by Indiana Wake
“We gathered that,” Forrest replied, “and we made a decision this morning. You may court Sabrina, but there will be no mention of marriage until after the village is saved. We want to make sure that her feelings are for you, and are not somehow caught up in this situation.”
Sabrina felt anger surge through her and she was about to let loose an angry retort, which was most unlike her. But how dare they?
“You are right,” Christen said. “As a gentleman I accept your terms.” He turned to Sabrina, dropped to his knees and took her hands in his. “I have to leave now my love, as soon as my people are safe I will call on you. Is that acceptable?”
Sabrina looked down into eyes that shone with love and hope. “No,” she said. “It is most definitely not acceptable.”
The look in Christen’s eyes was so distraught she had to smile. “I will be coming with you. I know a lot about this illness and about how to prevent it. We will work together and see if our love grows. If it does and my family agrees, then you will not court me, Sir… You will marry me, are we clear?”
Christen kissed both her hands and then got to his feet. He placed a kiss on the corner of her lips; just a tender touch and then he put his hands over his heart. “Yes, my love. I pledge you my heart and my hand.”
“Just understand we will be watching you,” Forrest said. “Now we have a town to save.”
Chapter 17
Since Sabrina had told them to boil water and keep everyone hydrated no one else died of Cholera in the town of Bear’s Bluff. The doctor arrived and the men organized by Christen and a blonde firefly found the source of the contamination. An outhouse had been placed too close, and upstream of the drinking supply.
Forrest, Edson, and Christen worked hard, and Sabrina organized and nursed and cared for everyone she came across. By the end of a week, the town was recovering and everyone there loved her.
“You need to dig a trench for your water from here,” Sabrina said to an old rancher. I will get some men to help.”
“Thank you, Miss,” he said. “You are an angel sent to help us. Me wife survived and me little uns’. God bless you, Miss.”
Sabrina turned around knowing her face would be glowing red, her eyes filled with tears. Behind her, Christen was standing looking out over the town. There was a smile on his face and he was more relaxed than she had ever seen him. Just the sight of him sent a thrill through her and she waved him over. “Can anyone dig a trench for this family?”
“I think I can arrange that,” he said and he took her hand raising it to his mouth.
The touch of his lips on her soft skin sent shivers down her spine. Their work was nearly done here and she knew what she wanted more than anything. She wanted to be married to this man, to be his wife and to bear his children. Part of her could not wait.
Forrest came up behind them and cleared his throat. Guiltily Sabrina moved her gaze from the haunting gray eyes of Christen and turned to face her brother-in-law.
“How are things going?” she asked.
“Doc says no new cases have been reported and the sick are healing.” Forrest took off his hat and wiped the sweat from his brow. “I think maybe our time is done here.”
“Oh,” was all that Sabrina could manage. She knew that Christen would need time to sort out his own ranch. To rest and recover before he would think about taking a wife. What's more, she could not remember seeing his property. Did he have a house? Did he live in the boarding house, or live in one of the bunkhouses on someone else's ranch? Why had she not thought to ask? For without a place of his own and an income, she knew that Forrest would never let her court him, let alone marry the man. Could she run away? Could she do that to her family? She did not know, but one thing she was sure of was that she wanted to marry this kind, and gentle yet commanding man with all her heart.
“She’s thinking again,” Forrest said.
“Yep,” Christen agreed. He pulled off his own hat and gave her a wink that sent little waves of pleasure all through her. “I bet she’s worrying about something instead of coming straight out and asking.”
“That would be my bet too,” Forrest said as he took the spade from Christen. “Why don’t you find out what it is while I finish this trench?”
Christen gave a smile that was like the sun coming out after a storm. It was full of hope and possibilities. Full of the future and it warmed her with its glance. “Come,” he said, and he led her to a tree. There he gave her a cup of water from a flask that had been pre-boiled. “What is wrong?” he asked.
“We are finished, soon I will be going home and… I… I know nothing about you,” she said.
“What do you want to know?”
“Where do you live? What do you do? Have you any family? Do you have a house?”
Christen laughed and sat down beneath the tree. “My, that is a lot of questions. Now let me see. I have a sister back East, but the rest of my folks are gone now,” he said. Then he explained that his ranch was small, but doing well. It was far enough out of town and he had not developed any symptoms of the illness. He had a good manager looking after things, but it was time he went home. Time he sorted out some of his affairs. Maybe it was time he got back to work.
“That sounds nice,” she said. “I guess you won’t have too much free time… and is it far?”
“No time is going to be short for a while. It’s about an hour and a half ride to Edson’s place, maybe three-quarters to Forrest’s.”
“Oh,” she said. “That’s a long way for…” Sabrina let the words drift off. It was too far for courting and besides he didn’t need her now. Everything the town wanted they had. Why would he want to spend three hours a day riding just to see her?
“You asked about my house,” he said as Sabrina looked down at her riding habit. “It has three bedrooms, with a nice kitchen. I installed pumped water and a modern wood burning oven thing. I've never used it, but I have a cook, come housekeeper she thinks it’s great. She looks after me well, but the place gets mighty lonely.”
Sabrina looked up and in those eyes she saw endless possibilities and love deeper than she could imagine.
“So Miss Sabrina.” He dropped to his knees. “Now that you have got to know me better, will you marry me?”
Sabrina let out a squeal of delight and threw herself into his arms. Christen staggered backward and stood up, twirling her around. “Can I take that as a yes?” he asked.
“Yes,” she whispered into his ear. “Yes, yes, yes.”
He put her down and their lips met. It was like a fire ignited inside her and all her dreams and hopes exploded like shooting stars in the night sky. When they parted, they looked up to see Forrest stood watching them. Quickly they placed more distance between them.
“Don’t worry,” Forrest said. “I just wanted to be the first one to congratulate you.” He reached out his hand for Christen to shake. “Welcome to the family.”
As they shook hands he congratulated, Sabrina then said, “you took long enough. We were all wondering if we were going to have to intervene.”
“Then you don’t mind?” Christen asked.
Forrest shook his head and watched a shadow of doubt cross Christen’s face. He could not keep it up and he laughed. “I’m just teasing. I’ve been asking around about you, and so far everything I have heard has been good. It seems you have a nice ranch, are good to your cowboys and are respected by the whole community. I couldn’t wish for a better man for my new sister here.”
Sabrina felt her heart fill with joy.
“So let’s get this trench dug and then go get some supper, shall we?” Forrest said, but Sabrina thought he had a sly smile on his face. Something was going on.
The men spent another hour digging the trench and making sure the water was no longer at risk of contamination. A young boy brought them boiled water to drink and Sabrina watched as he raced away from them as if the very devil were hot on his heels. While the men dug, Sabrina helped the woman of the house, showing her how to
deal with contaminants from washing and how to ensure the drinking water stayed clean. At last they were finished and Christen helped Sabrina up onto the buckboard to take her back to the boarding house.
Pulling on the reins, he stopped the horse outside. Jumping down he reached up and with his hands on her waist he helped her down. To Sabrina, it felt like she was flying as he lifted her into the air. Despite her weight, he did so with no effort and the contact of his hands on her clothes seemed to sear into her skin. His fingers lingered on her waist until Forrest cleared his throat again.
“He must be getting a cold,” Sabrina whispered.
“Why don’t you join us for a light meal?” Forrest asked.
Sabrina just managed to control her squeal of delight. Any chance to spend more time with Christen was something she would delight in. When would they tell the family? When would they announce that they were to be married, and how soon would her overprotective sisters let the wedding take place?
“I would like that, “I should just take care of the horse,” Christen said. “Let me take yours too.”
“Oh no you don’t,” Forrest said and he nodded to a boy stood close. Tossing him a coin he led Christen into the boarding house.
As soon as they passed through the doors a cheer went up. All the family was there and that was when Sabrina realized the boy outside had been from the last farm. Forrest must have sent word back here. This time, the squeal of joy could not be held back. Soon she was engulfed in her sister’s perfumed arms as they hugged and congratulated her. Christen was patted on the back by the men and a merry celebration took place.
“To my sister’s betrothal,” Amanda said and a cheer went up around the room. “Welcome to the family, Mr. Christen.” Another cheer.
People from both towns mixed, laughed and made merry. It looked like the feud was well and truly over.
Epilogue
It was two weeks later when a small church in Bear’s Bluff was packed with well-wishers from both towns as a big beautiful Mail Order Bride finally married her man. It may not have been the one she was promised to, but the whole family was there to celebrate.
Sabrina looked radiant as she walked down the aisle. There had been an argument over who would give her away. In the end, Forrest held one arm and Edson the other. Both men beamed with pride.
Standing at the altar in his best suit, Christen had never felt so nervous. Sabrina looked radiant in her white dress. How could he have been so lucky? This marvelous woman was not only beautiful, but she was intelligent, and she cared for others more than anyone he had ever known.
The pastor, Tim Farber, had insisted that the wedding was delayed a few days. He wavered slightly as he stood before them, but he would not have missed this for the world. In his heart, he knew God sent this woman to them. To save both their lives and their souls, and he would not let another pastor perform this ceremony.
Sabrina peered through her veil at the handsome man before her. Serious gray eyes drew her to him, as steel to a magnet and she wanted to jump for joy. Wanted to squeal her delight, but she knew that she must wait. This was God’s house and she would be on her best behavior.
“We are gathered here today,” the pastor started. “To bring together this man and this woman beneath the eyes of God. Everyone in this community owes this couple so much and before we perform this wedding, we offer them our thanks.”
A cheer went up from the congregation.
Christen took Sabrina’s hand and she clutched onto it. Her knees felt weak and her heart was pounding. This was it, she was finally to be married and she could hardly wait.
The congregation hushed and the pastor continued.
Words were said.
Vows were exchanged.
Rings were slipped onto nervous fingers.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride.”
With shaking hands, Christen lifted the veil from his beautiful wife's face and he was stunned. The sight of her took away his breath and for a second he froze.
Sabrina lifted her eyebrows and his lips curled into a smile. Slowly he moved towards her and then their lips touched. She was warm, moist, and so sweet he could kiss her forever, and he intended to do just that.
The kiss was a magical moment it took away her breath and seeped into her senses. Sabrina never wanted it to end. The world had shrunk to just his lips and hers and it felt so right that she did not think she could ever have anything better. Then he pulled back and she could see the mischief in his eyes. There would be better, and she couldn’t wait.
Suddenly they were engulfed in a crowd. Hugs were given, backs patted and they were ushered outside into the sunshine. A party had been arranged, the food was everywhere including a pig roast that smelt just delicious.
Sabrina couldn’t eat for once. She was so happy. Surrounded by friends, family, and so much love it made her chest ache. But soon the party was over and she was being lifted into the carriage. Forrest’s driver drove them and for the first time Sabrina set eyes on her new home.
Christen helped her down from the carriage and thanked the driver. They were all alone in front of a modest, but nice looking house.
“It is not what you are used to,” Christen said, “but I can make it bigger and grander.”
Sabrina stared at the house. He was right, it was much smaller than Edson’s, was a mere shack when compared to Forrest’s house, but there was something about it. It was hers and it was home. “I love it,” she said.
Christen picked her up and carried her across the threshold. He gave her a quick tour and the house was really very nice. One room downstairs had been emptied and in the center was a large box.
“What is this room?” she asked.
“Ah, it used to be my office, but that is now out in the barn. Forrest suggested I make this into a library. The box is a gift from him and your sister. It contains one hundred books they thought you might like.”
Sabrina squealed with delight. “Husband I have never been happier, but I want to help you. I want to learn about the ranch and work with you. Yes I will read, and I will learn more, but I want to be your wife in every way possible.”
“Every way?” Christen asked a smile on his face.
Sabrina nodded and as he picked her up, she let out a squeal of delight as he carried her up the stairs.
That night they became husband and wife and Sabrina could not have been happier. Christen was kind, gentle, understanding and the most wonderful husband she could have imagined. As she laid her head on his shoulder, his heart beating in her ear, she could not wait for their new life to unfold around her… There would be love, children, and more happiness than she could imagine. Like all the sisters, Sabrina knew that this was her perfect match and she whispered a prayer of gratitude.
The End.
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The Pioneer Brides 4 book boxed set http://bit.ly/1RoMZsS
Sneak Preview - Ruth – An English Rose in Texas
Chapter 1
Appledore, Kent, England 1868
“Miss Sharpe, Miss Sharpe wait just a moment.”
Apparently she was not fast enough for Ruth had slipped out of the side door of the church hoping to avoid being noticed.
“Miss Sharpe,” the man called again.
It appeared her ploy had not worked so Ruth pasted a smile on her face and felt her stomach gripe as she turned to face him. Harold Wood puffed up to her, his round face red and perspiring.