Chapter 5
It had been a week since their kiss at dusk and Shona knew Calvin was avoiding her. He worked harder than she’d seen yet, almost not even taking time to eat with them or be in the house. She hated it, knowing that he was avoiding a conversation they needed to have, but more for the fact that it was impacting Levi. The boy had sulked the whole week and she hadn’t been able to pull him from the sadness.
Her own emotions were in turmoil as well. She had enjoyed the kiss—possibly too much—and now she wanted more in the way of commitment from Calvin. Commitment to her, but more so commitment to his son. It was clear that he saw Shona as more than his son’s governess, or at least he had in that moment, but would he do anything about that? Or would he allow work to consume his time and ignore what should be most important in his life?
It was nearing suppertime and she climbed the stairs to fetch Levi. When she knocked on his door there was no answer. Peering inside, she saw the room was empty. She hadn’t heard him come downstairs but—
Rushing to the window she saw that it was open behind the curtains. The trellis, now covered in dead vines, was just outside the window. Had the boy climbed down?
Fear struck her like the icy blast of wind. She searched the entire house frantically but couldn’t find him. He wasn’t outside near the house either and she feared the worst. Had he run away? Would Levi do such a thing?
His coat still hung in the entryway and, once she’d pulled hers on, she took his and raced off to the barn in hopes that Calvin would be near.
The few hands left at the end of the day directed her inside where Calvin tended to a horse. She slid to a stop in front of him, the effort of running and her own panic nearly stealing her breath.
“Levi—” she gasped, “He’s—he’s gone.”
Calvin came toward her, no doubt alarmed at her demeanor as much as her appearance in the barn.
“What? Who’s gone? What’s wrong?”
“L-Levi,” she sucked in a breath, “I can’t find him anywhere. His window was open and he-he’s not anywhere.”
Calvin ran a hand through his hair, his worry evident. “I’ll go look for him.”
“I’m coming.”
He opened his mouth to protest, but then closed it. “All right.”
They set off, searching along the way from the barn, but at the house Calvin let out a breath. “Would he go to the river?”
It was the only place they hadn’t looked and Shona felt in her heart that it was right. “He must be there.”
They took off at a near run toward the river and, when Shona almost tripped, Calvin reached back to grab her hand, helping her along the uneven path. She felt the warmth of his strong fingers wrapped around hers and felt better knowing he was looking with her.
They rounded the bend and, just as Calvin had thought, Levi sat on a log at the bank of the river, looking out over the water. His little arms were wrapped tightly around him and he was shivering, but he wasn’t moving.
Shona stopped, holding Calvin back. He looked down at her with curiosity in his eyes. “What is it?”
“You go ahead. I’ll wait here.”
He frowned. “Shona, I—”
“Shh,” she said, placing a hand on his chest as she stepped close to him, her boldness returning. “He needs to hear from you.”
“I’m sorry,” Calvin said, a pained expression on his face. “For not talking with you. For—”
“It’s all right. You’ve had a lot to process.”
“I care about you,” he said, his voice raspy.
It was the last thing she’d expected him to say, and yet somehow it felt right to hear the truth from him in that moment.
“We can talk about it later, but your son needs you now.”
He nodded, placing a quick kiss on her cheek before he went to sit down by Levi.
***
“Hello, son,” Calvin said, sitting down next to the boy.
Levi, shivering with his arms wrapped around himself, didn’t look up, but Calvin could see the tears running down his cheeks. He reached around and wrapped his arm around the boy, sheltering him against the cold.
“We were scared when we couldn’t find you.”
The little boy sniffed, running a hand across his nose, but he didn’t look up.
Calvin tried again, “I’m sorry, Levi. I’ve been working too much and…” What else could he say? He’d been a terrible father. He hadn’t encouraged his son and then he’d let his feelings for Shona cause him to step back but not just from her, from the boy as well.
“I have to admit something to you.” Calvin swallowed and looked out over the frigid river, feeling rather than seeing his sons gaze turn toward him. “When your mother died I wasn’t sure what to do. I’d loved her, but I’d been so busy it was like I’d forgotten what life looked like…before. I'm afraid I haven’t made it easy on you and for that I’m truly sorry. I want to do better. Would you forgive me?”
He looked down and met his son’s vibrant blue eyes shimmering with tears. “Really?”
“Yes. I was wrong.”
“I know you’re important,” he said, wiping his tears away. “I just miss you.”
“I miss you too,” he said, pulling the boy close and cherishing the feeling of him in his arms. How long had it been since he’d held his son like this?
“Dad?” Levi’s voice was muffled against his father’s chest.
“What is it?”
“I like Miss Shona. I think you like her too.” He pulled back to look up at Calvin. “I saw you kiss her,” he made a face but continued, “and…and I think you should love her.”
Calvin tried not to smile too broadly at his son’s kind words, but he couldn’t deny the warmth that spread through his chest at them.
“You think so?”
“Yeah,” he nodded. “She likes frogs. So that’s good.”
Now Calvin did laugh, pulling Levi close. Tears filled his eyes but they were tears of happiness.
Chapter 6
Calvin and Levi walked back toward where Shona stood, Calvin’s arm draped around his son and happiness on both of their faces. Her heart filled with hope at the sight and she prayed that God would continue to mend their relationship.
“Miss Shona,” Levi said, when they reached her and she wrapped his coat around his shoulders.
“Yes, Levi?”
“I'm sorry for running away.”
“It’s all right, just don’t do that again—you gave me a fright!”
“I won’t,” he said. Then he reached up and took her hand.
The three of them walked back to the house and, once Levi had eaten, was given a warm bath, and put to bed, Shona came downstairs to sit by the fire. She was surprised to see Calvin already sitting there, staring into the flames.
“Calvin?”
He looked up and a smile transformed his features illuminated by the flickering flames. “Come sit with me?”
She obliged and joined him on the small couch wondering what he would say. His words from earlier came back to her.
I care for you.
Did he mean it?
“Shona,” he finally said, turning to look at her, his eyes steel gray in the low light. “Levi said something to me today that I wanted to share with you.”
Her pulse hammered as she wondered what the boy could have said. “What’s that?”
“He says he thinks I should love you.” Her cheeks flamed even as his lips quirked into a smile. “What do you think about that?”
Usually bold, her words failed her and she kept her mouth shut, wondering what he would say in her silence.
“Cat got your tongue?”
She made a face.
“I see. So you want me to be bold for once.” He leaned closer to her, his gaze never leaving hers. “I guess I’d say this: I’ve let work rule my life. It’s taken me away from my son and it’s made me into a man I don’t like. A man who is harsh and a man who brings someone to
the West under false pretenses.”
Shona remained quiet, but her heart felt drawn to Calvin. His honesty was refreshing and beautiful.
“I guess what I'm trying to say is that I do care for you. The way you love my son, the way you aren’t afraid to tell me something in boldness…” he shook his head then reached up to cup her face like he had at the river. “I want to get to know you and, if you are willing, to revisit the first reason I asked you to come out West.”
Now she laughed, breaking her silence. “You won’t get off that easily, Mr. Wilkes.” He looked surprised but she continued, “Your next marriage proposal must be much more romantic than the first.”
He grinned and closed the gap to press his lips to hers in a light kiss. “I go above and beyond to show you that I’m a new man, one hopefully worthy of your hand in marriage.”
Epilogue
Three months later
Calvin paced the barn anxiously. He’d been planning this day for weeks now, but would Shona like it? Once he’d made his intentions clear their relationship had changed in the best way. He’d started to leave work early and even miss a day when he knew his hands could take care of the work.
Spending time with Levi and Shona was the highlight of his life now—he couldn’t fathom how he’d thought work would ever be more important than time with those he cared for. And now it was time to show Shona just how much he cared.
The door creaked open and a hand stuck his head inside. “They’re coming.”
Calvin nodded once and faced the door waiting.
Soon, it opened again and Shona came inside wearing a blindfold, led by Levi.
“Are we there yet? What is this surprise Levi?”
He giggled, looking at Calvin who held up a finger to warn him not to give anything away.
“Are we in the barn? We’ll disrupt your father’s work!” She was laughing along with Levi now despite the fact that she couldn’t see anything.
When he had her in the right spot, he said, “Okay, Miss Shona, you can take the blindfold off now.”
She reached up and tugged it free and instantly her eyes were on Calvin. Then she slowly took in the barn surrounding them and she gasped.
He had spent the afternoon transforming the barn with lanterns and boughs hung all over, creating a warm glow scented with pine. He’d also brought a quilt down and created a picnic in the middle of the barn with extra blankets to ward off the chill.
“Shona,” Calvin said, stepping forward. The tremor in his hands was unnerving but he pushed past it and knelt before her. “The moment you stepped into our lives I knew you were different. You aren’t afraid to say what you’re thinking and you spoke truth to me.” His voice cracked under the weight of emotion. “I’ve come to love you over these last few months and I want nothing more than to be your husband and for you to be my wife and Levi’s mother. Will you marry me?”
She was crying now, her hand covering her mouth as she looked between he and Levi.
“Say yes,” Levi added in a stage whisper.
Shona laughed, stepping toward Calvin and reaching for both of his hands. Then, her eyes locked on his, she nodded. “Yes.”
With her reply, he jolted to his feet and encircled her in a hug, drawing Levi toward them as well. He never could have imagined that the woman he’d practically tricked into moving out West would become the woman he loved and cherished. The woman who he could rely on to speak truth to him. And most importantly, the woman he loved.
He knew what mattered now, and they were standing within the circle of his embrace. His family. Nothing else could feel more right.
THE END.
Kidnapped Bride
Mail Order Bride
CHRISTIAN MICHAEL
Chapter 1
New York
Alta Bishop felt every nerve in her body zinging with excitement. She could hardly believe that she was leaving New York, let alone the fact that she would marry Simon Lynch, a pastor in the West.
Simon…
Just the thought of him made her feel weak in the knees and excited beyond belief. They had found one another through the matrimonial journal and began writing letters months ago. Despite her station, her mother had made sure she was educated, and now Alta couldn’t be happier that her mother had made her slave away writing her letters over and over again. If she hadn’t, she never could have met Simon. Never would have fallen in love with Simon.
“Right this way miss,” a train attendant said.
Still reeling from the fact that she would be traveling to the West today, she acknowledged the man with a nod as she’d seen the women of wealth do and followed him on to the train.
Once seated, she smoothed her hands over her dress and looked out the window. This was it, her ticket to a new world. A smile overtook her as she watched men and women go about their daily routine. She wouldn’t miss the hustle and bustle of the city at all. From Simon’s detailed descriptions of life in the West, everything would be different and yet wonderful.
The train’s whistle startled her but they began to move and her excitement renewed. When the familiar buildings surrounding the track finally disappeared, she settled back and pulled out Simon’s latest letter.
Running her hands over the outside, she gently pulled it out, smoothed it open, and read. Coming to her favorite part she whispered it out loud:
I cannot tell you the extent of my excitement as I await your arrival!
She had responded in kind, but wasn’t sure if he would even get the response before she arrived. The post wasn’t fast, but she couldn’t contain her excitement. A reply had been necessary.
But now…now all she could do was wait.
Wait and pray for her safe arrival and upcoming marriage.
***
Colorado
Simon Lynch walked out of the post office, his shoulders drooping. This was at once the happiest and the saddest day of his life. The urge to dwell on the news he’d just gotten was strong, but the sound of the train whistle drew his thoughts away.
She was coming—almost here in fact—and he couldn’t wait to see her.
If he’d been told not but a year ago that he would be so in love today, he would have laughed. He was a contented preacher who loved his small flock and sharing the Lord’s word to all. But then he’d got it in his head that maybe marriage was something worth considering.
That’s when he’d picked up the matrimonial journal and sought out a wife. He’d read through many advertisements but Alta’s had been the only one to mention her devotion to the Lord. It had struck him, popping out in the bold, black ink. After her first letter, he just knew that she was the one he would marry. It was a wonderful and glorious thing to know that God had hand chosen Alta for him and he for her. Like two matching pieces—a pair.
And now he was going to meet her.
His excitement bubbled over into a brilliant smile and he nodded hellos to those he passed. Some he recognized from church, which gave him a pang of sadness. But he couldn’t think about that now.
Reaching the train depot, he stood anxiously near the main area where the train would pull up. It was there, just in the distance, the lights blurry in the heat rising up off of the tracks. He bounced on his toes in anticipation.
“Someone’s excited for the train to get here.”
Simon looked to the side to see an older man he recognized from town but not from church. “I am.”
“Meeting someone special?” he asked.
“Yes, my fiancé.” He beamed, unable to help the pride in his voice.
“Well, congratulations. I’m surprised you found a woman willing to come out West. It’s a dangerous place, you know.”
“I know,” Simon said, nodding. “But God will protect her, I firmly believe that.”
“Say you’re the preacher over at the church aren’t you?”
Simon opened his mouth to respond but the train whistle mercifully cut him off. “Good day sir,” he said with a grin
, and walked up closer to the train.
He had envisioned Alta many times, taking from her descriptions of herself, which were modest and not very detailed. He knew she had blonde hair and blue eyes, that she was short and slight, but other than that he had no idea.
There weren’t likely to be many women getting off of the train though, so he had a feeling he would recognize her right away.
Then, one door down from where he was standing, the flicker of a blue dress, and the back of a blond head appeared. His heart leapt and, as the woman turned, Simon’s he knew in an instant it was her. It was Alta.
Walking as if drawn to her, he stopped a few feet away and asked, “Miss Alta Bishop?”
She broke into a smile that rivaled the sun’s radiance and took the last step down to sand on the platform in front of him.
“Yes, I’m Alta. Are you Simon?”
Her voice was smooth as honey and her blue eyes drew him into their depths that reminded him of a deep, refreshing pool in the summer. Her golden hair was drawn back and twisted up, and her slender build was petite but not weak looking. She was stunning and for a moment he couldn’t breathe let alone respond to her.
“Simon?” she asked again.
“Yes,” he finally said, and then blinked, “I mean, yes, I’m Simon. I’m…your fiancé.”
Chapter 2
Alta couldn’t stop from smiling. Simon was adorable. No, that was too soft and childish of a description, but the way he was staring at her—wide eyed with a foolish grin on his face—was absolutely endearing. She wanted to fall into his arms and plant a kiss on his cheek, but she held back. They still had to get past the awkwardness of this first meeting.
“I—I’m so glad you’re here,” he blurted.
“Me too.” She blushed under his intense gaze. His dark brown eyes bored into hers, as if they could see into her soul. His light brown hair was mussed as he’d pulled off a black bowler hat, but it all made him look more handsome with a touch of boyishness.
[2015] Cowboy for Christmas Page 51
