Christmas Miracles: Mega Mail Order Bride 20-Book Box Set: Multi-Author Box Set

by Jenny Creek Tanner

  That was exactly how Lily felt. She nodded and smiled in agreement.

  “When the letters first came, I felt so excited to have something to look forward to. All the possibilities in life seemed to open up! And then, well,” Corrine recalled with a far-off look in her eyes, “as you get to know one another, certain things said made you feel uncertain. But you had invested so much time and emotion, it seemed silly to quit. You just want to see if things might be different.”

  “Exactly.” Lily smiled with genuine emotion for the first time today.

  “I had my reasons to leave the stagecoach carrying me to Thomas that day,” Corrine continued. “I had another love waiting, but Sarah was left in a situation where Thomas didn’t expect love at first, or love at all.”

  Sarah nodded. “It got so frustrating trying to get the man to see that I was falling in love with him. More importantly, I thought he’d never realize that he needed to do something about it.”

  Already Lily felt like these women were beacons of hope and courage. Maybe all mail order brides felt this way.

  “You just have to give yourself some time to settle in. Anything can happen, and I know Max. He seems strong and silent, but he’s a man, just like the lot of them. You are so pretty and sweet, Max Blackwell and you will truly be husband and wife someday and not just mere strangers who agreed to serve in the house and on the farm. Just you wait and see,” Sarah predicted.

  The night continued on as Sarah and Corrine shared funny stories about their experiences when they first arrived, and how they eventually fell in love. It was sweet and warm, and exactly what Lily needed to hear. She felt hopeful and better all ready.

  These ladies knew what Lily felt, without her having to express her despair, fears, and frustrations. It was like they spoke the same language, and she hugged them all by the time the night ended, arranging to meet up again in a few weeks for a ladies’ luncheon.

  “We expect to hear a report of how Max is doing as husband two weeks from now,” Corrine called out, as the night grew later and Max and Lily left to go home.

  Lily smiled sweetly thinking of two of the kindest girls she’d ever met. She had never clicked with anyone immediately, but she was grateful God had allowed their paths to cross.

  Chapter 7

  “Good people,” Max said, knowing Lily had enjoyed getting to know a few of the townspeople and his friends tonight.

  Lily and Max had spent very little time together—ironic, he thought, at their own wedding celebration. Above them, the constellations twinkled, as he lit a lantern to show their way in the dark.

  “The journey home will take a while. You’re welcome to fall asleep in the back if you like.”

  “No, I’m fine,” Lily insisted.

  Max could see her frame shadowed by the faint light. Her breath was short and her chest heaved every few seconds. She was bottling something up inside, he could tell, as he did the exact same thing when things troubled him.

  “This is new to both of us,” he said. “I meant what I said when I wrote you. I want companionship and a family someday.”

  “I want those things, too,” she admitted.

  “Are you having second thoughts now that you’re finally here?”

  “Even if I was, well, we’re married now. I can’t change that.”

  “So, you are having second thoughts.”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “Well, what are you saying?”

  “I’m saying that you’re different than I thought you’d be. You look as you described, but, honestly, you’re colder than I expected.”

  “Cold? I’ve been nothing but polite, trying to put your needs first.’

  “Really. You barely looked at me during our vows.”

  “You’re not exactly what I expected, either.”

  “I’m sorry if I disappoint.”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “Then what are you saying? Because if we’re married, I think the best thing we can do is be honest with one another.”

  “I agree,” he grunted back.

  “So then…”

  “You’re prettier than I expected.” He spat out the words like they tasted foul, uncomfortable admitting his thoughts about her beauty.

  “Am I supposed to take that as a compliment or as something else?”

  “A compliment, but I’m not good at giving those.”

  “I couldn’t tell,” she replied.

  “You have a quick tongue. I didn’t expect that, either.”

  “Let’s just try to get to know one another, without the hostility, huh?” he suggested, feeling his blood pressure die down a little.

  Lily nodded, then went to the back of the buck wagon.

  “What are you doing?”

  “You said I could sleep, didn’t you?”

  “Yes, of course. I just thought maybe we should talk a little longer. We seem to be doing it so well.”

  “I’m all done with talking for one evening. Me and my quick tongue need a break.”

  He glanced back to see her smile, curl up, and pull her coat about her. Max smiled to himself as he drove the horses on. Maybe they’d had a rocky start—a strange, nervous start to the day—but Lily did have wit and there was something tantalizing about her.

  They ended on a good note, and at least they weren’t fighting. It was probably best that Lily took a nap before they were at it again.

  Chapter 8

  Lily scooted across the kitchen to retrieve the burned grits. She did a whirlwind jig, going to and fro to retrieve Max’s breakfast. She had hoped she could avoid a disaster, since she wasn’t used to his stove, but that was likely not going to happen.

  Max smiled, watching her rush around making a mess.

  “I thought you said you cooked all the time for your father.”

  She cast him a stern look.

  “I did. I’m just not used to your pans and such.”

  “Yes, that’s right. Blame the pans.”

  “Do you want your breakfast or not?”

  He looked at the plate full of overly crispy bacon and blackened potatoes and grits.

  He grimaced.

  “It’s not a choice. I’m your wife, and you will eat it.”

  He liked her assertiveness but still had kept to himself the days following their wedding. Each day, Lily tried improving herself.

  She broke down suddenly, frustrated with herself. She was better than this.

  “I guess your strength is teaching, not cooking,” he teased, realizing she was taking her lack of skills to heart.

  She looked up at him with a sad look. Part of her was sorry she wasn’t doing so well in the kitchen and the other part was terrified he’d find out about her lie that she’d been a teacher.

  “Hey,” he said tenderly, “it’s not all that bad.”

  Lily sat stunned at the softness of his voice. Maybe she should break down more often. A few tears rolled down her face.

  “This isn’t usually how I am. I can cook you a beautiful breakfast, I know I can.”

  “You’re doing wonderfully. Really. The bacon was great. This is a strange house with a strange kitchen and… strange pans. You’ll get the hang of it.”

  And Lily did get the hang of it. She worked extra hard, testing and timing how long it took to cook on Max’s stove. Discovering the right temperature for grits and stews made all the difference. She spent days in the kitchen rearranging and making things functional for her.

  Max delighted in watching her talk to herself as she wrote down in a notebook all she was learning. It amazed him how hard she was trying for him. Her long hair draped over her shoulders and that rare, delicious twinkle in her eyes made him uneasy. He watched from a distance and made sure she couldn’t see him watching.

  Lily soon mastered the art of cooking for Max. Her food was scrumptious. Truly desirable entrees, pies, and other dishes made him loosen his belt the following weeks. Pork belly, ribs, fried chicken, Lily could do it all
. She was a sensational cook and a determined one, at that. He was the benefactor of that determination.

  “I must say,” Max said as they sat down to dinner together. He placed a napkin in his lap and enjoyed the gratified look on her face. “You’ve conquered that oven.”

  “And the pans,” she added.

  He smiled, then looked down. “The house is wonderful and the cooking superb. It’s nice having freshly pressed laundry, too. Is there anything you can’t do?”

  Yes, she thought. Get you to notice me. She smiled instead of replying and dug into her plate.

  “Tell me about your day,” she said, sincerely interested.

  He worked long hours in the fields, while she had been tackling the kitchen and cooking. She felt accomplished and pleased. She felt as if she was making her mark on this place. Next on her to-do list—tackle the guest rooms and pantry.

  “Me and the boys cleared a few more acres today. Thank you for the sweet tea. It really refreshed us.”

  “How many field hands do you hire each year?” Lily asked.

  “About five. Summer’s about over, and we need to start harvesting soon. We’ll make what we need from the sale of the crops, and we’ll preserve what’s left for winter.”

  “Sounds good. I can help with the milking and the feeding of the animals, too, if that will help.”

  “You’ll get up that early?”

  “Certainly.”

  “You’ve already proven you’re a hard worker. I’m not sure I like relying on you.”

  “And I’m certain you don’t like relying on anyone. What are you worried about, that I’ll let you down?”

  “You haven’t so far.”

  “And I don’t intend to. Oh, I forgot, may I borrow the wagon this Thursday?”

  “Sure. Where do you need to go?”

  “Lady’s luncheon with Sarah and Corrine.”

  “That’s right. Nice ladies, huh?”

  “Yep. I’m happy for Sarah and the new baby.”

  The mood turned awkward and Max guzzled his water.

  “It makes me wonder. We haven’t discussed when it is you want to start a family,” he finally said.

  “We haven’t talked about that, have we?” Lily blushed, looking at the table and empty plate in front of her.

  “I figure we’ll just settle in with each other first.”

  “Of course,” Lily replied, rising quickly to clear the table and start on the dishes. She used soapy water to start dunking the plates and silverware. She brushed her hair out of her face and breathed in deep. For some reason, she couldn’t get the thought of intimacy, out of her mind.

  It all seemed so awkward, no matter how she looked at it. It didn’t seem right to even think about bringing children into their home when the mother and father were so unsteady.

  She was glad, however, to bring up the subject. At least she knew now, Max didn’t expect to have children anytime soon. He was giving them time.

  That week she told Sarah and Corrine about their awkward conversation.

  “That’s good Max wants to settle in and establish a relationship first, right?” Sarah asked.

  “No, of course. I couldn’t even imagine doing it another way.”

  “So has he been affectionate at all ?” Corinne asked. “It’s been a few weeks.”

  “Yes, it has, but our situation is… well, we’re still just getting to know one another.”

  “Leave her alone, Corrine. She shouldn’t feel bad or uncomfortable about this. He’s taking his time,” Sarah said.

  “I suppose when Max feels we’re ready to start a family, he’ll let me know,” Lily replied, somewhat defeated. “That could be a year, two years from now. How odd to be married to someone for that long with no romance.”

  “I think it will be much sooner than that,” Sarah said. “Are you feeling anything more than friendship for Max?”

  “I don’t know. Since we argued on our wedding night, we’ve gotten along. I’m not really sure how that broke the barrier, but it did.”

  “Maybe he likes your fire,” Corrine said. “You seem like the right person to shake Max up a bit. He’s a little too comfortable.”

  Lily laughed.

  “I think you two complement each other well,” Sarah added.

  “I just find it odd the only time we’ll be truly together as a married couple is to make children,” Lily admitted. “Yes, I know I agreed to it, but if there’s no passion, how can we…?”

  “It will come,” Corrine assured. “He’s probably feeling more for you than he’s letting on. You make him nervous. His confessing you’re prettier than he thought you’d be, suggests he doesn’t know how to act around you. Max is shy.”

  “You just keep doing what you’re doing. Things will slowly start changing. I guarantee it,” Sarah said, as Corrine nodded.

  She thanked the girls for their advice and love. They agreed to meet each month to support and connect with one another. Both women assured Lily that she was always welcome anytime she could manage.

  As Sarah and Corrine watched Lily drive the horse down the summer road towards her farm, the two friends shared a smile.

  “Max Blackwell doesn’t stand a chance against that kind of rare beauty,” Sarah said.

  “That sweet girl is already falling for him. Don’t you think?” Corrine asked.

  “I think they’re both a little prideful and nervous. They’re both waiting for the other to speed things along,” Sarah replied.

  “That can prove to be quite frustrating.”

  “Yes, indeed,” said Sarah, giving her friend a knowing look.

  Chapter 9

  One Sunday morning, Max went to knock on Lily’s door. It wasn’t latched completely so the door was slightly ajar. Inside the crack, he caught a glimpse of Lily getting ready for church.

  Her dress, now long-sleeved as the weather began getting colder in the autumn mornings, was white and perfect. Her slender waist gave way to a womanly curve of her hips. Her blonde hair that had been curled the night before now cascaded down her back. She pulled it back and placed a beautiful, yet simple bonnet over it. A black sash emphasized her lovely figure.

  He cleared his throat again, embarrassed that she might catch him spying on her. She heard him and finished readying herself. She came out to see him standing grandly before her.

  “You look nice,” she managed to say, but he struggled to speak.

  “We’re going to be late,” he stumbled out, breaking his glance away from hers.

  She picked up her Bible from the dresser and they ventured out together. Signs of the beginning of autumn showed all around them. The cooling air in the mornings, like a breath or whisper, the leaves curling in on the trees, and a darker haze over the sun announced fall’s beginnings.

  “It’s beautiful today,” she called, as they swayed on the wagon together. The horses clattered along at an easy pace.

  She had gotten up early to make pecan pie for later today. They were having a few guests over after services, and everything downstairs, from the table setting to the food, was perfect and ready to go.

  She smiled at him, feeling more herself since arriving here. She thought of dear Timothy. You are special and rare, he’d said, and Max will be the luckiest man to have you. She hadn’t heard from him since he moved on with the stagecoach company but wished him nothing but happiness.

  They arrived at services and greeted Pastor Macklin and Faye. They sat in the pew behind Faye and enjoyed the sermon.

  “Charity and dedication lead us to the Lord,” the pastor had reiterated, and they sang a few hymns before dispersing outside to enjoy Lottie Ridgefield’s berry juice cider.

  Lily smiled easily and laughed with the others who were mingling. She was truly enjoying the fellowship. She felt Max’s eyes on her, but she tried to not let it affect her. She had no idea what he was thinking – his face was unreadable.

  Then she got the surprise of her life when he walked over to her and placed
his hand on her back. She’d seen the same sort of interaction with many loving married couples and she’d envied their closeness. She was pleased to have him close and showing this level of familiarity.

  They conversed with the pastor and Faye for a moment and his hand remained on her back. Then the blacksmith, Lawrence Firstborn, stepped up to inquire about the farm. She thought again how much she enjoyed having him close to her.

  Lily felt the oddest feeling. His touch did things to her—warmed her in ways she only imagined existed for women like Sarah or Corrine, happily married to their husbands. This gesture gave Lily hope.

  The laughter and engaging company continued as they received their guests. Lily served a hearty stew and pie to their guests, including the pastor and Faye, Corrine and Donovan, and Lawrence Firstborn. Thomas had taken Sarah home to rest, as the baby was due any time now.

  “The lunch was absolutely delicious. You’re an amazing cook,” Lottie told Lily as they sat on the back porch overlooking the farm.

  “Thank you,” Lily replied, Max smiling at her.

  Lily felt like he had grown proud of how well their life was working. He seemed to have loosened up recently. She was starting to relax a bit herself and hope continued to take root in her heart.

  Max had watched his wife mingle with their friends and serve them throughout the afternoon. He admired her ease and confidence. Penelope always waited for people to address her. She never ventured outside her circle to get to know others. And she’d never, ever consider cooking a meal and serving others with joy and cheerfulness.

  He couldn’t remember the last time he had heard Penelope laugh. Maybe all those years, he ignored the fact that Penelope never laughed.

  Max couldn’t stop comparing Lily to Penelope, but it gave him peace each time to point out Lily’s superior qualities over the woman he almost married.

  With Penelope, their guest list would have included her friends and the ones in the town she wanted to impress. Never in a million years would she have invited the pastor and Faye to one of their gatherings. Jonathan Macklin had turned into a loyal friend and confidant over the years, mostly thanks to her abandonment at the altar years before.