by Aria Ford
“I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you, but I must’ve been a very good girl in a past life.” He poured me some of that wine. I took one sip and found myself wanting more. “That has some interesting overtones. Is it my imagination, or is there some kind of fruity element mixed in with the alcoholic content?” The one thing that my husband Duncan and I had done on various occasions was to sample the local wine. Most were foul and not fit for consumption, but there were a few that tickled my palate.
“I make my own. That does have a peach taste and I’m glad that you like it. I’m thinking about selling it at the market and seeing what kind of demand I get from it. I would like you to help me.” He opened the basket. There was fried chicken and a creamy potato salad that made my mother’s nothing to compare it to. He fed me a drumstick and on the end of the bone was a ring. I almost choked on the white meat, before he presented me with that ring and placed it on my finger.
“I don’t know what to say. This is all, so very sudden, but maybe you know something that I don’t.” I let him slip the ring on my finger.
“I was going to wait for a few more days, but this romantic setting is perfect. I always carry it with me waiting for the right time. I’ve known from the moment that I met you that there was something special about you. You may not know this, but every day with you here has been a blessing. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I need you in my life.” He waited for me to say that one word.
“Oh my god… Yes… I will marry you.” It had only been a few days, but it fell right. I had this feeling that Duncan was looking down and wishing me well. It wasn’t the same kind of love that I had with Duncan. It was very strong and not something that I could just walk away from. “I want you to know that I never thought that this was going to work out. I really did believe that we didn’t know enough about each other to make a lasting commitment. I’m glad to say that I was wrong.” I had allowed some of my aunt’s pessimistic notions to bleed into my consciousness.
“You’ve made me the happiest man in the world. I’m sure that you can see the smile that I have on my face.” He reached for another piece of chicken and I placed my hand on top of his. He looked at me with questions in his eyes. He was probably worried that I was going to take it back, but that was one thing that I had no regrets about.
“The last few days have been magical. I’m here for the long haul, but I don’t think that I need anything more to eat. That was just the appetizer and I think you know what the main course is.” The ring was on my finger. He suddenly swept me up into his arms and started to carry me back to the house.
“My father is in there sleeping off a little bit too much of this wing. I can tell on his face that he enjoyed every single glass. We can’t go in there and disturb him.” I took his hat and placed it on top of my head, before pointing towards the barn and the freshly lane hay that was waiting to make our union complete. “Are you sure about that? I don’t want you to think that this is something that is fleeting. I do find the idea of having sex with you in the barn a little bit too exciting.” That was evident from the way that his pants had filled out.
“William, I don’t care where we are at, just as long as we are together. It makes no difference, if it’s in a real bed or on a bed of hay. I just want to feel you next to me. To touch you like a man and a woman should. I know that we should wait till marriage, but I don’t think that either one of us can. It might not be right for some, but it is for us and that’s all that matters.” He smiled and continued to kiss me, while he was walking towards the barn and using his foot to open up the door.
I saw all the horses in their stalls. He put me back on my feet. He climbed the ladder to the loft and I followed with this giddy little thrill in my heart. I was never one to play on the wild side when I was younger. This was my chance to spread my wings and do whatever I damn well pleased.
After we were done, I lay there and looked at him. I knew that I had found my new home. Nothing was going to pull me away from him. William had turned out to be something of a surprise. I thought that he was going to be a replacement for what I had lost. What I found instead was something entirely unique. He was not anything like my husband and I don’t think that I would want him to be. I placed my hand on his chest.
I soon found out that Cecile had gotten together with Linus. He had to fight tooth and nail to get her to notice him, but he had followed my directions to the letter. They were not at that place where they were going to get married, but they were holding onto each other.
Looking at Williams face, I could see the story of my life and it made me smile. I saw us growing old together with our children taking their rightful place in the home that we were going to fill with love. I saw those children running around the apple tree in the back of the property. I saw them growing up and leaving the nest, until gracing us with grandchildren. Chapter by chapter played out in front of my eyes. It was a moment of clarity. My life had come to an end with Duncan, but William had jumpstarted my heart back to the land of a living.
THE END
Mail Order Bride Book 6
Chapter I:
Billy rode up to the community and looked around him. It looked like the last town he had seen. But something seemed…different. He rode on Thornbird, his trusted thoroughbred. He was getting a lot of stares. No one had ever seen a man like that on this side of town. He wore sharp suspenders on his boots, leather pants, a sleeveless brown jacket and a cowboy hat. People knew what he was. He was attractive…but dangerous. His rugged, rough exterior was further complimented by two guns in his holsters. Persons admired him from afar. Women blushed at the mere sight of him. He parked his steed in front of a bar. He was thirsty. He had an interesting walk and put one foot in front of the other as he entered the watering hole. He sat in front of the bar and was greeted by a huge man in a white shirt who was wiping a glass.
“What can I get you?” he asked the stranger.
“A straight whisky, please.” The bartender immediately started fixing the man a drink. He sat down and stared at the glass. He began to reflect on the decisions he had to make, the lives he lost and the lives he had to take…
He took another sip of his whiskey and continued his reflection. Suddenly, his thoughts were immediately interrupted by a “good time Sally,”
“Hey there, lone ranger. You look a little lost, are you ok?”
He looked directly at her, got up from his stool and told her, “I know where I am but nice try.” He put the glass on the table and walked out of the bar. The lady looked very disappointed and huffed and sat down on the table. She was watched him walk out of the bar and started talking to the bartender.
The cowboy headed outside. He wanted to explore the town. The horse began to whine and put his foot down.
“Hey! Easy there, Thornbird! I am going to explore the city. I will be right back.” He petted the horse. Finally, he calmed down and the stranger walked off. He made sure to take his bags of money and headed into some stores.
Jeanie was currently looking to buy some new things for the kitchen. She looked at the collection of knifes and other utensils. She had some cutlery but it had been in the family for ages. She thought it was time for a change. She hummed a hymn under her breath as she looked at the assortment of cutlery. She then looked up and realized that he had been watching her. She couldn’t understand it. She felt disturbed and yet…liked it. She immediately regained composure.
“Hi,” she said hoping to disarm the man who kept staring.
“Hey, pretty lady,” He tipped the brim of his hat in her direction. He had never seen such a beauty before. He had seen women of all sorts, of all races and religions, but this one was different. He could feel it. He kept admiring her. He realized that she was looking for new cutlery.
“Oh this brand is better,” he said as he pointed to the stainless steel collection of knives, forks and spoons.
She smiled and was taken aback. “Thank you for your opinion, sir but I kn
ow what I want.” She went to the other set of stainless steel cutlery. It was the same quality but cheaper.
“Oh, I’m sorry ma’am.” He liked that she was polite but had a mind of her own. He liked a woman who was feisty. Most of the women he met didn’t have a mind of their own. Jeanie picked up the set and headed to the cashier. He watched the way she walked. It was with grace and ease. He watched her leave the store and smiled at her.
“Hey!” he called out to her, “Hope to see you again!”
“We shall see, sir.” She then left the store and made her way home.
The handsome stranger decided to make his way back to his horse.
“What a woman,” he thought. She didn’t seem to be impressed by his charm or his demeanour. She didn’t seem interested in him at all and yet, he liked her. He shook his head and found Thornbird looking at him with scorn.
“Crap! It’s time to feed you isn’t it?” The horse nodded. He then grabbed the bag of feed and fed him. The horse seemed content eating his oats. He rubbed the horse’s mane and looked around the town. He could live here. This could be his peace of mind. He looked around for a place for him to sleep and where he could get a hot meal. He saw a tavern which seemed quaint. A woman with a curvaceous figure was at the counter of the tavern. He sat by the counter and waited for her to be free. Here he could see the destitute and drunk. Men were slurring over there words and looking to have a good time and there were women who were well-dressed and all dolled up willing to provide a good time at the right price. He was used to places like this but it didn’t mean he felt comfortable in such environments. His mind reflected to the lady he saw at the shop. She would never be seen in a place like this. She was so pure and innocent and yet…had such a mouth on her. Maybe she believed in God and was a good Christian girl. He then pictured her going to church and reading hymns and being a good wife and mother…
He immediately shook the thoughts out of his head. He was an outlaw and a bad boy. He wouldn’t know what to do with a girl like her. She deserved better. Also, it would draw attention to him. He came here to lay low. A marriage to a girl like that might bring some unwanted attention.
A woman came up to him and touched his thigh.
“Hey sugar,” He looked up and realized a buxom woman who was wearing too much make-up was attempting to flirt with him. She wasn’t his type and wished she would stop.
“How about you and me get a room and…” He pulled her hand off of thigh.
“Ma’am, I’m sorry but I will have to politely decline. I’m already having a good time,” he said as he rose his glass to her.
“Oh…ok,” she was disappointed. She had eyed him for afar. Ever since, he came into the town, she wanted him. But it never occurred to her that he didn’t want her. She had never been rejected before. She was the talk of the town. Even the mayor who was a married man and a family man wanted her. How could he not want her? She walked away disappointed but found someone else who was interested in what she had to offer.
The stranger continued to enjoy his beverage. When the woman at the counter became free, he began to talk to her.
“Hi, I’d like to know if you have any vacancies? I need a place to stay for a while.”
The woman smiled. Normally, she was known for being a strict businesswoman. Her tavern came first. Yet, she found this gentleman to be charming.
“Sure, anything for you. Let me just check on a room for you.” She attempted to sashay her hips as she left the room. He watched, smiled and continued his drink. He looked around once more and saw that the drunks had already become unconscious and that the good time gals had already found ways to turn tricks.
He was content and continued his drink in peace. Suddenly, the silence was broken.
“Hey! Let me go!” A beautiful woman who appeared to be well-dressed and easy to bed was trying to get away from a brutish figure. He was overweight, rude, ugly and unmannerly. He could understand why such a woman would want to get away from him.
“Now look lady, you look like you could show me the time of my life and I’m ready to buy.” She was still trying to break free. There were a lot of money bags on the table. Clearly, the man could more than afford a night with this woman.
“No! I am not interested, not even if you were the richest man on the planet!” She still tried to break free. He had a strong grip on her.
“OOH! So suddenly you whores have a conscience? Well! Well! Look at that!”
“Let the lady go,” he said calmly. The brute turned around and faced him.
“What you say?” the brute said. He was surprised and annoyed that this absolute stranger was getting involved in his “business transaction”.
“I said to let the lady go,” he released the grip he had on her wrist. The lady massaged her wrist then ran off.
“Did you know what you just done?” The brute got up from the table he was sitting at. His belly jiggled as he walked closer and closer to him.
“Boy,” he said dryly, “You got some nerve coming into this town and threatening me. But don’t worry,” he said as he cracked his knuckles, “I’m gonna teach you a lesson that you won’t ever forget.”
The gentleman smiled. He wasn’t one to back down from a fight. The brute lunged at him and threw the first punch. The gentleman blocked the punch and counter-attacked. The brute then recovered and tried to land another blow but was once again opposed by the stranger. He then landed a knock-out punch. The brute fell to the floor and was unconscious. Everyone in the bar remained quiet. There was suddenly an air of fear in the atmosphere. People stared at him realizing that he wasn’t one to be messed with. He then returned to the counter. The owner who was checking on the room for him was frozen. She saw the whole fight. She then faced him.
“Are there any rooms available, ma’am?” He asked.
“Uh, yeah...yes, here you go,” She said as she handed him the key. He could tell she was a little nervous and managed to disarm her with a smile.
“Thank you,” he said as he tipped his hat to her. He grabbed the key.
“Ok, I will show you to your room. Follow me.” The stranger followed the lady through the back door. They walked down a hallway with a few doors. She pointed at a door which was to be his room. He turned the key and opened the door. It was small but comfortable. He wasn’t a man who needed much riches.
“Thank you. This will do just fine…uh…what’s your name?”
“Eileen Poll and you’re welcome,” She then walked down the hallway. He looked around the room and sat on the bed.
“Yes, this will do just fine.”
He then decided to gather his things from his horse. He walked down the hallway and into the bar. There he saw the lady he has rescued. She was making eyes with him. He tipped his hat to her and began to walk off. She immediately followed him.
“Wait, I just wanted to thank you for saving me.”
He looked at her and smiled, “no need to mention it. It doesn’t matter what a woman does. To me, everyone deserves respect.” He then continued walking.
“Wait, I just want you to know if there’s anything you need,” she said as she began pulling on the collar of her dress exposing her collarbone to the stranger, “feel free to ask,”
The man looked at her and said, “Ma’am as flattered as I am that you would be willing to offer yourself to me, I must politely decline.”
The woman looked troubled. She didn’t understand. So why did this man rescue me?
“Ok, well thanks again.” She said as she walked off.
The stranger began to shake his head in disbelief. This was some strange town.
Chapter 2:
He finally walked up to his horse and grabbed his bag with his toiletries and some change of clothes. The horse began to whine.
“Hey! Hey! I will be back tomorrow ok?” The sun was beginning to set. It was almost time for him to go to bed. The horse continued to whine.
“I promise! Ok? Alright…how about this? I get an
apple for you tomorrow,” The horse immediately stopped whining. He was relieved. He rubbed the mane of the horse and headed back to the tavern. He made his way to his room and lay on the bed. He began to reflect on his first day. He didn’t expect that much excitement. It seemed like trouble always followed him. He thought about that girl he saw once again. He wanted to get to know her. She was captivating. He wanted her…no, not like that but he wanted her to be his. He didn’t want to own her; he just wanted her for himself. He groaned. His thoughts were frustrating her. He never met a woman who could hold herself in a conversation. She didn’t want him and could take care of herself and respected herself and he found that to be extremely attractive…especially in his town. He hoped that he would see her again and they’d have a longer conversation. He had never been so interested in another woman before.
Finally, the cowboy felt sleep coming on. He blew out the candle and allowed his mind and his body to relax.
He woke up the next morning and stretched. There was a small window in the room covered with wooden panels. He opened the panels and looked outside. The sun was up and it looked beautiful. He got out of the room and walked down the hallway. Women stared at him. He forgot to put on a shirt! He ran back into the room, donned a shirt and headed to the bar. He sat at the counter and waited for the owner. When she finally came out from the back, she smiled at him. He ordered breakfast and she brought it out immediately: scrambled eggs, bacon and toast.
“Everything a growing boy needs,” she joked.
“Ma’am, I am no boy. I’m a real boy.” She laughed.
Oh, yes he was.
“Had a good night?” She looked at him playfully insinuating that something intimate had happened.
He laughed, “No ma’am just slept through the night by my lonesome.”
She looked at him and touched his hand. She maintained eye contact with him. He laughed nervously and touched her hand lightly. He then moved his hand.