Pony Express Mail-Order Bride

by Rhonda Gibson

  “No, she’ll be so overwhelmed by the attention she’s getting that she’ll just agree and then we can have a quiet wedding with family. Ma will get to see me married and she’ll be thrilled that Seth is so romantic.” Philip grinned down at her.

  “So, are you ready to help me put this together?” he asked.

  She didn’t know. It all sounded sneaky to her. What if Rebecca got angry? Told her to get herself down to that altar right then and there? Then what? Her embarrassment would be triple what it was now.

  But if it worked as Philip thought it would, Rebecca would be happy, she would be happy and the preacher would get paid for two weddings instead of one and he’d be happy. She nodded. “What do I do?”

  * * *

  Everything was going according to plan. Sunday services and lunch were complete. Now everyone was headed into the barn. Bella held her breath as Seth made his way to the front. She allowed Rebecca to fuss over her dress one last time and then watched as Philip approached.

  He stood tall and confident as he said, “Ma, I’ll escort you to your place of honor.”

  She nodded, gave a teary-eyed look to Bella and then placed her small hand in the crook of her son’s arm. Rebecca stood tall as she walked down the aisle. All eyes were upon mother and son as they went.

  Bella saw Philip lower his head and whisper in Rebecca’s ear. Her head shot up and she searched his face. Then she looked to the front, where Seth and Andrew stood. Rebecca quickly turned to look at Bella, who offered what she hoped looked like a happy smile and nodded.

  Rebecca allowed herself to be escorted to the front, where her husband waited. With a sigh, Bella slipped into the back row. She couldn’t believe how easily Rebecca had allowed herself to be moved into the position of the bride.

  Murmuring among the guests began. Confusion laced their faces. Bella felt sure they were speculating on what had become of her and Philip’s wedding.

  Bella continued to watch Philip and his mother, refusing to meet anyone’s gaze. Rebecca hugged her son before turning to face her husband.

  As soon as Rebecca and Seth faced forward, the preacher cleared his throat and said, “Dearly beloved, today we are all in for a nice surprise. Philip and Bella have decided to give Rebecca and Seth the wedding they have always dreamed of. The young couple will be married at a later time. So today we are here to reunite this man and this woman in holy matrimony...” His voice continued on.

  Bella focused on Philip’s back.

  He stood ramrod straight and was soon asked, “Who gives this woman?”

  Then he said, “I do.” He turned around and walked back to where Bella sat.

  When all eyes were on the couple being married, Philip leaned over and whispered, “See? I told you it would work. Look how happy she is.”

  Bella shook her head. “We can’t see her face. She might be ready to wring both our necks when this is over,” she hissed back.

  “No. She’s happy. She even thanked me.” He sat back with a look of satisfaction on his handsome face.

  Bella thought about how easy it was for Philip to make things go the way he wanted them to. Did he do that with everyone? Would he manipulate her in the future?

  She pushed the worrisome thought away and focused on Caleb and Mark. The two little boys stood behind Andrew making funny faces at the crowd.

  Unlike her, the two boys loved all the attention they were getting. Joy stood on the other side behind Rebecca trying to get them to stop, which made the guests chuckle softly.

  As soon as the ceremony was complete, the guests all rose to wish the happy couple well. The Young family, both men and women, began to clear away the seating. They scooted the homemade benches and chairs against the walls and stalls of the barn.

  Soon the fiddle players took their spots and began to play a soft tune. Seth and Rebecca were the first couple on the dance floor. Everyone watched for several moments before joining them.

  Philip came back and held his hand out to Bella. “Just one dance.” He grinned.

  How could she refuse? He’d made it possible for her to avoid the big wedding. His blue eyes shone down on Bella as he led her into the flowing dance steps. He twirled her about the dance floor, leaving her feeling breathless.

  As soon as the music stopped, Philip walked with her to the refreshment table. “Where did you learn to dance like that?” Bella asked as she picked up a prepoured punch glass.

  “Ma taught me. She taught us all.” He grabbed a cup and took a big drink.

  Bella looked to where Rebecca and Seth stood. Several people surrounded them. She assumed congratulations were being offered. She looked around the room, where the other brothers were dancing with young ladies. Not seeing Andrew or Emma, her gaze began to search the barn. Andrew had told Bella that he intended to ask Emma to marry him. Was he doing that now?

  After several long moments, she spotted them standing beside the door talking to the preacher. Bella smiled as she watched as the three of them left the building.

  “Now, isn’t that interesting?” Philip said close to her ear.

  She glanced sideways at him. “What?”

  “Big brother Andrew and his sweetheart just left with the preacher.” He grinned at her, then set down his cup. “Let’s follow them.”

  “Why?” Bella put her cup in the tub for dirty dishes.

  He grabbed her hand and tugged at it. “Why not?”

  She allowed him to guide her across the barn floor and out the door. Andrew and Emma were nowhere to be seen. Bella thought she knew where they had gone, but she wasn’t sure.

  Philip asked, “Where could they have gone?”

  Bella looked toward the hidden path that ran behind the outhouse. She grinned.

  His gaze followed hers. “Not behind the outhouse.” He shook his head. “The preacher was with them.”

  Philip looked so downhearted at having lost his brother and Emma that Bella giggled. “Oh, come on, nosy britches.” This time she was the one doing the tugging. “But be quiet. I don’t want to get caught.”

  Together they followed the little trail Emma had taken Bella down before. Just before entering the clearing where Andrew had created Emma a special place, they heard the preacher’s voice.

  “I’m sorry, folks, but you don’t have any witnesses.”

  Philip whispered, “Witnesses?”

  Bella nodded.

  Philip stepped out into the clearing. “What do they need witnesses for?” he asked.

  Emma turned with a gasp.

  Bella wanted to throttle him. Why couldn’t he just be still for once and wait to see what was going on? She followed him into the clearing.

  Andrew looked at his brother and scowled. “What are you two doing here?”

  “Following you,” Philip answered. “What are you two doing here?”

  The preacher looked from brother to brother. He seemed to have forgotten that Philip had asked him a question.

  Emma looked at Bella, then a smile broke across her lips. She tugged on Andrew’s arm. “Andy, they can be our witnesses.”

  The preacher finally found his voice. “Would you two be willing to stand in as their witnesses so that Andrew and Emma can get married?”

  Philip smiled broadly. He searched his brother’s face. “You do know Ma will have your hide for getting married without her.”

  Andrew nodded.

  “And everyone says I’m the rebel.” Philip looked to the minister. “I’ll be a witness.”

  All three of them turned to Bella. “I don’t know. What about Rebecca? She’s going to be so angry at us all.”

  Emma separated herself from Andrew. “She might for a little while. But we really want to get married and Preacher Pruitt isn’t going to be back for at least six months.”

>   “Well, instead of making Rebecca angry, why don’t we have a double wedding?” Bella turned to the preacher. “Would you mind marrying them at the same time you marry us?”

  A smile lit up his face. “That sounds excellent.”

  Bella turned to Emma. “Do you mind?”

  Emma looked to Andrew. “I don’t, if Andy doesn’t.”

  Andrew walked over to them. He put his arm around Emma’s waist and gently pulled her to his side. “I don’t care how we get married. I just want to marry you.”

  Philip was the only one who didn’t look happy at the prospect of a double wedding. Bella frowned. “Philip?”

  “What’s the matter, little brother? ’Fraid I’ll steal your moment?” Andrew asked, punching his brother in the shoulder.

  Philip frowned at him. “No.”

  Bella placed her hand in his. “Then what is it?”

  He pouted. “I was looking forward to watching Andrew tell Ma that he’d up and got hitched without her.” Philip looked up and laughed, letting her know he was teasing. This time Bella hit him in the arm.

  “Well, if all that’s settled. We’d all better get back to the party before we’re missed.” The preacher walked away, shaking his head.

  Bella thought she heard him mutter “Kids.”

  Were they all just kids? She looked at Andrew and Philip. She’d never asked Philip how old he was, just assumed he was the same age as her, eighteen. According to popular belief she should have been married two years ago. She followed the preacher back. He was short and round, and his hair was gray. So he probably did see them as a bunch of kids.

  As they reentered the yard, Bella saw a couple of wagons driving away. Other families were gathering up their children and leaving. With their departure, Bella knew that soon she’d be standing in front of Philip’s family and her nephews agreeing to be Philip’s wife. Her hands and heart trembled at the thought of marrying a man she’d met only a few days before.

  Chapter Ten

  Philip sighed with relief when the preacher said, “I now pronounce you husbands and wives. You may kiss your brides.” He bent down and lightly brushed Bella’s lips with his own. They quivered beneath his.

  She opened her eyes when he pulled back. He placed his forehead on hers and breathed. “We did it.”

  “Yes, we did.”

  The family cheered around them. Philip lifted his head and looked to Andrew. His brother only had eyes for Emma. Emma’s smile spoke volumes as to her love for his brother.

  Philip prayed they would be happy forever. He didn’t want to open his heart to his new bride because he didn’t want to be hurt. He also didn’t want her to be hurt.

  His gaze moved back to Bella. She’d moved away from him and was hugging Caleb and Mark. They’d agreed to be friends and thankfully she felt the same way about love as he did.

  Caleb pulled away. “Are we going to Philip’s house to live now?”

  Bella smiled. “In a little while.”

  Mark tucked his small hand into hers. “I want to stay with you, Aunt Bella.”

  She picked him up. “I’m going, too, you little rascal.” Bella tickled him and held on while he squirmed in her arms.

  Philip didn’t miss that his parents and other brothers were crowded around Andrew and Emma. They knew his and Bella’s marriage wasn’t a love match. He walked over to his new family.

  Seth and Rebecca finished hugging Andrew and Emma and walked over to them. Rebecca hugged them both and touched the little boys’ faces. Seth slapped him on the back and said, “Congratulations.”

  Philip smiled. “Thanks.”

  The rest of the family hurried over and offered their congratulations, as well. Hazel and Fay began cleaning up and chattering about the sounds of pitter-pattering feet in the near future.

  Seth put the other boys to work and soon the barn was back to its original state. They all headed back into the house. The women went to the kitchen and the men into the sitting room. Philip watched Bella join his mother and the others. Did she feel as uncomfortable as he did right now?

  Caleb and Mark looked lost. Benjamin had gone to his room to change out of his Sunday clothes. Philip called the boys to him. “Why don’t you young men stay in here with the rest of us?” He smiled at them.

  Caleb moved to his side, but Mark looked longingly toward where Bella had disappeared into the kitchen. Philip assumed the little boy was feeling unsure about his future. He walked to Mark and rested his hand on the little boy’s head, drawing his attention.

  Mark looked up. “Will Aunt Bella come back?”

  Philip kneeled in front of him. “Sure she will. She’s just going to help the women clean up.” He felt Caleb move closer to his brother.

  Tears filled Mark’s eyes. “But she got married today. What will happen to Caleb and me?” he asked, with a crack in his young voice.

  Aware of the other men in the room, Philip pulled Mark into his arms. “Your aunt Bella loves you very much and will never leave you.” He lifted Mark’s chin to look him in the eye. “And she married me. I’m now your uncle Philip. I’ll take care of you, too. You’re going home with us and we want you to live with us for as long as you want to.”

  Mark sniffled. “Really?”

  “Yes, really.” He smiled. “You’re family now. All these people are your family.” Philip indicated all the men who had gathered around them.

  Seth laid a hand on Philip’s shoulder. “That’s right. You can call me Grandpa Seth, if you want to.”

  Andrew nodded. “And we’re all your uncles.”

  Philip felt a lump in his throat. He swallowed and stood. His family were accepting Caleb and Mark.

  Mark looked up and he smiled. “I have a big family now, huh?”

  Clayton laughed. “Yes, you do, and you might not like it all the time.”

  Benjamin grinned. “I’m your uncle, too.”

  Caleb frowned. “But you aren’t big yet.”

  “Don’t have to be big,” Benjamin insisted.

  Seth put a stop to the arguing. “All right, boys, let’s play a game of checkers while we wait for the ladies to join us.”

  Philip watched Seth lead the boys to the game board. He realized at that moment that his times of silliness and freedom were over. Would he be a good stepfather for the boys? The seriousness of his circumstances hit him hard. Could he handle all the trials that were coming his way?

  * * *

  Bella joined the women in the kitchen. They were a bustle of activity. Unsure what she should do, Bella walked to her mother-in-law.

  “What can I do to help?” she asked.

  “Would you mind putting a kettle of water on for tea? We have coffee made, but I’d like a spot of tea.” She smiled at Bella as she set a pile of plates at Fay’s elbow.

  “I’ll be happy to. I could use some tea myself.” Bella picked up the teakettle and headed to the back door, where the well stood a few feet away.

  She sighed as the bucket clattered down the well. What a day. Thankfully it would soon be over and in the morning she, Philip and the boys would be headed to the relay station. To their normal life. She poured water into the kettle. Would life ever be normal for her again?

  Bella went back into the kitchen. Women’s laughter filled the warm air. Maybe this was her new normal. She squared her shoulders and joined the others.

  Within a matter of minutes, they had the kitchen clean and were sitting around the table sipping hot tea. Rebecca looked from Bella to Emma. “I truly am blessed. I have two new daughters.”

  Bella felt heat fill her cheeks. She’d not thought of herself as being Rebecca’s daughter. The way her mother-in-law said it made it seem as if she was pleased.

  Emma smiled. “We’re the ones who are blessed. I nev
er dreamed I’d really be a part of your family.”

  Fay smiled. “We are all blessed to be a part of each other’s lives.” She smiled at them all over her cup of tea.

  Hazel raised her teacup. “I’ll drink to that.”

  Giggles sounded around the table.

  Little Joy watched as if fascinated at the activities around her. “I have two new sisters?” she asked.

  “Yes, you do.” Rebecca hugged her youngest close to her side.

  Bella grinned. It would be nice to have a mother again. Rebecca would never replace her real mother, but to have someone to talk to when the boys did things that she didn’t understand might be a good thing. Plus, sharing recipes and housekeeping tips might be nice. “I’m happy to be a part of the family, too,” she said.

  Emma leaned over and put her arm around Bella’s shoulders. “You’ll get used to us soon.”

  Bella leaned into her embrace. “I’m sure I will. It just takes me a little longer to get used to lots of people being around.”

  Her mother-in-law nodded. “Would you mind telling us a little about yourself, Bella? That might make you feel more comfortable around us.”

  Emma tightened her hand on Bella’s shoulder, offering a form of comfort.

  “Um, all right.” She paused. What should she tell them?

  Josephine spoke for the first time. She reached across the table and laid her hand on Bella’s. “When I first joined the family, I felt a little like you, Bella. I came from a loving home, but when my ma died, I felt alone in the world. My papa was busy trying to make a living and then he disappeared, leaving me in the care of my uncle. He had a gambling problem and thought I was a pawn he could sell to pay for his debts. To get away from him and his gambling partner, I answered Philip’s mail-order-bride ad to marry Thomas. That’s part of how I came into the family. I’ll tell you more once we get back to the house, but for now I hope knowing a little more about me will help you to share.”

  Bella nodded. “It does.”

  Fay set down her cup. “After my husband died, my landlord kicked me out of my home. He sold the house and it is being turned into a telegraph office. Thankfully Rebecca came by and rescued me. She moved me here with her family and has treated me like family ever since.” She smiled at her friend.