Mail Order Bride – Alice in Winterland: Clean Sweet Western Cowboy Romance (Seasons Mail Order Brides Book 3)

by Annie Lane

  Louise tilted her head to one side, curious. “What are you talking about?”

  “Henry was at Doc Lawson’s when I came out from my visit. I was so thrilled with the news that I just had to tell someone, and well, I guess Henry was the man of the hour. He simply hugged me, crossed his heart and then went about his business like he was none the wiser.”

  Louise turned slowly over her shoulder and focused suspiciously then on Mabel, who’d not made a peep since the Masons had walked through the door. “Well yes, of course he did, because that’s what someone of sound mind and spirit does when they’re told good news. They hug that person, being that they’re incredibly happy for them. Doesn’t that sound perfectly reasonable to you, Mabel?”

  Mabel swiftly collected her belongings, tucked her purse tightly under her arm and lifted her nose in the air. “I don’t care to be spoken to in that tone. Most disrespectful if you ask my opinion.”

  “No one asked your opinion!”

  Louise stomped her foot just to make sure her point had been made without confusion and Mabel muttered … Why, I never … to herself as she spun on her toes and marched across the room, swinging the door open as wide as possible — so wide in fact that a foot of snow fell from the side walk and tumbled inside — and it looked like she was climbing stairs as she stormed out, leaving the entire room staring after her in a stunned silence.

  Chapter 19

  Alice woke well before the dawn and dressed in the dark. She knew the sun wouldn’t be too far off rising and was eager to make a start on her new life in Conrad. While the room was cozy, and about as comfortable as any she’d ever stayed in before, only a few remaining embers from Mr. Fallon’s log fire smoldered gently in the hearth, and she could tell it was going to be another cold start to the day.

  Slipping her chemise over her head, she emptied a little water from the pitcher into the wash basin and then washed her face with the cloth. Her thoughts then turned to her husband-to-be and she wondered if he’d slept as well as she did. She hoped she might see him today, but resolved not to be too disappointed if she didn’t. He was a busy man after all and she certainly didn’t want to make a nuisance of herself.

  Alice suddenly blushed as bright as a new-season plum.

  It had just dawned on her that in a few days’ time she would be dressing and undressing in front of a man. Something she’d never done before. In fact, this whole marriage business brought with it a lot of things she’d never done before.

  Would he want to see her without her clothes on?

  Of course he would. How very foolish of her to think otherwise.

  Gabe would be her husband after all, and it was only natural. The physical love shared between a man and his wife was to be expected. Alice knew the basics of how things worked, she knew there would be a little discomfort, but once the initial shock wore off she’d been told she might eventually even take pleasure from it. Although she couldn’t imagine it, she had faith in Gabe and believed him to be a gentle and respectful man, and one who would cause her no deliberate harm.

  Alice thought it best then to concentrate more on Gabe’s fine qualities and less on their wedding night. Imagining his tall build, his wonderful earthy scent, and his wide, bronzed hands that covered hers with room to spare, served little purpose to anyone. Yes, there were many other factors to consider, and those butterflies that had taken residence inside of her would just need to settle down.

  Alice opened the bedroom door and made her way downstairs. As she walked back into the saloon, she was met with the most delicious aroma of flapjacks frying on the griddle, and the sweet scent of maple syrup lingering in the air. Mr. and Mrs. Fallon had set up a small table over by the corner of the dining area. They’d even covered it in a fancy lace cloth and laid out her coffee and sugar in the finest of china tea sets.

  The Conrad Bar and Saloon didn’t get a lot of overnight guests and the Fallons were thrilled that a fine young lady such as Alice, with her grace and big-city sophistication, was one of the very first to arrive. After two cups of the strongest coffee she had ever tasted, a second helping of flapjacks and a glass of creamy milk to wash it all down, Alice thanked them both sincerely for their hospitality and politely asked for directions toward the nearest school.

  If she was going to be staying in town she needed to find work. Hopefully she could take up another teaching position, even if it was only as an assistant like she’d been back in Sulphur Springs. She loved teaching just as much as her mother had. There was nothing quite like that look of wonder in a child’s eyes when all the numbers suddenly made sense. As far as Alice was concerned, learning was one of God’s greatest gifts.

  With her head buried inside the fur hat that Mrs. Fredrick had given her, and her mind thoroughly preoccupied, Alice pushed through the saloon doors and stepped out onto the timber porch. Her attention was altogether somewhere else and she almost missed the deep, gravelly voice that came out of nowhere. “Going somewhere, Miss?”

  Alice froze.

  Her feet weren’t quite synchronised with her legs though and they stopped moving long before her brain conversed with her limbs. Alice looked up just in time to slam straight into a solid wall of muscle.

  Gabe smiled. He couldn’t help it.

  He enjoyed the closeness of Alice’s body against his own in the frigid morning air, and it sure didn’t hurt when Alice cried out and clutched at his shirt like her very life depended on it.

  It took Alice a moment to come to her senses. “I do declare, Gabe. I didn’t see you coming. How careless of me.”

  She locked it away in her mind then and there, as she was getting far too slapdash and couldn’t afford to be so complacent about her surroundings. She needed to keep her eyes open. Just because she was halfway across the territory, didn’t necessarily mean she was safe, and if she didn’t keep her focus tight she might just find herself in trouble once more.

  Gabe smiled even wider when he looked down and realized Alice still had her hands pressed tight above his beating heart. She could surely feel the way it raced around inside his chest. “No need to apologize, Miss Alice. I don’t usually sneak up on unsuspecting young maidens wandering about town all by themselves. Where are you off to so early?”

  Alice released the blue cotton between her fingertips, smoothed the fabric back into place and took a reluctant step away. She looked up at him then, and noticed that he’d recently washed his hair. Strands of damp curls sprung up around his ears and his fringe was combed over, neat as a pin, against his forehead. She wondered if her arrival had anything to do with it. If he was trying to impress her somehow, or if he just happened to wash his hair on a Thursday. Some people were regular like that. But either way, he looked all the better for it and she couldn’t take her eyes off him.

  Had he just asked her a question? She couldn’t remember.

  “Miss Alice, you sure you’re alright?”

  “Yes, Gabe. I’m sorry, what were you saying?”

  “I was just wondering … uh, well, if you’re all done with your breakfast that is … I was hoping you might be up for a quick tour of the town. There’s not much to show, could probably see it all from this very veranda if truth be told, but the few shops we do have we’re right proud of. Interesting mix — howdy, Mr. Fallon.”

  Alice jumped again, startled when she felt Mr. Fallon approach from behind. Her breath caught and she spun around. She shook her head, once again disappointed with herself.

  For goodness sake, wake up, Alice.

  “Interesting? That’s one word for it,” he answered, polishing the whiskey glass he held in his hand.

  Alice glanced back into the room and noticed how fast he’d been in transforming the place. A row of stools had been set up along the bar, trays of glasses were lined neatly along the counter and bowls of beef jerky waited on every table.

  “You’d be surprised by what some folk tell barkeeps. It’d sure make your hair curl.” Mr. Fallon’s eyes then darted back and fo
rth between their two heads and he chuckled before he strolled back inside. “Hot diggity, I reckon you pair know exactly what I mean.”

  Once Mr. Fallon made himself scarce, Gabe turned his attention back to Alice. He offered her the crook of his elbow which she promptly accepted, and said, “Let’s get going before he puts us to work. Conrad might not compare to the likes of Seattle, in size or stature for that matter, but it’s a mighty fine place to raise a family and I reckon you might just grow to love the place as much as I do.”

  “I’d enjoy nothing more, Mr. Calhoun,” replied Alice. “Let’s be on our way.”

  Alice felt her heart flutter with the sound of Gabe’s gruff voice saying the word love and while she mulled it over in her head a little longer — enjoying the crispness of daybreak as they strolled arm-in-arm along the sidewalk — she couldn’t help but wonder if the day might come when he uttered that exact same word to her.

  For she already knew he was the man she was meant to marry, she’d never been so certain of anything else in all her days and if what she felt for Gabriel Calhoun wasn’t quite yet love … it certainly wasn’t far off.

  Chapter 20

  Alice tried to keep her feet in the clear patches of timber, but for the most part the decking was soaked right through and the terrible cold had her toes twisting up inside her shoes. Gabe walked right next to her, keeping her steady against his side, and she made sure not to shift too far one way or the other as she dodged the puddles.

  “And just over there…” Gabe pointed off into the distance. “Is the church where we’ll be married. We should be set for three o’clock I reckon, that’s as long as the preacher doesn’t talk for too long … actually never mind, we better bargain closer to four.”

  “It’s the prettiest little church I’ve ever seen.”

  “Glad you like it, Miss Alice. Just last week they finished painting it, too. They raised the funds by selling relish over at the Harvest Bazaar … that Mrs. Ackerman sure does know her way around a relish jar. Since the new Postal Office opened everything else has started lookin’ a little shabby, so Mayor Clarkson’s made it his mission to tidy the place up.”

  “Well, I’m glad he started with the church. I can’t wait to walk down the aisle. Do you think there might be a lady in town willing to loan me a dress? Nothing I own is near fancy enough. I would have worn my mother’s wedding dress, but it was taken right along with all the … uh, the … oh look, is that a schoolyard?”

  Alice was glad for the distraction. She’d said too much already.

  “Well, it sure is, Alice. Aunty Dawn used to run the place right up until she took off with Zeke. Strangest thing it was too, they just up and left without hardly a word to anyone. Would you like to meet the headmistress? I can see her over there settin’ up the desks.”

  “Oh, I’d love to meet her, Gabe. That’s where I was going when you found me at the saloon earlier. Do you think she might have some work for me? I miss my old position, it was so very rewarding. Children are the most surprising little creatures.”

  Gabe burst out laughing. “Wait till ya spend some time with Junior.”

  After only ten minutes Alice found herself employed, and she couldn’t have been more thrilled. The headmistress spoke to her only briefly, but it was all she needed to convince the woman of her credentials and qualifications. Apparently they were looking for someone suitable to start later the following week, and being that Alice was the best candidate, she was hired right there on the spot.

  Gabe grew more nervous with every step he took. He knew he only had a few more minutes left before they turned the corner and found themselves standing slap-bang in front of his workshop and barn. What would Alice think of her new home? While some might wish for a fancy homestead with all the trappings — or even acres and acres of fine land to call their very own — Gabe was more than content with his humble abode and he hoped with all his heart that Alice would be too.

  Alice was indeed impressed when Gabe unlatched the front door and ushered her inside. She took her time looking around, and while for the most part she waited for Gabe to show her through each of the rooms, she was eager do a little exploring on her own. But she didn’t want to rush it. She was enjoying herself too much and Gabe was more than pleased with the way she studied his things so closely. Our things … he thought to himself.

  Beyond the front door was a small sitting room with a fireplace and a built-in cabinet that looked perfect to store the linen. The quality of craftsmanship was astounding, and Alice thanked her lucky stars that she’d landed herself a man who worked with his hands.

  Down a narrow hallway and off to the left was the main bedroom. High, raked ceilings narrowed to a point at one end of the room, right above the large four-poster bed that was neatly made up with fresh sheets and blankets. On the opposite side of the space was a small washroom with a bath, a basin, and a tub for rinsing the clothes.

  Alice felt herself blush again when Gabe took her hand and steered her back out past that enormous bed for a second time. If the truth be told, she wanted to take a closer look … just steal a moment in time to picture herself lying in it. Her hair spread out on the pillow. Wearing a nightgown. Wearing…

  Alice hurried then from the room and darted back down the hall and into the kitchen before she made a right fool of herself. She exhaled a shaky breath as she leaned her shoulder against the white-washed cupboards and tried her hardest to steady her thoughts.

  Which would have been a lot easier if Gabe wasn’t standing right behind her chuckling under his breath the whole time. For he’d most certainly noticed Alice sneak a peek or two at the bed and he couldn’t help but wonder if she was thinking the same thing he was.

  He’d spent months setting up that room just so, and now that Alice was finally there — with her pretty flushed cheeks and the sweet smell of her lotion filling the space — he found himself hoping their wedding day was yesterday.

  The kitchen and dining room were combined, and a small larder had been built over by the back door. Alice peeked inside and realized she would have to stop off at the mercantile for supplies over the next day or so. There were barely enough ingredients to scramble a few eggs together, let alone prepare an entire supper. She’d already planned out a few meals for the upcoming week. She certainly wasn’t the greatest cook in the world, but she knew the basics and felt confident that she could knock up a simple soup at the very least.

  Gabe stood back in the doorway, leaning against the frame with his ankles crossed and his arms folded — in that charismatic way he tended to do without even trying — and he watched as Alice scribbled down the list. She looked happy, very happy in fact, and Gabe came to realize that whatever obstacles life threw at them, no matter how fast or how hard or how often they came, they would most certainly survive them together.

  Once they’d finished one full lap of the property, including the small yard and the busy workshop, Alice realized without a shadow of a doubt that she would never need a mansion to fulfill her dreams, for what she was about to share with Gabe — being together for the remainder of her days, until they were old and gray and rocking away together on the sun-filled porch — was far more important to her than the square footage of the man’s house.

  She could already feel it deep inside her. There was love in each and every nail he’d hammered into the walls. And Gabe felt it too, rushing through him with a force he never expected. Alice was the only woman meant for this house, and when the sun went down and the cold set in, Gabe knew Alice would be right there by his side, filling his home with warmth and love and light and laughter and many, many beautiful children.

  Just the way God intended it to be.

  “Stay put, Alice. I’ll be back in just a moment.”

  Gabe left Alice standing by the front stairs, staring after him with a blank expression, and raced back through the house. Once he was in the bedroom, he strode to the dresser and opened the top drawer. Buried right at the very back was a s
mall box. Gabe held it in his hands awhile and gazed down at the velvety covering. Before he had a chance to change his mind, he left the bedroom and returned back outside.

  Gabe looked so sincere it caught Alice off guard. “Is everything alright?”

  Gabe nodded. “Yes, Ma’am, I figure everything is just about as right as it’s ever going to be. I have a gift for you is all and I sure hope you accept it effortlessly.”

  “A gift … for me?”

  “I know it isn’t the most traditional of gifts for a man to present to his future wife, but the way I reckon, we haven’t really come together in the most traditional of ways either.”

  Gabe lifted the stiff lid from the small box in his hand, and held it out for Alice to see.

  She leaned forward a little closer and peered inside. Tears instantly filled her eyes and the tiniest of noises escaped her throat. She was so overcome with emotion she could hardly breathe. “Oh, Gabe, it’s beautiful.”

  “I was hoping you might like it, it’s been in our family for generations and I’d take great pleasure in seeing you wear it on our wedding day.”

  Buried deep inside the gathers of silky blue material, was the most exquisite marcasite wristwatch Alice had ever seen. The stunning thin band was a collection of silvery stones and the glass face glinted against the white reflection beneath her feet. The hands themselves were so fine, they were only just visible and as she giggled and blushed, Gabe lifted the watch out of the box, slid it over her hand and onto her slender wrist.

  Alice couldn’t help but be overcome with the beautiful sentiment and she let her tears fall freely, without shame or humiliation. Uncle Bert’s words sprung to the forefront of her mind as she stared down at the exquisite gift … only time will tell … and her walls came crashing down all around her. In that moment she feared nothing else, but the deepness of her love for the man standing before her.