Jewel's Dream (Valentine Mail Order Bride 3)

by Annie Boone

  “I believe my father’s exact words were to ‘order yourself a wife from the Sears catalogue’,” James said drily. “As long as you’re not a saloon girl, I think they’re happy.”

  “Well, I’d never seen a saloon in my life until last week, so I think I can meet that qualification.” They don’t seem happy with anything, she thought but didn’t want to say that out loud.

  “Then you’ve got nothing to worry about.” James said with an air of finality. “And honestly, I don’t actually care whether they like you or not. You’re not going to marry my parents. You’re my wife.”

  “Well, I suppose I will be your wife if you still want me. We do need to organize the whole “getting married” part, though,” Jewel reminded him.

  Shifting in his seat, James pulled something out of his pocket. “I’ve actually had this since you got here,” he said, twiddling a small object in his fingers. “I just didn’t have the courage to give it to you.”

  Jewel started smiling when he lifted her left hand.

  “Jewel Wood, will you put up with an ill-spoken lawyer for a husband?”

  “If you’ll put up with a wife who talks back sometimes, then I’d love to be your wife, James,” Jewel replied. “Besides, we can work on the ill-spoken part. You’re going to run for mayor, after all.”

  “I am, am I?” James said. He slipped a ring over her finger, a plain gold band set with a deep green gemstone.

  “Of course you are. I followed my dream. I always wanted to be something besides a servant and a seamstress in the grubby city. See how far removed from that I am now? You’ve got to follow yours, too. It’s time.”

  “That doesn’t sound dreadful.” James said.

  Jewel laughed. “I certainly hope not!”

  “There’s more I need to say, Jewel,” he gulped and looked away from her. Then he took a deep breath and turned to look at her once more. He looked into her eyes and didn’t look away until he was finished with what he wanted to say. “I think you’re so beautiful. I’ve wanted to tell you since the day I saw you standing in the train station. I’m totally taken with you. I can’t believe my luck. Your spirit is sweet and lovely. Like a breath of fresh air. And I love it that you stand up for yourself. The day you told Pendleton off was terrific.”

  “Oh, James. Thank you.” She was smiling broadly and she couldn’t stop. She’d hoped to hear such sweet things. Hearing it now was fine with her. It was worth the wait.

  “I’ve fallen in love with you, Jewel. Deeply and completely. I didn’t know I could ever feel this way. I’d hoped to marry someone who could tolerate me and I’d never even thought about how I might feel for them. You have melted my heart.”

  She lunged for him and threw her arms around his neck. She didn’t care one bit that her actions might be considered improper. Basically, her whole life had been at least a little improper, so this was nothing in the scheme of all that.

  James kissed her then. It was the most tender kiss she could ever imagine. She no longer regretted following her dreams to Laramie, Wyoming.

  Chapter 17

  To the horror of James’ assistant, the pair spent almost the whole day out gazing at the mountains and the sky. The schedule for the work day was completely forgotten. It was late afternoon by the time James brought the horse to a halt in front of the hotel, and Jewel hopped down.

  “Ah, there’s our lovely couple now.”

  Mr. Pendleton was standing in the doorway, glowering at them. Jewel was shocked by the snide tone of his voice. She thought he’d been put in his place already.

  “You’re certainly suited to each other.” Pendleton said. “Word is that you’re not quite all you’re cracked up to be, little lady. Far from it.”

  James looked from Pendleton to Jewel in confusion. A small crowd was gathering, as seemed to happen whenever Pendleton and Harland crossed paths, eager to see if anyone was going to start shouting. Jewel crossed her arms.

  “If you’re talking about the notion that I’m some kind of rich woman from the city, I never said any such thing. You concocted that story all on your own,” she said.

  “Yes, the truth has made it’s way to me. I’m surprised you’d go for someone like her, Harland. I would have thought you’d go for someone who could bring a little something to the table.” Pendleton gave Jewel a dirty look, to her indignation and James’ quiet fury. “Well, you’re welcome to her. She’s just not my type.”

  “You’re right.” James said coldly. “She’s far too principled to put up with the likes of you.”

  A few people in the crowd chuckled, and Pendleton snorted.

  “I will kindly allow you the continued use of my hotel accommodations, as the lady is surely far too principled to stay at your house while unwed.”

  James scowled at him, jumping from the buggy and roughly gesturing to the hotel boy to hold the horse.

  “You’ve allowed her nothing, Pendleton. Every night she’s spent in your establishment has been paid for and you know it. Your services will not be necessary. Jewel, I think it’s time we go to the church. Don’t you?”

  Now it was James’ turn to receive Jewel’s shocked stare.

  “What? You mean right now?”

  “Is that a problem?” James stared at her, his usual gruff self. To the surprise of everyone gathered around, Jewel smiled and shook her head.

  “No, dear. It’s not a problem at all. It actually sounds like fun.”

  Mr. Pendleton sputtered as Jewel and James walked past him into the hotel. When they reached her room, they discovered that Maria had run ahead of them and already started packing, and within ten minutes Jewel’s few possessions were back in her trunk.

  Though most of the onlookers were awaiting their return, Mr. Pendleton had vanished. To Jewel’s surprise, people clapped when they emerged from the hotel.

  “Heaven help us all. James Harland is getting married. The end of creation is upon us!” someone shouted from the back of the crowd. James treated them all to a vile glare, prompting more laughter.

  “Hell’s frozen over, alright.” another man said, shaking his head. “You better soften him up, ma’am, for your own sake.”

  “Don’t you worry about that. I can handle him,” Jewel said with a smile.

  James gave the hotel boy a big tip to take Jewel’s baggage over to his house. Jewel hopped up into buggy, feeling lighter than a cloud. She’d have something very interesting to write in her diary tonight. She also would definitely have to send the details to her friends.

  James gave the reins a shake and they rolled away, followed by the shouts and cheers of the crowd.

  ***

  They arrived at the church and James went to Jewel’s side. After he’d helped her down from the carriage, he asked, “Are you truly in agreement with this? I don’t want you to think I was goaded into this decision by Pendleton. You know I love you and want you to be my wife, don’t you?”

  “I’m in complete agreement, James. And yes, I know you love me. You made that quite clear earlier today. I’m happy beyond my wildest imagination.” She blushed a little as she answered him.

  He smiled, dropped a quick kiss on her lips, and went in search of the parson.

  Jewel stood on the porch and watched Maria and the rest of the Harland family arrive.

  “Thank you for agreeing to stand up for me, Maria. I’m so happy to have you as my friend,” said Jewel.

  “You’re more than welcome, um, Jewel. It seems funny to call you by your name,” she giggled. “I’m honored that you asked me.”

  Jewel nodded at Maria and then turned her attention to the people who would be her in-laws in about thirty minutes. “Mr. and Mrs. Harland. Janice. It’s lovely to see you all. Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

  Mrs. Harland walked to Jewel and hugged her tentatively. Jewel could tell that displays of affection weren’t easy for the woman and she accepted her attempt to welcome her into the fa
mily easily.

  Janice stepped up with a large box. “We brought you this. It’s a dress,” she said sweetly. “I hope you like it.”

  Jewel’s eyes filled with tears. “How did you know to do this? It’s so wonderful of you!”

  “We shopped for it a few days ago,” replied Janice. “We wanted to get you something nice.”

  “I wanted you to have something nice to wear for your wedding. I’m glad we got it in time,” said Mrs. Harland.

  James returned with the parson right behind him. “So, I hear there’s about to be a wedding?” he said jovially.

  “Yes, but I need to put on my new dress!” exclaimed Jewel.

  “You’ll find a class room right in side. Janice will show you,” said the parson.

  As she changed into the fabulously beautiful dress that Mrs. Harland and Janice had given her, she was happy and a little melancholy. She missed her family at a time like this. She also missed her friends. It would have been so much fun to have them with her to fuss over her dress and her hair.

  This was God’s will just as it was happening. She pushed her sadness aside because her life as a married woman was about to begin. The reason she’d left New York was waiting for her and she was happy.

  When Jewel was dressed and ready, she walked out and to the front of the sanctuary. Janice went to join the others at the front.

  Jewel started the short walk to her love, James. They were aware that others were in the room, but they only had eyes for each other. Jewel’s mind flashed back to that morning. She had no idea how much her life would change in the matter of a few hours. She was so thankful for where she was now. Trusting God to give her signs, that’s how she’d made it here. She believed that’s how she would make it to the next milestone.

  And then the parson pronounced them husband and wife. James was allowed to kiss his bride for the first time as his wife. This was indeed her dream come true.

  Epilogue

  A grandstand had been erected in the park, hung with red, white and blue bunting. A significant portion of Laramie’s population was gathered before it, milling around as they waiting for the results of the mayoral elections. Families came in from the surrounding country, and children ran happily back and forth, chasing each other or begging their parents for treats. A few enterprising shop owners had set up stands, and sales of popcorn and lemonade boomed.

  Sophia, however, was still too young to be interested in eating much more than her fingers. Jewel held Sophia against her chest, cooing softly. James stood behind her, watching over her shoulder. It seemed to Jewel that he was more interested in the baby than the election results. Not that that’s a bad thing, she thought, smiling.

  Sophia gurgled, managing a demanding “ba” as she reached for her father. Jewel handed her over to James, who gladly took the baby. Mrs. Harland, standing nearby, shook her head.

  “I never would have pegged him for a doting father,” she said. “That child has him wrapped around her little finger.”

  Jewel shrugged. “I think he was like that the whole time. It’s just that nobody ever noticed.” she smiled, watching James baby talk to Sophia.

  “If you insist,” Mrs. Harland sniffed. “He’s changed quite a bit since you arrived, in my opinion.”

  “For the better I hope,” Jewel said.

  “More or less,” Mrs. Harland treated Jewel to a rare smile.

  Shaking her head, Jewel approached James, who was having his hair investigated by baby hands.

  “Nervous?”

  James lifted his head, interrupting Sophia’s play.

  “Actually, not really. I feel quite well,” he said.

  “That’s surprising. I thought you would’ve been sweating bullets by now,” Jewel said, raising an eyebrow at him. James was silent for a moment, watching her, then transferred his gaze to Sophia.

  “I think I’ll be happy no matter who wins the election,” he said, giving the little girl a kiss. “Though I might uproot the whole law firm and move us all to Denver if Pendleton wins. The town would go to the dogs, anyway.”

  Jewel laughed at him, and James scowled at her.

  “I mean it. Do you really think that degenerate should be in charge of an entire city?”

  Jewel stood on tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

  “Oh, James. Never change.”

  There was a loud cough on the grandstand, and the crowd slowly began to quiet.

  “I think that’s your cue.” Jewel said, taking Sophia back. James nodded and took a deep breath, marching up on to the stage. Jewel watched from the sidelines, a smile on her face while Sophia attempted to grab her earbobs.

  James was right. No matter what, they were going to be happy.

  The End

  Thank you for reading Jewel’s Dream. This book is part of a series put together by the Sweet & Clean Book Club.

  The authors of the Sweet & Clean Book Club love to collaborate on romance and other stories. We share characters, locations, and all sorts of details. You can learn more about the other books in this Valentine’s Day series at our Facebook Page and our Amazon Page.

  Don’t forget to LIKE our Page!

  The authors you’ll find in the Valentine Mail Order Bride Series are:

  Annie Boone (ME!)

  Christina Ward

  Jackie Marie Stephens

  Kate Cambridge

  Trinity Bellingham

  Faith Parsons

  Lorena Dove

  Thank you so much for taking the time to read Jewel’s Dream. I hope it gave you an enjoyable interlude to slip into the past for just a while.

  If you’d like to read more of my stories, you can find a list of them here:

  http://annieboone.com/books

  If you have the time, I’d really appreciate it if you’d leave a review. Reviews are critical to the success of books published by Indie authors, like me. You can leave a review here:

  Jewel’s Dream Review

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  And if you want to connect with me on Facebook – here’s where you can find me!

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  Keep reading!

  Annie

  Bonus – Chapter 1, Sarah’s Journey by Christina Ward

  Sarah grabbed her black skirt in one hand and hitched it up from her ankles as she ran across the busy street. I can’t be late again! The precious family bible was safely tucked away in the purse she held tightly under her other arm. She thought back to the romance novel left behind at home. You just had to read that one more chapter…

  She ran around the corner gathering glares from the passers-by. A woman of her age should not be running. A lady of twenty-six, should be gracefully walking, no, gliding, serenely down the street with dignity. Pffft. That’s not what the heroine in her romance novel did.

  She slowed down to catch her breath just a block away from the meeting place of the bible study group. A young boy on the other side of the street caught her attention.

  “A flower for the missus’?” He waved a rose in front of a middle aged gentleman. “Never too late to show your love on Valentine’s Day! Only a dime!”

  The pail of flowers at his feet was nearly empty. Clearly the boy was right. Valentine’s Day… she sighed and refastened the cloak around her shoulders. Such a romantic holiday. If only someone would buy me a rose!

  But no one did. Of course, as a governess, she was obliged to stay single until her charges had either married or, in case of boys, left for boarding school. But that didn’t mean she didn’t want love. She dreamt of it every day. Love like in her novels, love like in Corinthians 13.

  She marched on leaving behind the boy still performing his Valentine’s sales pitch, trying to sell the last of his flowers. Even a card would be nice. Catherine, the girl she had raised and tutored, showed her the Val
entine’s card she’d received from her husband that morning. It was such an exquisitely painted picture. Ah, young love. She was jealous of both the card and the rich, handsome husband who had sent it.

  Jealous? No… She shook her head. Rather, she was sad that her time living with the Taurell’s was coming to an end. Catherine, now married, was set to move out in a few days. Leaving to live with her husband in Manhattan. With Catherine gone Sarah would be all alone.

  She looked up at the sign above the door. Well, maybe not completely alone. She thought about her friends and the bible nestled in her purse.

  * * *

  Sarah was just putting one of the simple wooden chairs back against the wall when she almost walked straight into Jewel. As always she had put too many teacups on the tray and they wobbled precariously with every step Jewel took. Sarah let the girl pass before continuing her work.

  With the chair back in its rightful place Sarah turned to face the small group of women who remained behind after the Bible study was over. She could still hear old Mrs. Taylor in the hallway, chattering away about her flowers with Mrs. White, but most of the others were long gone by now.

  At the serving table, Sarah noticed Maddie Burns sweeping crumbs into her hand. Sarah headed over to her friend, but was welcomed with a sigh instead of Maddie’s usual bright, cheery smile. Jewel joined them a moment later once the last of the tea cups had been cleared. “Don’t be sad, Maddie. It’s just a silly holiday.”

  Ah, of course Valentine’s Day. The six of them seemed to be the only women in the whole Bible study group without a secret, or not so secret, admirer.

  “It doesn’t mean anything,” said Sarah putting on her most uplifting smile. She didn’t quite believe her own words though.

  Caroline and Eva lined the remaining chairs up against the walls, while Mae divided up the leftover tea cakes into six piles and wrapped them in napkins. Soon they would join the conversation too as Sarah already noticed their heads turning her way.