Santa's Mail-Order Bride (American Mail-Order Bride 34.5)

by E. E. Burke

  Chapter 9

  Maggie arrived at the Five Cent Store shortly after dawn, just as Sum finished loading the gifts collected at his store. He drew a tarp over the items and secured the sides. Last night, she and David had brought by the items they’d collected. Sum hadn’t been happy about that. He’d expected her to come alone. He wouldn’t be any happier today when he discovered she had invited a friend along.

  What else could she do? He’d been insistent, rightfully so, that Santa must deliver the gifts, but she couldn’t risk being caught alone with him. Plus, she had promised to help him find a suitable wife. Her friend also needed a nudge in the direction of the altar, so she’d be doing both of them a favor, even if she didn’t feel too good about it.

  Throughout the parade, Sum had glanced at her longingly, and tried to joke with her. More than anything, she wanted to enjoy his company, but she sensed he was still intent on wooing her, so she’d turned a cold shoulder—and ended up being miserable, despite smiling until her face hurt. Once he turned his charm on someone else, she would get over this regrettable fascination. She hoped.

  “Three poor farms, plus the orphans at the home for the destitute.” She checked her list and worriedly eyed the canvas hump. “I hope we have enough gifts. I hadn’t received the names of all the children Mrs. Meaney brought to town.”

  Sum patted the tarp and smiled. “We’ve got everything they asked for, and that’s after I gave Felix and the girls new clothes and shoes.”

  “You did?” Maggie fought the urge to hug him. That would only encourage him. But she wouldn’t pretend indifference to his generosity. “Oh, Sum, I’m so glad to hear it. Those poor children were in rags.”

  “And I told the old witch I was good friends with the judge and would be sure to tell him how the children were faring.”

  “You know Judge Chambers?”

  “No, but I thought if I told her I did, she’d be more inclined to take care of those kids. I do plan to check on them. If it looks like she’s abusing them, I will get to know that judge and insist he find a better place for those children.”

  Maggie smiled up at him, impressed. “You’re so sly…in a good way”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.” Sum pulled her wool scarf up to the bottom of her chin as if he was afraid she might take a chill. His consideration warmed her more than the scarf.

  After he assisted her into the wagon, Maggie adjusted her skirts, mulling over David’s warning regarding Sum’s self-serving intentions. What he’d done for those children couldn’t gain him anything. He had done it out of the goodness of his heart. Although it wouldn’t matter to her whether he was self-serving or not, she was glad she’d seen evidence to the contrary.

  A single snowflake dropped a cold kiss on her cheek. She looked up, and saw a few more stragglers drifting down from a gray sky. She blinked as one caught on her eyelash. “We better get going so we can deliver as many of these gifts as possible before the snow starts in earnest.”

  He climbed up onto the seat, adjusted his hat, tugged his gloves tighter and then took up the reins. “If we get caught in a storm, we may have to spend the night in an abandoned barn. Mr. O’Connor told me that’s how he met his wife.”

  “He met her in an abandoned barn?” Unlikely.

  “They took shelter after her buggy broke down.”

  “That sounds very suspicious.” Maggie eyed the sturdy wheels and then looked at Sum, askance. “Your wagon appears to be in good shape. You wouldn’t purposely strand us.”

  The devilish gleam in his eyes told her he might.

  “Nancy won’t like that.”

  Her remark wiped the smile off his face. “Nancy?”

  “I invited Nancy Robinson to come along. She’s expressed interest in helping with the fundraising efforts for the children’s home. I thought if we brought her along it would give all of us a chance to talk about it.”

  Maggie fiddled with the drawstring on her purse, unable to look Sum in the eye for fear he’d see what a big fat liar she’d become. She had gone to Nancy and wheedled until she’d gotten her friend to agree to come along under the pretense of being a chaperone.

  Sum’s cheerfulness abated. The smiles didn’t return even after they’d stopped by Nancy’s house to pick her up.

  He assisted Nancy into the wagon and Maggie scooted over, making room next to Sum. He climbed back up and started out with nary a word. What happened to that chatty fellow who’d talked her ear off on their first outing?

  Maggie made light conversation, as best she could with Nancy sniffling. “Are you ill?”

  Nancy shook her head. “Just a little sniffle.”

  Poor thing, her nose had turned red.

  Maggie worried that she might’ve caused her friend to feel obligated about coming along. Thankfully, Nancy had bundled up with a heavy coat, thick scarf and leather gloves over knitted ones. She’d gathered her pretty blond hair into a tight knot and wrapped her head in another scarf before pulling up a fur-lined hood. She looked like an Eskimo. Not ideal situation for an introduction to a potential suitor. If Sum would open his mouth, it might help.

  Nancy glanced at him, appearing uncertain as to what to say to a rock. She was sweet and friendly, but not a lively conversationalist. Sum was, and Maggie had counted on him to draw her friend out.

  Upon leaving town, they headed southwest along a quiet road. Snow continued to fall in fits and starts.

  “What do you make of this weather, Mr. Sumner?” Nancy asked finally.

  “If I were in charge of it, I’d make the sun come out.”

  Nancy nodded, but she didn’t pick up the thread he’d dropped.

  “Warm weather is so much nicer,” Maggie dug behind her for another blanket and wrapped it around her friend’s shoulders. “Nancy and her mother own bicycles and they like to go riding when the weather’s pleasant. You like bicycles, don’t you Mr. Sumner?”

  “No reason to dislike them. They don’t bite.”

  “They don’t eat hay, either.” Maggie enjoyed their banter, but now she had to get Nancy talking. “How nice, you and Mr. Sumner both like bicycles. Perhaps he can join you on a ride.”

  “Do you ride, Mr. Sumner?” Nancy asked.

  “Only if my feet go on strike.”

  Maggie ignored Sum’s attempt to make eye contact. She already knew what he thought of her scheme. Once he got to know Nancy, he would be appreciative of the introduction. “Oh, you should show Mr. Sumner the hair jewelry you make. Nancy weaves hair into different designs. She makes brooches and wall hangings.”

  “Is that so?” Sum reached up and removed his hat. “What, pray tell, could you do with this, Miss Richardson?”

  Nancy eyed his bright hair thoughtfully. She reached up and fingered a strand. “Coarse hair is easier to weave. Yours is very soft, but I could probably do something. I’d need to work with it for a while before I’d know. Is there a particular piece you had in mind?

  Maggie bit down on a surge of jealousy. For a split second, she entertained the thought of tossing her friend out of the wagon. She didn’t want Nancy touching Sum’s hair, or any other part of him for that matter. “I thought most of your jewelry was made as memorial gifts with hair from the deceased. Mr. Sumner isn’t dead…yet.”

  Nancy gaped at her, horrified. Wasn’t her fault the nasty remark had just popped out before any real thought could be put to it.

  Sum held his lower lip between his teeth and appeared to be fighting a laugh. He returned his hat to its proper place. Redheaded rascal. He’d done that on purpose, knowing it would annoy her. If he imagined making her jealous would stop her from finding him a wife, he was wrong.

  Maggie turned to her friend. “I’m sorry, Nancy. You’re work is beautiful, and I think a piece with Mr. Sumner’s hair would be lovely.”

  Awareness dawned on her friend’s face. Her eyes twinkled with amusement. “Oh yes, I agree, his hair would make a very striking piece. If you’d like, I’ll put it in a brooc
h for you.”

  * * *

  Santa and his helpers delivered gifts to orphans on two poor farms before the weather sent them hurrying back to Fort Scott. Once the snow stopped, they would go out again, tomorrow and then the next day, and with luck, they’d have all the gifts delivered by Christmas Day.

  Maggie’s orphans would have their presents. Sum intended to ask for one, as well.

  The sneaky lass had tried to set him up with her friend, before her absurd attempt backfired. Nancy had spent most of the ride home in animated conversation about all that he and Maggie had in common. He would thank Miss Robinson for her help when he went back to give her a hank of his hair and order that brooch for Maggie.

  After returning the sniffling Miss Robinson home, Sum took the wagon back to his store. He hopped down and went to assist Maggie. “I’m feeling charitable. Let’s celebrate our first delivery with a cup of cocoa.”

  She grasped his hand and stepped onto the brick pavement. Instead of accepting his arm, she backed away. “Look at all the shoppers. You’ll be distracted, and I need to help David at the store.”

  With only a few days left before Christmas, scads of people were out, despite the snow, and both stores would be busy, but that wasn’t why she wanted to dash off.

  “Tonight then…” Sum brushed snow off the sleeve of his dark coat. He’d hardly noticed the cold throughout most of the trip because he’d been having too much fun making Maggie jealous. He’d loved seeing her flush with anger when he invited Nancy to examine his hair. “I’ll come by and we’ll go somewhere for dinner.”

  This elicited a look of alarm. “No, I can’t possibly. I’m busy…washing my hair.”

  “Be ready by seven,” he said, his optimism undeterred. She’d been ready to throttle her friend for simply touching his hair.

  “Sum, I’m not going out with you.” As she spoke, a buggy rolled up beside them, driven by Mr. O’Connor’s eldest daughter, Phoebe, an independent young woman who enjoyed spending her parents’ money in stores all over town.

  The tall blonde tied the reins and stepped out, adjusting her fur-trimmed coat over a fashionable cream-colored walking suit. “Merry Christmas, Miss O’Brien,” she said, and then turned her bright smile on Sum. “And to you, Mr. Sumner. A very Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas, Miss O’Connor.” He tipped his hat. “You’re looking festive today. I’m glad to see you’re willing to brave the snow to shop at my store.”

  “A little snow won’t stop me. You know how I love to shop.” She lifted the hem of her skirts, revealing fashionable button-up leather boots, which only proved she wasn’t lying about loving to shop. “My boots may be ruined, though. I should’ve worn galoshes.”

  “Before you leave, I’ll shovel the walk,” he promised. “We have hot cocoa inside. Have Miss Smith pour you a cup.”

  “That sounds wonderful.” She flashed another pearly smile. “Do join me if you have time. I need help coming up with ideas for Christmas presents. My parents have everything.”

  “You might save your money. That would be a nice present.” Maggie made the remark dryly, but her face had gotten red again.

  The younger woman tipped her head, and to her credit, smiled at the jab. “Yes, that would be a big surprise. Oh, and I meant to tell you, my father will stop by later to deliver presents for the orphans. We had fun picking them out. Spent too much money, I’m afraid.”

  After firing the sarcastic retort, she tiptoed off through the white powder.

  Sum waited until the young woman entered the store, then he couldn’t resist. “If you don’t go to dinner with me, I could invite Miss O’Connor. She’s very entertaining.”

  Maggie didn’t blink. “Her father would shoot you. She’s half your age.”

  His lips inched up. “Hmm. Nineteen times two doesn’t equal thirty-two. You need to work on your arithmetic, teacher.”

  She lifted her chin. “So, you only look older.”

  He wrapped his arms around his chest to keep from laughing. God, she was adorable. He wanted to kiss her, but if he did that out here in front of everyone, she’d never speak to him again.

  This was the second round he’d won. However, Maggie wouldn’t acknowledge defeat if he didn’t give her a way to do so gracefully. “Come to dinner with me tonight and we can discuss more suitable sweethearts. Besides, you owe me for helping you collect all those gifts. I’ll consider a night out sufficient repayment.”

  The tightness around her mouth eased, as did the frown line between her eyebrows. He stepped closer and dusted snow off her cape and hood. Their eyes met, and his heart kicked in his chest. He hoped their children would have her gypsy eyes and midnight hair.

  Where had this recent obsession with procreation come from? He’d been with beautiful women before, but none of them had made him long to be domesticated. Never mind. He had stopped fighting this powerful connection—love, or whatever the hell one might call it—and it was time she gave in as well. Tonight, he would make her see that. After he made her his, her love for him would surpass her loyalty to David O’Brien.

  He cupped his hands on her shoulders. “Dinner. Tonight. After that, you can send me back to the North Pole if you’d like.”

  Chapter 10

  At ten minutes until seven, Sum took a final look in the mirror, adjusted his bow tie and smoothed down the points of his collar. He’d put on a black frock coat over a snowy white shirt and tie, and spiced it up with a blue brocade vest. His father, who’d cursed him with tart-red hair, had also possessed a keen eye for complimentary clothing. That one helpful trait, however, didn’t make up for the other inferior ones.

  He’d also inherited his father’s spontaneous nature, which had gotten him into trouble from a young age. That, coupled with a tendency to trust the wrong people, had left him in a financial bind. But if the last few days’ receipts were any indication, he would soon climb out of the hole. Once he paid off his creditors, he would start saving for a proper home for his new wife.

  Maggie would be his. He’d gain her promise tonight, even if he had to seduce her. Something he looked forward to. He had never set his mind on something that he’d failed, in the end, to acquire. He’d also lost most of what he’d made, but he wouldn’t lose Maggie. Her love was too valuable, worth more than all his dreams put together. If she could love him, then he could believe in himself, and he would never be a failure again.

  Knocking echoed from below. Had Maggie grown impatient? He could wish.

  Sum trotted down the stairs and turned up the gas lever, spilling light into the store. Not seeing anyone at the door, he unlocked it and looked outside, now thinking perhaps it was a childish prank.

  A man hiding into the shadows grabbed him by the throat, and putting the cold barrel of a gun to his forehead, shoved him back into the store. His attacker loomed over him, the size of a bull; taller, stronger, and based on the stench rolling off him in waves, fermented in in a barrel of cheap whiskey.

  “Don’ make a sound, or I’ll hafta kill ya.” His foul breath wafted into Sum’s face.

  Sound? He couldn’t speak, could hardly swallow past the man’s beefy grip.

  Debt collector? They were generally unpleasant characters, but this one looked larger and meaner than the ones he’d encountered before.

  Sum tried to think over the loud hammering of his heart. Panic rarely helped. “What…” he rasped. “Do you want?”

  “Your money. All of it.”

  So, the bull was a robber, as well as a debt collector. Sum cursed himself for not being more vigilant. Overpowering the massive fellow didn’t seem a viable option. He’d fought big men, but not a behemoth that had a gun held to his head. Somehow, he had to convince the inebriated attacker to relax his guard.

  “Can’t…breathe,” Sum choked out.

  The sausage-like fingers relaxed their grip, slightly.

  Sum swallowed, but was careful not to move quickly and cause alarm. The trigger-happy fool might se
nd a bullet through his brain. “Put the gun down and I’ll get the money. It’s in the register drawer.”

  He’d already put the day’s earnings in the safe, and there was no way in hell he would hand it over. But he kept a loaded revolver underneath the counter, and if he could get to it…

  “Ain’t puttin’ this gun down ’til I see that money. Let’s go over there.”

  Sum moved backwards, with the man advancing along with him. They inched toward the counter. “When we reach the register, you’ll have to release me so I can open it.”

  That would give him time to knock the man’s gun away and retrieve his—he hoped.

  Dread tightened a fist around his heart. If he died tonight, he would never see Maggie again, considering they’d end up in different places. Even if she lit a thousand candles, he doubted she could pray him into heaven. Unlike her, he had never been good, yet he yearned to spend his life with a woman who gave him the desire to be better. He wanted to show Maggie how much he loved her every day he was granted life.

  Sum focused his attention on the flat-nosed assailant and the gun. He’d watch for his chance and get out of this, just as he’d gotten out of other tight spots.

  * * *

  Maggie checked the watch pinned to her jacket. Ten minutes past. Not once had Sum been late, and now, after browbeating her into going to dinner with him, he made her wait for him.

  She paced in the dark store in front of the counter, stopping long enough to pluck a peppermint from a candy jar and pop it into her mouth. The candy would settle her stomach. It hadn’t unknotted since she’d left him standing on the sidewalk, relishing his victory.

  Arrogant Easterner, showy as a jaybird in his fashionable suits and bow ties with every strand of his gingery hair combed into place, never mind that his smile was downright sinful, and his eyes were as blue as the Kansas sky.