The Harvest Time Mail-Order Bride (Holiday Mail-Order Brides Book 14)

by Kit Morgan

  “Lookin’ for this?”

  Calvin turned. Daniel stood a few doors down grinning, the key in his hand. “How’d ya get that?” Calvin demanded.

  “You gave it to me this mornin’, remember?”

  Bella watched Calvin’s brow furrow. “Oh, yeah, I guess I did,” he said. “Give it here.”

  Daniel tossed it in the air a few times. “I don’t know …”

  “Danny, give me that key!” Calvin barked and took a few warning steps in his brother’s direction.

  “What’ll ya give me for it?”

  “What won’t I give ya, ya mean! I won’t punch ya ‘til ya cain’t see straight.”

  Daniel rolled his eyes. “That ain’t no threat. Ya ain’t gonna chase after me and leave yer bride standin’ there.”

  Calvin turned to Bella, then back to Daniel. Bella, unable to help it, giggled at his dilemma. He glanced over his shoulder at her. “Ya think it’s funny, do ya?”

  She covered her mouth with both hands to keep from laughing. The contorted look on his face was adorable! “No, no!” she said through her fingers.

  He turned to her. “It’s yer weddin’ night too, ya know.”

  She let her hands fall to her sides and nodded, a huge smile on her face. She liked the way the brothers teased each other. She waved her hand at him, as if giving permission for him to take the key by whatever means necessary.

  And that’s exactly how Calvin interpreted it. He glanced down the hall and back, then took off like a shot after his brother. She watched them skid around the corner toward the staircase, followed by a loud thump, then … silence.

  But only for a moment. “Ow! Whatcha have to go and hit me for?” came Daniel’s voice.

  “On account it’s my weddin’ night!” Calvin’s this time.

  “Like ya know what to do!”

  An odd sound followed, joined by a muffled grunt. Calvin appeared after a moment, the key in his hand and a smile on his face. Daniel also managed to make it around the corner, albeit doubled over, a hand to his gut.

  Bella’s eyes went wide. “Is he hurt?”

  Calvin shrugged. “I doubt it. He can take a lot. He has to, as he can also talk a lot. Let’s get inside before he starts up again.”

  Bella looked from one brother to the other. Daniel grimaced at them but didn’t look much worse for wear. He straightened, made a face at Calvin as he unlocked the door, then disappeared around the corner. “Where he going?”

  “Aunt Betsy’s. That’s where the rest of the family is stayin’ the night, remember?”

  “Oh yes.”

  “Well, this is it!”

  Her eyes met his and she swallowed hard. “It is?”

  “Yep!” He bent to her and swept her up in his arms.

  She squeaked in alarm, not expecting such a move. “What you doing?”

  “Ain’t it obvious?”

  Bella suddenly realized what he was smiling about. “Ohhhh, yes, yes. Tradition.”

  “That’s right. I’m supposed to carry ya ‘cross the threshold. Ain’t it grand?”

  She smiled, not knowing what to say or do other than let him carry her into the room. She joined his happy mood, put her arms around his neck and smiled back.

  He looked into her eyes and his elation softened to admiration. “I cain’t believe yer mine, Bella,” he whispered. “It’s like I’m dreamin’. I’m afraid someone’s gonna wake me up.”

  She gazed back. He was rugged and handsome. A simple, hard-working man. “No dream. This is real.”

  “Yeah, but I still cain’t hardly believe it.” He tightened his hold, shoved the door open with his foot and carried her inside but didn’t let her go. “I know I said I was plumb tuckered out, but … well …” His face drew near and she knew he wanted to kiss her.

  She obliged him and this time when their lips met, she thought she’d died and gone to Heaven. He must have thought the same thing and almost toppled over. “Calvin!”

  “Dagnabit, lost my footing. Sorry, Bella – I didn’t scare ya, did I?”

  “Maybe you put me down?”

  “Oh yeah,” he said and let her slide down until her feet touched the floor. He wrapped both arms around her and held her close. “Are ya happy ya married me today?”

  She thought a moment. The day had been pleasant, the people friendly, for the most part (Nellie Davies and that Eunice Crow-Woman were exceptions, but she didn’t want to think about them right now) and she’d made some new friends. Not to mention gotten herself a handsome husband. She smiled again. “Yes, I am glad. You have a good, strong family.”

  “That I do. And we stick together. They’re yer family now too, don’t forget.”

  She nodded, grateful she would once again have one – family was important to her. She hoped to get a letter off to her Aunt Ofelia soon. She was about to ask if they received mail out at the farm, when Calvin cupped her face with one hand.

  “Bella, I … well, I ain’t never …”

  She watched him a moment, caught the sudden concern in his eyes. “What?”

  He straightened. “Well, since we’re married, we oughta be honest with each other, don’t ya think?”

  “Yes, honest.”

  He nodded. “Then … I might as well confess … I ain’t never been with a woman before …”

  Her other eyebrow went up as a smile slowly curved her lips. She pointed at him. “You know nothing,” she pointed at herself. “I know nothing. We equal!”

  Now it was his turn to grin. “Yeah, I guess yer right.”

  Bella’s eyes darted to his mouth. She wanted him to kiss her again. She liked it when he did. It warmed her to her toes and that last one had warmed a few other places too.

  He must’ve sensed her need. The kiss was gentle, sweet. Calvin broke the kiss then glanced at the open door. “I guess I better close that, huh?”

  Bella nodded as she licked her lips. “Yes,” she whispered.

  Without taking his eyes from hers, he reached over and pushed the door shut. “Now where were we?”

  As it turned out, Calvin wasn’t as tired as he’d thought.

  * * *

  The next morning Bella awoke with a stretch and a sigh. Her wedding day had been bliss, full of promise and new adventures. Her wedding night, even more so. Though clumsy at first, Calvin had managed to take them both on a satisfying journey. She smiled at the thought and turned over to gaze at her husband … who wasn’t there.

  She sat up, pulling the covers up with her. Where was he? She looked out the window and noticed the sunrise. He must be helping his brothers prepare to leave.

  She got up, put on a simple blue day dress with white lace trim, then washed her face and fixed her hair. She was now ready for the day and the journey to her new home. She’d get to see Mrs. Gunderson again and play with Arlan and Samijo’s twins along the way. What a good day this was going to be – and who knew what the night would bring? She smiled and left the room in search of her husband.

  He was downstairs in the lobby talking with Benjamin and Daniel. She couldn’t help but blush as she approached. Daniel elbowed Benjamin in the ribs, a sly smile on his face.

  Calvin slapped Daniel in the head before he turned to his wife. “Mornin’, darlin’. Sleep well?” He eyed his brothers. Both of them did their best to hide smiles, Daniel while rubbing the back of his head.

  “Yes, I did.”

  Calvin’s face broke into a wide grin. “Well, fancy that, so did I!”

  She blushed again. “We leave soon?”

  “Right after breakfast,” he told her. “I was just headin’ up to get ya. Ya hungry?”

  “Very. Where are the others?”

  “At the mercantile with Ma. Hank oughta be openin’ up his place anytime now. They’ll meet us there.” He took her hand. “Let’s go.”

  When they reached the restaurant, everyone was there except Ma Weaver. “Mornin’ Calvin, Bella,” Arlan called. “I trust the two of you had a good night?”
<
br />   At this point Bella didn’t care if she blushed or not. There was no way to stop it. She and Calvin both knew what everyone was really asking, and of course, she wasn’t about to tell them. It wouldn’t be proper.

  Calvin, on the other hand, had his own version of propriety. “Best night of my life! How about ya, Arlan? Ya sleep well?”

  Arlan pressed his lips together to keep from laughing. A snort escaped anyway. “I think Justin had a bellyache or something – he fussed half the night.”

  “Sorry to hear it,” Calvin said. “My night was right fanciful.”

  Bella wanted to hide her face in her hands, but it would only make things more obvious.

  Arlan noticed her discomfort. “I’m sure it was,” he said and gave her a shrug.

  Bella felt her cheeks grow even hotter. Was this going to go on all day? At least none of them were being crude about it – their teasing was lighthearted and fun. Except for maybe Daniel, who occasionally winced and rubbed the back of his head where Calvin had smacked him.

  After a few moments Signora Weaver and Aunt Betsy joined them for their meal before they left for home. Halfway through breakfast, Matthew and Charlotte showed up for a few minutes to say their goodbyes, then it was Signor. Quinn’s turn. By the time the goodbyes were done, the morning was well underway.

  “We’ll see you at Christmas?” Signor Quinn asked.

  “Don’t rightly know, uncle,” Arlan said. “All depends on the weather and the little ones.”

  “It would be wonderful if you could join us, but if not, we understand.”

  Arlan looked over his shoulder to make sure everyone was in the wagon. “I’ll see what we can do. Ya take care of yerselves in the meantime, ya hear?”

  “We will,” Aunt Betsy said as Arlan gave the horses of slap of the reins.

  The wagon lurched forward and Bella’s heart skipped a beat. This was it! She was on her way to her new home. She turned and waved with the rest as the Quinns waved back. Even Hank came out onto the boardwalk and raised a hand.

  “How many hats you sell, Ma?” Daniel asked as they reached the edge of town.

  “About a dozen,” she replied. “I left the rest with your Aunt Betsy. She’ll have them sold off before Christmas, I’m sure. That means Samijo and I are going to be mighty busy the next few weeks.”

  “If I’m not too busy with the twins, that is,” Samijo added.

  “I’ll help you,” Charity told her.

  “So will Bella,” Calvin chimed in. “Won’t ya, darlin’?”

  Bella’s heart fluttered. That was twice he’d called her “darlin’ ”. Funny how such a small thing could affect her after the night they shared. “Yes, I happy to help with the bambini.”

  “That’s very kind of you,” said Samijo.

  “It’s good practice,” Charity chuckled. “After all, we’ll have children of our own one day.”

  Bella nodded. The thought of children sent a shiver of anticipation up her spine. She smiled and looked at Charity, expecting to see the same look of anticipation on her face. But there was none. Instead, she looked … scared? “You no want children?”

  Charity gaped at her, caught off guard by the question. “Of course I do.” She exchanged a quick glance with Benjamin. “We both are looking forward to it. Aren’t we Ben?”

  “That we are,” he said and put his arm around her. Bella watched as he tenderly kissed the top of her head and held her close. Charity in turn snuggled into his embrace. Both gave Bella the impression that they were holding on to each other for dear life. But why would that be?

  Nine

  They spent the night at the Gundersons’ as planned. Bella enjoyed her visit with Mrs. Gunderson and spent more time with Charity, Samijo and the twins. She was beginning to enjoy the bambini and was trying to figure out a way to tell them apart. She supposed if it weren’t for the small ribbon tied around Justin’s wrist it would be impossible. That is until she noticed another difference between them. One of Justin’s eyes had a cloudy appearance and she pointed it out to Samijo.

  “Your little one, Justin?” she said as they prepared to set out the next day. “His eye is no like the other one.”

  Samijo glanced at Arlan who was fiddling with some harness on one of the horses. “Yes, I know. We asked Doc Brown about it.”

  “What doctor say?”

  “There could be something wrong and then… maybe not. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

  “You mean, baby no see?”

  Samijo closed her eyes as if she wished the subject had never been brought up.

  “I am sorry,” Bella said. “I no mean to upset you. I just wonder why eyes are different from each other.”

  “It’s all right,” Samijo assured. “We noticed before we came to town and made a point to ask Doc and Millie about it. He said it’s still too early to tell if Justin’s vision will suffer.”

  “You mean he no see out of the one eye?”

  “Like I said, it’s too early to tell.”

  Bella nodded in understanding. She hadn’t thought of what it might be like to have a baby that was less than perfect. It made her think of what she would do should one of her children (when she had some) have some sort of defect. Would she love it any less? Of course not. But the realization that there were no guarantees hit all the same.

  It also made her realize how incredibly blessed she was to have married into such a wonderful family. A twinge of loyalty crept into her heart in that moment, one she knew would eventually turn into a torrent. Bella was fiercely loyal to those she loved. Until that loyalty was broken … she bit her lip to push the thought away and watched the countryside around them instead.

  They spent the rest of the journey chatting about the Harvest Festival, work that needed to be tended to when they reached the farm, Ma’s hats, and of course Justin and Jason, who were amazingly quiet the entire trip.

  Before Bella knew it, they’d reached their destination. She looked in awe as Arlan steered the wagon onto a narrow drive that followed a gentle slope into a small valley. Orchards and fields were bordered by dense woods. In the center of it all was a two-story farmhouse, a large barn and several other outbuildings. “É bella! It is beautiful!” she said in excitement.

  “It’s a lot of work, is what it is,” Ma said with a chuckle. “But I’m sure you’ll enjoy living here. We’re glad to have you, Isabella.”

  “Please, you call me Bella and I call you Mama.”

  “Just plain Ma is fine in my book, child.”

  “It’s what the rest of us call her,” Calvin said.

  “I like Mama,” Bella stated.

  “I can see you have a stubborn streak,” Ma commented. Bella smiled, and Ma laughed. “Calvin, you’re gonna have your hands full with this one!”

  “Gonna?” he said. “I think I already do.”

  Bella gave him a playful smack on the arm. “Quiet, you.”

  “See what I mean, Ma?”

  His mother laughed. “I just knew you’d be at fine addition to the family! Before long we’ll have more. Ain’t that right, Benjamin?”

  Benjamin jumped. “Er … sure, Ma.”

  His mother studied him. “Well you don’t have to look so unhappy about it. What’s the matter with you? Don’t you and Charity want younguns’?”

  “Course we do.”

  “Then act like it. At least smile,” she said.

  Benjamin gave her a toothy grin. “That better?”

  Ma rolled her eyes. “Let’s get this wagon unloaded so me and the girls can get to work.”

  Arlan brought the team to a halt at the rear of the house. Calvin and the other men climbed off first, then helped the women down. Samijo took the twins inside to feed them while the rest of the family unloaded supplies.

  Bella couldn’t get over how beautiful her new home was. Nothing fancy, perhaps, but the two-story ranch house with its welcoming front porch was more than she’d ever hoped for. Not to mention a far cry from the tenement
s of New York or the drab hovel she’d lived in in New Orleans.

  And the inside of the home was just as welcoming as the outside. She especially loved the massive kitchen with its large center table – it looked like something out of one of the big New York ristoranti. She couldn’t wait to start cooking!

  “Land sakes, child,” Ma said. “You look like you’ve just opened up a Christmas gift.”

  Bella waved her hand in a sweeping arc. “This room is wonderful! I cook you good meals here!”

  “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to it. I’m sure everyone is, especially Calvin.”

  “I cook for you tonight, yes?”

  “I think we’ll keep things simple for tonight’s supper, but thank you for offering. I’ll let Charity handle it tonight and you can take care of it tomorrow. How does that sound?”

  “I make you wonderful supper… ah… dinner. Which you call it?”

  “Around here we usually say supper. I know back East them fancy folks like to call it dinner.”

  “No matter what you call it, I make you wonderful meal!”

  “Well, you’re certainly enthusiastic about it, I’ll give you that,” Ma said with a laugh. “Would you like to see the sewing room?”

  Bella’s eyes lit up. “Yes, yes! You show me.”

  Ma laughed again, took her by the hand and led her into the sewing room. Bella marveled at all the ribbons, boxes of buttons, bows and other hatmaking paraphernalia. There was not one, but two sewing machines in the room and Bella sighed with envy.

  “Beauties, aren’t they?”

  “I have never used one. It hard to learn?”

  “Not at all, child. And don’t worry, I’ll teach you. Before you know it we’ll be making that coat of yours to show my nephew Matthew. I bet he’ll want a dozen more.”

  “Yes, many more,” she said as she studied one of the machines. “If this can handle the wool.”

  “We won’t know until we try,” Ma told her. “I don’t use them for everything, but they do make my life easier. I know you'll be able to make some fine dresses, ones we can sell in the mercantile with the coats. The extra money will come in mighty handy if we ever have a bad harvest.”