Mail Order Bride - Westward Heartbeat: A Historical Cowboy Romance Novel (Montana Mail Order Brides Book 15)

by Linda Bridey

  “Thank you, Auntie. Father said to tell you thank you for the sugar cookies you sent last week,” Raven said. A frown crossed his face at the mention of the chief of their tribe.

  The previous fall, the army had finally found his tribe and they’d been forced onto a reservation at Fort Peck, which was located near Wolfe Point. There had been a bloody battle, but in the end, his tribe couldn’t compete with the vast amount of soldiers and his father had called a halt to the fighting and surrendered. Several of the Lakota had been allowed to remain in Dawson since they were assimilated into the community. Raven had wanted to go to the reservation with his parents and sister, but Black Fox had ordered him to remain free.

  Pricilla saw the sadness in his black eyes and her heart went out to him. She didn’t understand the way the Lakota lived, but she felt badly for anyone who was forcefully separated from their family. Raven had originally frightened her when he’d been made deputy, but with his fun-loving, genial personality and helpful attitude, he’d quickly won her over. The fact that he’d taken care of her rosebush-eating cat problem also endeared him to her.

  As a thank you, she’d invited him to dinner one Sunday and he’d come to dinner a couple times a week ever since. While many people found Pricilla prickly and critical, Raven had found her sweeter side and was able to con her into doing many things for him. Baking was just one of them. He reciprocated by doing chores and other things that were hard for her and John to do.

  Pricilla gave him an extra squeeze and said, “I’m so sorry, dear.”

  “It’s ok, Auntie. I am getting used to things. When do we eat?” he asked as he looked into her brown eyes.

  “Soon. You came at just the right time. Will you get down the trivet from this cupboard? John keeps putting it up there and I can’t reach it,” Pricilla said as she pointed to it.

  “Sure,” Raven said with a smile. He thought Pricilla was cute with her short, plump figure and her gray hair that was done up in a bun. He opened the cupboard and gave her the trivet.

  “Thank you. How was work today? Keep the town safe, did you?” she asked. She always enjoyed Raven’s stories about being a deputy.

  Raven grunted and Pricilla recognized it as a grunt that meant he was displeased. Prior to getting to know Raven, she hadn’t realized the Lakota grunted so much or that there were different types of grunts.

  “I seemed to spend most of my time helping wagons out of the mud so they weren’t blocking the streets. It was a pain in the … um … neck,” Raven replied.

  She smiled to herself at his quick amendment. She didn’t approve of swearing as a rule, but it amused her when Raven did it. “That’s a shame. I’m tired of the rain.”

  “As am I. What else do you need done?” Raven said. He’d helped with what was in Lakota culture considered “women’s work” ever since he was a teenager, and he ate with Sadie’s parents much of the time. As a result, it was second nature for him to offer assistance.

  “Would you mind setting the table?” she asked.

  “Nope. How many are coming?”

  Her eyes twinkled as she watched him start getting silverware from the drawer. He knew where almost everything was in the kitchen. “Twelve.”

  Raven grunted his understanding. “Do we need to put the extra leaf in the table?”

  “No. John already did.”

  “Ok.”

  And so it went until the rest of the family arrived. Raven started roughhousing with the children immediately, and the house was filled with laughter. It did Pricilla’s heart good to hear it. She rarely scolded the children for being loud.

  The meal began and John asked, “So Will, I’ll bet you’re excited about tomorrow, huh?”

  Will said, “Yeah. I can’t believe she’ll finally be here. It was best she waited until now, though with the weather being so bad.”

  Luke said, “Oh, yeah. I almost forgot that Zoe will be here then. I can’t wait to meet her.”

  “Yes. She sounds like a lovely girl,” Pricilla said.

  “Thanks for letting her stay here,” Will said. “My parents don’t have room with Lily at home, and she certainly can’t stay with me.”

  John said, “We’re happy to have her. It will be nice having someone else in the house.”

  Luke frowned and Pricilla saw it. “Now, Luke, don’t you start that. We’re comfortable here and we’re too old to move. This is our home. I don’t want to hear any more about it from you.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Luke said, but it was clear that he was not happy with his parents’ decision.

  Will smiled a little. It was so funny how Pricilla kept people in line. He didn’t have a problem with her even though others did. He knew that she didn’t get along with her three nephews, Dean, Seth, and Marcus, but he thought that had more to do with her than them. He liked all of them, and he knew that Dawson was lucky to have such a good doctor like Marcus.

  His thoughts turned to his prospective bride and his excitement grew. He knew he wasn’t going to sleep much that night. Anticipation would keep him awake. The letters that he and Zoe had exchanged had enabled them to get to know each other well, and he didn’t feel that their first meeting would be awkward at all.

  Will planned to take her to the Grady House to eat before bringing her to the Samuels’ house. He was glad that Zoe would be staying in town so he could be close to her. It would make their courting easier. Raven sat across the table from him and every once in a while he stopped chewing and seemed to be listening to something.

  Raven said, “Auntie, you have a mouse again.”

  “Again? How do you know?” she asked. “Did you see it?” She hated mice.

  “Nope. Heard it. I’ll set a trap for it,” he said and took a forkful of casserole.

  “Thank you, dear,” she said.

  Luke frowned at Raven. He and Raven had always gotten along, but since Raven had earned a special place in Pricilla’s heart, Luke was a little jealous sometimes. He was her son, and it was his responsibility to do these things, not Raven. Still, Luke was grateful to Raven in a way because he couldn’t always be around, what with work and raising a family.

  Raven was aware of Luke’s feelings and tried not to step on his toes, but his ornery streak often rose to the fore and he couldn’t resist aggravating Luke sometimes. He saw Luke’s reaction but gave no outward sign of noticing it.

  “Uncle,” Raven said, “Do you need help with anything tomorrow? I don’t have to work until the afternoon.”

  John stopped chewing and thought a moment. “Well, now that you mention it, I should get a little more wood in.”

  “I will chop it,” Raven said.

  “Thank you, son,” John said. His back was not what it used to be and chopping wood was an arduous task for him now.

  “You’re welcome,” Raven said and gave Luke a lightning fast glance. Luke’s expression had turned slightly darker.

  Will watched this with amusement. Luke was easily riled and Raven was doing a good job at it. Most people didn’t like to make Luke angry because of his size and strength, but Raven was big enough not to be intimidated by Luke at all. Will enjoyed the fights at the Watering Hole, the saloon right outside of Dawson, and he kept hoping that Luke and Raven would tangle at some point. That would be a fight to see.

  Once again, his thoughts were filled with Zoe’s impending arrival. She was sweet and funny. She had been shy about telling him she wore glasses. He’d assured her that it didn’t bother him. He’d sooner see her wear them than walk around blind. Tucker had asked him if it would bother him that she would almost be at eyelevel with him. Will had told him that it would be easier to kiss her that way, and Tucker had laughed.

  Ethan said, “Aunt Claire really liked my book report. I got an A.” Marcus’ wife, Claire, ran the school in Dawson.

  Will smiled. “Good job. I’m not surprised. You’re a smart boy.”

  “Thanks,” Ethan said.

  Chris said, “Yeah, he’s the teacher’
s pet.”

  “I am not,” Ethan said and an argument ensued between all of the kids.

  Luke broke it up. “That’s enough, you guys. No bickering at the table.”

  Rosie said, “Yes, Pa.”

  Luke smiled at her. “Good girl.”

  The other three children fell silent as well.

  When dessert was over, everyone sat back replete. Luke and Raven had matched each other in helpings, and Raven burped loudly. “Excuse me,” he said.

  The kids laughed and he smiled. Sadie smiled. She always got a kick out of Raven and now was no exception. “So do you still like living out at Pa’s?” she asked.

  “Yes. It was very nice of him to let me put up another tipi out there,” Raven replied.

  Will said, “I like your tipi. I’d never been in one before until I came out to see yours. I was surprised it was so warm in there during the winter.”

  Raven grinned. “Everyone is surprised by that. The hides trap heat, and because it is a smaller space than a house, it holds the heat very well.”

  “I’ll bet you have a lot of houseguests,” Sadie said.

  Raven nodded. “Especially Katie. I don’t mind. She misses everyone so much, but especially Father. I think it helps her to sit in there with me and talk. I enjoy it, too.”

  Will said, “I still don’t understand any of it. Why couldn’t the army just leave you guys be? You never bothered anyone, and look how many of you we’re good friends and family with.”

  Raven nodded and had to push his sorrow down again. “I know. Perhaps one day all Indians will be free again.”

  John said, “From your lips to God’s ears.”

  Raven smiled. He liked it when John said things like that.

  “Pricilla, that was a fine meal,” Will said. “Thanks for the invite, as always.”

  “Oh, you’re more than welcome, Will. It’s always wonderful having you with us. I am looking so forward to meeting Zoe tomorrow. I have her room all ready for her. Don’t you keep her too long at the restaurant. She’ll be tired and ready to rest,” Pricilla cautioned him.

  Will nodded. “You’re right. I’ll do my best.”

  Pricilla returned his smile.

  Dinner began breaking up and Will went along his way home. As he knew he would be, Will was up very late.

  Chapter Three

  The next day was miserable as a cold rain fell from the gray clouds that moved lazily across the sky. Zoe was glad for the heavy coat she wore because it was so cold. As someone who was used to the cold, she had dressed appropriately, and she was also thankful for her warm boots. They as well as her woolen dress helped keep her from freezing. Her thick gray coat matched her eyes, and she hoped that it would make her look attractive.

  Although Will said that he did mind her glasses, she was still self-conscious about them. She put them on as the stagecoach pulled up to the depot. It was important to her that she not make a fool of herself by tripping as soon as she met Will. Being able to see properly reduced the odds that she would do that, but it was no guarantee.

  There was a man holding an umbrella waiting for her at the depot. Zoe peered at him and thought that this must be Will. He matched the description in the ads and in his letters. He came forward as she opened the coach door.

  “Zoe?” he asked with a smile.

  “Yes. You must be Will,” she said as she stepped down with the aid of his hand.

  “That’s me,” he said with a grin. He held the large umbrella over her to keep her dry.

  She smiled into his green eyes and thought he was a very nice looking man. His jaw was strong and his shoulders broad. Will had a very attractive smile and his blond hair was a sandy hue.

  Will looked her over as much as she had him. Her eyes really were almost on his level. Though he wasn’t overly tall, this was a novelty to him. Her eyes were beautiful and her deep auburn hair color, as well. He found that her eyeglasses didn’t hide her eyes and suited her.

  “It’s great to finally have you here. Let’s leave your bags here for now. Bart will watch them. He runs the depot. Let’s go get something to eat and get out of the rain, ok?”

  “That sounds wonderful,” she agreed.

  They stayed under the umbrella as they walked.

  “How was the trip? Any problems?” Will asked.

  “It was very pleasant, actually. I met some very nice people along the way, too.”

  “Good.”

  They reached the Grady House and both of them were glad to be in out of the elements. Their lunch was very nice and companionable. Zoe was relieved that she didn’t feel shy around Will, and he didn’t seem to feel shy around her either. They laughed about some of the things they’d written to each other, and Will told her a couple things that had happened around town since he’d last written her.

  Though she was excited to be in Dawson, Zoe found herself starting to yawn by the end of the meal. Will smiled and said, “I think you’re ready for a nap before dinner tonight. Pricilla has everything prepared for you.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Zoe apologized. “A nap does sound lovely though.”

  “No need to by sorry. You had a very long trip. We’ll get you settled quickly,” Will promised.

  *****

  Pricilla liked Zoe immediately. Her sweet nature and respectful attitude were what Pricilla expected from a woman with good breeding. She fussed over the girl, shooing Will away and insisting that Zoe get plenty of rest before meeting everyone that evening.

  “Now, don’t you worry about a thing, dear. You just have a nice nap and I’ll wake you in time to dress for dinner,” Pricilla said.

  Zoe smiled at her. “Thank you, Mrs. Samuels. You’re very kind to open your home to me and to take such good care of me.”

  Pricilla patted her arm and said, “It’s no trouble at all Zoe. We’re happy to have you. I’ll leave you to it then.”

  Zoe sat down on the bed when Pricilla left and looked about the room. It was a nice room with light green walls and white eyelet curtains. The single bed, dresser, and nightstand were made from walnut, and they were in good condition. Pricilla had put a bright green and white quilt on the bed, and a few nice pictures hung on the walls.

  Smiling, Zoe went to her suitcase and opened it. She rooted down through some clothes and pulled out a picture of her mother and one of Camille and Mort. She put them on her dresser and felt a little more at home. As she turned back towards the bed, she caught her toe on the dresser somehow and almost fell.

  She was able to right herself and was relieved that she hadn’t done that in anyone else’s presence. It was bad enough that she did it on a regular basis back home, but they were used to her. Zoe was dismayed because she knew she was going to have to wear her glasses almost all the time so that she reduced the number of blunders she made.

  Zoe didn’t bother unpacking anything else right then. She was just too tired. Lying down on the bed, she soon slumbered.

  *****

  Will arrived early for dinner, excited to see Zoe again. They’d had a great time at lunch and he was anxious to see how everyone reacted upon meeting her. He also hoped that she would like all of them. His parents and his sister, Lily, were attending as well and he was especially nervous about what they would think.

  He found Pricilla and Zoe in the kitchen. Zoe had insisted on helping Pricilla with dinner.

  “Hello,” Will said when Pricilla answered the door.

  “Well, don’t you look nice, Will?” she said as she welcomed him inside.

  “Thanks, Pricilla,” he replied.

  “Come on out with us. We could use a little help. I think we might need the extra table. Would you mind bringing it down from the sewing room, dear?” she asked.

  “Sure. Whatever you need,” Will said.

  Zoe became a little flustered when she heard Will had arrived. She hoped she looked nice. Pricilla had assured her that her green muslin dress looked lovely, but it mattered greatly to her what Will thought.
>
  When Will entered the kitchen, he smiled at Zoe and said, “I see your nap agreed with you. You look very pretty.”

  She blushed as she said, “Thank you. You look nice, too.”

  He’d bought the new gray suit just for the occasion. Joe Dwyer had helped him pick it out. Joe was a clotheshorse and knew what worked best on a man or woman. He’d gone to Joe, and the mayor had jumped at the chance to advise him.

  “Thanks,” he said with a pleased smile. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to get that other table Pricilla.”

  “Ok, Will,” Pricilla said and turned back to the stove. “He is such a nice young man, our Will. A gentleman, too. His whole family is very nice. You don’t have anything to be nervous about.”

  Zoe smiled and said, “I’ll try not to be. I’m sure that I’ll like them, too.”

  “Oh, you will. His brother, Tucker, is much like him and Mr. and Mrs. Foster are lovely people,” Pricilla said. “His sister, Lily, is such a dear girl. Would you be a dear and hand me the butter, please?”

  Zoe handed it to her and Will came downstairs with the table. “Where do you want this?”

  “At the far end of the table, Will.”

  “Ok.”

  Zoe wandered into the dining room and asked, “Would you like me to help?”

  Will smiled at her. “Thanks, but I got it. Dinner might be a little noisy with the kids and all. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “No. I think it’ll be fun. Sometimes it’s too quiet with just Mother and me, so some noise will be a nice change,” she replied.

  He finished with the table and stood back. “I guess we’ll need to get more settings, huh?”

  “I’ll get them,” Zoe said. She bumped into the dining room table with her hip. “Ow!”

  Will came to her side an asked, “Are you ok?”

  She smiled at him. “It’s beginning already.”

  Will gave her a confused smile. “What is?”

  “My clumsiness. I’m a bit of a klutz, I’m afraid. Actually, I’m very clumsy. I’m sorry,”

  she said as her cheeks turned pink again.