by Indiana Wake
The Bride Who Ran Away
Western Brides
Indiana Wake
Fair Havens Books
Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Epilogue
35 Sweet Western Brides – Preview
Also by Indiana Wake
About the Author
©Copyright 2018 Indiana Wake
Introduction
Hearts and Hands Mail Order Bride Agency
The tradition of mail order bride’s dates back to 1620 but most of us are more familiar with the 1800s.
The first mail order bride adverts appeared following the gold rush. Men went West and became prosperous but without the possibility of family they soon became morose. They drank too much and so the first matrimonial adverts began.
At first men write to their churches, in the hope of finding moral ladies who would take on such an adventure and travel West to become their wives.
Often the men would offer their hand in marriage in return for the lady coming West. Offers of petticoats, shoes, and caps were also made.
In time women began to place their own adverts hoping to attract a prosperous man.
That is where the idea of this series began. Each of the books is a complete tail and they can be read in any order.
In the first book a young woman is offered a man’s Heart and Hand and from this an idea emerges in her mind.
Just like the brave pioneers she begins a new life and a hope to bring order and civilisation to a land that needed love and family to make it complete
I hope you will enjoy these books as much as we have writing them.
If you missed book 1: The First Bride grab it now.
Blessings.
Each of these books can be read alone but if you wish to read them all find them here:
The First Bride
The Bride who Stole his Heart
A Bride for the Faithful Groom
The Pregnant Brides Trouble
The Bride who Ran Away
1
“Honestly, Pastor, you really need to put my son down.”
Sean looked up and saw a pleasantly plump raven-haired woman standing over him. There was a sweet smile on her face and she was holding a broom. As he stared she raised her eyebrows.
On Sean’s lap, Liam Lambert giggled and waved his arms at his mother. He had been sitting happily with Sean, chewing on his jacket and getting himself and his caretaker soggy. Sean didn’t mind, he was content to sit there and watch the women work while he cuddled the baby.
“Sorry, Bryony.”
Feeling his face getting warm, Sean adjusted his grip on Liam and handed him over to his mother.
“I just can’t help it. This is something I don’t get to do very often.”
Bryony laughed, propping her son upon her hip. She looked very much at home with a child in her arms.
“You held him enough at the christening.”
“I know. But he is so very cute.”
As if on cue, Liam gurgled and flapped his arms, accidentally smacking his mother in the face.
Sean laughed, which only set Liam off again. Bryony rolled her eyes.
“Honestly, you two! I swear you’re as bad as Lee is with Liam. The pair of them gets up to so much trouble.”
“He’s only a baby.”
“Which one?”
Sean bit back a laugh.
“I’ll let Lee know you said that.”
“He already knows.” Bryony gave Sean a smirk. “You do know what you can do to spend time holding children... as you like it so much.”
“No?” Sean’s brows dropped.
“Have a child of your own.”
“Last time I checked, men can’t have babies, Bryony.”
“Well, you may be right there... I know what... you could look for a wife.”
Bryony cast a glance across the church. Sean didn’t need to look to know who she was looking at. It would be Melissa.
She was up by the altar, arranging the fresh flowers she had just brought in. Ever since coming to San Francisco, Melissa had shown her love for flowers. She would spruce up the church with them, making the whole place look brighter and more welcoming and their scent filled the place with a breath of summer.
But they paled in comparison to Melissa. Sean had thought that from the moment he saw her. She was beautiful. Dark-haired, blue-eyed, tall and slim, she looked like an angel. Though he knew she had endured a tough life growing up, she had still come through it all with incredible strength. Sean admired her for that. He couldn’t help but admire her.
And now they were stepping down this road again. Sean had hoped people would stop talking about marriage. But there was no such luck. He was fine with marrying people, but marriage for himself was out of the question. Which was a shame; for he knew who he would pick for his wife.
A sigh left him.
It would never happen now. Sean stood and headed toward the front of the church. The room echoed back his footsteps, and this wasn’t something Sean wanted Melissa overhearing. He beckoned Bryony to follow him, and they stepped out into the sunshine.
“Why are we out here?” Bryony asked.
“Because I don’t want Melissa to hear me scold you.” Sean scowled at her. “Don’t start this again, Bryony.”
“What? You two would be perfect together. And you keep staring at her. When are you actually going to approach her and let her know you want more than a casual friendship?”
Sean gritted his teeth. “I told you, this topic is not up for discussion.” He ran his hands through his hair. “I have more important things to worry about.”
Bryony stared at him with wide eyes.
“You what?” she snorted rudely. “Come on, Sean! That is a pathetic excuse and you know it! Melissa clearly loves you. So much so she’s turned down all other offers for suitors. And there have been quite a few of them.”
That Sean wasn’t expecting. He had not seen any men walking Melissa out, or taking her to dinner. That was how Mary from the Hands and Hearts Mail Order Bride Agency liked to do things. First the men had to apply in writing. Mary would vet them and then let the ladies see the letters. The ladies would then choose who they would meet and Mary would arrange a meeting in a public place. It was done for the ladies safety and so far it had worked out well.
Sean had seen plenty of men at his services, trying to get Melissa’s attention, but she ignored them. Sean thought she was sifting through the letters and would make her choice when she found someone who was worth her time.
“I thought she was simply not finding the right man.”
Bryony sighed.
“She has found the right man, Sean. The problem is, the right man isn’t aware of it.” She raised her eyebrows at him, hoisting Liam further up her hip, “or willing to become one of those that needs to be matched up. Melissa’s the last one before the next group of women come in. The competition for her is getting pretty fierce.”
Sean didn’t doubt that. Melissa had everything a man could want to be a perfect wife.
But she wouldn’t choose him. Sean knew she wouldn’t. He growled and turned away.
“I won’t be able to compete with any of the men here.”
“Don’t be silly.”
“Seriously, Bryony, what have I got to offer her? I’m too old for her, I’m not a strong man and I’m hardly the best at conversation.”
“You seem to talk to Melissa absolutely fine.”
“I think it does,” Bryony responded. “How do you think I ended up with Lee?”
“You went into labor and he proposed.”
“That’s the long and the short of it.” Bryony sighed. “Sean, you need to approach Melissa.”
Approach Melissa. Sean had thought about that for months. But the more he got to know her, the more he realized it could never happen. Melissa wouldn’t be able to look at him the same way he looked at her. Not now.
“How do I do that?” Sean asked. “What do you expect me to say?”
“That you want to marry her.”
“Just like that? Bryony, Melissa would see that as charity. I have no idea what to say.” He shook his head and turned away. “It’s better for me to keep away from her. It’s safer.”
As he walked away he realized that he didn’t like it. Being away from Melissa was painful. Seeing her every day brightened his mood. He always felt better when she was around. Keeping his distance was difficult.
“I really don’t agree with you on that,” Bryony called solemnly.
“I don’t really care what you think.”
“Do you want more cuddles with my son?”
Sean stopped and turned back, his face a picture of distress.
Bryony indicated Liam, who was gurgling as he reached for Sean.
Sean nodded, it was all he could do for the little bundle of love had totally captivated him.
“Then do something about it,” Bryony said.
“Oh, you’re resorting to blackmail now?” Sean looked at Liam, who laughed. “She’s using you as a weapon little one?” Quickly, he plucked the baby out of his mother’s arms. “Two can play at that game, so I’m not giving you back.”
“Hey!”
Sean darted away, Bryony chased him among the gravestones.
Liam giggled and waved his arms around, clearly enjoying the chase.
2
Melissa stood in the doorway of the church and watched as Bryony chased Sean around the cemetery, with Liam cuddled safely in his arms. All three of them were laughing, although Bryony looked ready to swat Sean.
It was a sweet sight. Liam clearly adored Sean, and Sean loved the little boy, that much was plain to see.
He would make a great father.
Every time Melissa thought that, she felt the ache in her chest. Sean seemed to be perfect. Kind, gentle, patient, and non-judgmental. His auburn hair was cut short with just the hint of a curl, and Melissa had to stop herself from running her hands through his hair, just to see how soft it was.
And that smile… even from the start, it made her weak at the knees. There were times when it was just the two of them in the church, and that smile felt like it was only for her.
But that was the problem. It must all be in her mind because nothing was happening. Melissa had waited for months, waited to see if Sean would do anything beyond simply talking with her. She was sure there was something between them – she was young, but she wasn’t naïve – but Sean kept her at arm’s reach. It was like he was very much aware of something between them and it frightened him.
Melissa didn’t want frightened. She just wanted him. But she was scared the moment she confessed to the pastor how she really felt about him, that Sean would run. He would turn his back on her. Melissa didn’t want to go through that, and the wait was starting to get frustrating.
She didn’t know what to do anymore. Her feelings for the pastor kept growing every day, but Melissa felt like she was waiting for something that was seeming to be impossible. All she wanted was some slight indication that her feelings weren’t misguided, that things were going to be all right. But Sean, while warm, pleasant and sweet with her, never showed any interest. He was ever the gentleman.
Melissa was beginning to hate that.
As soon as she was able, just as the sun was going down, Melissa went over to the mission station. She had only met Mary Stanier for the first time when she came to San Francisco, but she liked the other woman.
Mary ran the Hands and Hearts Mail Order Bride Agency and she was a natural matchmaker. It had been her idea to bring them here. To help the men in the town and to help the women find new lives. So far, the other three who had come with Melissa were now married, her friend Bryony being the most recent one. But that had been months ago now. Nothing had happened since and the men were getting impatient.
Maybe Mary could help, give her some insight on what to do. Melissa wasn’t a very confident person with others, especially men. Perhaps Mary would know how to work her magic once more.
The door to the mission station was always open, and Melissa used this gratefully. She had never heard of an open-door policy before she left Philadelphia. It pained her to know she had never heard of kindness and gratitude before coming here.
A tall, red-haired man was crossing the inner courtyard as Melissa stepped through the alcove. For a brief moment, she thought she was looking at Sean walking toward her. But then she blinked and saw someone else. Gareth Stanier, Mary’s husband. A gentle giant and a sweet man in his own right.
Melissa had a feeling red-headed men in the area were cut from the same cloth.
Gareth lifted his head and started to smile at her, only for it to fade when he saw her expression.
“Melissa? What is it?”
“I…” Melissa gulped. She hadn’t realized her face was giving away her worries. “Is it all right if I see Mary, Gareth? I wouldn’t normally bother her at this time of day but… it’s important.”
“Of course.” Gareth didn’t question her. He beckoned her over and led her across the yard. “She’s in the dining room with Amy. Comparing bumps.”
Melissa had to smile at that. Mary was due to give birth any day. Her belly was huge, and she grumbled about having to carry the weight around. She was eager to get the baby out. Amy was six months pregnant and her belly was almost as big. She kept joking that she was having twins. From the look on her husband’s face whenever she said that, Melissa had a feeling he was hoping for just the one.
Mary and Amy were sitting at the dining table, plates of fruit before them that were barely touched as they sipped at their tea and talked. Even in the throes of pregnancy, both women looked stunning. They were bright-eyed, smiling, and they looked so very happy.
Melissa felt a pang of envy seeing them like that. It was a state she would never be in, she was sure.
Mary saw her husband and Melissa first. She put her teacup down and started to stand.
“Don’t.” Melissa hurried across and eased the woman back onto her chair. “Don’t even think of getting up, Mary. You just stay put. And you, too,” she added to Amy, who hadn’t moved yet.
Amy threw back her head and laughed.
“We’re pregnant, not ill, Melissa.”
“But Mary’s about to drop one. She stands up, she could leave the baby on the chair.”
Mary laughed as she eased back down, rubbing her swollen belly.
“Oh, I wish childbirth was that simple.”
“Like a cork out of a bottle,” Gareth grunted.
Melissa winced.
“Ouch. Now I’m in pain.”
Mary groaned.
“Honestly, Gareth, why don’t you go and do something useful?”
“You really think I’m going to leave you when you’re about to give birth?”
“Yes.” Mary indicated the women beside her. “These two can scream for me.”
“Do you mean for Gareth or from the pain?” Melissa asked.
Gareth hesitated. Melissa could see he was very reluctant to leave his wife’s side, especially when their child was soon to arrive. But he did as Mary bid, heading toward the door.
“Fine. I’ll be in the kitchen with Mother if you need us.”
He left the room. Melissa turned to Mary, who huffed at Gareth’s departure.
“He wil
l fuss so. I wish he wouldn’t do that.”
“He’s only concerned about you,” Melissa pointed out. “You’re very cranky, Mary.”
“Wouldn’t you be if you were about to give birth?” Mary scowled at her belly. “It’s so close to the day our child will come into this world, and I’ve been carrying him for nine months. I want my body back.”
Amy groaned.
“I’ve been listening to her for weeks going on about it. And this is what I’m going to be putting up with soon.”
“Lucky you,” Melissa grunted. Then she winced when she realized how she sounded. “Sorry, Amy. I didn’t mean to be rude.”
“Don’t be silly. We don’t mind.” Mary sat up. Her scowl was slowly disappearing. “What’s wrong?”
“I just…” Now Melissa was beginning to lose her nerve. She took a deep breath. “I think I made a mistake coming out here.”
“What?” Mary frowned. “Why do you say that?”
“Because I’m not married. We’ve been here for almost a year now. The last wedding was three months ago. And it’s just me left.”
Mary and Amy exchanged looks.
Mary sighed.
“Well, if you wouldn’t keep turning away prospective suitors…”
“That’s not it, Mary.” Melissa started tugging pins out of her hair, dropping them onto the table. “I know who I want to marry. And I’m waiting for him to say something. Anything. But if I approach him, he’s going to run the other way. Men always do that if I make a move.” She almost slammed the last couple of pins onto the table. “And nothing’s happened yet.”
The other women were silent.
Amy lowered her cup and placed it on the saucer. She sat back and tucked her hair behind her ears.
“This is about Pastor Foster, isn’t it?”
“Yes.” Melissa bit her lip. “I’m that obvious about it, am I?”