She shook her head. “I think I’ve been rejected so much that I’ve learned to expect the next rejection. I’m glad you’re not telling me to go away.”
“On the contrary. I’m begging you to stay and make me the happiest man alive.”
She leaned toward him and kissed him. “I can do that.”
Epilogue
Dear Journal,
It’s been a year since I came to Nowhere, Texas, and I couldn’t be happier. Bob is so kind and wonderful to me that I’m not sure how to be good enough to deserve him. Our first child is due any day now, and I’m hoping it’s a little boy. We need a little Bob running around here. Or a Roberta. I’d take a Roberta too. Frankly, any child, as long as he or she belongs to Bob and me, is very welcome.
Beulah is expecting her second son already. It’s surprising that everything her new husband told her has come true so far. She is having sons at an alarming rate. She said it has something to do with the McClain legacy, whatever that means.
I got a letter from Wiggie today. She’s doing well, thank heavens. I really expected her to be gone by now, but she seems to be hanging on strong. That pleases me. I don’t know how much longer she has, but I treasure every letter she sends. She made the right decision sending us all away to find husbands. I truly am happy.
Jessie looked up from her journal when she heard the door close. Bob came into the parlor where she was sitting with her feet up. It was Saturday and he’d worked all day while she’d been at home grading papers.
“How are you feeling?” he asked. It was the same thing he asked every time he saw her. He watched her as if he expected her to explode like a stick of dynamite. It hadn’t yet happened, and she was pleased to be able to say that.
“I’m fine. You know women have been having babies for thousands of years, and I’m just another.”
“No woman has ever had my baby before.”
She smiled. “I’m doing good, Papa. Worry about something else.”
“Well, I have something to tell you, but it’s not a worry.” He handed her a piece of folded paper, and she carefully unfolded it, wondering what it could be.
Dear Mrs. Samuels,
We’re happy to say that your manuscript titled Journey to Nowhere has been accepted for publication.
She looked up from the paper. “How did they get my manuscript?”
Bob shrugged. “I may have sent it to them. Does that bother you?”
Jessie frowned. “I wish I’d known.”
“I figured if they rejected you, you would never have to know. If they didn’t reject you, then you could be happy when you found out they loved it. So can you be happy?”
She shook her head. “Sometimes I just don’t know what to do with you, Bob Samuels.”
“Love me. That’s all I ask.”
She leaned forward and brushed her lips against his. “I can do that.”
About the Author
kirstenosbourne.com
Also by Kirsten Osbourne
To sign up for Kirsten Osbourne’s mailing list and receive notice of new titles as they are available text ‘BOB’ to 42828
What’s Next for The Alphabet Mail-Order Brides
What’s Next
What’s that you say? You’re desperately curious what’s going on back at the Wigg School and Foundling Home? Is Wiggie pulling her shenanigans with the other teachers? You can find out in Katriona’s Keeper, by Lynn Winchester the fourth book in The Alphabet Mail-Order Brides!
Do you like reading historical westerns, and like hanging out with others who do too? Join us on the Pioneer Hearts Facebook page, where we have the most wonderful discussions, contests, and updates about new books!
Jessamine’s Journal: The Alphabet Mail-Order Brides Page 10