Pony Express Christmas Bride

by Rhonda Gibson

  “Yes, but as Ma always said, there is no need to add fuel to the fire.”

  Her voice sounded sad and Thomas wondered if she felt the way he did. Miserable. If only there was some way to fix the problem today. “Josephine, did Grossman say he had proof that you were married to him?”

  She stopped in front of the general store. “He said my uncle signed a marriage license.”

  “Did he show it to you?” Thomas opened the door for her.

  Josephine frowned. “No, why?”

  Thomas laughed. “He might be lying. If he doesn’t have the paper, he has no proof you are married to him. Wait here, I’ll be right back.” He didn’t give her time to respond. Thomas hurried back down the boardwalk until he got to the sheriff’s office.

  The big man looked up when he came through the door. “Have you had a chance to talk to Mr. Grossman yet, about Josephine’s statement?”

  He nodded. “Yep, says she’s lying. He never said he killed her pa.”

  Thomas growled low in his throat. One thing he knew about Josephine was that she wasn’t a liar. “What about the marriage?”

  “Says they are married.”

  “Does he have proof?”

  The sheriff turned his head sideways. “Didn’t think to ask him.”

  Thomas lowered his voice. “Josephine just said that he told her that her uncle signed a marriage license. I’m not even sure the state of Missouri issues licenses.”

  “I don’t know, either.”

  A thought began to form in Thomas’s mind. “What if he’s lying and he doesn’t know for a fact that they do or don’t issue them?”

  “If I tell him they don’t, then he might confess he’s lying.”

  Thomas nodded. “It’s a possibility.”

  “You stay out here and stay quiet.” The sheriff walked to the door and opened it. He left it cracked.

  Thomas eased up to it to listen.

  “Hey, Grossman, I was just thinking. Did you say you have a marriage license to prove you are Josephine’s husband?”

  “Sure did.”

  “Where is it?”

  “In St. Louis.”

  Confidence oozed from the sheriff’s voice. “That’s not very likely.”

  The sound of springs protesting could be heard. “What makes you say that?” Grossman asked. Thomas heard the uneasiness in his voice.

  “Well, first off, if you had one, you would have brought it to persuade Josephine to go with you. Instead of using your fists. And second, they don’t issue marriage licenses in the state of Missouri.”

  Grossman cursed. “That was a dirty trick. You knew all along we weren’t married. What game are you playing, sheriff?”

  Thomas’s heart soared. He released the air in his lungs that he’d been unaware he’d been holding in.

  The sheriff laughed. “Well, I got to thinking, if you would lie about the marriage, you probably lied when you said you didn’t tell Josephine that you’d murdered her pa.”

  Another ugly curse filled the air.

  “I believe you did kill him.”

  “You have no proof!”

  “You’re right, but I soon will, and when I get it, I have no doubt that the judge will hang your sorry hide.”

  Silence filled the jail. Thomas could imagine the look on the big man’s face as he realized he’d soon be hanging from the tree closest to town. Thomas stepped back when he heard the sheriff’s footsteps on the other side of the door.

  The sheriff closed the door. “You heard?”

  Thomas couldn’t keep from smiling. “Every sweet word.” He grasped the sheriff’s hand and gave it a good hard shake. “Thank you.”

  He practically ran back to the general store. Thomas couldn’t wait to tell Josephine that they were still married. That Grossman had lied. They could celebrate by having dinner at the new restaurant that had opened up on Maple Street.

  Josephine and Hazel stood looking at the spices when he entered the store. Thomas hurried to their side. “Oh, good, Hazel, I’m glad you’re still here.”

  His gaze moved to Josephine. Her pale face and trembling lips told him she wasn’t feeling well. The stress of the day had been too much. “I was wondering if you two would like to spend the night in town, to celebrate.”

  Hazel’s worried gaze met his eyes. “I think that’s an excellent idea. Don’t you, Jo?”

  She nodded. “I wouldn’t mind. I’m a little tired.” Her pretty brown eyes met his. “What are we celebrating?”

  He grinned broadly at both the women. “Grossman just confessed that he lied about being married to you.”

  Josephine smiled. “That’s wonderful news, Thomas.”

  Hazel clapped her hands. “I knew it. That old skunk couldn’t be telling the truth.”

  Thomas nodded. “Do you feel up to eating before we head over to the boardinghouse?”

  Josephine looked as if a strong wind would knock her over. “Maybe food is what I need. Let’s eat first.”

  “Good. After we eat, I’ll get you two settled at the boardinghouse, and then I’ll take the horse and wagon to the livery.” He started to walk to the door.

  When he got to it, Thomas turned around to see that Josephine was taking very small steps and leaning heavily on Hazel. If only he could endure the pain for her. Thomas wanted to ease all her aches and pains, both the ones that were physical and those that he knew were emotional.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Pain shot through her body with each step. Josephine held back tears. Then, as if in a dream, her legs seemed to give out. Thomas’s face blurred right before the room went black.

  When she woke, Doctor Bridges was standing over her. “There you are.” He gently helped her into a sitting position.

  Josephine grabbed her side and groaned. “What happened?”

  “You, my dear, fainted and scared your family.” He pressed a spoon to her lips. “That husband of yours practically ran you to my office.”

  She opened her mouth and took the bittersweet medicine. “I hate that stuff.”

  “I know, but it will help you rest and give those ribs some time to heal.” He screwed the lid back on the dark bottle.

  Josephine frowned. “Why are they hurting so bad? I was doing so much better.”

  “Well, I think one of them might be broken. Earlier I believed it was cracked, but after the ride into town, I’m not so sure that was the case.” He helped her stand. “Come along. Hazel and your husband are about to wear out my carpet with their pacing.”

  She took small steps but managed to get to the door that Doctor Bridges now held open for her. Josephine smiled as Thomas hurried to her side. She remembered they were still husband and wife. Her heart soared at the news.

  “How are you feeling?” He brushed a curl from her forehead. “I am so sorry, Josephine. I should never have talked you into coming to town.”

  “I’m fine, Thomas. I just overdid it. You can’t blame yourself. I wanted to come.” She wanted to hug him for being so kind. “If we are going to eat, we better hurry. The doctor made me take the sleepy medicine.”

  Hazel laughed. “Well, thank the Lord you are feeling good enough to eat.”

  “You’ll need to keep those ribs bandaged up tight for a while, Josephine.” The doctor handed Thomas the dark brown bottle of liquid medicine. “Make sure she takes a teaspoon every six hours until it’s all gone.”

  Thomas agreed. “I will, Doc. What do we owe you?”

  The doctor looked to Hazel. “How about Sunday dinner?”

  Hazel grinned. “Fried chicken sound good to you?”

  “Sure does.”

  Josephine yawned. “I’ll make a pie.”

  They left the doctor’s office. “Josephine,
how would you like to eat in your room at the boardinghouse? I could go get our meal and bring it back,” Thomas suggested.

  “I don’t want to put anyone out,” she protested after another big yawn.

  Hazel frowned. “The restaurant is one and a half blocks away. The boardinghouse is across the street. I think it would be best if we go get two rooms and meet you back here.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll be right back.” Thomas turned to walk to the restaurant.

  Josephine took slow, small steps as they walked to the boardinghouse. She could already feel the medicine working. The pain had begun to ease and she felt sleepy.

  They arrived in front of the boardinghouse. It was a tall house that looked to have plenty of room for two more women and a man. At least, Josephine hoped so.

  “You seem to be walking a little better,” Hazel said. She opened the door and waited for Josephine to pass.

  “I’m not hurting as bad, but I feel kind of funny. We should probably hurry up and get our rooms.”

  Hazel nodded. While Hazel talked to the owner, Josephine looked about. The house wasn’t very old. New wood lined the walls and the staircase looked sturdy. The smell of fresh lemon-scented furniture polish filled the air.

  “Ready?”

  She turned at the sound of Hazel’s voice and walked over to her. “Thank you for taking care of me,” Josephine replied. A smile touched her lips. Hazel was such a good friend; Josephine felt as if the other woman cared for her as well as her own mother.

  * * *

  Half an hour later, after finding out which two rooms he and the women were staying in, Thomas carried three plates up the stairs. Hopefully Josephine would still be awake enough to eat. He knocked on the door to let Hazel know he was there.

  She answered with a smile. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  Thomas frowned. “Is everything all right?”

  Hazel nodded. “Yes, but your stubborn wife has been fighting the effects of the medicine. She doesn’t want to go to sleep without you in the room.”

  He wasn’t sure if he should feel happy or concerned. Thomas continued on into the room. Josephine sat on the edge of the bed. She motioned for him to come sit beside her. Thomas handed Hazel the plates.

  “I missed you,” Josephine said, smiling at him like a child.

  He smiled back. “Does your lip hurt?” he asked.

  “Nope. Nothing hurts.” She leaned against his side. “I’m glad you are back.”

  Hazel handed her a plate. “Here, eat this, and then you need to lie down.” She shared a grin with Thomas.

  Josephine’s behavior was that of a happy drunk. The medicine Doctor Bridges had given her seemed to have a different effect than the drug he’d given her in the past. “Did you hear the good news? We’re still married,” she said.

  Thomas looked to Hazel, who simply smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

  “I did hear. That’s wonderful.”

  “Yep. I don’t have to move in with Hazel now.”

  Hazel huffed. “Eat your dinner,” she called from where she sat at the only table in the room.

  Josephine looked down at her plate and curled her nose at the sight of the roast beef and potatoes. “Yuck! Didn’t they have pie?”

  He laughed. “Yes, but you can’t have any until you eat your dinner.”

  She nodded and ate, and leaned against Thomas until her eyelids drifted shut. Hazel took her plate while Thomas gently laid her back onto the bed.

  Hazel and Thomas quickly ate their meals. “I’ll keep an eye on her if you have any last-minute Christmas shopping to do,” Thomas offered.

  “I’m done.” Hazel smacked her lips as apple pie syrup coated them. “This is the best pie I’ve had in a long time.”

  Thomas looked to Josephine. Her face had relaxed with sleep, making her appear sweet and vulnerable. “Yeah, I hate that she fell asleep before she got to sample it.”

  “We’ll save her piece. She can have it for breakfast.”

  He finished his pie and sighed. “I need to take the horse and wagon to the livery. Do you think we should go home tomorrow or stay an extra day?” Again his gaze moved to Josephine.

  “Go home. We can give her some more medicine and make her a pallet in the back of the wagon. We both need to be getting back to our places.”

  “Then I’ll only pay for tonight’s boarding.” He continued studying Josephine’s face. The bruises were now black and green with a hint of yellow. She’d been through so much he hated causing her more pain.

  “You love her,” Hazel said.

  Thomas nodded. “I do.”

  “Are you going to tell her?”

  “Someday.” He grinned. “But I want to wait until she’s feeling better.”

  Hazel made a huffing noise. “If you tell her now, she’ll feel better.”

  He frowned. “You don’t know that. It may make her uncomfortable. And if she chooses to leave, I want her feeling her best.”

  “You saw how she was acting tonight.”

  Thomas laughed. “That was medicine talk and behavior.”

  Hazel studied his face. “You know what I think?” She didn’t give him time to answer. “I think you are putting it off because you are afraid she’ll hurt you.”

  Was she right? Thomas looked toward his sleeping wife. What would it hurt if he waited? It wasn’t like they weren’t already married.

  Hazel reached across the table and took his hand in hers. “Would it make it easier if I told you I think she feels the same way about you?”

  Thomas searched the old woman’s eyes. “Did she tell you that?”

  She shook her head. “No, but didn’t you see how she leaned on you tonight. Josephine told you that she missed you.”

  He gently pulled his hand out from under hers. “Missing me and loving me are entirely two different things.” Thomas stood. “I’ll go take care of the horse.”

  * * *

  Over the next few days, Thomas had plenty of time to think about his relationship with Josephine. She was doing light chores and cooking their meals again.

  He still hadn’t told her he loved her. It seemed that either Hazel or Philip were always with them. Not wanting them to see if she rejected him, Thomas had held his tongue and tried not to show his emotions.

  Philip pulled him from his thoughts. He sniffed the air and announced, “I love Christmas Eve dinner almost as much as Christmas Day.”

  Thomas chuckled. “Good thing Ma isn’t here. She’d think you didn’t like her Christmas Day dinner.”

  Hazel carried the sliced ham to the table. “You two could help us.”

  “I’ll be happy to help you eat it.” Philip pushed out of the rocking chair. “But first I have to go get something out of the barn.” He looked at Thomas. “I need your help.”

  Thomas grinned. “Sure.” He stood and followed Philip to the door, where they both donned coats, gloves and hats.

  Philip raised his voice so that Josephine could hear him in the kitchen. “Josephine, will you watch for us out the window, and when we get to the door, open it?”

  She came into the room. Her hair hung about her shoulders in waves of coppery red. “All right.”

  Hazel frowned. “What are you two up to?”

  “It’s a surprise.” Philip grinned from ear to ear.

  Then Thomas understood what they were about to do. He nodded. “Yep, a surprise.”

  “Well, hurry up. Dinner’s about ready.” Hazel shooed them out the door.

  Thomas hurried after his brother. Thankfully the night wasn’t as cold as it had been and it wasn’t snowing. They hurried into the warmth of the barn. “Which should we give first?”

  Philip opened the last stall and waited for Thomas to join him. “Why
don’t I give her my gift first? That way she’ll be happy with it. And then you can give her yours, because we both know she will love yours best.”

  Thomas couldn’t hold back his smile. “She will love mine best, won’t she?” He bent down and picked up his end of the covered settee.

  Philip grunted as he did the same at his end. “She’s going to love getting that horse back. I’m still surprised you were able to get her.”

  “Me, too. I’m just glad Grossman brought the little horse for her to ride back on.”

  Philip grunted. “How did you know it was hers?”

  “She described her to me weeks ago.” They worked their way out into the center aisle of the barn. “I’m just glad that Grossman refused to pay for Josephine’s mare’s board. The livery owner sold her quickly. If we hadn’t decided to stay overnight in Dove Creek, I would have never known she was there.”

  Philip nodded. “Do you think you can talk and walk faster at the same time? This end is heavy.”

  Thomas laughed. “Well, next time you’ll choose lighter wood for this size of furniture.”

  “True.” Philip huffed.

  When they got to the door, Josephine opened it. She gasped as they hurried inside. “That’s huge.”

  They carried it the rest of the way into the room and carefully set it down. Philip smiled. “It’s for you.”

  Josephine smiled, her brown eyes bright with excitement. “Can I pull the cover off now?”

  Philip nodded. “Merry Christmas.”

  She pulled the sheet off and gasped again. “Oh, Philip, it’s beautiful.”

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  Josephine touched the smooth wood. “Oh, I do. Thank you.” She hurried to her brother-in-law and gave him a big hug.

  Thomas watched as Philip awkwardly patted her back and murmured, “You’re welcome.”

  When Josephine pulled away, Philip blurted out, “Thomas has a gift for you, too.”

  She turned to look at him, her big eyes curious. “You do?”

  Hazel asked, “Can it wait until after supper?”