by Faye Sonja
"I'll be giving the lesson today, while Mr. Williamson is ill," she explained, straightening up her outfit. It was then that she realized she'd left the house without the proper attire. "Oh well, it hardly matters now, I'm only in front of school children," she thought, wondering how difficult it was going to be to teach a class full of students when she couldn't hear any of them.
But she made it through as bravely as she could, teaching the class till the end of the day, trying to think about what her husband would do and follow his lead.
"He loves these children..." she thought. "He can't have simply run away."
And what about Luanna? Didn't he love her? As she dismissed the class, remaining brave till the end, she waited till they left to finally cry.
"Maybe he doesn't love me...maybe he never did. Oh, my odd ways must have gotten too much for him in the end." She sat for a moment with her head hung, sitting on one of the tiny seats that were built for the younger children. "I knew he never wanted a deaf wife, one that needs so much looking after, and causes so much trouble for him."
She sat and sobbed for a moment before she pulled herself together. "Come on now, this is no way to act," she told herself. Instead of crying, she turned to prayer, asking for clarity about the situation, rather than feeling sorry for herself.
A little peace settled over her once her prayer was said, however, she was still barely able to stand up. "How will I face everyone in the town, now that Nicolas has run off to return to his old life?" she wondered.
She stopped suddenly, and sat up straight. His old life.
She thought back to the letters she had found. About how there had been troubles with a debt Nicolas had owed to someone, a man who he considered a father figure, but had turned out to be bad news.
"Maybe..." she thought with hope, thinking about the burned milk and the discarded cups on the floor, the way the kitchen had been left in a state. "Maybe he didn't really leave me. Maybe he was taken against his will. Perhaps this Clancy person has come back to get what he thinks he's owed, and kidnapped Nicolas in the middle of the night!"
Oh, but it all sounded too fantastical. Too much like one of the stories she read, or made up in her own head. It was much more likely that Nicolas had simply left.
"But he wouldn't, he just wouldn't..." Luanna thought. "He's a good man, and though he has this secret wild side, he wouldn't just abandon his wife and students like this." She held tight to this thought, as she bowed her head and prayed again.
* * *
9
A Reunion
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“ No. They were real. Someone
wanted to marry her,”
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"Clancy," Nicolas tried to plead, as the old man hovered over him, swinging a pistol and swaggering to and fro. "Please, don't do this."
"It has to be like this Nicky, I'm afraid."
"Why?" Nicolas asked, struggling with his hands tied behind his back. "What about all the times we've been through, old man..."
"Don't call me that," Clancy snarled. "I took you in and acted like a father to you, but you never acted like a son to me. Not after you betrayed me."
Nicolas continued to struggle as he tried to reason with the man. "Just because I didn't want to live the way you live, doesn't mean that I betrayed you..."
Clancy took a step forward and pointed the pistol right at Nicolas's head. "You took off and abandoned me. And for what?" His voice was low, barely a hiss. "So you could play house with some deaf girl, and teach a bunch of ungrateful school children?"
Nicolas kicked out his feet, sending Clancy flying. Springing to his own feet he lunged for the pistol before Clancy could get to it, and pointed it down at the old man he had once considered a father. "This was never about the money, was it?" Nicolas asked, his voice shaking. "You just don't want to see me live a normal, happy life, abiding by the law!" His voice was becoming angry. "Well this is what I choose now, and you have to accept that."
Nicolas took a step closer as the old man trembled beneath him. "And don't you ever speak about Luanna like that again, do you hear me?"
The old man nodded. "Nicky, please don't shoot me."
Nicolas kept pointing the pistol for a moment as he backed away, towards the horse that was standing there waiting. He leapt onto the mare's back, and picked up the reins before he finally dropped the pistol to the side. "I'd never shoot you, Clancy. That's the difference between you and me. This is exactly the life I chose to leave behind."
He turned the horse around, but before he went he said over his shoulder, "But if you ever threaten me and Luanna again, I'll have you thrown in jail. Now get out of Gold Creek, Clancy, unless one day you decide you want to change your ways as well."
* * *
Luanna could hardly bear to leave the schoolhouse, and she stayed inside till darkness began to fall, not wanting to face anyone outside, in case they had heard the rumors.
She didn't hear the knock at the door, or hear Rosella's footsteps, or notice her old friend till she was right beside her. Rosella knelt down gently and made sure that Luanna could read her face. "I thought you might be in here," she said gently.
"So everyone's heard then, have they?" Luanna asked. Her tears had dried, and her head was beginning to clear. Now it was just a matter of deciding what to do next. She felt as though her dreams of adventure in Gold Creek were dead, and she may as well return to Chicago, to her old job as a cook, if they'd still have her.
"Come on," Rosella said, taking her hand. "Let's get you back home."
"I don't think I can bear to go."
"Well it's no good staying here, when it's about to get cold out. The sun will be setting soon. Come back to my house instead," Rosella suggested. "We can put the fire on and talk."
No amount of talking or sitting by the fire was going to make Luanna feel better, but she stood up anyway, taking hold of her friend's hand. As she did so, she noticed the strange look on Rosella's face.
"Rosella? What's wrong? Do you hear something?"
Rosella nodded. Her eyes suddenly popped open, and she grabbed Luanna's hand tight and began to run outside, pulling Luanna with her.
"What is it?" Luanna tried to ask, but Rosella was dragging her into the street.
"Just come with me!"
* * *
The entire town was outside in the street, standing in the middle of Gold Creek main street, gawking at a sight in the distance. Everyone - even Clarabelle and Betsy - were shouting and exclaiming, pointing towards a figure bounding on horseback, racing towards the town. Dust was flying up behind the cowboy, as the horse reared on its back legs, skidding into the town.
"Who on Earth..." Clarabelle murmured, and beside Luanna, Rosella gripped her hand tight.
"It isn't...can it really be?" Rosella asked, her mouth agape.
"Mr. Williamson!" the children called out, running towards this foreboding figure, riding into town like a wild outlaw.
Luanna couldn't hear the gasps and shouts, but they were there. Everyone was in shock to see Nicolas Williamson, mild-mannered teacher to the children of Gold Creek, transformed into this wild cowboy on horseback.
The black horse galloped into town, neighing and rearing, as Nicolas pulled to a stop besides Luanna, jumping off and taking her into his arms.
No words were needed, and Luanna didn't need to hear anything in that moment. All she needed to do was feel Nicolas' heartbeat beating against hers. In that embrace, they seemed to communicate more than they ever had before, Nicolas telling Luanna that this is who I really am, and I came back for you. As Luanna hugged her husband she was telling him, "I accept you for who you truly are. Do you accept me?"
* * *
The rest of the crowd thinned, giving Luanna and Nicolas their privacy. Rosella, relieved that her friend was okay, waved and said goodbye.
Luanna looked up at her h
usband, staring at the strange man in front of her, dressed so differently, with his hair strewn all over his face. She'd never seen him like that, but she loved it. "I'm so pleased that you've come back," she said, tears of happiness streaming down her cheeks. "Pleased doesn't even really describe it. I am overjoyed, actually. I think I could burst from the joy!"
Nicolas returned her embrace, and leaned down to kiss her on the lips. "Oh, my sweet Luanna. I hated every second that I was away from you. It was like torture."
"Did they hurt you very badly?" she asked, drawing his head back so that she could look at him properly.
"Not too badly," he said, her face between his hands. "The worst part was being away from you. I was more worried about how you were coping the whole time."
"What happened though? Did Clancy simply let you leave? That is who had you, isn't it?"
Nicolas nodded. "He didn't let me, no. I had to escape. I let him know once and for all that he can't mess with me." He stopped and took Luanna's face between his hands. "That he can't mess with us, and our new life here."
Luanna's mouth was agape. "Nicolas, I've never heard you talk like this. Nor act like this! Standing up to an outlaw like Clancy, escaping from him...riding into town like that. Such a scene!"
"Did you mind?" he asked, staring down into her eyes.
They were filled with tears of joy, of excitement. "No," she whispered. "Not at all. I loved it."
"Really?"
She nodded. "Nicolas, you must know by now that I am not the perfect, conventional wife who can stay calm and still and quiet all the time. I long for adventure as well."
His frowned a little. "Luanna, I'm sorry if I ever tried to change you, or made you feel bad about any of that. I just wanted you to be safe."
"You can't always keep me safe though. Just because I am deaf..."
"Shh," he said, hating to hear the words. "Luanna, I don't see your handicap when I look at you. I just see a wild, creative woman, who keeps my life interesting, and who I love with all my heart. You know, deep down, I love your adventurous side as well. I won't try to change it anymore, I can swear to that. Being apart from you was terrible, and I never want that to happen again."
Luanna glanced up at the huge black horse, who was eyeing them off beside them. "It seems you have a lot of adventure still in you. Is life in Gold Creek really what you want? I can hardly believe it is, after seeing you ride in like that."
He nodded firmly. "There's different sorts of adventures in life, isn't there? And being married to you is a great adventure, more exciting than anything I ever experienced while I was out riding."
She looked up at him. "Really?'
"Really."
He brushed his thumb against her cheek. "But is it enough of an adventure for you?"
Luanna gazed up at her husband and thought long and hard about the question, before giving her honest answer, an answer that came from the bottom of her soul. "It is."
* * *
Six Months Later
"Here they come!" Luanna cried out, waving down the lane. "Hello Pastor! Hello Marabelle!"
The dinner - Luanna's second chance to impress - had been a long time coming, and Luanna thought she might burst from the excitement of it all.
Nicolas walked up behind her at the window, wrapping his arms around his wife for a gentle embrace. "They're still too far away to see you, let alone hear you," he said, laughing. "They're still a mile down the road, Luanna."
"Oh, you're right," Luanna said, spinning around. "There's still plenty of time for trouble to find me." She glanced over Nicolas’ shoulder at the dining table, spread out with an opulent feast, fitting for Gold Creek's most well-respected residents.
She raced over to the table and picked up her pie. For the hundredth time she looked it over, checking for any burnt spots or signs that it wasn't right. "Here," she said, digging a fork in where it wasn't noticeable. "Try this, and tell me if it is alright."
She reached over and placed the fork in Nicolas' mouth, and waited anxiously for his answer.
He pulled a strange face, as though he didn't realize what he was tasting. He chewed the contents over for a minute or two, his eyes wide open, before swallowing it and looking at Luanna.
"Oh, it's terrible, isn't it?"
Nicolas was still staring at her with shock. "Luanna, what did you put in that pie?"
She thought frantically. "Well, the flour of course, and the plums, and the sugar."
He coughed and looked down. "Sugar? Are you sure it was sugar and not salt?"
Luanna gasped as she looked over her shoulder, seeing the pastor and his wife quickly approaching the house. "Oh no, I've done it again, haven't I? Another one of my disasters! What am I going to tell John and Marabelle? I...I..."
Across from her, Nicolas burst out laughing.
"What...what?" Luanna asked. "Why are you laughing?"
He reached over and scooped her up into his arms. "Oh my dear sweet Luanna, I am only teasing you."
She leaned back and gave him a playful little pat. "Oh, Nicolas! How could you..." But she was soon in tears of laughter herself, as she realized Nicolas had only been teasing, lightening the mood.
"So it's really okay?" she asked, wiping the tears away from her eyes.
"It's absolutely perfect, Luanna. The entire dinner is. Just like you."
"I thought I'd made another one of my mistakes! But they are becoming less and less these days, aren't they?" Luanna asked.
"They are," Nicolas had to admit. "But I hope you keep making some. After all, that's what keeps my life interesting, Luanna. Life on the land was nothing compared to life with you. I love you, my darling."
Luanna smiled up at him, thrilled with what her life had become, and excited about a perfect evening ahead. "I love you too, Nicolas. Our life together will always be a great adventure."
* * *
HEADSTRONG BRIDE MARRIED BY THANKSGIVING
BRIDES FOR THREE SEASONS
BOOK 1
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b o o k 1
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The Great Depression of the 1930's affected the world, leaving thousands jobless.
Harmony's Stone’s family was hit like everyone else's. With no income, Harmony needed to find a rich husband and Andrew is her ONLY option.
Andrew Pitch needs a wife . . .But more importantly, he needs a woman that he feels he can keep his heart safe from and a woman he could especially keep safe and away from his Father…
Will Harmony ever be able to heal Andrew’s heart?
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A Note From Author
To all my wonderful readers:
Christmas time should be a joyous time that brings family and friends together.
To celebrate this holiday season, I’ve created a different approach and new holiday series set based back during the Great Depression. The 1930's was one of the hardest times in US history that had a global effect, and it seemed no one could escape its clutches. The times were dark, but like every dark era in world history, love always prevails.
The banks in America had handed too much of their money over to investors to buy stocks. When the stock market crashed, people lost the money that they'd left in the control of banks. This lack of funds led to a lack of jobs and at one point, one quarter of the US was unemployed.
While most investments were bad, still, many were good. In this current series – BRIDES FOR THREE SEASONS, I introduce Orlando Bakley and his company Heart Arrangements. The company helps arrange marriages between men in the west and brides from the east. When writing Harmony's story, I grew attached to the characters around this mail-order-bride and felt the need to hear them tell their story as well. It leads to each story’s approach with a different twist and angle to the mail-order-bride theme. Using the mail-order-bride idea, the entire series is connected to tell the story of H
armony, June and Melody. Her journey touches everyone around her, and in the end, led to her being surrounded by more love than she could have ever imagined.
I hope you will enjoy a different look at this unconventional mail-order-bride series.
The next story will be a single standalone which will carry off where this one left off. The time is set during World War II and Heart Arrangements has just begun to vamp up their services. Get ready for another round of unconventional mail-order-brides during a time of war, secrets, and mended hearts.
Thank you for reading.
1
Chapter ONE
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“ She’d be having her first Christmas without
the fragile white flakes … She’d miss that. ”
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Detroit, Michigan
November, 1935
Harmony Stone picked up another bag and headed towards the front room of her home. Her mother and sister were in the room. Jill Stone, a tall woman, like Harmony, was sitting in a chair, knitting. At the age of 54, she was a tough woman. Harmony had learned everything she knew from the woman.
Melody Stone, Harmony’s little sister, was sitting at her mother’s feet, crying hysterically. “Please, Mama. Don’t make me go with her.”
Jill didn’t even gaze over at the girl. Her facial expression was unreadable. “You’re going, and that’s the end of it.”
Melody wailed. “But I can’t leave Austin. I love him, Mama.”
Jill sighed. “We’ve had this discussion before. The boy has proposed and cancelled your wedding too many times already. He’ll never marry you, Melody. He doesn’t take you or your feelings seriously.”
