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

by Faye Sonja

  Harmony looked up and met Andrew with a sad pair of eyes.

  Andrew, who was leaning against a wall, brought his soda bottle up to his lips; choosing to duck out of the conversation. This battle was Harmony’s alone.

  Harmony narrowed her eyes. “You’re right. And while we’re here, Diana could also make some things for Andrew.”

  Andrew choked on his soda and looked at Harmony with wide eyes.

  Harmony smiled.

  Mr. and Mrs. Douglas were just as shocked. Mr. Douglas, who knew Andrew, turned to him. “I’ve been trying to get you into a suit for years.” He turned back to Harmony. “I haven’t seen him in a suit since his mother died a few years back. God rest her soul.”

  Andrew frowned.

  Harmony smiled at Andrew. “You could afford some professional clothing.”

  Andrew shook his head. “I got my good pair of pants and my good shirt for church. That’s all a cowboy needs.”

  Harmony shook her head. “No, I’ve seen your good pants. Your wardrobe could definitely use a makeover of its own. Or, at least, something nice for Thanksgiving. We are the hosts.”

  Andrew sighed and stared into his wife’s silver eyes. “You’re not backing down, are you?”

  Harmony shook her head. Mrs. Douglas clapped her hands together. “Wonderful! I know just the material.” She rushed towards the back of the small shop.

  Mr. Douglas walked over to Andrew. A tape measure was in his hand. A smile was on his wrinkled face. “Come with me.” He started for the back of the store.

  Andrew shook his head, but followed the man closely. It took a moment for them to maneuver through the maze before getting to a corner that had mirrored doors. “You’re enjoying this too much, Mr. Douglas.”

  Mr. Douglas’s smile went wider. He stopped in front of the fitting platform. “You’ve got a fine looking wife there, Andrew. Gorgeous, just gorgeous.”

  Andrew smiled as he stepped up and let Mr. Douglas get to work. “I’m starting to realize that.”

  The front door chimed. Mrs. Douglas went to greet the newcomer. His voice carried in the quiet. “Oh, we’re so happy you came by today, but your purchases aren’t ready yet. Why don’t you come by tomorrow.”

  “Well,” the female voice replied. “I was actually thinking about making another order.”

  Mrs. Douglas replied. “I could come to your home tomorrow.”

  The woman laughed. “But, I’m already here.”

  Andrew’s body stiffened. He’d know that laugh anywhere. His heart sped up.

  Mr. Douglas grabbed Andrew’s ankle. “Don’t move, Andrew.”

  Andrew sighed. “I don’t want Harmony to meet her without me.”

  Mr. Douglas sighed. “They’ve already met.”

  Andrew looked down at Mr. Douglas. “What?”

  Mr. Douglas held the tape up next to Andrew’s hip. “Your wife has already met Olivia.”

  Andrew’s pulse jumped. “They know one another?”

  “No, Harmony doesn’t know Olivia is your ex-wife, but they’ve chatted before. They just don’t know one another’s names.”

  Andrew started for the front door.

  “Oh, hello I love your outfit,” Olivia’s voice carried.

  “Hello. Thank you. You look nice, too,” Harmony replied.

  “You know,” Olivia said. “You shop almost as much as me. I guess it means you’re not poor. We should be friends. I never got your name. I’m Olivia Pitch.”

  “Oh? Pitch?”

  Olivia laughed. “Mmmhhhmmm. You must be new to town. My husband is Billy Pitch. Someone must have told you about him by now.”

  “Oh, they have. I’m Harmony.”

  Olivia laughed. “Harmony? That’s a pretty name. What’s your surname, dear?”

  “Pitch.”

  There was silence.

  “Pitch?” Olivia asked.

  “Mmmhhhmmm.”

  “You… that’s impossible… I… That would mean you’re… But you can’t be.”

  Andrew finally made it to the front of the room. He was standing behind Olivia. Harmony met his eyes over her head.

  Olivia spun around and looked up into Andrew’s eyes. Her big blue eyes widened at seeing Andrew. “Andrew?” She frowned. Her hands went to her chest. “Who is she?” she asked.

  Andrew stared into the face of the woman he’d once given his heart to. Olivia was still beautiful. She was a petite woman. Her naturally black hair was cut short and curled around her small face. He stared at her and remembered the day he’d asked her to be his wife. He remembered their wedding and the plans they’d made for the future. Their life had seemed perfect once upon a time. Andrew had been the happiest man in the world, until the day he’d found Olivia and his father in bed together. Andrew had kicked her out of his house that same day, never looking back. He’d loved Olivia with everything he had, but seeing her now, all Andrew felt was anger. He wasn’t angry about her affair and later marriage to his father. He was upset that he was still letting her betrayal ruin and run his life.

  “Andrew?” Olivia swallowed. “Who is that?”

  Andrew’s face gave nothing away. “My wife.”

  Olivia turned around to look at Harmony then back at Andrew. “You married her?”

  “If, by her, you mean the beautiful woman standing behind you, then yes. I got lucky and married her.” Andrew walked over and took Harmony’s hand. Harmony smiled at him.

  Olivia frowned. “She’s taller than you,” she spat.

  “And she is of more character than you’ll ever be.”

  Olivia’s eyes went wide. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “If I have to say it out loud, you’re not going to like it.”

  Olivia frowned. She looked at Harmony and then back at Andrew. She shook her head before running out the door.

  Andrew sighed and then turned to Harmony. She was frowning. Andrew brought her hand up and laid a kiss on time. “I’m sorry you had to meet her like this.”

  Harmony still seemed solemn. She took a chair that was in the corner of the room. “How did it feel seeing her again?” she whispered.

  Andrew went and knelt by her side. He thought of his answer as he looked away. “I was angry.”

  “Why?”

  Andrew looked at Harmony. “Because, I never should have compared her to you.” Andrew shook his head. “You’re nothing like her. I don’t even know what attracted me to her.”

  Harmony frowned. “Andrew, I saw her. She’s gorgeous.”

  Andrew took her heads in his. “You’re gorgeous and have so much more to offer than she does.”

  “But she was right. I’m taller than you.”

  Andrew smiled. “And I wouldn’t change that about you.”

  Harmony smiled shyly. “I would.”

  “Why?”

  “I’ve always hated being tall.”

  Andrew shook his head. “You make me think of a Greek goddess statue from one of those encyclopedias when I look at you.”

  Harmony laughed. “I do not.”

  “You do. You’re all legs, just like those models.”

  “I’m no model.”

  Andrew frowned. “Harmony, if I say you’re beautiful, then you’re beautiful.”

  Harmony narrowed her eyes and then sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m just not used to people saying such things to me.”

  Andrew kissed her hands. “Well, I’ll make sure I say it more then.”

  Harmony smiled. “Okay.”

  “But if I’m going to fight my inner battles, you’re going to have to fight yours as well.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, you’re going to have to start accepting just how beautiful you are.”

  Harmony sighed. “You’re right.”

  “You learn fast.”

  Harmony narrowed her eyes. “Don’t push it.”

  They laughed.

  Mrs. Douglas came with tea. “I thought you could use it.

&nbs
p; “That was thoughtful of you,” Harmony said.

  The older woman smiled. “And your husband is right, Harmony. You’re a gorgeous, tall, leggy thing.”

  Harmony covered her face and then smiled at Mrs. Douglas. “Thank you.”

  The three drank tea while Mr. Douglas showed Harmony some materials that she might like to see Andrew in. By the time they left, Andrew had ordered suits, shirts, ties, and other matching accessories. He’d never cared about his appearance much before, but if it made Harmony happy, he’d start putting some time into it. Harmony was a second chance at life and he didn’t want to ruin it.

  * * *

  7

  Chapter SEVEN

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  “ She’d be having her first Christmas without

  the fragile white flakes … She’d miss that. ”

  .

  Harmony jumped when she heard the telephone ring in the master bedroom. She wasn’t used to it. She didn’t have one in her own room. She looked out the window. The sun wasn’t up yet. She rolled over in bed and picked up the phone. Her voice was groggy from sleep. “Hello?”

  “Harmony?” It was her mom. “Why are you sleeping in so late?”

  “Mom? It’s California. We’re hours ahead of you.”

  “Oh, that’s right. How’s marriage?”

  “Good.”

  “Good. Austin is trying to find Melody and I think he’s on his way to Santana.”

  Harmony’s eyes went wide. “What?” She sat up.

  “Austin is coming out there to see Melody. I sent word of it in a letter over a week ago, but when I didn’t hear back from you, I decided call.”

  “I didn’t get a letter.” Harmony wiped her hair from her face.

  “Well, it’s a good thing I called then. I’m not sure how I feel about telephones, but I know how I feel about Austin. I don’t like him. How could Austin have found out where you two are?”

  Harmony sighed. “Orlando.”

  “Orlando? You didn’t tell me you saw him.”

  “He was on the first train Melody and I got on in Michigan. He said he wouldn’t tell Austin.”

  Jill sighed. “I thought better of Orlando. He was always a good man, but he’s just as unmarried as Austin, so I don’t fully trust him.”

  “I know, Mom.”

  “The man is pushing Forty. What’s he waiting for?”

  Harmony wrapped the telephone’s coiled cord around her finger. “He’s only in his early Thirties, Mom.”

  “You keep Melody away from Austin. Don’t let Melody know that he’s on his way. Don’t let Austin find her.”

  Harmony sighed. “How do I do that, Mom? It’s a big city, but we don’t necessarily have common names.”

  “Send Melody away before he gets there.”

  Harmony gasped. “What?”

  “You heard me. Austin can’t find her. Tell him when he gets there that Melody married a man in the military and moved to another state or something.”

  Harmony’s stomach turned. “I don’t want to send Melody away. She’s my sister.”

  “Well, we don’t have a choice. We can’t let Austin lead her on anymore, now can we?”

  Harmony sighed. “No, but… Maybe he won’t find us.”

  Jill sighed. “No, you were right. Your names aren’t too common. I wish I had given you girls more common names, but I do love you girls’ names. So musical, and you sing too. Have you sung while you’ve been there?”

  “No.”

  “Why not?”

  “You know why not.”

  “Harmony, people are going to see you. You’re tall. You can’t hide that. We’re Stone women. We stand tall.”

  Harmony sighed. “Alright mom. What do you want me to do when Austin finds us?”

  “Send him away. Don’t let Melody see him.”

  “If he’s willing to cross the country to see her, then I don’t think I’ll be able to keep them away from one another.”

  “You told me that Melody was doing well without him.”

  “She is.”

  “Good. She’s better off. I knew she would be. Get her out of town before Christmas.”

  “I’ll try. How are you?”

  “Good. I have to go now. Sing at church. Send Melody away.”

  “Yes, Mom.”

  “Don’t say ‘yes’ just to get me off the telephone. I don’t think I like these things. Telephones. It’s like you’re here, but you’re not, because you can hang up on me. We didn’t have them when I was growing up. If you wanted to talk to someone across the world, you had to write a letter. Letters are forever… unless you burn them. But, that’s all we had.”

  “I know.”

  “If you wanted to talk to your neighbor, you had to walk over. See their face. Telephones. I can hear your voice, which is good. You’ve got such a nice, soulful voice. Sing, Harmony. You and Melody need to sing your hearts out, just like you used to.

  “Alright.”

  “I love you, Harmony. Tell Melody I love her. Send her away.”

  “I’ll tell Melody that you love her. Are you going to come and visit?”

  “Have some babies and I’ll visit.”

  “Alright. I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Harmony hung up the phone just before a knock came to the door and Andrew popped in. He smiled a smile that reached his hazel eyes. “I didn’t think you’d be up.” He came over and placed a kiss on Harmony’s lips.

  Harmony smiled. “My mother just called.”

  “Oh, how’s she doing?”

  “Good. Thank you again for finding her a place to stay in Detroit.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  They kissed again. Andrew stood. “We’re heading out in a few hours.”

  “San Diego?”

  “Yup.” Andrew bent down and pulled a suitcase out from under his bed and put it on top. He walked over to the dresser. “You’re coming, right?” He paused and looked over at Harmony.

  Harmony stood and went to stand by him. She placed her hands in his and turned him around to face her. Her arms went around his neck. “I would never miss the opportunity to cheer you on.”

  Andrew’s arms went around her. “You say that now, but people get hurt out there.”

  Harmony narrowed her eyes. “You said you were the best.”

  “I am.”

  “Then don’t get hurt.”

  “Is my wife worried about me?”

  Harmony lifted a brow. “Don’t you die on me, Andrew Pitch.”

  “What would you do if I died?”

  “Mourn your death for at least two weeks.”

  Andrew laughed. “Only two weeks?”

  Harmony smiled and nodded. “Starting the week after Thanksgiving, though. I couldn’t let a little thing like death ruin a great dinner.”

  “You’re so cold, Mrs. Pitch,” Andrew said as he pulled her closer.

  Harmony laughed, kissed Andrew, and then walked towards the door. “Don’t pack yourself. Let one of the new staff members pack.”

  Andrew sighed. “But, I’m so used to doing it myself.”

  Harmony nodded. “Yes, but there are people who need work, Andrew. Let them work.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Harmony blew Andrew a kiss before moving into the hallway. She was still smiling when she saw Melody. Melody took one look at her sister and smiled.

  The sisters met in the middle of the hallway and grabbed hands.

  Melody laughed. “You seem happy.”

  “I am.”

  “Good.”

  Harmony looked at Melody’s beige pants and white sleeveless collared blouse. “You’ve been up?”

  Melody nodded. “Yeah. Sarah packed our bags for us.”

  Harmony’s eyes went wide at the mention of one of their new staff members. “But, I haven’t picked out what I would wear.�
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  Melody smiled. “I did that for you.”

  Harmony smiled. “Thanks.”

  The sisters walked into Harmony’s room. Her clothes were on the bed. She turned to Melody, who was standing by the door. Anxiety flooded through Harmony’s arms and up her neck like dancing electricity. Seeing Melody made her think of Austin.

  Melody frowned. “What’s wrong?”

  Harmony shook her head. “Nothing.” She smiled. “I’m just going to get ready and let you do my hair.” Harmony turned towards her clothes. She didn’t want Melody to see how nervous she was. This was the first time the sisters had really connected on this level, which meant that keeping the secret about Austin coming out to Santana would be hard for Harmony. The old Harmony wouldn’t have given it a second thought, but the new Harmony had listened to her sister talk about the men in town and her past love for Austin in a new light. Old Harmony had only heard stories about Austin from a mother’s point of view, but the new Harmony had been spoken to as a friend, maybe even a best friend. Best friends didn’t keep secrets like this, did they? Best friends told each other about the expected arrival of their former love, right? Harmony shook her head. She would have to listen to her mother. She’d have to get Melody out of town before Austin arrived.

  “Harmony?”

  Harmony looked over at Melody, who was now at the vanity.

  Melody was setting out makeup. “Snap out of it! What’s going on in your head?”

  Harmony straightened out her clothing and then walked over to Melody. She stared into Melody’s gray eyes and then leaned over and gave her sister a hug, holding her tight.

  Melody pulled back and looked at Harmony. She was smiling, but there was also a question reflected on her face. “What was that for?”

  “Thank you for being my sister.”

  Melody smiled. “I didn’t think I had a choice in the matter.”

  Harmony nodded. “You did, and had it been up to me, we’d still have the same kind of relationship we’d once had in Michigan. We’re so much closer now.”

  Melody hugged Harmony. “I know. It’s great. I love you, Harmony.”

  “I love you too… Mom called.”