The Unclaimed Mail Order Bride [Brides for the Garrison Brothers 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

  * * * *

  It didn’t take long to get to his house. Fletch carried Abby inside and placed her in a chair while he hurried to his office. When he came back, he knelt at Abby’s feet and slipped a large, square diamond ring on her hand. “I hope you like it.”

  “I do, but more importantly, I love you.”

  “Good answer and you win the prize.” He picked her up and walked down the hall to the master suite. “We didn’t get much sleep last night, so between making love, we’ll sleep until time for dinner.”

  “What a wonderful idea,” Abby said, and she started unbuttoning his shirt.

  “I’ll bet I can undress you before you undress me,” Fletch said and reached for her blouse.

  A few seconds later they lay on the bed with their arms around each other. “I won,” Fletch insisted.

  “Not really, but I’ll let you think so this time.” Abby grinned and kissed him. She nibbled at his earlobe and ran her fingers through his thick hair. He pulled away and leaned down to suck on her breast. Abby held his face close to her as his fingers parted her lower lips and rubbed her clit. Her body flushed hot with desire.

  “I want you inside me,” she mumbled.

  Fletch moved to her other nipple and slid his teeth across the tip. Glancing up, he said, “We’re just getting started. Hold on to me tight while I take a close inventory of all your goodies.”

  She laughed, but he slid down, separated her lower lips and tasted her sweet honey. Hot deep passion burned in her body for this man she loved. Her lower body ached for him to move faster and take her hard.

  He glanced up and smiled. “Ready, honey?” Unable to speak, she nodded. Fletch plunged deep into her pussy. Her pussy walls clenched tight around his cock, and she moved her hips up and down fast. A sudden wave of pleasure swallowed her up, and Abby yelled as she flew into the clouds.

  * * * *

  Fletch pushed hard and held tight against her womb as he came and pleasure embraced his whole body. Holding his forehead against hers, he whispered, “I think we may have started our family.”

  “If so, we’ll remember this day forever,” she whispered back to him.

  The movement in her pussy walls caressed his cock as his breathing gradually slowed. He moved off her and still held her tight against his side.

  “You are amazing. I’m so glad I found you. I’ll have to thank Arthur Clements one of these days for getting you to Pleasure Valley or we’d have never met.”

  “I have a feeling we were to meet, one way or another. As I told Jack, I’d heard my father mention your town once or twice. If I’d known you were here, I’d have come sooner.”

  Fletch kissed the top of her head. “Sleep, you must be tired and this evening will be busy.”

  * * * *

  The ringing phone woke them from where they lay snuggled in each other’s arms.

  “Dinner is almost ready. You’re late,” his mom’s voice came through the phone.

  “We’re almost ready,” Fletch said as he watched Abby run into the bathroom and heard the shower turned on.

  “Well, hurry. We’re all excited and ready to have a wonderful meal together.”

  Fletcher looked at his phone. His mom had hung up. Good, he’d use the bathroom in the bedroom at the end of the hall. They’d get there a little quicker that way.

  “I’m so embarrassed,” Abby said as Fletch parked the car. “Everyone’s car is already here.”

  “Don’t worry, honey. Mom will excuse us this time since we’re the guests of honor.” He put his arm around her for reassurance.

  As soon as the door opened everyone yelled, “Congratulations.” Abby blushed when they crowded around.

  “We’re very happy for you,” Hunter said, and Lacey hugged Abby. Then the others crowded around for hugs and welcomed her to the family.

  “It’s a little overwhelming,” Josie said. “But they’re a great family. You’ll love being a part of it.”

  “I know I will. Being alone in the world is not fun. But, I do have one relative now, Jack.”

  “He’s a sweet guy. Lacey and I visit him at least once a week. He has wonderful stories to tell and loves to see the children.” Josie put her arm around Abby. “I’m looking forward to us getting to know each other better and Lacey feels the same.”

  Abby didn’t know what to say. Their welcoming overwhelmed her. So much had happened in the last twenty-four hours. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Fletcher must have noticed. He quickly moved through the crowd to her side.

  “What’s wrong, honey?”

  The room went silent, and the whole family stared at them. Abby wiped her eyes and tried to smile. “Nothing is wrong. You all are so wonderful and welcoming. I’m afraid somehow I’ll disappoint you.”

  “Never.” Mrs. Garrison had come to their side. “We know you are a good person and as long as you and Fletcher have a happy home and give me a few more grandchildren, I’ll be satisfied.”

  At the word grandchildren, the whole group laughed. Hunter explained, “Mom has been telling us for years how she wanted grandchildren. All her friends were way ahead of her in that area. So, she got determined, and since then she’ll now have three sons married and four more to go. Cort, Justyn, Joel, and Heath better watch out. Mom will be planning something for one of you.”

  “I’m not going to look at her today,” Joel said. “Because she’ll be giving one of us that look.”

  “And it always works,” Justyn added.

  When Jack knocked and came in the door, Abby’s day was complete. She ran to hug him. Taking his hand, she led him to an empty chair. Gradually the rest moved to the kitchen or outdoors with the children.

  “I think they know I want to tell you something and ask a favor.”

  Jack grinned. “I’ve already heard from several people about you and Fletcher being engaged. I’m so glad you finally worked out whatever problems you two had before.”

  “You were right. It was me and not Fletcher. Thank you for pointing it out to me. Still, he knows I’d never agree to anyone being controlling with me.” She smiled. “I know it wouldn’t be Fletcher. The question I have is, will you walk me down the aisle?”

  Tears came into Jack’s eyes. He swallowed and then said, “I’d be honored.”

  “You are my family and I love you. Everything is going to be so wonderful.” She grabbed his hand. “I almost forgot to tell you about being a partner. I’ll be paying my part for the business over time, but I’ll get it done.”

  “Abby, there is something I did just before my surgery and I need to tell you about it. Do you remember my having the lawyer come to my bedside?”

  “I do. You were insistent about not going for surgery until the papers were signed.”

  “It was my will. I’m not a poor cowboy. My wife and I invested well and I’m comfortably off. You are the person who will inherit what’s left when I die.”

  Abby leaned back and stared at him. “But you hardly knew me.”

  “I knew you were my niece, and I wanted to know you’d be secure if I died. I still feel that way, although with you marrying Fletcher I know I don’t have to worry about you.”

  “I don’t want you to die,” Abby protested.

  “We all do sometime and I’m not in the best of shape. When I do, I hope you’ll use the money to pay off your part of the business and do whatever you want with the rest. I’d offer to pay your part of the business right now, but I know you’d give me the evil eye. I’m not going to try and control you ever.”

  “What evil eye?” she teased.

  “The one you have when you think someone is being controlling.”

  She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “I love you, Uncle Jack. Please try and stay around for a long time.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  “Here you are,” Fletcher walked up and hugged Jack. “Good to see you looking so good. I hate to take my lady away, but the others are asking for her.”

  “No pr
oblem. We’ve had our talk. I’ll walk outside with the two of you.” Fletcher helped Jack up and they headed outside.

  * * * *

  At dinner, Mrs. Garrison asked Abby to help refill the tea glasses. Lacey and Josie got up, but Mom Garrison shook her head. Once in the kitchen, she motioned for Abby to get the second tea pitcher out.

  “Everyone knows I asked you in here to talk with you. I wanted to reassure you how happy we are that you and Fletcher are getting married. He’s never shown as much serious interest in anyone else.” She put her hands on Abby’s shoulders. “If you need anything or just want to talk, I’m here. And if it’s something you don’t want me to say to Fletcher, I won’t, but it’s always better to work personal things out together. Fletcher is the most easy-going of my sons. He’ll listen and talk.”

  “Thank you for the advice, and for being so accepting of me even when I came into Fletcher’s life in such a strange way.”

  “I liked you from the first. I realized you made a difficult decision to survive. I like to think Fletcher arrived at the airport just so he could rescue you.” She smiled. “We’d better take this tea to the table before Fletcher comes in here. They all know I talk to each future daughter-in-law just before the wedding. We’ll have your wedding all ready two weeks from now, so you mustn’t worry. Enjoy all the attention.”

  Entering the dining room, Abby smiled at Fletch and saw the relief on his face. He would be her protector, and she liked it, even if he got a little bossy at times.

  Chapter Eleven

  On Abby’s wedding day, the sunshine came around the drapes and woke her. She had slept little for all the excitement. There’d been so many parties, and people actually stopped her and Fletcher when they saw them in town just to offer congratulations. The party after the wedding promised to be crowded with children and adults.

  When she heard a knock on the door, she knew it was Lacey and Josie. They’d promised to bring the flowers and help her dress. Abby pulled on her robe and went to the door.

  “Hello, we brought the flowers,” Lacey said. “Where’s the wedding dress you made for the wedding. I’ve never heard of someone designing and making their own.”

  “It saves money, and I knew exactly what I wanted. I didn’t trust anyone else with my plan. Maybe that makes me a little overconfident.”

  “Not at all,” Josie said. “But do let us see it.”

  “Sure. It’s hanging on my bedroom closet door.” Her heart beat fast. Would they like it? But more important, would Fletcher?

  No one said anything at first. Then Lacey turned to her. “I liked my gown, but I wish you’d been here when I got married. This is beautiful, and you will look gorgeous.”

  “It’s not too fancy for a country wedding?”

  “No. From now on everyone will want you to design and make wedding dresses for them,” Josie said. “I love the way the satin is pulled up in a V on each side in the front with rows of delicate lace in between. You’ve sewn the same lace in a V at the top and lace sleeves. It’s perfect for you.”

  “Why for me?” Abby asked.

  “Because it accentuates the sweetness and softness in your personality. Fletcher will fall in love with you all over again,” Josie said. When Abby flushed with embarrassment, they hugged her.

  Lacey carefully took the gown off the hanger and placed it on the bed. “Hurry and shower, and we’ll get you ready. There isn’t much time before we need to be at the church.”

  “I’ll put the flowers in the refrigerator, so they won’t wilt.” Josie grabbed the large bouquet of orchids and white roses and carried them off.

  “Did you all see Jack before you left the homestead?” Abby had worried Jack might back out of walking her down the aisle. He’d have to walk very slow and lean on her. He’d asked her several times if she wouldn’t rather have someone else. But after much reassurance, he’d agreed.

  “Yes, Fletcher went and got him. Jack is dressed in his finest suit and beaming with pride,” Lacey said.

  “I’m glad. I’d feared he might back out.”

  “Never. Jack just wanted to be certain you wanted him,” Lacey said.

  * * * *

  Fletcher and Abby ran out of the church in a shower of rose petals. He helped her into his newer truck for the ride to the homestead. Fletch glanced at her.

  “I’ve never seen anyone as beautiful as you when you walked down the aisle,” Fletch said and glanced at her. “Did you make that dress yourself?”

  “Does it look homemade?”

  “No, not at all. But I know you’ve done gowns and such for others in the area, and they seem to like them. If you did design and make it, I don’t think anyone will be going to the city to get gowns or shopping anywhere else but here.”

  “Thanks for the compliment. I hope you’re right. I did do it myself.”

  “It’s so pretty, you have to wear it each year on our anniversary.”

  “Right, until I can’t get in it anymore.”

  “You mean from having our babies?”

  “Yes, probably. Most women gain some weight as they get older. It’s pretty common.”

  Fletcher glanced her way. “Don’t worry. I’ll love you no matter what.”

  “And I’ll love you, gray hair and all.”

  They were laughing when they drove up to a parking place. Many guests had already arrived, and the children were running around the house and climbing fences. It didn’t take long for Fletcher to have them organized into games with small prizes for winning.

  Mrs. Garrison came up beside Abby. “He’s amazing. They love him and listen to him. The parents love to come to our parties because they can relax knowing Fletcher has the children under control and having fun.”

  “That’s good, because I’ve agreed we’d go for four.”

  Mrs. Garrison clapped her hands. “What wonderful news. There can never be too many grandchildren.” With her arm around Abby, they walked toward the house so Abby could change.

  Abby stood in front of the mirror at the end of the hall. The dress made her look beautiful. They’d been stopped on the way for pictures to be taken and now she had a moment to herself. The woman staring back at her had changed.

  I look confident and happy, and I have a wonderful husband I trust and know we will be equal partners in our marriage. I’m so glad Arthur Clements had married someone else.

  “Dreaming, my dear wife?” Fletcher came up behind her and put his arms around her waist. He kissed her neck.

  “Where are the children?”

  “I have assistants who help. They’re safe for a few minutes.” He turned her around. “Long enough for me to kiss my wife.”

  She put her arms around his neck and leaned against his body. “I love you, Mr. Fletcher Garrison.” She kissed him.

  “And I love you, Mrs. Abigail Garrison.” He kissed her back. “I hope we live a long, long life. Because I’ll never get enough of loving you.”

  “Same here. You’ve opened my heart to love, so you better take good care of yourself.”

  “Turn around, and I’ll unzip you. Then I have to hurry off, or I’ll forget all about the children outside.” She turned, and he took his time kissing her neck and down her spine before he reluctantly stepped away and let her go inside the bedroom next to the mirror.

  “Don’t look so sad. We have years to make love,” Abby teased.

  He strode down the hall and looked back. “And it’ll never be enough time.” He blew her a kiss as he went out the side door.

  Epilogue

  Four and a half months later

  “I’m home. Where are you?” Fletcher called out.

  “In the bedroom.”

  Fletcher took long strides down the hall to the master suite. “Are you all right?”

  “I think so. I called the doctor. He’s going to see me at four. That’s why I called you to come home early.”

  Worried, Fletcher hurried to her side. He put his hand on her large belly. “Do you t
hink something is wrong with the baby?”

  “I hope not, but he said he’s going to do an ultrasound to check. I want you to be with me when he does it.”

  “Of course, I want to be there. Don’t ever hesitate to call me.”

  “You’ve been working so hard lately. I called your mom, but she said to call you.”

  “She’s right.”

  “Ah, she wants to come with us.”

  “I don’t mind, do you?”

  “No, but I’d rather the two of us just be in the room at first. We can call her in if everything is all right.”

  Fletcher helped his wife to the car and then stopped for his mom.

  “Don’t you worry,” she said to them. “I had a few problems along the way with my pregnancies, and it all came out fine.”

  No one spoke after that, and it seemed to Fletcher it took forever to get to the doctor’s office. The clerk greeted them.

  “You’re next,” she said.

  Abby sat between Fletcher and his mom. Fletcher held her hand tight.

  “I’m sure I’ll be fine,” Abby said, trying to reassure him and herself. She squeezed his hand and tried to smile. “With you at my side, I’ll do good.”

  The inner door opened and the nurse motioned to them. “Come on in.”

  Mrs. Garrison stayed seated. “I’ll be here if you need me.” She smiled encouragingly.

  Fletcher walked behind the nurse and his wife. Even after almost five months, it sounded strange, but good, to have a wife. He’d never been happier and hoped today wouldn’t bring bad news. He waited patiently while they got Abby ready. The doctor came in and seemed to bring an atmosphere of warmth and good will with him.

  “We’ll see what’s going on. I doubt it’s much to worry about. You were fine when I saw you a month or so ago.”

  The room fell silent as the ultrasound was done. Suddenly, the doctor chuckled, and Abby and Fletcher both looked at him. Fletcher had moved to Abby’s side and held her hand.

  “I have good news for you.” The doctor stood and came to their side. “You may have some pain from time to time as the ligaments stretch, but that’s normal, especially if you are having twins.” When he stopped talking, he grinned at them.