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

by Jenny Creek Tanner

  “What mess? You’ve turned it all upside down with your incessant need for cleanliness.” Celia didn’t know how to react to that. So she stayed silent. “I’ve let you arrange and adjust everything in my house to your liking. Though I struggle to find a fork to eat my dinner or a hammer to mend a sole, I let you do it. I thought it would make you happy.”

  “How can I be happy? This house was all I had to find a way to feel comfortable. You don’t want me.”

  “Of course I want you!” Joshua was so frustrated that he grasped her shoulders and gave her a little shake. “I can think of nothing else but how to please you and Seth. Your discontent is driving me mad. I thought that I could help you to be happy by interacting with him, by bringing him gifts, by playing hide and seek with him. He won’t have it and I’m running out of ideas.” He ran his hands through his dark hair and left them sitting there atop his head.

  Celia opened her mouth to speak, but she needed to gather her thoughts first. She remained silent. Her own silence was starting to bother her. She hadn’t planned to leave her thoughts unsaid, but at the moment they were too scattered to be coherent.

  “I don’t know what to do, Celia. Help me. Tell me what to do to make you happy. I’m truly at my wits end here!”

  Celia was thrown, she had not understood Joshua’s attempts at befriending Seth as a means to aid in her happiness. She simply assumed that Joshua felt a responsibility to do so. She raised a hand to his strained face and smiled.

  “I’m so sorry, Joshua. I never meant -”

  Joshua’s hands quickly moved to her shoulders. He pulled her to him and kissed her. It was sudden and terrifying in its passion, but Celia kissed him back, feeling her body react to his closeness. His arms were like warm steel bands capturing her and lifting her from the ground, Celia gasped as his kisses left a burning trail down her neck.

  "Mama?" Seth's voice came suddenly out of the dark hallway. Joshua stilled and sighed, stepping away from a blushing Celia.

  "In here, Seth,” she answered, almost breathless.

  Seth entered the kitchen, rubbing his small eyes with his fists. He stopped when he saw Joshua, whose weary gaze lit upon the boy with tired confusion.

  "Mama,” Seth’s eyes filled slowly with tears. Celia ran her fingers through her hair, at her wit’s end, and seemed to snap into action. She crouched down and lifted her son into her arms. Then she turned to Joshua.

  “I want to send for my aunt.” Joshua looked startled at this. “We have the room, do we not?”

  “Where?” asked Joshua, flummoxed.

  “Aunt Mary will take the room downstairs that Seth and I are in now. He’ll move up to the spare room on this floor.”

  “But where will you sleep?” Joshua’s confusion ebbed as Celia smiled.

  “Is it not time we shared a bed?”

  It was Joshua’s turn to blush. His beet red face made Celia laugh out loud.

  Chapter 12

  Aunt Mary wrote to tell Celia she’d be arriving in a few weeks’ time. Seth was thrilled at the news that his aunt would be coming to live with them and Celia used it to her advantage. Joshua began asking Seth questions about his auntie and their life in Boston. Gradually, Seth began to open up. Joshua’s patience had been rewarded, for their aunt’s arrival saw Seth sitting on Joshua’s lap at the train station, jabbering rapidly of his favorite places to hide in the Boston apartment.

  “Perhaps when we get home, we can find a few good places to hide in our house?” Joshua suggested. “Maybe your aunt will want to play hide and seek there.” Seth’s head bobbed an excited yes and Celia grinned. Her son’s attitude had finally taken a dramatic upswing. Celia couldn’t mask her relief at this.

  Seth’s sudden squeal tore through the crowd filtering from the train doors, he leapt off of Joshua’s lap and pointed excitedly. “Auntie! Auntie!”

  Aunt Mary let go of her luggage to embrace the excited toddler tearing towards her. She held him tightly and kissed his cheeks, overjoyed at seeing her great nephew. Celia strode forward with a little more restraint than her son, but filled with just as much enthusiasm.

  "Aunt Mary," she sighed, embracing her aunt. “We’ve missed you so much. I’m glad you’re here.”

  “I never thought having a quiet house again would disturb me so much,” whispered Aunt Mary. Celia chuckled, then, remembering they had a witness, broke away from her aunt to lead a smiling Joshua to meet her.

  "I've heard a lot about you, Mary,” he said.

  “Don’t believe anything they’ve told you,” quipped Aunt Mary with a grin.

  He had her baggage delivered to his wagon and they started their journey back to Derby. Joshua pointed out landmarks or interesting facts along the way home. It turned out that Mary had never been outside Massachusetts, either.

  Seth wouldn’t leave the woman’s side. The boy was beside himself with joy at her arrival. Their original agreement was that Mary would stay for several months and they would evaluate their progress. At this point, it seemed like everyone was so happy to be together, that the idea of Mary returning to Boston seemed absurd.

  Life seemed to finally begin to settle down for the little family. With Aunt Mary back in their lives, Seth and Celia finally began warming to the home. Celia hadn’t realized how much she’d missed her aunt until she greeted her on that train platform.

  She’d come to believe that leaving her in Boston is what had kept both her and Seth from adjusting to their new life. They’d been too busy missing the life they’d left behind. Celia realized what a mistake that had been for her. She was an adult who made an adult decision. She shouldn’t have allowed herself to cling to her past after choosing this life. It hadn’t been fair to Joshua.

  But with Aunt Mary living with them again, it felt as though they’d lost nothing and gained Joshua. Although Joshua joked about his house being overrun by women, the atmosphere in the house lightened considerably. Aunt Mary’s useful assistance with Seth made an enormous difference in their home.

  Perhaps the biggest difference was Celia’s newfound affection for her husband. The fact that they now shared a bedroom as a married couple should do changed the atmosphere in their home almost overnight. Everything came together beautifully to bring the newlywed couple a peaceful and happy existence that neither thought possible a few weeks ago.

  At breakfast one morning about a month after Aunt Mary’s arrival, she cleared her throat decisively. Celia knew that this was the signal that she was about to say something. Her ears perked up to hear what vast knowledge her aunt was about to impart.

  “You know, you two really haven’t had any time alone together since your wedding. I imagine you’d enjoy some time to have fun,” said Mary.

  Celia and Joshua looked at each other with wide eyes. They nodded and Joshua spoke up. “Indeed it would be nice. We’ll manage some time before too much longer,” he smiled at Celia.

  “Well, I was thinking that this weekend might be the perfect time for that. Seth and I will find a way to amuse ourselves for a time,” she looked at the little boy and wrinkled her nose at him.

  He didn’t really know what they were talking about, but he wrinkled his nose back at her and nodded.

  “So I was thinking that the two of you might go to Wichita to one of those fancy steak restaurants there. Spend the night in a posh hotel. Take your time. Come back home at your leisure. What do you say?” offered Mary.

  Celia’s mouth was hanging open. She’d never taken an overnight trip for fun in her life. She’d never left Seth since he was born. She looked at Joshua to get his opinion.

  By the look on his face, Joshua was clearly in favor of taking Aunt Mary up on her offer.

  “I say that this weekend is the perfect time for a little short trip to Wichita. There are a few places I’ve wanted to visit,” said Celia as she reached out to take Joshua’s hand.

  When the weekend arrived, Celia and Joshua loaded two bags in the carriage. Seth barely noticed them go, so inten
t he was on winding the toy box Joshua had given him a few weeks ago. Oddly, the toy had become one of his favorites.

  Celia smiled and shook her head as she and Joshua stepped out the front door. They heard Seth’s delighted squeal chase after them and knew he must have succeeded in making the fluffy bear explode from the box. Celia glanced sideways at Joshua as they climbed into the horse drawn cart and caught a broad grin stretching across his face.

  “See, he just needed a bit more time to adjust.”

  “He needed his aunt!” exclaimed Joshua.

  “I needed her, too. You’re really sweet for allowing her to come live with us. It means so much to me and to Seth. Thank you.”

  “Of course, and as you’ve said,” he grinned slyly at her. “We have the room.” Joshua snapped the reins and the horse moved off.

  Epilogue

  Celia’s back was aching, but she smiled kindly from behind the reception desk in the front room as Mr. Pines picked up his fresh suit. She wrote down his payment details and organized his money into the till. Seth wandered in through the front door just then, accompanied by his step-father. Joshua carried a package they had picked up from the depot.

  "Hello, my darlings.” Celia greeted them.

  “Hi, Mama.”

  "And how was your trip to the depot?"

  “Very uneventful,” replied Joshua, setting down his burden and calling behind him to Aunt Mary, who was busy giving the brown chestnut a treat from her bag. “Mary, that horse will soon be as large as the carriage if you keep feeding him like that.”

  “It does the animal good!” she cried and resumed her seat on the porch swing she had just vacated. Joshua shook his head and turned to embrace Celia as she struggled out from behind the counter.

  “Was Mr. Pines happy with his suit?”

  “He was,” replied Celia, succeeding in maneuvering her large belly out from behind the desk. “And you’ve got another two orders from the Brody boys.” Joshua was admiring his wife's protruding stomach.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Like I’m going to burst, if she gets any bigger she won't be able to fit into the dresses I’ve made.”

  “How can you possibly know it’s a girl?” asked Joshua, suppressing the need to roll his eyes.

  Celia grinned, “She dances when I sing.”

  "Rubbish,” called Aunt Mary from the porch swing, where she was working on a tiny pink blanket for the new baby.

  Celia raised her eyebrows, “Is it though?”

  Joshua shrugged, kissed his wife on the forehead and headed into the kitchen in search of Seth. Celia strode forward to sit on the front porch with her aunt. Halfway there, she let out a cry.

  "It's about time," said Aunt Mary. She got up and helped Celia sit down. “Joshua! You’d better send for the midwife! You’re going to be meeting your daughter very soon!”

  Book 4 - Cheyenne Christmas Miracles

  Annie Boone

  Chapter 1

  Juliet Brice always knew she’d marry for love. It wasn’t a mere question, and it wasn’t only a certainty, but a must for the strong-willed, adventurous younger Brice sister. Susannah on the other hand was different, literally.

  Juliet couldn’t understand how someone as kind, talented, and beautiful as her sister wasn’t interested in courting. Juliet tried without success to fix her sister up with all the eligible men in their quiet, elite circle. Since Susannah was older, she especially had the pick of the most influential men in Boston, something she secretly envied about Susannah’s position in society.

  The glimmer of kerosene lamps lit the buildings in Boston’s upper Eastside district of brownstones with a soft radiance. Her father owned a rather successful newspaper business and his daughters reaped the rewards. They mingled with some of Boston’s finest and most interesting people. Cocktails, parties and social events left the girls busy and frantic to compete with one another.

  “I was going to wear the silk empire,” Juliet cried, snatching it from Susannah’s hands.

  “Well, the color matches my eyes better.”

  Juliet laughed, staring into her mousy brown eyes which sparkled like sunlight hitting the bottom of a lake.

  “What?” Susannah queried, her eyebrows arched in anticipation of Juliet’s laughter.

  “If you knew anything about fashion, you’d know your complexion looks best against a sheer buttercream.”

  Susannah put the dress down for a moment, rushing to their wardrobe, handling a dazzling, pale yellow high-waist in her arms. She seemed conflicted now. Was Juliet right, or did she simply want the beaded bodice and silk dress for herself?

  “You just want to wear this for George Spiller,” Susannah called quickly, never sure when to believe Juliet. She always seemed to have ulterior motives when it came to their relationship. Just when Susannah thought they were taking a step forward to being the close sisters she imagined, Juliet would pull the rug out from under her.

  “Fine, then. Wear this drab color. I’ll go to the dressmaker before the benefit and then you’ll really be sorry you didn’t just go with my suggestion. Everyone will be staring at the younger Brice sister.” Juliet sniffed and walked away with her nose in the air.

  Susannah sighed, throwing Juliet the dress and leaving her to change.

  It was at moments like these, she wished she was an only child. She loved her sister, but life without her would certainly be much easier.

  “How are my girls?” William Brice called out, checking on Susannah in the hallway.

  “We’re fine, Father,” Susannah replied sluggishly, surrendering once again to Juliet.

  He had heard their arguing. His sincere eyes conveyed how proud he was of Susannah for being the bigger sister. She was older, but she was also the one who always walked away from an argument.

  Their mother died years before when Juliet was five and Susannah was ten. They relied on their father so much and making him proud was more important than anything. To both of them.

  He patted Susannah’s hand. She smiled at her father, her appreciation showing through. He knew Juliet’s temper and childish ways, and appreciated how she usually gave in to appease her. Keeping the peace was definitely Susannah’s job.

  “I know no matter how insignificant or not, you always find a way to take care of your sister. It doesn’t go unnoticed. One day, Juliet will realize it. There’s something I came up here to tell you and your sister. But it can wait, until after the benefit.”

  Susannah thought of how grand this party would be. She looked forward to it. She went to bed, thankful for all she had in her life.

  She had no idea at that moment her life was about to change. In the blink of an eye, everything would be different.

  Chapter 2

  After dancing and toasting and watching his daughters have a glorious evening, William Brice fell ill. Within a few hours, his fever had risen significantly. The girls paced their townhome with furrowed brows. They were in complete shock.

  “We were just dancing,” Juliet cried. “It was blissful being in George’s arms. He waved at us as we danced. If Father wasn’t feeling well, why didn’t he just say something?”

  “He knew how much we were looking forward to the benefit,” Susannah replied, staring at the closed door before them. Their earlier fight, arguing over silly dresses felt so insignificant, so infantile. The doctor was with their father now, ascertaining the gravity of his illness.

  “He’s going to be fine,” Susannah whispered, trying to reassure herself.

  Juliet held her hand and the sisters waited. Waiting now reminded Susannah of when they were little and Father left on a business trip. When their nanny told them today was the day their father’s train was due, his daughters couldn’t wait to rush into his arms again. Waiting felt like forever then and it did now.

  When they saw the doctor’s somber face, the girls sobbed into each other’s arms. It couldn’t be true. Their father had to get better. Susannah couldn’t even fathom wh
at it would mean if he didn’t.

  “It looks grave, I’m afraid.”

  The doctor’s wise eyes showed his wisdom, but the girls didn’t want to believe him. Juliet couldn’t stop staring at the wrinkles in his forehead.

  “You’re wrong,” Juliet began. “Father isn’t dying. You’re lying. This isn’t real. Maybe you’re just simply senile.”

  “Juliet, calm down,” Susannah scolded, trying to keep things civil even though she wanted to scream.

  She gave Juliet a few jobs to keep her busy. “Father needs more water. Go help Mrs. Stewart,” Susannah said, keeping her mind focus on anything but how serious the situation was.

  “I’m so sorry,” the doctor replied again apologetically, patting Susannah’s hand and giving her and Mrs. Stewart instructions on how best to care for Mr. Brice in his last moments.

  The night and morning waged on, sunlight breaking through the window panes, but Susannah and Juliet hardly noticed. They stayed with their father long into the night, and thanked God morning had broken with bursting rays. They would stay with him as long as it took. They would be with him if he left this world or if he miraculously recovered.

  Chapter 3

  But William Brice did not recover. The sisters were left numb and alone in the world. All the splendor, fine liquor, diamonds, and jewels from the benefit just hours before could never outshine their love for their father.

  Mr. Brice was dearly mourned by colleagues, workers, associates, friends, and of course his family. There were no relatives and in the turning weeks, Susannah became entrenched in business affairs, banking accounts, notes, and her father’s finances. She was the only one who could do it.

  “I don’t believe it,” Susannah called as the girls sat in his office, Juliet turning in the chair, staring at the wall. It was if she didn’t care to hear anything her sister said these days. After the funeral, Juliet disappeared for a while.