by Annie Boone
“So what brought you to Cheyenne all alone?”
“Well, it’s an odd story. Or some may think it odd.”
“Let’s hear it. I love an odd story,” he smiled at her.
This made her suddenly nervous and worried about what he was going to think about her reason for being here. She worried what he would think of her decision to answer an ad by a man looking for a wife in the papers. What he thought of her had become very important in the last hour or so. She decided to just be honest and let things happen like they should. In a split second she decided to let God handle her love life as He saw fit.
“I came here to be the bride of Mr. Andrew Booker. He’s a rancher just outside of town. But he changed his mind and here I am in beautiful Cheyenne on my own.”
Dean sat quietly for a moment, taking in her to the point explanation. When he looked up at her, his expression hadn’t changed as she expected. He still smiled and seemed happy to be in her company.
“That’s a terrible thing to do to someone. Leaving them high and dry like that.”
“Yes, and I foolishly came with little money. He graciously offered to pay for my hotel stay for a while and gave me some money to get me on my feet.”
“I’m glad that he at least saw to your immediate needs. I know of him, this Andrew Booker, but I don’t know him personally. He does his banking with the other bank in town.”
“I’m quite embarrassed by being thrown aside like that, but more ashamed of being naïve enough to not have a plan in case things went wrong. Which they did.”
“I believe that God allows things to work out like they should. We don’t always understand why things happen, but I believe that every disappointment has some kind of silver lining.”
“Thank you for understanding, Dean. I was nervous about telling you. I didn’t know what you’d think.”
“I’m not a judgmental person. I do what I believe to be right based on my faith and what I’ve been taught. I also know that every person makes decisions based on their current circumstances the best way they can. Sometimes they’re good decisions and sometimes not. In this case, I’m very glad you ended up in Cheyenne.”
Lillian smiled at him and looked up as the waiter laid their plates in front of them. They enjoyed the leisure meal and talked quietly. She knew she wanted to explain more about her decision to become a mail order bride, but now didn’t seem the time. If they spent more time together, she knew she’d have a chance to tell him why she did what she did.
“I’m glad I’m here now, too,” smiled Lillian. Taking her first bite, she nodded her head in appreciation. “This roast chicken is delicious! Adding herbs makes all the difference.”
Dean agreed. “It is quite good.”
“I’m interested to hear what brought you to Cheyenne, Dean. Your family isn’t here, am I right? I believe I heard they are in California?” Lillian asked.
“Yes, they’re in California. San Francisco to be exact. That’s where I grew up. I’ve only been in Cheyenne for about two years.”
“I thought you’d been here longer. The way the girls twitter about you, I’d have thought they all went to school with you and knew you well,” she teased.
“Oh, come on. Enough of that!” he chuckled. “I worked in the bank in San Francisco with my father. He wanted to open a branch here and I volunteered to do it. I was ready for a change.”
“You still dress like you’re in San Francisco. With your fancy suits and bowler hat.”
“What’s wrong with dressing nice?” he asked. “I want the people of the town to see me as a successful banker. Someone they can trust with their money. Would you consider a man successful if he wore rags to work in a bank? Would you trust him with your money?”
“Probably not. I suppose you’ve made your point on that one. You do look handsome in your suits, I admit.”
“Why, Miss Spencer. I do believe I’m beginning to win you over,” he laughed.
“You are, Mr. Brown. You are, indeed,” Lillian laughed with him.
Their plates were empty and it was time for dessert. Lillian looked expectantly at the waiter when he came back to their table.
“I’m so looking forward to that cobbler you told me about,” Lillian said. “I wonder what fruit Miss Loretta has used tonight. I hope it’s apple. For autumn, apple is perfect.”
“I’ve got an idea,” Dean said and turned to the waiter. “Could you please pack up our cobbler for us, sir? I believe we will take it with us and enjoy it later.”
Lillian looked at him quizzically and wondered what he was up to. He saw that her expression wasn’t quite curiosity and he worried briefly that he was offending her. He knew she’d like his spur of the moment surprise, so he continued with his plan.
“What are you doing, Dean?” she asked.
“You’ll see. I promise you’re going to love it.”
The waiter soon brought a basket and gave it to Dean. He stood, held his hand out to her, and escorted her out to their carriage. Helping her up, he noticed she was chilly even though she’d donned her cape. He took a wool blanket from the storage bin and wrapped her in it.
She smiled and nodded as they started out on their journey.
“Where are we going now?” Lillian asked.
“Like I told you earlier, you’ll see,” Dean said, patting her hand. He hadn’t let her go since the ride started. She was bundled up, but he was still able to hold her hand.
She listened to the horses clip clop on and then the town slipped into the background. They were now pulling up to a large field. Then the horses stopped.
“We’re here,” Dean said.
“Is this the park? At night?” Lillian asked in sheer awe. “I’d have never thought to do this.”
“It’s when the stars are out. At night,” Dean reasoned.
“Of course, I know that, silly,” she sighed and tugged the blanket away and looked up to the sky. “It’s so quiet and beautiful. The stars really are lovely out here.”
“Well then, let’s go.”
Dean went around to the back of the carriage and pulled out the basket with their cobbler. He also got another blanket to go with the one she was carrying. The two walked holding hands to an open area where the grass seemed to go on forever. He laid out the blankets on the ground. He gestured for Lillian to sit and he lowered himself beside her.
They opened up the basked with the cobbler and were both happy to see that it was apple cobbler. Just as they had wanted. The waiter had included two spoons and the two dug into their dessert.
“Oh, Dean. You were so right,” said Lillian. She was almost talking with her mouth full in a very unladylike manner. “This is so delicious. The best cobbler I’ve ever had.”
He laughed at her and reached out with a napkin to wipe a bit of apple from the corner of Lillian’s mouth.
“What’s so funny?’ she asked. Then she blushed when she realized what a glutton she must look like. “Oh, sorry I’m being so messy. I just can’t help it. This is so delicious!” Then she laughed with him.
“Everything is funny tonight,” he answered. “I’m having the time of my life with a beautiful woman in an open field looking at the stars. That’s romantic. Then I look over at you and you’re practically covered in apple cobbler. It’s funny and you’re adorable.”
“You know I came here, a mail order bride, and my betrothed broke his promise to me for another woman. Making that decision was difficult and I regretted it when things didn’t work out with Andrew. Now, I’ve never been happier.”
Dean laughed then. “A mail order bride, indeed. It was a funny decision.” Then he stopped laughing when he realized she thought he was poking fun at her again. He’d hurt her feelings this time. He took her chin in his hand and turned her face up to look at his. “Listen, Lillian. Andrew Booker is a fool. No doubt about that. But I’m glad it didn’t work out for you with him. You’re beautiful and smart. I’m find
ing out that I can be myself with you and just have a good time. That makes you perfect.”
Then he leaned down and kissed her. It was a real kiss, too, not a schoolyard kiss. Lillian felt as if there were a million butterflies in her stomach fluttering all at once. It was quite forward of him to kiss her on their first date, but she liked it. She kissed him back until her head felt light. When they parted, she fanned her face. He chuckled at the innocence and honesty of that simple action.
She could get used to being with Dean. Lillian Brown, she thought. Yes, that name suits me quite nicely.
Chapter Six
Lillian and Dean quickly became an item. They spent most of their free time together and the single girls in town soon figured out that their chances with the handsome banker were slim and none. Lillian was such a likable person that she didn’t make enemies of the other girls even though she appeared to have landed the prize they all wanted. Even the snobby Sally Granger spoke amiably to her when they crossed paths in town.
As the weeks turned into months, it became expected for them to be together at every function. They even attended Sunday services at the local church together. The weather had turned cold and Christmas was almost here. Lillian was excited about Christmas. She had loved it growing up and even as a young adult in Chattanooga.
Her dad always brought home a large pine tree to place in the main room the week before Christmas. They would string berries and make paper decorations for it. They would sing carols and rejoice in Jesus’ birth. It was a magical time for her family every year. They didn’t have much money, so they made gifts for each other that each treasured. Things had changed a little when they’d moved from the farm to the city. The house was smaller and the tree was smaller, too.
It had only snowed once on Christmas that she remembered and there would definitely be snow for Christmas in Cheyenne. She was very happy about that.
Even though her relationship with her parents had become strained in the year before she had moved to Cheyenne, she missed her parents right now. She had wonderful happy memories of Christmas with them. She wondered if she would some day have memories of a family with Dean. She could think of nothing she would cherish more than family memories with Dean.
They had gotten so close, but he hadn’t proposed. She had written to Andrew Booker for almost a year before he asked her to be his wife. She hoped it wouldn’t take Dean that long to decide that she was the one he wanted for his wife. She had fallen madly in love with him and she was more than certain that he was the one she wanted for her husband. She sincerely hoped he wouldn’t break her heart.
Daphne snuck up behind her and pulled her hair. Lillian jumped in surprise. She had been so lost in thought she didn’t know her friend had crept up on her.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Daphne said.
“Oh, just thinking about Christmas. Wondering what it will be like away from my parents and here with Dean.”
“I’m sure Christmas will be lovely. Who knows? Maybe he’ll propose!” Daphne was clearly excited at the idea that her friend might get engaged this holiday season.
“Oh, wouldn’t that be perfect?” Lillian couldn’t keep the excitement out of her voice. “But really, I shouldn’t expect that. I haven’t even met his family yet. I have a feeling that I won’t meet their expectations after what you’ve told me about them.”
“Don’t let that worry you,” replied Daphne. “Dean is a grown man and he can marry anyone he chooses. I think he’s going to choose you!”
“Dear Daphne. I hope you’re right,” sighed Lillian. “If you hadn’t already figured it out, I’ve fallen in love with him. I think he feels the same way, but he hasn’t said it.”
“Don’t fret,” replied Daphne. “I see it all over his face every time he looks at you. He is so far past the infatuation stage. He loves you. I’m sure of it.”
Lillian smiled and reached over to squeeze her friend’s hand. “I should be getting downstairs to help with the lunch crowd.”
“Breakfast was fairly light. I think it will be slow until after the new year. Maybe lunch won’t be busy today.”
***
Lillian was serving the lunch special to Mr. Wheeler and Mr. James from the Mercantile when Dean walked in. He smiled and waved and then sat in his usual spot. He waited on her to come to his table just as he had done almost every day since he’d met her.
“Good day, sir,” Lillian smiled at him. “What can I bring for your lunch today? How about the special and some water with a lemon wedge?”
“You remembered?” Dean laughed. Lillian had come to cherish the hearty sound of his jovial laugh.
“How could I forget? You’d think I was pretty daft if I didn’t remember it after this much time.”
“So how are you today?” he asked.
“Very well. Excited about Christmas. I know, I know. I haven’t shut up about it in a week, but I do so love this holiday and all the festive and reverent parts of it.”
“We haven’t discussed plans for the day. I had assumed that you’d come to my house to celebrate. That was insensitive of me to not ask if you’d like to come. So, would you like to come to my house to celebrate Christmas Day?”
“I’d love to, Dean. Thank you so much for asking. It means so much to me,” Lillian answered. Truly touched that he’d realized his error in assuming she would be there even if he didn’t ask. It was nice to know that he wasn’t trying to take advantage of their relationship because it had become familiar.
“Good. It will be a lovely day.”
She smiled brightly at him. “Let me get your lunch and check on the others. I’ll be back soon.”
She checked on the other table and was thankful that no other customers had come in. She wanted to spend as much time with Dean as possible. She dropped off a glass of water and a small saucer with some lemon wedges on it. Then headed back to the kitchen for his lunch.
By the time she came back, the other two diners had finished and gone. That left only Dean in the dining room. Lillian placed his food in front of him then walked to the other side of the table. “Since you’re the only one in the place, I think I’ll just join you. If you don’t mind, that is.”
He laughed again and pushed the chair for her back with his foot. She pulled the chair out the rest of the way and sat looking at him.
She allowed her thoughts to wander to Christmas Day and what might be in store. She heard him clear his throat and was drawn back to the present. “What’s on your mind, Lillian? You looked like you were in another world for a moment,” he asked quietly. “Is something wrong?”
“No, no,” she answered quickly. Smiling, she continued. “I was just thinking about Christmas Day and looking forward to spending it with you. I didn’t mean to look so pensive. I’m thinking happy thoughts.”
He winked at her and dug into his lunch.
Chapter Seven
Christmas Day finally came. It was snowy, frosty, and cold outside. Lillian couldn’t stop looking out the window at the large snowflakes falling. It was magical for her.
There were only two guests in the inn for the holiday and the atmosphere was festive and relaxed. Candles were flickering everywhere in the lobby and dining room and there was a fire blazing in the massive fireplace. It was cozy and comforting.
Lillian was sitting on a couch by the fire when Daphne joined her. She was wearing the same ruby red dress trimmed with cream colored lace that she’d worn on their first date. This dress had special meaning to her and it was festive with its rich red color. She looked stunning.
She was waiting on Dean to arrive and he was due any moment. She could hardly wait to see him.
“So, you think today is the day?” Daphne asked.
“Yes, I do. At least I really hope so. It’s Christmas. It would be the best gift,” Lillian answered and then waved when she saw Dean pull up in his coach. “I have a good feeling. So I’m off!”
She went for
the door and stepped out in the cold December air. Snow piles sat around the inn, from workers shoveling the snow. She welcomed the warmth of the coach and the warmth of her beau.
“You look beautiful today!” he said smiling from ear to ear. “Merry Christmas to you, my dear.”
“And Merry Christmas to you, too, Dean. I’ve looked forward to seeing you all morning.”
Dean placed a heavy wool blanket over her lap and his loving arm around her shoulder as they took off. They went left when they’d normally go right for Dean’s house.
“Where are we going?” Lillian asked.
“Someplace very special,” he said with a smile. “I think you’re going to like it. I really hope you do.”
She squeezed his hand and sat back to see where he was taking her. Her knees felt weak and if she’d had to stand she knew she wouldn’t be able to do it.
They crossed through town, looking at the decorations and candlelight through the windows. Fireplaces were all ablaze and families were gathered in almost every home. Soon, she knew exactly where he was taking her.
When they stopped in the park he took her to on their first date she was deeply touched. This had been a perfect night for her and for him. They had eaten the best apple cobbler ever made, looked at the stars in a cloudless night, and shared their first kiss. It had only been a few months ago, but they’d come a long way since September.
“Oh, Dean! This is so wonderful. You’re so wonderful!” Lillian cried. Then she was sure her hunch was right. He would propose.
Dean helped her out of the coach and they walked together into the snowy landscape. Once they reached the tree, Dean stopped and turned to her. He was looking at her with love and admiration. Lillian could see it. She hoped he could see that she felt the same way about him.
“You’ve become the most important person in my life, Lillian. You’re everything to me. I love you with all my heart.”