by Indiana Wake
“I…I just dusted the room, Simon. I don’t know how it…”
“Don’t know! Are you not supposed to keep a check on who comes and goes in my room?”
Thus began Simon’s everyday shouts and tantrums. Maggie would toil every day at home and in the fields only to come back home to another mishap. One day flabbergasted she found some of the milk had gone sour, and the rest of it spilled on the windowsill. Perhaps a cat had done it. Regardless, Maggie had to bear the blame. She came to the fields in a tattered state, her clothes bearing stains from the new stain remover she had used. As each new thing went wrong, she grew more miserable and wondered if she could find somewhere else to live.
She looked in the mirror to see sunken eyes and a haunted face. Teardrops fell onto her cheek, making their way past her neck and wetting her clothes in the process. But she could not sit here; she needed to check on the progress of the harvest. So drying her eyes, she went to find Oscar.
He had taken work with the cattle which kept him apart from her. Was that deliberate? She felt they had grown so close that it hurt. When she could not find him, it was the last straw. The series of small catastrophes in her life, as well as Simon's attitude towards her, were like the straw that broke the camel’s back. She found a secluded corner behind the shed and let her tears fall.
From the corral Oscar watched her disappear, somehow he knew she was crying. With all his heart, he wanted to rush after her and tell her he loved her. They could go away. He had saved up a small amount. They could go somewhere else and start anew. But what about Simon, he couldn’t leave his friend with no help? After all without Simon he would probably be dead. Shot by the raiders who murdered his parents, but he knew he would have taken a good few with him. No, he could not betray Simon’s loyalty; he must bite back this love. But maybe he could talk to Simon, make him see what a true treasure Maggie was?
Suddenly, it started to rain. A light shower turned into a violent downpour in a matter of minutes. Maggie had not surfaced. Perhaps she was absorbed in her thoughts and sheltered by the shed. Maybe she didn’t think she was in any danger of getting wet and, therefore, stayed put. The unexpected rain brought along with it swift and earsplitting thunder and a terrible wind that shook the shed violently. Oscar noticed the instability of where she was hiding. Instinct took over. He could not leave this woman in danger any more than he could stop breathing. He dashed into the deluge and ran towards the corner as quickly as he could. It was just in time for him to shield Maggie before the shed fell down around them. As it did, a long sliver of wood scratched deeply into Oscar’s arm.
“Maggie, are you hurt?”
“He doesn’t love me, Oscar, he never did” exclaimed Maggie through her tears. She gripped onto Oscar and he kept his arms around her.
They had not realized the extent of the damage. The roof had lifted off the shed, showering them with debris. Oscar was cut in more than one place, but now they could feel the rain falling and the wind as it swirled around them. Ignoring the elements Oscar pulled back and looked at her. He could see the lines of weariness, the sunken eyes and the pale look that tinged her face with misery.
“Why did you accept his half-hearted invitation to marry you, then?” he asked, knowing too well that his words were going to have severe repercussions.
“Because I thought he could give me what I had wanted in a companion. Someone who understood me, my faith, and my wants and who would accept me the way I am. Someone who could take care of me regardless of what background I came from or what I look like. I thought I had found a home.”
“I could have been that someone for you, Maggie. Could you not tell how absolutely I adore you?” Oscar astounded himself as much as he astounded Maggie by saying those words.
“I could never tell. You have spent so long avoiding me.”
“Well, I do Maggie Finn. I love you. I loved your letters and I have loved you since the day you stepped into that Inn, young, weary and excited all at the same time. With the days that have passed, I have fallen more and more under your spell.”
“And I thought you hated me.”
“Hate you? Why would I? I could not come near you because you were promised to Simon; off limits to me. It has been torture. But I do not care about that anymore. I cannot let anything happen to you, and I cannot let you marry a man who does not love you.”
“Then take me back to safety.”
Thus, they came back to Harley house, drenched from head to toe. They found Simon waiting for them.
“Maggie! My dear! I heard the crash. I prayed that you were fine but feared the shed nearly killed you! Are you injured?”
“No!” responded Oscar instead of Maggie. “It wasn’t the shed that nearly killed her. It was you. Why would you do this to someone you’d promised to protect and cherish and to take under your care? Why should she suffer so?”
Oscar’s emotions showed Simon just what he wanted to see. He took both hands of Oscar’s in his, looked into his eyes and said, “Can’t you see, my dear fellow? I did it so you could see how much you loved her.”
The gesture surprised both Oscar and Maggie. They stood in front of Simon dripping wet.
“Now go get yourselves some warm clothes; then come and meet me by the fire.”
A while later, when they were sufficiently warmed up, Simon explained how he had noticed Oscar’s interest in Maggie ever since he had started responding to her letters. He apologized to Maggie – for having misled her by not telling her the details of his accident and to Oscar – for knowing and keeping the love of his life from him.
“You see I knew she would not come here for you,” Simon said. “The risk was too great and I knew you would not take her from me. Your loyalty and honor are too great. So I hatched this plan. I am sorry for the stress it has caused, but I will give you a wedding gift that will hopefully make up for everything.” He turned to Maggie and there was a worry inside him. Had he made a mistake? “Maggie are you all right?” he asked.
“I am overwhelmed,” she said. “I cannot thank you enough for freeing me from my betrothal. I realized one day while working in the fields that I was in love with Oscar, but due to my engagement to Simon… I could do nothing about it.”
“That is magnificent,” Simon said. “Now if you two will excuse me I am feeling a little tired and will see you both in the morning.”
Oscar and Maggie spoke all through the night. The rain seemed to be coming to a halt as well, and as the late mist started clearing, the petals bound by heart and faith came together as one.
Epilogue
It was two weeks later when Miss Maggie Finn stood in the doorway of the church. She was wearing a fine white wedding dress that Simon had insisted on sending for. The church was decked out in flowers and it was crowded both inside and out. Everyone wanted to see the fairy tale ending to Simon’s unhappy tale, almost as much as they wanted to see the Big Beautiful Mail Order Bride.
Walking down the aisle was everything that Maggie had ever dreamed of. Simon gave her away and rolled proudly down the aisle with her. She had her happy ever after and the best man she could have ever hoped for.
Oscar was wearing a dark suit; his sandy colored hair was slicked back and trimmed neatly at his neck. Broad shoulders tapered down to a slim waist and as he turned to look at her it was as if her heart stopped.
A smile crossed his face and was matched by her own. The pastor said the words and she knew that they both answered, but it was all a blur. As he slipped the ring onto her finger, she was filled with such bliss. Nothing could be better that this, but that was when he kissed her and it could and it was.
Simon was so happy for them. He had made arrangements with a solicitor and was waiting till after the party to give them their present. He could not wait, could not imagine a life without these two wonderful people in it. He had even decided that this time when he placed an advertisement, that he would be truthful. That he would see whether he could find himself a companion as w
onderful as Maggie.
The rest of the evening flew by. Maggie danced and talked and ate and drank. All the time she was deliriously happy and she could not help but keep staring at Oscar. At last everyone left and Simon appeared.
“Would you come to my study for just a few minutes,” he said.
For a second Maggie worried. Was he going to tell them they were no longer welcome? Suddenly she knew it didn’t matter. Nothing mattered now she had Oscar. He squeezed her hand as encouragement as they followed Simon down the hallway.
“Sit, sit,” Simon said. “This won’t take but a moment.”
As they sat, he pulled an envelope from his drawers. It was large and brown and looked official. The sight of it gave Maggie the chills.
“This,” Simon said waving the envelope with a flourish. “This is the document to my house, ranch, and farms. I have been talking to my solicitor and have decided to make you Oscar Beaden, a full partner in all that I own. Also, the profits for this year’s harvest have been put into a bank account for you. I cannot thank you for all you have done for me, but this is a start.”
Maggie could not take in what had just happened. Her mouth opened and closed and she glanced at Oscar. His face was pale, his mouth too flapped like a barn door in the wind.
“I cannot accept,” Oscar said.
“There is nothing to accept,” Simon said. “I believe God put us both in each other’s path to save the others life and this is my gratitude to him.”
“Thank you,” Oscar said.
Maggie thought back to the dark days with Daisy, and she knew that God had been on her side too. For now she had everything.
The End.
Wheels to Happiness.
The Beautiful Mail Order Bride and the Heroic Cripple
Mail Order Brides of Montana Book 2
Belle Fiffer & Indiana Wake
©Copyright 2015 Belle Fiffer & Indiana Wake
All Rights Reserved.
[email protected]
Chapter 1
1892 Harley Manor, near Redemption, Montana.
Simon sat by the window watching as his ex-fiancé and his best friend laughed together while they fed the horses. It had been a few weeks since he had stepped aside and given the couple his blessing. They had been in love with each other and had not even realized it but thanks to him they were married to one another and could not be happier.
Though Simon was pleased for the both of them, his heart still yearned for the woman who he had come to love so dearly. Bringing her here had always been Oscar’s idea. The dear friend who had become his very lifeline knew how lonely he had become. How isolated and how much he needed a soul mate. Oscar had begun put an advertisement in a paper for a woman of good character, for a Mail Order Bride. He had been writing to a Maggie for several months and Simon had only gone along with it to keep Oscar happy. But as the letters flew across the miles he had watched his friend fall in love. Then came the plan to bring her out west and persuade her that it was Oscar she had fallen in love with.
It seemed such a simple plan, but what he had not bargained on was how wonderful Maggie had been. He was sure when she saw he was a cripple that she would fling herself at Oscar and all would be right with the world. She was afraid that when he saw that she was a little larger than most women that he would send her home. What he never expected was to fall in love with her. But, of course he had and that made everything harder. Still he was an honorable man and Maggie's happiness meant everything to him. That was the reason he had helped Oscar and her come together. It had been difficult, but he had made them realize how dearly they cared for one another.
As he sat in his wheelchair, watching out the window as Oscar chased Maggie around laughing; he could not help but feel jealous of all that his best friend had. Ever since Simon had lost his legs in a tragic accident, he had become more and more dependent on Oscar and that feeling of dependency made him feel absolutely useless.
He wished that he hadn’t lost the use of his legs. All that kept going through his mind was that maybe. Maybe if he wasn't in a wheelchair, maybe if he wasn’t so dependent then Maggie might have loved him. These thoughts were the reason for his recent bouts of depression. He knew that he would end up alone for who would ever marry a crippled man such as himself. He was even beginning to lose his faith. His Bible lay untouched in the corner, and it was some time since he had prayed.
Simon sat gazing at Maggie longingly, lost in his dark thoughts when a ranch hand came over and handed her a letter. Her head bowed and her long auburn curls bounced as she tore open the envelope. As she scanned the words, a bright smile graced her face. She threw her arms around Oscar and began to jump happily. Letting go of him, she pulled him with her inside the house towards Simon. Quickly he put a smile on his face and picked up the book he was supposed to be reading
"I have just received a letter from my dearest friend, Charlotte,” she said. “I wrote to her of my marriage and she is coming to visit me. I asked if she could stay for a few weeks, soon it will be her birthday. She has agreed and I am ecstatic with this news and I have come to ask, Simon if you would not mind too much that she stays here? You have the room and Charlotte is the best company, I assure you."
"Maggie, any friend of yours is always welcome in my home. I shall be delighted to entertain anyone who wishes to visit you. Do not worry at all, I have hired help to look after Harley Manor and your guest will receive the utmost care and hospitality," Simon replied.
Oscar spoke up then, "Why did you not ask me to hire someone for you? You do have Maggie and I, so why would you need any help at all?"
"You have done a lot for me, my dear friend and I dare say soon you both will have your own little family to look after. It is best we get our affairs in order before that happens so as not to overburden you or dear Maggie here," was Simon's response.
"Am I not to help around the house then, Simon? Do you wish for me to go?" Maggie asked, hurt.
"Not at all, I merely wish to unburden you. You are both welcome to come and go as you please and to do what you deem fit. Remember I made you partners in this ranch."
"Good, for I will not have you eating anything other than my cooking," Maggie said, smiling.
"Nor would I ever wish to eat anything else," Simon said, smiling in response.
"Well, it is settled then, you are not to get rid of us," Oscar said, grinning in camaraderie.
"I would not dream of it," Simon responded.
"I must go write a letter to Charlotte at once. I am delighted she is coming to visit, although how she has managed to not be wed till now is beyond me. A more beautiful woman you will not have seen, but her spirit is unbound. She is quite the strong-headed woman and many a marriage proposals she has rejected because they were not to her liking. I only wish she could settle down with someone who makes her as happy as I am," Maggie said and went off to reply to her friend.
Simon watched her walk away and knew that she took a little of his heart with him. What would her friend think of him, a cripple?
Chapter 2
Ever since Maggie had left for Montana, Charlotte had become rather lonely. She knew she should be looking for a husband, but she wanted more than simply a man of means. Many men had proposed to her, wooed her and favored her with gifts. But she had not found a single man with whom she felt a connection, let alone a bonding and that was a priority for her. She knew that she was rather beautiful but instead of being happy with her beauty, she often found it to be a hazard. Most men proposed to her merely based on her looks. She wanted to be with someone who wished to be with her because of her intellect, her personality, and her nature, not for her looks. She wanted to do something with her life, wanted it to count and for this reason she was still a single woman.
When she received Maggie's letter telling her all about Oscar Beaden and Simon Harley, Charlotte was extremely happy. It sounded like her friend had found true happiness. She decided to visit and catch a glimpse of the life Mag
gie had chosen for herself. What a wonderful freeing thought that she could choose who she married. Could she do that? Yes between the men that were allowed to propose to her, but could she ever have true freedom? That she doubted very much and she wanted to see what it looked like. Thus, she began her journey to the Harley Manor.
It was a long, tiresome but uneventful journey. She kept her Bible close but still it was fraught with worry. As she stepped down from the stagecoach, the sight of her best friend was more than enough to rejuvenate her. She rushed forward and wrapped Maggie in a tight hug.
"My dear Charlotte, how I have missed you! I am so glad you decided to come visit me. How was your journey? Not too tiring I hope?" Maggie asked, pulling away and looking at her friend.
"My sweet Maggie, you needn't worry; I am not tired at all. I have missed you so much. Chester wasn't the same without your sweet smile and happy laugh. I realized I just had to come see you," Charlotte replied, smiling at her.
Oscar came forward to collect her bags and Maggie introduced him, "This is my lovely husband, Oscar Beaden. Oscar, this is Charlotte Henderson, my dearest friend in the world."
"Glad to make your acquaintance, Miss Henderson. Maggie has been talking of only you ever since she got word of your visit," Oscar said, extending his hand.
Shaking his hand, Charlotte said, "So, you are the lucky man who has won my dear Maggie's heart. You should be careful with it or you will have to answer to me."
Oscar laughed and looking at Maggie said, "I see why you’re friends with her. She's a fiery one."
"I know, so you best do what she says,” Maggie said and rustled her full skirts. She always felt clumsy beside the slim and elegant Charlotte. She was so beautiful with her blonde hair and ivory skin, her high cheekbones, and full lips. She was every man’s dream, but her friend had never treated her with anything other than grace. Had never made Maggie feel fat or ugly, and for that she silently thanked her. “Now, let us be off as I'm sure Charlotte is tireder than she is letting on," Maggie said and they all went to get into the carriage.