by Indiana Wake
"What are you talking about?" Mary asked as her hand came up to her heart.
"Since I met you that first time, I have become quite smitten with you. You seem to be such a strong, kind woman and I really respect that. I could not get you out of my head the entire week and since I am not one to prolong things and highly trust my instincts, I wish to propose to you."
"Propose?" Mary said, dumb-founded.
"Yes, if you will have me, I would like to marry you. I have been a widower for a long time now and I have never felt this strongly about anyone and certainly not in such a short time. I felt connected to you from the moment I met you, I cannot explain it. But I do know that I would like to have whatever life I have left exploring that connection. You don't have to reply now. Just send word for me and I will come. Whatever your answer, I will accept it. Good day." And with that he turned and fled from the office.
Chapter 11
David had now been home a day and he wondered if he should go see Mary. He thought it would be weird to go visit her at her office, but he had no clue where she lived. So it was either wait until Sunday or visit her place of work. In the end, he decided that propriety would have to take a back seat. He needed to see her again the way a thirsty man craves water in the desert.
Coming back home had been a relief and a burden at the same time. With thoughts of Mary running around in his head, he could find no peace in his house, for this was where he had spent his years with his loving wife. He felt, by thinking of Mary, he was disrespecting the memory of his wife. This guilt was driving him insane and he only knew that he must see Mary.
So, with this heavy burden of guilt, he set off to see her. He opened the door and the scraping of the wood, alerted her to his presence. She looked up quickly and a smile brightened her face when she saw that it was him. Smiling and feeling lighter already, he went and sat across from her.
"How may I be service?” she said with a cheeky grin. “Are you looking for a wife for yourself?"
The mention of a wife brought back all his guilt and his face fell. Mary saw the expression at the word wife and her heart sank. She had somehow fallen for this man, but he did not seem to be moving in the same direction she was. She had thought a lot about her dilemma last night and had figured that she was too old now and she needed, no wanted, to get married.
She had hoped that maybe David felt the same way about her that she felt about him, but the expression on his face said it all. Forcing a smile, she said, "I'm only joking, Mr. Montgomery. So, what brings you here?"
David visibly relaxed at the change of topic. "I just got back yesterday and thought I should drop by and see how you were doing. I brought you this," he said and put a copy of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow on her desk.
"That is so kind and as you can see I am busy as always,” she said. “These poor souls won't get married by themselves. I need to give them as much of a fighting chance as I can. Don’t you think everyone deserves a happy ever after?"
"Yes I do, well said, Mary,” David said, and he did. Maybe it was time for his happy ever after. Maybe he could let go of the past and look to the future. “The work you are doing here is astounding. If only I had thought of others the way you do."
"Nonsense, I have heard many a kind word spoken about you in town. You are always generous and are always helping others."
Going red in the face, David mumbled, "It's nothing." Clearing his throat, he said, "Well, I see that you have a lot that needs doing so I won't bother you any longer. Good day, Mary Hawkins."
"And to you, Mr. Montgomery," Mary replied and watched with sad eyes and a heavy heart as he walked away. Her decision seemed pretty clear now and though she barely knew John, he seemed to be a decent man and looking at the facts it appeared that he would be a good match for her.
She didn't have much choice in the matter, anyway. She wanted to marry and the only offer she had gotten in all these years, she couldn't turn down for someone she had feelings for. Especially, if that man was still in love with his ex-wife. She was going to say yes to John.
David walked out of the office with a worse feeling than when he went in. He had a strange premonition that something bad was about to happen. The look in Mary's eyes had been rather disturbing. She seemed to have a huge burden that she couldn't unload and he got the feeling that somehow he had disappointed her. He had wanted to ask her what was wrong, what he had done but couldn't find the words and so, pretending all was well, he left.
He wandered the streets not knowing where he was going until he passed by two men who were chatting away. He heard the name Hawkins and stopped. He couldn't help but listen to their conversation. According to the two men, the young Robertson boy, whoever that was, had been told by his father that he was smitten by Miss Hawkins and that he had proposed to her to marry him.
David was rooted to the spot. How could this be? He felt as though the ground had been pulled out from underneath him. No, it couldn't be. Mary wouldn't marry a stranger, would she? He thought back to her face, the expression in her eyes, the way her chest fell when he cringed at the word wife. It all made sense now. She had seen his reaction and assumed that he would never be interested in her. Now, it was only a matter of time before she said yes to this Robertson fellow.
Outraged and overcome with emotion, he turned and ran back to her office. Banging open the door, he strode inside. Mary jumped up in surprise. "What is it, David? What's wrong?" she asked.
Striding forward, he took her by the hand and without a word, not caring who saw, he pulled her out of the office and along with him.
“What is it David,” Mary said. “If you keep this up you will scare me.”
“Do not be scared,” he said and pulled her with him. There was something he had to do and he needed to do it now.
“David what is wrong?” Mary asked.
But David did not reply. Instead, he took her away from all the prying eyes, to a clearing not too far away.
When they reached the clearing, he finally let go of her hand and began to pace. Mary stood silently, watching him. After a few seconds, he stopped in front of her. "Did Robertson ask you to marry him?" he asked eyes blazing like the midday sun.
Mary’s mouth dropped open. "How... How do you know about that?"
"I overheard someone talking. How I know isn't important. It's true then?"
"Yes, it's true."
"And were you going to tell me?"
Mary turned away from him and adjusted her hat. "I don't see why. I'm not entitled to tell you anything," she said haughtily.
David felt as if a knife had been plunged into his almost healed heart. How could she? This woman who had awakened something inside of him, how could she now close that door? "Are you going to accept?" David said, spinning her round and looking deep into her eyes.
"Again, I don't see how that concerns you."
"Stop it, Mary. You hardly know the man. You can't just marry him!"
Mary put her hands on her hips and raised her chin."Why not?” she asked. “All my life I've just been on the sidelines, getting everyone else married. Finally, someone wants to marry me and I deserve a shot at happiness. I deserve to get married. It's not like I have a long line of men waiting to marry me!"
David could not believe how beautiful she looked, all fired up, and full of anger. "You don't love him,” he said. “You don't even know him."
"Love can come later on. At least he wants to try a life with me, try to love me. That's more than I could've ever expected."
"I love you," David yelled at her, his eyes blazing with passion.
Mary felt her mouth hang open. "What?"
"I love you. I don't know how or when but I fell in love with you. Letting go of my wife's memories scares me more than I can say, but I can't deny the feelings I have for you. I am in love with you and I can't stand the thought of you marrying a man you don't even know. Someone who doesn't know you like I do, who doesn't love you like I do. I love you, Mary, and under this
ever blue sky I swear it. If you will have me, I will keep you happy for as long as I live, I will cherish and love you every single day.” David dropped to his knees and took her hands in his. “Don't marry that man Mary, marry me instead."
Mary’s mouth opened and closed as she tried to process what he had just said. Never in a million years had she expected any of this from him. He had just professed his love, sworn to love her forever, and asked her to marry him. She thought she was dreaming. So much happiness couldn't be hers for the taking so easily, could it.
David watched as she stood quietly, just staring at him, not saying a word. What did this mean? He started to get worried, maybe she didn’t love him? "Please say something."
That snapped her out of her stupor. Instead of saying anything, she pulled him into her arms and hugged him tightly. In his ear, she whispered, "I love you too. Of course, I'll marry you."
David pulled back and looked deep into her eyes, seeing the love he had for her reflected back, in their honeyed depths. A huge smile broke across his face. "You won't regret it,” he said. “Did I tell you I was moving out West?”
"I better not," Mary replied, “Yes you did, I guess I can run my business from anywhere.”
David swooped her up in his arms and twirled her around, bringing her back down so he could place his lips on hers. He kissed her with fervor and Mary felt electricity run up and down her spine, igniting her all over. She felt charged; strong and weak at the same time. For once in her life, she could see her own happy ever after and the feeling was intoxicating.
Epilogue
Mary and David packed up their homes and got ready to head West. Before they left they both went to the churchyard and said their goodbye to their respective loves. Neither one of them would forget, but both were ready to move forwards.
The last week before they were due to head West, David bought a beautiful wedding dress with his lovely bride. They had received news that Jolene had married Ryan and that a small office was waiting for Mary so she could continue her business. Their wedding was to be held in the same small church as soon as they arrived.
One day before they set off John Robertson returned to her office. Mary had already sent word to him that she was to be married and could not accept his proposal. Still she was nervous when he strolled into her office.
“How can I help you Mr. Robertson?” she asked.
He pulled a bunch of flowers from behind his back. Mary felt herself starting to worry. Would this man not take no for an answer?
“Forgive me,” he said. “I did not mean to scare you. These are simply a token of my son’s thanks. Etta is perfect and I do believe that love will develop between them. For now she has a safe home and my son has the joy of a wife and a beautiful daughter. Thank you, Mrs. Hawkins.”
John handed her the flowers dipped his hat and left.
Mary packed the daguerreotype of Jefferson Hawkins in her bag and left her office for the last time hand in hand with David Montgomery.
The train journey was long and tiring, but it gave them time to learn all they could about each other. At last they arrived and as they got down from the train, Anna leaped into her father’s arms.
“This is the best news ever,” she said as she pulled back and then hugged Mary. “Do you want to go straight to the church?”
David looked at Mary and she nodded her head. Was this really happening? Had he found his own bride? “Yes,” he said without taking his eyes off Mary.
“Good, Mary comes with me and Jolene,” Anna said. “We will get you dressed and all pretty for your wedding. Father go with Ian and Ryan. They have a new suit waiting for you.”
David felt strong hands pat him on the back and usher him away from his love. The girls were all talking excitedly and it was wonderful to see them so happy. When they got to the hotel, David took Ryan’s hand. “Congratulations,” he said. “Jolene is a wonderful woman.”
Soon he was dressed and ushered out to the church. It looked like the whole town had turned up and he stood at the front staring at the sad old pastor and waited. Never in his life had he been so nervous as the minutes ticked on and on and he began to wonder if Mary had changed her mind.
“Don’t worry,” Ian shouted. “Anna wants her to look her best. No doubt she is pampering and titivating and making sure that Mary is just perfect.”
David smiled. “There’s no need she already was.”
Just at that moment a hush settled over the church and he turned to see Mary. She was a picture in a long cream dress with the fullest skirt he had ever seen. He puffed up his chest and looked at the red waistcoat, beneath the black suit the men had dressed him in. What a splendid couple they made. Mary seemed to glide down the aisle a picture of such beauty, even with her face beneath the veil. His breath caught in his throat and he felt as if his eyes were popping from his head. “You are so beautiful,” he said as she took his arm.
“And you are the handsomest man I have ever seen,” Mary replied.
The pastor cleared his throat and like two giggling teenagers they turned to face him. The service was a blur. They made their vows, promised under God to love each other until they died and then they were pronounced man and wife.
“You may kiss the bride.”
David turned to Mary and with shaking hands he lifted her veil. Her eyes brimmed with tears and he gently stroked her cheek and then he bent towards her. As their lips touched, he felt his heart burst with joy and love flowed from her lips and filled him with bliss. The kiss deepened until David felt a tap on his back. With regret, he pulled apart and looked deep into her eyes before turning around.
Ryan and Ian stood there. “Come on,” Ian said. “It’s time for a party and to meet your new neighbors.”
David nodded and lifted Mary into his arms, holding her felt right and good and wonderful. As he strolled down the aisle, he whispered into her ear. “I hope the party doesn’t go on too long Mrs. Montgomery.”
Mary hugged him tight and nuzzled into his neck. “I hope so too, Mr. Montgomery.”
The End.
Mail Order Bride
Voyage of Grace
Grace & Mercy find Peace on the Prairie Book 1
Terri Grace
©Copyright 2015 Terri Grace
All Rights Reserved
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
Job 23:10
“Grace and Mercy Find Peace on the Prairie is a trilogy following the individual journeys of three friends, Grace, Mercy, and Emma. Each of these young women faces significant odds that they must overcome to reach their place of peace and love. I think the same is true for all of us. Whether it is a physical disability like the tender-hearted Grace, forced circumstance like Emma, or a restless spirit like Mercy, we all have inward and outward obstacles that sometimes blind us from the provisions of God.
What struck me most as I was writing was the way that faith and love are often tested in the fires of adversity, but through it all come out with a refined purity and renewed gratitude that shines ever more brightly.
I hope that you enjoy following their journey too, and that your own heart is strengthened to face every challenge with renewed vigor!”
Terri Grace (Author)
CHAPTER ONE
Scarred For Life
THE BLACKING BRUSH flew across the room and smashed into the wall next to Grace Oakes’ head. She ducked to avoid it, and the blacking splattered off the wall into her long dark hair. At least the blacking wouldn’t show up in her hair, but it spotted her cheeks, too. She didn’t have to worry about that, either, though. Deep scars marred her face and neck. A bout of smallpox when she was four years old destroyed Grace’s face and killed her mother. The blacking couldn’t make her any uglier.
She took shelter behind her arm when a wooden bowl followed the brush and bounced off her elbow. Her stepmother grabbed up a dish mop and screamed at her. “Get out! Get out of my house. I’m
sick and tired of you moping around and dragging the rest of us down. Get out of here before I do something drastic.”
Grace ran for the cabin door, but before she got there, her sister Mercy stepped between her and her stepmother. “Don’t you dare take this out on Grace. You should be ashamed of yourself, Mother, for treating a kind and innocent girl this way. Where’s your Christian charity?”
Cynthia Oakes balled her hands into fists, but when she faced her daughter, her anger cooled and her voice dropped. She waved her arms in agitation, but she didn’t throw anything at Mercy. She wouldn’t dare. “It’s for your sake I’m driving her off. She’ll deprive you of your future, but you’re too soft-hearted to realize that.”
“Grace isn’t depriving me of anything,” Mercy shot back. “I made my own decision to put off getting married until Grace is settled in her own home with her own husband. If you had a beating heart in your body you would understand that. You’re cruel to treat her this way. I can’t even step out of the house without you attacking her. Please, mother!”
“You know as well as I do no man in his right mind would marry her.” Cynthia jabbed her finger at Grace. “Look at her. She’s disgusting. She should wear a bag over her head so decent people don’t have to look at her. She’s a monster, and every man who looks at her runs away in horror. You can’t blame them, either.”
“How dare you?” Mercy screeched. “How dare you talk about my sister like that?”
“She’ll never get married,” Cynthia went on. “The best she can hope for is to die an old maid. You’re nineteen and the belle of Boston. You could have any man you want, and you’ve had so many offers of marriage I gave up counting them long ago. You’re letting your own future slip away by waiting for her.”
