Growing in Love with Her Mail-Order Husband
Page 2
“Have I upset you somehow?” she queried of him, unsure the reason for his silence.
“No, why would you think that?” he responded with his own question.
“You’ve been quiet ever since we sat down to eat and you look upset.”
“Sweet Maggie, you have done nothing but make me happy. I haven’t had time to think all day and only when we sat down did I realize today’s date. This would have been my daughter’s eleventh birthday,” he answered.
“I’m sorry,” she answered, wishing she could ease his pain. Children were not a blessing Aaron and she had received, as much as she wanted them. The thought of losing a tiny one was heart-wrenching all the same.
“For a long time, I was bitter about her loss. I couldn’t understand why God would allow two innocents lives to be taken so horrifically. It’s taken many years, but I’ve finally come to peace about it. I know that one day I will see Lillian again in Heaven, but I can’t help but wonder what she would be like today. And on special days like her birthday, there is no escaping the memories.”
Maggie reached over, gently caressing his arm in a soothing manner. “It’s okay to remember her, Matthew. You mustn’t feel guilty for that. Moving on with our lives doesn’t mean forgetting those we loved.”
His hand moved to rest on hers. “You’re a good and wise woman, Maggie Anders. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and we have much to be thankful for this year.”
“Yes, we do. Tonight instead of reading, let’s make a list of all our things to be thankful for. I have some paper and ink hidden away in a trunk,” she suggested.
“That’s a wonderful idea. I’ll help you clean the dishes and then we can sit at the table and create a list.”
Supper was soon cleaned up and Matthew stoked the fire, while Maggie went to find the paper. She returned and they sat closely at the table, their shoulders brushing against each other with every movement of their arms. An hour had passed and they filled three sheets of papers with things they had to be thankful for. No matter how small or large, they included it. By the time they finished the exercise, Maggie felt better than she had in some time. And she could see by the candle’s light, that it had the same effect on Matthew. The lines on his face were less harsh and his eyes lit up.
Maggie pushed her chair back and was about to stand when Matthew extended his hand to stop her.
“Don’t go yet; I forgot to add something and it’s one of the most important ones.”
“What is it?” she asked.
“I’m thankful for you, Maggie.” Even by with only the soft glow of the candle’s flame, the look in his eyes gave Maggie hope that maybe, just maybe, her love would soon be returned.
Love Declared
“Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.” Song of Solomon 8:6-7
Matthew wasn’t exactly certain when it happened, but he was in love. When he thought about it, he saw the love had been steadily growing over the last few months. It was cemented the night before Thanksgiving when they sat together making a list of everything they had to be thankful for. Despite the tragedies they both had experienced, they could still appreciate all they received.
Maggie was beautiful inside and out. Her chestnut curls so often would escape the knot she restrained them in, framing her round face. Her cheeks were no longer hollowed as they’d been when he first arrived. He liked to believe it was because he’d been able to relieve some of her workload, allowing her the rest that she needed. And she still worked hard. In all his life, Matthew had never seen someone who put so much time and effort into her work. But Maggie was indomitable. She kept going, accomplishing anything that needed doing, and Matthew admired her ethic. She had a feisty but gentle spirit and was someone with whom he could have serious conversations, but still laugh with and enjoy uplifting company. She was a perfect combination of gentle and tough. In fact, there wasn’t a single thing about his wife that he didn’t like.
A month had passed since he knew without a doubt that he was in love. He prayed non-stop for answers on how to proceed. There was that understanding when they first married, that it was not to be a marriage of love, and he didn’t want to make Maggie uncomfortable in the relationship. But unless he was completely mistaken, his bride had feelings for him also. Today was Christmas, and he had a plan.
For the last month straight he had worked on finishing their new house, praising the Lord for withholding of the first snow. The temperatures had been cold, but still milder than normal with a lack of precipitation. Yesterday, he had put the finishing touches on the house and it was ready to move in. If his plan went as he hoped and prayed, he’d be carrying his bride over the threshold for the beginning of a real marriage in every sense.
He finished his chores in the barn and returned inside to see Maggie standing over the stove cooking breakfast. Part of her present awaited her in the new house and he almost slipped and told her. After breakfast, he would talk to her and confess his love. Then he would shower her with the Christmas presents- not that the presents were contingent on her reciprocating his love. He simply wanted to give her all that he could to make her life better.
Fried ham, eggs and potatoes filled plates at the table now. A bowl of flaky, light biscuits sat in the center. They sat at table and Matthew held Maggie’s hands while he prayed over their meal.
“Dear Lord, Thank you for this meal you’ve blessed us with this morning and please nourish our bodies with it. We thank you for giving us this day to celebrate your birth and the miracles you have brought. In your name, Amen.”
When the meal was over and cleaned up, Maggie disappeared into the bedroom, returning with a package.
“Merry Christmas,” she said as she handed him the package.
Matthew set the gift down on the table and brought Maggie close to him, holding her hands while he spoke.
“I have some presents for you also, but first I’d like to talk.” He took a deep breath and Maggie’s nod encouraged him to continue. “We both agreed in the beginning, this would be a marriage of convenience and friendship. Would you be willing to reconsider those terms?” he asked.
“Yes,” she uttered in a barely audible whisper.
“I love you, Maggie; I didn’t expect to ever love again, but then you came into my life, and I can’t picture it without you. You’re everything I could hope for in a wife and more. You’re in my thoughts throughout the day and I can’t wait until the evenings when I get to come in and be with you. God gave me you to be a candle in the darkness. You light up my world in ways I never imagined. Will you be my wife in every way, sweet Maggie? Will you be my partner, my helpmate, the mother of my children?”
Maggie burst into tears and not the ones that came from joy. She sat down in a chair burying her face in her hands. Matthew knelt beside her, uncertain what just happened.
“Maggie, what’s wrong. Did I say too much at once?”
She only nodded her head side to side, still crying.
“You don’t have to tell me you love me. I didn’t say it to be told in return. I needed you to know, and maybe one day you’ll also love me, but if not I have enough love for both of us,” he rambled, searching for an answer to cure her crying.
She sniffled and wiped at her eyes, bringing the tears to rest. “I do love you, Matthew. I have loved for some time now, but didn’t know how to tell you.”
“Then why the tears my love?” he asked, still concerned.
“I don’t know if I will ever be the mother of your children. Aaron and I were married several years, but a baby never came. There might be something wrong with me,” she explained, still sniffling.
He moved to sit beside her, encasing her with his arms. “It’s okay, sweetheart.
I love you for you. If God wants us to have children he will make it happen. Either way, I love you whether we have twenty kids or none.”
His heart lifted when a giggle escaped her lips. “Twenty might be a bit much,” she said.
“Would you like to see your presents now?” he asked her.
“Open yours first,” she answered.
He reached for the gift she had covered in brown paper. Unwrapping it, he saw a new Bible.
“I thought we could have a new one to record our memories in,” she explained. “Mama’s old Bible is full of useful notes in passages and recording of memorable events, but I’d like our own. We can make our own notes as we study His word and record our own special dates.”
“I love it,” he exclaimed. “What a perfect gift to celebrate a new phase of our marriage. Grab your wrapper. Your gifts are in the new house.” He planted a kiss on her cheek, and he saw her smile in excitement.
When they were both bundled in a layer of warmth, he took her hand and led her to their new house.
“Everything is ready to move in,” he told her. “I know it is Christmas, but I’d really like to begin our new life in here today,” he said.
“I would like that also,” she answered, still smiling.
He flashed her a mischievous smile before scooping her up and carrying her into the house. Her squeal of delight and surprise brought him a hearty laugh from deep within.
“Your first gift, my dear wife,” he said taking her into the kitchen.
“A new stove!” she gasped with pleasure.
“A Waterloo, just like you wanted.”
“This is wonderful. But how did you get it here without me knowing?”
“That’s my secret,” he answered, giving her a smile and wink.
“Well, I love it,” she said again and gave him a quick hug before running over to investigate and explore her gift.
When she finally stepped away from the stove, Matthew went over the cupboard he’d built and pulled down an envelope.
“Your other present,” he said, handing her the envelope.
She flushed, unused to such lavishness being placed upon her. Carefully, she lifted a flap and pulled out the contents, her jaw dropping when she realized what it was.”
“Two train tickets to San Francisco. But how can we take such a trip?” she asked.
“You ask too many questions, my dear,” Matthew said in jest. “I’ve told you we have no need to worry about the money; we can afford a few luxuries. I’ve already spoken with the Jensen’s and they have agreed to let Robert stay at our place while we’re gone. He will take care of the house and animals for us while we’re gone. He’ll soon be old enough to purchase his own place, so the money earned will help him.”
“I can’t believe it. I’m going to see the ocean!” she cried out in glee. “I love you, Matthew. You’ve made this a very special Christmas and not just because of the gifts.”
“I love you, Maggie. Let this be the first of many Christmases we will share together.
Life Together
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;” Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
Maggie knelt down beside her late husband’s grave, placing a small bouquet of flowers by the marker. “It’s hard to believe you’ve been gone a year already. So much has happened that at times I feel like our years together was a lifetime ago, but other times it seems like just yesterday you kissed me goodbye and went out to the fields for the last time.” She paused to wipe away a tear. “I want you to know that Matthew is a good man. He takes care of me and loves me, just like I love him. He even took me to see the Pacific Ocean. Can you believe it? I took the picture I have of you with me, so you could see it also. We are almost done planting our crops now. This year we are doing mainly corn.
I have to believe you’d be happy for me. He’ll never replace the spot you have in my heart, but has his own spot. I’ll always cherish the years the Lord gave us together. We were blessed to have the years of friendship before we were married. Goodbye for now, Aaron; I’ll always love you.”
Blowing a kiss to the grave, she stood up and turned around to see Matthew staring at her with understanding. Slowly, she walked over to him, bittersweet emotions flooding through her. Today marked the one year anniversary of Aaron’s death, but today she was certain there was a new life growing in her.
When she reached Matthew, he took her in his arms, sharing the strength she had come to rely on.
“He would be proud of you,” he told her.
“Thank you,” she said with a slight smile.
He released her from his embrace then took her hand and led her back to the house for their noon meal.
“We might need to hire more help for the planting next spring,” she told her husband.
“Why is that?” he asked.
“I’ll be too busy with our newborn to be much help,” she told him.
“You mean it? We’re going to have a child?” he asked enthusiastically.
“Yes, he should be around Christmas time.”
Her husband’s grin spread from ear to ear. He let out a loud whoop as he picked her up and swung her around. “Thank you, God for all your blessings,” he prayed as he set her down.
Epilogue
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” James 1:17A
Twenty-six years later
Matthew sat down on his rocking chair on the porch. Maggie sat in the one next to him as they watched their many blessings. Their eldest son, Matthew Jr. ran around chasing his three children- Timmy, Ruth and Micah, while his wife Sarah helped shuck corn. Elizabeth, their second born, waddled towards them, pregnant with her first child. The youngest children, twins Rachel and Samuel came barreling out of the front door laughing at a joke one of them made. The only child not present was Luke, who had joined the army and was stationed in Utah at Fort Douglas. The last letter received from him stated he had fallen in love with a Colonel’s daughter and hoped to soon marry her, prompting Matthew and Maggie to schedule a trip to Utah this autumn.
“Look at everything our love has grown,” Matthew said quietly to his wife.
“We have truly been blessed. And to think had we not listened to God all those years ago, we may never have met,” Maggie replied.
“I can’t imagine missing out on all these wonderful gifts from God,” he said, nodding to the children and grandchildren. Even after almost thirty years, I still grow more in love with you every day,” he told Maggie.
“And I with you,” she answered.
Matthew called his family together and they went inside the house and gathered around the long, rectangular table. The entire family from youngest to oldest joined hands as he prayed a blessing for their food.
“Dear Lord, thank you for this food you have provided us today. Please bless our bodies with it, and accept our thanks for your bountiful blessings. Let us always remember the many things you have done for us, and may we constantly grow in love. In your name, amen.”
The End
About the Author:
Mandy Wilson is an avid reader who grew up with her nose always in a book. Some of her favorite Christian authors are Tracie Peterson, Janette Oke and Lorraine Snelling. She often believes she was born in the wrong century and loves to dream of what life was like for the pioneers.
Table of Contents
Meeting the Groom
Becoming Acquainted
Growing in Love
Love Declared
Life Together
Epilogue
-Order Husband