The Not Quite Mail-Order Bride

by Leah Atwood

  Inside her small but sufficient house, Caroline thought about what she should do. Her initial plan of not sending a letter no longer seemed a viable option. That would be too dishonest and if she really loved him, she’d want him to be happy. Since this plan was what he thought would make him happy, her only option was to write a letter, send it off and hope that the reply letter she wrote would be the one Wyatt chose.

  Sighing, an action she found herself doing often in the past day, she sat down to write a letter. In it, she included everything that he wished. Her heart broke as she added her own touches to convey Wyatt’s great personality. She would do her best to let the potential brides know how fortunate they would be to be picked. How she wanted to not even write a letter, effectively making hers the only reply, but she knew what she must do. Doing the right things wasn’t always easy.

  With a heavy heart, she finished the letter and sealed it in an envelope. Tomorrow, she would take it to work and send it off when the next carrier came through.

  Waiting

  Two months passed and still, there were no replies to his letter seeking a bride. Wyatt felt discouraged and wondered if maybe the good Lord had other plans for him. Rosita would be leaving next week after extending her departure several weeks. Asking her to postpone it any further wouldn’t be fair to her.

  For the past month, Wyatt had made his weekly trip into town, which always included a stop at the post office. This week his trip would also include asking around town for any potential new housekeepers since it seemed he wouldn’t be getting a bride.

  As he approached the town, he couldn’t stop thinking about Caroline. His heart wouldn’t stop loving her, no matter how much he willed it. He’d even contemplated asking her if he may call on her if no replies came soon, but as quickly as the notion arrived, it disappeared. His sweet, hard-working, smart Caroline deserved better than an illiterate rancher like him. Plus, if he asked her now it would come across like she was the second choice. How would he ever be able to convince her she was whom he wanted all along?

  He parked his wagon outside of the general store which would be his final destination. Rosita had made a final list of items to pick up that would make their transition to a new housekeeper go more smoothly. There were also a few tools he must purchase to replace ones that had broken beyond repair.

  After leaving his wagon, he dropped by the blacksmith’s shop to talk to the proprietor, Mr. Wayne. His wife held a weekly quilting meeting, and she would likely know of anyone in the area looking for work.

  “I can’t say that I know of anyone offhand, but I’ll have Betty ask around.” Mr. Wayne crooked a finger on his chin. “Tomorrow night’s the meeting, so if there is anyone needing work, someone in the group will know.”

  “I’d appreciate that,” Wyatt told him. “Have her tell anyone interested in coming out to the Shadow's Light.”

  Mr. Wayne held out a finger “Say, you never did tell me why Aaron and you chose that name for the ranch,”

  “Actually, it was Molly who came up with it. Our parents were killed in a Comanche raid when we lived in Texas. Molly was just a kid and was terrified to even leave the house. The raids weren’t stopping, so Aaron and I decided it was time to leave. We moved here and Molly took instantly to the land. Finally, she felt free to go outside again and she blossomed. One day, we had caught up on most of our work and took a ride around the land. There was a large shadow cast on the ground, but nothing around to cause it. We ambled over to it, and it never changed but the oddest thing, right in the middle of the shadow, which was a good eight to ten feet wide, was a lantern peeking out from the grass.”

  “That is rather peculiar.” Mr. Wayne scratched his chin.

  “We thought so too. Even though there was no light emitting from it, Molly smiled ear to ear and said, ‘Look, it’s light in the middle of the shadow. It’s kind of like life. Even when things look dark, there’s always a light to be found and we just have to find the source of it.’” Wyatt shrugged. “And so our land become Shadow’s Light.”

  “You have a wise sister.” Mr. Wayne reached for a tool.

  “Yes, I do. I must be going, but it was nice talking to you. You and Betty should come out one evening for supper.” Wyatt chuckled. “After we have a new housekeeper that is.”

  “We’ll be sure to do that.” Mr. Wayne prodded the fire. “You have a good day.”

  Wyatt exited and made a left turn toward the post office. There were two men at the counter already, so he stood back until they completed their business. When they were finished and no one else came in, Caroline hurriedly closed the door and turned the sign to indicate the post office was closed.

  “You have two replies.”

  When she smiled at him, it didn’t reach her eyes. They lacked the sparkle he’d come to know and love in them.

  “That’s wonderful.” He didn’t feel the excitement he’d anticipated. That’s something he would have to think about later. “When can we read them?”

  “Now, if you’d like. It’s time for my noon meal. I can read them to you undisturbed.”

  “That sounds good as long as you’re sure you don’t mind. Once you read them, I can make my choice and send out a reply. No sense in prolonging things any longer.” His heart pounded, increasing his doubts.

  “Come to the back,” she told him, already walking.

  He watched her take a seat behind the desk, and again he sat in the spare chair. His heart beat faster. This was really happening, two women wanted to be his bride.

  “Which shall I read first?” Caroline showed him two separate envelopes.

  “That one.” He pointed to the letter on the right with a slightly crinkled envelope.

  The noise of Caroline opening the letter resonated through the room. Both held their breath as she fastidiously tore open the flap. Once she removed the letter, she laid it on the desk to smooth the creases. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled then began reading.

  Dear Mr. Lance,

  I am writing in response to your letter advertising for a mail-order bride. I am most fascinated by the west and the wild tales I have heard. My spirit is adventurous and my heart is open. To be truthful, I am lacking in domestic skills but am confident I can help you with the running of your ranch. What I do not know, I can learn quickly.

  I am twenty years of age with a slim, but a tall figure. My eyes are brown and my hair a darker brown. Please let me know when I should expect to meet you.”

  Fondest Regards,

  Allison Fontaine.

  Disappointment filled Wyatt. Not only did Miss Fontaine not address anything he wished for in a wife, but she was too young and fanciful it seemed. He needed someone steadfast—someone, who knew the risks of living in the west and took them seriously and also someone with domestic skills. While Miss Fontaine might be lovely and exciting, she would not do for him. Shaking his head, he wondered what the next letter would say. Would it be any more hopeful?

  “Let’s read the next one,” he told Caroline.

  This one she opened more quickly and didn’t smooth the creases. Instead, she began reading immediately.

  Mr. Lance,

  I recently saw the letter in which you advertised for a wife. After praying about the decision, I believe that I would be a good match for you. On my next birthday, I will be thirty years of age and am a widow. I attend church regularly and have been a Christian since a young age. I am honest, hard-working and diligent at keeping a clean house. My cooking skills have often been complimented, and I would welcome the opportunity to prepare meals for someone other than myself.

  I am available to travel at your earliest convenience. If you choose me as your bride, please advise of travel times. I look forward to your reply.

  Very Truly,

  Cara Mathers

  A smile spread across Wyatt’s face. His gut told him this was the woman for him. He did find it strange that she made no mention of physical appearance, but he did not care. He’d already reso
lved that would never be a determining factor.

  “That’s the one!” A measure of excitement filled him after weeks of disappointment.

  “She sounds like just what you need.” Caroline’s face was an odd combination or joy and worry, though he couldn’t imagine why.

  “Do you suppose two months will be enough time for her to receive a reply and travel?”

  “Yes, I do.” This time her smile reached her eyes.

  “I am going to the bank and then the train station to purchase a ticket for her. When I come back, would you be willing to write a reply and send it with the ticket? I can’t thank you enough.”

  She nodded. “Of course.”

  “I can’t thank you enough, Caroline. You’re a great friend.”

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad I could be a friend back to you.”

  ***

  Caroline was ecstatic as could be. Wyatt chose her. Granted, he didn’t realize he was choosing her and the other woman who replied would have been a poor choice, but still! In two months, she would be marrying the man she loved.

  She still worried slightly that he might be angry, but she was truthful in her letter. She hadn’t lied about anything, not even her name. As a small child, her father used to call her Cara and Mathers was her maiden name. The guilt of wasted money on a train ticket did bother her, but she made sure she had the money to repay him.

  Everything will work out, she told herself, clasping her hands.

  The Truth Revealed

  Today was the day. The train on which Wyatt believed his bride to be would arrive today. Only, it would be Caroline waiting for him instead. She would wait until all the passengers unloaded and then confess that it was she who wrote the letter. Wyatt would pick her up and twirl her around as onlookers watched the happy couple and smiled at young love.

  At half past noon, she closed the office and strolled over to the station. It took great self-control to not run in her excitement.

  “Wyatt,” she called out when she saw him. He looked especially handsome today. Though his hat was still on, she could tell by the lack of hair hanging out that he’d had a fresh haircut. His trousers also looked new, and his shirt freshly laundered and pressed. Inhaling, she could smell his spicy, natural scent mixed with a clean soap smell.

  “Caroline, what are you doing here?” he asked, appearing to be surprised at her presence.

  All thoughts of her plan to wait until the train unloaded faded away. Why keep him waiting when the woman he wanted was right here. Taking a deep breath, she summoned up every ounce of bravery she possessed.

  “There is something I must tell you.” Her hands fisted from nervousness.

  “Can it wait? This is not the best time.” He glanced to the train.

  “No, I need to tell you now,” she answered.

  He looked back and forth between her and the train. “I guess they’ll be a few minutes unloading still. What must you tell me?”

  “The thing is, well, there is no one on that train for you.” Caroline’s words faltered as her bravado faded.

  Wyatt’s face contorted into a confused look. “What do you mean? Cara is going to be on this train. She sent back her confirmation weeks ago.”

  “No, Wyatt, I am Cara. I wrote you that letter,” she confessed to him.

  The confusion set deeper in his face. “I don’t understand.”

  “Can we go talk at the office? Perhaps a private setting would be better,” she suggested much more calmly than her now frayed nerves felt.

  “Let’s go,” Wyatt said through clenched teeth, clearly not happy.

  They made their way back to the post office, and Caroline locked the door again behind them. Customers would just have to wait.

  “Now, please explain exactly what’s going on?” Wyatt’s demand his was lined with irritation.

  “When you first approached me about helping you, I foolishly thought you had come to ask if you could court me. You never gave any impression you wanted anything beyond our friendship, but I let my heart get ahead of me. I felt something for you I hadn’t felt since Adam.”

  “I had no idea.” Wyatt’s expression was unreadable at the moment.

  “I knew that once you were married our friendship would change. The thought broke my heart, and I didn’t want to lose you. I came up with the idea to reply to your letter with one of my own.” She paused to take a deep breath. “I even used my childhood nickname and maiden name. That way, if you chose my letter, you would be choosing me. Nothing in the letter was a lie.”

  “And you thought because I’m just a dumb, illiterate man that I wouldn’t be able to catch onto any of this until it’s too late. You’ve made a complete fool of me.” His facial features were pulled tight.

  “You are anything but dumb, Wyatt. Do not talk about yourself like that.” A pain shot through her heart.

  “I saw the look of disgust on your face when I first confided my inability to read or write. Your haughty tone after that spoke volumes.”

  Caroline thought back to that conversation. Her heart dropped when she remembered how rude she’d been, but Wyatt misunderstood the reason. She stood and walked over to him, placing her hand on his shoulder.

  “I owe you an apology,” she told him. “My attitude did change after that, but only because I was hurt and feeling ashamed that I let myself believe you wanted more.”

  Wyatt jerked away from her touch before walking across the room and putting more distance between them.

  “I’m going to be completely honest with you, Caroline. There were plenty of times when I thought about being with you, but I thought you deserved better. I’ve wrestled with the love I feel for you and sending away for a bride, but I determined that I would love the new bride.” He looked like he had more to stay, but remained silent.

  “Does that mean there is hope for us?” All bravado she’d had earlier disappeared and her legs were wobbly.

  “No. There will never be an ‘us.' I might have loved you for some time, but a marriage based on deception would never survive. Honesty is one of the most important traits I require for a spouse, and I’m not sure I’d be able to regain my trust in you.”

  Tears rolled down her face. She would not beg. All along, she knew this outcome could be a possibility, but she never allowed herself to believe it. She could only pray that things worked out how they were supposed to and if she weren't meant to be with Wyatt, she’d just have to learn to accept that.

  “For what it’s worth, I’m truly sorry.” Tears flowed down her cheeks.

  “It’s best that I leave now. Take care, Caroline.” And with that he left, never looking back.

  She crumbled into the chair, sobbing. His leaving felt too permanent. Had she lost him forever, even his friendship? Her tears subsided at long last. Suddenly, it hit her that she’d never prayed about the situation with Wyatt. And then she did what she should have done before ever taking any action. She prayed for wisdom on how to fix the situation and forgiveness for being deceptive.

  Peace washed over her, and she knew that everything would be okay, even if she and Wyatt wouldn’t be together. She walked over to a small porcelain wash basin she kept in the corner. Splashing water on her face, she smiled and determined to make the best of the day.

  Light in the Shadows

  The envelope stared back at him, taunting him with its contents. There was no letter attached for she knew he could not read it. Instead, the letter contained the exact amount of money that the train ticket to “Cara” had cost him.

  A week had gone by since he discovered there was no bride coming to meet him on the train.

  One long, miserable week.

  The pain of Caroline’s lie hurt him. It hurt his pride and his heart. He got up from the table and began cleaning. Since Rosita’s departure, the house had become a mess and so far, they hadn’t found a replacement for her.

  Aaron walked in as Wyatt finished washing the last dish. They’d been so busy lately, there hadn�
��t had much time to talk.

  “Are you still sulking?” Aaron leaned against the table and crossed his arms.

  Wyatt scowled. “I’m not sulking.”

  “Yes, you are, my brother. You’re so deep in resentment, you can’t see what’s right in front of you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You love Caroline and have for some time. She loved you also and went through a great deal to try and show you. While I agree, being honest would have been a better route, you weren’t honest either.”

  He jerked back his head. “How was I dishonest?”

  “You loved her and never gave her a chance. Instead of giving her the opportunity to decide for herself, you assumed you weren’t good enough for her.” Aaron’s eyebrows arched. “And knowing that you loved her, you still sent away for the bride. That’s the reason I would not help you. Your vows would have been untruthful.”

  Waves of guilt washed over Wyatt. His brother was right. He had no cause to be angry at Caroline, for he had been deceiving himself also. Maybe it wasn’t too late to make amends. Maybe just maybe, out of the shadows of this fiasco, they could find the light of love.

  Aaron watched the changes in his brother’s face. “If our time in Texas taught us one thing, it’s that life is short. Go into town now and straighten this out—I’ll finish up here.”

  Without another word, Wyatt grabbed the envelope from the table and hurried out of the house. He saddled Bluebonnet and went straight to town.

  Not wasting any time, he hitched his horse to the post outside of Caroline’s building and ran in. The post office was already closed for the day, but he knocked on the door, knowing Caroline often stayed well past closing time.

  “Caroline?” he called out. “Caroline, are you in there?”

  He saw her come to the door, gasping when she saw him through a window. He could tell the sight of him unnerved her, and she was trying to gather her composure before opening the door.