“Eric’s here,” Phoebe’s mother called out, peering out the kitchen window.
Caleb looked up from his chalkboard, and Caroline encouraged him to join her as she headed for the door. She thought Phoebe and her mother might follow, but they lingered behind, probably wishing to give Caroline and Caleb a few minutes alone with him.
Caroline opened the door for Caleb, and Caleb darted across the yard to Eric. Eric slid off his horse and tied the reins to the post before he turned to Caleb and picked him up.
Caroline’s steps slowed when she saw Caleb wrap his arms around Eric’s neck. It was such a sweet scene, and one she hated to interrupt, but Eric made eye contact with her and smiled.
She picked up her pace and called out, “It’s nice to have you back.”
“It’s nice to be back,” Eric replied.
When she reached him, he put his arm around her waist and drew her to his side. He gave her a kiss that let her know how much he’d missed her.
She’d missed him, too. Missed him so much, in fact, that she’d had a hard time sleeping at night. She hadn’t realized how safe she’d felt with him next to her in bed until she’d slept on the couch. Yes, Caleb had slept on the floor nearby, but she was used to watching over him. With Eric, however, she’d been able to let her guard down and let him watch over her.
She wiped her eyes, surprised welcoming him back should make her want to cry. But these were tears of joy, so she didn’t mind them so much. They were much better than the other kind.
“Did you find out what Charles wanted?” she asked once she could trust herself to speak without crying.
“I did.” He let go of her and set Caleb down. “Will you leave us alone for a few minutes? There are some things you’re too young to hear.”
Caroline was sure the boy had to be curious, but to his credit, he nodded and went over to the porch where Phoebe and her mother were sitting.
Eric turned back to her and pulled her in his arms again. “You feel good,” he whispered, burying his face in the nape of her neck.
“You do, too.”
Something in the way he held her told her his trip hadn’t been pleasant. Not that she thought it would be, but she hadn’t thought it’d be as bad as it’d been.
“What is it?” she asked, pulling away from him. “What did you find out?” He seemed reluctant to tell her, so she added, “I’ve been through the war, Eric. I lost everyone in my family. Whatever Charles wanted, I can handle it. Don’t keep it from me just because I’m a lady.”
And that was yet another thing that had changed recently. While growing up, it was expected that ladies would be sheltered from the harsher realities of life, given their delicate constitutions. But, again, she wasn’t that person any more. Now she wanted to know what was going on.
Taking a deep breath, she took his hands in hers and squeezed them. “Eric?”
“You were lucky you got off in the wrong town,” he told her, his voice soft. “The others weren’t so lucky.”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “Others? Are you telling me Charles posted other mail-order bride ads?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. Caroline, he was posting those ads with the intent of selling the women into prostitution.”
At first, she didn’t think she heard him right, so she asked, “Did you say prostitution?”
He nodded. “He had already tricked three women into coming to him. I was able to track them down and release them from their,” his eyes went heavenward, “employers.” He released his breath. “I found a nice couple who agreed to house them and find real, respectable marriages for them. Charles is now in jail, so he won’t be able to do this ever again.”
It was still taking her time to process everything he was telling her. She’d thought nothing worse could have happened to her when she left South Carolina. She had been uncertain about the future. Maybe even afraid when she contemplated leaving everything she’d ever known behind. But never once did she think Charles was the kind of gentleman who was planning to sell her into prostitution.
“It was bad enough to see the condition those three women were in,” Eric began, “but when I thought one of them could’ve been you…” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “I’m so glad you got off at the wrong town.” He wrapped her in his arms again, holding her tightly, once more burying his face in the nape of her neck. “I love you, Caroline.”
“I love you, too,” she whispered.
The reality of what would have happened to her had she not married Eric was finally beginning to sink in. She closed her eyes and clung to him. What had been a terribly embarrassing mistake had really been a blessing.
And to think if she hadn’t had Caleb with her, throwing up and crying, she might not have been distracted enough to get off the stagecoach when she did. Then when Charles came up to her, seeming to be very much a gentleman, she would have gone off with him.
She opened her eyes and glanced at Caleb, who seemed content to hold a frog while Phoebe and her mother talked to him. Phoebe reached forward to touch the frog, but her mother refused to do it. Caroline’s gaze went back to Caleb. He was smiling and studying the small creature in his hands. It was ironic that the day she decided to protect him by taking him to Colorado with her, she had ultimately been ensuring he’d be there to protect her.
When Eric let go of her, he wiped the tears from her face. “The best day of my life was when you married me. I’m sure Allison will make a good wife to the man she ends up with, but I have no doubt you’re the right wife for me. That’s why I was waiting for a bride when you happened to come here. You were meant to be with me.”
She smiled, even as more tears came to her eyes. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Abe stepped out of the barn and called out, “I hate to ruin this moment, but there’s smoke in the kitchen.”
Caroline looked at the cabin, and sure enough, smoke billowed from the kitchen window. She hurried after Phoebe and her mother as they rushed into the house. Caroline wished she could say she was surprised, but to be fair, she had warned them. Soup was one of those things she’d never be able to make, no matter how hard she tried.
***
Despite the soup mishap, everyone had a good supper, and Eric took Caroline and Caleb home that evening.
The next day, Caroline took Caleb to the general store to check for mail and was delighted to see that Bee had sent her a missive. Well, one of Bee’s friends had written the letter on her behalf, but Bee had told her friend what to write. As Caroline quietly read the missive, Caleb was content to chew on the licorice she’d bought him.
Caroline was glad to see Bee and her sons were doing well. They’d come together with other former slaves to start farming.
It’s slow going, Caroline read. But it’s progress, and progress is all we can ask for. Things take time to get better. We just need to take each day as it comes and be thankful each step of the way. And one thing I’m thankful for is that you got a good man. We’ve all had our share of sorrows. It’s looking like we’re coming into better things. Keep your head up, Miss Caroline. The best is yet to come.
Caroline took out her handkerchief and dabbed the tears from her eyes.
“Why are you crying?” Caleb asked. “You don’t seem sad.”
“I’m not sad. I miss Bee and the others, but their lot in life is improving and that’s good.” Not sure she did a good job explaining why she felt a mixture of joy and sorrow after reading Bee’s letter, she folded the paper and slipped it into her pocket. “Life is complicated. So few things are completely wonderful or horrible. There seems to be a mix of both at any one time.”
“Excuse me,” Daniel said, coming over to them. “I forgot to give you this. It’s for your husband.”
“Oh, thank you.” She took the envelope from him and saw Allie Jones written at the top of it. From the looks of it, it had ended up in the wrong town before finally making it here. She glanced at Caleb. “We should take th
is to your father.”
Caleb nodded and left the general store with her. Fortunately, Eric was at the jailhouse. Sometimes he wasn’t there. She’d learned he’d walk around town or be asked to break up an argument from time to time. Her curiosity was getting the best of her, and she wanted to find out the contents of the missive right away.
She opened the door and led Caleb in before following him inside.
Eric looked up from a paper he was writing on. “Ah, my two favorite people. To what do I owe the pleasure?” He rose to his feet, circled the desk, and walked over to them.
“Allison wrote to you,” Caroline explained, presenting the envelope to him. “I thought you might like to read it.”
With a nod, he opened the envelope. “I have been wondering what happened to her. I hope she’s alright.”
Caroline hadn’t considered something bad might have happened to her. She held her breath as he pulled the paper out and unfolded it.
He read through the contents of the missive, and she patiently waited for him to tell her what was in it. By the expression on his face, she could tell he was surprised. However, he didn’t seem upset, so that had to be good. At least, she hoped that’s what it meant.
When he finally put the missive down, he said, “She was delayed because she saw a murder.”
Caroline’s eyes grew wide. “She did?”
“It happened on the train, and she was asked to stay in Missouri to testify at the trial,” he replied. “The judge has seen to it that she’ll be provided for the rest of the way here, so she has everything she needs. She’ll be here in a few days.”
“It’s good she’s not hurt.”
“That is good.” After a moment, he added, “It’s a shame she didn’t see who pushed Lydia down the ravine. I sure could use the help.”
“It’ll happen. Just keep your ears and eyes open.” She kissed him.
“You know what I love most about you?”
“What?”
“Your faith in me.”
Pleased, she smiled and gave him another kiss. “You don’t make hasty decisions, and that’s a good thing. It helps when you keep a clear head.” She put her arm around Caleb’s shoulder and told the boy, “Just like you. You’ll do good things, too.”
Though Caleb shrugged, she detected the hint of a smile on his face from the compliment.
“So, what are you going to do about Allison since we’re married?” she asked Eric.
Eric tapped the missive in his hand for a moment then smiled. “I know who’ll make her a good husband. I think she’ll agree to it, but he’s going to be harder to convince.”
Now her interest was piqued. “Oh? Who’s that?”
“Travis Martin. It’d do him some good to have a wife, especially one who’s willing to stay and testify in a trial. She’s the type who does the right thing when the time calls for it, and he could use someone like that.”
“Travis seemed terribly shy when Caleb and I went to get you the day Lydia was found dead.”
“I know, which is why getting him married won’t be easy. But, just because something is difficult, it doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing.” He put the missive on his desk then came back to her and Caleb. “I’m in the mood for a walk. I’ve been sorting through this thing with Lydia too much. I think I need a break. Want to join me?”
Caroline and Caleb nodded, and the three left the jailhouse for a nice, relaxing walk.
Author’s Note
I don’t often leave a loose thread hanging in a story like I did with Lydia’s murderer still free. In this case, however, I felt it necessary for the sake of the series to leave this open. The guilty party will be discovered. (I know who it is, and I have introduced that character in this story.) I believe the killer’s identity will be exposed in the next book, The Accidental Mail Order Bride. I’m not a plotter by nature. I can only know the story as I’m writing it.
Coming September 4, 2016!
The Accidental Mail Order Bride
Eric Johnson’s real mail order bride shows up later than expected, and she quickly learns he is already married. Now Allie Jones is stuck in a small Colorado town with no way to leave. She must either marry the only remaining bachelor or risk being sold to the saloon’s owner to be one of the soiled doves. Seeing she has no real choice, she agrees to marry the bachelor.
Not being much to look at and overweight, Travis Martin is content to live alone, sheltered in the wooded area of the mountainside, free from the town’s endless gossip. So that’s why the last thing he expects is a preacher when there’s a knock on the door. With great hesitation, he agrees to the marriage. He can’t confine her to the saloon, but he knows the marriage won’t be a happy one for her, not when she could have had someone so much better.
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***
Coming January 7, 2017!
The Bargain Mail Order Bride
Carl Richie’s wife took delight in making him miserable, often reminding him she wished she’d married someone much more deserving. So when she dies, it’s no great loss. His problems, however, are far from over.
His father left him twenty acres and a stream that most likely has gold in it, but in order for him to keep the property, he must have a child. The last thing Carl wants to do is marry again, but he has no choice. So, with reluctance, he posts a mail-order bride ad.
Juliet Gilbert needs to marry someone—and fast. On a whim, she answers the first mail-order bride ad that will take her to a place where her past won’t catch up with her. From the beginning, Carl makes it clear he’s not interested in love. He only wants a child, and then he’ll give her a portion of any gold he finds on his land and leave her alone to do as she wishes.
Since love is the least of her concerns, she agrees as long as he never asks about her past. The two strike the bargain, and she comes out to marry him. What neither expects, however, is that bargains are far easier to make than they are to keep.
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Already Available in the Chance at Love Series
The Convenient Mail Order Bride
When Phoebe Durbin answers a mail-order bride ad, she doesn’t realize the groom-to-be didn’t post it. Worse, the day she arrives at her destination, she learns he doesn’t even want to get married. Having nowhere else to go, she convinces him to give her a chance to prove having a woman cook and clean for him will be the best thing that ever happened to him.
Abe Thomas reluctantly agrees to take Phoebe in, though he doubts they will make a good match. They’re much too different. While she sees the best in things, he knows the world is much darker than she can ever imagine. No woman in her right mind would be his convenient wife. He’s sure when the stagecoach comes back to town, she’ll be the first one on it. After all, two people so completely different can’t make a good match, can they?
All Books by Ruth Ann Nordin
(Chronological Order)
Regencies
Marriage by Scandal
The Earl’s Inconvenient Wife
A Most Unsuitable Earl
His Reluctant Lady
The Earl’s Scandalous Wife
Marriage by Deceit
The Earl’s Secret Bargain
Love Lessons With the Duke
Ruined by the Earl
The Earl’s Stolen Bride
Marriage by Arrangement
His Wicked Lady
Her Devilish Marquess
Standalone Regency
Her Counterfeit Husband
Historical Western Romance
Pioneer Series
Wagon Trail Bride
Nebraska Romance Series
Her Heart’s Desire
A Bride for Tom
A Husband for Margaret
Eye of the Beholder
The Wrong Husband
Shotgun Groom
To Have and To Hold
His Redeeming Bride
Isaac’s
Decision
Chance at Love Series
The Convenient Mail Order Bride
The Mistaken Mail Order Bride
South Dakota Series
Loving Eliza
Bid for a Bride
Bride of Second Chances
Montana Collection
Mitch’s Win
Boaz’s Wager
Patty’s Gamble
Native American Romance Series
Restoring Hope
Brave Beginnings
Bound by Honor, Bound by Love
A Chance In Time
Virginia Series
An Unlikely Place for Love
The Cold Wife
An Inconvenient Marriage
Romancing Adrienne
Historical Romance Anthologies (with Janet Syas Nitsick)
Bride by Arrangement
A Groom’s Promise
Standalone Historical Western Romances
Falling In Love With Her Husband
Kent Ashton’s Backstory (Prequel to Catching Kent)
Catching Kent
His Convenient Wife
Meant To Be
The Mail Order Bride’s Deception
Contemporary Romance
Omaha Romance Series
With This Ring, I Thee Dread
What Nathan Wants
Just Good Friends
Across the Stars Series
Suddenly a Bride
Runaway Bride
His Abducted Bride
Standalone Contemporaries
Substitute Bride
Bride by Design (under pen name Barbara Joan Russell)
Thriller
Return of the Aliens (Christian End-Times Novel)
Late One Night (flash fiction)
Fantasy
Enchanted Galaxy Series
A Royal Engagement
Royal Hearts
The Royal Pursuit
Royal Heiress
To find out more about Ruth Ann Nordin’s books and upcoming titles, you can go to the following sites:
Her Author Blog: http://ruthannnordinauthorblog.wordpress.com
Her Website:
www.ruthannnordin.com
Her Timeline on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ruth.a.nordin
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