“We’ve come for the boys,” Jason Meyers stated.
“But, how did you know…”
“God showed them to me in a dream. I’ve waited three years since that dream, but I knew today was the day. I had a hard time convincing my wife to come along, but you can see she’s glad she did.
Bronson turned to Charlene. “Jason owns the bicycle factory. They live on a small farm just outside of town. The boys will have a wonderful life.”
“I’m so glad,” Charlene said and led them all over to the table to sign the adoption papers. Donald and Denver each held one of Mrs. Meyers’ hands.
Charlene’s eyes filled with tears as the small family left the building.
“God was so good to find homes for all the children.”
The Matron straightened her skirt with a grim smile. “I never doubted it. The Orphan Train has always been successful.”
Charlene frowned. “I was told by Mr. McCully that sometimes children have to be returned to the orphanage.”
“It’s rare. We try not to bring too many children to assure they are all placed. I’ll visit all these children in a year to make sure they are all happy.”
“And if they aren’t?”
“We try to find another placement for them. Miss Trumbel, it’s the best we can do.”
Charlene realized her tone of voice was rude. “I’m sorry. I know this is a wonderful program. I’m so glad you allowed me to come along. There is something I need to tell you.”
“Can we discuss it on the train?”
“No, that’s just it. I won’t be returning to New York.”
The woman’s face registered shock.
“I’ve decided to stay here and try to get a job.”
The older woman began to shake her head back and forth. “That will never do.”
“I’m sorry, Matron, but I am an adult and can make my own decision.”
“What about that boy?” She pointed at Andy.
“He will stay with me. Bronson assured us…”
The woman’s head snapped up. “Bronson?”
“I mean… Mr. Jacobs…”
“So, that’s what’s going on. You’ve formed some kind of tender for that man. I must insist you come back to New York. It’s not appropriate for a single woman…”
“No, Matron.” Charlene held a hand up to stop the woman from speaking. “This has nothing to do with him. I believe I can get a job here, make a life for myself.”
“What will your father say?”
“I’ll telegraph him and explain everything.”
The Matron stared at Charlene. “I think you’re making a mistake, but I’ll say no more. I’m sure if you have any problems, your father will send money to bring you home.”
“Yes. I’m sure Father will send me some money right away. Andy and I will be staying in the hotel until I find a job and a place to live.”
The Matron snorted, thanked Charlene for her help on the train, then turned and walked away. Charlene could see the disapproval in the way the woman carried herself.
Andy joined Charlene. “Matron doesn’t look happy.”
“No, she doesn’t think we should stay in Cherryvale.”
Andy kicked his foot. “Aw, does that mean we’re going back to New York?”
She reached over and tousled his hair. “No. We are staying right here. I explained it all to the Matron. We are going to give it a try.”
Andy jumped up and down then danced around and shouted, “Yahoo!”
Bronson stepped up beside them and clapped his hands together. “Well, are you ready to begin your new life? I’d love to show you around town, but first we need to get you settled into the hotel.”
Charlene covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh, I forgot my suitcase on the train.”
Bronson placed a firm hand on her wrist to stop her from running out of the room. “I took care of that already. Had it sent to the hotel.”
Charlene sighed, “Thank you.”
The three of them walked out of the church together.
~
The town was just as Bronson described. Most of the buildings were made from brick, and the town had begun work on streets from the same type brick.
“Oh, we have other factories, too.”
“But the brick factory is the biggest one,” Andy shouted as they walked down the street and stopped in front of the brick factory.
Charlene eyed Bronson. “You own the whole brick company?” She swallowed at the thought.
“Yes.” His eyes locked with hers.
“You’re very… wealthy then?”
He nodded.
Charlene bit her bottom lip and wondered why such a wealthy man would have anything to do with helping her. Yes, she came from a wealthy family as well, but he didn’t know that. As far as he was concerned, she was just an old maid, who now wore spectacles.
“You’ve been so kind to me. How can I ever repay you?”
Lord, he’s such a good man. Thank You for allowing him to help me.
A strange smile flit across Bronson’s face. “You don’t owe me anything. But once we get you settled in, I’d like to get to know you better. Perhaps I could entice you to go to dinner with me.”
Charlene dropped her eyes. From his tone, she understood he meant more than a friendly dinner. She was surprised. A man like Bronson could court any woman he wanted. Why did he seem interested in her?
“I’m sure that would be lovely. However, you don’t need to do anymore for me. Once I get settled, it’s my responsibility to find a job and make a life for Andy and myself.”
Bronson reached out and pushed a strand of hair, which had fallen loose from the bun Charlene wore, back behind her ear. Her flesh tingled where his hand brushed it.
“But I want to help you. We are friends, are we not?”
Charlene straightened. “Yes.”
“Then, please, allow me to continue to help you. But my dinner invitation would not be part of that. I’m asking if I can start courting you.”
Charlene’s mouth opened, but no words came out. Finally, she was able to whisper, “You want to court me?”
Bronson nodded and pulled her closer to him.
“But… but… I’m an old maid.”
Bronson threw back his head and laughed. “How old are you?”
“Twenty-four.” Her lips trembled.
“I’m thirty. If anyone here is old, it’s me.”
“But why would you be interested in me? I’m clumsy and cannot see well.”
“We fixed all of that with spectacles, although I found the way you bumped into things rather charming.”
“Y…yes. But you wouldn’t want to be seen with me wearing the spectacles.”
Bronson cocked his head. “Why ever not?”
“They make me look…” her voice trailed away.
“As far as I am concerned, they change nothing. You are a beautiful woman, inside and out. Your spectacles only enhance the beauty of your eyes.”
Charlene’s hand fluttered to her chest. She was sure her heart was about to burst from her chest.
Could it be true, Lord? Could a man like Bronson actually find her attractive, with her spectacles?
“I see I will have to prove my feelings to you.” Bronson took another step closer, placed a hand under her chin then gently tilted her head until she was looking up at him.
He stared down into her eyes, spectacles and all.
“I’m in love with you, Charlene.”
He lowered his head and pressed his lips against hers.
Chapter 11
month later
Charlene sat at the desk and finished typing the article: Orphan Train Riders. First she would show it to her boss, the editor of the Cherryvale Bugle. Next, she would mail it to a New York newspaper. She could only hope it would someday be printed there.
Just then, the front door of the small brick house near Main Street flew open, and Andy ran in.
“The boss
told me to ask you if you were ready to go on that picnic?” The boy’s voice was bright and happy.
Andy was thriving in Kansas and worked part time each day at the brick factory with Bronson. The other half of the day, he had a private tutor who was helping him catch up so he could attend school the following year.
Charlene stood and stretched. “Yes, I just finished my article about the Orphan Train.”
Andy stopped. “I want to hear it.”
“I’ll read it to you and Bronson during the picnic!” She laughed and shooed him from the room. “Grab the basket off the counter.”
Within an hour, they were all happily walking together beside a small river, enjoying the fresh air.
“I think your article is one of the most well written and informative pieces I have ever heard,” Bronson said, admiring the pink hue that flushed Charlene’s cheeks.
“Yes, if it gets published, I believe it may help raise funding for the continuation of the Orphan Train. I only wish there was more I could do.”
Bronson stopped, sat down and pulled Charlene beside him. Andy scampered off, searching for insects.
“There is more you can do.” Bronson leaned over and stuck a small flower behind her ear.
“What?”
“You could adopt children from the Orphan Trains.”
“That would be lovely. However, I can’t afford any more children. My salary at the Bugle is just enough for Andy and me. Without your help, we couldn’t even make it.”
“Yes, but I can afford the children.”
Charlene turned wide eyes toward Bronson. “What… what are you saying?”
“I’m not saying anything. I’m asking.”
Charlene reached up to take her spectacles off. Bronson brushed her hand aside.
“No, Dear, I want you to see me when I ask you this. Charlene Trumbel, would you make me the happiest man alive by marrying me?”
A small tear formed in the corner of her eye. Charlene could not believe this was happening. A dream come true.
“But, Bronson, are you sure? What will people say about you marrying a woman who wears…”
Bronson stopped the flow of words with a gentle kiss.
“I love you, Charlene. I want to marry you, just as you are. We can adopt a whole house full of Orphan Train riders.”
Charlene bent her head and leaned against his chest. “Yes, Bronson, I will marry you.”
“Do you love me, Charlene?” Bronson asked.
“Yes, with all my heart.”
Bronson stood, pulled her to her feet, then bent his head and swept her away in a passionate kiss. When he finally let her go, Charlene’s head was spinning with joy.
Bronson leaned over and pressed small kisses onto the tips of Charlene’s glasses.
Charlene smiled at him.
“You’re sure about wanting to marry me? And adopting Andy, too?”
Bronson nodded. “I can hardly wait.”
Charlene leaned in and whispered. “God has given me everything I’ve ever dreamed of.”
Bronson smiled and pulled her into a warm embrace. “Ours will be a happy life, Darling. It will be a true spectacle of love.”
Dear Readers,
I hope you enjoyed this story.
To see my other Novellas please look on Amazon.
An Angel for Mistletoe
An Unchained Love
Can’t Help Falling in Love
Christmas Village Miracle
Cocoa Courtship
Cooking Up Christmas
Cup N Cake Christmas
Enchanted Encounters (Route 66)
Gambled Away
Gold Dust Tea
Love Found in Bandera, Texas
Love Found in Boerne, Texas
Love Found in Shamrock, Texas
Love Found in the Snow
Mamma’s Bells
Mammie’s Mail Order Bride
Orphan Train Belle
Orphan Train Bride
Orphan Train Bride for Christmas
Sheriff’s Bride; Sam’s Story
Snow Globe Romance
Wild Prairie Rose
Spectacles of Love (Spinster Orphan Train) Page 7
