RICKY: A Sweet Western Historical Romance (Mail-Order Brides Club Book 5)

by Ashley Merrick

  “Is she still not feeling well?”

  Ricky frowned. “She seems to be worse, actually. I stopped by yesterday to see them, and she was sleeping. When I spoke with my father, I could tell that he’s worried. We all are.”

  “Is there nothing they can do for her?” His mother had seemed so weak when she first met her. How sad to think she was in worse condition now.

  “The doctor has tried just about everything and nothing really seems to help.”

  “Is there anything we can bring her? Is she eating at all?”

  “No, just clear soup. We won’t be able to stay long, but I think it will do her good if we pay a short visit and hopefully cheer her up a bit.”

  * * *

  The service was packed and the sermon was up-lifting. The music was lively, too, and Sarah noticed that Brianna’s clear voice shone through in some of the songs. It must be nice to have that kind of talent.

  Sarah enjoyed music immensely, but had learned many years ago that she was unable to sing on key. It was quite disappointing because she loved to sing. But for everyone’s sake, she put her energy into sewing instead.

  After the service, they saw the rest of the Donovan clan outside and, as usual, they were all heading back to Naomi and Jed’s for Sunday dinner.

  “I hope you’re joining us today?” Naomi said when she saw Sarah and Ricky.

  “We’d love to, but I think we’re going to head over to see my parents today.”

  A cloud crossed over Naomi’s face. “Please tell Evelyn I said hello. I’m sorry she’s still not feeling well.”

  “I’ll be sure to tell her.”

  Naomi wandered off and a few moments later, as they were leaving, they ran into Colleen.

  “I just heard you’re not coming by today. I’m sorry that your mother isn’t doing well.”

  “Thank you,” Ricky said.

  “Sarah, I’m assuming the two of you are going to the library benefit?”

  “Yes, will you be going, too?”

  “Most of us will be there. It should be fun. I just wanted to mention that the offer stands if you’d like to come by and use my sewing machine. I am going to be making a new dress for myself, too, and actually probably for a few others, I imagine.”

  “Oh, thank you, I really appreciate it. But, I think we are getting a machine soon.”

  “This week,” Ricky confirmed.

  “Oh, that’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you. We should get together soon anyway and talk about our design plans.”

  “I’d like that,” Sarah said. She looked forward to getting to know Colleen and the other Donovan wives better. So far, they had all been so friendly and welcoming. Very different from that Lynn woman.

  “Are you ready to go?” Ricky asked, and she snapped out of her daydream.

  “Yes, of course.”

  * * *

  A half-hour later, they pulled up the drive to the house where Ricky grew up. Although it was the middle of the day, almost one in the afternoon, the house was quiet and it didn’t look like anyone else was visiting.

  “It’s too much for my mother to have everyone over at the same time,” Ricky said as they climbed out of the buggy and walked towards the front door.

  His father opened the door as they reached it. He must have been watching for them.

  “Come in, come in. Your timing is good. She just woke up from a nap about ten minutes ago.”

  “How is she today?” Sarah asked.

  “I’d like to say she’s better, but she’s really about the same. The doctor says he’s done everything that he can. It’s in God’s hands now.”

  He led them into her bedroom. It was a lovely room. The sun was shining in through a large window by her bed and she was sitting up, surrounded by pillows and soft blankets.

  Ricky walked over to her and gently pulled her in for a hug.

  “You look better,” he said softly.

  “You can’t charm your mother. I know I look terrible,” she said with a disturbing wheeze to her voice.

  “You look beautiful to me,” he insisted.

  “Oh, go on.” She swatted his shoulder and he leaned over and kissed her forehead before standing up.

  "It's nice to see you, Mrs. Donovan," Sarah said and went over to kiss her cheek.

  "Lovely to see you too, dear. And it's Evelyn."

  Sarah smiled at that. "Of course, thank you."

  "And Andrew is with you?" Evelyn asked.

  "Yes, he's here." Sarah pushed her son forward and Evelyn reached out her hand and Andrew shook it quite seriously.

  "Tell me what you've all been up to this week?" she asked. Sarah could tell she was tired, but she seemed to draw energy from having them all near. Her face lit up as Ricky started talking, telling her all about their dinner the night before at Emily and Peter's and updating her on the coming election.

  "So, do you think I have a chance?" he asked his mother, after he finished telling her all his plans.

  "Of course! And now you have Sarah to help you, and Andrew. I have no doubt you will be our next mayor." She spoke quietly but with confidence and Sarah noticed that her words had an effect on Ricky. He stood taller and there was a sweet twinkle in his eyes. It was obvious that he adored his mother and that the feeling was mutual.

  Listening to the two of them, Sarah started to feel more confident about Ricky's chances too. Maybe she wouldn't be as much of a liability as she had feared. Maybe she could actually help-Andrew, too.

  * * *

  Ricky was quiet as they left his parents’ house after promising to stop by again in the next few days. Sarah could tell that he was upset by his mother’s condition. As friendly and charming as she’d been, her frailness was alarming. When she’d coughed, her whole body shook and the sound terrified Andrew. He’d stood close to Sarah and had barely said a word, not at all sure how to act around the tiny, sick woman.

  Out of the corner of her eye, Sarah could see the worry in Ricky’s eyes. It wasn’t there long, though. With fascination, she watched as a smile slid across his face and his mood instantly brightened. A deliberate effort, no doubt.

  “What do you say we stop for a bite to eat? We could have Sunday dinner at the Bozeman Hotel. You’ll like it there.”

  Sarah hesitated for just a moment. She went by the Bozeman Hotel every day when she walked Andrew to school and back. More than once, she’d slowed her steps to get a peek inside the luxurious hotel. The little bit that she’d been able to glimpse looked beautiful.

  “Are you sure? That seems like a special occasion kind of place.”

  Ricky chuckled. “This is a special occasion. It’s our first dinner out as a family.”

  That was hard to argue with, and very sweet.

  “Well, of course then and thank you. It’s a lovely treat.”

  Moments later, Ricky tied the buggy up outside the hotel, and they went inside. An elegantly dressed man greeted them at the restaurant’s entrance and then showed them to a round table in the center of the room.

  As they took their seats, Sarah glanced around. The surroundings were plush, with soft carpets and muted colors that offset the dark, polished wood and brass. Their table was topped with a crisp, cream-colored linen cloth and a vase of fresh-cut flowers sat in the center.

  Seconds after they were seated, a young man came to the table and filled their water glasses. A moment later, a waiter appeared to take their order.

  The menu was extensive and several of the items were things that Sarah was not familiar with. She decided to try something she had heard of, but had never had before, chicken fricassee. Ricky ordered beef tenderloin and she suggested a grilled cheese sandwich and roasted potatoes for Andrew. She knew he’d never touch any of the fancier stuff.

  After they ordered, another young man stopped by the table with a basket of bread.

  Andrew immediately reached for a roll and Sarah did the same. She was spreading butter on the hot bread when a couple walked up to the table that
she didn't recognize.

  Ricky immediately stood and held out his hand. "Dr. And Mrs. Wilson, so nice to see you."

  "You as well. This must be your new wife? Sally, is it?" The doctor had graying hair and a matching mustache and looked to be in his early sixties. His wife seemed a bit younger, though her hair was just as gray.

  “This is Sarah and her son, Andrew. Sarah, Dr. Wilson is the best doctor in town."

  "Until a few weeks ago, I was the only doctor," he chuckled, then added, "Please sit down. We don't want to interrupt your meal; we just wanted to come and say hello. I understand you're considering throwing your hat in the ring for the mayor's race?" Dr. Wilson spoke lightly but Sarah could tell it was rather a serious matter to him.

  "Yes, I've decided to enter the race," Ricky said with a smile.

  "Good, we need some young blood to take charge and get things done around here. Bozeman is a growing town. Care needs to be taken. I trust you're up to the job?"

  "Yes, sir. I agree with you. I have plenty of ideas for how we can do that. I'd be happy to sit down and discuss them with you at your convenience."

  Dr. Wilson nodded, apparently satisfied with what he'd heard so far.

  "I'd like that. I'll look you up in the coming weeks and we'll have that talk. I won't take up any more of your time now. Enjoy your meal."

  As he and his wife left, another couple approached the table. They were much younger and looked to be about Ricky's age. As soon as they reached the table, Ricky introduced them.

  "Sarah, this is John Thompson and his wife, Olivia. John owns the biggest and most successful ranch in Bozeman."

  Sarah noted that Olivia was wearing one of the prettiest dresses she'd ever seen. It was a lovely, pale blue and looked exquisitely made. She glanced Sarah's way and smiled every so slightly and Sarah immediately sensed she was similar to Lynn. Probably not someone she'd enjoy spending time with. But, she'd be happy to be wrong about that. She hated to make quick judgments that way, but in her experience, her initial read of someone was usually on target.

  "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sarah," John said and then added, "Our ranch may be the biggest, but I'm not sure it's the most successful. It should be, and it will be again. Possibly with your husband's help, if the rumors I'm hearing are true?"

  Ricky smiled. "Yes, it's true. I'm officially running for mayor."

  "Good. You have our support and we'll do what we can to help spread the word."

  "I appreciate that, John."

  John looked as though he was going to say something else, but the waiter came to the table with their meals and they took a step back to let him by.

  "Ricky, we will talk soon. Sarah, it was so nice to meet you."

  "You, as well. Lovely to meet you, too, Olivia." Olivia said nothing, just nodded and smiled tightly again. Sarah turned her attention to the food that had been set in front of her. It looked and smelled delicious.

  "I knew it was a good idea to come here," Ricky said as he cut into his steak.

  "Because you knew the food would be so good?" she teased him. Sarah had quickly realized that Ricky had an ulterior motive for bringing them there. She hadn't realized it would be such a visible place to be and an opportunity for Ricky to network and show off his new family. She was glad that she'd worn her best dress that morning and that Andrew looked neat and presentable as well.

  * * *

  While they ate, Sarah noticed people around the room glancing their way and as more people walked by on their way to be seated, many of them slowed for a minute to say a quick hello. When the waiter returned to clear their plates and offer coffee and dessert, both Sarah and Ricky ordered coffee and Andrew a dish of vanilla ice cream.

  As they sipped their coffee, the flow of people stopping by the table started up again. Sarah was fascinated by how many people seemed to know and respect Ricky. Younger people their age, as well as several older couples that were friends of his parents.

  He introduced Sarah and Andrew to all of them and by the time they finished their coffee, he had commiserated with half a dozen people about his mother's illness. Everyone seemed so concerned about her and Ricky was no longer smiling when the bill arrived. He put some money down and smiled at Sarah, but she could see the pain in his eyes. He looked tired, and worried.

  "That was nice that so many people stopped by."

  "Yes, though all my parents’ friends seem just as concerned about my mother. I thought it might have just been me thinking she is worse than she is, but they all say the same thing. It just doesn't look good for her, unless she makes a turn for the better soon. Otherwise, she'll continue to decline and grow weaker."

  "She's a strong woman. She may be able to fight this." Sarah tried to comfort him.

  "She is a fighter, but I've never seen her this frail before. I need to get back over there soon. Fortunately, I don't have any trips planned for this week. I'm going to try and stop over mid-day tomorrow."

  "That's a good idea. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to see you."

  Ricky stood. "Are you both ready to head home?"

  * * *

  Ricky was quiet on the drive home, seemingly lost in his thoughts, so Sarah didn't want to interrupt him. When they reached the house, he told them he'd meet them inside after getting the horses settled.

  When he did come inside, he went straight into his library and said he was going to work for a while. He didn't come out again that evening until nearly ten o'clock.

  Sarah was just getting ready to head up to bed herself when he walked into the kitchen, and when he saw her, he rubbed his forehead and looked a bit sheepish. "I'm sorry. I sort of lost all track of time, but I did get quite a bit of work done on this new project. It helped to have something to focus on," he admitted.

  "Are you hungry? I had some toast a little while ago. I wasn't very hungry after our large mid-day meal."

  "I haven't even thought about eating, but a piece of toast does sound good. If it's not too much trouble?"

  "No trouble at all," Sarah assured him. She set about slicing the bread and setting it on the stove directly to toast. When it was ready, she buttered it and set it on a plate for Ricky.

  "Thank you." A few minutes later, the toast was gone and Sarah was about to continue on up to bed.

  "I'm glad you're here," Ricky said, catching Sarah by surprise.

  "You are?"

  "Yes, it was nice having you by my side today. Andrew too. It was a strange day, hard with my mother and exciting seeing how much support I seem to have for the campaign. It was a long day and I think there will be longer ones ahead. I just wanted you to know I appreciated having you here."

  "Thank you. We are both happy to be here too and I'm looking forward to helping as much as possible."

  "We can stop into the mercantile tomorrow morning, before I head out to see my mother. We’ll get you a sewing machine and anything else you need to go with it, needles, thread, fabric."

  "I'd love that. I can make you some new shirts, too," she offered.

  "Could you? That would be great. I usually buy mine ready made at the mercantile."

  "We can do better than that," Sarah said with a smile.

  "They will have to vote for me. I will be the best dressed mayor!" Ricky grinned.

  "You will be!” Sarah smiled, and then said, “I’m going up to bed now. See you tomorrow."

  Chapter 11

  The next morning, around ten, Ricky and Sarah drove to the mercantile to pick up a sewing machine and everything else she needed to go along with it. She also insisted that Ricky pick out a fabric that he liked and she'd make him a new shirt. When they got everything home, he brought the sewing machine into the library and set it on a small desk in the corner. The room was a large one and there was plenty of room for her sewing supplies as well as his large desk and sofa and collection of books. The air was a bit cool outside, so Ricky lit a fire and then left to visit his mother.

  Once he was gone, Sarah got herself organized and
settled in to try out her new machine. The time flew by and before she knew it, her stomach reminded her that it was almost past time for lunch. She took a quick break to eat, and then returned to her sewing.

  By the time she had to leave to meet Andrew after school, she had made a nice start on a shirt for Ricky. After that, she would make a new pair of pants for Andrew. She also realized that she needed to stop at the mercantile again on the way home, to pick up a spool of white thread. It was the one thing she'd forgotten earlier.

  She and Andrew strolled leisurely home. He'd had a good day at school and was animatedly telling her all about it. She was so caught up in his enthusiasm that she almost forgot to stop into the mercantile, but when she saw Colleen walking through the front door, she remembered and steered Andrew over there.

  They walked over to the fabric section of the store and Colleen was already there, running a finger over a length of fabric in a lovely lavender shade. She looked up when she heard them approach.

  "Oh, I'm so glad it's you. I was hoping to run into you this week. Did you get your sewing machine yet?" Colleen asked.

  "Yes, just this morning. I've been sewing ever since."

  Colleen's eyes lit up. "What are you making? Have you started on your dress yet?"

  "No, not yet, I wanted to get the feel of the machine first and discuss some ideas with you that I'm thinking of. I started with a shirt for Ricky."

  "Oh, good, I'm glad you waited. Let's get together soon. Tomorrow ideally, or day after."

  "Tomorrow is fine for me. Do you want to stop over around this time? I am usually home from picking up Andrew by now.”

  "Perfect. And I think Julia, Emma and Brianna might want to come, too. Naomi offered to watch the children for few hours and we decided we need to let her before she changes her mind."

  Sarah chuckled at that. "Are you picking out your fabric? This is the one I chose." She found the shimmery, apricot-colored material that she'd fallen in love with earlier to show Colleen, who was suitably impressed.