Pony Express Mail-Order Bride

by Rhonda Gibson

  “A month.”

  “And how much of that time has passed?”

  “A little more than a week.”

  Impulsively he kissed her quickly on the lips and then stood. “That gives us plenty of time. In the morning I’m having Brooks arrested for breaking into my house and scaring my wife and kids almost to death.”

  “He’s staying in someone’s house who is gone for the winter. But I don’t know the name. Will he be able to get out of jail fast?” Worry lined her voice.

  Philip shook his head. “No. If he’s staying in someone’s home, the sheriff might have to hold him until the owner comes back.” He grinned at her. “Trust me, the sheriff will help us detain him for a long time.”

  Her eyes lit. He assumed it was because with Marlow in jail, he couldn’t threaten or hurt the boys anymore. “But what about poor Sam?”

  “The sheriff can look into that, too. But I have a feeling that’s all a lie just to get you to go with Marlow.” Philip picked up his coffee.

  Bella yawned. Her eyes drooped and her shoulders slumped.

  Now he understood why she hadn’t been sleeping. Anger burned deeply in Philip, but he was trying hard not to show it. He walked over and took Bella’s hand in his. She looked up at him, the shadows under her eyes even more prominent. Philip pulled her to her feet. “Go lie down by the boys. You need rest. I’ll stay up and keep an eye on Mark.”

  She didn’t argue and simply turned away, but then Bella wheeled back to face him. “Thank you, Philip.”

  He nodded. “You’re welcome, honey.”

  Bella grinned. “That’s the second time you’ve called me that.”

  Philip chuckled. He wasn’t deeply in love with this woman, but he did love her. It was a realization that had hit him earlier when he’d learned that she’d been threatened. Philip became aware he was staring and answered her. “It won’t be the last, either. Go get some sleep.”

  Loving a little bit was all right. He just had to guard his heart and not fall deeply in love. Was that possible? Now that he’d admitted that he loved her, could he keep himself from falling so deeply in love that should something happen to her he’d survive? Or had his father passed on that weakness to him?

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Bella woke to the sound of boys giggling. Mark was sitting up playing horses with his brother. His cheeks had a rosy glow. Both boys had dressed and their hair had been combed.

  “Mark’s better this morning, Aunt Bella.”

  She looked about but saw no sign of Philip and sat up. “I see that. Do you feel sick or anything, Mark?”

  “No. Philip said he should tan my hide but is too happy that I’m not sick to do such a thing.” He grinned. “I’ve never had my hide tanned. Have you, Aunt Bella?”

  Bella frowned. “No, but I can guarantee you it probably isn’t a pleasant experience. So I’d wipe that grin off my face if I were you, young man.”

  Mark’s smile faded. “I’m sorry, Aunt Bella. Philip said I scared you real bad. I didn’t mean to.”

  “I know you didn’t.” She pulled him into a quick hug. “But if you ever do anything like that again, I’ll do worse than tan your hide.”

  She stood up and started folding their blankets and quilts.

  “Philip saved me,” Mark told her.

  The awe in his voice touched her heart. “Yes, he did. Where is he, anyway?” She wondered if he had left her and the boys alone. Bella refused to believe that he had deserted them because of what she’d told him, even though it was what she feared.

  “I’m here.” He stepped through the closet door and grinned at her. “I was beginning to think you might sleep all day.”

  Her gaze moved to the kitchen window. Sunshine flooded the kitchen. “I guess I did sleep longer than most days.”

  Caleb hugged her around the waist. “It’s all right. You helped save Mark, too.”

  “So did you.” She smiled at him. Bella thought about scolding him for not telling them sooner where Mark had gone, but she decided the little boy had suffered enough watching his little brother recover from the cold ice and water.

  A knock sounded on the front door. Philip motioned for Bella to step back. He opened the door.

  Bella sighed when she heard him say, “Well, hello, Josephine. Come on in.”

  Josephine stepped inside. She carried a basket. Her gaze jumped from Philip to Bella. “Is everyone all right? Thomas said you didn’t come over this morning to help with chores and I didn’t get my bread.” She smiled to take the sharpness out of her voice.

  Philip looked past Josephine into the yard. “Did Thomas come with you?”

  “Of course. He’s putting the horses away.” Josephine frowned. “What’s going on here?”

  Bella looked to Philip. He answered, “Bella can tell you all about it. I’m going to see what Thomas is up to out there.” He turned and looked at the boys. “Either of you want to come?”

  “I do,” Caleb answered, hurrying to put his boots on.

  Mark shook his head. He crawled up in the rocking chair with his horse. “Aunt Bella, can I have a cookie?”

  Josephine’s eyes narrowed. “Are you sick, Mark?” She walked over and put her hand to his forehead, then looked at Bella. “He feels all right.”

  Philip and Caleb shut the door behind them when they left. Bella smiled. “He’s fine. Probably just tired.”

  Mark nodded. He set the chair to rocking and pretended his wooden horse was galloping on the arm.

  “And no, you may not have a cookie. I have to fix breakfast first.” She headed to the kitchen with Josephine following close behind.

  “Breakfast? Don’t you mean lunch?” She plopped the basket on the table. “And tell me about what? I bet you thought I’d forgotten, didn’t you?”

  Bella laughed. She was glad to see her friend and even happier to finally be able to tell her about the previous day and the shenanigans of Marlow Brooks. While she cooked, Josephine helped. Bella retold the story of Mark almost drowning, and then when it came time to tell Josephine that Marlow said she was wanted by the law, Bella stopped speaking.

  Josephine set plates and silverware on the table and then turned to face Bella. “How come I have the feeling you aren’t telling me everything? You can tell me anything.”

  Bella swallowed hard. “Really? What if I told you that I’m wanted for murder?”

  “Did you kill someone?” Josephine placed her hands on her hips and waited.

  She shook her head. “No, but my ex-fiancé, Marlow, says that the sheriff is looking for me because they think I killed my boss at the bakery.”

  Josephine walked over to her, put her arm around her shoulders and hugged her. “If you said you didn’t do it, you didn’t do it.”

  “Thank you for believing me.” She wrapped her arm around Josephine’s waist and hugged her back.

  “We’re sisters.” She leaned her head against Bella’s. “I’ll always believe in you and I’ll always believe you. Nothing can take that away from us.”

  Bella missed her sister but was thankful that the Lord had seen fit to give her a new one.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  That night, Philip moved his family back to the relay station. He wanted them safe and knew that he’d need to do chores and ride the Pony Express trail. The thought of Marlow Brooks breaking in on Bella and the boys again worried him.

  Thankfully Josephine and Thomas didn’t mind them all moving back. Josephine even teased that with Bella around, they’d never go hungry for fresh bread. The boys were happy to sleep in the bedroom with Bella and Philip again. They all four slept on the floor.

  The next morning, Philip hitched up the wagon and he and Bella headed to town. Caleb and Mark stayed behind with Thomas and Josephine. Bo
th boys were excited because a rider was going to pass through and they loved watching them come and go.

  Their first stop was the sheriff’s office, where Bella told the sheriff all the things that Marlow had said and done since he’d arrived in town. She also told him that Marlow had bragged about breaking into someone’s home and living there while they were away.

  “But I’m not sure where the house is. All I know is that there aren’t any neighbors for miles around,” she explained.

  He smiled at her. “You know enough. There is only one farm like that. It’s the Miller place.” The floor creaked as he stood. “They are an older couple who have started going to their daughter’s place during the winter. I’ll go out now and get our man.”

  Bella stood also. “Will he be free soon?”

  Philip and the sheriff exchanged grins. “Mrs. Young, I can hang on to him until spring. I have it on good authority that’s when the Millers will be heading home.”

  She sighed but then caught her breath. “Will I have to see him?”

  “No, ma’am. He’s squatting on someone else’s property. That’s nothing to do with you.” He opened the door for them to leave. The sheriff held out his hand to Philip. “Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I’ll keep you posted.”

  Philip shook his hand and nodded. “Appreciate it.”

  Just as they stepped out onto the boardwalk, the sheriff asked, “You folks going to be in town long?”

  “Most of the day,” Philip answered. He placed his hand on the small of Bella’s back. She seemed to be trembling.

  The sheriff untied his horse from the hitching post. “Then I’ll be seeing you in a while.”

  They watched the sheriff ride out of town. Bella shuddered. “I’d hate to be Marlow today.”

  Philip laughed. “Now that that is done, are you ready to go to the bank and see if there are any buildings in town to buy or rent?”

  She nodded. “Are we going to be able to afford a house and a business?”

  Using the palm of his hand, Philip guided her to the bank. “I guess we’ll find out.” He’d had the same thought but hoped his savings would be enough to at least put a down payment on something and then carry a loan with the bank.

  Bella led the way inside the bank. There didn’t appear to be any customers. The teller cages were located at the back and a small office was off to the left.

  The banker stepped out and grinned. “Philip Young, what are you doing in the bank with such a pretty lady?”

  Philip laughed and clasped hands with Mr. Peters, the one and only banker in town. “Good to see you, Mr. Peters. This pretty lady is my wife, Bella Young. We thought we’d come by and see if you had any property for sale.”

  “Come on into my office.” He indicated they each take a seat in front of the big oak desk. Before shutting the door, he called out, “Mrs. Crabtree, make sure I’m not disturbed.”

  Philip heard a young voice answer, “Yes, sir.”

  Mr. Peters shut the door and walked around the desk. He sat down and leaned back in his chair. “What kind of property are you folks looking for?”

  “Business.”

  He studied Philip for several long moments. “You giving up on the Pony Express?”

  Philip nodded. “Yes, figure it’s time I settle down and start my own business.”

  The banker leaned forward and began to go through stacks of papers on his desk. “What kind of business?”

  “Making furniture.” Philip pulled up one leg and laid his booted foot over his knee.

  Mr. Peters nodded. “I heard the telegraph lines were going to put the Pony Express out of business. I’d hoped that wasn’t the case.” He pulled out a couple of sheets and laid them in front of Philip.

  “Me, too.” Philip left the papers where the banker had laid them. His fingers itched to reach for them, but he didn’t want to seem too eager.

  “What do you think of this business idea, Mrs. Young?”

  Bella sat up a little taller. “I think my husband has real talent when it comes to wood and making furniture.” She smiled broadly at Philip.

  Mr. Peters laughed. “Spoken like a true newlywed.” He pulled out another sheet of paper. “I have three properties you might be interested in.” He pushed the papers closer to Philip. “Look at those and let me know if they might be something you are looking for.”

  Philip did as he was asked. They were all a little more expensive than what he had saved. He recognized the locations of each of them. Two of them were close to the church, school and parsonage. The other one was closer to the new restaurant. “Would you mind showing them to us?” he asked.

  “I’ll do you one better and let you have the keys. You and the missus can go look at them to your heart’s desire.” He turned behind him, where a board with pegs had several keys hanging on it.

  Bella leaned over to look at the papers in his hands. The soft scent of cinnamon drifted up into his nostrils. “Mr. Peters, the two that are close together, are they both business buildings?”

  He turned back around and handed Philip the keys. “No, one is for business. The other is a small house that, as the family grows, can be added onto.”

  She turned her head up and looked at Philip. “That might not be too bad.”

  Mr. Peters reached across the desk and tapped the other paper, drawing their attention. “That property is two stories. The upper portion has living quarters; the bottom was meant to house a business. So you might like that one also.”

  Philip stood. “We’ll go look. Are you in a hurry for us to get back? After we look, we’ll go grab lunch and talk about the properties.”

  He came around the desk and opened the door. “No hurry at all. Take your time.” Mr. Peters looked out into the empty lobby. “As you can see, we aren’t that busy today.” He walked with them to the door.

  “Thank you.” Philip opened the door for Bella, who smiled at the banker and stepped out into the sunshine. He followed her down the steps and onto the boardwalk. “Which do you want to go see first?”

  “The one by the restaurant is closest, but if we go to the one by the church first, we can eat after we look at the one by the restaurant.”

  Her reasoning made sense. “Sounds good to me.” They walked down half a block and then over two more. The town of Dove Creek was small.

  Bella pulled her coat tighter around her body. She stepped carefully around the patches of ice and snow, reminding Philip that it was still wintertime. He should have considered her before suggesting they walk to the various buildings.

  “Are you cold?”

  She smiled. “A little, but I’m also enjoying being out in the sunshine. So I’m all right.”

  They arrived at the business building first. Philip liked that it sat on a corner lot. The parsonage, church and school filled the lot directly across from the business building. “I like the location,” he said, opening the door and then stepping back for her to enter first.

  It wasn’t very big. Philip tried to picture in his mind what it would look like.

  Bella nodded. “This would work. You could have your counter and register over there. The furniture could sit here and here.” She pointed at each spot as if she could see it in her mind’s eye. “I would set up a wall here and make that your work space.” She turned to look at him. “What do you think?”

  He thought she was beautiful. Everything about Bella made him happy today. He couldn’t say that, so instead he said, “I think it will work. You’ll probably need to help me see your vision if we get this place. How about we check out the house now?”

  She practically danced out of the building. For the first time in a while, Bella seemed happy. Philip enjoyed spending time alone with her—he didn’t want to admit it, but Philip wanted to be with Bella forever. And th
e love he felt was growing. He tried to ignore it but feared it was too late.

  * * *

  Bella looked around the house. It was much nicer than where they lived now. The hardwood floors shone with fresh polish. The walls were a soft cream color. The kitchen was a room by itself on the left. The sitting room was on the right and the bedrooms were more toward the back.

  “Would you want to live here?” Philip asked, looking out a window.

  “It’s very bright and sunny in here.” Bella walked to the kitchen. “Oh, look. A real stove.” She touched the black metal.

  Philip smiled. “I bet you could make wonderful bread with that.”

  “Maybe.” Bella didn’t want to show her excitement at having a real stove. Cooking over an open flame wasn’t the easiest, but she was used to it and her meals came out just fine that way.

  The two bedrooms were simple rooms. Bella decided the boys would use the one with no windows. That way she could be sure they were safe at night. “It’s a nice house, but let’s not make any quick decisions until we see the last one.”

  He nodded. “Agreed. Are you ready to go to the last one?”

  “Yes. We might like it even better, since we can live in the top half and run the business from the bottom.” Bella walked out the door and onto the wide porch. She could picture herself sitting in a rocker, enjoying the quietness of evening.

  Philip talked about the business as they walked. “I liked your idea of blocking off part of the store to create an area for building. I wonder if we can do that at this next building.”

  “I don’t see why not,” Bella answered. Her feet were starting to get cold and the wind seemed to have picked up since they were in the house.

  “I do believe it’s getting colder,” Philip said as he entered the big two-story building. “This place looks huge.”

  Bella agreed. She hurried inside to get out of the wind. The downstairs had one large entry room and then three more rooms that created a circle. “I’ve never seen a house like this.” The stairs wound from the top floor to the bottom right beside the doorway.