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

by Faye Sonja

  Ray looked back down at the album and thought, no, it wasn’t all Lydia had. She did have his heart and probably always had. But, instead of telling her that, he turned the page in the album and was confronted with a picture of himself. It had been taken right after he joined the navy, following in his father’s footsteps. The next photo was of Louis in his all white dress attire.

  Lydia said, “Even though he joined for all the wrong reasons, he enjoyed the navy.”

  Ray’s head snapped to her. “Louis told you why he’d joined the navy?”

  Lydia nodded. “It was a few days before he died. He told me that he’d joined the navy hoping that his father would put him back in the will.”

  Ray’s heart began to thud in his chest. “I can’t believe he told you that.”

  Lydia’s eyes began to glass over. “He also told me why he’d married me.”

  Ray closed his eyes as the urge to plummet his dead brother to a pulp rose. He tightened his fist, not believing what his ears were hearing. Louis had told Lydia that he’d only married her for money. He could only imagine how that had made her feel.

  “I should have taken your money,” she said. “That first day you offered it.” She turned away.

  Ray opened his eyes and took her hand. “No, you were right not to take it. I would have thought poorly of you if you had.”

  Lydia turned back to him. “But, at least I wouldn’t have had to endure the pain that loving Louis brought me.” A tear escaped down her cheek, and once the crying started, Lydia gave over to it.

  Ray didn’t think to stop himself from reaching out towards her and once she was in his arms he knew he’d made the right move. He held Lydia, stroking her hair as she wept for a pain that would probably never go away. It was Louis’ specialty, causing endless pain.

  But Ray kept his ill thoughts to himself. He avoided, if possible, talking negatively of Louis, but in his own thoughts, he knew what kind of man Louis was, and wished he’d been able to warn Lydia before they'd married. If only he’d known, he would have tried to stop them. He would have—

  Lydia sniffed. “The worst part is that I’ve never felt more beautiful than when I was with Louis, and to know the truth hurts even more.”

  Ray frowned. “What do you mean?”

  Lydia sighed. “To know that no man thinks I’m pretty—”

  “That’s not true.”

  Lydia sat up. Her eyes and face were red and puffy, but even still, Ray couldn’t stop looking at her. She choked on a sob. “It is true and now you’re stuck with me.” She tucked her head and Ray heard the pain when she said, “You’re stuck with me and that hurts even more.”

  Ray tried to lift her face by the chin, but when Lydia turned away, he ended up grabbing Lydia’s face between his hands, forcing her to look at him. “Lydia,” he said, trying to break through her tears.

  Lydia blinked and opened her eyes slowly.

  Ray sighed. “You are beautiful.”

  Lydia tried to shake her head, but couldn’t. She closed her eyes instead. “Please, let me go,” she begged.

  Ray felt his chest tighten at her pain. She didn’t believe him, but Ray couldn’t bare the thought of her believing a lie. “You’re beautiful, Lydia. You’re so very beautiful.” And then he leaned in and placed his lips to hers. His mouth moved over hers, prying the last of her sobs of sadness, before they dissipated. And when he felt her yield to the kiss, he deepened it, allowing his hands to leave her face and slide through the hair he’d been denied.

  Lydia’s hands came to rest on his shoulders right before he felt her fingers slide behind his neck and up into the short black hairs on his head. Her fingers locked on the strands as she pulled his face away, forcing him to look into her eyes. Their gaze locked as she studied him. “No one’s ever kissed me that way before.”

  “Would you like to stop?”

  Lydia shook her head and then smiled, dropping her hold on Ray’s hair.

  He kissed her again, this time lightly, a gentle brush of his lips over her soft ones.

  Lydia’s eyes were closed as she sighed. “Do you really think I’m beautiful?”

  “I’ve always thought you were beautiful,” he whispered.

  Lydia pulled away and looked at him again. “You did?”

  Ray nodded and looked down. “I’ve always been attracted to you, Lydia. It’s why I fought you so much. What I was really trying to fight were my inappropriate feelings for you.” He shook his head. “My own brother’s wife. It made it sick. The Bible says we are not to covet.”

  Lydia lifted his head and smiled. “What matters is that you stood by that conviction, Ray. You stood strong and the Lord sees that.”

  Ray looked at her. “But what do we do now?”

  Lydia stroked a hand through his hair again before meeting his eyes. “Now, we live. Let’s not let Louis hang over us any longer. I want to move forward.”

  “With me?”

  Lydia nodded. “Yes, with you.”

  Ray kissed her again and hoped that Lydia felt everything he was feeling in it. Hope. Faith. And love.

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  11

  Chapter ELEVEN

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  “You can’t force me to marry you.”

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  Lydia walked down the stairs and found Ray and Thomas in the foyer. An envelope rested in Thomas’ hands and Ray had a hand on the younger man’s shoulder. Lydia carried Pauline down the rest of the way and stopped when she came to stand before the two men.

  Ray leaned over and placed a kiss on her cheek that Lydia felt down in her toes.

  Pauline reached her hands out for Ray and he took the little girl from Lydia with a smile. It had been two weeks since their shared moment in the study and if anyone had asked Lydia, she’d say that things were looking up for them.

  When Ray wasn’t working, he was with them, either playing in Pauline’s room, which the girl now slept in, or taking a ride in his convertible with Lydia at the wheel. They’d had picnics by the beach and visited the farm for Pauline to spot the animals, and as every day went by, Lydia felt as though she were getting to learn about Ray all over again. The old, hard Ray no longer existed in her mind, instead, Lydia focused on the kind man that had kissed her tears away, the man who reminded her of her beauty every morning.

  Whenever she thought of the old Ray, she remembered his harshness, but saw the callus actions in a new light. Ray had been attracted to her, but had held fast to his values, and in Lydia’s eyes, no other man could compare. She’d been worried before if Ray would keep her emotions as safe as he she felt with him physically and was finding out that she could. She did. Completely and with all the love she had for him and she’d do anything to keep this happiness. Since talking to Muriel that first morning, Lydia hadn’t answered the woman’s calls, but knew she needed to call the woman back and give her a firm ‘no’. She just didn’t feel like having a conversation with her.

  She turned to Thomas and smiled. “What’s that you got there?” Lydia asked, referring to the envelope in his hand.

  Thomas shook it. “A parting gift from Mr. Skilton.” He shook his head and looked at Ray. “I can’t accept this. You have already paid me well.”

  Ray held up his cane and then gestured to Pauline who sat embraced by his other arm. “Sorry, I can’t take it back. My hands are full.”

  Everyone laughed.

  Pauline laughed after everyone and louder, which caused everyone to laugh again.

  Thomas said, “Thank you.”

  “Leaving?” Lydia asked.

  He nodded. “I leave for the train within an hour.”

  Lydia leaned over and the two hugged. “Our prayers will be with you.”

  Thomas smiled at her when they parted. “Thanks. I’ll need those.” He turned back to Ray with a very serious look. “Are you going to be alright without me?”
/>   Ray sighed. “We’ll manage.”

  Thomas nodded. “Look after Lydia. Don’t upset her.”

  Ray narrowed his eyes. “I think I know how to watch over my own wife.”

  Thomas chuckled and then looked at Lydia when he spoke to Ray. “I believe you.”

  Lydia laughed, knowing he was referring to the fact that Lydia smiled more than she had when she’d first arrived. She would miss him.

  Thomas left and the room was quiet for a moment.

  Lydia looked over at Ray and saw that he was still staring at the door.

  Ray sighed and looked down.

  Lydia placed a hand on his back. “He’ll be fine.”

  He stared at Lydia. “How do you know?”

  Lydia wrapped her arms around both him and Pauline. “Well, I don’t, but we must have faith.”

  Ray nodded a few times and then smiled. “Yes.”

  Pauline wiggled down and then made a mad dash towards the hallway that would lead to her room. Doris appeared around the corner. “I’ve got her.”

  Lydia smiled. “Thank you.” She then turned back to Ray. “What should we do now?”

  Ray frowned. “Ellen is coming to get you.”

  “For what?”

  “Preparations for tonight.”

  Lydia's eyes went wide. “The soiree. I completely forgot.”

  Ray nodded. “Hundreds of single men and women will be here tonight and we must look our best when he meet our guests.”

  A frown appeared on Lydia’s face. “I thought I already looked nice.”

  Ray smiled. “Is my enchanting wife fishing for a compliment?”

  Lydia smiled. “Perhaps.”

  Ray leaned down and kissed her nose. “My heart stops when I look at you.” She felt his mouth press against hers right before he whispered. “And, I love you.”

  Eyes, which had just been closed, popped back open. “What?”

  Ray pulled away and gazed into her eyes. “You heard me.”

  Lydia placed her hands on his shoulders. “Say it again.”

  “I love you.”

  Lydia smiled as her heart seemed to want to dance within her chest. Sweeter words had never been spoken. Ray had given her his home, his money, the security of his arms, but now she had his heart. “I love you, too.” Then she stood up on the tips of her toes and kissed him with all the passion she could muster, sealing the words for what Lydia hoped would be eternity.

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  12

  Chapter TWELVE

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  “You can’t force me to marry you.”

  .

  Ray watched as the band picked up the beat and couples jumped at the chance to have a turn around the dance floor. The party was being held in his ballroom, but the black doors had been opened, allowing optimum space for dancing and the band. He’d known that hundreds would come, but seeing it in action was mind-blowing.

  The single women from his factory were all wearing their best clothes. Their hair and nails were done and their makeup was in place, and Ray admitted that he didn’t recognize half of them. Some of his employees had come up to him, telling him how beautiful they thought his home to be and thanking him for the party, yet while they spoke, Ray had asked them mentally, ‘Who are you?’

  And then there were the sailors. Some were dressed in their uniforms, no doubt trying to reel the women in with their military attire, but others had changed into suits. A few of them Ray recognized as workers from the factory and wondered how they’d managed to get in.

  A solo from a trumpet had everyone clapping and cheering. A large banner over the band’s head said, “Heart Arrangements Presents: Shipmates and Mate’s Dance”.

  Waiters and waitresses dressed in all black floated around the room with glasses and shimmered just as much as the lights and jewelry. It was a completely stunning affair, but Ray thought no one more stunning than the woman who raised her glass to him from across the field. Even yards away, she managed to steal his breath. She was walking to a group of women who worked at the factory and seemed to be having a great time.

  “Raymond Skilton.”

  Ray turned and had to look at a woman he didn’t recognized and he did notice the badge that hung around her neck. Press. “Hello,” he told her.

  The woman laughed. “I thought Lydia would introduce us, but I suppose she’s busy.” She struck out her hand. “I’m Muriel Danton, Lydia’s boss.”

  Ray recognized the name. It was tracking Lydia’s paychecks from the woman and her paper that had eventually led Ray to finding Lydia in California. But, he hadn’t known that the woman had rehired Lydia. “Current boss?” he asked when she shook the woman’s hand.

  Muriel nodded. “She didn’t tell you? She’s writing for me once again.”

  Ray frowned. “Writing? What’s the topic?”

  Muriel narrowed her eyes. “Life with Ray Skilton, of course. I’ll be expecting her story to be turned in any day now.” The women pulled out a lighter and began to light a cigarette that had magically appeared in her hand. She took a puff away from Ray’s direction and then turned to him. “She didn’t tell you?

  Ray shook his head and felt heat spread through him. Couldn’t Lydia truly be writing a story and not have told him? He thought back on her time with him. She’d asked a few questions on the day they went for a drive and then had been in the study that night flipping through a photo album. Had she been looking for something in particular? He shook his head, but believing the woman in front of him. “Lydia couldn’t be writing a story. She wouldn’t put Pauline on display like that.”

  Muriel waved him off, further agitating him. “The life of a journalist is a never ending story. Once you start, you never stop.”

  Ray turned when Ellen tapped him on the shoulder.

  “Orlando wants to speak to you,” she said, and she narrowed her eyes. “Are you alright?”

  Ray simply nodded. “Tell him I’ll be on my way.” But first, he needed to process what he’d just found out.

  “Take your time,” she said hesitantly before shuffling off.

  Muriel finished her cigarette and then put it out. “I best get a move on, too. This night will make a good story for my paper. Have a good night, Captain.” And then she was gone as well.

  Ray moved in Lydia’s direction, propelled by anger. He wasn’t sure what he would do or say when he got to her, but the moment the faint smell of her perfume hit him, he knew he was a gonner.

  Passing his cane off to a nearby footman, He snuck up on her and placed a kiss on her cheek.

  Lydia laughed and turned around wrapping her arms around Ray’s neck.

  Before Ray knew what was happening, the music had changed to something soft, and they were rocking to the sweet tune. Ray placed his free hand on his wife’s hip. Because of the lower income of many of the people here, Lydia’s black dress was a simple strapless number that flowed down her body, not stopping until it touched the grass. She was beautiful. He loved her. She was the only woman he’d ever loved, so no matter what, they’d have to make it.”

  They’d talk, but Ray would wait. Instead, he said, “Orlando would like to speak with me. I want to introduce you to his wife.”

  Lydia smiled. “Let’s finish the dance first.”

  Ray leaned forward and took in the flowery smell that was her staple. “Anything for you.” And when her head touched his chest, he knew that everything was perfect, yet his heart raced with fear, and he knew that not knowing the truth would haunt his every waiting second. “Lydia.”

  “Hm…”

  He closed his eyes and prayed for his heart to be still. “Muriel Danton is here.”

  Lydia lifted her head and stared up at him with startled eyes.

  Ray sighed. “It’s true. You’re writing a story and didn’t tell me.”

  Lydia shook her head. “No, I’m not.”

/>   He narrowed his eyes. “Tell me the truth, Lydia.”

  Lydia tightened her hold on him. “I am telling you the truth.” She looked down. “When Muriel Danton called me, I told her no at first…”

  “But then you changed your mind,” he insisted, feeling his flesh grow cool under her touch.

  Lydia looked up at him. “Only for a second, but when we decided to be friends at the top of the lighthouse, I knew I couldn’t do it. I was going to take the writing job, make some money, and then run, but I’m tired of running, Ray.” She shook her head as tears came to her eyes. “I don’t want to run anymore, especially now that I have you.”

  Ray stared into her eyes. “I want to believe you.”

  Lydia frowned and then dropped her hands and gathered her skirt.

  “Where are you going?” He asked.

  She looked upset. “You find Muriel and tell her to take her job somewhere else.”

  Ray caught her arm. “Not here. It might cause a scene.”

  Lydia shrugged and then stuck her chin up. “I don’t care. I’m not writing any story. I love you and I don’t want this between us.” She started to move again, but his hold detained her once more.

  Ray saw the determination in her eyes and knew she was telling the truth. He closed his eyes and then felt the anger slip away. He took a deep breath, opened his eyes and smiled at her. “Alright. I’ll believe you.”

  Lydia paused and stared at him. “You do?”

  He nodded. “This won’t come between us.”

  Lydia leaned up and kissed his cheek. “I love you, Raymond Skilton.”

  He wrapped her in his arms again. “I love you, too.”

  When the song ended, the pair went in Orlando’s direction and found a man standing, talking to another man, a woman by their sides, who resembled him too much to not be his brother, Austin. The two women who flanked them, Ray guessed were their wives. He was introduced to both of them and in turn introduced Lydia. The woman with hair of fire and eyes green as green as grassy fields was named June. The other, who had brown hair, disappeared under a stylish hat that matched her intense gray eyes. Her name was Melody.