Abbie looked at her father, her eyes still bright with tears. “What were you going to tell us, Papa?”
Benjamin glanced between Emily and Abbie, but knew he’d have to wait until later for answers. “You’re going to have a little brother or sister.”
Abbie’s eyes widened as she turned and stared at Emily. “A baby? You’re really going to have a baby?” When Emily smiled and nodded, she launched herself out of her chair on top of her mother. “That means you’re really not leaving! Oh, Mama! I’m so happy you’re going to stay with us forever!”
Emily hugged Abbie while stroking her hair. “I keep telling you I’m not going anywhere.”
Abbie buried her face in Emily’s neck and didn’t say a word, just content to be there.
Benjamin looked at Georgie. “So are you happy to be getting a new brother or sister?”
Georgie shrugged. “Sounds good to me. I want someone to boss around like Abbie bosses me around.” She grinned at Emily. “Can I help with the baby?”
Emily smiled. “I’m going to need lots and lots of help with the baby. I won’t be able to do it without you girls.”
Abbie pulled away from Emily, her face streaked with tears. “I love you, Mama,” she whispered.
Emily stroked Abbie’s cheek. “I love you too, and I’m never going anywhere. I’m happy here.”
Abbie sniffled one last time before settling into her chair to finally eat her dinner.
Emily’s eyes met Benjamin’s across the table and he reached out and took her hand while saying, “Our family is going to be fine.”
Emily and Abbie were just putting dessert on the table when they heard a commotion coming from downstairs. Benjamin went to investigate while Emily cut the apple pie she and Abbie had spent the morning making. Abbie poured fresh milk for them all and they resumed their seats waiting for Benjamin to return before eating the pie.
Benjamin came in, his eyes on Emily, trying to help her remain calm. Behind him were his parents, his father dragging his mother behind him.
Benjamin took his seat at the table, still watching Emily, worried how she’d react to his mor being in her home after the way she’d treated her.
Emily stood up. “Would you like some pie? Abbie and I made it just this morning.” Her eyes were on her father in law, but the offer was for both of them.
Sven pushed Ingrid in front of him toward Emily, obviously forcing her to say something.
Ingrid looked over her shoulder at Sven before clearing her throat. “I’m sorry, Emily. I’ve been nothing but rude to you since you came here. You’ve been a good mother to my girls and a good wife to Benjamin. I should be thanking you for being a good mother to the girls, but instead I try to make you go back to the East.”
Emily nodded. She’d expected an apology, because she knew her mother-in-law wanted to be able to keep in contact with her son and granddaughters. She knew she couldn’t possibly mean it, though. Her mother-in-law still considered her inferior in every way. There was no doubt in Emily’s mind the apology was coerced and meant nothing. She was at least acknowledging her bad behavior, though, and Emily wasn’t going to be rude. “I love your son and granddaughters. I’ll do whatever I can to make them comfortable.” She paused as she put two more pieces of pie on plates for her in laws, although they hadn’t said whether they wanted them yet. “I’m not going back East, no matter what happens. Marriage is forever, and I belong here with my family.”
Sven took the pie offered him and sat down to fork up a bite. Ingrid stood looking down at the pie for a moment before taking a seat as well. “I won’t do anything else to try to make you leave. I promise.”
“Thank you for that.” Emily resumed her seat next to Abbie.
“I should have offered a long time ago to offer to teach you to cook Norwegian foods. My son and granddaughters have the right to eat their favorite foods in their own home.”
Before Emily could answer, Benjamin said, “Emily is the best cook I’ve ever known. I like what she cooks better than the Norwegian foods I grew up eating. She doesn’t need to learn to cook Norwegian to keep my family happy.”
Emily stared in shock at Benjamin. She’d never heard him say anything even remotely rude to his mother before today, and she was trying to apologize, and he was still being rude. “I’d still like to learn to prepare your favorite dishes.”
He shrugged. “I haven’t missed them, and I’ll still eat them when we go to Mor’s. I don’t need to have Norwegian cooking at home.” His eyes met his mother’s as he said the words, letting her know just how strong his backing of Emily was.
Ingrid took a bite of the apple pie in front of her, at a loss as to why her son was behaving the way he was. Her eyes widened. “This is very good. Maybe I should be coming to you for cooking lessons.” Ingrid had been very proud of her cooking. For years, she’d been the undisputed best cook in the area with requests for her pies for weddings frequent.
Emily hid her smile. “I enjoy your cooking.”
Abbie smiled her whole face lighting up as she watched her grandmother finally being nice to her new mama. “My mama is the best cook in the whole wide world.”
Sven smiled at Abbie. “You may just be right about that, Abbie.”
Georgie looked at Ingrid. “Farmor, we’re having a baby!”
Ingrid’s hand went to her throat in surprise. “A baby?” She looked at Benjamin who gave a quick nod. “Another grandchild? And I’ve been causing you stress?” She jumped up from her chair and began clearing the table. “If there’s anything you need to help you, just let me know. I can start coming into town a couple days per week to help with the housework.”
Emily laughed. “I’m pregnant, not an invalid. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of my family.”
“Have you been sick in the mornings?”
“Just a little, but I’m sure it’s coming.”
“When I got to the worst of my morning sickness, I’d always bake up muffins the night before and let everyone have cold muffins in the mornings. I had a hard time even thinking about cooking my stomach was so upset.”
Emily nodded. “That’s how it was for my employer in Massachusetts as well. She couldn’t even come into the room when I cooked breakfast. Most of the time I’d take her some dry toast and some tea.” Emily got to her feet and worked side by side with her mother-in-law doing the dishes and cleaning up.
Georgie and Abbie helped them with the clearing, and then Abbie swept out from under the table. Ingrid looked over her shoulders and watched the girls work. “You’ve got the girls working so much harder than I’ve ever seen them. They always complained when Anna or I told them to work. What’s your secret?”
Emily shrugged. “I’ve just always asked nicely and shown them how to do it properly. They both seem to like being useful.” She quickly dried the dishes as her mother-in-law washed them. Within minutes they were finished and the girls were sitting at the table with the men.
Ingrid hugged Emily tightly. “I’m really sorry for never giving you a chance. I promise to do better.” She looked over at Sven sitting at the table talking to Benjamin. “Let’s go! I need to get home and start making a quilt for my new grandbaby.” Ingrid shrugged into her coat and wrapped her scarf around her head as Sven got to his feet. “I know just the colors I want to use.” She looked at Benjamin. “You’re going to need to add onto this house. It’s not going to be nearly big enough if she has babies this quickly.” Ingrid was practically bouncing up and down at the idea of lots more grandchildren. “I’ll never have enough grandbabies!” She hurried down the stairs with her husband watching after her.
Sven went to follow but turned to Emily at the last minute. “We’re thankful you’re the one who married Benjamin. We couldn’t ask for a better daughter in law.” He didn’t wait for her reply, but headed down the stairs after his wife.
Emily turned to Benjamin with a surprised look on her face. He grinned. “That’s the mama I know and love. I really a
m sorry I didn’t believe you when you said how she was treating you. It just didn’t make sense to me.”
They went into the parlor to spend a quiet evening. Emily worked on sewing a dress for Abbie, while Benjamin read the paper. Abbie and Georgie sat in the corner on the floor playing with their baby dolls. Emily noted the frayed condition of the dolls’ clothes and promised herself she’d make them new doll clothes for Christmas. They could use a couple of doll quilts as well. She smiled as she thought of the looks on their faces when they opened them.
She couldn’t help but look forward to next Christmas when there would be another child to make gifts for. How had she been so blessed? Just months before when her mother had told her she had two months to find a new home, she’d never imagined her life could take such a turn. She needed to write to her mother and let her know how happy she was.
In bed that night, she snuggled close against Benjamin’s side after making love. He’d been gentler than ever, obviously thinking about the baby growing inside her. “Are you happy about the baby?” he asked in a low tone.
She lifted her head from his shoulder to look down at him in the darkness. “How can you even ask that? Of course, I’m happy about the baby. I can think of nothing that would make me happier!”
“Are you sure?” Benjamin’s voice was worried.
“I’m positive. I love children. I can’t wait to hold one in my arms.”
“You’re so young. I hate that you’re giving up your freedom to be tied down with a baby.”
She laughed. “You had Abbie at my age.”
“But I’d had years of courtship and loving my wife. You’re just starting a new marriage, and already you’re having a baby. We had two years with no children before Anna got pregnant.” He stroked her cheek as she lay propped above him on the bed.
“We started this marriage with children, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I knew I was going to be an instant mother when I married you, and I’m happy I was. I love the girls and I love you. I’m very happy to be having a baby. I’ve always wanted one. I wish I hadn’t missed those early years with the girls, but I can’t go back and change that now.”
He pulled her back down so her head was pillowed on his shoulder. “I’m glad. When you told me about the baby, all I could think about was how happy I was and how glad the girls would be. I never thought to wonder how it would make you feel to have another child.”
She rubbed her cheek against his smooth shoulder. “There was no need to wonder how I’d feel about it. I’m thrilled. I can’t wait to see its little face.”
He held her close in the darkness. “I do love you, Emily. I’m sorry that I made you feel bad.”
She shook her head. “I’m fine. I guess I just feel like I’m constantly in competition with Anna, which is silly, but I can’t get it out of my head that you chose her, but you found me by chance.”
“Never feel like you’re less than Anna. In some ways, you’re a much better wife and mother. For our first year of marriage, she couldn’t cook anything without burning it, and she’d cry if I didn’t eat all of it.”
Emily grinned. “Well, I certainly don’t do that!”
“No, you’re a great cook. Georgie hasn’t had to eat one bacon sandwich since you got here.” He smiled thinking about the letter they’d sent that had brought her to them. “You’re a more natural mother than Anna was, too. Anna was unsure of everything. She loved the girls, but she was constantly running to her mother or mine when anything went a little bit wrong. She’d have had no idea how to handle Abbie this evening, but you acted as if it was something you’ve dealt with every day.”
“I think Abbie is so easy for me because she’s just so much like I was. I don’t know what to do with Georgie except love her. I’m good at loving her.”
He chuckled and her head shook on his shoulder. “No worries. Your love will get us all through.” He stroked his fingers through her hair. “I wonder if the baby will be a boy or a girl. I love my girls, but the idea of having a boy really excites me. Of course, I wouldn’t know what to do with a boy after having two girls.”
She smiled stroking his chest. “We’ll figure it out together if it happens. I’d be thrilled either way. Just so I have a baby in my arms, I’ll be happy.”
Epilogue
One year later
“Hurry and finish dressing girls. They’ll be here any minute!” Emily had waited until the last minute before having the girls change from their play clothes.
She checked on baby Clarence in his cradle before she made the last minute preparations. There was hot coffee on the stove, and a batch of freshly baked cookies cooling on the work table. She had a huge pot of stew on the stove in case they were hungry when they arrived.
She couldn’t believe they were finally coming out to see her and meet her family. She heard the door open and flew down the stairs flinging herself into her mother’s arms. “Mama! You really made it!”
“I promised I’d be here, and I’m here!” Jane pulled back from her daughter. “Where are my grandchildren?”
Emily smiled and swiped the tears from her eyes before sliding her hand through her mother’s arm and walking up the steps with her. “The girls are changing into clean clothes and Clarence is asleep.”
Abbie and Georgie were waiting for them in the kitchen. They’d changed into clean dresses and Abbie had brushed her sister’s hair until it hung in an untangled heap down her back. Abbie’s own hair was still in the two braids Emily had put it into that morning. “These are my girls, Mama. The older one is Abbie, and the younger is Georgie.”
Georgie barreled across the kitchen to hug her new grandmother, not at all worried about her reception. Abbie held back, but soon followed and hugged Jane as well.
Abbie had become more confident in the year Emily had been with them, but her personality was still as quiet and shy as ever. Georgie was as boisterous as she had always been.
Jane smiled at the two girls. “It’s hard to believe I have granddaughters who are half grown already.” She turned to Emily. “I know you said Clarence is sleeping, but can we peek in on him?”
Emily led the way into the parlor where a cradle was kept for Clarence’s naps. Jane put her hand over her mouth as the tears filled her eyes at the sight of her grandson. He was sleeping on his stomach with his fist firmly in his mouth. “He’s beautiful, Emily.”
Emily nodded. “He’s as blond as everyone else. I’m going to have to keep having babies until I have one with dark hair.”
Jane laughed. “I’ll take as many grandbabies as you want to give me.”
“Let’s go have some cookies in the kitchen. I made a big pot of coffee to go with them.”
“That sounds heavenly.”
Benjamin came up the stairs with William at his side. Emily smiled at her stepfather. “It’s good to see you, William.”
“You have a beautiful home.”
“Thank you.” Emily was unsure what to say to him. She didn’t harbor any bad feelings toward him, because her life had turned out so well and she was truly happy. “Have a seat. I made coffee and the girls helped me bake some cookies.”
Benjamin had made the long drive into St. Paul that morning to pick the couple up from the train station there. Emily had never really expected to see her mother again, so she was thrilled they were able to make the long journey.
Clarence began to wail from the other room, and her mother jumped up. “May I get him?”
“Of course!” Emily continued pouring out the coffee and readying the snack she’d prepared.
Within a minute, Jane was back in the kitchen cradling her grandson to her. “He’s just so beautiful,” she whispered with tears in her eyes.
William stood and walked over to stroke the baby’s cheek. “He’s not going to be much older than his aunt or uncle.”
Emily turned her eyes lit with excitement. “You’re having a baby, Mama?”
Jane laughed and nodded blushing slightl
y. “I thought I was too old, but apparently God disagrees with me. I’m due in six months.”
“I can’t believe I’m going to have a little brother or sister.”
Georgie and Abbie stood staring at Jane with awe. “We’re getting an aunt or uncle? And he’ll be younger than us?” Abbie asked.
William squatted down in front of the girls. “That’s right. Is that okay with you?”
Both girls nodded happily. Emily was happy to see how good he was with them. They were staying for a week, and if the girls hadn’t liked her mother and stepfather, things would have been harder for her.
Later that evening, her mother slipped her a letter. “Harriett Long asked me to give you this. She and I have formed a friendship.”
Emily took the letter and went to her bedroom to read it while she nursed Clarence. “Dear Emily, I’m so happy you’ve found love through my service. Your mother told me you have a son now. I’m still doing my best to match up young ladies with suitable men out west. I seem to be running out of ladies who need husbands, so if you know of someone, even out there, I’ll do my best to broker a marriage for them. I’d love to hear from you when you get a chance, but I understand you’re busy with your girls and new baby. I hope to hear from you soon. My best, Harriett.”
Emily read the letter once more, and thought back to how frightened she’d been when she’d first knocked on Harriett’s door. She hoped soon Harriett would find a love of her own, and not have to spend her time matching up women with men out west to keep herself occupied. She was a lovely woman and deserved the best.
Looking down at her baby suckling at her breast, she knew becoming a mail order bride and finding Benjamin had been the best thing to ever happen to her. She just wished she could share her happiness with the world.
Continue reading for a quick excerpt of Mail Order Madness, the next story, a full length novel, in the Brides of Beckham series.
Chapter One
Mail Order Mama Page 14