The Thanksgiving Day Bride: Mail Order Bride Novels

by Sandee Keegan

  Anger erupted into my heart. “Why did you kill my Pa?” I screamed. Tears burst out of my eyes. “What did my pa ever do to you?”

  Jones growled. “Your pa was making me look stupid in front of Fredrick. Fredrick believed every word your pa said to him.” Jones fired at the boulder again. “Your pa caused me to take ten stripes because he caught me stealing some tobacco leaves.”

  “My pa was an honest man!” I yelled at Jones and wiped at my tears with furious hands. “Fredrick trusted my pa!”

  “Your pa was a coward who kissed the ground Fredrick walked on!” Jones yelled back. “Yes, sir, Mr. Fredrick…no, sir Mr. Fredrick…he was a yellowbelly coward!”

  “My pa respected Fredrick,” I hollered. “Fredrick is a hard man, I ain’t going to deny that, but he’s not a cruel man. He treated my pa fairly.”

  Bullets hit the boulder I was hiding behind again. “Girl, you’re blind and stupid if you believe your word,” Jones growled at me. “Don’t make no difference now. You and the white man you’re with are both gonna die!”

  I looked to my left expected to see Walton next to me. Walton was gone. Panic coursed through my soul. Had Walton deserted me like a coward? Had the man I had fallen in love with turned yellow and fled? “No,” I cried. “Please, no.”

  “Girl, you better make it easy on yourself and come out right now,” Jones yelled at me. “It’s too hot to be playing these games. If you come out I’ll kill you real fast, but the more you make me wait, the angrier I’m gonna get!”

  “You’re a filthy rat!” I hollered at Jones feeling my heart break. Walton had deserted me. He had turned yellow and deserted me. That pain stung my heart like a wild hornet. “If you want to kill me then come and get me!”

  “Girl, don’t make me madder than I already am!” Jones hissed at me and fired a few more bullets at the boulder I was hiding behind. I crouched down and threw my hands over my head and…began to pray. “Lord, forgive me…I deserted you and let my hate control me…and now…Lord, Your Will be done on a disobedient servant who refused to hear Your voice when You were speaking to her. I’m getting the punishment I deserve…I’m so sorry I deserted you Lord…and let my hate control me…Father…you are the love of my life and I walked away from you…I’m so sorry…Jesus, forgive me…”

  “Girl, you better come out and—” Jones began to holler. A single gunshot ended his voice.

  “Beth!” Walton yelled.

  “Walton!” I cried and ran out from behind the boulder. I spotted Walton standing behind the boulder Jones had lunged his body behind. Walton waved his hand at me. “Walton!” I cried and wiped at my tears.

  “He’s dead,” Walton called down to me.

  I felt my legs begin to move. I ran to Walton and threw my arms around him. “I thought you deserted me,” I cried.

  Walton pulled me into his arms. “Never,” he promised. “I just went off to kill your snake.”

  I looked down at Jones’s crumpled up body. The ugly snake was dead, with an old rifle clutched in his lethal hands. As I stared down at the man who killed my pa, I knew that, alone, I would have never been able to kill him, and that the man would have never allowed himself to be taken in alive. Walton had been placed in my path in mercy—as the man assigned to kill Jones and become my husband. I looked away from the body and into Walton’s face. “You killed my snake. My pa can rest easy now,” I whispered and placed my head against Walton’s chest. “I’m not angry anymore.”

  “I know,” Walton whispered back and gently rested his hands and on my back. “Beth, let me take you home to Virginia, back to your mother,” he said with a broken heart.

  I shook my head no. “You’re my home,” I promised Walton. “Take me back to town.”

  Walton carefully took his hand and raised my face to his and softly kissed me. “Home, then,” he smiled and took my hand and walked me back to my horse.

  <<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

  Fredrick was waiting at the hotel with my mother. When I walked through the front door of the lobby and saw the man standing next to my mother I nearly fainted. My first reaction was to run but how could I desert my mother and Walton? So I stood very still and very silent. “Is he dead?” Fredrick asked me in a stern tone. He was dressed in a heavy gray suit with his dark gray hair full of sweat. My mother was wearing a lovely blue dress that shocked me.

  Mrs. Maye stepped up beside my mother and wrapped her arm around her. “Coffee and cake are ready in the dining room, dear,” she told my mother and looked at me with loving eyes. “Is it over?” she asked me and pointed at her son. “I knew where my son was taking you. I knew you had to deal with the anger eating your heart alive, honey.”

  Fredrick looked at me. “Is he dead?”

  “Yes, sir, Jones is dead. He was hiding up in the high country. He tried to kill us but Walton shot him dead,” I explained in a nervous voice. “I know running off was wrong and I’ll come back to Virginia peacefully.”

  “No, you want,” Fredrick informed me. He reached into the right pocket of his jacket and pulled out a set of papers. “You and your mother are free,” he told me and handed the papers to my mother. “After my own pa died, Beth, I became prideful of all that my pa left me. I began wanting more money…more control…more power. I lost my soul, Beth. I realized that when I saw your pa lying dead in the tobacco field. Your pa was a good man who I respected. It took his death to make me realize that I was walking on the wrong path. I rededicated my heart to Jesus and begged Him to forgive me…and ask you to forgive me. I should have come out here and killed Jones, not you.”

  My mother reached down and took Fredrick’s hand into her own. “It’s all over now,” she said in a voice that brought peace to everyone. “Mrs. Maye has coffee and cake waiting for us.”

  Mrs. Maye studied my eyes. She watched my tears begin to fall and then she saw me look at her son in a way that made her smile from ear to ear. “Well,” she said, “it looks like I’m gaining a daughter today.”

  Walton reached down and took my hand. “Ma, I love Beth and want to make her my wife.” Walton looked at my mother. “Mam, with your permission, may I please marry your daughter?”

  My mother stared at Walton for a very long time. She read his eyes and then read his heart. And then she let go of Fredrick’s hand, walked over to Walton, and hugged him. “Yes, you may,” she said in a loving tone and kissed Walton on his cheek. “And call me momma, son.”

  Fredrick walked over to me and looked me in my eyes. “Please forgive me,” he begged me. Tears began falling from his eyes. “I was so hard inside, Beth…I set all of the slaves free and came here to beg your forgiveness.”

  I stepped forward, wrapped my arms around Fredrick, hugged him and whispered: “Please stay for the wedding.”

  Fredrick pulled me into his arms the way a loving parent would his daughter. “Of course,” he promised.

  I began to speak but then the entire lobby filled with a beautiful, warm, light, lingered a moment and then faded. My mother smiled. Mrs. Maye smiled. Then they walked off into the dining room. I looked at Walton. Walton just smiled. Walked over to me, took my hand and gently kissed me. “I love you,” he whispered.

  “I love you, too,” I whispered back and closed my eyes. I saw my pa standing in the fields of heaven smiling down at me. “It’s done, Pa. You can rest easy now.”

  Two days later Joe, who turned out to be a preacher, married me and Walton alongside of a beautiful river—the very same spot Walton’s parents had vowed their love to one another at. The river was powerful and full of life, cutting through the land with peace and harmony. As I stared at the river I was reminded of God’s love. God’s love was never ending river flowing from birth until death, carrying us through a dangerous and hurtful world while picking up wonderful passengers along the way.

  “And do you, Beth, take Walton to be your husband?” Joe asked me.

  I looked into Walton’s eyes with all the love in my heart. “I do,” I said in a so
ft voice and threw my arms around my husband. “Oh, yes, I do,” I whispered in his ear, “because you are my home.”

  “And you are my home,” Walton whispered back. He picked me up and swirled me around and around. I giggled and laughed and thanked God for His never-ending love. My mother and Mrs. Maye took one hand and began discussing grandchildren. Fredrick reached into his pocket, pulled out an envelope holding money, handed it to my mother, and walked away. I never saw him again but the note attached to the money said: “I was reminded that love is from the heart. Thank you.” Many years later, when my own children were grown and Walton and I were sitting out on the front porch of our home watching the stars come out, I remembered that note and looked at my husband. “Yes, love is of the heart,” I whispered and watched the stars come out in the Heavens above.

  The End

  Albert’s Christmas Mail Order Bride

  Chapter 1 – Melted Snowflakes

  "Joy to the world! The Lord comes! Let Earth receive…" the voices drifted off into the night as the carolers passed by, leaving a trail of silence behind them.

  “Father, would you like to go out tonight? It might do you some good to see some other people and hear the singing. I know how you love singing.” Jasmine Garfield gently nudged her father on the arm, trying to wake him.

  His snoring continued, so Jasmine tried once more. He grunted as he stirred, then sat up in his chair. He looked around the room, confused for a moment; then his eyes settled on his daughter.

  “What? Jasmine! What are you doing? How many times have I told you not to bother me in my study? Get out!” Mr. Garfield glared at his daughter angrily, and though she tried to explain why she was in the study, he wouldn’t listen.

  “I said get out! You know you aren’t allowed in here! Out I say!” He slammed his hand on the desk, and Jasmine pursed her lips as she turned and hurried out of the room. She gently closed the door behind her, fighting the tears that filled her eyes as she did.

  She could smell the alcohol on her father as she had tried to wake him. He wasn’t working in there, and she knew it. He was drinking. Ever since her mother had passed when she was only ten years old, her father had drunk far more than he should, far more often than he should.

  The bank notes and other bills had started to pile up, and there were letters from the collectors asking for pay. But Jasmine had no money of her own, and she knew her father was spending it faster than he was earning it.

  The owner of a small fishing business, it had been a long time since he had been on the water. Lately, he had hired her two cousins to take the boat out and catch the fish, but they were bringing back fewer and fewer each trip they made, but her father spent money as though they were catching as many as they had been over the summer.

  Jasmine knew his money was going primarily to the local saloon, and it bothered her greatly. The more her father drank, the meaner he became. He rarely had anything nice to say to her anymore, and she really disliked the friends he had made.

  Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and Jasmine quickly dried her eyes and took a deep breath. After pausing for a second, she opened it quickly, unsure of who she would find on the other side. To her relief, it was the reverend’s son, Tristen.

  “Miss Garfield! Hello. I wondered if you might by home. Father asked if I might stop by and inquire how your father is doing? He was supposed to meet for the donation to the charity this afternoon, but I’m afraid we didn’t see him there.” He looked over her shoulder, but Jasmine smiled and stepped outdoors, pulling the door closed behind herself.

  “Father is fine, but I am afraid he’s quite caught up with… business at the moment. I will be happy to let him know you stopped by.” She smiled nervously, hoping her father wouldn’t come outdoors. Tristen looked first at her, then back to the house, as though he was uncertain as to believe her.

  “That is unfortunate. You see, the orphanage is running short this year, and your father’s usually one of our top donors. I would greatly appreciate a word with him.” He smiled down at her, but Jasmine put her hand out, stopping him from coming toward the door.

  “I understand, and I am sorry for that, but as I said, Father is busy right now. I-“

  “Jasmine! Who is it?” Suddenly the door opened from behind her, and Mr. Garfield stepped out. He looked at Tristen, and his face changed. Rising to his full height, Mr. Garfield crossed his arms over his chest before speaking.

  “Mr. Bernard. What brings you to my house? Do you call on young ladies uninvited often?” He looked at Tristen arrogantly, but Tristen shook his head.

  “No, no. It’s nothing like that. I was here because of the meeting this afternoon; I expected to see you there." Tristen looked calm, but Mr. Garfield's face changed.

  "If I wanted to donate, I would've come to the meeting!" He roared. Tristen took a step back and excused himself for being forward.

  “I understand that, but I just thought-“he tried, but Mr. Garfield continued.

  “You get off my property! Off! I don’t want to see you come back again, do you hear me? And you, young lady, you get inside this instant!” He pointed toward the door, and helplessly, Jasmine walked back inside. She could hear her father still yelling at Tristen, and she wished she hadn’t answered the knock in the first place.

  Suddenly, her father came back in, looking angry.

  “Jasmine! You don’t open that door for anyone, anyone! Do you understand?” He looked at her harshly, and Jasmine didn’t know what to say. She nodded slowly.

  “All they want is my money. But they’re not going to get it! I refuse. It’s my money, and it’s mine to do with as I please. You stay in the house from now on, understand?” He turned back to his daughter, who nodded once more.

  “I said do you understand?!” Her father shouted, and Jasmine stammered a reply.

  “Y-y-yes Father. I’ll stay inside.” She hesitated, wanting to say more, but her father nodded approvingly.

  “Good. Now I’m going to bed. Don’t stay up too late.” And with that, he walked back into his study, closing the door behind him. Feeling defeated, Jasmine walked to the window, looking out at the snow that had lined the panes.

  She could see Tristen walking up the street, toward the church, and she would have given anything to be able to go with him. Life with her father was only getting harder, and now he had completely cut her off from the world.

  Chapter 2 – An Unwanted Marriage

  “Merry Christmas to you, Good Sir! And you, Miss!” A young boy pushed past Jasmine and her father, ignoring the gruff reply Mr. Garfield shouted back at him.

  "I don't think he means any harm by it, Father," Jasmine said quietly as she put her hand back on her father's arm. He grunted, angry to be out in the cold, and angry that he wasn't back home in his study. Mr. Garfield didn't like going out, and he especially didn't like going out on business. But, the bank insisted he come in for a meeting, and Jasmine had agreed to escort him downtown.

  "It's just barely turned winter. Much too soon to be calling Christmas wishes, if you ask me." Her father shook his head, and Jasmine hid a smile. She greatly enjoyed the holidays and didn't mind at all that there was nearly a month until Christmas. This time of year made her feel that people cared about each other, though she knew her father and his friends only cared about themselves.

  "We'll be home soon; then you can forget about Christmas and the snow, and anything else you want to forget about." Jasmine smiled at her father teasingly, but he only grunted.

  "I'm having company tonight, and I would appreciate it if you made yourself scarce. Answer the door, and see the gentleman in, of course, but after that, I don't want to see you again. Understand?"

  “Yes, Father.” Jasmine didn’t think much of the request. It wasn’t at all unusual for her father to tell her to remain unseen when company was in the house, and Jasmine preferred it. The less she had to see those men, the better.

  “Come in, please. My father is in his study… that's
right; it's on the left." Jasmine took a step back and let Mr. Martin into the house, then hurried over to the study. She knocked lightly on the door before opening it and announced her father's guest.

  “Thank you, my Love, you may go.” Her father gave her a warm smile, and Jasmine felt unsettled as she let the man in and closed the door behind them. She hadn’t heard her father speak to her like that in years, and there was something about his tone that made her feel uneasy.

  She could hear the men’s voices, but couldn’t make out anything they were saying, so she gave up and retreated to her room. There was something about Mr. Martin she had never liked. He always looked at her in a way that made her feel uneasy.

  Now and then Jasmine would walk by the door, but she didn't want to be standing next to it if it were to suddenly open. She didn't want even to think about what would happen if her father were to catch her eavesdropping. It had seemed like an eternity before Mr. Martin stumbled out of the room, and Jasmine ignored him.

  She had shown him into the house; he could surely show himself back out again, especially since it was clear he had been drinking. Jasmine was glad her father didn't walk out of the room with him and had almost decided to retire for the night when he called her into the study.

  “Jasmine, please have a seat. There’s something we must discuss.” He smiled at her, but there wasn’t any warmth to his smile. Jasmine sat down, looking at him inquisitively. She waited as he poured himself another drink before he began.

  "Jasmine, you aren't a child anymore, and as such, there are certain things that come with your age. You're a woman now, and certain people in town have noticed this fact." He stumbled over his words and took a sip of his drink.

  “Father, what are you getting at?” Jasmine was beginning to understand the intention of Mr. Martin’s visit, but she wasn’t going to say anything she thought until her father brought it up.

  “Look, Jasmine, you know as well as I do the boat isn’t brining in money like it once did, and the bank is threatening to close us down. We need money, and I’ve done everything in my power to get it for us. Now it’s your turn to pitch in.” He sat back and took another drink as Jasmine watched him coldly.