You can see that I need a wife to cook, take care of the house, care for the children, and teach them. My ranch is a good one with a view of forested hills and snow-capped mountains. Life here is often hard, but can also be rewarding. Since the fire, we’ve rebuilt the house and it’s tight enough to withstand our winters with plenty of room for future children. From the long front porch, we can see the beautiful colors of sunrise and sunset.
I don’t offer love, but do expect to be married in every way. I guarantee to treat my bride with respect, courtesy, and gentleness.
If you feel you can live with these conditions, I’ve enclosed the ticket and enough cash to get you to Sweetwater Springs, Montana Territory. Send a wire telling me when you’ll arrive. We will marry at the church that day then go to the ranch.
Sincerely,
Forrest Clanahan
She reread the letter to be certain she hadn’t missed any information. “The poor man! He’s lost his wife, his home, and his daughter’s stopped talking. He must be devastated.”
Mrs. Hawkins leaned forward. “But is he someone you could marry?”
Addie mulled over what she’d read. He had a sense of humor when talking about his children and his love for them was evident. He valued education and appreciated nature’s beauty. She’d hoped for real love someday. Maybe he could overcome his grief and at least learn to care for her with fondness.
“This man sounds like someone I can marry. I’ll find out how soon the train leaves.”
Mrs. Hawkins sighed and touched the cameo at her throat. “That’s a relief, I can tell you. I’ve checked on him thoroughly. Mr. Clanahan appears to be a nice man who’s respected. I’ve worried about what will happen to him and his family.”
She passed Addie the ticket and cash. “The train you’ll need leaves at nine each morning. You’ll change trains in St. Louis and Minneapolis. If you tell me when you’re leaving, I’ll send Mr. Clanahan a telegram.”
“I’ll leave the day after tomorrow.” Addie stood and offered her hand. “Thank you, Mrs. Hawkins. I’ll get busy and organize my things for the trip.”
“Please write and let me know how you’re getting on there.”
On her way home, Addie stopped on several errands. She ignored the stares of acquaintances she encountered and purposefully concentrated on her mental list of preparations. Now she was pleased she hadn’t unpacked her trunks. What a lot of bother that saved.
She arrived home at fifteen minutes past noon. Her family was ready to sit down for dinner.
Addie took her place at the table and bided her time until after the blessing. “I’ve met with the matchmaker and leave day after tomorrow for Sweetwater Springs, Montana Territory.”
Her father leaned back and stared at her. “What? How did this happen?”
Tears sprang to her mother’s eyes. “So far away? Oh, Addie, when will we see you again?”
“Mama, you can visit. Perhaps I can return for visits too.”
Her father held up his hand. “Wait. I feel like I came in halfway through a story. Start at the beginning and explain what’s going on.”
With Addie detailing and Julie adding her comments, they satisfied their father’s command.
He braced his hands on the table. “I still don’t like it, Addie. I understand why you want to leave Atlanta, but this is a drastic step. Instead, couldn’t you go visit my sister in Summerville until people forget this incident?”
“Dear Papa, they’ll never forget. No man will want me because I’m viewed as rejected leftovers.”
At his alarmed expression, she held up a hand. “Richard and I never engaged in anything improper, but convincing others of that would be impossible.”
He sent her the look he reserved for times when the women in his household perplexed him. “Have you already agreed to go?”
“I signed a contract and have a ticket and the money to pay for my meals on the trip. I only need to add a few clothes to my trunks and pack my valise.”
Julie eyed the parcels Addie had left on the foyer table. “You certainly bought a lot on your way home.”
“His children need schooling, so I went by the book store. Also, I thought they might like a couple of toys since theirs were lost in the fire. Um, a few things are being delivered this afternoon.”
Her father frowned. “Do you have any of your travel money left?”
“Yes, Papa. What I spent was from my savings from the monthly allowance you give me, but truly it didn’t amount to much expense. I already have everything personal I could need.”
Her mother also wore a worried frown. “I don’t imagine they have many extras that far west. You’d better stock up on soaps and creams.”
“Don’t worry, either of you. I have a wonderful feeling about this marriage. I’m looking forward to seeing snow this winter.”
Her father dug into his dessert. “Harrumph. In Montana Territory, you’ll see more snow than you want, that’s for sure.”
Addie scanned the faces of her family. “The only worry I have is missing you. Please promise you’ll come visit me. I know it’s a great expense, but having you travel to stay with me in my new home would be wonderful.”
Her father’s expression softened. “Well, we couldn’t go too long without seeing one of our girls, could we Marynell?”
Mama sighed. “No, Will, we certainly couldn’t.”
Happy tears pricked Addie’s eyes. “Thank you, Papa. I’ll miss the three of you terribly. I believe this is a chance to escape the gossip that’s plaguing me in this town, have a fresh start, and have my own home.”
Her father pushed back from the table. “I have to get to the office now, Addie, but I’ll expect a full report on this fellow this evening.”
Chapter Three
Addie watched the early morning sunlight work magic on the landscape. Gone was the South’s lush growth. She had traveled to a new world where fields of grain and grass stretched forever. In the distance, snow-capped mountains pointed at a sky that was bluer and higher than any she’d ever seen.
The conductor came through the car. “Sweetwater Springs, next stop. Sweetwater Springs coming up next.”
Addie brushed dust from her gray twill traveling suit. She’d changed in the tiny toilet section earlier this morning. Satisfied she’d done her best, she adjusted her hat and picked up her purse.
When she stood and recovered her valise, her stomach knotted and her knees threatened to give way. Was she insane to travel halfway across the continent to marry a man she’d never met? Too late to back out now because she’d signed a contract and come far, far from home.
She exited the train with a half dozen travelers. As she stepped onto the platform, she scanned around. She’d been practicing keeping her expression neutral when presented with her groom’s scarred face. No such person was in sight.
Gradually the other passengers who’d departed met family or strode toward their home or business. She was the only person left standing on the platform. A huge flock of butterflies battled inside her stomach.
What if no one called for her? A portion of the money sent her remained, but not enough for more than a couple of days. Surely she hadn’t been jilted again. Perhaps someone had left a message in the depot.
Inside the train station, a wizened man behind the counter raised his hand in greeting but didn’t rise from his chair by the pot-bellied stove. “How do, Miss? I’m Jack Waite, the station master. Is someone meeting you?”
“I expected Forrest Clanahan or someone acting for him.”
He rubbed at a belly that matched that of the stove. “Reckon he’ll be along, Miss . . . .”
“Ryan, Adeline Ryan. May I wait here or should I go to the hotel?”
He shook his head. “No hotel in Sweetwater Springs. If you get tired of sitting here, you can try Mrs. Murphy’s. She sometimes lets a room.”
He scratched his sparse gray hair. “Come to think of it, I remember when a wire came about your arrival. Cla
nahan will be here. He’s a man you can count on, that’s for sure.”
“What shall I do with my trunks? They’re sitting on the platform.”
The stationmaster gave a dismissive wave. “They’ll be fine. No one will bother them and today’s weather’s good.”
“Thank you. I’ll sit over here for a while.”
Addie sat on a bench and retrieved a book from her valise. She read for what seemed a long time but was an hour by her lapel watch, which she verified with the station clock. Tapping her foot, she thought this was not a great start to her supposed marriage.
The door opened and a cowboy who looked to be about a hundred moseyed into the station. In her head she giggled at the term mosey, which perfectly fit the way the man moved.
“Howdy, Jack. You see a young lady get off the train?”
She stood and cleared her throat. “If you’re looking for Miss Adeline Ryan, that’s me.”
The newcomer tipped his hat. “Biscuits is my name, Ma’am. Sure sorry we’re late but the wagon wheel busted and we had to fix the contrary thing ’fore we could come. Boss sent me to bring you to the church. Him and the others are waitin’ there.”
“Then, you have a wagon for my trunks?”
“That I do and a helper. You wait here and we’ll be back ’fore you can say calf rope.” Biscuits’ legs were so bowed he looked as if his horse had trotted off without notifying his body.
A green-sided wagon pulled up near her trunks and Biscuits and the driver loaded them. She supposed a buggy was too much to hope for in this case. Good as his word, Biscuits was back in a short while. The other man stayed with the vehicle.
Biscuits made a production of helping her onto the seat. “This here’s Rowdy.”
Rowdy dipped his head and touched the brim of his hat in the greeting she’d seen on the train. “Ma’am.” The handsome young man had red hair and blue eyes, and looked to be in his early twenties.
“Nice to meet you.” She wasn’t sure whether or not to call him by his first name but didn’t know his last.
A bench with two slats for a back was attached to the wagon bed behind her. A folded blanket made a pad on the seat. Behind that were her trunks and what looked to be ranch supplies.
They drove down the dusty street toward a white spire. She gazed at the buildings they passed. Only one was of brick, the mercantile. A saloon with peeling yellow paint was the tallest building in the town’s business section.
At the church, a blond woman with a kind expression bustled toward them. “You must be Miss Ryan. I’m Mary Norton, the minister’s wife. Why don’t you come to the parsonage and you can freshen up after your long trip?”
Addie followed the friendly woman. She still had not seen her groom-to-be, which filled her with misgiving. What about the man was so frightening that he wouldn’t show himself at the station or here?
Inside the parsonage, she asked, “Do you know Forrest Clanahan?”
The minister’s wife squeezed Addie’s hand. “Oh, yes, such a fine man. Lovely children, but they’ve been a little lost since their mother’s death.”
Lost since their mother’s death? Addie could understand that. She was a little lost herself and her parents were alive and well. How she wished they were here with her.
Mrs. Norton’s bright smile was encouraging. “You’re exactly what they need at that ranch. Rowdy stopped by a couple of days ago to let us know you’d arrive today. My husband and I were happy to learn Forrest had sent for you.”
“Do the children resent their father remarrying?”
The minister’s wife opened the door to a small bedroom and gestured for Addie to go inside. “I couldn’t say. They’re always well behaved and pleasant, so I couldn’t hazard a guess at what they’re thinking. The youngest one talks a lot, of course, but mostly she’s asking questions about whatever’s captured her attention.”
Addie removed her jacket and lavender shirtwaist for a sponge bath. When she’d finished she redid her hair. “Should I wear my hat for the ceremony?”
Mary Norton brushed the black crown and fluffed flowers the same color as Addie’s shirt. “It’s smart and compliments your costume. I’m sure your groom will agree you look lovely. Are you ready now?”
Was she? Her insides quaked so much she could barely stand straight. She swallowed the bile rising in her throat. “Yes, we should go.”
The minister’s wife picked up a small bouquet that had been standing in a vase of water. After removing the excess water with a towel, she handed the pink roses, purple and white larkspur, and greenery to Addie. “These are from my garden.”
Tears pricked her eyelids. “Your kind gesture reminds me of something my dear mother might have done. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
Together they made their way to the church next door. Once they were inside, Mrs. Norton excused herself and moved to the pianoforte. She played a familiar hymn, “My Jesus I Love Thee”.
Thinking that was an odd choice for a wedding, Addie walked toward the man standing beside the minister. She passed a pew where three children sat with Biscuits, Rowdy, and another man.
Her groom’s face was in profile, and she was surprised at how tall and handsome he was. Broad shoulders tapered to a trim waist. Instead of dressy clothes, he wore what he must wear to work on the ranch. Of course he’d lost his wardrobe in the fire and probably didn’t have much choice now. His hair was sandy brown and his carriage erect.
At the lectern, she stopped. From the corner of her eye, she watched the man beside her. Reverend Norton spoke words on the duties of a husband and a wife before he began the vows.
Forrest placed a ring on her finger. She wished she’d thought to get one for him.
As the minister finished, he said, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Keeping his unscarred side to her, he pecked her on the cheek.
“Shall we go?” Then, maneuvering so he kept his good side to her, he guided her down the aisle.
The children and men followed.
Before they left the sanctuary, Mrs. Norton indicated a large basket on the back pew. “I always prepare our brides a basket of food. A woman shouldn’t have to cook on her wedding day.”
Her groom accepted the container, which appeared heavy. “Appreciate your kindness.”
Addie gave the minister’s wife a brief hug. “Thank you for everything, Mrs. Norton.”
The kindly woman smiled.
Reverend Norton stood beside his wife. “We hope to see you folks again soon.”
Addie hurried to keep pace with her new husband. She still hadn’t seen the scarred side of his face. Surely she would now and she braced herself so she wouldn’t cringe or display shock. Better to get that over with than prolong her tension.
He set the basket in the wagon bed. When he turned back to help her, she touched his unblemished jaw and turned his head so she could see his full face. He flinched and his hands fisted at his side.
He resembled a harlequin with half of his face perfect and handsome and the other half scarred, red, and horribly puckered. The combination created a ghoulish sight that would frighten anyone not prepared. Forcing herself not to outwardly react to his frightening appearance, she looked into his dark blue eyes.
“You said you wanted a wife who could look you in the face but you haven’t given me an opportunity.”
In the sanctuary, his voice had been soft and hushed. Now he spoke with a pleasant baritone, “Thank you for not screaming. I want neither pity nor rejection but only to be treated as I deserve.”
Not flinching had taken every ounce of her self-control. She ached for the pain he must have endured. Was there even a doctor in this area? How had he survived?
“Isn’t fair treatment what everyone wants? Perhaps you could introduce me to your children and the man with you. I met Biscuits and Rowdy, but I don’t know their last names.”
“These sprouts are my pride and joy.” He tousled his son�
��s hair. “Noah is eight, Frances is six, and Daisy is four. Children, this is your new mother.”
Noah crossed his arms with a mulish expression. “Our real Mama died. Do we have to call you Mama?”
“Of course not, Noah.” She met the gaze of each child. “I hope you learn to like me well enough to think of me as your second mama, but you should never forget your real mother. My name is Adeline but my family and friends call me Addie.”
Forrest’s smile was lopsided due to the burn marks. “Biscuits Buchanan has been working for the Sleepy C Ranch almost since my dad settled here. I’d sure hate for him to know how much I depend on him or his head would swell so big he couldn’t wear his hat.”
“Boss, I know you couldn’t get along without me so don’t go pretending otherwise.” He tapped two fingers to the brim of his hat. “Real glad you and the boss got hitched, Miss Addie.”
“Thank you, Biscuits, but please call me Addie without the Miss.”
He indicated the cowboy who’d helped Biscuits load the trunks. “This young man is Rowdy Payton, who’s been with us three years.”
Rowdy tipped his hat. “Sure pleased you’re here, Ma’am.”
“Kind of you to say so, Rowdy.”
Forrest clapped the last man on the shoulder. “This ornery galoot is my brother, Ethan Campbell.”
Ethan was shorter than Forrest but quite handsome. He flashed a charming smile that lit his dark brown eyes. “Stepbrother, which accounts for the different last names. Nice to meet you, Addie. Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you, Ethan. Do you live on the same ranch?”
Ethan’s smile remained but his eyes changed. “Oh, no, Forrest inherited the ranch from his father. I live on the next spread west.”
Noah looked up at his uncle. “But Uncle Ethan comes over sometimes.”
“Hey, gotta check on my favorite nephew, don’t I?” He ruffled the boy’s hair.
“Uncle Ethan, I’m your only nephew.” From the way Noah spoke and laughed, she knew this was an old exchange between the two.
“And have to see my favorite nieces, right Frannie and Daisy?”
Montana Sky: Snare His Heart (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 5) Page 2