Love Inspired Historical October 2013 Bundle: A Family for ChristmasThe Secret PrincessTaming the Texas RancherAn Unlikely Union

by Winnie Griggs

  “Here, let me get some of this stuff out of your way,” Opal said, picking up empty dishes and bowls.

  Levi’s green eyes, so like Daniel’s, came up to meet Hannah’s. “I was wondering if you could help me write a letter to one of these ladies.”

  What? He wanted Hannah to help him find a bride? “Wait a minute. That’s not a good idea.” Daniel protested, looking from his brother to Hannah.

  “Why not?” his mother demanded. “Your brother needs a wife, too. And since you’re both dead set on mail-order brides, I don’t see what harm it will do for Hannah to help him. She is a schoolteacher, after all.”

  Didn’t his mother realize that Hannah would be helping Levi get married, and that Levi and his bride might have a baby before he and Hannah did? He looked at her and saw a small smile play across her lips. Yes, she knew. His mother was trying to speed up the process of getting grandchildren. He sighed.

  Levi’s face reddened and he rubbed the back of his neck. “I wouldn’t ask, but I’m not sure how to respond, since Millicent didn’t come. I think I did something wrong the first time.” Levi kept his eyes trained on the letters.

  “Do you mind if I read them?” Hannah asked, reaching for the closest piece of paper. He looked up and grinned.

  “Feel free.”

  When Hannah picked the letter up, a strong smell of roses permeated the air. The scent became even stronger as she unfolded it.

  “Woo-wee, someone likes flowers,” Daniel exclaimed, covering his nose at the strong odor.

  Hannah ignored him and focused on the words as she read them aloud.

  “My dearest Mr. Westland,

  After reading your advertisement, I decided to respond with a letter, telling you a little about myself. I am twenty-five years old. Have all my teeth and am a widow. My husband died a few weeks back from the fever, so I am in need of a husband who can take care of me in the fashion I am acquainted with. If you feel you can take care of me and provide me with all the comforts of home, I will be happy to come out and be your bride. I look forward to meeting you.

  Sincerely,

  Mrs. Elizabeth Marsh.”

  Hannah looked across at Levi. “What do you think about her?”

  Daniel snorted and crossed his arms. Elizabeth Marsh seemed to presume a lot. Sounded to him that the woman was a money digger, but he kept that to himself when he saw the look his mother was shooting his way.

  Levi grinned sheepishly. “She must smell pretty.” He handed Hannah the next letter.

  Bonnie and Hannah chuckled. “Well, her letter is heavily scented, that’s for sure,” Hannah said. She laid Elizabeth’s letter to the side and began to read the next one.

  “Dear Mr. Westland,

  I am a teacher and would like to remain one. I know that is a lot to ask and your town may not allow it. Regardless, I promise to make you a good wife and take care of our children. Please consider sending for me, Mr. Westland.

  Sincerely,

  Anna Mae Leland.”

  Hannah looked at Levi again. “She seems nice.”

  He nodded. “I thought about sending for her. She can always have your job once you and Daniel marry. And since she already wants children, I wouldn’t have to mention the contest.”

  Daniel didn’t like the sound of that. He wanted Hannah to continue working at the school even after they got married. The children and school would keep her busy, and she’d also have to keep up with the house and chores, so he’d really only have to be around her at night. No way would he fall in love with a woman he hardly ever saw.

  Sorrow filled Hannah’s voice, catching his attention. “No, you should tell her about the contest. Things might have been different if Daniel had told me.”

  “You didn’t tell her about the contest before she got here?” Bonnie demanded. “No wonder she’s not in any hurry to marry you.”

  Daniel didn’t like where this was going. He reached across the table and scooped up the last sheet of paper. “Here’s the third letter.” He passed it across for Hannah to read, praying it would take the focus off him.

  She tried to hide a grin by clearing her throat. Then she began reading.

  “Dear Mr. Westland,

  At my parents’ request, I am answering your advertisement. My name is Emily Jane Rogers. I am twenty-three years old and am the oldest of twelve children. I’ve lived in the country all my life and would like to live in town. Your advertisement doesn’t say what part of Texas you live in, but I’m praying that wherever you do live, it’s in a town. My father says I am a good cook and will make you a good wife. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

  Yours, Emily Jane Rogers.”

  Hannah laid the paper down.

  Daniel could tell by the look on her face that the letter had bothered her. It bothered him, as well. The poor girl’s letter sounded as if her parents were trying to rid themselves of the extra mouth they’d been feeding.

  “What do you think?” Levi asked, looking from Hannah to his mother, and lastly to Daniel.

  Hannah answered first. “I’m not the one who will be married to the woman you choose. This is your decision. Which one do you like best?”

  “I agree with Hannah, son.”

  Daniel shook his head, siding with the women. This was something Levi needed to do on his own. He’d been sent several letters, too, and had based his decision on the fact that Hannah was a schoolteacher. It never dawned on him that she might have a limp or that she would demand love before marriage when she arrived.

  Levi sighed heavily. “I’ve read those letters so many times I have them memorized, and I still can’t decide. Anna would be a good choice, if you decide not to teach after you and Daniel marry, Hannah. Elizabeth’s letter smells good but she seems a little pushy. And I feel sorry for Emily. It sounds as if her family is trying to get rid of her.” Levi rubbed the back of his neck again. “I just don’t know.”

  Bonnie pulled Elizabeth’s letter from the pile. “Well, if it were me, I wouldn’t choose a bride based on how her letter smells. So I think you can eliminate Elizabeth. The other two are a little harder.”

  Levi nodded in agreement. “That leaves the other two.”

  Hannah laid the letters face up on the table. “Anna wants to teach and Emily wants to live in town. Anna is welcome to teach here. As for Emily, do you want to live in town?”

  Daniel studied his brother. Did he want to live in town? Levi didn’t seem to enjoy working on the ranch, at least not as much as Daniel did. He knew that Levi helped Jeb out quite a bit, most of the time without ole Jeb knowing about it. His brother had a heart of gold. Daniel also knew that his brother enjoyed working with wood, so maybe he would prefer town. Dare he wish?

  Levi avoided her question. He picked up the letters. “What a mess,” he said, tucking them back in his pocket.

  Hannah’s gaze met Daniel’s as she answered, “It’s really not that big of a mess. Eventually, Daniel will marry—if not me, then someone else.” She broke eye contact with him and looked to Levi. “So with that in mind, which woman would you choose?”

  “Probably Emily. She sounds like she needs a fair husband. I can’t help but worry about her. If my letter isn’t the only one she’s sent out, Emily might end up with someone worse than me.”

  Bonnie laid her hand on his. “If she marries you, she’ll get a fair husband.”

  Levi looked up at his mother. “Thank you, Ma.” He smiled at Hannah. “I believe things are going to work out for you and Daniel, also.”

  Daniel hoped so. Now that Levi was sending out a new letter, he needed Hannah to fall in love with him fast.

  “Now that I’ve decided to reply to Emily, will you write the return letter for me?” Levi asked Hannah with a grin.

  She laughed. “No. She will cherish that letter someday and it needs to be in your own words and your own writing.”

  Did Hannah cherish his letters to her? Daniel studied her face. She had the dreamy look of a girl who either wa
s already in love or truly wanted to be.

  * * *

  Hannah pushed back her chair. “It’s getting late and I need to get to the schoolhouse.”

  “I’ll go with you. I want to make sure you get there safely,” Daniel said as he, too, stood.

  She smiled at him. “Let me go see if Opal needs any more assistance. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  Levi called after her, “Thanks for your help, Hannah.”

  “You’re welcome. Just make sure you are honest with her.” Hannah pushed through the door and entered the kitchen. Opal sat at the table, sipping tea.

  The kitchen was clean and the floors looked as if they’d been freshly mopped. “Seems like you have everything done in here.” Hannah smiled at her friend.

  “Yep, it goes faster when a body’s not so tired they think they are gonna drop. Thanks for all your help today, Hannah.” Opal grinned over her cup. “Now get back to that man. Looks like our Levi is about to give him a run for his money.”

  Hannah nodded. “It does look that way. ’Night, Opal.” She went back into the dining room. “I’m ready.”

  Daniel walked with her to the front door. He opened it for her. “’Night, Ma. Levi.”

  “’Night,” they echoed back.

  Hannah descended the steps of the porch. How did Daniel feel about her helping Levi with the letters? Thanks to his mother’s interrupting, he hadn’t said much during the process of choosing which bride Levi should send for. Hannah walked to the barn and stopped.

  The moon and stars shone in the cloudless sky, providing plenty of light. “Daniel, I’d like to walk back, if it’s all the same to you.” She turned to find him directly behind her.

  He surprised her by reaching out and touching the hair that framed her face. His knuckles brushed her cheek. “All right.”

  His husky voice mesmerized Hannah, holding her in place. Daniel ran the back of his hand along her jaw line and brushed her chin. “You are a very beautiful woman, Hannah Young.”

  She moistened her lips before answering, “Thank you.”

  Daniel’s eyes focused on her mouth.

  Was he going to kiss her again? Did she want him to? Her heart picked up speed. What was he waiting for? His hand still remained on her chin, holding it in place.

  Daniel lowered his head and captured her lips. The kiss was sweet and gentle. He didn’t move, simply sampled her lips.

  Hannah returned his kiss. She wanted to fall in love with this man, but more than anything she wanted him to fall in love with her. With her lips, she tried to convey that message to Daniel. Hannah didn’t examine her feelings too closely. She didn’t want to admit that he was capturing her heart with each look and kiss they shared.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Hannah was glad to see Monday morning arrive, even though Daniel wasn’t able to escort her to the ranch house. She missed him, but understood why. He’d told her the night before that he and a couple of the other ranch hands were going to be guarding fence lines all night. It seemed the rustlers were attacking on Sunday nights, and he wanted to be there to catch them.

  As she walked, her thoughts were on Sunday and the flurry of activities that had taken place. They’d gone to church, ate lunch as a family and then rushed home to prepare for the evening meal with the ranch hands and their neighbors. Bonnie had played hostess and made sure everyone was happy.

  The stressful part came when, just before the blessing was said over dinner, she’d pulled Daniel and Hannah to the front porch and announced their engagement. Hats had flown into the air and the women smiled. Well, most of them. JoAnna Crawford and Lucille Lawson had glared at her for the rest of the evening.

  She’d tried to ignore them, and made a point of speaking to all the mothers who were present. Hannah had wanted to get to know them and their children before school started today.

  Excitement rippled through her as she hurried through her morning chores. The first day of school was always exciting for her, and she tried to make it fun for the children, as well. Hannah finished gathering the eggs and carried them in to Opal.

  “Good morning, Hannah. Today’s the big day. My granddaughters are so keyed up that school was all they could talk about last night.” She whipped a bowl of batter. “It took me an hour to get them settled enough to sleep.” Opal yawned.

  “I’m sorry they kept you up, but I am glad they are excited about school.” Hannah washed her hands and then began cracking eggs into a skillet. While she scrambled them, Opal made pancakes. The two women worked as a team, preparing breakfast.

  Opal glanced over at her. “Last night went well, don’t you think?”

  “I suppose. It was nice to meet everyone.”

  “Everyone?” she repeated doubtfully.

  Hannah dished the eggs into a large bowl. “Everyone I met was very nice.”

  Opal grunted. “Uh-huh. Did you meet the Crawford and Larson girls?”

  “Yes, when they first arrived.”

  “Before the big announcement.” The housekeeper flipped a pancake in the skillet and set the sausages at the back of the stove to keep warm. “How were they after the announcement?” she asked.

  “You were there.” Hannah refused to say anything against the women.

  Opal laughed. “Yes, and if looks could kill, you’d be buried over in the north pasture this morning.” She dished up the pancakes and looked about. “I think that’s everything.”

  “I’ll take the eggs and sausages in.” Hannah picked up both platters and headed to the dining room.

  Bonnie sat at the table. Dark circles lined her eyes. “Are you all right?” Hannah asked, placing the dishes on the table.

  The older woman yawned. “Yes, just tired. Riding a fence line all night will do that to a body.”

  “I’ll go get you a cup of coffee,” Hannah offered. She hadn’t realized Bonnie was riding fence lines, too.

  “Would you be a dear and bring the pot back with you?” Bonnie asked.

  Hannah nodded. “I’ll be right back.” She opened the door and Opal came through it, carrying the pancakes, butter and syrup. Together the two women set the table.

  Levi came down the stairs, looking worn-out from a night in the saddle. Had all the Westlands ridden fence lines all night? Before Hannah could ask, Daniel came through the front door. His brown eyes sought her out and he smiled.

  “Good morning, Hannah.” He slipped into his chair at the end of the table.

  She smiled back. “Good morning.”

  He looked from her to his mother and brother. “I take it you two had a quiet night, too?”

  “Afraid so.” His mother answered for herself.

  Levi nodded. “Same here.”

  Daniel frowned.

  “Go ahead and say the blessing, Daniel.” Bonnie bowed her head, and the others followed suit.

  As soon as the prayer was over, Levi asked, “How about Cole?”

  “It was quiet on his side, also.” Daniel scooped eggs into his plate. “I really thought they’d hit last night.” He passed the eggs to Hannah and reached for the sausage.

  Conversation began to fly about the table regarding the rustlers and their activities. Hannah learned that they’d stolen twenty head of cattle the night before last. They were randomly cutting the fences and they’d butchered two more calves just for the fun of it. Hannah felt left out as the Westlands discussed what to do next. It seemed as if they had forgotten she was in the room as she quietly ate her breakfast.

  Bonnie listened to her sons and made suggestions on how to spread the men out about the ranch. The decision was made that at least one hand would guard each side of the ranch. They agreed that one wasn’t really enough, but they couldn’t put them all out there at night; no work would get done during the day if they did.

  “I could help,” Hannah offered.

  The conversation went dead. All three Westlands stared at her as if she were a three-horned cow.

  Daniel shook his head. “Thank
you, Hannah, but no.”

  She stared back at him. “Why not? I can ride and shoot.”

  He stuffed food in his mouth and ignored her. Hannah turned to Bonnie. “Tell him. I can do this.”

  His mother looked down at her plate. “I don’t think it’s a good idea, either.”

  Hannah laid her fork down. Dread and sorrow filled her. Did they think she couldn’t do it because of her limp? Did they see her as an invalid? “Why not?” she finally asked.

  “Riding the range at night is dangerous,” Daniel answered.

  “Your mother did it last night.”

  Bonnie’s head came up. She stared down the table at her son. It seemed to Hannah as if they were communicating silently.

  She looked to Levi. He jerked his gaze from her and focused on his plate.

  Daniel pulled her attention from Levi. “I know what my mother did last night, Hannah. But you aren’t going to be riding the range now, or ever. So just forget it.”

  Hannah stood. She dropped her napkin on the table. “If you will excuse me, I have a class to teach today.” With that, she held her head high and marched from the room.

  Opal looked up from where she sat at the kitchen table, eating her breakfast. “What’s wrong?” she asked as Hannah passed.

  “Nothing. I’ll see you tomorrow. Maybe.” Hannah pushed through the back door and forced herself to walk across the yard. She wanted to run to the school, throw herself across the bed and cry.

  The Westland family didn’t think she was strong enough to work the ranch like them. It had to be because of her leg. There was no other reason that came to mind.

  Lord, maybe this isn’t where I’m supposed to be. I’ve lived my life trying to prove to others that I am just as fit as they are. And now, just when I think I’ve found a home and a man I could love, given time, I find out he and his family think I’m too weak. Father, I need Your guidance. Because right now, all I want to do is run away.