“Do you miss it?” Michael asked.
“Yes and no.” Susan looked at Michael then placed her hand on his leg sending him mixed signals. She was so comfortable touching him and he wondered again how familiar she was with men.
“I wanted to ask you something,” Michael began, then feared he wouldn’t get out of this unscathed. If she got so upset about his comment of her role at home, how would she react to this incredibly personal question?
“Shoot,” Susan said.
Michael looked at her and Susan chuckled.
“I mean, go ahead and ask.”
“I’m not sure how. I don’t mean to be… That is, I was wondering if you had a…”
Susan tilted her head to the side and looked at him, but her face and manner seemed relaxed and open so Michael knew he needed to just ask the question and get it over with.
“Are you experienced with men?”
Susan’s hand left his leg and she clasped them together on her lap, but she didn’t react strongly in any way. It seemed as if she was considering his question and his heart pounded in his ears at the silence from her.
“Depends on what you mean by experience,” Susan finally said. “I dated men. Not really courted for the purpose of marriage, but we went places together and enjoyed spending time together. But if you’re asking if I’ve had any intimate relationships with a man, then no. You’ll be my first. If you still want me as your wife after what I need to tell you.”
Relief flooded through him at her admission of virtue, but was immediately tempered by her hint of some horrid revelation.
“What do you need to tell me?” Michael asked.
“About my past. My real past and how I ended up coming out here in the first place.”
“You mean my advertisement asking for a cook and cleaner wasn’t incentive enough?” Michael asked, trying to make light of the earlier mistake he’d made.
Susan laughed and put her hand back on his leg, letting him know things would be okay between them. Whatever her past, whatever it was she needed to tell him, he’d be patient and understanding. Because even though she would be quite a handful and a bit difficult to manage at times, he knew he didn’t want to go through life with anyone else by his side.
***
Susan wasn’t sure how to tell him the truth. It was easy enough in her mind to just say she was from a different time, but how would Michael take that information? She didn’t have any physical proof. Nothing she could show him to prove her claim. She doubted there was any kind of mental institution around here that he’d put her in, but would it always be something between them?
If she couldn’t get Dr. Lachele to answer her request or show up, then there was nothing she could do. But somehow she was determined to stick it out and make sure there was a safe place for people to arrive out here. She’d read enough novels and knew enough of human nature to know that some people would want to take advantage of a lone woman with no protection. And Susan, though basically alone and unconnected had a completely different option available to her if she wanted it.
She was certain Dr. Lachele could return her to her own place and time if she wished it.
But she would never leave Michael. She knew for certain that they were meant to be together. It had been less than a week she’d known him, but it was there, written all over her heart.
“What is it you need to tell me?” Michael asked.
“Well, first, I wanted to explain my plan for the boarding house. And my reasons behind it. I’m from a place where my perspective on things is a little different. I know I was incredibly lucky — no lucky isn’t the right word — incredibly blessed to have answered your advertisement.” Susan turned to face him more and Michael looked at her for a moment before returning his attention to the horse and road.
“You see,” Susan said. “I know there are a lot of women who need a better life, and they do things in desperation that could prove to their benefit or their detriment. And I want to make sure no woman is forced into danger. But the west needs more women. It needs the civility that comes from families and homes. The men out here need options and the women need to know they have a choice as well.”
“Makes sense,” Michael said, encouraging her to go on.
“So I wanted to find out what the options were. I asked around when the idea came to mind, and I know I probably should have come to you first and told you about it, but I got distracted, and you got busy, and I meant to, but things go weird sometimes.”
Michael nodded.
“Bringing Jessie into mix threw me off as well. But that’s another thing to mention. If there was a place where kids like Jessie could stay until their families figured things out, that would help a lot too.”
“But we took him in. He’s cared for now.”
“I know,” Susan said. “And I have no problem with that. And I know you were taken care of when you arrived here in Birch Creek. But the area’s going to grow. Progress won’t be stopped, and before you know it, this place will be full of people. There is so much land out here that soon, cities will spring up. I wanted to make sure things were good for those who come alone.”
“How do you plan to go about this?” Michael asked.
“It’s still in the early stages,” Susan admitted. “But I have a contact back home that I think can help me. I have some things I could sell and some money saved up that I could access, I think. I don’t know how much it will end up being, but I’m sure it would be enough to get some lumber and things. I don’t know what it would take to build it, or even how large or small it would have to be. I don’t even know if I can get the land yet, but if I can get the money, would you help me set up this boarding house?”
Michael looked at her and pulled the horse’s reins, slowing the wagon down to a stop. Susan looked around and saw they were still a dozen yards from the edge of the trees.
“Actually,” Susan said. “This is kinda the place I was wondering about. Do you know who owns this?”
“Wait a moment,” Michael said. “If you have savings and things you could sell to raise money, why would you ever consider coming out here and marrying someone like me? I have nothing to offer you but hard work.”
Susan could hear the concern and insecurity in his question. She took both his hands in hers, glad he’d stopped the horse. “I told you,” she said softly. “I came out with the hope of finding love.”
“But you said you’d courted men back home. Surely someone like you could have found love there.”
“You’d be surprised,” Susan said. “And none of the men I knew back home ever interested me.”
“So you came here?” Michael asked. “And married me the day we met. How was I different?”
Susan threaded her fingers through his and looked into his eyes. “Do you feel anything for me?”
“Of course.” Michael nodded.
“When I arrived and you first saw me, did you have any doubt or fear of being married to me?”
“Not a one.”
“It was the same for me,” Susan said. “I came here knowing I was going to find true love. I didn’t doubt it one bit so when we met and after those few words we shared, I was ready to commit to you.”
“How could you be so sure?” Michael asked. “What if I had turned out to be one of those men you seem so worried about other women being trapped with?”
“I had a little help, I suppose,” Susan said. “And that leads me to the other thing I have to tell you. About my real past and where I came from.”
***
“You can tell me anything, Susan,” Michael said. “I think honesty in a marriage is important, and I won’t judge you for your past.”
“Okay then, here goes.” Susan unthreaded her fingers from his, but didn’t release his hand and he was glad she felt comfortable enough to keep hold of him. “I’m not from this time.”
Michael heard the words, but didn’t have any idea what meaning to take from them.
“I was born mo
re than a hundred years from now. I was brought back in the past by a lady who is able to grant wish fulfillment. I wished for a chance to meet the man of my dreams and I showed up on my same street in New York in 1883. I spent a day or two there, looking for him, but when I read your advertisement, I knew immediately that you were the one. So I messaged you and arrived and thanked Dr. Lachele for sending me back here.”
“I’m sorry,” Michael said. “I don’t understand. How can you be...?” He didn’t even know if he could restate it. Michael pulled his hand back and ran his fingers through his hair.
“I know it is hard to believe. And at first, I thought it was all just a dream, or a drug induced hallucination, but I really am real and I really am from a different time. In my time, there are cars instead of horses and wagons. There are airplanes that fly across the sky, and you can get from New York to Idaho in hours instead of days. The woman who sent me here, Dr. Lachele, said that if I wanted to return home, I could tell her, but that she was certain I would be happy here. And I think she’s right, but if you don’t want me to stay, if you think I’m crazy and are worried about what I might say or do, then I can leave.”
Michael took her hand. “I don’t want you to leave. That’s for certain. I just don’t know how to believe it. I know you believe it, and that’s fine with me.”
Susan smiled at him, but he was sure she wanted him to truly believe her.
To assure her, he squeezed her hand before speaking. “You asked me a question earlier. How did I feel when you first arrived? Did I have any concerns about marrying you? I didn’t then. And I still don’t. I knew immediately that you were the one for me. And it wasn’t just that you’re beautiful. There was more to it than just that instant physical attraction. I’d felt a deep connection with you. You are the home I’ve been missing all my life. And no matter where you came from. Or what you want to build. I want to be right there with you as you do it.”
“Really?” Susan asked.
“Of course,” Michael said.
Susan practically leapt into his arms and hugged him tight. “You have no idea how much this means to me. And I hope someday, you’ll actually believe me, but for now, this is enough.”
“However you got here,” Michael said, “I’m happy you’re here. Thank you for daring to come to me. Thank you for trusting me with your secret. And thank you for agreeing to stay with me for life.”
Susan smiled and leaned in to kiss him, then stopped. “Does it bother you when I kiss you?”
“Bother me?” Michael laughed. “Heavens yes. But not in a bad way. Darling, I’m only bothered because kissing is all we’ve done.”
“I’m sure we could remedy that.”
“I do hope so.” Michael lowered his lips to hers and kissed her long and sweet, wishing he was at his own house without their house guest.
“How long do you think it will be before we can get another room added on for Jessie?” Susan asked.
“I’m sure we could build it quick. Especially if we get a few more logs cut and hauled there tomorrow.”
Susan kissed him again and Michael groaned deep in his throat. “Or, maybe we could see if he wanted to set up a cot at the shop. That way he could get the fire rekindled every morning.”
Susan laughed and shook her head. “Yeah, but then where would he get his breakfast?”
“I’d bring it to him. Every morning, I swear.”
“Don’t worry,” Susan said. “We’ll get his room added on fast. And it’ll be worth the wait, I promise.”
Michael accepted another kiss and only barely managed to pull away from her when the horse shook himself and the wagon moved a bit. “Maybe we should head back. Jessie is probably wondering what happened to us.”
Susan laid her head against his shoulder and placed her hand on his leg again as he took the reins and turned the wagon around.
Not too far ahead of them, Michael caught sight of a person in the road. As he neared, he wasn’t quite sure what to make of her. He was almost certain it was a woman, but her clothes were like nothing he’d ever seen before. And her hair? He had no words to describe it. The color was like that of some wild flowers? Or part of a sunset maybe?
“Dr. Lachele!” Susan shouted and grabbed Michael’s arm. “It’s her! Stop and let me down.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Susan jumped off the wagon as soon as it came to a stop and ran to the woman in front of her.
“How are you, cutie?” Dr. Lachele asked. She looked behind Susan to where Michael still sat on the wagon seat.
“I’m good!” Susan said. “This is exactly what I wanted. Though it is kinda strange getting used to living in the past without all the modern conveniences, but it really is amazing.”
“I’d love for you to introduce me to your husband.” Dr. Lachele didn’t even pause or hesitate on the fact he was Susan’s husband, making her even more sure the fairy-godmother knew exactly what she was doing.
“This is Michael Clark.” Susan held her hand up toward Michael. “Michael, this is the woman I just told you about. The one that brought me back here in time.”
“Tell me what you think of my sweet Susan,” Dr. Lachele said.
“She is incredible,” Michael said.
Susan beamed up at him then looked at Dr. Lachele. “How did you know to come check on me?”
“I had an impression you needed to tell me something. So I figured I’d come see how things were going.” Dr. Lachele clapped her hands together. “Oh, I should tell you that your friend Charlotte, from the book club is in a town called Oakley. It’s only twenty miles away if you ever wanted to go see her.”
“Really?” Susan asked. “She decided to stay too?”
“She did,” Dr. Lachele said. “Like I said, I’m good at what I do. Matchmaking is my passion. But what was it you needed me for? Why did you call for me if you’re happy here with your Michael?”
“I wanted to know if you could do something for me back home,” Susan said. “I wanted to get my savings and sell my other stuff so I could do something here.”
As Susan explained her plans for the boarding house and to make sure other women had a chance of finding love, Dr. Lachele’s eyes lit up.
“You might just end up being a matchmaker yourself young lady.”
Susan shook her head. “Oh no, that’s not my plan.”
“Doesn’t matter if you plan it or not,” Dr. Lachele said. “Just matters what you do. You’ll see. I think you’ll have a good chance of helping lots of people. How about the two of us talk a minute.”
Susan moved over closer to Dr. Lachele, and then the other woman raised her head. “Oh wait, I have a better idea.” She looked at Michael. “You just wait right here, young man. I’ll have her back in a jiffy.”
Susan didn’t even have time to say anything to Michael when she discovered herself back in her own time.
***
Michael stood up so fast he scared the horse and had to scramble for the reins and stop the horse from bolting. Susan was gone. One moment she’d been there in front of him, talking to a strange woman, then in an instant she was gone.
“Could it be real?”
Michael looked around, even turning back to see if somehow she was behind him. He returned his gaze to where she’d been standing, even looking at the two sets of footprints in the dirt of the road in front of him.
She was gone.
“Susan,” Michael said, all the emotions inside him poured out in the pleading of that one word. “Come back. Please come back.”
He climbed off the wagon and walked to where she’d been and called out her name. He turned around feeling completely lost. There was nothing he could do. If that woman had taken her back, just like she’d brought her to him, then he couldn’t go look for her. How could he get a search party to find someone not even in the same time as him?
Michael took a deep breath, preparing to shout her name once more when he felt the air move and suddenly she was there a
gain. Her arms held a small leather satchel and when he grabbed her to him and held her close she dropped it to the ground and hugged him tighter than he’d ever been held before.
“You came back. Thank heavens.”
“I couldn’t stay away,” Susan said. “You are my husband. And I love you.”
“I love you,” Michael said. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you before. You really are from another time.”
Susan nodded. “And I think it’s probably a good idea if we just keep that to ourselves.”
“I think you’re right.”
“How long was I gone?” Susan asked.
“Felt like forever, but only a few minutes I’m sure.”
“Wow,” Susan said. “I was back home for a few weeks getting all my things settled and gathering up some money. I also got some old blueprints for some building ideas and we can get started on the boarding house as soon as you’re willing.”
“Anything for you, Susan.” Michael hugged her once more, then kissed her softly. “Though, if you don’t mind, I’d like to get our house addition finished first.”
“That is an excellent idea.” Susan said with a grin. “The sooner we get Jessie a new room, the better.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Epilogue
Susan stood outside the church building that doubled as a school during the week and waved goodbye to her students. Then just as she did every day, she looked at the new bricks that had been added to the boarding house. She had been forbidden to help with it and it was a little frustrating to watch from a distance. But she was mostly okay with that. While Michael built her dream, she would work on building the healthiest baby she could.
Jessie stepped out of the schoolroom and handed her the bag she kept her things in. “Are you ready to go, Ma’am?”
Susan smiled. Jessie had been an incredible blessing to her and Michael. He’d helped pick up the slack when the morning sickness got to her in those early months. And with winter over and spring going strong, he’d helped Michael with the planting of the garden and they’d still managed to work long hours at the smithy.
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