A GROOM FOR CARRIE
By Marie Higgins
Copyright © 2020 by Marie Higgins
Cover Art by Josephine Blake
Edited by Teresa Pearson, Veronica Mesa, and Amy Petrowich
Edition License Notes
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Table of Contents
Copyright Page
A Groom for Carrie
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
TEN
ELEVEN
TWELVE
THIRTEEN
EPILOGUE
THE BLIZZARD BRIDES
Welcome to Last Chance, Nebraska! When the freak blizzard of 1878 kills most of the men in a small Nebraska town, what does it mean for the surviving women and children? Realizing they need to find men of honor to help rebuild, the women place an advertisement in the Matrimonial Times. Choosing a husband is more difficult than they thought when there is an overwhelming response to the ad. Will these Blizzard Brides find the second chance at love in a town called Last Chance?
A GROOM FOR CARRIE
Carrie Porter doesn’t know what she’s lost until it’s gone. With her husband dead, and a young child to feed, she must rely on herself to improve her situation... or find a wealthy husband to care for her desolate family. When she chooses a man looking for a mail-order bride, she prays he will be her salvation.
ONE
Nebraska 1878
What had once been Carrie Porter’s salvation had now put her in the depths of hell.
Frowning, she glanced out the window of her home, not realizing until now how life had changed so drastically in a few months. It seemed impossible that only two and a half months ago, Last Chance, Nebraska, had received the worst blizzard in history. Four feet of snow had packed the land – twice – not only killing their crops and most of the animals, but the freezing temperatures had also taken the lives of some of the people in town. The greater number of those who’d died were men – husbands of the women in town. Carrie’s own husband had perished, as well. She had relied heavily on him for support, and just like that, he was ripped right out of her life.
Five years ago, Michael Porter had taken her away from New York City and promised that they would live like kings. As newlyweds, they were in love and anxious to start a family, but they both decided that New York was not where they wanted to grow old together. When they found Last Chance, Nebraska, they felt this was their home.
Unfortunately, once Michael had opened up the town’s first bank, he had spent so much time there that he ignored his wife, and when their first child came a few years later, he wasn’t around to help her. Carrie knew he was trying to follow through with his promise of living like kings, which was why he was hardly ever home. However, it wasn’t that terrible, considering Tilly, the maid she’d brought with her from New York, had been the one who showed Carrie how to be a mother. Tilly was also the one who kept food in their bellies and clean clothes on their backs. Since Carrie had come from a wealthy family, she’d had a maid growing up, and Tilly was a godsend.
Taking a deep breath, Carrie smoothed her palms down her blouse and further to the waist of her teal colored skirt. It wasn’t until she had gotten word that Michael had been frozen during the blizzard when she realized how much she had relied on her maid. Tilly had helped Carrie mourn Michael’s death, as well as assisted in caring for little Parker Joe.
Sadly, her son would never remember his father. But, if all went well this morning, she would have another man to marry who would take on husband and father titles and responsibilities.
Deep coughing from the other room brought Carrie out of her depressing thoughts. Poor Tilly had caught a chest cold over a month ago, and the middle-aged woman hadn’t been able to shake it. Carrie moved away from the window and walked into the kitchen, where Tilly sat at the table, peeling potatoes. The woman’s face was flushed, and moisture coated her forehead. Wisps of short, black hair along her temple stuck to her skin in certain areas.
“Tilly, you should really go lie down.” Carrie moved to her maid and placed her hand on the woman’s shoulder. “I will peel the potatoes.”
Tilly arched a thick eyebrow as a grin touched her mouth. “The last time I gave you a knife, you nearly cut off your finger.” She shook her head. “No, I’m going to make some soup, and you cannot stop me.”
Irritation boiled inside Carrie. “If you don’t take care of yourself, what good will you be? I need you well, Tilly. If you cannot think of my welfare, think of poor Parker Joe. He will starve if you’re too sick to cook, and you don’t want to be responsible for his starvation, do you?”
Tilly rolled her eyes. The older woman knew when Carrie was acting dramatic, and although she was this time, she was still trying to make her point on the subject.
“I’ll go lie down, but only because Parker Joe is resting, too. Someone has got to watch him while you go collect yourself a new husband.”
Carrie’s chest tightened. It physically hurt to think of starting all over again with a new man in her life. But, it had to be done. Pastor Collins had told all of the mourning widows that they couldn’t stay in Last Chance unless they all found new husbands. That was the very thing to push the women into action. They set up an ad in Grand Platte’s newspaper, advertising for grooms.
It had surprised Carrie that so many men had responded, and she – along with the other widows – were able to choose their own man. Carrie picked Dr. L. C. Hamilton. She’d prayed the Lord would guide her toward the man who would not only rescue sick people in town but rescue her and Parker Joe, as well.
“Yes,” Carrie said with a heavy sigh. “It’s almost time to meet my future husband.”
Tilly patted Carrie’s arm. “Don’t worry, child. He will get to know you and fall in love with you, just as Michael did.”
Trying to smile through trembling lips, Carrie straightened her shoulders and nodded. “It would be wonderful to be in love again, but I fear it’s too soon. I miss Michael so much.” Her voice broke, and she quickly cleared her throat.
“As do I.” Tilly nodded.
Carrie assisted her maid into the smaller bedroom to lie down. Tilly kissed Carrie’s forehead and smiled weakly. “Don’t worry about Parker Joe. He’ll be just fine.”
“I’m never worried about him when I know you’re here.”
Carrie walked out of the maid’s room. Before leaving the house, she tiptoed to her son’s room and peeked inside. He was still asleep in the crib. Thankfully, his room was still toasty warm.
Although the weather had warmed up considerably in three months after the freezing blizzard, there was still a nip in the air and snow on the ground since it was officially winter. She slipped into her black waist-coat and placed the matching hat with the single teal feather on her head. She always tried to look her best, even if she was considered still in mourning.
She left the house and briskly walked toward the church. The women in town had chosen the church to meet their prospective grooms. During the past two weeks, men had trickled in, and Pastor Collins had quickly officiated the marriage ceremonies. There were still many women waiting for their men, and although it had been grueling waiting for her special day, now that it wa
s here, she was a nervous wreck.
Out of all the men who had responded to the newspaper ad, she had always liked the name Hamilton. When she was a young girl in pigtails and in school, there was a boy a year older who had teased her endlessly. He came from a prominent family, and their last name was Hamilton. Although the boy was a holy terror, she recalled having doe-eyes for his older brother. Of course, the silly crush didn’t last long, but it was nice to dream. Thankfully, she’d forgotten about the mean brother, and she was relieved that his rotten attitude didn’t sway her from liking his last name. She still felt it was a strong name, and soon... it would be hers.
Carrie Hamilton... Mrs. Doctor Hamilton.
She flexed her hands by her side and quickened her pace. It would be quite an adjustment not to introduce herself as Carrie Porter after today. And she prayed the good doctor would allow Parker Joe to take on that last name, as well.
As the church came into view, her heartbeat accelerated. She couldn’t remember being so nervous before. Marrying Michael had been a dream-come-true. He’d courted her for three months, and they were in love. Entering marriage with him had been anticipated. But today... not so much. In fact, the wedding night scared her nearly to death.
When she reached the front door of the church, her body trembled so badly, she thought she might need someone to hold her up. She stopped before opening the door and inhaled deeply. Closing her eyes, she repeated in her mind, you can do this, Carrie. She wasn’t the first woman in Last Chance to marry a stranger, and she wouldn’t be the last. If those other women could do it, so could she.
Carrie just hoped that when the doctor discovered that she relied heavily on her maid to do everything around the house, he wouldn’t regret his decision to marry her.
Straightening, she entered the church, holding her chin up. She couldn’t appear frightened.
The pastor stood at the front of the chapel with another man, talking by the pulpit. The pews were empty, but the curtains were open wide, letting in the sunshine. The small organ sat empty, and her fingers itched to play the instrument. It had been too long since she last played.
Holding her breath, she took slower steps as she studied the doctor’s profile. From what she could see of him, he appeared to be around her age, maybe a little older. His sandy-brown hair fell down his neck, and he sported a trimmed mustache and beard that were the same color. He wore a nice long, black suit-coat, and on his slender legs were matching trousers.
The man chuckled at something Pastor Collins said, and the doctor’s baritone voice sent her heartbeat skipping in rhythm. She’d always liked men with deep voices. Unfortunately, though, Michael’s voice wasn’t as deep.
Pastor Collins saw her first, and he smiled wide. “Mrs. Porter, please come closer and meet Mr. Hamilton.”
Finally, her soon-to-be husband turned and looked at her. He was quite handsome, even with his facial hair, and as she neared him, she noticed his eyes were evergreen. She’d known a few people in her life with eyes that color.
She tried holding her smile steady as she looked at the doctor. “Good afternoon.”
He took two steps closer as his gaze roamed over her, from the top of her head down to her black boots. When his gaze finally rested on her eyes, he nodded. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Porter.”
Something tugged in the back of her memory. Had they met before? He looked somewhat familiar, but she couldn’t figure out where they might have met. It must have been when she lived in New York before she was married. Yet, that seemed vague, too. It would drive her crazy until she remembered.
“You don’t know how much I appreciate your willingness to help me out.” She swallowed hard. “You are a godsend, Doctor Hamilton.”
“When I read about what happened to this town, I felt this was where I needed to be.”
“May I ask where you are from?”
“I went to college to study medicine in Peru, but I’m originally from New York.”
Surprised, she gasped lightly. “Indeed? I’m from New York, as well.”
His gaze narrowed on her, and it seemed he studied her closer this time. It didn’t bother her, only because she was looking at him the same way. Yet, she still couldn’t pinpoint where they would have met.
“What is your maiden name, Mrs. Porter?”
“Jones. My father was a lawyer.”
His eyes widened, and his mouth hung open. This time when he looked her over, there was amazement in his expression. “Robert Jones is your father?”
At least she knew this man had been friends with her father. “Yes.”
“You’re Carrie Jones?” He shook his head. “The last time I saw you, you were climbing trees and playing in the mud.”
She laughed lightly. “Well, I’m happy that you know me, but I’m still trying to place you. I’ve known a few Hamiltons when I was growing up, but I fear I cannot remember where we could have met.”
His chest shook with silent laughter as he pushed his fingers through his hair. “I sat in back of you at school, and I pulled your pigtails. You knew me as Cade Hamilton.”
Shock vibrated through her as memories from the past flooded her mind. Cade – the boy she’d hated because he teased her endlessly. The holy terror in school that was always standing with his nose in the corner of the room for misbehaving.
Inwardly, she groaned. And now he was going to be her husband?
Her heart raced in panic. Was it too late to withdraw the offer of marriage?
TWO
Cade Hamilton couldn’t believe his rotten luck. Out of all the women he would end up with, why did it have to be that spoiled girl who irritated him when he was a boy? He couldn’t put his finger on why he didn’t like her unless it was because their teacher doted on Miss Carrie. He was certain it had something to do with her father being wealthy, while his father struggled to make a good living for his family.
However, it appeared that life’s heartaches had changed her, too. She didn’t look like the haughty little girl he remembered. Instead, she was a desperate woman who needed a husband.
He hesitated to continue with their plans, but this town had called to him. He’d been praying for the Lord to guide him in the direction he needed to take after deciding not to continue being a doctor. When he’d lost a patient due to his mistake, Cade realized that he’d chosen the wrong career. Now he wanted to be a farmer since that’s what he’d been raised to do... and this poor town needed his help badly after suffering from the awful effects of the blizzard.
Apparently, the Lord had a sense of humor to want Cade to end up with the uppity girl from his past. Indeed, Cade would have to really curb his tongue while in her presence – at least until they became used to each other.
When she chuckled, he could tell it was forced. But from this point forward, they would be walking on eggshells around each other, so he should get used to it now.
“Yes, I do remember you, Cade Hamilton,” she said.
He could tell from her tone of voice that she felt the same way about him as he felt about her.
“Splendid.” Pastor Collins clapped his hands twice. “I’m happy to know that you two aren’t total strangers.”
Cade wanted to argue with the preacher because, really, they were still strangers.
“Then, without further ado,” Pastor Collins continued, “let’s start the ceremony.” He withdrew a paper and ink pen. “Let’s have you both sign the marriage certificate.”
Carrie signed first. Her hand trembled when she handed the pen to Cade, and he wrote his signature. The preacher took the paper again and set it on the table. He then opened his Bible.
Holding his breath, Cade waited for Carrie to say something to stop the preacher from beginning. Her stiff body and pale face let him know that she wasn’t very enthused about marrying him. Although he had doubt, he wouldn’t let her ruin his chances of starting a new life here and helping out some of these poor women who needed help with their farms.
“Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today...”
Cade breathed slightly better the longer the preacher continued to recite the marriage ceremony. It didn’t take long to get to the vows, and once again, Cade held his breath, waiting for her answer.
Carrie’s throat jumped in what appeared to be a hard swallow. “I... will.”
Inwardly, he sighed, trying not to make it apparent how on edge he was. Seconds later, it was his turn. “I will.”
“By the powers invested in me by the state of Nebraska, I pronounce you husband and wife.” The preacher paused, and his eyes widened. He quickly cleared his throat. “This is the moment when I usually say, you may kiss the bride,” he told Cade. “But due to the circumstances surrounding this event, I don’t think—”
“Actually,” Cade quickly said. “I don’t think it’ll hurt anything if I kiss the bride. After all, we know each other.” He gave Carrie a wink and took her in his arms. She gasped and placed her hands on his chest as if she were going to stop him, so he hurried and pressed his mouth to hers.
She stiffened in his arms, but he wouldn’t stop just yet. On the spur of the moment, he’d realized that having their first kiss would be the perfect time to break the ice between them. Their marriage would definitely be in name only, but he at least wanted to be friends with her.
It only took a few seconds, but soon Carrie’s body relaxed. The hands resting on his chest didn’t feel like claws any longer. In fact, her mouth softened, and her lips moved with his. Warmth filled him quickly, and a feeling he hadn’t experienced for a while hit him full force. Why did he desire the woman he’d never liked as a child?
Warning bells rattled in his head as shock vibrated through him. This was not right, and it needed to be stopped now.
Cade knew that jerking back wouldn’t be proper, so he gradually ended the kiss and pulled away. Her eyes were wide when their gazes met, and her cheeks bloomed with a bright color. He figured she was as shocked as he was at this moment.
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