Mail Order Husband

by Mills, DiAnn

  “Pa?” Caleb asked.

  Gabe gave him his full attention.

  “Would you take all six of the Shafers and love them like us?” Caleb asked.

  “What do you think?” Gabe responded.

  “I believe you would.”

  “Do you feel my sentiments are wrong?”

  Caleb did not hesitate to reply. “No, not at all. I think it’s mighty fine.”

  “Of course, what is best for those children is for their father to love them.”

  “I’m sure glad we have you for a pa,” Simon piped up.

  “Me too,” Caleb echoed. “We got the best pa in Nebrasky.”

  ❧

  Lena had dozed by Mary’s side, while Amanda slept off and on. Every time Lena awoke, she saw Dagget staring into his little daughter’s face. He didn’t eat the supper of salt pork and cornbread that Lena and Amanda prepared and refused anything to drink. The boys did their chores and silently went about their business until time for them to sleep, although Charles sat near the fire, watching Mary. The vigil continued with only the sounds of the younger children’s soft snoring and Amanda’s quiet weeping.

  Just before four o’clock the next morning, Mary stirred. “She feels cooler,” Dagget said. “Don’t you think so, Lena?”

  Immediately, Lena touched the child’s forehead. “The fever’s broken. Praise God.”

  Amanda and Charles awakened and scooted closer.

  “Mary,” Dagget whispered. “Can you talk to me?”

  Through half-closed eyes, the child whispered, “I’m so tired.”

  “Sure you are, Honey. Now you just sleep, and I’ll be here when you wake up.”

  “Are you my Jesus?” Mary asked a moment later.

  Dagget sucked in a ragged breath. “It’s your pa, Mary. I’m so sorry for being mean to you. I. . .I love you, Child.”

  Lena blinked back the tears. God had answered many prayers this night. What a dear Lord they served.

  sixteen

  Lena ladled the freshly churned butter into a small bowl and proceeded to rinse it thoroughly before packing it lightly into a yellow mound. Gabe loved his bread and butter. Even when Caleb and Simon complained about the endless meals of cornbread, Gabe never said a word. Instead, he’d reach for a second hunk. At night, he loved to sit before the fire and feast on leftover cornbread with milk and molasses. Didn’t take much to please her husband.

  The snow this March came lightly and in inches rather than feet. A few more heavy storms might fall upon them, but the likelihood lessened as the days grew closer to spring. Lena loved the seasons, but she’d had enough of snow and ice.

  What a winter, Lena mused, but a much easier one with Gabe to share each day. He’d changed so much since the first time she’d seen him at the train station in Archerville—and not simply in appearance. That alone proved startling enough. He’d shed all the excess weight, and the work outside had tightened his muscles and darkened his skin. One glance at his coppery-colored eyes could leave her breathless, and his thick blond hair, well. . .

  In short, Gabe Hunters had transformed into quite a handsome man, but his heart had won hers from the moment he reached out to her and the boys.

  I’m a pretty lucky woman to find a man who loves me as much as I do him.

  So much had happened in the last month. Dagget had given his permission for Amanda to teach school, and the area farmers had pitched in to make the soddy presentable. Gabe had offered his assistance in helping Amanda form a schedule and arrange the classes. He’d been guiding her through basic reading, writing, and arithmetic much like she’d done with her brothers.

  Today, Gabe had gone hunting while the boys were in school, much to Caleb and Simon’s regret. They’d have gladly gone along, skipping their lessons with Amanda in light of a few hours in the wilds. Gabe had taken to regularly bringing in game, and today he had his sights on taking Dagget with him. How strange that these two different men had grown to be such good friends.

  “Hello,” a voice called.

  Lena strained her ears. She didn’t recognize the voice. Her sights trailed to the loaded shotgun hanging over the door.

  “Hello, Lena?”

  She peeked through the window. Dread washed over her.

  “Lena!”

  She opened the door to see Riley O’Connor dismounting his horse. Gabe will not be happy about this. “My husband’s not here,” she said, crossing her arms.

  Riley shot her a wide grin as he tied his mount to the porch post. “I hoped he’d be gone.”

  “Why?” she snapped. Remembering Riley’s temperament when challenged equaled her own, Lena rephrased the question. “I don’t understand why you need to see me.”

  “I think you have a good idea.” He loped toward her, offering an easy smile. “I wanted to see you.”

  She didn’t like him, not one bit. “Unless you have business with Gabe, then you don’t have any reason to be here.”

  “You and I have unfinished business,” he said low, standing dangerously close.

  Lena stepped back and took a deep breath. Hold your temper. He’s bigger than you. “We have nothing to talk about.”

  “I asked you to marry me, you refused, and now you’re married to that city feller.”

  “Then everything is settled.” Lena lifted her chin in hopes he understood her silent dismissal.

  Riley’s eyes narrowed, and he lifted one worn boot onto the porch. “You never gave me a chance.”

  “For what?”

  “To win you back.”

  “You never had me. Riley, please, just leave. I am a happily married woman. I love my husband very much, and he’s going to be upset when he finds out you’ve been here.”

  “Good, I’d like the chance to fight ’im.”

  She closed her eyes and fought for control. Anger bubbled hotter than a pot of lye and tallow. “My Gabe has better things to tend to than fighting you. In case you’ve forgotten, you and I never courted, never kissed—unlike what you told Gabe—never anything. As I remember, you rode up one day and stated you were planning to marry me. I said no then, and I would say no again, even if you were the last man in the world!”

  Riley’s foot slipped from the porch, leaving a clump of fresh manure on the edge.

  “Aw, Lena, just let me come inside for a spell. I’m sure you’ll change your mind.”

  “Get out of here.”

  “You’re making a terrible mistake. Lots of women think I’m good to look at.”

  She gritted her teeth. “I don’t. Take your charms to one of them.”

  A wry smile spread over his face. “Why don’t we just see?”

  Quickly, Lena stepped inside the open door and slammed it. “You best leave, Riley. I have a shotgun in here, and I’m not afraid to use it.”

  “I’m goin’! I feel sorry for your husband. You ain’t worth the trouble.”

  Latching the door, Lena peeked through the side of her window’s calico curtain to watch Riley gallop off. She closed her eyes and touched her pounding heart. I’ve got to tell Gabe.

  That evening, while the boys tended to chores and Gabe skinned three rabbits—Dagget had brought down a deer—Lena stole over by the well where Gabe hunched over the animals.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked, lifting a brow. “You look upset.”

  She nodded and wrapped her shawl closer about her shoulders.

  “It’s too cold for you without a coat, Lena. Why don’t you stay warm by the fire, and I’ll be there momentarily.”

  “You don’t mind?”

  He smiled. “I’m finished, and I rather enjoy the opportunity to catch my wife alone.”

  A few moments later, Gabe joined her at the table. She poured both of them a cup of freshly brewed coffee and sat across from him, her mind spinning with Riley’s unpleasant visit. For a few tempting seconds, she thought of not telling him at all. Who would know the difference? No, that’s wrong.

  Taking a deep breath, she blurted
out, “Riley O’Connor paid a visit while you were hunting with Dagget.” It didn’t sound at all as she intended. Trembling, she wrapped her fingers around the mug of hot coffee.

  Gabe stared at her—emotionless. “What did he want?”

  “He was up to no good, saying things that weren’t true.”

  “What did he want, Lena, and what did he say?”

  Suddenly, she burst into tears. “Gabe, if that man ever shows up on our land again, I’m going to fill his backside with buckshot!”

  “I’d like to know what happened.” The cold tone of Gabe’s voice nearly frightened her.

  “He just talked about him and me. . .insinuating we used to court. I hurried back into the cabin and told him to leave or I’d get the shotgun after him.”

  Solemnly, Gabe rose from the table. “I believe I need to pay Mr. O’Connor a visit. I won’t have this in my home.”

  She grabbed his suspenders. “No, Gabe, please. That’s what he wants. I told him I was happily married and I loved you.” She glanced up at him through blinding tears and repeated the conversation word for word.

  Sighing heavily, Gabe lowered himself onto the chair. A distant look filled his eyes, and for a moment, she saw a stranger before her. “I’m glad you told me,” he finally said.

  “I couldn’t keep anything from you. We’re supposed to share everything.” This is not like Gabe. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear he didn’t believe me!

  A shadow of something she didn’t recognize swept over his face. “I’m not sure what to do.”

  “Nothing, Gabe. I really don’t think he’ll be back. I made him plenty mad.”

  This time his gaze captured hers, and the grim look changed to the one she cherished. “Let’s hope it deterred him, for if there is a next time, I’ll be forced to take drastic measures. No one, I repeat, no one will accost my wife.”

  Lena said nothing as Gabe snatched up his coat from the peg and headed outside. A sick feeling swirled around her stomach. Why did she feel he doubted her?

  ❧

  Gabe finished skinning the rabbits with a vengeance that frightened him. Dagget Shafer. Riley O’Connor. How many other men had vied for Lena’s attention? Had she encouraged them? Was she still seeing Riley? Why did she have to be so beautiful? He knew the degradation of men when they became consumed by a comely woman. Jealousy enveloped their lives. One sin led to another. Drunkenness. Fights. Murder. Families destroyed and a host of other atrocities.

  And I’m traveling down the same highway of destruction. My jealousy has to cease, or I’ll shatter my marriage. He’d fall victim to the same wickedness he’d sworn never to enter. Gabe swiped at a single tear coursing down his cheek. His relationship with Lena ranked second to God. Only a fool would destroy something as good as the Father’s gift.

  Dropping the knife, he wiped his hands clean on the snow. If only he could eliminate the bitter memories as easily as he’d just washed his hands. Gabe stood and took long strides back to the cabin.

  The moment he opened the door, he could see Lena had been weeping. He hated what he saw, knowing his insensitive response had ushered in her tears.

  “Lena.” He crossed the room and took her into his arms. “I apologize for not understanding how today affected you. All I could dwell on was Riley coming after you.”

  “You have nothing to be jealous of,” she whispered, stroking his cheek and no doubt seeing his single tear. “You are what is most important to me—you and our sons.”

  He held her against him, his fingers running through her dark silky hair, her breath soft and warm against his neck. “I’m so fortunate to have you in my life. Please forgive me.”

  “Oh, Gabe. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Riley O’Connor is a difficult man. You reacted like any man who’d been insulted.”

  “It’s no excuse for me to be difficult too. We have so many fine friends, and I don’t need to make a fuss over one ill-mannered scoundrel.”

  “I love you, Gabe Hunters. Nothing’s going to change my heart.”

  He held her close, chasing away his fears and bitterness. Someday, he’d have to tell her about Mother and the others, but not now. For this moment, he wanted to simply cherish the woman in his arms.

  seventeen

  Winter slowly melted into the Platte River, and Gabe eagerly looked forward to spring. At last he could plow the fields and plant corn and other grains for a fall harvest. He wanted to help Lena plant a sizable vegetable garden, knowing she’d have to preserve the food while he worked in the fields. He’d learned so much about Nebraska since last October, and this new season promised to teach him even more. Without a doubt, the cold winter months had given him and his family time to get to know each other. They’d played in the snow, gone hunting, and Lena had taught him how to ice skate.

  It has been a good season, he wrote in his journal. My family is affectionate, and I am deeply grateful for their devotion. I believe we would not have grown this close if the winter had not closed in around us. Now I’m eager to do the work that will provide for my family.

  In the mornings, after milking and chores, Gabe listened for the birds. Through Caleb, he’d learned to distinguish the soft coo of a mourning dove, the unique call of the bobwhite, the obnoxious cry of the crow, and from time to time, the gobble of a turkey, which reminded him of chattering women. Near the river, ducks and geese abounded, and occasionally, he and the boys would bring one down for a fine meal.

  Once he’d sowed the crops, Gabe wanted to take Caleb and Simon fishing. Of course, the first few times the boys would have to teach him how to properly operate a pole, line, and bait. No doubt, he’d provided yet another source of amusement—but he didn’t mind.

  Dagget and his family worked through their differences. Little Mary never left her father’s side, nor did he object. Dagget had even bought a cow, which ended Gabe’s morning visits. Still, a few times a week, Gabe ventured toward the Shafer farm just to keep his mind at ease. Shoots of spring plants weren’t the only things thriving at the Shafers.

  Lena and the boys had shown Gabe how to read the tracks of the white-tailed deer, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, and a host of other animals. He looked forward to seeing prairie dogs, for Simon found them quite interesting.

  The wolves hadn’t bothered them since the incident with Caleb and Simon, although Gabe still looked for them from time to time. He’d lost a few head of cattle over the winter: three to hungry wolves, two others to the cold.

  Gabe wouldn’t trade his new life for the biggest mansion in Philadelphia—or anywhere else for that matter. Being a husband, father, and farmer surely must be God’s richest blessing.

  Today, he’d begin the plowing. Like a child eagerly awaiting a spectacular event, Gabe hadn’t been able to sleep all night.

  “Gabe, it’s hard work,” Lena warned. “Your shoulders will ache. In fact, your whole body will hurt. You’ll fall into bed dead tired only to get up before dawn and start again. I think I should help, Caleb too.”

  “Maybe Caleb—later,” Gabe replied with a frown. “But not my wife. I’m the provider.”

  Before the sun offered a faint twinge of pink, Gabe hurried through his chores, then hitched up the mule to the iron plow. He slipped the reins over his shoulders and offered a quick prayer. Grinning like a love-struck schoolboy, he took out across the earth, all the while envisioning fields of waving corn and grain just like he’d seen in his books.

  After one length of a field, Gabe realized the truth in Lena’s words. Plowing was hard work! He looked behind him and saw his beloved wife watching. Waving wildly, he gestured to the completed row. Turning the mule, he began again. No point in letting her know she’d spoken correctly in her assessment of the plowing.

  Tonight he’d be one sore man.

  Midmorning, Lena brought a crockery jug of cold water wrapped in burlap and a cloth to wipe the sweat from his brow.

  “Admit it, Gabe. This is hard work,” she said while he drank deeply.

>   Not yet, maybe never.

  When he refused to reply, she laughed. “I’m sure your books on farming didn’t talk about the sweat pouring off your face or the way your back feels like it’s breaking in two.”

  He tried to give her a stern look, but one glimpse of her sweet face melted his resolve. “The endeavor is satisfying,” he said, clamping on his lip so she wouldn’t hear his chuckle.

  “Are you ready for me to help? Or can I send the boys as soon as they get home from school?”

  “No, Ma’am. I’m a Nebraska farmer, and I’m excited about plowing my own fields.”

  “And you’re sure about this? Caleb will be disappointed since he wanted to help.”

  He leaned over and kissed her. “I made it through the fall and winter—wolves, Dagget, blizzards, and Riley. Now I’m ready for the spring and summer and whatever comes with it.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Tornadoes. We get some nasty twisters in the summer. Prairie fires too.” She tilted her head. “Back in ’73, we had a horrible drought, and in ’74 the worst plague of grasshoppers ever seen—ate everything to the ground. Even the trains couldn’t run because the tracks were slick with ’hoppers.”

  “I’m ready.” He grinned.

  “I see you are.” She stepped back from his embrace and laughed with him. “I’ll bring you food and water in a few hours. Besides, you’re beginning to smell like a farmer.”

  By noon, Gabe wondered how many days it would take to complete the plowing. It had taken him half a day to till one acre. No doubt by the time he finished, he’d be strong and muscular. He grimaced at the mere thought of Lena guiding the plow over the rough terrain and supporting the reins. No woman should work like a man.

  After devouring dandelion greens and cornbread at noon, Gabe fought the urge to stretch out on the blanket where Lena had set their meal and sleep a few moments before submitting himself to the plow again.

  I am a farmer. We don’t shirk in our work.

  “Close your eyes for a little while,” she urged, coaxing him to lay his head on her lap. “The plowing doesn’t have to be finished today, and you were out here before the sun barely peeked through the clouds.”