Crippled Mail Order Bride For A Faithful Frontier Cowboy: Clean Christian Short Reads Western Romance (Destined For Love Mail Order Brides Book Book 2)

by Terri Grace

  CONTENTS

  Clean Christian Romance

  Chapter One - New Mercies

  New Mercies

  Chapter Two - Tilly's Letter

  Tilley's Letter

  Chapter Three - Jacob

  Jacob

  Chapter Four - Drunken Encounter

  Drunken Encounter

  Chapter Five - Preparations

  Preparations

  Chapter Six - The Storm

  The Storm

  Chapter Seven - A Double Blessing

  A Double Blessing

  BONUS CHAPTER - Burned But Beautiful Mail Order Bride For A Pioneer Cowboy

  Latest Releases

  DESTINED FOR LOVE SERIES

  Book 1: Overweight Mail Order Bride For A Half-Blind Cowboy

  Book 2: Crippled Mail Order Bride For A Faithful Frontier Cowboy

  Book 3: Burned But Beautiful Mail Order Bride For A Pioneer Doctor

  A Personal Word From The Author

  “BECAUSE TRUE love is God’s greatest masterpiece.”

  Clean Christian Romance

  www.CleanChristianRomance.com

  ©2015 Terri Grace | Clean Christian Romance

  CHAPTER ONE

  New Mercies

  SLIVERS OF LIGHT crept through the crack in the curtains, coaxing Mary-Beth’s eyelids open. It was a new day, and the birds were ushering it in with a beautiful dawn chorus. Mary-Beth Tanner knew that God’s mercies were new again. “Thank you, Lord,” she smiled, as she stirred from a restful night’s sleep.

  Her eyes sparkled with a sense of purpose. Despite the pain in her legs, she knew she had a reason to be here and refused to feel sorry for herself. The sun was rising, and the room was filled with the golden and beautiful light of a fresh dawn. Mary-Beth thanked God for all of her blessings.

  She winced as she tugged her legs off the bed, pushing them over the side where she could move them a little to get the blood flowing more freely. A dull ache in her thighs and knee joints had been plaguing her for some days now, but that was not going to stop her preparing the morning meal for her grandparents. She had never known anything different. Grandma told her that her legs had been troublesome right from her earliest steps. Mary-Beth couldn’t remember much of her younger years.

  For as long as she could remember, Grandma and Grandpapa had been her parents. Her mother and father had disappeared from her life since she was a toddler, and from what she understood, she was better off without them. At first her grandparents thought she was just a slow developer, but it soon became apparent that something was terribly wrong. As a toddler, little Mary-Beth would sit or lie on the floor, barely moving. Even crawling was an effort for her. An examination by Doc Everson left the household shaken. Mary-Beth’s tiny bones had been broken multiple times – the result of 19 months of abuse from the very people who should have been the little girl’s protectors. Doc explained that she must have been dropped and thrown on more than one occasion, and the breaks and fractures had never been tended to. As a result, as Mary-Beth grew she often could barely walk a few feet before her knees and ankles ached so badly that she had to stop and rest.

  Mary-Beth was now a beautiful young woman of seventeen. However, the disabilities in her legs had caused many a suitor to look the other way rather than pursue a life-long relationship with her. This affected her deeply, but she didn’t let another soul know of her pain. She knew that when God was ready, He would bring her to the husband she was destined to be a help-meet to.

  As she secured her auburn colored hair back into a tight bun, she smiled at her reflection in the mirror. Even though she was saddened by not having any prospects for marriage, she still enjoyed a wonderful life. She had her grandparents to thank for that.

  Her grandparents were getting far along in years. They were her mother’s parents, and they loved her deeply from the time they had taken her just a few months before her second birthday. From what she had understood, her father was a no-good alcoholic, and her mother fell under his spell. They had eloped and one day appeared at her grandparents’ front door with a dirty toddler in their arms. Alice, her mother, had asked if they could watch her for a few days while she and her husband found work and shelter. Neither had ever returned.

  After they had helped Mary-Beth to learn to walk on her crippled legs, her grandparents wouldn’t have let her parents take her back even if they had turned up on their doorstep again. She was theirs now, and they loved her deeply. She loved them in return.

  As of late, they had begun to show signs of their old age and had begun to urge Mary-Beth to try to find someone who would take care of her when they were no longer around. While this saddened her, Mary-Beth knew that they were right. She could care for them now, but when they were gone, she would be utterly alone.

  While all of the other young women of Boston had found suitors and were betrothed to be married, she found herself alone and longing for the love that she was witnessing all around her. Tilly, her best friend, had just recently answered a letter in the Matrimonial Times for a mail order bride. She had told Mary-Beth that he had responded, and she would be moving west in a few short weeks. The thought of doing the same occurred to Mary-Beth, but she was afraid that any respectable farmer wouldn’t want a woman who could barely walk. So she wished Tilly well and made her promise to keep in touch.

  And so another day was beginning for Mary-Beth. Even though she was happy to help her grandparents, a part of her ached for the life that she was watching all the girls her age entering. She prayed for her chance at happiness and softly sang of Christ’s love and saving blood as she slowly took step by painful step from the bedroom, and downstairs to the kitchen.

  Mary-Beth was surprised to find that today Grandmother had already prepared breakfast for her. Mary-Beth felt slightly guilty because she knew that any housework was difficult for the ageing woman. Even though not a word had been spoken about her taking over the household chores, Mary-Beth felt that it was her duty and responsibility, and she gladly did all she could to make her grandparents more joyful lives.

  “Good morning, child. How are you feeling this morning? Your legs seem a little stiff.” Her grandmother smiled kindly and motioned her to sit down. Placing a plate of eggs and bacon in front of her, she took a seat across from her and looked at her with concern.

  “My legs are aching something terrible this morning. I think that once I get up and move around some that they will feel much better. Thank you for breakfast. I‘m sorry that I didn’t get down her to prepare it for you.” Mary-Beth took a mouthful of eggs and smiled at the woman she was grateful to call her grandmother.

  “No worries, young lady. I need to get used to doing things for your grandfather and myself once you marry. I sense that we will see that day soon.” Her grandmother’s eyes clouded with tears.

  “Oh, Grams, I don’t think it will. No man wants a woman who is crippled. I fear that I will be an old maid. However, if I can take care of you, then it will be a blessing,” Mary-Beth patted her grandmother’s hand and smiled.

  “Don’t be so sure, young woman. Something tells me that a change is about to take place soon. Believe what you will, but when the time comes, I will be one happy grandmother.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  Tilly's Letter

  A MONTH HAD passed since the conversation in the kitchen. Mary-Beth was sure that her grandmother was h
aving wishful thoughts, but she hoped deep down that there was some truth to them. She longed to have the life of a loving housewife.

  On the way from the market one afternoon, she stopped past the post office to pick up the mail for the family. Curiously enough, she noticed one letter addressed to her. No one wrote to her, and just the idea that someone would take the time to write to her filled her with a sense of wonder and excitement. She wanted to read it right then and there, but she knew that her grandmother was waiting for her return so that they could make a pie for dessert that evening.

  Tucking the mail into her aprons, she picked up her basket and returned home as quickly as she could. If she could at least get the pie into the oven, then she would be able to read the letter that filled her mind with such anticipation. She had no idea who could have written her.

  Once she arrived home, she and her grandmother made the preparations for the evening dinner and prepared the apple pie that would be served later on. The kitchen was a little stuffy, so her grandmother recommended that they go out on the porch to enjoy their afternoon tea as the pie baked.

  As Mary-Beth sat down, she felt the bulge in her apron where she had placed the mail. Remembering the letter that had been addressed to her, she quickly pulled to mail from her pocket. Setting the other two envelopes aside, she ripped the one addressed to her open and smiled when she realized that Tilly had written to her for the first time since she had taken the train west.

  Dearest Mary-Beth,

  I hope that this letter finds you in good health. I know it has been some time, but I have missed you so and wanted to tell you about what life out West was really like.

  As you may have heard, the West is reputed to be wild and unlawful. I have found it to be a little rough, but not as bad as people rumor it to be. The air here is fresh, and the land is beautiful. It amazes me to see so much land that has been untouched. When I look out and see nothing around but nature for miles, I know that I did the right thing.

  Besides the beauty out here, I have some other news. When I arrived at the train station, I was met by Tam Wilder, the man whom I’m to marry. He informed me that he wanted to do right by me, and took me to his parents’ home so that we could properly court. I’ve been here for three months now. His parents are kind and lovely people, but I long for the day that I can be with my husband.

  The other night, Tam arrived at the house and told me that it was time for us to marry. He was sure that I was the one for him. So, we have planned the wedding for the beginning of next month. I have also told him that I wish for you, Mary-Beth, to come out and stand with me while I devote my life to him.

  So, Tam has agreed and will be sending out his best friend, Jacob, to meet you and accompany you back here. He is due to be there a week after the date of this letter. Tam has provided him with enough money to get both of you here, so do not worry about paying for a thing. I hope that you will meet him there and come and share my wonderful day with me! If you cannot, I understand.

  If you cannot come, please write immediately. I miss you and hope to see you in a short amount of time!

  Sincerely,

  Tilly

  Mary-Beth had to catch her breath as she finished reading her friend’s letter. Without hesitation, she looked to see when the letter was dated. Jacob was due to meet her in two days! She needed to get her grandparents to agree to this and pack! She wanted nothing more than to see Tilly marry the man whom she had grown to love out west.

  “Are you okay, Mary-Beth?” her grandmother asked as she set the letter down on her lap and reached for her cup of tea.

  “This letter is from Tilly. I have not heard from her since she went west to marry. She has set a wedding date, and she wishes for me to be there with her. Her fiancé is sending his friend to accompany me on the trip in two days.” She looked at her grandmother to see how she would react. If her grandparents were to tell her she should not go, she would respect that.

  “Well, now, that is different. I have heard that those cowboys marry their mail order brides the moment they step off the train. How wonderful that she wants you to attend. It would be good for you to get away for a bit. Who knows, maybe you will meet someone there?” her grandmother smiled secretively.

  “Will you and Gramps be all right without me here? I know he has been ill. I won’t leave if you say that you need me here,” Mary-Beth assured her. Everything within her wanted to go, but she had a responsibility to her grandparents.

  “He will be okay, as will I. Go get yourself packed, and I will discuss it with him when he rises from his nap. I can tell you’re excited.” Her grandmother smiled lovingly at her.

  Mary-Beth carefully rose and cleared the tea from the small porch table. She had a lot to think about and pack before she left, and she had just two short days to do it. A sense of adventure and excitement overtook her as she made her way slowly to her bedroom to decide what she would take along with her. If her grandmother’s prediction were to come true, then she might not be returning. However, she didn’t want to over pack in case she would return home soon.

  She was able to fit all of her belongings that she wished to take in one small trunk. Satisfied that she had everything, she returned to the kitchen to finish dinner preparations. This would be the moment of truth. Her grandfather would have the final opinion about whether or not she would travel.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Jacob

  A FEW DAYS later, with her grandparents at her side, Mary-Beth stood at the train station, waiting for her escort to show himself. She had no idea how this would all play out, but she had faith that it would work out in the end. This was the most adventure she had ever embarked upon in her years. Feelings of nervousness and excitement flooded her both at the same time.

  “Excuse me? Are you Mary-Beth Tanner?” a timid voice came from behind them. Mary-Beth turned and saw a tall and handsome gentleman looking questioningly at her.

  “Why, yes, I am Mary-Beth. You must be Jacob?” she said in her most refined voice. She had not been expecting a cowboy to be as polite or as well-dressed as the man who stood in front of her.

  “Yes, miss. I’m Jacob Anderson. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Miss Tilly talks an awful lot about you and her former life in the city.” He smiled, and two large dimples showed themselves on his cheeks.

  Mary-Beth immediately felt at ease around the young man that had come to chaperone her back west. She took a deep breath and silently thanked God for His provision. Jacob was well-mannered, and she could tell her grandparents felt at ease with the situation after meeting him.

  “Please forgive me for being so rude. These are my grandparents, Abigail, and Joseph Tanner. They have raised me since I was a young child.”

  The young man shook hands with her grandfather and kissed her grandmother on the cheek. They smiled at him and wished the young couple safe travels. As they were saying their goodbyes, the whistle on the train blew, announcing that the train would leave in a short time.

  Jacob swiftly picked up her trunk and handed it to the conductor. Once the trunk was on the train, he assisted Mary-Beth up the steep steps. He knew that she had some problems with her legs because Tilly had told him. It saddened him to see her struggle. He hoped she would tell him why she struggled to walk while they traveled. Just meeting her for the first time, he felt that she was special.

  Once they got comfortably situated in their stateroom, Mary-Beth smiled at him. She thanked him for his kindness. It was rare that someone would help her rather than simply stare at the way she walked. She felt as though she were on display whenever she went out into the public.

  She looked out of the window and saw her grandparents. Wanting to wave goodbye to them, she stood up near the window and began to wave. They spotted her and waved back. It was at that moment that she noticed that her grandmother was crying. A stab of guilt pierced her heart as the whistle blew once more, and the train began to leave the station. She said a silent prayer as she returned to her seat.
God would watch out for her grandparents, she had to believe in that. She also had to believe that God would allow her to find a man with whom she could spend her life.

  The train ride started out rather uneventfully. Jacob wanted to engage Mary-Beth in conversation, but he didn’t know where to begin. There were so many differences between him and her. He was a frontier cowboy, and she was a city girl. How could he have anything in common with her?

  Finally, she turned to him and smiled. “So, tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from and what do you do out west?” she asked.

  “I was actually born out west. My parents were one of the first families to populate the area around Jamestown. My pa is a cowboy himself and has made quite a ranch for the family. I help him with the ranch. I have a younger brother who helps, too. My pa has told me that when he gets too old to run the ranch that he wants me to take it over. I will gladly do that.” He seemed so confident in his upbringing and his future. It made Mary-Beth’s heart race. “How about you? Tell me a little about yourself.”

  “I never really knew my parents. My mother ran away and eloped with my father. They left me with my grandparents when I was young and have never returned. I have lived with my grandparents since then. They are kind and compassionate, and I hope they will be okay without me there.” She didn’t know what else to say. That was her life in a nutshell.

  As they spoke, they gradually realized that they shared many of the same interests. Growing up in the city, Mary-Beth was able to share her experiences having everything basically at her fingertips. Jacob described how they would have to go a few miles just to get flour from a general store. They would make it a whole day’s trip if they needed provisions for the ranch. This amazed Mary-Beth. She had no idea that people would have to travel so far for what she could walk ten minutes for, even on her legs. The conversation had become comfortable, so Jacob chanced asking the question that had been on his mind since they had first met.