The Agent's Mail-Order Bride

by Heidi Vanlandingham

His steady gaze held hers. “That is my last name.”

  “And you can call me Thad. Mister is too formal for the likes of me.”

  “I doubt that. My name is Catriona Stewart, but my friends call me Cat.”

  “Fits,” Tate mumbled.

  She turned her green gaze on him. “Excuse me?”

  “Nothing. Will this evening be too soon to perform the wedding or will you need to do whatever women do to prepare?”

  “Well, I still have the dress my father bought me before we left Virginia. I was supposed to be married—a mail-order bride—but when I arrived, I discovered he’d been killed.”

  “So that’s why you’re here.”

  “I’m stuck here, really, but the town is growing on me a little bit every day, and I wouldn’t trade the mountain views. They’re breathtaking. Much nicer than the rolling hills back home. I can be ready in a couple of hours if you prefer to get it over with. If this is only for show, how and where will we reside? I don’t think you’d like living above the saloon, or maybe you would. You are a man. However, carousing wouldn’t look very good for a new marriage.”

  “Damn.” Tate glanced at Thad and rubbed his hands over his lower face in frustration. “I hadn’t thought about that.”

  Couldn’t anything about this job be easy?

  “How about this? Cat, you can stay with Tate in the place we rent, and I’ll take your room.”

  Thad smiled and wiggled his brows. “After all, I’m not married, so enjoying the saloon will definitely not be a problem for me.”

  She chuckled. “No, I don’t believe it would.”

  Her gaze met Tate’s, and he felt like he’d fallen into a field of clover.

  “It’s fine by me...after all, we are supposed to be playing husband and wife. What about you, Tate?”

  “Hmm?” He frowned, struggling to catch up with the conversation.

  “If your brain is going to fade off every time I speak, this isn’t a promising way to begin a relationship.” She slapped his knee.

  “Keep up. I asked if you were all right with Thad taking my room at the saloon and me staying with you? I assume you are in agreement as to the payment I requested as well? I’ll need ten dollars for a couple more dresses and a dollar a day until the job is completed.”

  His gut twisted and churned at the thought of her sleeping with him in the same room, but if they were to fool Sutton, there wasn’t a way around it.

  “I have no problem with the money.” He cleared his throat. “As far as your room, I’m good with Thad taking it.”

  He pulled out his watch, glanced at it, and then dropped it back into his vest pocket that was all but hidden underneath his heavy coat.

  “Can you be here in two hours?”

  With a deadpan expression, she continued to stare at him.

  “What? You said you already had the dress. Will you need more time?”

  “No, that’s plenty of time. I was trying to figure out how to delicately ask this, but nothing’s coming to mind, so I’ll just say it. You’re not a very nice or patient man, Tate. Would it hurt to show the woman who, I might add, is willing to stick her neck out to help you—in whatever nefarious plan this is—a small amount of kindness? My mama used to say, ‘Patience is a virtue.’ A lesson you might take into consideration if you want people to be nice to you in return.” She stood up, purse in hand, and left the church.

  Silence draped over him like a heavy cloak until the air inside the small building became stifling. Closing his eyes, he clenched his jaws several times, trying to ignore Thad’s snickers.

  “Go ahead and get it over with. You’re going to snort something out of your nose if you don’t just let it out.”

  Thad barreled over with laughter. Finally, he straightened with a loud, satisfied sigh and wiped the tears from his pink cheeks.

  “That woman is priceless! Her tongue’s as sharp as a knife, but she makes you want to laugh at the same time.”

  He slapped Tate’s shoulder and stood, buttoning up his coat. “This job is turning out to be the best one yet.” He headed for the door and pulled it open, letting in the cold winter wind, which sent a hard shiver through Tate’s warm body.

  “I’ll go rustle up the preacher and meet you back here.”

  Thinking back to the deadpan expression on Cat’s beautiful face, Tate couldn’t help but smile as he stood and fastened his own coat against the winter weather rolling through the small mountain town.

  “It will be interesting, that’s for sure,”

  Tate said to the empty church then headed back to his room for a quick bath. The wedding might be fake, but he’d be damned if he showed up covered in dirt and sweat. He did have some pride after all.

  * * *

  Tate had given Cat two hours to prepare and here he was the one who was late. He hurried across the street and hit the door with enough force to almost pull it off by the hinges as he strode into the dimly lit church. Four startled faces turned toward him. He shut the door and clomped toward Thad and Cat, wondering who the other man and woman were and at the same time wondering where the man they hired to play their fake preacher was. His steps slowed, and he gave Thad a subtle jerk of his head. Thad moved away and walked toward him.

  “What gives? That’s not the man we hired.”

  Thad’s expression was grim. “No, it’s not. It’s the real preacher. He arrived the same time we did. Our man never showed at the pre-arranged place. I have no idea where he is, but that’s not the current problem. When he asked why we were there, we...I had to say something. I’m sorry, Tate, but he knows you and Cat are here to be married.”

  “Dang it all to hell and back,” Tate muttered, trying not to keep staring at the woman he was to marry. She was a vision in her dark blue dress, which accentuated her curves. “How are we going to get out of this? I can’t marry her for real!”

  “I’m thinking you don’t have much choice in the matter. If you want this crazy plan to work...” Thad’s voice disappeared as Cat joined them.

  “Are you backing out?” she asked, her worried gaze moving back and forth between them.

  “Not exactly,” Tate replied. “There’s been a slight change in the plan.”

  “Oh?” She tilted her head, a funny expression on her face, but it quickly disappeared.

  “Well...that is...” He rolled his tension-filled shoulders. “The man we hired to play the part of the preacher never showed.”

  Cat glanced behind her to the man in question, who was now talking to the strange woman, then turned her frown back on him.

  “Then who is he?”

  His brows rose in surprise. “You don’t know him? I thought you said you came to the church every day? And on that same note, who’s the woman?”

  “I am here every day. That’s not Reverend Jacob. I don’t know who that man is. The woman is my best friend, Ayana. I asked her to come along as a witness…and moral support.”

  “So what are we going do to?”

  Tate wanted to kick something and scream as his frustration mounted even higher.

  “Truthfully, princess, I have no idea.”

  Her brows rose. “Well, I think it’s obvious what we should do. We’re going to get married.”

  She held up one gloved hand and shook her head.

  “I know it’s not what you wanted to hear, but if this job is that important, our options are limited, aren’t they? I know it isn’t favored, but we could always divorce afterward.”

  Tate didn’t know whether to kiss her or shake some sense into her. What kind of woman would offer such a thing? He knew then, she was going to turn out to be a much better person than he ever could be.

  Chapter 5

  Cat kissed Ayana on the cheek as she waited for Tate and the preacher to finish discussing whatever they needed to talk about. She raised her hand and touched the sapphire hair comb, making sure it hadn’t moved and her hair was still coiled in place.

  “Thank you for doing this.”<
br />
  Ayana chuckled and patted Cat’s shoulder a couple of times then pulled Cat’s hand from her hair as she, again, touched her other’s comb, and held it between hers.

  “It was an honor for me that you even asked. As your friend, I must ask. Are you certain you want to do this? You just met this man and know nothing about him, other than he is handsome.”

  Her gaze moved over to Thad. “His friend as well. He seems a bit more relaxed than the man you’re marrying.”

  Cat turned her gaze to Thad just as Tate shook the preacher’s hand. Unlike most men in a church, he hadn’t removed his hat, which rode low on his forehead. She continued to stare at his profile, which for some reason looked so familiar to her. He turned his head and held out his hand, and her thoughts disappeared when she caught the stern expression on his face.

  “That man is definitely a somber soul. One I hope to lighten a bit with humor, if that is even possible.”

  Ayana smiled and pushed her toward Tate.

  “Like everything else, you will succeed in this too. Now, go stand by your handsome man while I get to know his friend better. Once you’re married, Big John can’t lay claim to you.”

  Cat chuckled. “I’m more worried about what he’ll do when he finds out I am married. And, I’m not quite sure Big John will let anyone stand in the way of him getting whatever he wants. Besides, something tells me you might be interested in Thad?”

  “Maybe I am, maybe I’m not.” Ayana gave her a mysterious smile. “However, I am tired of living in this town with only one friend. A person needs a few people they can turn to, you know. Now go. Don’t worry your pretty head about anything other than saying ‘I do.’“

  Cat walked toward Tate and with a moment’s hesitation, laid her cool palm against his warm one. His skin was calloused and rough, like him. Strangely enough, she didn’t mind. She stared into his blue eyes and gave him a reassuring smile, all the while knowing it was more for her than him as her trembling increased. The only thought in her head was what she was getting herself into and wondering if her father would approve of her decision. He wouldn’t want her working in a saloon, so he would probably have all but pushed her into Tate’s embrace.

  Her cheeks warmed at the thought. The entire time Ayana helped her prepare for her wedding, all she thought about was her body pressed against his and the sensation of his arms around her, holding her close to him. Would she finally feel safe? Protected? Or would she feel trapped—like she had since she arrived?

  Tate squeezed her hand as they stepped closer to the pulpit and to the youthful preacher, who pulled at his collar and looked flustered and nervous.

  “Short and sweet, Reverend. Just like we discussed.”

  After a few stuttered words, the young man got into the swing of things. After Tate said his ‘I do’, followed by hers, the nervousness settled inside her and Cat knew she made the right decision. Somehow, no matter how secretive her new husband was, everything was going to work out. After all, how hard could playing his wife be? He had reassured her several times that their marriage would be temporary, and she would only need to act married when they were out in public. She frowned as the preacher, Thad, and Ayana congratulated them, as a small problem worked its way into her thoughts.

  “It’s been a very long day for me and seeing as I have a sermon to prepare for in the morning, I’d best be finding my bed,” the young preacher said as he shook Tate’s hand one last time. “I’ll admit when I was told I’d be taking over for Reverend Jacob, I was a bit nervous with this being a mining town and all. But if you folks represent those living here, I think I’ll like it just fine.”

  He buttoned up his heavy coat and pulled the collar up. “Again, congratulations. You may stay here and talk as long as you like, but I’m afraid my pillow is calling my name.”

  “Thank you, Reverend.”

  As soon as the door snicked shut behind him, Cat turned to Tate. She spared a glance over his shoulder where Ayana was in deep conversation with Thad.

  “I think we forgot to discuss the actual sleeping arrangements,’ she whispered. “We talked about Thad taking my room at the saloon, but what about me? Are there two bedrooms?”

  Before Tate could answer, Ayana stepped up next to Cat and gave her a warm embrace.

  “Congratulations, my dear. I’m going to head back to my room for the evening. Morning will come too early as it is, and I still need to finish a costume for one of the dancers before her shift tomorrow.”

  She kissed Cat on the cheek then turned her smile on Tate.

  “Take care of my girl, Mr. Tate. She’s what makes this town a better place for me.”

  “Please, it’s just Tate. And I promise to do everything I can to make her happy.” Tate said.

  Cat raised her brow, but he refused to meet her gaze and, instead, smiled at Ayana, ignoring Cat. The upward turn of his mouth completely transformed his face. His stern features disappeared, leaving behind a handsome face. His blue eyes sparkled, and she decided she liked the straight line of his nose. His smile accentuated sharp cheekbones, and there was a slight dimple in his right cheek.

  For the first time since her agreement, a tiny hint of regret surfaced, and she wondered if her actions might have been a bit too hasty. Who was he, really? She knew nothing about him—he could be an outlaw or murderer, although he didn’t seem to be the type. She chewed on her bottom lip, a twinge of worry settling over her. If she wasn’t careful, her new husband was definitely the type of man who could steal her heart then, after his job was done, would leave her behind to pick up the pieces.

  “Be glad I can listen to two conversations at the same time,” Thad said after closing the door. “We should have asked Ayana for a solution. That woman is sharp...just as smart as you, Cat. She knew this was all a sham but told me if it saved you from Big John, then it would be worth it.”

  He clapped Tate on the shoulder. “I can recommend the comfort of the floor. The drafty, cold floor where I’ve slept since we got to town. I will say I’m so thankful I’ll be staying in your old room, Cat. Like I said before, I have no problems living above a saloon. Matter of fact, a little reconnaissance will be just the ticket. It’s the perfect plan.”

  “Plan for what?” Cat frowned.

  “Nothing,” Tate growled and grabbed Thad’s arm and pulled him far enough away that Cat couldn’t hear what they were whispering about.

  What her new husband didn’t realize, she was very good at reading lips. It was a skill she had perfected growing up. Her parents would always whisper at the other end of the room whenever they discussed something related to her. Reading their lips was the only way she could get her way.

  Selfish? Yes, but in her child’s mind getting her own way was very important. That skill also saved her family a lot of grief during the war. In a sense, her job had been to act as a spy between the two army factions to protect those she loved and her home from, what her father termed, unconscionable human stupidity.

  Watching the two men’s lips as they spoke, she gathered their plan had to do with pinning something on John Sutton. What that something was, however, neither Tate nor Thad said, so she was still left to guess. Since her arrival and subsequent job in his saloon, she’d gotten the distinct feeling that his world revolved around cloak and dagger happenings. He was a very opinionated and stubborn man who always got what he wanted. That included women, money, and mines. It had always been in the back of her mind that her intended bridegroom had died because of his silver mine, and if these two men were here to pin something on Big John, she just might be able to help them more than they yet realized.

  She waited a few more minutes when they seemed to come to some sort of agreement about this plan of theirs because they both turned in unison and walked back to stand on either side of her. Keeping her expression as neutral as she could, she stared first at Tate then Thad then back to Tate.

  “Well, did you settle your argument about how much you’re going to tell me about thi
s so-called plan of yours?”

  Tate’s gaze narrowed and his nostrils flared. He took a deep breath.

  “Neither of us want you involved. There’s a lot going on here. Things you don’t know about that could be dangerous. It’s no place for a woman.”

  The laughter barreled up her throat and echoed around the church before she could stop it. The happy sound ebbed away, and she placed her hands on her hips.

  “You have no idea who I am or what I can handle. I’ve had the chance to watch John Sutton for almost a month now, and I truly believe he’s a criminal. He manages to finagle the deeds to businesses and mines over card games, which are rigged because his henchmen mark the cards. I’ve seen them do it. I also know he arrived in Alta with a satchel filled with money, but no one knows how he got it. And, don’t forget the disappearances. According to Ayana, they began a few weeks after Big John took over the saloon.”

  She patted Tate’s cheek with a satisfied grin. The incredulous expression on his face was worth it.

  “Now, I would like to see where I’m going to be living and maybe, if you’re going to be the providing-sort of husband, find me some food to eat since I haven’t had anything all day. It’s going to be morning before you know it, and I have to be at the saloon early to help Bennett set up.”

  “You still intend on working there?” Thad asked, his brows disappearing beneath the dark brown hair draped over his forehead.

  “Of course, I am. I’m in the position to hear just about anything, including anything Big John may be planning.” She walked through them, forcing them to step out of her way, as she headed to the door.

  “Tate? Hello? Are you going to just stand there?”

  Hmm?

  “Following me might be a good idea since I have no clue where I’m going.”

  Thad was the last person to leave the church and pulled the door closed behind him. With a quick wave, he reached up and with two fingers tugged on the brim of his hat.

  “I’ll be taking off as well. There’s a glass of whiskey calling my name, and I’m looking forward to sleeping on something other than a hard wood floor.”