Lawrence laughed, “I guess that’s right. But I have a proposition for you.”
“What’s that?” Samuel asked.
“Come to supper at our place tonight and we’ll discuss it.”
Samuel tried to see the pastor’s reasoning or what was going on beneath his gray-blue eyes, but he kept his secrets to himself.
“All right, I’ll be there.”
“Good,” Lawrence said. “I’ll see you around, Robert.”
The shopkeeper nodded and they both watched the pastor leave. When he was gone Samuel looked to Robert. “What was that about?”
“I may know, but I’ll be keeping that to myself.”
Samuel was tempted to press for more information but decided against it. He’d peruse the Mail Order Bride information and bide his time with the smithy, then go to the Gray’s house for supper.
One way or another, he’d make his decision for or against a Mail Order Bride by the end of the day.
Helen checked the chicken and dumplings on the stove, poking a knife into a dumpling to see if it was done. When the utensil slid out quickly she put the lid back on and pulled the pot from the flame. Lawrence had mentioned that someone was coming or supper and she’d offered to cook the meal to give Flora a break.
The woman was like a tornado, rushing in and out of the house on various parishioner visits among her own household chores and work. Helen didn’t know how she did it, but for the time she stayed with them, she was determined to do her part.
“How’s it coming, dear?” Flora asked, stepping into the kitchen. “Our guest should be here any moment.”
“The dumplings are done and the table is set. We are ready whenever they arrive.”
“Wonderful,” she said, coming over and resting a gentle hand on Helen’s shoulder. “Thank you for offering to help. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to assist you.”
“Nonsense,” Helens said. “I enjoy cooking.”
An ache settled in her chest at the thought of what Alexander used to say about her cooking. He’d rave to the men he worked with about what a good cook his wife was. He always bragged about her. It had made her feel so special.
“Are you all right, dear?”
“Yes,” she said, blinking back tears that threatened to fall. “I’ll finish setting the table.”
“Helen,” Flora said, waiting until she stopped to meet her gaze. “Are you thinking about home?”
“I—” Helen’s stomach tightened. How had the woman known the pattern of her thoughts? “I had no other choice.”
“Were you married before?”
Helen nodded, not trusting her voice.
“I’m sorry dear. To have to face that loss, and now this one as well. But don’t lose hope. Never lose hope.”
The woman’s kind words, though well meaning, didn’t penetrate past Helen’s hurt.
“We’re here,” Lawrence called out from the front of the house.
“I’ll go greet them so you can have a moment to yourself.” Flora gave Helen a warm smile and disappeared.
Helen finished setting the table and ran a hand over her hair to smooth it, then untied the apron from around her waist and took a fortifying breath. She heard voices in the next room but it was difficult to tell who the guest was.
She couldn’t prolong her introduction any longer, though, and she made her way down the short hall. When she stepped into the open space her breath caught. It was him!
Talking to Lawrence and Flora stood the tall stranger who had steadied her outside of the general store that morning. He had made an impression on her for the simple fact that he looked so much like her Alexander. So much it hurt.
He was tall with broad shoulders and arms muscled from work. His dark, black hair fell in waves across his forehead and she knew that his eyes were hazel though more green than brown. The slant of his nose and the way his eyes sparkled were what reminded her of her late husband the most.
Panic raced through her. Could she sit at the table with such a handsome yet terrible reminder of her beloved husband?
“Ah, there you are my dear,” Lawrence said motioning for her to come forward. “This is Samuel Banks, a good friend. Samuel, this is Helen Nesbit.”
Helen noticed that shock registered on the man’s face as well. He hadn’t expected to see her here either.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, ma’am,” he said, dipping his head toward her.
“Again? Have you two met?” Flora asked.
“Only briefly, Flora,” he said, “This morning outside of the general store. Though I hadn’t had the pleasure of an introduction.”
His speech and manners reminded her of gentlemen from the city, but by his appearance he was from Haven. He didn’t appear overly cocky or arrogant though, and for that Helen was thankful. After seeing him that morning she had been afraid he’d try to come after her to make an acquaintance as most of the men in Haven had. This time she didn’t have the excuse of her engagement to Jack.
“Nice to meet you as well,” she said, her eyes not meting his direct gaze.
“Shall we eat then?” Lawrence said.
“Yes,” Flora said, smiling. “Helen has made a delightful supper. I’m sure, after living out on that ranch by yourself, you’ll have a hankering from some good food.”
Samuel nodded, his gaze flickering to Helen’s then back to Flora. “Yes, ma’am. Whatever is planned smells wonderful.”
Helen turned her back on them all and went back to the kitchen for a moment of solace. Could she sit through supper with this man looking back at her? Talking to her? He seemed nice as well as genuine, but he reminded her so much of Alexander.
She clenched her hand to her heart, the pain of loss almost a physical pain. It had been seven months and at times it still felt like seven days.
Footsteps echoed down the hall and she wiped a finger under her eyes to erase the tears. She’d make it through this like she did everything else. Push her feelings to the side and press on. It was all she could do.
Chapter 3
Samuel hadn’t tasted anything as good as Helen’s chicken and dumplings in a long time. He’d had three helpings and seconds on pie, but he didn’t regret it one bit. When she’d stepped into the front room he thought he’d imagined her entrance. But no, here she was. The beautiful woman he’d seen outside of the general store.
Loose tendrils of hair framed her oval shaped face and, as he watched her discretely during dinner, every one of her movements was graceful as well as purposeful. She was lovely and, if he correctly guessed what pastor Lawrence was up to, she wasn’t attached to any man in town as of yet.
“Why don’t we go sit by the fire and let the ladies finish the clean up here? I think we’ll only be in the way, Samuel.”
Samuel didn’t want to leave, preferring to sit and hope for an opportunity to talk with Helen, but he knew Lawrence wanted to talk with him. He could see the mischief sparkling in the man’s eyes.
“Sure,” he said, standing. Then, turning to Helen, “The meal was great. Thank you so much for the hard work you put into it.”
Her eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded, accepting his compliment. “You’re welcome.”
He wanted to stay there, captured by the depth of her gaze, but instead he turned and followed Lawrence to the sitting room and a cozy chair by the fire.
“Thank you for inviting me,” he said as they both sat.
“I thought you’d enjoy it.” Something in Lawrence’s eyes hinted at his underlying meaning. “You seemed rather captured by our house guest.”
Samuel glanced over his shoulder to the kitchen then back to where the pastor sat across from him. “She’s very beautiful and a great cook.”
“That she is,” he said, smiling. “So…”
Samuel frowned. “So…what?”
“Aren’t you going to ask me about her?”
“I wasn’t sure if it was my place to ask.”
Lawrence smiled, running a ha
nd across his jaw. “You’re a good man, Samuel Banks. And I appreciate your sense of decorum but it’s easy to see you are attracted to her.”
Samuel felt his neck heat and he cleared his throat. “I didn’t mean—”
“No, no you haven’t done or said anything. I’m just observant.”
Samuel wanted to say that any man would feel the same way—Helen was stunning—but he didn’t want to cheapen his feelings. He didn’t know if it was possible to be drawn to someone just from seeing them two times in one day, but if it was, he’d say Helen had caught him in like a perfectly tossed lasso.
“She was a Mail Order Bride,” Lawrence said. “Moved out west to marry Jack over at the bank…”
Samuel grimaced. Jack had fallen in an accident recently and died, if town gossip could be believed.
“They were to marry?”
“Yes,” Lawrence said, “I think she’s coming from a bad situation in the city—though I don’t know the details.”
Samuel felt the weight of the man’s words, along with a burning sensation to know all about the beautiful woman in the other room.
“What are her plans now?” he asked.
“I’m not sure that she knows.” Lawrence stoked the fire then turned to Samuel. “I overheard you talking about looking for a mail order bride, but is there a chance you’d consider Helen?”
Samuel’s heart leapt at the thought. He’d already considered her, but would she consider him?
“I—um, well yes. But what of her thoughts?”
Lawrence smiled, easing back in his chair. “That is kind of you to say. I haven’t consulted her but I wanted to see if you’d even be interested first.”
Samuel wanted to say that any man who wasn’t blind would be interested, but he held his words in.
“I’ll talk with her this evening when you’ve left, but Samuel, you must realize that, from what I understand, she is alone in this world. She needs a husband to look after her.”
Pride swelled in his chest knowing that he could be that man. He could take care of her—should she agree.
“I wouldn’t take the responsibility lightly.”
“I know you wouldn’t,” Lawrence said, smiling. “Can you come back to town tomorrow?”
“Yes, I can.” Samuel smiled; he’d make the trip into town every day all through winter if it meant getting to see Helen.
“My dear, come sit by the fire,” Lawrence said.
Samuel had just left, his eyes sparkling in the firelight as he bid her goodnight. Part of her was relieved he had left, but another part had wanted him to stay. To continue to hear his stories of how he’d moved from Chicago to Arizona Territory to seek a new life for himself. She admired his bravery and dedication to living a lifestyle he was passionate about.
His looks still made her feel disconcerted; a quick reminder of her late husband at every glance, but his personality was different. He talked with more boldness than Alexander ever had, and a type of zest for life emanated from him, causing everyone around him to feel as invested in the conversation as Samuel was.
“Dinner went well,” Lawrence said, his gaze assessing her.
She had felt the push and pull of Lawrence and Flora during the conversation tonight. They obviously had a reason for inviting a handsome, single man over for dinner. Though the thought make her cheeks flush, she also felt the love and care that they had showed.
“I think it did as well.” Helen glanced at Flora, her gaze fixed on the fire.
“You know me well enough by now to know that I don’t beat around the bush, Helen.” Lawrence clasped his hands together in front of him and drilled his eyes into hers. “I think that Samuel Banks would make a good husband for you.”
Helen felt as if all the air in the room had disappeared. She’d had an idea that Lawrence had been thinking this way, but to hear him say it so boldly was still a shock.
“This isn’t the way I’d plan for things to happen,” he said, his gaze softening. “But winter is coming—much faster than any of us realize—and I feel the pressure of wanting to have you settled and safe by that time. You are welcome to stay here, but I considered the fact that both you and Samuel are interested in marriage and I can’t help but think it’s the Lord’s timing.”
Helen bit her cheek to keep from saying anything. She wasn’t sure that’s how God worked—if He intervened at all—but she also couldn’t ignore the fact that the timing did seem to be working out well.
She looked into the fire, feeling foolish. As if marriage was something to be bartered and decided on within minutes. Then again, she didn't have the luxury to wait. She had no money and the Grays had limited resources. She needed to consider them in this as well.
Finally, she looked at Lawrence and said, “He did seem like a nice man.”
“Then you’re open to the possibility?”
Was she? Did she have a choice?
“Yes,” she said, the word tasting bitter on her tongue.
“Good,” Lawrence said, taking in a deep breath and sharing a smile with Flora. “He’s coming back into town tomorrow. I was hoping the two of you could talk.”
Helen’s heart pounded faster at the thought of spending more time with the handsome man, but that thought was foolish—she’d have to spend more time with him should they marry.
“That would be nice,” she said.
“I’ll arrange it. Maybe you could take a walk together tomorrow.” Lawrence stared into her eyes. “I’ve known Samuel for the year that he’s lived here and he’s a good man, Helen. He is respectable and honorable, and would take very good care of you.”
“Thank you, that is comforting to hear.”
“And dear,” Flora said, “Don’t forget that you too would be helping him. A man needs a woman’s touch in his life.”
Helen watched as Flora shared a glance with her husband, her hand flitting to cover his. Their gaze was warm and Helen ached inside for the peace and love that radiated between them.
Maybe she could have that someday.
An image of Alexander flashed before her eyes. She had had that at one point. Alexander hadn’t been perfect, but he’d loved her and she him.
“Would you excuse me?” she asked, standing. “I’m tired from the day’s actives.”
“Of course,” Lawrence said. “Sleep well.”
She nodded and disappeared down the hall to her bedroom. Once inside, she fell onto her bed, clutching her pillow against her tightly.
God…why?
The question she’d asked a thousand times surfaced in her mind again. Why had he let Alexander die in the factory fire? Why had he brought her to Haven only to have her fiancé die? Why would he bring another man into her life? Would he die as well? Was she cursed?
The tears flowed from her eyes like the harshest downpour. It was in moments like this that she cried out against God, and yet she found a sense of comfort at the thought that maybe He was listening. Maybe He did care.
She released a heavy sigh and closed her eyes. Only time would show the truth—for more pain or for healing. She prayed it was the later.
Chapter 4
Samuel felt nervous, his stomach tangled in knots like a pile of snakes. He’d gotten into town early and spent a few moments praying out behind the blacksmiths shop before heading over to the Gray’s home. He wanted to get to know Helen, to talk with her and spend time learning about who she was, but the more he thought about what Pastor Lawrence had said, the more he wondered if their timeline would be shorter than either of them realized.
The winter winds were already coming in with more force than he’d imagined. It looked to be a harsh winter and, as much as he wanted to give Helen time to get to know him, he also didn’t want to spend the winter on his land by himself. It was a selfish thought, but he couldn’t ignore that it was there.
Then again, he had to consider what was best for her.
Leaving his horse tied up behind Jeremiah’s shop, he walked through town tow
ard the parish house. Each step brought him closer to a beautiful woman and further from reason.
Flora opened the door when he knocked. “Good morning, Samuel. Do come in.”
He stepped inside, removing his hat and smoothing his hair.
“Helen will be right out, she was just grabbing a heavier shawl. I thought you two could take a walk on this lovely first day of November.”
He blinked. It was November already? It felt as if October had just begun. “That sounds nice.”
“You’ll watch out for her though,” Flora asked, her brow creasing in a slight frown.
“Of course,” he said, smiling down at the woman.
The floorboards creaked and he turned to see Helen step from the hall into the room. The dark green dress she wrote made her skin look creamy in the soft light inside the house. Her hair was pulled back into a bun at the nape of her neck and she stood with her shoulders back. He couldn't tell if she looked nervous or slightly disinterested.
“Good morning, ma’am,” he said, giving her a slight bow.
“Please,” she said, her voice coming out smooth and gentle, “Call me Helen.”
His heart picked up its pace as he said, “All right, Helen.” Her name rolled off his tongue with ease and he knew the feelings he had for her could grow rapidly if he let them. But would he let them? More importantly, would she?
“You two go and have fun,” Flora said, her smile one of pride and expectation.
He opened the door and Helen slipped past him, her sweet scent meeting him in a pleasant mix of lavender and vanilla. When he stepped next to her, he extended his arm and felt her light touch radiate through him when she accepted his gesture. They started off walking behind the parish house enjoying the warm sun on their backs and the crisp fall air.
Samuel sucked in a breath an asked, “You’re quite the cook.” It wasn’t his most engaging line, but he couldn’t think of anything else to start out with.
His efforts were rewarded with a smile. “Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed dinner last night.”
They walked on in silence and Samuel swallowed before trying again, this time more boldly. “Can you tell me about how you came to Haven?” He knew the story, but he wanted to hear it from her. Only after he asked did he realize what he was asking. Would she think him insensitive?
Christmas Miracles: Mega Mail Order Bride 20-Book Box Set: Multi-Author Box Set Page 2