak to Papa?”

  “Remember when you wouldn’t talk to me but I came to church and sat by? I’d asked Council on the way into the service.”

  “But, Finn, how did you know I’d change my mind?”

  He grinned at her. “Did I not say we’re soul mates? All I knew is I couldn’t live without you. I would have pestered you until you either shot me or promised to marry me.”

  She returned his smile. “And you remember that Papa doesn’t own a gun, right?”

  He couldn’t stop the laugh bubbling up from inside him. “Aye, but ‘tis a resourceful woman you are. I’m sure you could have found one.”

  “Can we be married here or do you want to be married in McClintock Falls?”

  “Let’s marry here and soon. Josh said there’s a house not that far from the ranch being saved for your family. About halfway between the ranch and town. I remember the place, and ‘tis far nicer than any have here except Farland’s.”

  “How will my parents live? Are there jobs available?”

  “Yes, here’s your house. Let’s wait until we’re inside and we can talk to your folks.”

  Inside the house, her mother and siblings rushed at them. Josh sat in Council’s chair where, no doubt, he’d been flirting with Nettie.

  Stella still held his arm. “There’s so much to tell, but we need to plan the wedding.”

  “Your father will be here soon. He quit his job.”

  Stella clapped her hands together and ran toward her mother. “Mama? When did he do that?”

  “While Finn was in the hospital. Papa said if you were moving to McClintock Falls, so were we. That’s all he’d been waiting for and why we’ve saved his bonuses.”

  Grace came and placed her hand on Finn’s arm and gazed at him with tears gathering in her eyes. “Josh tells us you’d asked about a job for Council and that there’s a house for us there. How can we ever thank you?”

  Finn slid an arm around Stella and smiled at her mother. “You’ve treated me so kindly that I’ve felt a kinship since we met. By letting me marry your daughter, you’ll truly become my family.”

  Grace hugged Stella then gazed at each of her children. “We couldn’t tell you for fear our dreams would be impossible. The reason your father took this job was to get us to America where he could start over when his contract was finished.”

  Stella put her hands on her cheeks. “Oh, I’m so embarrassed for all those times I fussed at him to change jobs. Poor Papa.”

  Nettie grabbed Lance’s hands and danced around the room.

  Lance asked, “When do we leave?”

  Their mother smiled at her children. “I suppose right after the wedding.”

  Stella grabbed her mother’s arm. “Mama, what am I to do? My best dress is ruined. Will you let me wear your wedding dress?”

  Grace clapped her hands together. “Why do you think I’ve saved it all these years if not for you girls? Of course the styles have changed and there’s no bustle but the dress is real silk and the finest I’ve ever owned.”

  Lance rolled his eyes. “If this is all you’re going to talk about, I’m going in the other room.”

  Council must have heard as he came in the door. “We’ve plenty to talk about. Only a few more days to get packed and vacate the premises.” He shook Finn’s hand. “Glad to see you up and about.”

  Finn guided Stella toward her mother and sister. “Stella, I agree with whatever you ladies arrange for the wedding as long as the date is soon. Your father, Josh, Lance, and I have plans to make for the move.”

  Stella took her mother by the hand and guided her toward the bedroom. “Let’s see your dress, Mama. And we have to decide what you and Nettie will wear.”

  Council sat on the ladderback chair. “I can’t tell you how free I feel to be leaving, yet at the same time trembling with terror over the prospect of having quit my job.”

  Finn sat on the bench. “Did Farland give you trouble over leaving?”

  “I’d fulfilled my year here, which was the agreement I signed to get transportation from England. Farland was rude as is his way. When I told him he had better treat his men more fairly or he’d be seeing unions move in, the man turned so red I thought he would have an apoplectic fit. I spoke the truth though.”

  “Aye, ‘tis the same thing I told him. Now, tell us what we need to do to get you ready to leave.”

  Josh reared back. “Us?”

  Finn nodded. “Will you not be my best man?”

  “I joked, for I’d planned to help these fine folks move out of this awful town. Grandpa owns that little row of three houses on the way to town from the ranch. The center one has just become vacant.”

  Council asked, “Does the house include furniture?”

  Josh stood and stretched. “Doesn’t come furnished, but I wired Mama to find enough for your family. Gran changes up her house every few months, or so it seems. There’ll be plenty stored somewhere.”

  Lance perked up. “Will I have my own room?”

  Finn nudged his soon to be brother-in-law. “Aye, ‘tis a nice house and much improved over this one. You’ll have more room and better furnishings.”

  Council surveyed the room as if mentally taking stock of things to pack. “I spoke to Frampton at the store and he’s given me crates for our things. He’d only burn them so I didn’t mind asking. I’ll walk to Spencer and rent a wagon to get the crates out of Lignite. What I’ll do then is open to question for I’ve no idea where McClintock Falls is or how to get there. And this time of year, the weather is unpredictable.”

  Josh looked at Finn before speaking, “Texas weather is always unpredictable, but all you have to do is get your things to the station and loaded on a train. At Sabinal, we get off and wait for my folks to arrive with a couple of wagons. There’s a hotel there if the train gets in late. Otherwise, we can load up and head for home.”

  Finn wanted to jump with excitement. “I can hardly wait.” He spoke to Council and Lance. “After mining towns, you’ll love McClintock Falls.”

  Josh paced the small room. “I’ve invited that kid, Gallagher, to come too. He’s about Daniel’s age and I figure Mama will find a place for him until he’s healed. The trip will be rough, but
he’s eager to go with us.”

  Surprise filled Finn. Josh was a good man and hard worker, but he didn’t usually think of others. “That’s real nice of you, Josh. His family’s dead and he has no one.”

  “So he told Lance. Can’t stand seeing a fellow laid up and alone. I know Mrs. Clayton and Lance visited him, but they’ll be gone soon. He needs to be in a home with good food and care.” Josh reached for his hat. “I’ll head on to the hotel and make sure arrangements are on schedule there for whenever the women set the wedding date. I’ll be here early tomorrow to help pack your belongings.”

  After Josh had gone, Finn stood. “Reckon I’d better go, too. I’ll be here in the morning and help pack and hopefully get married.”

  “I’ll send Stella out to tell you goodbye.” Council stood.

  Finn held up his hand. “I’m sure they’re busy with plans. Just tell her I’ll bring my best clothes, but you know they’re not good. I don’t have fancy things, but what few I have are back at home.”

  “I’ll see if Ulys has anything you can wear. He’s about your size.”

  “Thanks. Goodnight.”

  ***

  The next day, Stella would have sworn a thousand gnats attacked. She could hardly stay still. Events were moving so quickly. Suddenly, all the things she’d dreamed were within reach. She longed for Finn to appear and share in the wedding plans she and her mother and sister had made. He’d been by early but Mama insisted he not see her. He and Lance had left to go rent a wagon and team.

  Papa came in the door wiping his feet. “I spoke to the minister. Reverend Mackenzie is coming to the hotel lobby at half past six. You have reservations at the hotel for tonight. Josh is hosting a wedding supper in the hotel dining room. But now he’s gone with Finn and Lance.”

  She clasped her hands to her breast. “A real wedding supper at the hotel? That’s wonderful, Papa.”

  “Indeed, and will cost more than I make in a month. Generous of him but he insisted. Said you could invite friends if you wish. Thought I’d invite my crew if you don’t mind.”

  “By all means.” She and Nettie had no special friends she wished to invite. The thought saddened her. She and Nettie worked together and relaxed at home with family. Other women in town their ages were married with small children.

  Papa fed coal into the stove. “All my wedding-related tasks are done so I’ll start crating up things in the bedrooms.”

  Stella hurried after him “Don’t pack the things I’ll need for the wedding and tonight or for the trip. I put everything except the wedding dress in the large valise on the bed.”

  Mama turned her around and guided her into the kitchen. “Nettie and I have packed everything we’ll need for the trip. Our wedding clothes are hanging on pegs. Papa won’t pack anything we’ll use before we leave. I’d better cook up some things for breakfast and our trip so we can pack the staples.”

  “I’ll help, Mama. I’m so excited I’ll explode if I don’t keep busy. Why don’t you supervise Papa and send Nettie in to help me.”

  ***

  Finn smiled as if he’d been made king. He looked around the room where he and his bride would spend their last night in Lignite. Where Stella and he would make sweet love. Tomorrow they’d leave for the fine ranch he’d purchased. Aye, he knew Grandpa held the mortgage for the coming fifteen years, but he considered the place his and Stella’s.

  Before he knew where the day had gone, ‘twas time to go downstairs for the wedding. He adjusted his tie once more and shrugged into the jacket that almost fit. Still, ‘twas kind of Ulys to loan his only suit.

  Butterflies in his stomach threatened to carry him away as he descended the stairs. As he stepped from the last stair tread, Reverend Mackenzie walked into the lobby.

  “Looks like you’re ready to wed, young man. Is the bride here yet?”

  “No, sir, but I see guests have already arrived.” Finn gestured toward where chairs had been set up in a room off the lobby. “Shall we join them?”

  Josh stood pacing. “Glad you’re here. I have the ring and Mrs. Clayton sent this greenery for your lapel.”

  Finn smiled at the other man’s nervousness. Any talk of a wedding usually sent Josh running. He spotted the men from Council’s crew and shook each man’s hand. “Thanks for coming.”

  He took Aleski aside. “When your wife and boy get here, come to McClintock Falls. There’ll be a house and job for you there.” He nodded toward Pakulski and Bosko. “For your kin too. They’re building a new courthouse and need stone masons. But it’s a growing town and you could get work as carpenters or shop keepers or on a ranch.”

  “I’ve no way to contact Reina until she gets here. As soon as she arrives, I’ll on my way out of here and show up on your doorstep.”

  “I’ll look forward to that day.”

  He stopped and told Jose and Maria the same thing. Jose had to think over the offer. “Farland, he announced changes. I am happy to have a house and a raise. He say maybe soon I’ll be made a crew chief.”

  “Do whatever makes you happy. The offer is always open.”

  “Sorry to interrupt. Your bride arrived.” Josh hurried him to the front of the room by a podium.

  He, Josh, and the minister took their places. Smiling to himself, he wished he could have seen Stella’s face when she saw that he’d rented a covered carriage for her trip to the hotel and tomorrow to the train.

  Lance ushered his mother and seated her in the front row reserved for her and Council. Nettie walked toward them wearing her blue dress. Her golden hair was in an intricate hairdo atop her head with the blue ribbon he’d given her woven among the curls.

  He almost collapsed when he saw Stella. She’d told him the dress was gray silk trimmed with ruches, whatever those were, of the same material and matching satin ribbon. All he knew was she looked like a queen deigning to mingle with the peasants. Her lovely hair was piled high with a long, thick curl dangling down in front of her right shoulder. Around her throat, she wore a locket.

  How could someone so beautiful and perfect be marrying a wild Irish boy like him? Humbled and honored, he couldn’t speak, couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move. Somehow he took her hand from her father.

  He must have answered the minister’s cues for soon they were pronounced husband and wife.

  Reverend Mackenzie said, “Friends, I present Mr. and Mrs. Finn O’Neill.”

  Applause and cheers broke out.

  Stella clung to him and he realized she was as nervous as he was. Her smile was wide and her lovely eyes sparkled with happiness. He kept his arm around her for he thought they could support one another.

  Nettie hugged her sister, then Finn.

  Grace Clayton did the same thing. “Now you must call me Mama and call Council Papa. You’re our son, and we couldn’t be happier.”

  Council draped an arm around his shoulders. “That’s the truth, son.”

  Josh raised his hands for silence. “You’re all to be my guests at the wedding supper. They’re ready for us in the dining room.”

  Finn cupped his bride’s elbow and escorted her to the head table. When he’d seated Stella, he leaned toward Josh. “What a grand feast you’ve arranged. Man, are you made o’ money?”

  “Mama and Cenora ordered me to arrange this. Papa and Dallas are splitting the cost with me, so don’t feel guilty. They’ve been sending wires for over two days.”

  “Still, you’ve my thanks. I could never have afforded anything like this nor could Council.”

  Josh flashed his roguish smile. “As long as it’s for someone else’s wedding, I don’t mind.”

  He seated Nettie while Council seated Grace. Lance joined his parents.

  When everyone had been served, Josh rose and tapped on his glass. “The first time I met Finn, he had my cousin Dallas captive. Well, not exactly captive, but Dallas had wed Finn’s sister. I guess you’d say she had him captive.”

  Josh paused for the laughter to quiet. “She still does, for t
hey’re much in love and just welcomed their first child. I’m proud to call Finn O’Neill cousin and now happy to add the Claytons as kin,” he glanced down at Nettie, “especially the pretty ones.”

  Nettie blushed.

  Everyone laughed.

  Stella leaned toward Finn. “Did he catch the art of blarney from you?”

  He whispered, “Comes by it naturally.”

  Josh raised his glass. “To the bride and groom.”

  Finn raised his glass and gazed at his beautiful bride. “To us, my love.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  McClintock Falls, Texas

  Stella gasped as they crested a rise and Finn stopped the wagon and set the brake. “This is ours? All of this?”

  He slid his arm around her shoulders. “Same as. Remember, I have fifteen years to pay off Grandpa McClintock. Means a lot o’ work, but I know I can succeed with you by my side.”

  Holding on to one another, they sat taking in the view. The southwesterly breeze carried a chill, but the bright sun overhead warmed them. The large two-story home appeared to have been added on to over the years. Painted bright white, black trim shined in the morning light. Heavens, how would she ever fill such a place with their few belongings?

  The main barn was as tall as the house. In back of the home in which she and Finn would live stood a couple of small houses and what she thought was a bunkhouse. A large windmill was between their house and the two smaller ones. The beautiful scene stole her breath and she fought joyous tears threatening to spill.

  She placed a hand at her chest, wanting not only to savor this moment but to store this minute in memory forever. “Finn, I never dreamed I’d ever live in such a grand place. I thought there’d be a house the size of the one my family lived in at Lignite and a barn and chicken pen. There are so many buildings the ranch is almost a small town.”

  “Aye, ‘twould appear so, but every building has a purpose. I see our cowboys are hard at work, Soon I’ll have me own hands full keepin’ up with them.” He appeared as awestruck as she was.