Love And Hearts Ride West: Mail Order Bride: 16 Novella's Bundle

by Indiana Wake

  “No, no, no,” Jake and Jeremiah jumped up and down on the spot and Jenny rushed forward and hugged Amanda tight.

  “You will be our new Mommy,” Jake said. “We have new clothes to wear; will you help us get dressed?”

  Tears were running from her eyes, but Amanda nodded as she wiped them away. “Come here,” she said and on her knees she opened her arms for them. The children all came in for a hug and she had never known anything so good. Closing her eyes, she hugged them tight and breathed in the goodness of them while she whispered a prayer of thanks. She had been blessed with a loving husband and these wonderful, beautiful children. Tears welled in her eyes and she had to blink them away.

  ***

  Amanda helped them dress. Jenny had a beautiful ivory dress, with beads and a full skirt. It was the first time Amanda had seen her in a skirt and she looked just beautiful. Carefully Amanda piled her hair on top of her head and pinned it with a comb. Then she showed Jenny her reflection. Jenny’s mouth fell open and her eyes almost popped from her head.

  “I look beautiful,” she said.

  “Yes, you do.” Amanda kissed her on her head and then helped the boys dress.

  Mrs. Tisdale had made black trousers, jackets a red waistcoat and little red cravats to go over the boys white shirts. The sewing was beautiful and much better than Amanda could ever do. Once again she gave thanks that she was so blessed.

  Hugging the children once more, she returned to her room. Cassandra and Sabrina were just finishing off their hair. They both rushed forward and hugged her tight.

  “Let us help you dress,” Sabrina said.

  Cassandra leaned in close. “I still won’t marry the man Aunt Morgan arranged,” she hissed into Amanda’s ears.

  Amanda smiled and hugged her close. She knew her sister was just afraid and that was a problem for another day. Today belonged to Edson, the children and her.

  Amanda pulled off her blue dress and laid it on the bed, she caught Sabrina’s eye and whispered a thank you. Her sister curtseyed and blushed red. Then with the help of her two sisters they took the wedding gown from the bed. They helped her into it and laced up the back. All the time Amanda was buzzing with excitement. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined such joy. An image of Edson came to her mind, his strong face and handsome features. The way his brow could look wistful or joyous as he watched his children play. The eyes that could pull her to him from across the room and the lips. The full lips that she longed to kiss. Soon they would be hers for the rest of her days and she let out a squeal of joy just as Cassandra pulled on her ties.

  “Did I hurt you?” Cassie asked.

  “No, I am just so happy.”

  Before her hair was completed the children all ran into the room.

  “You are so beautiful Miss… Mommy,” Jake said.

  Amanda felt tears leak from her eyes. They had called her Mommy. She turned and hugged them all again just as Mrs. Tisdale walked into the room.

  “You do look beautiful, Miss Amanda. Congratulations, now Mr. Edson is getting nervous, wondering if you changed your mind,” Eva Tisdale said.

  Amanda stood up. “Just a few more minutes, Eva,” she said.

  Eva herded the children from the room, a tear in her old eyes as she went to put Edson at ease.

  Quickly the sisters finished piling Amanda’s hair high on her head and applied a little beet juice to her cheeks and lips.

  “Just perfect,” Sabrina said. “Come let us get you married.”

  As she walked down the stairs, Amanda could see nothing but Edson. He wore a black suit, white shirt, red waistcoat, and a red cravat. Never had she seen such a handsome man and she stopped in her tracks, her breath caught in her throat. Heat spread through her body and she seemed to buzz all over. Slowly a smile spread across her face and she walked forward.

  Edson bowed low and moved to the bottom of the stairs. He could not breathe as he looked at this gorgeous woman before him. He marveled at her beauty and with his hands shaking he reached out to guide her from the bottom step.

  “Miss Amanda,” he said and led her to the waiting carriage. The children were already sat on a buckboard behind the carriage and there was another carriage for the sisters and Eva behind that.

  Edson helped Amanda up and she finally let out a breath. Her knees were shaking beneath the silk of the dress. She was getting married. All of her dreams had come true.

  The ride to church was a blur, but soon they were there. The small building had gathered quite a crowd and as they got down, a few cowboys rode up and tied their horses beneath the shade of a big old Horse Chestnut tree.

  “Are you ready Miss Amanda?” Edson asked.

  Amanda opened her mouth, but the words just would not come. Instead, she nodded.

  He kissed her cheek and squeezed her hands gently. “I will be waiting in the church,” he said and then slowly he pulled his fingers from hers. With a longing glance, he turned and strode into the church.

  Amanda was surrounded by her sisters and the children. Everyone was talking, but she could not hear a word. Blood rushed through her head like the ocean waves and for a second she felt faint. This was it, this was her wedding.

  Chapter 13

  A wave of dizziness came over Amanda and she stumbled forward. Eva caught her hand and smiled reassuringly up at her.

  “Be easy Miss Amanda,” she said as she let down the veil that would cover her face.

  Amanda stared through the lace and nodded. Already she was feeling better, even though her knees knocked and her hands shook.

  “Are you ready sister,” Cassie said.

  Amanda looked back at the children. Jake bounced up and down on his heels behind her. Jenny looked regal, before long she would break many a heart and Jeremiah gave her a toothy grin. Behind the children Cassandra and Sabrina stood. Sabrina gave her a sweet smile and Cassie just grinned. They were ready.

  At the front of the church, Edson stood before the preacher. His collar itched and he checked the pocket of his coat for the hundredth time. The ring was still there. Many of his friends and ranch hands were in the church, but he could not see them. What was taking so long? Where was Amanda?

  As the seconds ticked by he wondered if she had changed her mind and started to walk down the aisle.

  “Hold on just a moment, Edson,” The preacher said. “If I know brides she will be just prettying herself up.”

  Edson turned and nodded at the man. They had known each other for many years and he knew he was right. A hush fell over the room and Edson turned back.

  Walking towards him was Amanda. She looked magnificent in the white dress and he made a note to thank Mrs. Tisdale. At the time, she ordered the dress he thought it was a wasteful extravagance, but he knew he would remember this day for the rest of his life. His heart pounded against his chest, his breath caught in his throat and his knees were shaking as he waited for his bride. Every cell of his body wanted to rush down the aisle, pick her up and carry her to the pulpit.

  “Easy boy,” the preacher muttered.

  Edson smiled and stepped down on his heels, this was worth waiting for.

  As Amanda walked along the aisle, all she could see was Edson. He looked so strong and handsome and yet she could see he was anxious. For a second she faltered, was he having doubts? Little Jake pushed at her legs and she moved forward. Maybe he had doubts, it would be strange if he didn’t, but they could have a good life. They could give each other and the children so much and today, in front of God she would proclaim her love for this man.

  The crowd murmured as she passed. Amanda could not tell if it was approval, shock or just sheer exuberance. From what she could gather a wedding was rare and everyone attended. At last she was almost there. Her heart was pounding so hard she wondered if everyone could hear it.

  Edson smiled and held out his hand. She reached for it like a drowning man reaching for a lifeline and then he held her. The touch of his skin gave her courage and she stepped up b
eside him.

  The Preacher looked severe and disapproving but then he smiled and Amanda let out a breath of air.

  “Dearly beloved we are gathered here today,” the preacher said, “to join this man and woman in holy matrimony. Marriage is for the procreation of children under the kingdom of God.”

  Amanda felt her knees go weak and she clutched Edson’s arm. The Preacher continued and the words and the vows filled her with joy and she wondered if she could take much more.

  The Preacher turned to Edson. “Will you take Amanda Pattison, here present, to be your lawful wife, according to the rite of Holy Mother Church?”

  “I will,” Edson said his voice loud and clear.

  The Preacher turned to Amanda and smiled. “Will you take Edson Tompkins, here present, to be your lawful husband, according to the rite of Holy Mother Church?”

  “I will,” Amanda said, but nothing came out but a croak. She felt a push in her knees and looked around to see Jake grinning. Somehow it made it all just that bit more real. Turning back with a smile on her face she said, “I will,” in a voice that was loud and clear.

  Then Edson took her hand and placed a simple gold band on her finger. The touch of his hand gave her strength and she wanted to look at that ring forever. It felt good and wholesome and it filled her eyes with tears.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride.”

  With shaking hands, Edson lifted her veil. She looked into his blue eyes, they were filled with passion and wonder and then he kissed her. It was like falling into heaven and she let herself sink down and down into that kiss. His lips were full and warm and they sent tendrils of love into her heart. Then he was moving back, she opened her eyes to see him smile.

  A roar went up from the crowd and Edson picked her up and carried her from the church.

  It seemed the whole town was in the mood for celebration for soon benches were set up outside and food and drinks were brought out. Amanda found herself congratulated by person after person and everything was a daze. All she really wanted to do was go home with her family, but she smiled and talked until she was dizzy.

  At last she was alone and she looked around for Edson. A cowboy stood a little way away. His hat covered his eyes, but Amanda was sure he was looking at her. Before she could withdraw her gaze, he came across.

  Removing his hat, Amanda looked up to a man a few years younger than her. He had a handsome face, thick brown hair and gray eyes that reminded her of the sky at dusk.

  “Good day Mrs. Tompkins,” he said.

  Amanda felt a thrill go through her and she touched her ring.

  “My name is Forrest Caloway, I was promised to your lovely sister Cassandra, and I wondered when I may begin my courtship.”

  Amanda felt her joy slip away. This was something she knew she must deal with, but Cassandra was not going to be easy. “It is nice to meet you, Mr. Caloway,” she said. “Perhaps we could discuss this in a week or two?”

  The man’s eyes narrowed, but he simply bowed in front of her. “Of course,” he said. “Good day to you and congratulations on your marriage.” With that, he put his hat back on his head turned and walked to a sorrel horse stood beneath the tree. He leaped aboard in one stride and rode away.

  Amanda watched him go and worry about her sister filled her with dread, but maybe this man would be as wonderful as Edson.

  “There you are,” Edson said coming up behind her. He took her hand and led her to the carriage. “There is something I wish to do before the family comes home,” he said. “Something I want to do in private.”

  He helped Amanda up into the carriage and she felt her cheeks grow hot with embarrassment.

  Edson chuckled. “It is not that my love,” he said. “I will be gentle and patient with you when the time comes for making love, but there is something I would like to do first.”

  Amanda smiled and relaxed back. Soon they were back at the ranch and he took her hand and led her away from the house. She could see he was nervous and even though she wanted to ask what he was doing she did not wish to worry him. Quickly he led her past the field where they had had the picnic and towards a small hill. A lone tree, shaded a fenced area and just as they got there she realized it was surrounding a gravestone.

  Edson looked into her eyes and she saw moisture glinting back at her.

  “This is Sarah,” Edson said. “Sarah this is Amanda. I have fallen in love with her and I know the children have too.” Edson sat down and Amanda got down next to him. It did not bother her that she may ruin her dress she knew this was the final step to healing his heart. He would still remember Sarah, would still miss her, but he needed to do this to move on.

  Together they sat next to the grave and talked and prayed and he reminisced about his lost love. Amanda felt inferior at first, she worried that she would never live up to his memories, but Edson smoothed away her fears. He told her how Sarah would be so pleased with his choice. How more than anything she wanted someone who would love her children. Then they talked of the future, that maybe there would be more children and he said he hoped so.

  “For too long my life has been full of sorrow,” he said. “You came and filled it full of joy and laughter. All I hope and pray for is that I can do the same for you. I love you my sweet Amanda and I am ready to start my new life with you.”

  They both stood and prayed over the grave and then hand in hand they walked back to the house and to a new life full of love, laughter, and joy.

  The End.

  The Stubborn Bride Promised to the Rancher

  Three Big Beautiful Brides Head West Book 2

  Cassandra

  Indiana Wake & Belle Fiffer

  ©Copyright 2015 Indiana Wake & Belle Fiffer

  All Rights Reserved

  Chapter 1

  1879

  “I will not do it,” Cassandra shouted before tossing her blonde curls, rolling her green eyes and running away to the stables.

  Amanda let out a breath of frustration, Cassandra, or Cassie as they often called her was beautiful if a little large like all the sisters. Perhaps she’s the most beautiful of us all, Amanda thought. Was that why she was spoiled?

  As her sister disappeared inside the building amid a ruffle of pink taffeta, Amanda let out a sigh. There was no point going after Cassie. At least not now, she needed to give her some time to calm down and then they could talk. Turning Amanda headed back to the ranch house and a smile crossed her face. Edson was out working on the ranch and she was here with the children. How she loved the mornings, spent in lessons with them. Almost as much as she loved the times when the family did something together or the evenings spent with her new husband. Heat rose up her neck as she thought about Edson and how lucky she was.

  Was Cassie really spoiled? The answer was difficult. She had always been outspoken and for that reason Amanda had needed to intervene on many occasions to prevent the wrath of their Aunt from coming Cassie’s way. But that life was gone, they were here now and the least she could do was meet with Mr. Caloway. From what Amanda had heard he would make a wonderful husband. Then Amanda remembered her own fear when she was promised to a man she did not know. A man she knew nothing about, not even his name. For her, it had been an easy decision to come West. Keeping her two sisters safe made her own sacrifice worthwhile. Even so, at first it had been difficult. Edson still pinned for his first wife and Amanda did not know what to do. So she had set about improving the life of his children. She had been lucky for Edson was a good man and love had developed between them. Now she could not be happier, well unless her sisters were happy that was.

  She understood if Cassandra decided not to marry Mr. Caloway and she would not force her to do so. But to refuse to even meet the man seemed petty. Well, if she were honest it was exactly like her sister.

  Later that night Amanda knelt beside the bed with her new husband. They prayed and Amanda asked that her sisters find happiness. That the Lord looked after them and kept them sa
fe and she wished the same for Edson and her new family.

  “How was the day?” she asked as they climbed into bed.

  Edson blew out the lantern. “It was amazing,” he said. “It feels good to be back out on the range. The herd is looking fantastic and since I took control again… Well, we have had no more missing cattle.”

  Amanda felt a flush of pride for her husband. When she had first met him, he was a broken man and the ranch had come into disrepair. The hands had been taking advantage of him, but things had changed so much. She knew it was a sin, but she was so proud of him.

  "Sweetheart, Forrest Caloway has written to me,” Edson said.

  “Oh,” was all Amanda could manage. Laying in the dark, she screwed her eyes tight, to fight back the awful feeling she was having. Was she cruel? Was it too much to ask her sister to meet this man? So far she had not answered that question and she had been dreading this moment for some time. The seconds ticked on and she did not know what to say.

  “He feels that he has been patient long enough,” Edson continued. “He told me, now that we are wed and all our responsibilities have been dealt with…” Edson reached out and took her hand beneath the blanket. It gave Amanda courage and made her realize that she could deal with anything with this man at her side.

  “Amanda, love he wishes to meet his future bride."

  Amanda and her two sisters had traveled to the small, ramshackle town of Redemption, to be married to three men. Her aunt had sold them as Mail Order Brides. Making herself a tidy sum of money in the process of getting rid of Amanda and her two sisters. It had infuriated the girls at first, but to Amanda it was a new start and she had been determined to make the best of it.

  Unfortunately, her second sister, Cassandra was a hard headed, stubborn lady who refused to accept any marriage set up by her wretched aunt. She had adamantly refused to have anything to do with the man she had been promised to. But Amanda knew how important it was to meet him, for appearances sake at least. But no matter how Amanda explained it, Cassandra would not hear a word about it. Finally, after much persuasion, they had come to an agreement that she would meet him after Amanda's wedding. But even at the time Amanda knew she would refuse.