After scrubbing off every inch of soot, she pulled on a night dress and settled down onto the soft bed for the second time, falling asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow—so soundly that no dreams haunted her.
Heavenly aromas from downstairs teased her awake several hours later. She stretched her sore, tender muscles and rose, dressing hurriedly so that she could help Sadie and Tripp—not like last time. She also looked forward to some company, any at all, to calm the nerves that had been tingling since she’d woken. It had taken a moment or two for her to remember that her house had burned down, she was penniless and had married a stranger and as the memories crashed through her, her nerves had awoken as well.
She’d chosen a deep green skirt and crisp white blouse from the wardrobe and dressed as quickly as she could. Sadie’d left a corset and stockings as well, along with newer, clean black shoes.
She took one last glance at herself in the mirror, reaching into her reticule to retrieve a tortoise shell comb that her mother had given her. She always kept it in her bag or it likely would have gone up in flames as well. Now, she swept her long, dark hair up behind her head, twisting it and fastening it with the comb and hoped her mother would approve of her decision. Braids, although practical, didn’t seem suitable for her new husband.
The warm evening breeze carried voices through the open window and Olivia crossed over, pulling back the curtain a peeking out from the second story. Pink, purple and white clouds dotted the horizon to the west as the sun set behind the mountains, and from this second story, she thought maybe she could even see the ranch.
In the other direction, the thrum of Tombstone grew louder as the evening fell. Street lights were lit and their flames flickered with life as miners just getting off the day shift entered the restaurants, ice cream parlor and mercantile. Suzanne had sent word she’d be working late and would miss supper, but would stop by after she’d been able to close the mercantile.
“Hello, Olivia.” Joe’s deep voice caught her attention and she grinned, looking down toward the edge of Sadie’s porch to see Joe smiling up at her tipping his hat.
She nodded and studied him more carefully. She hadn’t seen him too many times—her wedding to him being one of the few—and she took a moment to admire his dark hair that reached his collar, his broad shoulders and rugged jaw. She’d certainly been fortunate that such a handsome, kind man had been willing to marry her in an instant and help her in her time of need.
Joe’s brother stepped into view and waved up toward the window. “Hello, Olivia,” he said as he turned back and lifted a lovely young woman out of his buggy, placing her in a chair he’d set out. The chair itself was lovely—padded, upholstered and with fringe trimming the frame—and the girl was even more beautiful.
“Carol, meet Olivia,” Will said as he turned the chair toward the porch, nodding at Joe as they lifted it together and carried it up the steps. The young woman’s eyes twinkled as she waved up at Olivia.
“Nice to meet you,” Olivia said. “I’ll be right down.” Her cheeks flushed with excitement at the thought of spending the evening not only with her new husband, but her new family, and she was anxious to get to know Carol and Will as well.
She rushed down the stairs, stopping short as she reached the bottom. Will and Joe had brought Carol into the parlor, and Joe made proper introductions.
“Welcome to the Stanton family,” Carol said as she shook Olivia’s hand, her eyes twinkling.
Will didn’t even try to stifle his laugh. “I’m not sure that’s something that she’s going to be grateful for,” he said, clapping Joe on the back. “Especially after—”
“I, for one, am thrilled to have a new sister-in-law,” Carol cut in as she nudged Will. “I’m certain we will get on famously, and everything else will resolve itself eventually.”
Sadie rushed in from the kitchen, setting small plates of appetizers on the table in front of the settee. “Oh, Carol, could you excuse me for a moment? I really had wanted to help Sadie with preparations for the evening. She really shouldn’t be doing all of this herself, especially at this time.”
Olivia smiled at Carol as she nodded. Olivia barely knew Carol but thought she noticed a hint of sadness in her eyes as she watched Sadie return to the kitchen. She certainly would look forward to getting to know her new sister-in-law better later.
Olivia pushed through the swinging door to the kitchen and drew in a sharp breath. She rushed to Sadie’s side and wound her arm over her friend’s shoulder. “Are you all right?”
Sadie sat at the kitchen table, her forehead resting on her hands. She breathed in deeply, slowly, and eventually lifted her head. “I’m not sure. I—I think I’m fine, then I have these sudden sharp pains and I can barely stand.”
Olivia glanced around the kitchen. “Where is Tripp? I thought he was going to help you with supper?”
Sadie smiled sheepishly as she said, “He couldn’t get away from the restaurant quite yet, and I wanted you to rest.”
“Sadie! We had this conversation earlier. You shouldn’t be doing all of this on your own,” Olivia said as she sat down beside Sadie at the table.
Sadie’s eyes widened and she sat straight, her hand flying to her belly. “Oh, my,” she said as she blinked rapidly.
“Sadie, I’m going to send for the Tripp. And Suzanne. And the doctor. You just stay here for a moment,” Olivia said as she rushed back into the parlor.
Chapter 18
Olivia closed the door behind her softly as she left Sage and Sadie alone. She stopped for a moment as Sadie groaned, Sage’s muffled voice low and calm. Her experience on the ranch had taught her that birthing babies—well, pigs and the like—took its natural course and she imagined that it was the same with humans. But if that experience on the ranch told her anything, there was a long road between now and lying quietly with your newborn of any kind.
She took in a deep breath and squeezed the polished oak of the banister bannister at another sharp groan from Sadie. As she reached the bottom of the stairs and moved into the parlor, the low light of the danced against the light yellow wallpaper in the cozy room as Tripp paced back and forth in front of the fire place.
“Everything will be fine,” Olivia said in an attempt to calm the chef, who moments ago had been so confident in his kitchen at the restaurant.
Tripp ran his hand through his hair, his eyes filled with hope—and concern.
“It’s too early, Olivia. Too early,” he said as he leaned against the stone mantle and hung his head. A wedding portrait stood beside his hands, Sadie and Tripp happily in love. She picked it up and held it to the light of the fire.
In the photograph, Tripp sat on a chair with Sadie behind him, her hands on his broad shoulders. They’d met and married quickly, like she had, yet they both looked calm, sure—and in love at the time the photograph was taken. And now, they were having their firstborn.
She set the photograph back on the mantle, glancing at her new husband who sat on the velvet settee in the corner. He’d cut a handsome figure when he’d arrived with Carol and Will, but with all the commotion, she hadn’t even had the opportunity to regard him much, and now, by the light of the fire she was able to look at him more closely.
He sat a bit awkwardly, leaning forward as if ready to help if needed—at least that’s how it seemed to her. She remembered the day she’d been at the mercantile and, although appearing a bit reluctant, her new husband and his brother had been poised at the ready to assist her in her altercation with Jimmy Joe Walker—just the memory of the horrid man twisted her stomach.
Had that been only days ago? It was hard for her to believe and after she placed a reassuring hand on Tripp’s arm and shared a smile, she moved over toward her new husband and sat next to him—as close as she dared. She wanted to make this work, even through her discomfort, and was pleased when he smiled down at her.
She’d hoped to get to know him more at supper, but with the turn of events, that hadn’
t been possible.
A flash illuminated the room, followed by a sharp clap of thunder. The flames in the lanterns fluttered as they all turned toward the window. Streaks of lightning stretched across the sky as the wind picked up, a sure sign that rain was on the way.
“How far out did Sage say the doctor is?” Tripp asked as he wrung his hands, his knuckles white.
Joe crossed the room, resting his arm over Tripp’s shoulders. “A ways out, but remember she also said it could be just early pains. Not the baby’s time yet.”
Sadie’s unmistakable groan filtered down the stairs as all three turned toward the sound.
Olivia snuck a glance at Tripp as he said, “I know that this isn’t the first baby in the world, and I shouldn’t be so nervous.”
“Sadie is in good hands, Tripp, and the cavalry is on its way,” Olivia said as she parted the white, lace curtains. A covered buggy raced up the drive, a woman jumping from it almost before it had stopped.
“Tripp, what’s going on? It’s too early for the baby,” Suzanne said as she crashed through the door, pulling off her bonnet and hanging it on the hook as Tripp took her coat. “Where is the doctor?”
“So glad you’re here, Suzanne,” Olivia said as she took her hand and pulled her up the stairs. “He’ll be here shortly, we hope, but Sage is with her now.”
“Thank you, Olivia. I’m so glad you were here.” Suzanne rushed in the bedroom, wrapping her arms around Sadie as another groan escaped the future mother.
“It’s not time yet,” Sadie cried as Olivia closed the door once more. She resisted the urge to join them, imagining that too many people might be just the kind of help Sadie didn’t need right now. She wrestled with feeling in the way and wanting to be of service. Suzanne’s soft admonishments of comfort helped her decide, and she headed down the stairs, knowing Sadie was taken care of. Besides, the doctor should arrive at any moment.
As her boots touched the soft carpet at the bottom of the stairs, Joe entered the parlor from the kitchen, carrying a tray of biscuits and a pot of coffee. “I thought maybe since we missed supper, this might be helpful. Could be a long night,” he said as he set the silver tray on the table by the settee. The thoughtful gesture touched Olivia, and she smiled up at her new husband as she poured a cup and handed it to Tripp. The cup chattered on the saucer as he took it from her.
“I’m sorry. I guess I’m still a little nervous,” he said as he glanced up the stairs.
“Who wouldn’t be, my man?” Joe asked as he looked out the window once again. “Where’s that doctor?”
“He’d better get here soon,” Sage said as she reached the bottom stair and crossed to the window herself. “Could be he’s gotten stuck with the rain out at the Anderson place.”
“Oh, I sure hope not,” Tripp said as he leaned over her shoulder and lightning streaked across the sky.
Olivia smiled as Joe came to stand behind her and his warm breath swept over Olivia’s neck and she shivered. “I’m sure he’ll be here shortly,” she said as she reached for Joe’s hand, surprised at how warm and dry it was under the circumstances.
“Joe, why don’t we clean up in the kitchen,” she said as she pulled him toward the door.
She wasn’t sure what kinds of emergencies he’d met at the blacksmith shop, but he was definitely cool at the moment.
“Well, this certainly has been an interesting few days. Nothing I would have predicted,” she said as she wrapped up the remainder of supper and placed it in the ice box. “At least they’ll have plenty to eat if the baby comes.”
Joe wiped his hands on a dishtowel as he finished up the rest of the dishes, placing them carefully on the counter. “I don’t know where any of these go, but I imagine Suzanne does.”
“Yes, she definitely does,” Suzanne said as she pushed through the swinging door to the kitchen. “I can take care of that. Thank you for cleaning up after supper. Sadie wanted to come down and do it.” She shook her head and reached for a teacup. “Now I can assure her there’s nothing for her to do but rest.”
Olivia poured boiling water into a teapot and filled a plate with biscuits she’d seen while she was putting the food away. “Why don’t I take this upstairs for you all? I would be in the room helping, but too many cooks...”
Suzanne laughed as she reached for the tray Olivia had set up. “What an appropriate comment, particularly in this house.”
Joe cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck. “Suzanne, I know this wasn’t the plan, but under the circumstances, maybe Olivia should come home tonight rather than tomorrow. I mean, to my home. Our home,” he said, his hands behind his back as he shifted from foot to foot and leaned against the counter.
Olivia’s stomach clenched. She’d had an inkling that she wasn’t needed here—might even be in the way with more people coming—but it hadn’t occurred to her that there was another choice. Even with the wedding, she’d not yet entertained the thought of moving into her husband’s home. They’d not even had a private conversation yet.
Suzanne set the tray on the counter and crossed her arms over her chest. “Olivia, what say you? I know the plan was to have you stay here for a bit, and you are more than welcome. But she does have enough help here if you want to get on with your married life,” she said as she smiled at both of them.
“I suppose—”
“Just a moment.” Suzanne rested her hands on her hips and turned to Joe, squinting. “I feel a mite responsible for this union, and while I believe it is in the best interests of both of you, I have to ask, Joe. What about—well, what about your mother?”
Joe’s eyebrows rose and he pushed himself away from the counter, squaring his shoulders. “I was hoping for a bit more time to ease her into this, but we have had a conversation. Aunt Dorothy made sure that everyone knew what had happened before I even had the chance.”
“Ah, so she knows. How did she take it?” Suzanne asked as she sat down at the kitchen table, leaning forward on her elbows.
Joe glanced from Suzanne to Olivia and back to Suzanne, clearing his throat. “It wasn’t quite as I’d hoped. But as I expected. Fortunately, my grandmother was there and she tried to talk some sense into her.”
“Am I not wanted?” Olivia asked softly as she settled into the chair opposite Suzanne. She remembered the altercation with Joe’s aunt, but surely they couldn’t still be they opposed to her arrival.
Suzanne reached for Olivia’s hand, taking it in hers and squeezing. With a glance up at Joe, she said, “Joe’s aunt and mother are unaccustomed to having people defy their wishes. It’s not personal, Olivia. They just have set ideas as to how things should unfold. Joe’s made his decision and I’m sure everything will be fine. Besides, we’re always here if you need us,” she said as she glanced at the door with another loud groan from Sadie.
Heat crept into Olivia’s cheeks as she slowly turned to Joe. He looked as uncomfortable as she must, but even now she felt a sense of calm when in his presence. She had to make the leap at some point, and with the circumstances at Sadie’s household, this felt like the right time—no matter what she’d be walking into. How bad could it be, anyway?
Chapter 19
The doctor hadn’t yet arrived when Olivia and Joe drove away from the house. Sadie’s groans had quieted and it seemed that the baby might not even come now.
She’d hugged Sadie goodbye and thanked her for her hospitality—and wished her good luck—before they’d gone, and Sadie had insisted she take the clothes she’d filled the wardrobe with. Olivia had tried to argue, but Sadie wouldn’t take no for an answer, the picture of kindness even in this state.
Lightning flashed in the distance and the scent of rain carried on the wind, but so far it was dry where they were. It was a short drive from Sadie’s house to Joe’s, she was told, and she’d asked if he’d stop by the livery so she could retrieve what few remaining belongings she’d managed to hoist into the small buggy.
“I know this is all quite sudde
n,” Joe said as he helped her down from the buggy and unlocked the livery.
She breathed a sigh of relief as she stroked the noses of her horses, pleased to see the they were safe and sound in the livery. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a basket of apples, happy that they were treated kindly.
The earthy aroma of hay and manure reminded her of the ranch—her barn, specifically—and was oddly comforting when her life had changed so suddenly, as Joe had just pointed out.
“If someone had told me mere days ago that we’d be doing this now, I doubt I would have believed them,” she said as she reached around to the back of the buggy, pulling aside the blanket she’d used to cover what of her possessions she could carry.
“Nor would I,” Joe said as he reached into the basket for an apple, holding it out to one of Olivia’s horses.
He leaned back against the wall of the livery and pushed his black hat up on his forehead. His eyes met Olivia’s and he crossed his arms over his chest.
He shifted his weight from one boot to the other and waited a moment before he spoke.
“Olivia, I think there are a couple of things we should talk about.”
Her hand stopped midway into the back of the buggy as her stomach clenched. There had been no time to even think of the things they should talk about, but they were married now and she supposed it had to happen.
“Yes?” she said as she pulled aside her skirts and sat on a barrel next to her horses. She almost smiled at the expression on his face that was clearly discomfort, bordering on horror.
“I hope this isn’t awkward, but I wanted you to know that I’ve prepared a bedroom for you downstairs—your own. Even though we’re married, I want you to know that I don’t expect—well, I don’t expect relations until—or if—that’s something that you want, too,” he said, the words tumbling out of his mouth in fits and spurts.
The Blacksmith's Mail Order Bride: A Sweet Western Historical Romance (Wild West Frontier Brides Book 5) Page 8