"I'd offer to help, but my sewing skills are useless," Brianna said with a chuckle.
Colleen laughed. "Yes, I remember a few of the projects you started at the orphanage."
"That's right, started." Brianna was so hopeless at sewing that she'd abandoned the few attempts that she’d made over the years when it was apparent things were not going well, and not likely to improve.
"That's all right, though. You have other gifts."
"I suppose." Brianna wasn't so sure that her gifts would be of much use in Bozeman. Unless they needed another teacher.
"There actually might be something for you," Colleen began.
"Really? A teacher vacancy?" Brianna was surprised to hear it.
"Yes, but not for another month or so. Callie Brickman is expecting her first child and they will need a new teacher to replace her."
"Will she be coming back?" Brianna wondered.
"I can't imagine that she would. People don't usually, do they?"
"No, not that I recall. I wasn't sure, though, if it might be different out here?" In Boston, once a teacher had a child, she generally gave up teaching.
"No, it's the same. Bozeman and Boston aren't really that different, aside from the physical things—size and layout of the city.
"You really like it here, though. Was it hard to get used to?" Colleen and the other girls always sounded so happy in their letters home.
"I love it here. It was an adjustment, but not a hard one. It's beautiful here. I think you'll like it."
Brianna glanced around at the green fields and mountains in the distance. The air was crisp and clean and the sun felt warm on her shoulders.
"I'm liking it already."
Chapter Three
When they arrived at the house, Colleen slowed the buggy, then jumped out and tied up the horses.
"You'll have to show me how to do that," Brianna said, impressed by how smoothly Colleen handled the horses.
Colleen grinned. "I will, and I'll teach you how to milk a cow, too. That will be a first, I imagine?"
"Milking a cow? Yes, that will be a first." Brianna chuckled as Colleen grabbed her bag out of the back of the buggy and led the way into the house.
She immediately lifted a large bucket of water onto the stove to heat up for Brianna's bath and set a small teakettle on as well.
"Have a seat and relax. It won't take too long for the water to heat." Brianna settled into a chair and gratefully accepted a cup of tea. A few minutes later, Colleen set down a plate with two thick slices of toasted bread spread with a bit of butter and strawberry jam.
"Thank you." Brianna sipped the hot tea and tentatively took a bite of the delicious-smelling bread. She expected her stomach to rebel as it had with everything else she'd eaten recently, but to her surprise and relief, it didn't. Her stomach growled instead and within minutes, she'd eaten every scrap of the bread and enjoyed it immensely.
"That was wonderful. I think my stomach has finally calmed down."
"I'm not surprised. Now that you're here, you can relax. The stress of the trip is over."
Brianna imagined that she was right. Hopefully, the stress that she'd been dealing with before that was over now, too. She still hadn't mentioned any of that to Colleen or Emma or Julia. Perhaps she would, at some point. For now, she preferred not to dwell on the past, but to focus on the future. Her future, in Bozeman.
* * *
A few hours later, Brianna felt like a new person. She'd taken a long, hot bath and practically scrubbed herself raw with soap, trying to get rid of every last bit of grime. After toweling off and combing out her hair, she climbed into bed and fell fast asleep for almost two hours. She woke to the smell of something wonderful cooking. She dressed and made her way out to the kitchen. Colleen was stirring something in a big pot on the stove and a handsome man with dark hair was leaning in to take a taste from the spoon she held out to him. That must be David, the Donovan brother that she had heard so much about. They both turned as she walked over.
"You're up! Did you have a good rest? I didn't want to disturb you. This is David." He set down the spoon, smiled and held out his hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
"You, as well. Thank you for having me," Brianna said.
"We're happy to, and we have plenty of room." That was true. Colleen had explained in one of her earlier letters that they had a larger home with extra bedrooms for the children that they would someday have and until then, for guests.
"Are you hungry? I made a beef stew, and there's more bread."
"It smells amazing."
"Thank you. It's ready whenever we are, so we can sit and eat now." Colleen filled bowls for each of them while David set the bread and butter on the table and then they all gathered around the kitchen table to eat. Brianna's bowl of stew quickly disappeared. She even had seconds, which was unlike her.
"I can't believe I'm eating so much, but it tastes so good."
"Well, you're eating for two now," Colleen said with a smile.
"That's true." Brianna grew sad for a moment as it all caught up to her. That she was in Bozeman, and Ted was gone. It still didn't seem real, at times.
"Are you okay?" Colleen reached out and squeezed her hand gently.
"Yes, thanks. It's just all a bit surreal. I'm happy to be here, truly."
"I can't imagine how hard it must be for you," Colleen said sympathetically.
"It's a confusing time. But I'll get through it. I have to." Brianna had to put the baby first, always.
"I thought we could go into town tomorrow and have a late lunch at Donovan's Pub? Julia is working, but if we go after the lunch rush, she'll be able to join us. We can go and see Emily earlier. She won't be coming, though, as Jeremy is teething and she thought it would be too difficult to take him out anywhere."
"I can't wait to see them."
"And on Sunday, you'll meet everyone else, including Paul." Colleen smiled at the mention of his name. Brianna looked forward to meeting the Donovan family. She almost felt like she knew them already through the letters she'd received. She knew that they always went to their parents’ house for dinner on Sundays, after church. Naomi and Jed had ten children, nine of them boys and one girl. Elizabeth and several of the younger brothers still lived and worked at the family farm. Elizabeth, at eighteen, was the youngest.
"How is Jed doing?" Brianna asked. Colleen and David exchanged glances.
"He has his ups and downs," David answered. "Mostly ups. He does have a tendency to wander off, though, so they try to keep a close eye on him."
"The boys have taken on more of his day-to-day responsibilities, so he doesn't have to worry as much. That seems to have helped. The doctor said that stress makes the memory issues worse."
"That makes sense. Will he retire soon anyway?"
David chuckled. "Farmers don't really retire. The work doesn't go away. But, fortunately, my brothers are able to take most of it off of his shoulders."
"I can't wait for you to meet them. You'll love Naomi. She's been so strong through all of this," Colleen said.
"My mother is an amazing woman," David agreed.
"Now that she knows what is wrong with Jed, it's somewhat easier for her to deal with it," Colleen added.
"That makes sense. There's really nothing they can do for him?" Brianna couldn't imagine how difficult it must be to see a loved one dealing with memory loss.
"Unfortunately, no. The doctor said that once dementia sets in, it's irreversible, but it can be manageable." Colleen stood up to clear their empty bowls.
"On a happier note, after we eat, if you're interested, I have a new song I'd like to play for you both," David said.
"I can't wait to hear you sing." Brianna knew from Colleen's letters, that David was a talented musician.
"First dessert, then we'll move into the other room. I can't wait to hear his newest song, either." After tea and slices of the chocolate cake Colleen had made earlier, they moved into the living room and Colleen an
d Brianna settled on the sofa while David went into the den to get his guitar. Brianna remembered from one of her letters that Colleen had given him that guitar as a wedding present, because she knew how much he enjoyed music.
For the next hour and a half, David entertained them with songs he'd written as well as ones they knew and could sing along to. It was great fun, as Brianna also loved to sing and was impressed with his talent. He had a beautiful voice and a haunting quality to it that was mesmerizing. She could have listened to his music all night, but finally, Colleen announced that it was getting late and they should really think about heading to bed.
Chapter Four
Brianna slept like a baby and awoke refreshed and feeling optimistic the next morning. She dressed and made her way out to the kitchen where Colleen was just putting a kettle of water on the stove and slicing some bread for toast.
"Good morning," she said when she saw Brianna. "I'm going to make some eggs and toast. Would you like some?"
Brianna's stomach did a flip at the thought of eggs. Although she was feeling better, mornings were still her more difficult time.
"I'll just have some dry toast, please."
After they ate, Colleen showed her around the farm.
"David fed the animals earlier, but I still need to milk the cows and gather the eggs. You can watch and learn."
Brianna watched with fascination as Colleen showed her exactly what to do. The animals were huge and she'd never seen them up so close.
"Don't be scared. They're very gentle," Colleen encouraged her.
Brianna tentatively attempted to milk the cow and then laughed as the stream went the wrong way and splashed all over both her and Colleen.
"Everyone does that at first. Try again." Eventually, she got it right and managed to aim the milk into the pail. Once they milked all the cows and gathered the eggs, it was almost time to head to Emma's house. After they freshened up, Colleen then instructed her on how to lead the horses to the buggy and hook them up. She then showed her how to manage the reins and let her take over and drive most of the way to Emma's house as soon as she felt comfortable with it.
When they reached Emma's and knocked on the door, Emma called out to them to come on in. She had her hands full feeding Jeremy, the baby, while her step-daughter, Emily, was playing with one of her dolls in the corner.
As soon as she was able to put Jeremy down, she gave Brianna a big hug. "I can’t believe you’re here! It’s so good to see you. I wish I could join you all for lunch in town, but I don't dare. Jeremy has been so fussy lately, poor baby. I think he's going to be ready for a nap very soon, though. His eyes are closing now and he has a full belly."
She took him into the other room to sleep for a while and then came back and joined them at the kitchen table.
"I am so very sorry for what happened to Ted. How are you doing?"
Brianna sighed. "It's so hard. I still miss Ted so much. But, I'm glad to be here." She glanced at Colleen and added, "And am very grateful."
"It's nothing," Colleen said. "I'm just thrilled that you decided to come. It will be a new start for you, in a new place with no sad memories."
"It does feel like a fresh start. I think it will help to be out of Boston." In more ways than one, she thought to herself. Eventually, she’d tell the girls about the two dark-haired men, but for now, she didn’t want to worry them and she didn’t even want to think about it. She just wanted to put it all behind her and focus on building her new life in Montana.
"I know it may seem a bit soon, but I am excited for you to meet Paul," Emma said.
"I'm looking forward to meeting everyone," Brianna said carefully. "But you're right, it does feel soon to consider thinking about another man."
"Just take things one step at a time. You'll know when it's right, and there's no rush. You're welcome to stay with us as long as you like," Colleen assured her.
"Are you hungry at all?” Emma asked. “I have hot water ready for tea and a plate of cinnamon scones we can nibble on."
Brianna was surprised to find that her appetite had awakened and she was hungry again. “That sounds wonderful!”
Over tea and scones, which made Brianna's stomach very happy indeed, they caught up on each other's lives. Brianna filled them in on all the people they knew in Boston—what was new with all the girls there, and they told her about the people in Bozeman. Ethan and David's sister Elizabeth was a highlight of the conversation.
"Is Naomi still panicking about all of Elizabeth’s suitors?" Emma asked.
"Elizabeth was literally the belle of the ball at the library benefit," Colleen explained. "It was her first public outing since she turned eighteen and although they don't have debutantes here and no formal 'coming out' occasion, it was somewhat like that for her. She was surrounded by men all night and three of them expressed intentions to court her."
"Three?" Brianna couldn't imagine. She'd only ever been courted by Ted.
"Colleen had three suitors, too," Emma said with a chuckle.
"Not really,” Colleen protested. “Well, not all at the same time."
"Close enough. Anyway, Naomi is fine with two of them. They are boys about Elizabeth's age or maybe a bit older. She went to school with them. It’s the other one she disapproves of. He's much older. Too old, in her opinion."
"I suppose that only makes her more intrigued?" Brianna wondered.
"Yes, I suppose so.” Colleen agreed. “Sort of like how it was with Ricky. I sensed that he wasn't the one for me, but yet I was drawn to him at the same time. He reminded me of Frank a bit, of what I liked about him. He could be very charming."
"He was never right for you. We all could see that," Emma said. "But, love isn't always crystal clear and you need to consider all your options."
"I can't imagine being courted by more than one man. Even one sounds like too much, to be honest," Brianna admitted. Emma and Colleen exchanged glances, which Brianna caught and knew they were just worried for her.
"I'll be fine. I'm sure eventually I'll be ready to think about that again. Someday."
"Well, as I said before, there's no hurry. Your first concern is to stay healthy and get ready for the baby," Colleen said. They chatted for a few hours longer and then a little after one, they heard Jeremy fussing in the bedroom and Colleen suggested it would be a good time for them to get going.
When they arrived at Donovan's Pub, it was just after one thirty and Colleen said that was when the lunch rush was over, except for the occasional straggler, which either Liam, or Billy, his right-hand assistant, could easily handle.
When Brianna walked in, Julia was by the front door, making a note in what Brianna guessed was a reservations book. As soon as she looked up and saw them, she ran over to give Brianna a hug.
"I'm so glad you're here. I'm so sorry about Ted, but so excited about your news." She glanced at Brianna's stomach and then patted her own. "We are due about the same time. They'll be able to play together. Mine will only be a few weeks older."
That warmed Brianna's heart. She loved the idea of her child being friends with one of her best friends' children. The only missing piece was Ted, her husband. She forced herself to focus on only happy thoughts, though, and smiled back at Julia.
"That would be so fun."
"Come in. We'll sit over here in the corner where we'll be out of the way and can catch up." She led them to a round table in a quiet corner and then introduced Brianna to the tall, handsome man who had walked over to meet them as well.
"This is Liam."
"Honored to meet you," he said as he held out his hand. She shook it and smiled. Liam looked exactly as Julia had described him in her letters. He was blond and sunny. You could tell that he smiled often and that he liked to laugh. "I have to get back to the bar, but I'm so glad you are here and Julia is now done for the day, so she can join you."
"I'm not done!" she protested in surprise.
"Sure you are. Look around. There's nothing going on now that Billy
and I can't handle. Enjoy your lunch with your friends and then head home. You need your rest." He eyed his wife's stomach and she pushed him away.
"Oh, go on with you. I do appreciate that, though."
She handed them menus and told them about the daily specials, which were a cheese-topped onion soup and chicken pot pie. The sandwich of the day was a grilled cheese and bacon.
"Everything is amazing, but the chicken pot pie is my favorite. I wish it was on the menu every day, but Mrs. Johnson said it's too much work. So if I were you, I'd get that, as it may not be available again anytime soon."
Both Brianna and Colleen went with Julia's suggestion and ordered the chicken pot pie. Julia disappeared into the kitchen with their order and returned a mere five minutes later with a tray holding three steaming pot pies. She set one down in front of each of them and then sat and joined them.
"That was so fast." Brianna was surprised and glad that their food came out so quickly as her stomach was rumbling again.
"Mrs. Johnson had just taken another batch of them out of the oven, so we didn't have to wait."
They ate and chatted and when they were almost done with their meal, the front door opened and a familiar face walked in. It was Colleen's husband David and another man, about the same height, around six feet or so, but with blond hair. As they came toward their table, Colleen jumped up to greet them. "This is a surprise. I didn't know you'd be coming in today."
"We weren't planning on it," David said. "But the wagon broke and we needed to come into town to get a replacement part. Figured we'd have something to eat while we were here and say hello."
"Brianna, I'd like you to meet Paul, David's brother. They work together on their farms." Colleen had explained that of all the brothers, David was closest to Paul. They were only a year apart and their farms were adjacent to each other, so they combined forces and worked together. Paul smiled and held out his hand. "I've heard so much about you. It's very nice to meet you. I am also very sorry for your loss." He looked serious as he said it and Brianna appreciated the kindness, considering that they had only just met.
BRIANNA: A Sweet Western Historical Romance (Mail-Order Brides Club Book 4) Page 2