The Unclaimed Mail Order Bride [Brides for the Garrison Brothers 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

“How can you be so cheerful and look like you’ve had a full night’s rest?”

  He shrugged. “I guess I’m used to getting called out on emergencies on the ranch. Not as much now as before. We’d remodeled some older equipment, and that’s helped. Mom always said I was the first up and in the best mood.”

  “I know you must have some faults,” Abby said and playfully punched him in the arm. “Oh, I know. You like to be controlling.”

  “Not true.” She’d moved closer, and he kissed her. “You taste like coffee and the pure sweetness of yourself.”

  “Did your Mom coach her sons on how to sweet talk ladies?”

  “No, but only because she saw it came naturally to us.”

  Abby took several gulps and then refilled her coffee cup. “We’d better go. I’m getting later and later.”

  “Pour your coffee in a go cup. I’ve got a Danish roll for you in my truck.”

  “You have to quit spoiling me.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m not sure this will work out, and I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “Hmmm, we’ll test how strong you are. After I drop you off at work, I won’t bother you for at least a week.”

  “It might be a good idea,” she said, but inside she mentally kicked herself. Looking into Fletcher’s greenish-brown eyes, she wished she’d never opened her mouth.

  Inside the truck on their way to her job, neither spoke. Abby sipped her coffee and ate the Danish roll. When the truck stopped at the dress shop, Fletcher reached across and opened the door. Abby got out and said, “Thanks for the coffee and roll. See you.” She turned quickly and rushed into the shop before he saw the tears in her eyes. Darn, I brought it on myself. I feel lonely already. Forcing a smile on her face, she greeted Mrs. Lowell and told her about Jack being a long-lost relative of hers.

  “What a coincidence and wonderful for you since you thought you had no relatives.”

  “It is, but I’m sorry to be late when I just started my job.”

  “That’s the good and bad part of living in a small town. We know each other’s business, but we also help out when needed.”

  They stopped talking when two customers entered. Abby guessed they were in their early twenties. One carried a large box, which she set on the counter. Abby greeted them and put her purse on a shelf underneath the register. Mrs. Lowell waved and headed to her office.

  “How can I help you?” Abby asked.

  “This is my mother’s wedding gown.” The girl with long blonde hair placed the box in front of Abby. “I heard you do sewing. I hoped you might be able to make adjustments so I can wear it at my wedding in two months.”

  “Take it into one of the dressing rooms and call me when ready. I’ll see what needs to be done.”

  “Thanks, by the way, my name is Mindy, and this is my best friend, Sherry”

  “Nice to meet you. I’d bet you know my name is Abby.”

  Sherry laughed. “You’ve been told how rapidly news runs through the town.”

  “I have. Now go put on the gown. I think it’s very sweet and sentimental to want to wear your mother’s dress. I’ll do what I can to make it happen.”

  When they walked toward the dressing room, the doorbell rang, announcing another customer. She came straight to the counter. “I understand you do alterations?”

  “Yes.”

  “I have a dress at home that I love. It’s the dress I wore the night my husband proposed. But then I’ve had two children, and although I’ve lost weight, I can’t quite get into it. Our tenth anniversary is in a few weeks. If I bring it in, can you alter it to fit me now?”

  “Bring it to me to see. I can’t say without looking at the dress.”

  “Well, actually, I did put it in the car, but I didn’t want to be embarrassed if it were something you wouldn’t consider.”

  Abby grinned. “Go get it and tell the rest of the ladies in town I’m willing to do as much as I consider within my current experience. I don’t want to ruin a treasure for them.”

  “Great, there are a lot of us that are so pleased to have someone to help us. Mostly we’ve had to drive thirty miles to the next town. This is so convenient.”

  “Thank you, I’m glad to have the job.”

  “Oh, we’ve all heard about how Mr. Clements treated you.” She lowered her voice. “I heard his new wife was so upset she left him. We haven’t heard whether she’s come back.”

  “I hate that she’s been hurt. She seemed so nice when I met her briefly. It wasn’t her fault.”

  “We don’t blame her.”

  “Good, because if she comes back, I’ll be the first to offer her my friendship,” Abby said.

  “You are also a very nice lady. I’ll pass on what you said. Now I’d better go out and get my dress.”

  Abby’s day went fast. She had two more women stop in for alterations. Mrs. Lowell was very pleased. “If this keeps up I may have to give you that raise sooner.”

  With that good news, Abby headed out the door and realized she had no way home until she saw her borrowed truck. She wasn’t sure how it got here, but the key was in it. Apparently, no one would dare to steal Fletcher’s beloved vehicle.

  She sighed as she got in. Fletcher must be serious about the week without seeing me. Well, it’ll be a good test to see how I feel at the end. A week isn’t long.

  The evening seemed to last forever. Abby checked the hospital, and Jack was doing good. “Tell him I’m tired and going to sleep early, but I’ll be by tomorrow.” The nurse promised and hung up. It was eight-thirty. I’ll shower and go to bed, and then I’ll be up and ready to go in the morning.

  * * * *

  Fletcher found himself at loose ends and went to see Jack. He expected to find Abby in his room. They hadn’t said anything about not running into each other. At the hospital, he knocked on the ICU door, and the nurse let him in.

  “He’s doing really well. The doctor said if he keeps it up, he’ll be transferred to a regular floor in the morning.”

  “That’s good news. I’d hate to lose Jack.”

  “We all would. Jack’s a favorite around here. He told me the new lady in town is his niece.”

  “That’s right. Jack’s not confused. It was a strange coincidence. Abby wasn’t sure she had an uncle, and he wasn’t in touch with the family. But we’re all happy for them.”

  “I’d expect so.” She walked in the door with Fletcher. “You have a visitor.” Then she left, and Fletcher sat at the bedside.

  “How are you doing, Jack?”

  “Much better. A little disappointed I won’t get to see my girl until tomorrow afternoon, but I understand she’s tired and new at her job. She’ll want to be well-rested in the morning. But, I suspect you two had a falling out, and she didn’t want to meet you here.”

  “You’re too smart for a man your age. We didn’t exactly have a falling out. We agreed to not see each other for the next week and see how she feels about us after that absence.”

  “What did you think of her idea?”

  “It’s a smart thing to do. I’ve never had a steady relationship except for the one in college, and she chose another man who lived in a big city.”

  “Burned you, didn’t she?”

  “I guess you could say that.”

  “Well, how do you feel so far about this not seeing Abby for a week?”

  “It’s all right.”

  “You never did lie very good. But strangely, I believe it’s a good thing for both of you. Abby’s had much too many surprises in a short time. I wouldn’t want either one of you to be hurt. That’s why I’m going to suggest she come stay with me at my ranch for a while. I’ll need help, and she won’t feel beholden to you or your family.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Abby just moved into the house Hunter and Lacey loaned her and is getting settled. I’ll hire a nurse to stay with you. Abby has a busy job. She’d worry about you whenever she couldn’t be there.”

  �
�I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right. But don’t push Abby into something she may not want. You’re a great guy. But you both have to love each other for it to work.”

  “Don’t worry about us, old man.” Fletch tightened his grip on Jack’s hand. “We want you to get well. I suspect if we do marry, she’d want you to walk her down the aisle. So, you have to stay around.”

  Jack took a deep breath. His voice wobbled a little as he spoke. “You just gave me another good reason to get stronger. I’d love to see you two married and maybe live to see your first child.”

  “We’re a far way from that just yet. Still, I’d like to see it become a reality, too.”

  * * * *

  Fletcher studied the calendar, two more days before he could see Abby. He’d visited his folks almost every night or one of his brothers. They’d teased him about his restlessness and asked him about Abby. He’d told them she was busy with work. Their expressions told him they didn’t believe his story. Tonight, he decided he’d ride around the ranch and check things. He usually took a night ride about once a month or more often if he found a problem. The only thing is, he’d just done a ride about the week before.

  He headed out to the barn to saddle his horse. I’m afraid I’ve finally truly fallen in love. I can’t get her face out of my mind. I wasn’t this far gone with the girl I dated in college. I just hope these days apart have made her miss me.

  Fletch rode slowly. A full moon lit up the world around him almost like daylight. When Fletch met one of his men, the cowboy looked surprised.

  “Is something wrong, Boss?”

  “No, I thought I’d just surprise you guys and change my schedule.”

  His worker grinned. “I find it hard to sleep if I have someone or something on my mind.”

  “I don’t have anything but this ranch on my mind right now.”

  “Oh sure, Boss. Well, it is good to see you. Talking helps break up the long hours. But a man ought to be looking at that full moon with his lady. I know I miss mine.”

  “Guess I’ll ride on.” When Fletch moved forward, he glanced back and caught a smile on his man’s face. Damn, they’ll all know why I’m out here. Well hell, I don’t blame them. I’d laugh at the love-sick boss, myself.

  Fletch rode back home. He wanted no more teasing. Not seeing Abby bothered him more than he wanted to admit.

  I thought maybe I wouldn’t miss her as much as I do. Any uncertainty I had regarding my feelings for Abby have been resolved. I want her for my wife. But will she want me for her husband?

  When the alarm clock went off the next morning, Fletch groaned and reluctantly rolled out of bed. After a cold shower and a cup of coffee, his head cleared. He marked off yesterday. He suspected this would be the longest week of his life.

  * * * *

  At least the days went by faster than the nights. Abby wandered around the house trying to find cleaning jobs or something to do to pass the time. She baked a cake and three dozen cookies last night. Finally, she sat in front of the television and tried to enjoy an old movie she’d seen several years ago. But she kept thinking how much more fun it’d be with Fletcher sitting beside her.

  She grinned. I probably wouldn’t even see the movie. We’d be too interested in each other. Still, this is much too soon for me to be making any major decisions. Or was it? What if I wait too long and he gives up on me? If it’s real, it’ll last. I need time to settle in this new life and show I can be independent.

  Abby turned off the television and went to bed. Tomorrow she had a customer bringing in a gown she wanted to be changed. Abby’s reputation as a seamstress was building, and she hoped she’d get an opportunity to do some designs. Stop thinking, brain. I need sleep.

  But in the morning, she needed a cup of coffee before she left and one to take with her. I’m not sure I’ll survive the week if I don’t sleep better than I did last night.

  When Abby parked her car, she saw two ladies waiting at the door. “Good morning. Am I late?” Abby asked and glanced at her watch.

  “No, we’re early.” The tall brunette smiled. “I’m Betsy, and this is my friend, Amanda. Homecoming at our high school is next month. We’d like to have dresses that are different than the ones everyone gets at the local stores. We’ve drawn up what we’re interested in. Could you maybe help us?”

  “Come on in.” Abby unlocked the door and turned on the lights. She went to the desk Mrs. Lowell’s husband had arranged for her in the left corner of the large room. “Let me see your designs.”

  They anxiously held out two drawings. Both dresses were pretty, but Abby knew she could do better. “Leave these with me, and I’ll add some ideas I have to make them even more original. I have to warn you, my expertise in design is less than in alterations. Still, if you want to take a chance, I won’t charge you if you don’t like them. I see you’ve written the material and color. I can do the color, but my design might need different materials.”

  “Whatever you choose, I’m certain we’ll be thrilled,” Amanda said. “What do you think, Betsy?”

  “I agree. I’m excited.”

  “I’ll have to work at home. I need to keep up on alterations during the day. But if you come back in two days I will have a print of what I want to do and the materials needed.”

  “Will it be very expensive?” Amanda asked. Betsy frowned at her. “I know you have lots of money to buy things, but I’m on a limited budget.”

  “How much can you afford?” Abby asked.

  “Definitely not over eighty dollars.” She grimaced when she said the number. “I shouldn’t have agreed to come with Betsy,” Amanda said.

  “Let me think.” Abby ran the numbers through her head. She’d make no money, but it might bring in more customers wanting clothes designed especially for them.

  “Since you both are taking a chance on me, I’ll do each dress for sixty dollars.”

  “Wow! Thank you so much,” Amanda said. “At that price, I can get shoes to match.”

  Betsy smiled. “You are a nice lady. I’ll pass the word around that you are designing our gowns.”

  “Don’t tell them the price. I gave you two a special discount for taking a chance on me. Why not wait until you see the gowns before bragging on them.”

  “All right, but I have a feeling we’ll love them,” Betsy said. Smiling, she and Amanda rushed out the door.

  Abby grinned. They won’t be able to keep their gowns a secret, so I’d better do a good job.

  Mrs. Lowell walked in as the girls were leaving. “They seem very happy to be getting alterations.”

  Abby blushed. “They didn’t want alterations.”

  “What did they want?” Mrs. Lowell asked, looking puzzled.

  “I don’t know if I mentioned I’d like to do some design work with clothes. For some reason, those girls assumed alterations and design were done by the same person.” Abby took a deep breath. “They’d brought their drawing for gowns to wear to the school dance. Before I knew it, I’d agreed to change their designs and make original dresses for them. I gave them a bargain price because I thought it’d bring in more business if people liked my work. I know I ought to have discussed this with you first, but I promise I can do the alterations and these designs.”

  “I do wish we’d discussed this first. For all I know, you might build up your own business and then leave me.”

  “If I wanted to do that, I could do the same after I get a reputation for being good at alterations. I have no plan to leave. If the business grows, I thought we might become partners, but that’s a long way off.”

  “I like you, but this is my shop, and I’m not sure I like plans being made for it without a discussion.” Mrs. Lowell frowned at her.

  “Really, Mrs. Lowell, I planned on discussing it later. I never dreamed two young girls would come in and offer me my dream to design. You are right, and if you want to fire me, I’ll understand.”

  “I will discuss all this with my husband tonight,” she s
aid and walked briskly to her office.

  Abby sank in the chair behind her desk and blinked the tears away. I just blew my job. If she fires me, and she probably will, I can’t keep on taking from the Garrisons and not paying them. What will I do? I’d better take the alterations I have home with me tonight and do them. Then, I’ll have all my work done before I have to leave.

  Chapter Seven

  Abby went in early the next day. She’d gotten all the alterations done and waited anxiously for Mrs. Lowell to arrive. Business was slow, so she vacuumed the floors and dusted to keep busy.

  When Mrs. Lowell arrived, she glanced around the room. “Everything is sparkling clean. Thank you. It isn’t your job, but it’s one I hate to do. I appreciate the help. I’ll do it next time. We can take turns.”

  “Then I’m not fired?”

  “My husband set me straight. Business is much better since you started. People come in to get alterations and look around and often buy something. Plus, if your designs are a hit, I’ll be the one who reaps the most since I don’t have to do anything to make more money.”

  Abby took a deep breath, trying not to cry.

  “I’m sorry I was so harsh with you yesterday.” Mrs. Lowell gave her a hug. “You see, I had another worker once for a very short time. After she had learned the basics of the business, she left and opened her own shop.”

  “Oh, no wonder you thought I was trying to take over.”

  “I shouldn’t have believed such a thing. You’ve proven to be a hard worker. You arrive on time, and I can come in a bit later. Nothing you’ve done would have given me doubts if I hadn’t already had that bad experience. So, if this works and the business keeps growing, we can plan on becoming partners in the future.”

  “Thank you so much. This might just be a one-time occurrence, but if it builds up into a significant part of the business, then I’ll want to discuss a possible partnership.”

  “Fair enough. I’ll be right out after I put my things in my office, and then you can take a break. Go down to Shirley’s Place and have a snack and bring me something back.”