RNWMP: Bride for Elijah (Mail Order Mounties Book 2)

by Kay P. Dawson

  “You haven’t won young lady. You’ll come crawling back, I know you will.”

  He had no idea how wrong he was.

  Elijah pulled back and smiled at her. "Looks like Monty has moved off the tracks."

  Pulling his head back down to hers, she silently thanked the silly moose that had always seemed to be right where he was needed.

  She remembered Miss Hazel saying something to her long ago about the moose knowing where he belonged, and that someday, Rose would know too.

  As she stood in Elijah's arms, listening to the train pull away, she finally understood what the woman had been saying.

  Right here, in this man's arms, was the only place she belonged.

  Epilogue

  Rose smiled down at the baby in her arms, still in awe at the miracle she'd just created. Lifting her eyes to Elijah's, she shook her head in disbelief. "Can you believe she's so perfect?"

  He grinned as he kept his eyes on his new daughter. "I can believe it. She's just like her mama."

  Laughing, she shook her head at him. "I'm far from perfect, and you know it."

  Shrugging, he took the baby from her arms and cradled her into his chest. "You're close. Even if you have managed to do some damage along the way."

  He winked at her as she huffed in indignation. "Why do you need to bring that up now?"

  He pretended to be shocked as his eyes met hers. "Bring what up? I was merely saying you were close to perfect, however a bit on the dangerous side too."

  She crossed her arms in front of her and pretended to be angry. In truth, she couldn't really be mad because she knew what he said was the truth.

  As she looked around the bedroom that had been constructed on the new house, she figured at least everything had been finished in time for the baby to arrive.

  Shortly after Elijah's grandmother had gone home to pack her things to move back out to British Columbia to be closer to her family, Rose had been trying to make one of the dishes Pearl had shown her.

  Elijah had come home and distracted her, causing her to forget what she was cooking, so in truth she wasn't all to blame for the fact she'd managed to burn their house down around them.

  Luckily, no one had been hurt and they'd managed to get the fire out quickly.

  But they'd been left with a pile of rubble, so the other Mounties and townsfolk had gotten together to build them a new one. And this house, had room to expand as their family grew.

  It even had a room for Pearl, who'd managed to arrive back in Squirrel Ridge Junction just in time for the birth of her great-grandchild.

  "So, what do you think of the name Claire?" She looked back at the man who stood staring down at his daughter with a face full of love.

  "I think it's a beautiful name."

  "Claire was my best friend back home, and I'd like to name her after her. She was the only one I really had to confide in while I was there."

  She thought back to her friend who'd been so excited for her to come out and meet "her Mountie". She'd written to her to tell her how right she'd been about everything.

  Her parents had gone back to Ottawa, with Robert in tow. She'd never mentioned what Robert had done that night to Elijah, because she knew he'd be livid. The only one who knew was Monty, and she was sure he'd never tell. If Elijah had found out, she knew he'd want to make the man pay, but Rose just wanted them out of their lives for good.

  She'd also written to her mother a few times, and was surprised when her mother had written to say how happy she was for Rose to have found a man to love her.

  While she wished she could have had a better relationship with her parents, she knew it would now be her turn to make sure her own children had the kind of childhood she'd longed for.

  Squirrel Ridge Junction had become her home, and the people in this room were her family. She laughed as the door opened, letting in the rest of her "family."

  Pearl led the way, with the other Mounties and all their wives and some new babies behind them. These people had given her more love than she could have ever hoped for, and she knew she would never trade it for the world.

  Turning her head slightly, she shook her head and laughed again at the sight out her window.

  And of course, how could she forget Monty, who was once again tangled in the clothesline out back.

  The moose lifted his head and looked in the window, then gave it a shake and walked away, leaving a trail of destruction behind him.

  Elijah came over and sat beside her, while Pearl took the baby from his arms. Everyone followed her to get a good look, so he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "I love you, Rose."

  Smiling up at him, she reached up to push the curl off his forehead.

  "Even if I'm not perfect, and managed to burn your house down?"

  He grinned at her. "You make my life exciting. What more could a man want?"

  Pulling his lips to hers, she closed her eyes and let him show her. And she knew without a doubt, this Mountie had her whole heart.

  I hope that you enjoyed RNWMP: Bride for Elijah!

  If you could take a couple minutes and head back to Amazon to leave a review, it would be truly appreciated :)

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  KEEP READING FOR AN EXCERPT FROM RNWMP: BRIDE FOR NOLAN COMING NEXT…

  Bride for Nolan Excerpt

  Bride for Nolan

  Chapter 1

  Mrs. Hazel Hughes wasn’t normally the nervous type. Sitting in the front row of her beloved church, half-listening to Reverend James wax rhapsodic about hellfire and damnation, she simply couldn’t stop fidgeting. For the third time that morning, she caught herself chewing a thumbnail down to the quick. Terrible habit…especially in church!

  “I only need one more,” she muttered under her breath, wondering how she was going to find another young lady willing to leave her life in Ottawa behind to start a new one in British Columbia.

  “What was that, Miss Hazel?” JoAnn Watson whispered, a worried look in her eyes.

  “Nothing, dear,” Miss Hazel replied, patting her hand.

  The darling young woman was one of four she wanted escort out west as brides for the four handsome Mounties stationed with her son in Squirrel Ridge. The problem was she’d only managed to recruit three willing victims…er, brides to sign on to her crazy plan. She still needed one more.

  But time was running short. She’d been so confident of finding the perfect matches for her son’s friends, she’d already bought five non-refundable tickets for the train leaving September first. Unfortunately, no one she’d spoken to so far had seemed right for Nolan Wheeler, and she refused to send a woman she didn’t consider perfect for him. He was serving God and his country, after all. He deserved nothing but the best!

  Socializing after church was always Hazel’s favorite part of the week, but it would have to wait until she found her fourth bride. The moment Reverend James dismissed them, she leapt to her feet and scanned the crowd, looking for any young woman she hadn’t already spoken to. Only the same faces she’d seen for years.

  Darn, she thought, then immediately felt ashamed. Sorry, God!

  Hazel had yet to ask for help from the other women in church, mainly because they all thought she had a screw loose, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Esther Duesenberry, a prim and proper old biddy who never could keep her nose out of other people’s business, was holding court with three of her busybody cronies near Hazel. Maybe one of them had a granddaughter…

  As Hazel approached, she could hear them whispering in hushed tones and casting sly glances toward the back of the church. Peering over their shoulders, she spotted a lovely auburn-haired young woman trying to
melt into the woodwork whenever someone approached to greet her. Then Hazel was finally able to make out what Esther was saying.

  “…told me she was the personal chef for a very high-ranking member of Parliament. Apparently, his wife dismissed her out of the blue about a month ago with no notice, no reason and, most tellingly, no recommendation. I think we all know what that means.”

  The other ladies gasped at the implication. Hazel’s blood boiled, not only that they would be so cruel as to gossip about someone — especially someone they didn’t know — but to do it in church! And she’d thought biting her nails during the sermon was crude.

  Clearing her throat, Hazel interrupted. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

  Esther blinked at her, then a mask of condescension dropped across her features. “Excuse me?”

  “Did you not understand?” Hazel asked with a sweet, innocent smile. “Here, let me try another. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. I’m pretty sure that goes for women too.”

  Without another glance their way, Hazel swept past the red-faced women and made a beeline for the shy woman at the back. Shoving out her hand at the woman, she said, “Dear, my name is Mrs. Hazel Hughes and I would like to invite you to lunch at my house.”

  She didn’t give the girl a chance to respond, just wrapped her arm through Hazel’s and stormed out of the church, head held high.

  “I’m sorry, dear, what did you say your name was? In all the fuss, it plumb slipped my mind.”

  Hazel handed the young woman a plate of finger sandwiches. They sat in the drawing room, surrounded by gifts and trinkets given to her by her late husband. Hazel knew they were unfashionable, but she couldn’t bear to part with them.

  “Tilly, ma’am. Tilly Conway.”

  “Well, I’m delighted to make your acquaintance, Tilly.”

  They sat in uncomfortable silence for a few moments, chewing silently and casting sidelong glances at each other. Tilly looked to be in her early 20s, with a trim figure and the loveliest auburn hair. Bright green eyes sparkled from under impossibly long eyelashes, and her fair skin was dotted with a few pale freckles.

  Hazel swallowed her last bite and jumped to the meat of the matter. “I hear you might have had some trouble recently, Tilly. I don’t put much stock in gossip, so I was hoping you’d feel comfortable telling me what happened.”

  A dark blush crept up the woman’s cheeks, but she gamely squared her shoulders, took a deep breath, and started talking. “I had rather hoped no one would know me at that church, Mrs. Hughes.”

  “Call me Miss Hazel.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’m sure you heard I was fired as the chef to a prominent politician, whom I’d rather not name.”

  “I understand, dear.”

  Tilly smiled tentatively. “You probably heard all sorts of wild speculation for the reason for my dismissal, but I’m certain you haven’t heard the full story.”

  “That’s why I’m asking you. I’ve found it’s so important to hear both sides of any story before believing either.”

  Tears sprang to Tilly’s beautiful green eyes. “I wish more people thought like you, Miss Hazel.”

  “Me too,” Hazel sighed dramatically, drawing the first smile from the girl. Beautiful!

  “Well, the truth of the matter is that I worked for the family for three years, and during all that time, I did my best to deflect the MP’s unwelcome amorous advances. It started innocently enough, with lingering looks and light touches, but one night he came down to the kitchens after indulging too much during a party. He came up behind me — I swear I didn’t even know he was there — and…”

  Tilly’s voice broke and her chest hitched in a sob, but she quickly regained her composure and continued. Hazel couldn’t help admire the girl’s bravery under such circumstances.

  “Luckily and unluckily, his wife came looking for him. I say ‘luckily’ because, if she hadn’t, I’m not sure what he would have done to me. Of course the unlucky part was that she thought I’d somehow encouraged or invited his attentions. Which I didn’t!”

  Hazel patted Tilly’s hand and smiled. “I believe you, dear. I suppose the wife wouldn’t listen to you.”

  Tilly nodded sadly. “She fired me on the spot, and I had to pack my belongings and leave in the middle of the night with nowhere to go. Then she spread the word to all her friends to not hire me. I can’t even get a job as a maid now. A friend is letting me room with her, but she’s getting married next week and I have nowhere else to go.”

  Finally, the dam broke and Tilly broke down. Hazel gathered her up in her arms and rocked her until the storm had passed. Handing Tilly a handkerchief, Hazel sat back down and watched as she pulled herself together.

  The girl was strong, even in the face of such vile behavior by her employer — forget that he was a member of parliament, for goodness sakes. Having a career meant she was independent by nature, despite her tears, and Hazel had no doubts about the girl’s morality.

  At such an advanced age, she’d seen more than a young woman like Tilly could dream of. She knew men could be animals, yet their victims always seemed to be blamed for their bad behavior. But Tilly boldly told a stranger the truth, despite the fact most people in polite society wouldn’t believe her. That took bravery.

  Then there was the fact she was a chef. Yes, she was perfect!

  “Tilly, I may have a solution for you.”

  Tilly blinked in surprise. “You do?”

  “It’s a bit unorthodox, but I hope you’ll hear me out. My son is a proud member of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police out in Squirrel Ridge, British Columbia.”

  Tilly’s eyes lit up. “Oh, how exciting!”

  “Yes, very. It’s beautiful country out there. So lush and green, full of wildlife. I think you’d really like it.”

  The girl’s brow crinkled in confusion. “You want me to go to British Columbia? Why? Do they need cooks out there?”

  Hazel nearly laughed. “Well, one man in particular does. You see, I’m looking for a bride for Teddy’s fellow Mountie, Nolan Wheeler, and I think you would be absolutely perfect for him.”

  Tilly blinked before understanding dawned on her. “You mean… Are you saying…”

  “Yes. I would like to invite you to become the respected bride of a Mountie. It will be a fresh start in a new land with a fine young man who will adore you.”

  All the color had trained from Tilly’s face. “Oh. I don’t know…”

  “Don’t say no, dear. Think about it. I’ll begin training the other young ladies—“

  “Others?” Tilly asked, surprised.

  “Yes, there are three other women I’ll be escorting to Squirrel Ridge at the beginning of the month. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be teaching them all the skills they’ll need to become proper wives to such fine young men.”

  “Oh,” Tilly said again, looking utterly flabbergasted.

  “Think about it,” Hazel said again, standing to signal the end of their meeting. She had so much to prepare for the next day, after all. “Training will begin and eight in the morning. If you decide you’d like to start a new life, please be on time. If not, I wish you nothing but the best of luck.”

  As Hazel stood on the porch watching Tilly walk down the street in a daze, she smiled. “See you in the morning, Tilly,” she said softly. “Or should I say, Mrs. Wheeler.”

  Tilly stood on Miss Hazel’s front porch, listening to the Victoria Tower bell ring eight times. Her knuckles turned white from gripping the handle of her well-worn carpetbag, trying to decide if she should walk in, as Miss Hazel had told her to do, or turn on her heel and run for the hills.

  The last month had been the worst she’d experienced in her twenty-three years, and that included the time she’d come down with scarlet fever. She’d been blackballed
from cooking jobs all over town, even at small cafes. Once her former employer’s wife had put out the word, it had spread like wildfire.

  Tilly had dreamed of becoming a chef her entire life. It was the only ‘job’ she’d ever wanted, although it never felt like a job to her. She’d spent two years training under renowned French chefs, and had worked hard to develop a reputation as the best female chef in the city. Now that she had a totally different kind of reputation, all her hard work had been for nothing and her dreams had been shattered.

  She’d been on the verge of asking her parents if she could move back home when she decided to attend church, hoping prayer would give her guidance. There were already too many Conway children still left at home, plus she’d rather enjoyed her taste of independence and wasn’t ready to give it up. But what choice did she have? As she sat at the back, hoping no one would recognize her, she prayed for a miracle. Then she’d met Miss Hazel.

  She’d spent a sleepless night considering Miss Hazel’s offer, but hadn’t made a decision by the time the sun peeked through the curtains. She’d packed her meager belongings in a stupor, still unsure if she was going to accept. Even as she walked up the steps to the front door, she had no idea what to do. Was this God’s answer to her prayers? It certainly didn’t feel like a miracle to her.

  On one hand, her life in Ottawa was all but over. What more could she ask for than a fresh start someplace as far from Ottawa as possible, while still remaining in Canada? She’d be married to a Mountie, who were widely known to be respectable and noble young men. Best of all, no one there would know of the scandal she’d left behind — Miss Hazel had assured her of that.

  On the other hand, she’d be marrying a total stranger who could turn out to be a lout. She’d also miss her large family terribly. And what if all the lies racing through town died down and she could eventually go back to working as a well-respected chef?

  Tilly set her bag down and wiped her sweaty palms on the front of her blue dress. She’d been standing there for several minutes and was no closer to making a decision. There was only one way break the impasse.