Mail Order Blessing

by Maya Stirling

  As he passed the jailhouse he paused and thought about going inside and announcing the good news to Ryan. He recalled the times in the past when they had shared joys and achievements.

  It seemed to Aaron that Ryan had been there for him at every step of the way as he had grown up in life. Maybe this was a moment he should share with an old friend.

  He paused a moment and then a still, quiet voice whispered to him inside, that maybe now was the time when he should be moving on from all that. He was going to embark on a new life and perhaps the old times should be left where they were. In the past.

  For a brief moment he felt a stab of worry. Would he be able to forget the past? Would he be able to start a new life in Sweetheart Falls? Would all that had happened be forgotten and allow him and his new wife to start a fresh, new life?

  With a small knot of regret he turned and strode on to announce his proposal of marriage to the most beautiful girl in Sweetheart Falls.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Rachel was filled with worry. The day had gone so strangely. The contrast between the pleasure of meeting Aaron and the unpleasant incident in the restaurant was too great to fully comprehend.

  Rachel sat in her room. The journey back from town had been a silent one. Martha obviously hadn't wanted to dwell on the unseemly behavior of the woman named Beatrice.

  By the time they'd reached the ranch the only thing Rachel wanted to do was rest. She needed to gather her thoughts. Once she'd settled on her bed, the cool darkness allowed her mind to wander back to thoughts of Aaron.

  She tried to recall as much about him as she could. The first thing that came to her was the image of his eyes. They were so striking! Icy blue and with a penetrating, intense gaze that, even now, made her take an involuntary breath.

  His features were fine and well proportioned. His thin nose led down to a sharp crease of a mouth. His jaw was sharply defined and had a pleasing width to it.

  His voice had a vibrant, deep quality. Although he had seemed, at times, lost for words, when he had spoken, it was with a calm authority that reflected his lawyer training.

  Rachel sighed contentedly. She was glad that no-one could see her in this quiet, private moment. When she had been at Hettie's it had all seemed so fast and intense. Now, in the calm of her room, she realized that Mr. Aaron Caldigate had made quite an impression on her. In fact he'd had a greater effect upon her than she could possibly have expected.

  Rachel recalled when he had presented her with the rose. She was sure his hand had been shaking slightly when he offered it to her. His fingers had been long and slender, the skin not toughened by manual labor.

  He was taller than her and his shoulders were wide with no sign of the stoop one might expect of someone who had spent years studying.

  Yes. Aaron was a fine looking young man. He was so much like the men Rachel had dreamed of for so long; so like the men in the romantic novels she read. It was almost as if her most heartfelt wishes had been granted to her.

  Rachel sighed and closed her eyes.

  There was a sudden rapping on her door which made Rachel start.

  "Rachel! Rachel! He's here. He's come to see you!" Martha said from the other side of the door.

  Rachel hurried to the door and wrenched it open. Martha burst in, out of breath, her eyes wide.

  "What do you mean? Who's here?" Rachel demanded.

  "It's Aaron. He's outside and asking to see you," Martha gasped.

  "What! Why?"

  Martha smiled. "I think there's only one reason why," she said.

  Rachel felt a rush of panic. "What's he going to say?"

  Martha took Rachel by the shoulders. "He's come to ask for your hand," she said firmly. "Isn't that obvious?"

  Rachel glanced at herself in the mirror. "Look at me. He can't see me looking like this?"

  Martha steadied Rachel. "Don't be silly.You look just as lovely as you did today at Hettie's. Just come downstairs. Don't keep him waiting."

  Rachel stared into Martha's eyes. "He's really come to ask me? What shall I say?"

  Martha gazed at her sister and smirked. "I think you already know the answer to that," she said.

  Rachel swallowed and tried to catch her breath.

  "Now, just take a deep breath and let's make him think that you were actually expecting him," Martha suggested with a smile.

  Rachel nodded.

  With one last check in the mirror she followed Martha out of the room.

  From the top of the stairs she looked down at the figure of Aaron Caldigate, standing just inside the open doorway, his bright eyes cast up toward her. His gaze was intent and penetrating. Something shifted inside Rachel when their eyes met.

  Rachel paused and held the bannister. She did her best to appear composed and made her way down the stairs. Every step on the way down made the nerves roiling in her stomach churn around even more. She felt her face pale slightly as she reached the bottom step.

  Rachel smiled at Aaron. His eyes were fixed on her. They were wide and had a determined look in them.

  Martha looked to both of them, coughed and made a discreet exit. Aaron gestured toward the outside. "May I ask if you would grace me with your presence in the cool air outside?"

  Rachel smiled at Aaron. "Of course Aaron. I'd be delighted."

  Aaron extended a hand and let Rachel step out ahead of him.

  Once outside, the fresh air filled Rachel's lungs. She felt momentarily light headed. Aaron stood quietly by her side. Behind them, the light from inside of the ranch house cast a warm glow over the wide porch. It was a lovely evening, especially for a proposal, Rachel thought. For, she could tell by the expression on Aaron's face, that that was exactly what he was here to do.

  Rachel went to sit down on the seat, but Aaron reached out and gently touched her arm. Rachel was briefly shocked by the gesture. It was a forward act that she hadn't expected. But then again perhaps there were many things about Aaron which would surprise her.

  "Rachel. Before you sit down, there is something I must ask you," Aaron said. His face had gone slightly pale in the light.

  Rachel found herself unable to move. She clasped her hands over the folds of her dress. The impulse to grasp the fabric to steady her nerves was almost irresistible.

  "Today was a wonderful day. I had the great fortune to meet you, and all I can say is that I have come to ask you one very important question," Aaron said.

  His voice faltered and he looked down. Rachel wanted to reach over and touch him, to tell him not to hurry, not to be concerned.

  Finally, he raised his head and looked intently into her eyes. He reached over and took her hand curling his fingers softly around her own. The touch sent a tingle through Rachel and she felt a warmth spread to her face. She felt her lower lip soften and she tried not to shift her gaze from his eyes.

  "May I ask you what I'm sure you already know I wish to ask you?"

  Rachel looked at him. She gave him the smallest of encouraging smiles. "Yes. Aaron."

  "Rachel. May I ask if you would do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

  The words filled her with a warm glow. She felt her breath quicken and she knew there was only one answer she was going to give him.

  "I would be very honored to become your wife, Aaron," she said quietly.

  Aaron's eyes widened and his shoulders sank in relief at the sound of her reply.

  His eyes lit up."You would?"

  Rachel nodded and laughed. The relief coursed through her. "Yes. I will marry you."

  Aaron let her hand go and whirled around, running his hand through his hair. He let out a huge sigh.

  Aaron came to her and took her hand. "I promise that I will do my absolute best to make you happy Rachel. I will move heaven and earth to make us the happiest and finest couple in Sweetheart Falls. I know I'm not perfect, and we've only known each other briefly, but I will treat you honorably and with respect. I give you my word." Rachel felt her heart quicken. It was true! She was going t
o marry him. Rachel smiled warmly at her future husband.

  Aaron smiled at her. She could tell what this moment meant to him. The way he was looking at her...well, it was affecting Rachel in all manner of ways.

  "I didn't expect to see you here tonight and so soon," Rachel said. "Hettie told me any decision might be a while coming."

  "I went to see Hettie and told her that I wanted to propose to you. She just told me straight out that if I felt like that then I should take her buckboard, come to the ranch, and ask you myself."

  Rachel laughed. "That's Hettie for you."

  Rachel suddenly became aware of the sounds of the early evening, the cool air, the presence of this handsome young man. It all seemed very unreal all of a sudden. She almost had to pinch herself to be certain she wasn't dreaming. The moment of his proposal had been so brief, almost too short, but Rachel knew she would never forget it for the rest of her life.

  Aaron seemed momentarily lost for words. He stood before her with a gentle, kindly, expectant look on his face.

  Rachel broke the silence: "I must tell my sister. She will be dying to know."

  Aaron glanced toward the house and nodded. "Of course. I'll let you go. I won't detain you any longer," Aaron said.

  He reached over and took her hand. He raised it to his mouth and kissed the back of her fingers with a gentle caress of his soft lips.

  Rachel watched his head dip slightly toward her hand and felt the soft touch that meant so much. It was so like the gesture he'd made earlier that day. But now it seemed like the most natural thing in the world.

  Aaron lifted his eyes up as he kissed her hand. There was so much in those eyes, so much that took Rachel by surprise.

  Aaron released her hand.

  "Rachel. I wish you a good evening."

  "And I hope you have a safe journey back to town," she replied.

  She saw the crease of an appreciative smile across his mouth.

  With a bow of the head Aaron turned and made his way back to the buckboard.

  Within moments he had taken the reins and Rachel stood and waved to her future husband, before turning and heading back into the ranch house to tell her eagerly waiting sister.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Aaron headed back to town as fast as he could. He felt like a man possessed. The excitement had overtaken him in a way which had genuinely surprised him. How had he arrived at this, and so quickly? He barely knew this beautiful young woman, yet only hours after meeting her, he had proposed to her.

  And she had accepted!

  It was true what his mother had told him. Sweetheart Falls had the power to make people act strange.

  Yet there was nothing strange about wanting to marry someone like Rachel.

  He could tell from their meeting that she was an educated, thoughtful young woman. There was even a hint of youthful steel in her character which he found appealing. Too many of the women he'd met back East had been soft, spoiled and ineffective. He could tell Rachel had had to grow up fast.

  Soon he'd learn the details of how she had come to be that way. But for now he felt ecstatic.

  Yes. That was the only word he could think of. Ecstatic. He had proposed and she had accepted.

  His parents would be pleased. His father would be happy that his son was honoring his word; his mother would be satisfied that all her efforts had paid off and that she had her son back by her side.

  The drive to keep promises sat inside Aaron like a physical thing. He couldn't deny the power of keeping your word. What he'd done today had been driven by that force. Would he come to regret his choice? He didn't think so, but only time would tell.

  The darkness was falling across the surrounding landscape and he could see the lights of the town in the distance. The horses moved quickly along the trail almost as if they sensed Aaron's impatience.

  He'd have to return the buckboard to Hettie and tell her the good news. She'd be pleased, as any matchmaker naturally would be. He was sure of that.

  With his thoughts racing, he lost all sense of time. Before he knew it he was pulling the buckboard up outside Hettie's home.

  He tied up the reins and knocked on the door. The door opened and Hettie stood at the threshold, an expectant look on her face.

  "Well? Did Rachel accept?" she asked with a eyebrows raised high. "Of course she did. I can tell by your expression," she said quickly, drawing him inside by the arm.

  Aaron tried to say something but Hettie wouldn't have any of it. "I just knew that she would say yes. She's such a discerning young woman. She can tell a good man when she sees one."

  Aaron felt a flush of embarrassment. Hettie led him toward the parlor. Aaron still hadn't been able to say a word.

  "You see Aaron, she has matured so much since she came out here. And she has seen how her sisters have fared when it comes to finding husbands. I'm sure you are very happy. Are you not?"

  They entered the parlor. Aaron was surprised to see that Hettie had a visitor.

  "Ryan? What a surprise," Aaron said, looking at his friend who was standing in front of the fireplace, hat in hand. Ryan smiled but Aaron thought his friend looked just a bit uncomfortable.

  "Aaron. I just heard the great news," Ryan said stepping up and shaking Aaron's hand. "Congratulations. Well. You old dog. Looks like you're about to become a respectable man at last," Ryan said laughing.

  "Aaron is already a respectable man," Hettie said. "I'm sure Rachel will bring out the best in him."

  Aaron frowned. Ryan had always loved to joke with his friend. Aaron was pleased to see Ryan, but he asked himself just what his old friend was doing here.

  "I'm wondering if you're looking for a bride of your own, Ryan," Aaron said teasingly.

  Ryan's jaw dropped and he looked quickly over at Hettie. "Oh no! Not me. I'm strictly the bachelor type. I'm in no hurry to find me a wife."

  Hettie looked at him. "Nonsense, sheriff. A fine man like you needs a good wife by his side. Perhaps I could help you..."

  Ryan interrupted Hettie. "That's mighty kind of you to offer Hettie, but I'm way too busy to get involved in finding a wife. I'm very flattered by your offer but I'm afraid I have to respectfully decline."

  Hettie looked disappointed. "If you ever change your mind you know where to find me," she said.

  "I'll know right where to come," Ryan said, relief spreading across his face at the prospect of getting out of the house in one piece.

  Aaron tried to suppress a laugh of his own. He imagined Ryan would display more grace under pressure when facing a heavily armed bunch of bank robbers than he was showing at this moment.

  "Can I offer you some tea, Aaron?" Hettie asked.

  "No thank you Hettie. I just wanted to make sure you got the good news. Especially after all you've done."

  "It was my privilege, Aaron. I can only imagine how Rachel is feeling at this moment."

  "She was mighty pleased," Aaron said.

  Ryan cleared his throat. "Anyway, Hettie I best be leaving."

  Hettie straightened her dress, looking briefly hesitant. "Of course sheriff. Regarding that little matter, I shall endeavor to do my best to hasten things along."

  Aaron looked questioningly at Ryan but he didn't make eye contact with Aaron.

  "Of course. I've no doubts of your discretion in this matter. I'll keep you informed," Ryan said.

  "I'll walk with you Ryan," Aaron said.

  Ryan looked at Aaron as if he were about to disagree. But then he nodded. "Sure. You can tell me all about your wedding plans," he said.

  Aaron frowned. "Plans? I haven't even had a chance to think about those," he admitted.

  "Don't you worry your head Aaron. I'm sure I can help you along with those," she said.

  "That would be most kind of you Hettie, but I'm sure my parents and Rachel's family can manage."

  "Your mother and I have already given this wedding a lot of thought," Hettie stated.

  "Really?"

  "There was no doubt in our mind
s that you and Rachel would be entirely compatible," Hettie said.

  Aaron saw Ryan smile and shake his head in disbelief.

  "Why am I not entirely surprised at that," Aaron said slowly.

  "Well. A good evening to you gentlemen," Hettie said gesturing toward the door. "Aaron. I'll be speaking to you soon. I can't tell you how excited I am that Sweetheart Falls has another fine couple."

  Aaron and Ryan both said their farewells to Hettie and started to walk toward the center of town.

  It was still a cool evening. Aaron felt good walking with his friend, especially on such a significant day as this.

  At first they didn't say very much. Then, eventually Aaron couldn't resist it any longer.

  "What did you go and see Hettie about?"

  "It was nothing. I regularly talk to her. A sheriff has to know what's going on in town. Hettie's my best source of information."

  Aaron wasn't convinced. He knew Ryan well enough to tell that his friend wasn't telling him the whole story.

  "That's all well and good. But what dragged you all the way out here so late in the day?"

  Ryan sighed and looked at Aaron. "I never could keep anything from you, could I?"

  "No. Never. You and I are too close for any secrets. Especially if it's the law. You do remember, I'm a lawyer, don't you?"

  Ryan frowned in mock seriousness. "Heck. I clean forgot. This town is getting to have too many lawyers, what with you and your father."

  Aaron stopped in the middle of the dusty street. There wasn't anyone else around. He looked straight into Ryan's eyes. "What's going on?"

  Ryan tipped his hat back. "There was a visitor to the jailhouse today," he said quietly, looking around to make sure no-one was hearing.

  "What kind of visitor?"

  "The unwanted kind. A Pinkerton."

  Aaron frowned. "What's a Pinkerton detective doing in Sweetheart Falls."

  Ryan's brows furrowed. "Well he ain't here for a wedding, that's for sure."

  "Did he say what he wanted?" Aaron asked.

  Ryan's eyes shifted uncomfortably. "Not so that I can tell you."