“No,” Ben said, shooting a sideways glance at Crockett. “Just don’t ask me to say the blessing with no warning.”
“I’ll pray,” Crockett said.
Jane nodded, pleased at his offer, and bowed her head.
“Lord, we thank You for this day and all that it brings,” Crockett said. “We thank You for the food You’ve provided, and for Jane and Ben and the ranch they have here. We ask that You will bless our future. In Jesus’ name.”
All three said “Amen” together, and Jane smiled as she opened her eyes.
“Thank you. I hope we can always have the blessing in our home.” She looked shyly at Crockett, very aware of his gaze, and a new wave of heat washed over her face.
“How about two weeks from Saturday?” Crockett watched her closely.
“You mean…”
“For the wedding,” he said. “There’ve been so many in our family lately, I’m sure nobody at the 7 Heart will think it’s odd. Or too soon. What do you say?”
Ben frowned. “Let’s see, that’d be the twentieth, Janie. Sounds good to me.”
Jane made a face at him, but she wasn’t angry. “You’ve got nothing to say about it. But I admit, it sounds good to me, too.” Her heart pounded so hard she couldn’t sit still. She stood and went to the stove, where the eggs were simmering.
“Wear that dress you wore to the dance,” Ben said. “You haven’t put it on since.”
“I will.” She carried the pan to Crockett at the table, and he forked some onto his plate.
“Unless you’d like a new one,” he said.
“Oh, no,” she said. “It’s fine. I love that dress.”
Crockett smiled. “That’s settled, then. Once my sisters-in-law hear, I’m sure they’ll want to have you over for a sewing party.”
“Why?” Jane asked.
“They like you.” Crockett passed her the plate, while Ben helped himself to ham and fried potatoes.
“Besides,” Ben said, “you’ll probably want some more dresses if you’re going to be a housewife now. You can’t run around in those trousers all the time.”
“Well, I’ll still be doing ranch work,” Jane retorted. She gulped and looked at Crockett. “Won’t I?”
“Only if you want to,” he said.
“Where will you live?” Ben asked. His question seemed to startle her, and she hesitated.
“That depends,” Crockett said. “I can build a little house for us on my land, if you want.”
“Or you could live here,” Ben said. “It’s already built. And there’s room for all of us.”
“That’s if you stick around, Ben,” Crockett said.
Jane stared at him. “What do you mean?”
Crockett shrugged. “There’s a lot of ways we could do things. I had told Ben we could hire him on at the 7 Heart once your house was squared away. But I’ll have my own land now. Pa will give me my share as soon as I’m married. I wondered if you’d like to combine this ranch with it. Ben and I could work it together. Or we could keep your place separate and share work when we needed to.”
“It would be a good-sized ranch then,” Ben said.
“Yes, it would. And if you want to go to school, Ben, we could probably help you with that.” Ben opened his mouth, but Crockett continued quickly, “You’ve got the reward money. I asked Travis how much it would cost for you to go to college for medical training. He said you can pay as you go, and I think we could do it. I have a small herd of my own, and I could increase it if I had the use of this land, too. You think about it.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Ben looked anxiously at Jane.
She took a deep breath. “Me either. But that’s a fine offer, Crockett.”
“If it’s what you want, Ben,” he said.
Ben took a bite of ham and chewed. They all ate in silence for a few minutes. Then Ben took a sip of his coffee and set the mug down.
“I’ve always wished I could go to college. Never thought I’d have a chance.”
“You’ve got one now,” Crockett said. “We’d miss you, but I think Jane and I would both like to do that for you.”
“We would.” Jane smiled at him, and she realized it was the first thing they’d decided together, other than the wedding date.
“What about the ranch work?” Ben asked.
“Don’t worry about that,” Crockett said. “If I need extra help, I’ll hire a couple of men.”
“You make it sound so … simple.”
“I’m sorry.” He looked a little confused, as though he didn’t want to sweep in and take charge. Jane and Ben had never been in a position to think about hiring ranch hands, but for Crockett it seemed like an everyday thing. He went on, “It’s just something to think about. You two hash it over, and if you’re not comfortable with that … well, we’ll do things however you want, Janie. Truly.”
Jane looked at Ben. She knew what she wanted. Would Ben be able to let his future brother-in-law help plan his future, too?
Ben cracked a smile. “At least you know he’s not marrying you for your money.”
Crockett guffawed. “All for love, brother.”
Ben nodded, satisfied, and started eating again.
“All right.” Jane nodded. “We’ll talk it over.”
“Take all the time you need,” Crockett said. “But the date’s still firm, right?”
Jane didn’t think she had smiled this much in her life. “It better be.”
When they had finished eating, Ben slapped on his hat.
“I’ll saddle the horses so we can go to town.”
“And I’d best get home and put in some work today.” Crockett rose. Ben was out the door, and he walked around the table as Jane stood. “I’ll tell my pa first thing,” he said softly.
Jane nodded, not able to say a word. He reached for her, and she flowed into his arms.
“You tell me if there’s anything you need,” he said. “Anything at all.”
“I will.”
“Good. And expect some of the girls to pay a call real soon.”
She looked up at him archly. “What about you?”
“Oh, I’ll be back. If Pa doesn’t need me tomorrow, I’ll come over and help Ben with whatever he’s doing. Maybe Caro and Annie, or whoever’s available, will ride over with me.”
“I should help with the cattle, too.”
“No, that’s hard labor. I don’t want the future Mrs. Hart tuckering herself out with that kind of work.”
“You won’t make me stay inside all the time darning socks and baking pies, will you?”
“Of course not, although the pie part sounds pretty good.”
“I’ll help where needed.”
“Agreed. May I kiss you now?”
Jane flushed again, but she looked straight into his eyes. “I was hoping you would.”
Susan Page Davis is the author of more than sixty Christian novels and novellas, which have sold more than 1.5 million copies. Her historical novels have won numerous awards, including the Carol Award, the Will Rogers Medallion for Western Fiction, and the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest. She has also been a finalist in the More than Magic Contest and Willa Literary Awards. She lives in western Kentucky with her husband. She’s the mother of six and grandmother of ten. Visit her website at: www.susanpagedavis.com.
Mail-Order Mayhem
by Vickie McDonough
Chapter One
Hartville, Texas
Early October 1874
Stephen Austin Hart stood behind a parked wagon in the alley beside the blacksmith shop, watching the main road leading into Hartville. The stage was due in five minutes, although that didn’t mean it would arrive anytime soon. Or even today.
Leaning back against the wall of the mercantile, he tried to stop the apprehension snaking through him. He hadn’t been this nervous since his first few battles during the War Between the States. Something in his gut told him he was making a huge mistake, but what choice did he have
after his pa issued that ultimatum—get married in a year or lose his inheritance?
He couldn’t lose the land that represented his future—land that had been in his family going on three generations. Here he was the oldest of the Hart brothers and still wifeless, while all of his brothers were now married, except Bowie. His youngest five brothers had hopped on the task of finding a bride like cats on crickets, and each one had met with success and was happier now than he’d ever seen them. He didn’t begrudge their success or happiness, but he sure didn’t like that his pa had forced them all to marry so quickly.
Would Pa really deny him his inheritance if he didn’t marry? The huge ranch house that had been the family home all his life was supposed to go to him, as well as a big section of land due south of it. What if things didn’t go as planned? Could he lose everything? If that happened, could he ride off like Bowie? Had his brother turned his back on his heritage, or did Bowie plan to return before the deadline?
Austin gritted his teeth. Regardless of what his brother had done, he wouldn’t give up his inheritance without a fight. The 7 Heart Ranch was his home. His only option was to marry—no matter what.
Like any warm-blooded man, his eye had strayed toward a pretty woman when he encountered one, but he’d never thought much about marrying. He stayed too busy for that, trying to keep things in order and running smooth at the ranch. But soon he would be married. Wrapping his mind around that notion wasn’t easy, especially since he’d never laid eyes on his future wife. But soon…
He pressed his hand against his vest pocket, feeling the familiar crinkle. He’d done something none of his brothers had thought to do—sent for a mail-order bride. His belly churned as if he’d swallowed soured milk. What if he didn’t like her? What if she was plug ugly? What if she took one look at him and hopped back on the stage?
Austin blew out a sigh. Character mattered more to him than looks, when it came down to what was most important in a long-term relationship. He hoped his bride felt the same. He could face a homely gal each morning as long as she was honest and faithful to him and God and her cooking was good. But knowing that didn’t take the edge off his jitters. The most important thing was that he could not fail.
He had a feeling he was already starting off on the wrong foot since he had agreed to Jenny Evans’s request to meet him and then to spend a few days getting to know one another before they married. What if she decided she didn’t like him? His brothers had said plenty of times he was too cranky. Too bossy. They didn’t realize how hard it was to keep six rowdy brothers, such a large ranch, and thousands of head of cattle all moving in the direction of profitability. One bad year of drought or sickness could ruin all that his forefathers had worked so hard to build. And even though his father was still alive, somehow the load of it all rode on Austin’s shoulders.
Throwing an unknown woman into the whole shebang wasn’t something he could prepare for. But, he had no other option. He’d made up his mind to marry—and he rarely changed it once he’d decided on which trail to take. But he still wondered what he’d do if she changed her mind, which he was learning from his five sisters-in-law was something women did a lot. He booted a rock. It rolled across the narrow alley and thunked against the far wall. He couldn’t shake the worry that his bride would find him lacking.
He had to make her want to marry him.
But he had no idea how to do that.
A man and woman strolled past the alley opening, arm in arm. Austin ducked behind the parked wagon again so he wouldn’t be seen. He felt more like an outlaw scoping out a place to rob than the well-respected grandson of one of Texas’s first white settlers. He’d avoided his brothers the past week and dodged their questions about him marrying for a long while. The last thing he wanted was for his big family to show up when he was wooing Jenny.
The pounding of the horses’ hooves made the ground tremble, and he heard the jingle of harness. Glancing behind him, for a split second, he considered riding for the hills, but he couldn’t do that to Jenny. He pushed his feet forward, hoping he’d be pleasing to her. He may not be the youngest or best-looking man in town, but he was honest, hardworking, and faithful to God. That would have to be enough for her—at least he hoped it would.
Rebekah Evans’s heart sank as the stage pulled into the small town of Hartville. What kind of mess had her trouble-prone sister gotten herself into? There were no huge buildings, much less large houses, as Austin Hart had said he lived in.
She turned to face her sister and gasped. “Jennifer Jane Evans, button up your shirtwaist this instant! And where is your hat? We’ve arrived, and you must look presentable, or Mr. Hart may send us packing.”
Jenny groaned, fanning her face with her hand. “Why is it so hot here? It’s October, for heaven’s sake. Shouldn’t it be cooler?”
“I suppose it’s because we’re so much farther south than we’re used to.” She bent down and picked up her sister’s bonnet, which had slid off Jenny’s lap onto the floor. Fortunately, her sister hadn’t stepped on it. The stage pulled to a quick stop, nearly unseating her. “Hurry now. Let me adjust your combs. It’s of the utmost importance that you present a good first impression.”
Jenny fastened the final button then sat still while Rebekah smoothed her hair and placed her bonnet on again. Jenny’s lower lip trembled. “W–what if I don’t like him? What if he … stinks? Or is horribly ugly?”
Rebekah knew her sister was nervous, but it was too late for turning back. “It didn’t sound as if he was from his letters.” She grimaced, realizing how unconvincing that sounded since letters were so easy to falsify. “The most important things are that he’s an upstanding citizen and that he can provide a good home for you.”
The stage driver opened the door and held out his hand to Rebekah. “We’ve arrived in Hartville, ma’am.”
Jenny’s hand grabbed hold of Rebekah’s arm, her fingernails digging in.
She glanced at her sister’s pale face then back at the driver. “If you don’t mind, could you please give us another minute to collect ourselves?”
The cowboy smiled and touched the brim of his hat. “Sure thing, ma’am. We’ll unload your baggage while you ladies get presentable.”
Rebekah pivoted as well as her squashed bustle allowed. “Jenny, you have to get hold of yourself. I don’t know what will happen if Mr. Hart refuses to marry you.”
Jenny crossed her arms and glared at her. “I wouldn’t even be in this fix if not for you agreeing to marry Herman Riggs.”
Her sister was partially right, but they were both near destitute and had no other options after Jenny’s indiscretion and Herman’s declaration. “I’m sorry that Herman refuses to allow you to live with us after we’re married.”
“Why do you want to marry him anyway? He’s fat and old.”
She couldn’t deny her intended was overweight, but that was because he sat all day, working as a bank clerk. “He’s not that old—thirty-six.”
“Why that’s fourteen years older than us.”
“Your Mr. Hart is only two years younger than Herman.”
Jenny pressed her hand to her stomach. “I know. That’s one thing that frightens me.”
Rebekah saw a handsome man walk past the stage, peer in, and then continue on. Her heart somersaulted, but she pulled her gaze back to her sister. “We can discuss this tonight. Right now, it’s time to meet your groom.” Providing he was waiting. She had no idea what they’d do if he wasn’t.
Jenny moaned but said no more.
If only they had other options. The war between the North and the South had taken so many good men’s lives. There were few men to choose from in their small Missouri town and so many women. She’d been fortunate that Mr. Riggs had taken an interest in her, even though he certainly wasn’t the man she’d dreamed of marrying. He could give her a home and security—and hopefully a child, and with that she’d be content. She prayed God would bless Jenny and that she and Mr. Hart would be a good
match.
Austin moseyed around the front of the stage. He’d tried to get a peek at his bride, but he couldn’t make out the features of the woman he’d seen in the shadows of the coach. There was more than one person inside—he knew that much.
“Hart! Catch.” Austin looked up in time to see a satchel soaring through the air. He grabbed it and back-stepped to keep from falling, casting a scowl at the driver, Fred Chambers. The last thing he needed was to be flat on his back in the street when his bride debarked the stage. She might think he was a drinker.
Fred chuckled. “Here comes another one.”
Austin quickly set down the bag and caught the next one. “You’d better not toss those trunks. Could be something breakable.”
“I won’t, but I’d appreciate some help with ’em.”
They made quick work of getting down a small mountain of baggage, then Austin dusted off his hands. Why hadn’t the women exited the stage? Had Jenny taken one look at the town—or him—and changed her mind? But then again, she had no idea what he looked like, and she wouldn’t leave without all of her baggage. He eyed the stack again, hoping that most of them belonged to the other person in the stage. But then his bride had probably brought most of her worldly possessions with her since she was moving to Texas permanently—he hoped.
Fred climbed down and nodded his thanks. He grinned. “You’re in for a surprise, I suspect.” He hustled to the door and reached up, while Austin tried to decipher the driver’s odd comment. A gloved hand joined Fred’s. The first glimpse Austin got of his bride was the top of her dainty hat and a mass of dark blue fabric. The woman stepped down, smoothed her skirts then glanced up. Austin hadn’t believed it when a couple of his brothers had talked about their hearts bucking when they’d first laid eyes on their future bride, but he’d be hanged if his hadn’t done the same thing.
Jenny Evans was beautiful. Her eyes—almost the shade of the bountiful bluebonnets that painted the fields with color each spring—stood out against her fair complexion and dark hair. Her eyes seemed to look clear into his soul. He fumbled for his hat, yanked it off, and crushed it against his chest. His mouth suddenly went as dry as if he were riding drag on the summer trail ride.
Seven Brides for Seven Texans Romance Collection Page 40