Rita appreciated her friend’s well-intended advice, but she ignored it as she sorted through the letters. There were indeed a number of debt notices waiting for her attention, but she pushed those to the side. She kept her eyes open for a particular letter that she’d been anticipating for over a week now. When she reached the bottom of the pile, she paused.
There it was. Her name scrawled on the front in thick, bold letters. Slowly, she picked it up and gazed at it as her heart began to hammer.
“Rita? What’s that?” Millie asked just as Jacob came around to set a bowl of soup and a plate with bread in front of her.
“It’s a letter,” she answered softly.
“From who?” Jacob questioned as he returned to his chair at the table and urged Millie to sit. They both gazed at Rita expectantly.
She hesitated before answering, wondering how best to explain what she’d done.
“It’s from a Mr. William Reid. He’s a Deputy in a small town out in Idaho.”
When she didn’t elaborate further, Millie gently prodded, “And why would such a man have reason to write to you?”
Rita took a deep breath before locking her gaze with her friends.
“Because I’m going to marry him.”
When she’d imagined the moment she’d confess her scheme to Millie and Jacob, Rita had pictured two possible scenarios. In the first, they would yell at her and demand to know what in heaven’s name she was thinking. In the second, they wouldn’t say anything and just look at her with mouths agape.
The second scenario turned out to be the correct one.
She waited for them to get over their shock, fully anticipating a slew of questions to start rolling from their tongues.
Millie was the first to speak. “What…what do you mean, you’re going to marry him? I don’t understand.”
“I decided to follow Miss Baxter’s example,” Rita began by way of explanation. “I responded to an advertisement for a mail-order-bride.”
Millie gasped. “Have you lost all sense of yourself? Why in the world would you make such a decision?”
Rita laid her hands on her belly, which was still small and hardly noticeable if she wore the right dress.
“I understand the appeal of such a thing now, and I better understand what you were telling me the day of Robert’s accident. Stability and security are the things I need most in the world, and I believe this is the best way for me to get them.”
“But…but…it’s only been a month since Robert passed. Are you sure you want to be making such a decision so soon?”
Rita gazed straight ahead as tears formed in her eyes and she willed them not to fall.
“I have to think of the future wellbeing of my baby. I’m very quickly running out of money, and I soon won’t be able to pay my bills. I’ve no family, and Robert was estranged from his, so they won’t lift a finger to help me. Not that I’d ever ask those people for a dime.”
“We could help you!” Millie declared, glancing toward Jacob who began to slowly nod. “We would give you money to keep going until you’re back on your feet.”
Rita smiled sadly at her friend’s desperate offer. “I appreciate that my dear Millie, but that is not a solution. It would only delay the inevitable, and I would hate to drag you both into financial hardship with me.”
“When did this happen?” Millie asked. Rita could tell she was trying to remain calm but was struggling to do so.
“It was about two weeks ago. I was…I was in a rather bad way, as you can imagine,” Rita softly explained. “I was realizing how dire my situation was going to become and I began to panic, having no idea what I was going to do. I was scared for my baby and the life that I would be able to provide for it. Knowing what it’s like to grow up with nothing and no one, I simply couldn’t allow that to happen to my child. I saw the advertisement in the paper, and there wasn’t much thought to the decision. Before I realized it, I was writing a response, and now, it seems as though my letter has been answered.”
Millie released a heavy breath and glanced toward Jacob, who hiked his shoulders and gave her a helpless look in turn.
They don’t know what to do with me, and I can’t truly blame them for that. I’m still not certain this is the right decision to make… yet I have no idea what else I can do.
Millie’s eyes landed on the letter resting on the table in front of Rita.
“Well…what does he say?”
Rita nodded and picked up the letter, opening it and unfolding the paper to read through it before she spoke out loud again.
Dear Mrs. Dowes,
I want to thank you for responding to my advertisement. Your letter stuck out to me, as I believe our needs and hopes for this arrangement line up well. I am sorry for your loss, and I can understand that you’re in an uncertain and precarious position, especially given your pregnancy. Your desire to find a husband to support you and the child is entirely understandable, and I appreciate your candor and honesty in this matter.
For my part, allow me to be honest as well. I am in need of a wife for a very specific reason. I need to secure promotion to Sheriff of Starry Creek, but to do so, I must marry. If you are agreeable to such an arrangement, I can assure you that I will require very little from you. You just need to be at my side when it’s necessary but other than that, you’ll have the freedom to live your life as you see fit. I believe we can be of mutual benefit to each other.
I await your reply and am happy to provide any additional information you may require in making your decision.
Deputy William Reid
When she’d finished reading the letter, she glanced up to find both Millie and Jacob staring at her in disbelief.
“Is that all?” Millie gawked. “That’s all he wrote to you?”
Rita furrowed her brow. “What do you mean? Was that not sufficient?”
“No!” Millie declared. “That was not sufficient! What has he told you in that letter, other than the fact that he views this as nothing more than a business transaction?”
Rita blinked, surprised at her friend’s vehemence. She had thought his letter rather thorough. Short, certainly, but she appreciated that he didn’t try to overwhelm her with fancy words and unnecessary sentiments. They had both been upfront with their wants and needs regarding their union, and Rita knew of very contented marriages that were built on far less.
“A business transaction is more than enough for me,” she retorted with a small shrug. “He has his reasons for entering into this, and I have mine. Better that we know them upfront than keep them hidden and pretend that this will be anything more than a convenience for both of us.”
Millie’s face fell, and she looked genuinely saddened. “Rita…this doesn’t sound like you. You had such romantic ideals of marriage. You insisted that you wanted love.”
“I did,” Rita agreed with a nod. “When I was married to Robert. I loved him with my whole heart, and that love permitted every aspect of our marriage. This is different. I don’t intend to love Deputy Reid. I do hope that I like him at least, but my first and only priority is securing a future for my child.”
“Then why not stay here and find someone?” Millie pleaded. “There are many unmarried men who would be more than happy to have you as their wife. I’m certain of it.”
Rita had given that option much consideration, but there was one major issue that she continuously stumbled upon that had driven her to seek a husband elsewhere.
“Everywhere I go, I’m reminded of him,” she murmured, gazing down at her hands, which twisted together in her lap. “Everything I encounter in this city reminds me of Robert. It’s like he’s haunting me. It’s…it’s too painful for me to remain. I fear I will go mad if I don’t go.”
Millie regarded her with a defeated look, her teeth digging into her lip as her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
“I…I suppose I didn’t think of that,” she whispered in a broken voice. “I know how difficult it’s been for you, but
I…I never considered it would be so painful that you would feel the need to leave us completely.”
Rita quickly reached out and grabbed her friend’s hands, squeezing them as she insisted, “I’m not leaving because of you in any way. You have been the best friend I could’ve ever hoped for. Our friendship will not end because of this…I simply will not allow it. I can’t imagine my life without you as a part of it, do you understand me?”
Millie gave her a small, watery smile and slowly nodded.
“Yes, I understand. And I will try to understand this choice you’re making. I’ll support you, in whatever you do. You need to do what is best for you and your child.”
Rita felt her own tears begin to prick the corners of her eyes. She held them back.
“I do believe this is what will be best. I need a fresh start, Millie, and I believe that I will be able to find one with Deputy Reid in Idaho.”
Chapter 3
The countryside flew by as the train bearing Rita to Starry Creek, Idaho, chugged along. She stared out the window, her heart in her throat, knowing there was no turning back now. It had been two weeks since her conversation with Millie and Jacob, informing them of her intention to marry a complete stranger and uproot her entire life to move to Idaho.
It had seemed like such a grand idea at the time, and perhaps a way to escape the worst of her grief. She’d reasoned with herself that she wouldn’t be surrounded by reminders of Robert every single day, and anyway, what did she have to keep her in Baltimore? Apart from Millie and Jacob, she had no one. Nothing.
This is the right thing to do. I couldn’t stay there. This is the best chance I have to provide a life for my baby.
For Robert’s baby.
She rubbed her belly, a nervous habit she’d fallen into ever since Robert had died. It was as if she needed a reminder that her baby was still with her. Whenever she felt a wave of panic begin to wash over her, she would rub her belly and be reminded of the life growing within her. It was a piece of Robert that she would always have, which made the child all the more precious to her.
I will do whatever I have to in order to protect this child.
Would Deputy Reid be willing to take on the role of father? She wasn’t sure. It was one of her truest concerns. She wasn’t worried about their marriage being anything more than a convenient understanding between them, but she prayed that he would come to view her child as his own and care for it. She wanted that for her baby more than anything else in the world. More than her own happiness, she wanted her child to grow up happy and loved.
“Half-hour to Starry Creek,” the porter called, making his way down the aisle.
Rita tensed at the announcement.
It was happening. It was truly happening.
In her last letter from Deputy Reid, he’d told her that he would meet her at the train station. They would marry immediately, today, and then he would help her settle into the house. It had all felt very efficient when they’d made the arrangements, but now, as she neared her new home, she began to feel a small spike of panic. Everything was happening so quickly. She could hardly wrap her mind around the idea that it was her wedding day, let alone that she was going to be meeting her new husband in less than an hour.
What if I’ve made a terrible mistake?
What if we cannot stand each other, and we come to hate each other?
What will I do then?
She gave her head a sharp shake to dispel the thought. She couldn’t allow herself to think that way. She had to be optimistic and remember what this was. It wasn’t a love match by any stretch of the imagination, and she would not let herself begin to dream that it could be anything more than the mutually beneficial union that they’d agreed upon. That thought settled her somewhat. She wouldn’t let her expectations get out of hand. She would remain practical and not allow her head to float into the clouds.
Taking deep, steadying breaths, she continued to stare out the window right up until the train pulled into Starry Creek. She didn’t get up from her seat right away as the train came to a slow stop with a heavy groan. It took her a few minutes to gather her courage, and she waited until her car was nearly empty before she lumbered to her feet. At five-months pregnant, she was finding that getting around was a much more laborious ordeal.
She made her way down the aisle toward the door. Pausing just before she stepped outside, she released a puff of air, squared her shoulders, and lifted her chin. Fortifying herself, she ducked out of the door and stepped down onto the wooden platform. Gazing around, she felt her heart begin to race as she tried to find her intended.
“Mrs. Dowes?” a deep voice spoke to her left.
She let out a surprised yelp and whirled around to face the man who’d approached her. Rita froze when her eyes landed on a tall, handsome man with dark hair and eyes as blue as the cloudless sky above him. Her mouth fell open and the ability to speak appeared to escape her. The man frowned and furrowed his brow.
“Are you Mrs. Dowes?”
Blinking slowly, Rita forced her wits to return and cleared her throat.
“Oh…yes, I am. Are you… Deputy Reid?”
He tipped his hat to her and answered, “Yes, ma’am. You can call me William.”
She nodded, feeling like an utter fool for becoming flummoxed by his looks. It was just that she hadn’t expected him to be handsome. She’d hoped he was pleasant enough in appearance, but that hadn’t been her priority.
Swallowing, she tilted her chin up and forced a polite, but contained a smile as she offered him her hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said calmly. “You may call me Rita. Seems only proper, as we are to be… married.”
She nearly flinched as her words tripped over themselves. William took her hand and gave it a firm shake.
“Rita it is,” he said with a nod. He glanced down and eyed the small carpet back she was carrying. “Do you have more luggage?”
“Just a trunk,” she replied, glancing toward the baggage car. “There wasn’t much that I thought I needed to bring with me, in truth.”
“I see. Well, that’s likely for the best. The house is roomy, but it’s not large by any means. The less we have to fill it with, the better.”
She didn’t say anything in response, unsure where to take the conversation, and so they stood in awkward silence for several long moments.
At length, he cleared his throat and said, “Well, we’d best get your trunk gathered and head to the church. The minister agreed to marry us this afternoon. He doesn’t usually allow such hurried ceremonies, but he owed me a favor.”
“How fortuitous,” she murmured.
He offered his arm, a gentlemanly gesture that surprised her, and she slipped her hand around his elbow. Without another word, he led her toward the baggage car, which the crew was busy unloading. They located her trunk and William arranged for it to be loaded into his wagon, which he had waiting for them out front of the station. He helped her up into the front seat and then climbed up beside her.
“Do you need to collect anything before we go to the church?” he asked, a note of uncertainty in his tone that made her think he was as out of his depth with this situation as she was.
“I don’t believe so. Is there anything you think I should collect?”
She wasn’t sure if that was a silly question for her to ask or not.
What could she need? Did he want her to change clothes or have flowers? She hadn’t anticipated needing any of those extra trappings for this wedding.
To her relief, he shook his head. “No, I believe you’re fine as you are. I just don’t want us to get off on the wrong foot.”
“I appreciate the concern,” she replied. “You’ll find, however, that I am a woman of rather simple needs and tastes. I do not need this to be an extravagant event by any means.”
“That’s good to know,” he nodded. “Well, we’ll be off then.”
He took up his reins and urged the two horses attached to
the wagon into motion. They lurched forward and Rita’s heart jumped back into her throat. She squeezed the handle of her carpetbag so hard, her knuckles turned white. She didn’t wish for William to notice her growing anxiety, however, so she forced herself to remain perfectly still and silent as they drove through the small town.
Rita was so focused on appearing at ease that she hardly took in her surroundings. When they arrived at the little white church with its pointed steeple, she wasn’t certain she’d be able to find her way back to the train station. She resolved to pay closer attention to her new home once they got through the business of marrying.
Chapter 4
William dropped from the wagon and came around to assist her down to the ground. She left her carpetbag behind and he offered his arm to her again before he led her up the steps of the chapel.
“I’ve arranged for our witnesses,” he explained as he walked. “Friends and neighbors of mine. Louis and Virginia Herring. Pleasant folk. I think you might like them.”
“That is very good to hear,” she replied.
They made their way into the sanctuary, and she was surprised to find three people already waiting for them up by the alter. One was obviously the minister— if his black garb and white-collar were any indications— and the other two must be their witnesses.
They appeared to be a young couple, though perhaps a little older than Rita herself. The two smiled politely as William escorted her down the aisle toward them.
“Minister Jackson,” William said with a nod, greeting the man in black. “May I introduce my fiancé, Rita Dowes.”
The Minister inclined his head toward her and smiled. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Dowes. I must admit, we’re all quite thrilled to have you here.”
Her brows shot up in surprise. “Thrilled?”
Minister Jackson nodded. “Oh, indeed. The whole town despaired that William here would never find himself a wife. Yet, here you stand.”
The Sheriff's Christmas Miracle Page 2