Mail Order Bride 22 Book Boxed set: 22 Brides Ride West :CLEAN Western Historical Romance Series Bundle

by Faye Sonja

  Ada took the paper and read the first page. Not a lot of the information sank in but she was grateful for the distraction. Her thoughts still ran wild, and now she was concerned she’d let down everyone and not just Bobby Grant, if he chose to marry her.

  The sooner they could do that and get her last name changed, the better. This was the right choice, the only choice. But in her heart she wished for an amicable marriage at the very least.

  It would indeed be lovely to have someone to care for, someone to share the joys of life with. Ada didn’t mind hard work and she was accomplished in the home as a cook, and with sewing. She hoped she brought cheer to a man who may need some joy in his life.

  After finding out her parents weren’t her real parents, Ada prayed for some joyous times herself as well. Change was to be embraced, but knowing that and doing it was two different things.

  The door opened and Ada looked up. It was him. There was no doubt from the picture she had, even though she couldn’t see his face, she knew by his narrow shoulders and hips. Her heart beat faster and faster.

  What if he didn’t like that…that she…that she was twice the build of him? What if he thought that she made him look even smaller? What if he wanted a wisp of a woman with a tinkle of a laugh?

  Ada watched him rush to the counter and he spoke so quietly she couldn’t make out his words from ten feet away. When June smiled at him and nodded, then she looked over at Ada and back to him, he didn’t move a muscle. In fact, she thought he must’ve been frozen solid. She saw his shoulders rise and fall, but not as low as they had been.

  Ada took a deep breath and wished her pulse wasn’t so loud in her ears. No wonder she couldn’t hear him speak. Slowly, she stood up; may as well see what he was getting. She brushed down her bronze-colored skirts and waited. Please let him like me. Please don’t let me make a fool of myself. She saw his slim body brace and he turned.

  He had quite large brown eyes behind his rounded glass frames. He looked every bit as scared as she felt and her heart missed a beat. He still never moved forward; his expression didn’t change one bit. He was going to send her away. Tears welled in her eyes. Oh dear.

  * * *

  2

  Making Acquaintance

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  “ I have to give her a chance… This is

  her new life now. We all have a past."

  .

  Bobby couldn’t smile. I should smile, yes, yes, I should. I can’t. Can’t believe it. This lovely young woman, here for me. It must be a mistake. Must be. He just stood there looking at the vision in a bronze dress before him, his anxious disposition taking over for the moment. If he’d been the dashing, confident man she no doubt hoped he was, or even a sliver of a gentleman, he’d have greeted her by now.

  Do something. Say something. Move…Is she going to cry? She’s going to cry. She’s so disappointed. Another lady back on the stagecoach tomorrow like the first one had, and this young lady here was the best one yet. A vision of loveliness. He’d had a total of five ladies arrive in the past two years. None that captured him like this one.

  But he didn’t seem to get along with any of the others even if he managed a conversation. Now he hoped he could get all of his scarves at all the mail order bride companies back for good. But if he didn’t move or speak to welcome her, she might leave as well.

  He took a step forward and then forced another and another one. She gave a tiny lift at the corners of her mouth and blinked her tears away. “Mr. Grant…I’m Ada Bartholomew. I’m here to be your wife. If you’ll have me.” Her hand reached out toward him.

  Bobby felt the constriction start in his chest. No! Not now. Don’t you dare have one of your attacks now. His heartbeat was in his throat and the sweat prickled his forehead.

  You fool. Say something. Do something other than throw a fit.

  Then she stepped up to him and placed a calming hand on his arm. “It’s okay. I feel just like that inside, too. Sit, have coffee with me. Once we’re over the initial shock, then we can talk.”

  He moved to the seat. “Thank. You.” His voice didn’t sound gallant, or manly at all. He barely squeaked. But he had spoken and he knew without a doubt, right there and then, that he loved Ada Bartholomew with everything inside him.

  June came over with more coffee. “Pay no mind to me, you young-uns. I’ve bookwork to settle out back. Take your time.” She gave Bobby a smile and a nod.

  He relaxed a little and sipped his coffee. A few deep breaths and he believed he could speak in a normal manner. “Ada. I’m stunned you’re here. I’m very pleased. I do hope you’ll stay.” Bobby knew the words rushed out, but he didn’t want to stop and mess it up.

  “I’m certain I will. I’ve been looking at the newspaper and the town seems very vibrant.”

  Bobby looked down and his face was quite hot. But he wanted to be brave. He looked back into her striking, sapphire blue eyes. “Only a shadow in comparison to you, Ada.”

  “Oh…Bobby.” Her face was a delightful pink and Bobby feared he’d made himself blush deeper than her, but for this one time, he didn’t care in the least.

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to meet you. I always keep my Friday afternoons free. Just in case…”

  “I guess you won’t have to do that anymore.”

  Bobby finally let a small smile happen. It felt wonderful. “What shall I do with all my free time?” He thought some humor might help, if she got his humor. Most just saw him as more quirky than before.

  “Perhaps you can take your wife to dinner on Fridays now.”

  “Perhaps, I can.”

  “You’re very dedicated to wait that long.”

  “I don’t think that’s what the whispers behind my back said.” Bobby wasn’t a positive person by nature, but he always held faith in his heart that the Lord would send her when the time was right.

  “Well, we’ve proved them wrong.”

  “Indeed we have. Forgive me mentioning it so soon, but I like to be organized. How long of an engagement would you prefer?”

  “I was hoping we’d be wed right away.”

  Bobby stared at her. She seemed serious. He thought she’d need some time to get to know him, to reconcile the fact that he wasn’t so attractive. “So four weeks? Six?”

  “What about Sunday?”

  Bobby swallowed. “This Sunday…two days?”

  Ada nodded and looked down at the table. “I hope you don’t find that too forward. But I’ve had a week of travel to consider it, and I don’t see what waiting will achieve. But if you’d rather wait…”

  “No. No, not at all. I’m happy, honored to be wed to you Sunday. I’ll speak to Reverend Baxter. He’s pulled together fast weddings before.”

  “Wonderful. I’m sure June would be happy to help.”

  “One request. If I might be so bold…” Bobby had one thing that was very important to him about his wedding day.

  “Yes?”

  “I’d like for Marshal and Mrs. Blake to be our witnesses. They’ve been very good to me.”

  “I’d like that very much, Bobby. June has been so lovely and I can tell she’s genuinely happy for you.”

  “They couldn’t have children and I think they see me like a son. I know they’re my closest friends in the world. I’ve no secrets from them. You’ll be fine to do the same.” Bobby watched her face darken with a frown.

  Perhaps he was a little too enthusiastic in telling her who her friends should be. “I’m sorry. Normally, I can’t utter a word to a beautiful lady. Now I can’t seem to stop babbling. It’s very disconcerting.”

  “You’re putting me at ease; usually I’m the one nervously babbling along. You’re saving me some embarrassment.”

  “I really cannot believe you aren’t buying your ticket for the stage out tomorrow.”

  “I’m surprised you aren’t buying it for me.”
>
  Bobby saw the mirth on her face and they both gave a small laugh together. “I think June would give my ears a good slap if I did.”

  Just then, June came out from the back office. “I’m going to close up now. But if you two need more time, I’m happy to stay a while longer.”

  “There’s no need, June. I wonder if I might impose on you to give Ada a bed for the next two nights. We’re to be married on Sunday.”

  June jumped up and down and clapped. “I’ll be proud to have Ada come and stay.”

  “And to help me with my planning, if you’ve time, June?” Ada asked with a delightful edge of excitement. If Bobby wasn’t mistaken, she was looking as forward to this as he was.

  June rushed over and pulled Ada up from her seat and hugged her tight. “Oh, Ada. Of course. I’d love to help. You two will be very happy, I can tell.”

  “What about supper tonight, Ada? How about we start a long tradition of Friday evenings dining out?”

  “I’d love that, but I do need to freshen up a little.”

  “I’ll take you home with me, Ada, and you can use the bathroom there. Bobby can come and collect you in the buggy later.”

  Bobby stood up placed his bowler hat back on his head. “Ladies, I take my leave.” He gave a small stiff bow and left the station office. Where did a man begin in preparing for a wedding? He’d go to see Marshal and give him the good news first. June would take care of Ada.

  He just hoped she didn’t change her mind by Sunday. He’d rather she walked away immediately than to be left standing at the altar with his hopes crushed. Immediately Bobby began to imagine a million scenarios, and all of them were bad.

  For two years, waiting for Friday afternoon to come and go was his life. He often wondered why he did continue the torturous waiting. Perhaps because it confirmed in his mind what a futile and hopeless person he was. Even now, with his father’s words in his mind, he knew this relationship somehow had to come to an end.

  As if she’d ever love him. But she was here, and she’d comforted him and not ridiculed him. She’d not had that look of horror on her face before walking away again. She’d stayed and smiled, and wanted to be married Sunday. There must be another reason for that, but he didn’t want to know.

  Bobby couldn’t recall the last time any thoughts of his made that critical voice in his head go away; no matter how busy his mind got, he could still hear his father. But now, he pushed those awful memories out of his mind.

  He needed to be strong and stable for his wife, and he would be. It might take some work on his confidence, but this was a start. He felt ten foot tall right now and like he could take on the world.

  He wondered if Marshal was still in his office. He upped his pace some more and saw the light was on inside. Excellent.

  He tapped on the door and walked in. Marshal Blake looked up at him. “Ah, Bobby. You’re alone…Never mind. Maybe next week, eh?”

  “I’m to be married on Sunday and I’d appreciate you signing as my witness.” Bobby rushed the words out and they sounded foreign even to his ears.

  “What? This Sunday?”

  “Yes. Miss Ada Bartholomew was on the stagecoach with my scarf around her neck. She’s the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen. I know she could never love someone like me but I’m happy she’s stayed, all the same.”

  Marshal came out from behind his desk and clapped Bobby on the back. Bobby almost winced. But he stood his ground and grinned instead. “Well, I’ll be…”

  “Yup.”

  “Just like that. She wants to be married to you good and fast, too.”

  Bobby knew what message was between those lines. Be careful. Too good to be true. She’s up to something. But he ignored that because if this was ever going to work, then suspicion wasn’t going to get them there. He had to start out with a full heart and good intentions.

  “We both thought, why wait if we’re ready.”

  “True enough.”

  “She’ll be staying with you till Sunday, so you’ll get to meet her.”

  “Where’s she from?”

  “I’m not sure yet, I had ads in all five major agencies in five major cities. I’ll need to contact them all fast.”

  “Well, yes. It wouldn’t do to have another turn up.” Marshal Blake let out his low rumble of a laugh. “I’ll use the telegraph and get a man to go to each place and withdraw your name.”

  “Much appreciated.”

  “I think this calls for some strong liquor.”

  “Yes. Some brandy, perhaps.”

  “Not brandy, man. Whiskey.” Marshal Blake walked to his liquor cabinet and poured two fingers of whiskey into two glasses. He walked one back over to Bobby and threw his own straight down his throat. “Go ahead. Make it fast and you won’t know a thing.”

  Bobby followed suit and coughed; his eyes watered, and he clutched at his throat. He could barely breathe. Then the burn began from his belly to his mouth. His first whiskey. “Whoah. That has some kick.”

  “Like a mule, Bobby. Like a mule. Another?”

  “Yes. Another. I’m to be a married man.” He grinned and the alcohol coursed through his veins, or at least it felt that way. He took the second and downed it and had the exact same reaction. Marshal Blake laughed in his deeply profound way and Bobby gave a chuckle as well. He couldn’t be too sure, but Bobby thought himself to be happy. Very happy in fact.

  “I look forward to spending some time with Ada. She’s to be a very lucky woman.”

  “I’m the lucky one. She’s gorgeous.”

  “You know I can look her up if you want me to?”

  Bobby put down his glass. “No. I have to give her a chance. I’ll see soon enough if she’s fake or hiding something. I’ll give her the chance to come clean because she trusts me. I’m not snooping. This is her new life now. We all have a past.”

  * * *

  3

  Sunday Wedding

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  “ I have to give her a chance… This is

  her new life now. We all have a past."

  .

  “Good morning, Ada! Rise and shine. We’ve a lot to do with your wedding being at eleven this morning.” June pulled the drapes back and the brightness of the day streamed in the window.

  Ads stretched and smiled. “I’m so excited. I could barely sleep a wink last night.” She yawned and threw the covers back. “My dress is ready. I sewed the last of the pearls on yesterday. I think it’s quite beautiful.”

  “I’m surprised you packed it all away in that one case.”

  “It was in sections, and with the help of your sewing machine I managed to get it ready. June, you’ve been a Godsend.”

  “I’m just as excited. I’ve never had daughter to help prepare for her wedding day.”

  “You’d have made a wonderful mother.”

  June hugged her and then poured water into the large ceramic bowl using the matching jug. “Come along. We’ll have breakfast and you can help me dress and then I’ll come and help you.”

  “Perfect.” Ada tried to ignore the tension inside her. This was her special day and she refused to let her fears overshadow it. Bobby had proved to be a lovely man. He was still painfully shy and embarrassed by most things, and he struggled to speak at times, but he was very sincere and a solid person.

  At dinner their first night, he was attentive and polite. He’d made very entertaining conversation. She found out quite a lot about him, that his upbringing on a farm by his harsh father had troubled him a lot. He’d struggled to fit in with farming and with most everything.

  Ada knew a lot about the expectations of others. Turned out her parents weren’t even that, and though the woman who’d taken her and Anna from the paupers’ home when they were babies took wonderful care of them and no doubt loved them, the same couldn’t be said for her husband. Not that he was cruel to them but just indiffe
rent, and he liked them to work hard for the least wages in his bakery.

  In hindsight it was easy to see as soon as they’d outlived their usefulness to their so-called father, he’d attempted to be rid of them in the easiest way possible. But now she had a chance to start again and she was going to give it everything she had in her.

  She wondered briefly about how she’d go about living with Bobby, and even where they’d live, as June had insisted he couldn’t see her all day Saturday before the wedding so she’d had no chance to discuss his living arrangements. Ada suspected he lived in a small place; perhaps the courthouse had a cottage or something similar. She was used to taking care of a household and people who wanted taking care of, but she sensed Bobby would be very particular in the way he did things.

  While Ada was tidy and neat for the most part, she didn’t mind a little bit of a relaxed feel to her home. Now she put her attention back to June and the lovely dress they’d chosen from her wardrobe last night. Ada was wearing off-white taffeta with silk inlay. The dress she’d made had a criss-cross of silk lacing from bottom to top at the front through eyelets. Like lace-up leather boots.

  This allowed her to adjust the fit, and also to be able to wear the garments separately with other pairings. Very economical and very flattering to a larger figure like hers. June was in a deep-brown crinoline dress which had a shaping similar to Ada’s. Both ladies agreed this would be the best combination. As she studied June and her gorgeous dress, she smiled.

  “Very beautiful, June. Now, I’ll see to your hair and bonnet.”

  “Don’t fuss too much with my hair, it’s grey and dull these days.”

  “Nonsense. A gorgeous silver luster like that should never go hidden.” Ada took the brush and began to work it through June’s long and thick hair. “Oh my. I hope I have wonderful hair like this…” Ada stopped realizing she may insult June speaking of her age.