Santa's Mail-Order Bride

by E. E. Burke

  “Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us,” David added.

  After a few minutes of silent reflection, he escorted her outside into the dark.

  The wind picked up loose snow from the ground and whirled it around their legs. Streetlights lit their way, the moon hid behind low clouds.

  “It’s getting colder. The air smells like snow.”

  “What does snow smell like, Mageen?”

  She hugged his arm. “It smells clean and bright, Davy. Everybody knows that.”

  He sniffed the air. “Wood smoke. That’s what I smell.”

  “A cozy fire, and hot cocoa.”

  “You can smell cocoa?”

  “No, but I can almost taste it. Let’s hurry back and make some.”

  As they neared the store, she recognized the man in a long overcoat crossing the street. He held onto the brim of a rounded hat, presumably to keep the wind from taking it away.

  Sum halted in front of the steps leading up the outside of the building to the rooms upstairs. He tipped his head. “Merry Christmas, O’Brien. Maggie.”

  “Merry Christmas, Sumner,” David said politely.

  Maggie had no idea where Sum might be headed, but she didn’t fool herself into believing he’d come over to tell her that he’d decided to stay. He had been firm about his decision.

  She fought a wave of anguish and then straightened her shoulders. This must be a test. God wanted to see if she was willing to trust Him. She smiled warmly at the man she loved with all her heart, determined to be thankful for what he meant to her, no matter what happened. “Merry Christmas.”

  Sum rubbed his arms. “Cold night for a walk.”

  “We’ve just been to light candles,” David informed him. “Are you on your way to church?”

  Sum claimed membership in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, although he wasn’t particularly faithful—two strikes against him in David’s book.

  “I went to an earlier service this evening.” He withdrew something from the outside pocket of his coat. “No need to keep you standing out here in the cold. I just wanted to bring something by. For you, Maggie.”

  She took the small box, wrapped in pretty paper with a silk ribbon tied in a bow. Her heart fluttered in anticipation. What had he gotten her? Not a ring. “Oh, I didn’t expect… I have a gift for you inside. I thought to bring it over tomorrow, along with my gifts for the children.”

  “They’ll be happy to have them,” Sum glanced over his shoulder before he replied. “Though I’ve told them if anything is out of place upon my return, Santa won’t be stopping by.”

  Maggie found his attempts at parenting endearing, if ineffective. “Don’t threaten consequences unless you intend to follow through. That’s the first thing I learned about dealing with children.”

  Sum smoothed his mustache, which he did sometimes to hide a smile. “I’d appreciate any wisdom you can spare. Now, I should get back.”

  No, she didn’t want him to leave. Not yet. A miracle could still happen. After all, it was Christmas Eve. “If you can trust them a while longer, you could join us for a cup of cocoa.”

  She looked up at David, who nodded.

  “Yes, come inside,” he said brusquely. “Let’s get out of this cold.”

  Sum threw another glance over his shoulder, and when he looked at her, his lips twisted in mock chagrin. “All right. I’ll give them a half-hour to wreak havoc.”

  Chapter 14

  Sum followed Maggie upstairs to her brother’s apartment. “There’s something I need to show you,” he whispered near her ear. “The advertisement, I think it’s about perfect. I hope you’ll agree.”

  She cast a worried look over her shoulder. “The personal advertisement? Why do you—?”

  “Later, I’ll explain. First, I need to talk to your brother.” He had carefully planned how he would approach her. That is, if O’Brien agreed to his proposal.

  He had tried—he really had—to let go of his dream. But giving up wasn’t in his nature. He wanted Maggie, and he wanted her more than he wanted anything. Wealth, success, none of it mattered if he couldn’t share it with her. But he’d about ruined everything by sending her away and refusing the solution she’d offered. He still couldn’t do what she wanted, but he hoped his compromise would earn him another chance.

  After taking care of everyone’s coats and hats, David O’Brien disappeared into the kitchen with his wife. Those wonderful baked smells filled the air and Sum’s nose took notice.

  Maggie retrieved a box from beneath the Christmas tree, took a seat on the sofa and patted the cushion. “Sit here, by me.”

  Her inviting smile did things to him he didn’t dare confess.

  Sum sank onto the sofa, draped his arm over the back and crossed his leg over his knee. The comfortable furniture, which had been nice at one time, looked worn. Then again, O’Brien didn’t have to sell out to pay his debts. Tightfisted, perhaps, but he managed his business well. So well, in fact, he’d expanded. O’Brien could do even better—with his help.

  Maggie handed him a flat, decorated box. She placed her gift in her lap, fingering the bow, but didn’t untie it. “You want to go first?”

  “Open your gift. You can’t wait.” In fact, neither could he. He hoped she’d be pleased.

  “No, I can wait, but I want you to go first.”

  “As you wish.” He ran his hand over the top of the box. “You decorated this?”

  “Yes, Christmas cards with snow scenes.” She flashed him a mischievous look through her lashes. “I know how much you enjoy the snow.”

  Sum bit back a laugh. He loved her tart sense of humor, and the fact that she had enjoyed rolling around in the snow as much as he had. “That’s true,” he murmured. Lifting the box lid revealed a knitted scarf woven with brilliant shades of blue.

  “I used woolen thread that matches the color of your eyes,” she pointed out.

  “Thank goodness you didn’t try to match my hair.” He lifted the scarf out of the box, and a lump rose in this throat. He couldn’t recall getting a gift someone had made to draw attention to his features, to remind them of something about him they found attractive and compelling, and yet, it was so…Maggie.

  “It’s beautiful. I’ll wear it with pride.” More than pride, every time he looked at it, or touched the soft weave, he’d be reminded of how much he loved her.

  He wrapped the scarf around his neck and gave her a proper kiss on the cheek, which brought on an adorable blush. “Now it’s your turn.

  She whipped off the ribbon and tore away the paper, eager as a child. That was another thing he loved about her, her childlike curiosity and sense of wonder. Maggie appreciated beauty in all its many forms, and she had a flair for creativity, just look at the pains she’d taken to make a box special. He held his breath as she withdrew the drawstring bag and opened it, and released a relieved sigh when she cried out with pleasure.

  “Oh, Sum…my mother’s watch!” With a delighted smile, Maggie held it up by a gold chain, the fob that had recently held his watch. He’d buy her a new chain when he had more money.

  “The jeweler put new works in it, but he was able to salvage the case.” He twirled the watch around. “See? Almost as good as new, just a few scratches.”

  She clasped the watch tight and threw her arms around his neck, planted a kiss on his cheek, but sat back before he had a chance to embrace her. “You are a dear man, Mr. Sumner. Don’t let anyone tell you different.”

  “That’s what I hoped you’d think. My plan must be working.”

  “What plan is that?” Maggie turned the watch in her hands, lovingly examining it. Her joy with the gift sent his heart soaring.

  He would do anything for her, give up everything, that’s what he wanted to say—but first he had to make sure he was in the position to ask for another chance. “I’ll tell you, but first I have to speak with your brother.”

  “What is it you want to talk about?” David O’Brien returned from the kit
chen. He carried a tray of china cups filled with hot cocoa and his wife followed with a dish of cookies.

  O’Brien set the tray on the low table in front of the sofa. “Have some cocoa.”

  Somehow, he made it sound like an order rather than an offer.

  Sum tamped down a surge of doubt. This plan would work, if he could keep his pride in check. He would swallow it whole, if it meant he could spend the rest of his life with Maggie. “I’ll pass for now.”

  He leaned forward, picked up a cup and gave it to Maggie. “Here, you were eager for cocoa, as I recall.”

  “Yes, thank you.” She slipped a slender finger through the delicate handle, rested the cup in her other hand, and took a careful sip. Her gaze searched his and a flicker of anxiety returned.

  O’Brien took a cup and found a seat on a cushioned chair. He kept his eye on Sum.

  The Irishman didn’t trust him, which didn’t bode well.

  Mrs. O’Brien put the cookies in front of him. He’d swear the smile she gave him was meant to be encouraging. She stood, primly folding her hands in front of her. “I think I’d better go check on the children.”

  She was making herself scarce. Maybe that smile hadn’t meant anything.

  Sum knew better than to ask Maggie’s brother to take him on as a partner. Hell, he wouldn’t take him on as a partner, if he were in O’Brien’s shoes. No, he had to present a palatable alternative, even if he didn’t like the taste of it. “You may have heard I’m selling out.”

  O’Brien gave a solemn nod. “That’s what Maggie told me.”

  No false sympathy from this one. At least he didn’t appear to be gloating.

  Sum sat straighter and adjusted his coat. “There’s a proposition I’d like to make. I’ll offer you my inventory at a discount if you’ll buy all of it, so I can clear my debts.”

  O’Brien dipped his chin. “Agreed. On the condition, I see what you’ve got and deem the price fair.”

  “It will be.” Sum knew the value and O’Brien would be getting a deal. “Another thing…” This would be a tougher sell. “I’d like to offer my services.”

  “Your services?” O’Brien set his cup down, his expression solemn. “What you mean is, you want me to make you a partner.”

  Sum’s mouth twisted in a wry smile. That had been Maggie’s idea, and much more than he deserved. “No, I wouldn’t ask you to give me part of your business. I’m offering to work for you. My preference would be to start out as a head clerk, but I’ll do whatever job you need done.”

  Beside him, Maggie gasped. He couldn’t interpret whether it was a gasp of surprise or dismay. She might not wish to wed a clerk. That was something he’d thought about, but he couldn’t come up with any other reasonable plan for remaining in Fort Scott. He could work for another mercantile, But O’Brien had the most successful store in town and would be able to afford a head clerk because the business would double in size. Sum knew how to sell things; he just wasn’t very adept at holding onto them.

  The rent on the building across the street had been paid through the first six months of the year, which would give him and Maggie, and the three children, a place to live until he could find another place.

  O’Brien rubbed his chin, appearing deep in thought. He held Sum’s gaze for another uncomfortable moment. “Why would you do this? Why not take out a loan from the bank and pay off the creditor, keep your doors open.”

  Sum had already told Maggie why that wouldn’t work, but it appeared she hadn’t shared his shameful past with her brother. Considerate and trustworthy, two more qualities he loved about her. He’d add those to the list in his pocket. When they’d worked together on the personal advertisement, she’d assigned a number of good traits to him, although her perspective might’ve changed, now that she knew him better.

  Her brother already thought poorly of him, and now he would be adding more to what were too many reasons already. If he managed to pull this off and win Maggie, it would be a miracle.

  Sum folded his arms over his chest, for fear his hands would shake. “No self-respecting financier will loan me money once they find out I defaulted on a bank loan in Philadelphia and left without paying my suppliers.”

  O’Brien’s expression remained unreadable as a rock. This confession wouldn’t help his cause, Sum knew that already, but he wouldn’t enter into an agreement without putting all of his proverbial cards on the table. Honesty and trust had to be the basis of any relationship or it wouldn’t work.

  “I found a creditor willing to give me enough to open a store out here. He was willing to take the risk in return for a high rate for the use of his money. He’s the one I thought sent that thug. As it turns out, the bull who tried to rob me was a wanted criminal. He must’ve thought my store looked like an easy mark. But, Mr. Sikes has sent collectors after me before, and I’ve no doubt he’ll do it again, which is why I need to repay him as soon as possible.”

  Taking a deep breath, he rested his hands on either side of him, trying to appear calm but unable to keep from curling his fingers into the sofa cushion. Maggie gripped his hand. He tightened his fingers, holding onto her.

  If she let him, he would hold on for the rest of his life. The kind of stable, secure love she offered was something he hadn’t experienced and wouldn’t have believed in if he hadn’t met her. He prayed she wouldn’t retreat now that she realized how poor they’d be. If O’Brien turned him down, he would have to rethink his options, which were, admittedly, few.

  * * *

  Maggie clung to Sum’s hand. He appeared calm, his lips in a customary half-smile, a wry expression just beneath the surface, but his tight grip on her hand said different. Her heart constricted in sympathy. He had to be dying inside, waiting for David’s answer. Sum was a proud man. Yet, he’d set aside his pride and come to his chief competitor with his hat in his hand, begging for a job.

  Why?

  He loved her. There could be no other reason he’d go to such lengths, save to keep the children. Maybe that was part of it, too. He’d thought about what she’d told him about the possibility they’d be split up and had decided he couldn’t entrust their future to someone else. She didn’t think it possible to love him more, but she did. Entirely. Completely.

  She continued to hold Sum’s hand, despite her brother’s questioning gaze, letting David know that she could not, would not, let go. Sum needed her and she needed him, and they would find a way to be together, even if David refused to hire the man who would soon be his brother-in-law.

  David leaned back, threading his fingers through his wavy, black hair. A sign he found the decision difficult. Why couldn’t he just say, yes? Sum had agreed to do whatever job David assigned him. He couldn’t bow any lower.

  The prayer she’d recited earlier nudged her conscience. She’d asked forgiveness for being selfish, but was it selfish to love someone? The Blessed Lord had given everything out of love. Sum had given up his pride and his dreams to be with her.

  Now she knew why he wanted to share that letter.

  “May I see that advertisement you worked on?”

  He appeared uncertain at first, and she thought he might not give it to her. Then, with a wry smile, he reached into a small pocket on his waistcoat and withdrew the folded paper. “I took the opportunity to tweak it.”

  The edges looked a bit ragged, as if he’d been carrying it around. He’d never posted it, and now he wouldn’t have to because she would see that he got the bride he wanted.

  She plucked it out of his hand, speaking to her brother. “Sum agreed to let me help him craft an advertisement for a mail-order bride, as he found himself in a need of a wife. You’ll remember how well I did with yours. Oh, and by the way, you’ve never thanked me for Victoria.”

  David pulled his arms around his chest and arched an eyebrow at her. It appeared he wouldn’t be offering his gratitude tonight, either.

  Maggie unfolded the paper and smoothed it on her lap. Sum’s bold handwriting appeared, above
her small, neat script. Indeed, he had altered it, and added a few things. “Let me read you what Sum and I came up with.”

  “Unattached shopkeeper,” she started, and then looked at him with surprise. “You removed successful.”

  Sum shrugged. Modesty didn’t become him. She missed the cock-sure Sum who’d pursued his dreams and her with supreme confidence. He’d be back, just as soon as he got his feet under him again.

  “You are successful, you know. Successful in the ways that count.”

  She started over with her original version. “Successful shopkeeper in fast-growing Western community seeks educated, attractive young woman with exemplary reputation for purposes of marriage. Applicant must be kind and cheerful, willing to work long days, and will need patience…” She slid a glance at Sum and smiled, remembering his initial reaction when she’d read it the first time.

  His expression remained neutral but his eyes gleamed with amusement “Will need patience with children…three to start with.”

  Just as she’d thought, he meant to keep them, dear man.

  “Glossy black hair and gypsy eyes preferred; playful and good-tempered, keen on riding sleds and making snow angels.” She swallowed a laugh. “Will provide a comfortable, safe home and be a loving husband and father; am occasionally humorous, engaging, affectionate and generous. Signed, Santa Claus.”

  “Describes you perfectly,” she told him, and then she turned to David, who had a tight smile on his face from struggling to not laugh out loud. “I believe I meet this gentleman’s requirements. I’m going to respond…and I hope he’ll answer.”

  Sum gazed at her with love shining in his eyes, as well as a hint of mischief. Her life with him would never be dull. He put his arm around her. “No need to wait. I’ll answer right now. Will you be my Mrs. Claus?”