Mail-Order Mismatch: Brides of Burlington County, Book Two

by Amelia St. James

  “I’m sorry.”

  She felt his fingers lace through hers a moment before bringing her hand to his lips, the kiss sending warm tingles through her body.

  “Is that where the scar came from?”

  She turned her head sharply, not expecting him to mention it. Her hand in his suddenly felt cold. “I think that’s a story for another day, Holden.”

  He kissed her palm, warming her with his lips. “You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to, but I promise to always be here for you, no matter what.”

  She looked at him, this man who was only supposed to be her safety net but had become so much more to her in such a short period of time. He’d become a part of her that was as permanent as the scar that crossed her face, without the pain. “And I, you.”

  Chapter Nine

  Dear Elly,

  I hope you and the baby are well and that the townsfolk are treating you with kindness. I miss you and the ladies more than you can know!

  Wyoming is wild and lawless, but beautiful. Holden is a very gentle husband and a good provider, though we were mismatched from the start. He is handsome, so much so that it takes my breath away to look at him, but he has been very accepting of me, despite my scar. I’ve settled into my new life and am thankful you found Holden for me to marry. It has only been a short time, but I cannot imagine my life without him in it.

  He’s a man of God, and he means what he says. His sincerity and thoughtfulness take me by surprise. Shortly after we married, he ordered winter clothing for me. I lacked a coat that would stand up to the winter here, but I didn’t tell him so. He surprised me with a thick coat and a matching hat and mittens, along with a really great pair of boots.

  He also bought me a Stetson hat. I’m almost a cowgirl! I felt like one when he let me ride Lil, his favorite mare. He hasn’t said she’s his favorite, but he takes her a carrot each morning before the men arrive and spends a few extra minutes with her. He was talking to her the other day when I arrived to help with the milking, and I found it completely charming.

  We were married by his brother-in-law, Preacher Paul. Holden’s sister, Tilly, was very kind to me from the beginning. Having a friend in town made the transition easier for me. She and I will be good friends, I think. The town is noticeably devoid of women of child-bearing age, except for the women that work at Hog Ranch, a place that lonely soldiers frequent. I’ve only heard rumors about them and the hardships they endure, but my heart goes out to them.

  I have to confess that marrying a man I’d never met before made me nervous. I’m glad you did your due diligence and insisted on character references first. I sometimes wonder what things would have been like for me if you hadn’t been so careful or he hadn’t been so wonderful. I’m so glad the ladies have you to watch out for them.

  Your promise to take me back, no questions asked, made me feel like I would always have a home. Just thinking of it today brings tears to my eyes. Thank you, Elly, for being brave enough to follow your heart and help others find love!

  Please tell Lindsay the dress she made for me was the most beautiful garment I’d ever worn, and it was a lovely surprise! I’m honored to have a Lindsay Original! In fact, I wanted to commission her to make a dress for my sister-in-law. If she’s willing, I’d like her to design a one of a kind for her. She would look lovely in yellow or lavender or blue, but please, no gray! Measurements (my best guess!) and money are enclosed. I want to surprise her!

  I miss you all and can’t wait to hear from you.

  All my love!

  Angelica

  Chapter Ten

  Holden watched the men that had gathered at the eating area for the noon meal, knowing they were anxiously awaiting the food Angelica was preparing. The aroma drifted over them like a welcome cloak, and even Harry seemed less offended than he’d anticipated. He’d put up a little bit of a fight over losing control, but in the end, he’d come around once Holden mentioned that Angelica had in mind some deserts she wanted to try out for the men.

  She stood at the outdoor stove, her hair pinned up and her white apron starched to perfection. At his suggestion, she’d waited a few weeks before taking over the cooking duties, giving her a chance to adjust to her new life.

  Though he’d doubted that taking on so many new duties at once would be good for her, she seemed to thrive under the responsibilities. She’d told him that she was happiest when contributing to the ranch, and the feeling of pride that began with knowing her strength was growing into something even more enduring.

  “Attention, men.” Angelica stood in front of the stove, her hands on her slim hips. “I’ve prepared a meal for you that is an old family recipe of chicken and dumplings. For dessert, I have glazed lemon biscuits.”

  The men cheered.

  “Hold on, though. I’ll cook, if you’ll have me, but I require that you wash your dishes before returning back to work.”

  The men groaned. Holden held back a smile at their collective reactions, knowing that they’d be willing to do more chores than washing dishes after they tasted Angelica’s cooking. He dared not say it aloud, but he was certain that even Inez’s cooking couldn’t hold a candle to Angelica’s.

  “It’s not that bad, men. Many hands make light work.” She held up her serving spoon, her eyebrows raised expectantly. “Who wants to give it a try?”

  The men crowded into a line, with Harry pushing his way to the front. Holden leaned against a support post and waited, almost certain the man would respond good-naturedly but was ready to intervene, nonetheless.

  Harry took a fork out of his pocket and reached for the large pot in front of him, startling his wife. Her face uncharacteristically without a smile, she put an arm out and blocked Harry from dipping into the dumplings. “There is no taste-testing from the community pot.”

  “But how do I know if it’s fit for the men to eat?” Harry turned and looked at the men behind him, waving his fork at them. “They work hard and need a decent meal.”

  Holden straightened to see his wife better. He knew Harry was just being Harry, but didn’t know how she’d respond to the man. He knew Harry would never harm a woman, but it wouldn’t hurt him to be humbled a little.

  She put one hand on her hip and pointed at the former cook with the other one. Holden smiled. She could handle herself just fine. He’d already figured out that when she got that look on her face, it was best to go along with her plan.

  “You, sir, can have a tiny serving while you decide if it is edible.” She ladled out a small portion and dropped it into his bowl with flourish.

  Harry stood square in his place in line without moving, taking his time chewing his first bite. Swallowing, he turned to the line behind him and said, “It’s worth washing dishes for, men. Chopping kindling, too.”

  The men cheered, with several gruff comments for him to stop holding up the line. Angelica ladled a large portion into his bowl. Though Holden was too far to hear her quiet words, it appeared she thanked the man, rewarding him with an appreciative smile. Harry’s gap showed when he turned, grinning.

  He ambled over to Holden, sitting at the table nearest him and said, “She’s a great addition, Holden. Any more like her where she came from?”

  Holden shook his head. “She’s one of a kind, Harry.” He clasped the man on the shoulder as he passed, joining the end of the line.

  When it was his turn, his wife served him with a smile, and then he saw it. It took him a moment to recognize it, but he’d seen her smile at each man as she ladled food into their bowls, and this one was different. The look in her eyes as she stared up at him was unlike any he’d seen elsewhere. It unmistakably, irrefutably looked like love.

  “You’re staring,” she whispered.

  “You’re glowing.” He didn’t bother lowering his voice. He’d fallen hard for this woman and didn’t feel ashamed at all if the large group of men behind him knew it. He reached for her hand, enjoying that more than he’d planned.

  “It�
��s hot over the stove.”

  He’d embarrassed her, but he needed more. “Come eat with me, please.” He waited expectantly, pleased when she served a bowl for herself. He carried it for her, leading her to an empty bench. “How did things go here while I was gone?”

  “It’s a little lonely, to be honest.” She averted her eyes, seeming to regret speaking so honestly.

  He reached for her hand, his touch rewarding him with a look. “I have a surprise for you.”

  Her cheeks bloomed with excitement. He loved that he was beginning to read her reactions so well, aided by the tide of color that rose when she was excited or embarrassed.

  She smiled broadly. “What is it?”

  “After our meal.”

  She nodded, but the smile remained. He was tempted to take her to the barn right then. “Tilly will be by later today. Paul and some of the townsmen are going to try to mediate a dispute, and he’d feel safer if she was here while they work out the details.”

  “I can’t wait to see her!” Growing somber, she asked, “Won’t she be beside herself with worry for him?”

  “I haven’t given it much thought.” He rubbed the back of his neck. It made sense that Tilly would worry for Paul, but he was still a man, same as before. “Regardless, he has a job to do. We all do.” He nodded towards the stove. “The men finished off the rest of the food.”

  She laughed. “I underestimated their appetites.”

  “They’ll always have a hearty appetite for good food.”

  She blushed again. It was becoming a routine goal for him to compliment her to see her rosy cheeks. “I’ll serve dessert before the men find it.”

  She pushed back from the table and reached for their dishes, but he stopped her. “I’ll wash these, set a good example for the men.”

  Once their dishes had been cleaned and dessert served to the eager men, he picked up a handful of lemon biscuits and said to her, “Let’s take them with us.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “To the barn.”

  Her eyebrows drew together in question, but she followed.

  “Here, these are delicious. If you let me hold them, I’ll eat them all.” He handed her a biscuit, watching her take a delicate bite. Once they reached the barn, he turned and said, “Wait here, eyes closed.”

  “Ok.” She covered her eyes, her lips curving into an excited smile.

  He pulled the barn door open, careful not to let the Newfoundland puppy run out on his own. He reached down and scooped up the brown furball, getting covered in excited licks when he did. Despite his efforts to be quiet, he laughed at the dog’s antics.

  “Here we are. You can look.”

  Angelica gasped, then smiled. “We have a puppy?” She reached for the dog, who quickly licked her face. “What’s his name?”

  Holden watched her hold the puppy close, pleased to see the slight smile she wore whenever she was most content. Though it hadn’t been easy to find someone selling a puppy, it was worth the effort. “Whatever you pick. Something tells me he’s going to be your new shadow.”

  “How about Camden, since that’s where I lived for a while. Cam for short.” She stared up at him, her brown eyes filled with excitement.

  “Sounds good.” He watched her graceful movements as she carefully held on to Cam, despite his wiggling. “He’s a tiny thing.”

  “He’s the runt, but don’t be surprised if he weighs more than you by this time next year.”

  “Really?” She looked Cam over, her doubt showing on her pursed lips.

  “He’s a Newfoundland. Big, loyal, and great with children.”

  “You’re just perfect then, aren’t you, Cam?” She scratched the puppy’s ears, laughing when he shook his head.

  Holden glanced up to check the position of the sun. “We should get back.” He walked beside her, hesitant to disturb her happiness. “I thought you were originally from Camden. How did you end up there?”

  She stopped walking and turned to face him, slightly breathless as if afraid. Exhaling shakily, she said, “It was after my parents died. I needed to get away.”

  She lowered her gaze, staring blindly at the ground. A stiff breeze ruffled Cam’s fluffy hair, causing the pup to burrow closer to her.

  “What were you getting away from?”

  A flicker of fear crossed her face and she began to shiver. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

  He reached for her, pulling her close. Her hair smelled like wildflowers and sugar cookies, the combination that was uniquely her. The urge to protect her battled his patience with her. “Did someone hurt you?”

  She nodded against his chest, carefully keeping Cam sheltered between them. He pulled back, gently holding her arms.

  “What happened?” His voice was low, almost a growl as anger he hadn’t expected erupted.

  “I’m not ready to talk about it yet, Holden.” She reached for him, pulling his head down far enough to rest her forehead against his. “Please let me tell you in my own time.”

  Her free hand caressed his neck, his pulse slowing from the wild gallop. Her scars were all he saw.

  “Alright.” He stepped back a pace, his mind heavy with all the things he didn’t know. “I’m a patient man, but I hope you’ll come to trust me sooner rather than later.”

  “I do trust you, Holden.” She stared at him blindly as Cam wiggled and yipped.

  He reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze. “I understand being haunted by the past. But sometimes it helps to talk it out, putting light into the darkness.”

  A tear rolled down her cheek, cutting him like a knife. Cam lunged to lick Angelica’s face, the pup already earning his keep. She smiled through her tears and began walking again, taking another piece of his heart with her.

  Chapter Eleven

  Angelica held Cam close, thinking of Shep. The puppy’s fur was much softer than the wiry mutt’s had been. Thinking of Shep in contrast to him felt like a betrayal. She clutched Cam against her chest, holding in the ache that came from years past and lives lost.

  She kept pace with Holden though her feet felt heavy and her throat tight with words she wanted to speak but couldn’t. He stared ahead, strong and proud. She’d hurt him, she knew it. He wanted her to trust him and she did…but would he look at her the same once he knew she’d been promised to another and had run?

  Tears threatened again, her chin quivering against her will. A warm hand clasped hers, and Holden’s stolen glance gave her strength to hold her head high.

  “Tilly’s here.” Holden pointed to dust stirring up behind a wagon driving down the path near the house.

  Angelica’s pace quickened, her feet no longer heavy. Tilly jumped from the wagon as soon as it stopped, running toward them as Paul checked the horses.

  “You’re a sight for sore eyes, sister.” She hugged Angelica, her smile sweet and genuine when she pulled back.

  Growing up as an only child, Angelica never thought to be called sister but was quickly warming up to it. “Hi, Tilly.”

  Tilly scratched Cam’s chin, causing the pup to stretch. Turning to Holden, she said, “Can we talk for a moment?”

  Angelica focused on Cam, not wanting to intrude into Tilly’s personal business but felt awkward for being excluded.

  Holden moved closer to Angelica’s side and said, “Tilly, please speak freely. My wife and I have no secrets.”

  Looking up sharply, Angelica blinked back tears that threatened again. Tilly glanced at her, looking almost apologetic.

  “I’m sorry, Angelica. I just didn’t want to worry you.” She smiled gently before going on. “Paul is going off to mediate the dispute between the Stillwell brothers and the Nunez family.” She paused, looking back at Paul standing next to the wagon before facing Holden, her expression grim. “It’s bad. I’m afraid it’s past the point of mediating, and I’m worried, but you know how he is.”

  “I do.” Holden’s lips were pressed in a flat line. He looked past Tilly, watching Pau
l for a moment before raising his chin slightly. “Is Sheriff going to intervene?”

  She shook her head. “No. He’s transporting a couple of drifters who were causing trouble out of town. I overheard him tell Paul that he suspects the Stillwell brothers have expanded their land to the north illegally, and I think he plans to take a ride out there when he returns, but Bob Nunez already asked Paul to come and try to keep the peace between them. Their livestock has been being slaughtered, and the dispute is being waged over the creek. Bob said he’d share the creek, but the Stillwell brothers want the whole length of it.”

  Angelica’s gaze traveled from Tilly to Holden. It seemed as if the siblings spoke to each other in their glances. “Alright.” He nodded toward Angelica. “Give me a minute, okay?”

  Tilly swallowed hard, worry pinched between her eyebrows. She nodded and spun, her gray skirts kicking up dust as she quickly walked away.

  “I should go with Paul.” He reached for Angelica. “These land disputes can get a little out of hand, and it’s better if I go with the mediators to ensure there’s peace.”

  Something about the way he said it made her shiver. “Please be safe.”

  He tipped his hat back a little, leaning down to kiss her. His large hands ran up and down her arms as if to warm her, his nearness causing Cam to stretch and yip excitedly.

  “Here, this fellow can run and won’t get into too much trouble out here.” He put Cam down, watching him chase a leaf nearby. “He’s going to be good company.”

  “Please promise me you’ll come home.”

  His eyes held a hard glint of something she hadn’t seen before when he looked at her. “I’ll be back for you. I promise.”

  She stretched up to kiss him. For a moment, she didn’t care who saw. He was hers, and the thought warmed her. He put his arms around her, holding her tight. “I’m going to hold you to that promise.”