Mail Order Bride: JUMBO Mail Order Bride 20 Book Box Set

by Hope Sinclair

Ester went cold. “Jason, what if they had come here to get them while you were gone or at work? What if they had taken all of us?” The thought chilled her to the bone, and she sank into the chair opposite him, clutching her coffee.

  “I would never have forgiven myself,” he told her. “Ever. But I just thought that he wouldn’t do it. I couldn’t imagine a man who would just get rid of his own flesh and blood.”

  She shivered. “Neither can I.”

  “I want you to know that Sam Hartwood wasn’t anything like him. He loved those girls with every ounce of his being, and he would have loved you too. I know it.” Jason moved the newspaper to reveal a sheaf of papers beneath it. “And now that Eric Savage is back in town, I have a plan to get him put away for good.” He pushed the papers across the table, and Ester bent over to look at them. They were criminal reports filed against Eric Savage, citing bank fraud and forgery. “One of the reasons he and Sam were estranged is because Eric has never made an honest dollar in his life. He used to be a trustee in the bank, but was discovered embezzling thousands of dollars. That’s about when he was cut from the will.” Jason pointed at the files.

  “Fortunately, our record keepers have always been exceptionally meticulous, so I was able to track down the reports last night. Now if we can find him, he’ll be locked up for the rest of the foreseeable future.”

  “But how do we find him?” Ester asked.

  “Oh, that’s easy,” Jason said. “If he’s here, he’s only going to be in one place, and that’s the bar. But I need you to help me catch him.”

  There wasn’t even a shadow of a question in Ester’s mind. “Tell me what to do,” she said.

  Later that morning, when the girls were safely off to school, she walked into town alone and found a seat outside the small cafe situated next to the town tavern. Jason had instructed her to keep an eye on the door for a small, thin man with a thick mustache and a silk tie. “He might be wearing a pin in his jacket. Don’t let him see you looking.”

  So she sat sideways, breathing slow to calm her racing heart and watching out of the corner of her eye. At 11:00 sharp, she saw him, a wiry man walking briskly up to the tavern door, flanked by two much larger men. He said something to them and went inside by himself. His guards took up position on either side of the doorway.

  Fifteen minutes later, Jason disembarked in front of the cafe from a carriage she had never seen before. He moved to her without taking his eyes from her face, and she took his offered hand and squeezed it once to signal that Eric Savage was inside. He went to the window of the cafe and raised his hand as if to signal for service, and the waiter approached, but so did a group of officers who had been seated on the inside, waiting for Jason’s cue.

  Ester and Jason were having an early lunch when Eric Savage was brought from the tavern in chains. Neither of them offered the crook so much as a passing glance of pity, though the arrest did draw a crowd. When things had settled down again, Jason reached over and took Ester’s hand in his own, a gesture that was very familiar. “Last time I asked this question, you said you couldn’t. I didn’t really understand then, but I do now. The whole time I was out with Miss Charlotte, I couldn’t stop thinking about what a mistake I was making. The truth is that I love you, Ester. I love you and I don’t want to spend the rest of my life without the woman who has changed it in such a beautiful way. Will you marry me?” He paused. “It doesn’t need to be right away. We can wait as long as you want to.”

  Ester looked at him, at his handsome face made solemn with sincerity. In that moment, she didn’t see the young man who worked too hard and didn’t think about the rest of life. She saw the man who’d struggled to win the trust of his two surrogate children. She saw the man who had apologized that morning, who had finally understood the value of his honesty and the fallacy of his choices. She saw the man who had ultimately placed the safety of her and the girls above everything else. She saw a man who loved her.

  “I will marry you, Jason,” she said, smiling sweetly. “As soon as you like...on one condition.”

  “Anything,” he said.

  “You need to help us make Gracie another cake.”

  Jason laughed and kissed the back of his hand. “If you’ll be my wife,” he said, “I’ll make her anything she wants.”

  EPILOGUE

  Six months after Ester Hughes became Mrs. Ester Denver, she sat on the back porch of her house, watching the horses graze in the pasture. The brand new barn, its red paint still freshly vibrant, stood out like an apple on the cropped green grass. Four horses stood contentedly in its shadow, their tails swishing in time with the breeze.

  “Ester?” Grace came out to join her. She was changed from her school clothes, her hair taken down from its neat braid. She leaned on the arm of Ester’s chair, cupping her chin in her hand.

  “Yes, darling?” Ester smiled.

  “Do you remember the first time we made dinner? You and me and Abigail. We were all in the kitchen, and I asked if you would marry Mr. Jason, and then Abigail yelled at me.”

  Ester laughed. “I certainly do. I suppose you were right after all.” She stroked the girl’s soft hair fondly. “Is it everything you imagined it would be, living with me forever?”

  “No.” Grace smiled. “It’s even better.” The smile widened into a grin and she grabbed Ester’s hand, pulling her out of the chair. “Can we take the ponies out for a little while? Please?”

  “Yes, if you promise to help me with dinner after.”

  “I promise!” Grace bounced with excitement. “Wait, I’ll go get Abigail. Abigail!” She ran past Ester into the house, and Ester could hear her shouting for her sister even as she hurtled up the stairs. She smiled to herself, turning to look at the sun in the sky. Soon, Jason would be home from the bank, and she decided she’d have him help with dinner too. Ever since he had tried to bake Gracie’s second birthday cake last year, all the girls had agreed he was in severe need of lessons in the kitchen. But they were happy to help him learn; Abigail in particular had grown into a fond patience for Jason that filled Ester’s heart. Again, the rest of the day stretched before her like a dream—this time, a dream with no end. The lonely New York City orphan had found her perfect place at last.

  The End

  18. The Dutiful Bride’s Adventure (BONUS)

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  ONE

  TWO

  THREE

  FOUR

  FIVE

  SIX

  SEVEN

  EIGHT

  NINE

  TEN

  ONE

  New York, NY

  USA

  The letter shook in her hands. Kate clamped her eyes closed while tears gathered. Why did a part of her feel ripped in two? Almost like she had lost a part of her soul.

  Kate wiped a curl from her face, and set the letter on her vanity table before she turned, and walked to her bed, sitting down. Though she no longer held the letter, she could still remember every word written. The only man she had ever loved was engaged to another. And that thought sent slicing pain through her heart. A pain worse than the fear of her family going bankrupt.

  But what could she do? She had no hope of making him see her as a woman worthy of his love. In fact, she hadn’t seen him since she was a mere girl of thirteen and he fourteen. And though they’d shared their lives through letters, they had been too far apart physically for any romantic connections to form.

  Still she had hoped.

  Kate looked off to the side at her cream and blue quilt that covered her bed, matching the light blue curtains that covered her windows. She ran a hand down it, and memories filled her. Memories of a sweet childhood lost to time.

  She had been just 12 when she realized the young man who liked to go fishing with her, and help her catch frogs had grown up. His shoulders had broaden, and his crooked smile had become so charming. All of a sudden nerves would attack her when he entered her presence, and an overwhelming pull made her want to bat her las
hes whenever he looked her way. But then something horrible had happened that disrupted her childhood. Jack’s his father had given up his job as a banker deciding to chase some dream of his of being a cowboy. He had taken his family out west and bought a ranch. And she had never seen Jack again. To this day, pain afflicted her whenever she thought of that event.

  A slight knock sounded on her door. Kate flinched and stood, walking to her bedroom door. She opened it and spotted her father outside, holding another letter in his hands. A timid smile crossed his chubby face half hidden behind his thin grey beard. The black suit jacket he wore, with cuffs slightly ragged reminded her of the predicament her family faced. She took a deep breath, and motioned for her father to come inside her room. He must have something to say and the feeling of dread that came over her made her wish she could hideaway from whatever he needed to tell her.

  He stood in the middle of her room, his rotund figure almost blocking the oak armor that stood against her wall. His gaze darted around as if he was trying to avoid looking at her. Something troubled him.

  Something always did lately. Had the bank finally gone under? Would they lose their home? She squeezed her hands together as tension rippled through her. She had known it was a possibility, but she had hoped her father would find a way to save them from becoming paupers.

  Kate squared her shoulders, and looked straight at her father. No matter what she wouldn’t crumble. The savior of the world had promise to care for them. He would care for her family now.

  Finally, he looked at her, a plea in his eyes.

  “I received a letter, my dear that I’d like to discuss with you.”

  “A letter?”

  “Yes, see.” He fumbled with the paper in his hands, flipping it over in his fingers, crinkling it. Kate walked closer to him and gripped his old leathery hands. He stilled and looked back at her, his bottom lip trembling.

  “Papa, what is it? Please just tell me.”

  “A marriage prospect.”

  She flinched. A marriage prospect. What did he mean by that?

  “Yes, see.” His gaze darted around the room again.

  “Another banker and I wish to merge our banks. We just need to solidify it with a marriage.” His declaration was followed by profound silence.

  Now Kate finally understood.

  She was to be offered as a bargaining chip, to secure the family’s financial future.

  Kate’s arms slowly rose to wrap round her waist. Tears gathered in her eyes. She had always thought that she would marry for love. Had often dreamed of it, but of course her dreams always centered on marrying Jack. And that was never going to happen.

  “I know this is a lot to throw at you, my dear. I’m sorry. It’s....” Her father’s words trailed off.

  Kate walked to her bed and sat down, hugging her shoulders. Thoughts floated through her mind. Thoughts of what kind of man her father expected her to marry. He was probably a lot older than her. But would he be kind or cruel? A visible shudder slipped over her body. She couldn’t be expected to stand by a cruel man.

  “Will you do it, Kate? Will you marry this man?”

  Kate swallowed hard. She wanted to say no. To state she could never marry a man she barely knew, but, her family's welfare depended on it. She had three younger sisters, who would soon approach marrying age. What would become of them, if her family went bankrupt? Or what about her mother who had been so ill lately and had just started showing signs of recovering? If they lost all their fortune, they would no longer be able to afford her mother’s medicine. No, she would have to marry this mystery man even if her heart still yearned for another. She looked at her father and gave a slight nod of her head, fighting the emotions that clogged her throat.

  A look of pure relief crossed her father’s face. He bent to her and kissed her cheek, before he briskly walked out of her room. Once the door closed with a small thumb, her hand flew to her face, and tears poured from her eyes. A sob escaped her as she bent over.

  Her dreams seemed to be crashing all around her. It was just too cruel for her hand to be sold on the same day she lost Jack. But such was life. Hers had been one long series of disappointments and disasters after another. But she must not lose her hope. No, she would not despair and there was only one way to keep her spirits high. Kate wiped the tears from her face, and knelt in front of her bed, her knees pushing into the hardwood floor.

  She folded her hands on the soft comforter, and closed her eyes. She prayed a blessing for Jack’s marriage, the welfare of her family, and then she cleared her mind. Once her mind was cleared, she prayed that the Lord would bless this marriage if it was his will, and if it wasn’t. If this man would not be good for her, she prayed that the Lord would reveal that to her, and keep her from a disastrous marriage.

  “Amen,” she said, opening her eyes. Her gaze caught the letter lying on her desk. The Lord would work everything out for her. He always did.

  TWO

  Ruby, Wyoming

  USA

  Jack Gilbert walked into his family’s two-story ranch home as the fresh scent of baking bread greeted him. He took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled. His mother a former New York socialite had become quite good at making the best sourdough bread, he had ever had. Voices floated to him and he made his way down the foyer to the parlor. He walked in and spotted his mother sitting on a sofa and next to her was his fiancée Leila. A small warmth trickled over his face, as she turned to him, batting her lashes. Her long blonde hair, was half pulled back and trailed down her back in spiraling waves. The light blue gown she wore clung just nicely to her hips, and matched her light blue eyes. Leila was a beauty and soon she would be all his.

  “I see you are home early,” she said.

  He nodded. “Yes, not much to do today.” He glanced at his mother who sat rigid, gripping her hands together. Still not comfortable with her soon to be daughter-in-law. What could he do to make her see that the beautiful young woman sitting next to her was perfect for her only child? He’d have to figure out something soon.

  Jack held out his hand, and Leila stood, taking it. He nodded towards his mother and guided Leila out of the room, and onto the front porch. Tall mountains covered in a thick forest with red and gold leaves filled his vision. A light blue sky full of fluffy clouds added the perfect backdrop.

  He turned to Leila, and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Wedding planning?” he asked.

  She nodded, and patted his chest. “Yes well, you know Travis and I we’re always busy planning.”

  Yes, they were. He thought of her older brother’s plans for the mine discovered on Jack’s property. Jack disagreed with those plans. Prospectors and other wealthy men had often tried to persuade his late father to exploit the mine’s copper, but just like with his father the idea unnerved him. They had left New York City to escape the crowded streets, frantic life, and thick air of pollution. As a family they had found solace in this land and its beauty and the thought of polluting its natural springs made him nervous.

  “Have you considered, his proposal?” his fiancée asked.

  He bent kissing her head. “Leila you must understand. We....”

  “Understand what?” She flung his arm from her body and removed herself. She planted her hands on her hip, and a catlike sneer entered her eyes. “You know as well as I do, what this means to our future.”

  “Our children we’ll have the ranch.” He held out a hand in the direction of where they keep the cattle.

  A huff escaped her. “Cattle.” She hook her head, and a few ringlets fell across her cheeks. “You want our children’s future to be dependent on the health of a herd of cattle?”

  Jack’s shoulders deflated. Yes, their children’s future. He must remember that. Only two years ago, his family had lost a third of their cattle due to disease and an unusually warm and dry summer. Before he died, his father had almost sold everything and moved back to New York. But they had pulled through. Could they do it again?

&nb
sp; Jack walked to Leila, and placed his hands on her shoulders and stared right into her sharp blue eyes.

  “My dear, let me get used to the idea. Please. I love this land. I just don’t want to see it ruined.”

  “My brother has promised to ensure it won’t be.”

  “I....”

  “No.” She pushed from him, and once again planted her hands on her hips. “Let me make my intentions clear, Jack. I can’t be married to a cattleman.”

  “What?” Jack exclaimed taking a step back. Didn’t she love him enough to accept him as he was? Why would she make such a statement? “But....”

  “I just can’t put myself through that stress.” She jabbed a finger at his chest and narrowed her eyes. “If you love me as much as I love you love, then you will do what’s best for our future. Do you understand?”

  A weight seemed to slam against him. A weight that latched on to the love he had for her.

  He would lose her if he didn’t give into her brother’s proposal. The thought of that sent fear slicing through him. He loved her. Had loved her for a whole year. Ever since her brother and her had moved to Ruby Wyoming and opened up a bank. A bank that quickly became quite prosperous.

  “Do you?” she demanded.

  “I do, my dear.”

  “Good.” She walked up to him and kissed his cheek before she began to walk down the steps of his home. “I must get back to town.”

  Jack watched Leila climb into the family’s wagon, and flick the reigns sending the horse off on a small trot. The wagon soon disappeared around a bend of thick dense trees.

  Jack looked up at the vast rolling hills that surrounded his property in gentle waves. Thick green grass and cottonwood trees covered them. He loved this land. It was part of him. But he didn’t love it more than Leila.

  Jack turned around, and opened the front door to the home his father had built. A home that had brought so much peace and comfort to him over the last ten years.