ROMANCE: Mail Order Bride: A Sheriff's Bride (A Clean Christian Inspirational Historical Western Romance) (New Adult Short Stories)

by Nathan Adams

  That was when we heard an innocent giggling from the doorway. We abruptly turned around to find Ruth standing there with her hand pressed firmly to her lips as she tried to contain a smile. The nanny stood behind her with the tray of cookies spoken of earlier and shook her head.

  Brandon and I couldn’t help but laugh at the whole situation. Things really were going to be okay.

  Chapter Five

  We set the wedding for three months from that day. The Christmas season was approaching, and though my belly grew bigger, he only seemed to love me more. We prepared the home for Christmas, played with an excitable Ruth as we did so, though I was growing more fatigued the further my pregnancy progressed. We began to go to church together, and I grew more immersed in the community as time passed. No one seemed to bat a lash at the fact that were a blended family of the most unimaginable sense, and I was thankful for that.

  I got to know Jocelyn better and realized she was just a very unique woman, but always meant well. Joseph had never shown up to give us his blessing, but then it was also learned that their relationship was strained as well…I learned the day of our wedding why that was, and I recalled it as I prepared for my first night sleeping with my husband.

  Jocelyn was helping Olivia to braid my hair, but I noticed her unusual quiet. She was very boisterous throughout the entire process, but now she was practically invisible with her silence. “Olivia dear, would you mind leaving us be while I finish up? I have some things to discuss with Vanessa.” She said.

  Olivia didn’t hesitate to stop what she was doing and exit as she was asked to. When we were alone, Jocelyn finished her braid and then placed a hand on my shoulder, “There are some things you should know about Brandon. He’s truly a nice man, a very good man, but he’s got a bit of history too, you see.” She said.

  I grew nervous at those words, “Perhaps we should save it for another time then? Maybe he should tell me?” I asked.

  Jocelyn shook her head, “He asked me to. Said if you wanted to call off the wedding before it happened that you had every right to. Brandon is a man of God, he really is. He’s a decent man, but he’s made mistakes. Ruth is his daughter, but her mother was Bridget Daniels, and Bridget was Joseph’s longtime flame.” She explained.

  When the connections clicked, I realized what Jocelyn was saying and my heart sank, “You don’t mean…?” I asked quietly.

  Jocelyn nodded her head, “They had a relationship out of wedlock, and the product was Ruth. At first Joseph tried to pretend it didn’t happen, that Ruth was just his daughter. You see, Joseph wasn’t a believer, so his inhibitions were limited. He had already slept with Bridget, so it was entirely possible the child could be his. Bridget didn’t make it through childbirth however, and so Joseph has forever blamed Brandon for her death.” She explained, “I know as well as anyone that Bridget’s death was just some freak occurrence. She never returned Joseph’s feelings, so I suppose it struck an even deeper blow. Brandon has tried his best to repent for all of this. It’s a hard road for him, and even through all of that, he’s raised Ruth the best he can. Bridget had been seducing him for months and he finally caved. It’s truly terrible, but Joseph found another woman and is living happily in California. I believe Brandon deserves some happiness now too, and Ruth deserves a mother. He wants to raise her in a home centered around the love of the Lord. I’m glad he found you.” She said with a kind smile.

  Thinking back on that conversation made me feel a mixture of feelings I couldn’t describe. We really were a chaotic storm when put together, a true scandal, but I realized that day that it was okay. I could forgive him, and I could forgive me. I could even forgive Emily and Lawrence. In the end it was all designed to end up this way. There wouldn’t be an end unless we made one, and God would watch over our union as he watched those mistakes in our past make us stronger servants.

  I was wearing a negligee now, waiting for him to come in so that I could surprise him with my more daring display. This would be the first time he would have seen me so bare, and I was nervous.

  Unlike Connecticut, no snow fell in Texas. It was dry and mild, and the days just seemed shorter. While I was watching our Lord at work, I heard our door open. It was Brandon, and he came inside dressed down in a robe.

  I had to admit he was quite handsome that way. I admired his physique, and he seemed just as nervous as me. We both gave each other a weak smile before letting out our own nervous laughs, but I noticed Brandon’s eyes trace over my feminine figure, and he came closer to me as he pulled me near. “For the first time, I can be with the woman I truly do feel close to. I never expected myself to fall in love so quickly, but here I am.” He said with a light laugh, “You look beautiful by the way.”

  “And you are quite handsome…Can I ask you a question Brandon?”

  “Certainly.”

  “Why a mail order bride? Why not a woman here? Why did you take me, someone who has so much baggage?”

  “Because why would anyone without some sense of understanding know what I’d gone through? I made mistakes, broke my brother’s heart…Gave life to my daughter, but robbed her mother of it. I fell into sin, and I live each day carrying that burden. In a sermon one day, our pastor made a good point however. He said we can’t move on with God unless we learn to forgive ourselves. I can only pick up the pieces and move forward from here. Ruth deserved a mother, and I deserved love…You did too, and that’s why we are here together now.”

  I held him near, “Brandon you’re absolutely right.” I said softly.

  He hugged me to him tighter still and kissed just behind my ear, “When I saw you walk down that aisle, I knew I had done the right thing.”

  We stayed this way for quite a long time, enjoying one another’s embrace. We did not make love for fear that we might harm the baby, so our bodies being close to one another’s for the first time was the feeling that we enjoyed that night.

  Before Spring could grace Texas, Lilly Anne Hynes was born, and I watched as she clung to me for what nourishment I could offer her. She had my eyes, and while her father’s features were undeniable on her tiny face, all I saw was love. Brandon seemed to feel the same, and he looked on at her in awe. “She is quite beautiful Vanessa…” he said, “I believe we picked her name well.”

  “As do I.” I said with a bright smile. I watched her eyes study mine, and Oliva came in with a fresh water and cloth for me.

  “She truly is beautiful…Lilly Anne Hynes…Such a gorgeous name too.” She said in admiration.

  Brandon turned to her and nodded, “She’ll be the light of Ruth’s life, don’t you think?” he asked her.

  “Yes! Ruth will love her to death. God certainly is good, and you both are very blessed.” She said as she wrung out the rag and began to gently wipe my neck and forehead. “I can only imagine what the day will be like for me…” Olivia said dreamily.

  I giggled, “Oh Olivia…You still have so much more time before you should be thinking of things like that. You’re only 17.” I said chidingly.

  “Perhaps, but I have always wanted a family. I assume it’s because I never really had one…” she said looking thoughtful.

  I frowned a little, “It is sometimes the way of things, but I assure you that you are cared for.” I said.

  Olivia seemed grateful, but soon after the exchange of words, someone was knocking on my door. Olivia skirted over to answer it, but instead of welcoming the guest inside, she stepped out. I rose my eyebrow in confusion. What she did meant the guest would not normally be welcomed inside, and I feared the worst.

  After a moment, she stepped back in. “You have a special guest.” She said looking a bit worried.

  “Well go on, tell me who it is.” I asked curiously.

  “It’s Emily.”

  I froze, not knowing how to take that news. “Let her inside.” I finally urged as I leaned over to look.

  Olivia opened the door, and sure enough Emily was standing there, as radiant as ever. She glanced
around the room, looking to Brandon, then to myself, and finally her eyes rested on Lilly. “She’s gorgeous Vanessa.” She said looking up at me with a smile.

  I did not smile back in response. I was trying to find all of the energy God had given me to forgive and remember what I had vowed to do before a wobbly grin graced my own features, “Thank you Emily. What brings you here?” I asked.

  “To apologize.”

  Brandon looked between myself and Emily, “I think I’ll let you ladies be. I’ll come back in once you’re done.” He said nodding politely to Emily, and kissing my lips. He left Emily and I alone.

  “There’s nothing to apologize…”

  “Yes there is.” She interrupted me.

  I shut my mouth for a moment to allow her the time to speak her mind.

  “I slept with Lawrence. He complained that your marriage was growing stale and he was running out of options with how to keep it together. He said it was taking much too long to try for a baby, but he was too embarrassed to admit that it might be his own fault.” She said looking sad, “He asked me to help him get his spark back. At first I declined, but I started getting jealous. I haven’t been married yet, or even courted. I’m more than worried it’s about my father’s position. Everyone’s afraid to date me.” She explained.

  I smiled gently at her, “Emily, I already figured it out when I saw the paper. On everything, on the infidelity, on the slander, I say it’s alright. God has forgiven you, and he will forgive me too for my bitterness. I don’t want you to shoulder that regret anymore. Besides, Lawrence was right. We had little in common, and it was more of a political move than anything else.” I explained.

  Emily seemed grateful. “Thank you Vanessa. I only wish that I could have been stronger, but you’re right.” She said softly. “I’m sorry to have bothered you at such a time, but I do want to ask…May I visit with the baby?” she asked curiously.

  I didn’t decline her, and we spent a long time discussing the way of things. Before she left for the day, she vowed to clean up my name back in Connecticut.

  By evening I was watching Lilly sleep peacefully in her bassinet, and I rested for the first time all day since she had been born. Brandon came into the room, the happy expression on his face now worn and tired. “I suppose it’s just us for the rest of the evening then.” He said, “I only wish we could allow Ruth in to see you now. She’s begged all day, you know.”

  “After the baby has rested for the first few days, she can come in. The doctor says it may even be sooner than that with how healthy she turned out to be. I was stunned myself.” I admitted.

  He climbed into the bed next to me, wrapping his arms gently around my midsection and drawing me near. “I believe I really lucked out when you answered my ad.” He said quietly.

  I took his hand in my own, and we kissed once more under the fading glow of the oil lamp. His hand intertwined in mine, and our love only began to grow stronger still.

  I never thought I would meet a man like Brandon, or have my life back. I could only see us growing stronger together, despite the pasts we came from.

  THE END

  Return to the TOC

  The Widow’s Heart

  Clean Western Mail Order Bride Romance

  By: Claire Grace

  Chapter One

  Frederick Howard Fitzpatrick was where he could always be located on a Thursday afternoon: sitting on a little bench beneath the old weeping willow tree with its branches stretching downward sorrowfully toward his late wife’s grave and the few flowers that poked their heads out bravely against the cold wind. After a long and arduous illness, Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, a beloved wife, mother and daughter, passed away peacefully exactly seven months prior.

  Even though time had passed, Frederick still couldn’t get accustomed to the idea that his wife would never again greet him bright and early in the morning with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. He would never hear her sweet laughter ringing through the house again. She would never tend to their garden, which was now overgrown with weeds.

  The little ones, Angelina and William, were adjusting to the new situation in their own way. William was still too young to remember much of his sweet mother’s countenance, but Angelina was stricken with a sorrow that brought heaviness to Frederick’s heart. She would miss her mother for a long time, and he knew exactly how that felt because he shared her state of mind.

  As the wind howled through the trees, rustling the branches, Frederick remembered his sister’s latest letter and how she reminded him that, even though he was a bereaved husband, he was also a father who needed to provide for his children. However, there was only so much he could offer himself, which was why his sister’s suggestion was to find a new wife, one that would be good to both him and the children.

  “You all need it,” her letter stated gently, without urging or pushing for something that he wasn’t ready for. But at the same time, he also knew that the longer he waited, the more time his children would spend without a mother, an essential figure in bringing up two little ones.

  He buried his face in his hands and wished his wife were here to comfort him. She had always been a great source of comfort in dire times. Her sweet countenance, her strength of character and her faith always kept him on the right path. Now, without her guidance, he felt lost in the world, as if there was nothing left for him but to lead a solitary life, waiting for the sweet Lord to take him away and reunite him with his beloved Elizabeth.

  However, he knew that his sister was right. So that night when the rest of the house was soundly asleep, he took to his pen and paper. Under the soft glow of his candle, he wrote a personal advertisement to be sent the following day and published in the biggest county newspapers.

  He described himself as he was: in his late 40s, hard-working, a man of God who had been widowed and left to take care of two young ones by himself. He continued by stating what kind of a woman he was looking for, though in reality, he wasn’t sure. He’d like Elizabeth to come back, but since such thoughts were blasphemous, he decided it would be best to mention a few basic character traits that Elizabeth herself had: a pure heart, love for those around her, a profound sense of faith and a willingness to move to Texas, provided their correspondence leads to a fruitful and blessed union.

  Normally, he wouldn’t even dream of undertaking such an endeavor, but he knew time was of the essence. His children needed a mother. He was convinced when William, in his childlike naivety, said that this Christmas, he’d like to have a mother who would love him, play with him and take care of him, together with Frederick.

  It almost broke his heart. He hoped that in all her mercy and unconditional love, Elizabeth would understand why he decided to take another wife.

  Chapter Two

  A few days later, on the other side of the county, a young woman was sitting at her breakfast table with nothing but a cup of coffee. She knew she had to have something for breakfast, but her current state of mind refused any thoughts or desires of food. In an effort to forget about her troubles, she was leafing through the morning papers, mostly trying to find people in worse situations that she.

  Namely, Christina Rose Hubbard was all alone in the world. Even this house she was residing in would be hers for only a while longer, and then, seeing that she had no means to pay for the loan that was taken while her father—God rest his soul—was still alive, the bank would take it.

  She and her father were left to their own devices from an early age. Christina never remembered her mother, who died while Christina was still an infant and barely able to stand on her own two feet, let alone be cognizant of any memories that could prove to be of much emotional value later on. The only item she had that reminded her of her mother was a tattered old black-and-white photograph showing a lovely young woman, who, despite not smiling, appeared warm and affectionate.

  “She was the sweetest person you could ever meet,” her father always said. “Always helped others before helping herself. I guess the goo
d Lord decided to call her upon himself sooner than we’d like him to, but his will must not be questioned,” he’d add sorrowfully. “Now she is waiting for us up there,” he said, pointing up at the skies, “and looking upon us and keeping us safe.” There was always a tinge of melancholy in her father’s voice every time he spoke of her mother.

  Later on, she wondered why he never remarried, but she dared not ask him. She always found it too personal, as if such a question might hurt him, and that was the last thing she’d ever want to do, especially after he had gotten ill. It all started mildly enough, just a simple loss of appetite, fever and chills, and they had all thought that his condition would improve in a few days.

  Unfortunately, although the symptoms did improve, they eventually returned with a vengeance, increasing the existing symptoms in intensity and even adding some new ones, such as nausea, muscle pains and, the most revealing symptom of all, yellow skin.

  “I’m sorry to say, sweet child, that it’s yellow jack.” Christina remembered the words of their doctor upon his second visit. He recommended quarantine, or boarding up the house and putting up a sign on the front door, where she would stay with him. Because it was possibly that she too had contracted the disease, the doctor added that it would be best. Other than that, there was little that could be done to prevent the inevitable.

  What they knew of yellow jack was that once the skin turned yellow, it was just a matter of time. Naturally, there were people who claimed to have survived the dreaded illness and sold what they referred to as miracle cures.

  Christina was desperate. She couldn’t bear losing her father, yet she had no money to pay for those cures that might help her father get better. Going against her own moral standards, she did what she thought was unspeakable and obtained the money necessary for the medications.