[2016] A Wanting Bride

by Christian Michael

  “What is it?” he asked, concern taking over.

  “I—” she bit her lip and her brow furrowed. Clearly something was wrong.

  Fighting his impatience, he tried to keep his tone even. “Please, tell me what’s happened.”

  “I told Dora the truth.”

  Her words landed on him like a hammer against a blacksmith’s anvil. “You what?”

  “I’m sorry. I tried to find a way around it but I couldn’t lie to her.”

  “How could you do this?” His voice dropped low but still held its intensity. “You could have singlehandedly ruined this entire week with your careless words.”

  “They weren’t careless—they were the truth! Something you’ve all but forbade me from saying. I can’t believe—” she cut her words off. “Never mind. I just wanted to tell you and say that I’m sorry. Not for telling the truth, but for any effects it could have. Though she did assure me she would keep my confidence.”

  His pulse thundered at his neck and he felt the urge to cry out in frustration. If her words harmed this deal—he cut off his own thoughts. That remained to be seen in this moment. All he could do was forge ahead and hope that Belle hadn’t put an end to all of the hard work he’d put into this week.

  Turning from her he shook his head. “I hope that she does.” Then he walked out of the room without another glance.

  ***

  Belle sunk onto the bed, dropping her head to her hands. Dennis had responded exactly how’d she expected, though a small part of her had hoped that he wouldn’t. That he would be understanding. Of course that had been a foolish hope. She realized that now. He acted like a beast at times and, though he had soft spots, they were rarely seen.

  Her anger threatened to rise up, but a thought calmed her. He was responding out of fear—fear that this week would be for naught, fear that he wouldn’t be able to provide for Minnie, fear that his secrets would be found out.

  Could she blame him? He had lost so much already and now the one thing he could hold on to was being threatened. A wave of compassion washed over her and she let go of a breath. There was only one thing she could do, and she felt the prompting was from God, not from her own mind.

  She would talk with Thomas Sullivan, Dora’s husband, and try and convince him of her husband’s worthiness as a businessman. It was the only thing she could do.

  Chapter 6

  Dennis chewed a bit of food then swallowed, not tasting anything at all. His thoughts were scattered every which way and it was all he could do to stay seated without getting up and pacing back and forth as an outlet for his nervous energy.

  Thomas had made it abundantly clear that he wanted to enjoy the dinner and then, when the men retired to the porch to smoke cigars and enjoy their drinks, they would discuss business. Dennis shouldn’t have been surprised. This was obviously how Thomas liked to do business, but part of him was disappointed. He wanted to know about the man’s decision—and he wanted to know now.

  He pushed his childish thoughts away as his gaze collided with Belle’s for a moment. She held his gaze then looked away and he felt the pain he’d caused her. He had blown up at her while she had only been trying to be honest with him.

  Fixing his gaze on his plate, he allowed the truth to sink in. He cared for her. Despite how he’d acted, he had started to see her in a completely different light. She charmed Thomas and the other men, she maneuvered easily around their wives, and she loved Minnie as if she were her own.

  Even now he watched as Belle leaned over and whispered into his daughter’s ear. They both giggled quietly and he felt his heart warm. She was exactly the kind of mother Minnie needed and—if he would allow himself—the kind of wife he needed.

  Thoughts of Maddie were still present, but the more time he spent around Belle the more they faded. Not in fondness or even love, but in potency. He wasn’t debilitated by them anymore.

  He was lucky to have married a woman like Belle.

  And yet how had he treated her? Angrily and without understanding. He needed to apologize to her. Before he could do anything, Thomas stood up at the head of the table and all eyes flew to him.

  “Attention, everyone. Quite please.” The conversation died away and he smiled at the rapt attention. “First of all, I want to say thank you to Dennis for hosting us this week.”

  Dennis felt everyone’s appreciative glances turn his way and he dipped his head in a show of humbleness. “It was our pleasure to have you.”

  “I also want to share a story with you all, in the hopes of being frank and open. As you know, I view us as family.” The man’s gaze drilled into Dennis’s. “And when a member of the family is in pain, it hurts us all.”

  Dennis felt his heartbeat pick up its pace. Where was this coming from? What was he talking about?

  “I think that, more than anything, your commitment to us as potential partners has been grievously understated. I was told by your lovely wife of the fact that your previous wife had passed away last year.” Gasps went up around the table and his eyes flitted to Belle who kept her head down. “I don’t say that to share your personal news, but I want everyone here to know the sacrifice you made. You kept the burden of your pain from us in order to put the business first, and as much as I recognize that and admire you for your choices, I want to call us all to something greater.”

  Dennis wasn’t sure of what he was hearing. What did Thomas mean?

  “I want to accept this merger, but I also want to forge a bond between us. That, though we are miles apart, we will be like family to one another. I hereby ask that, as our first order of business together, we establish a yearly retreat at one of our houses. We’ll all convene and there will be talk of business, but the purpose behind it will be friendship. Do you all accept?”

  Dennis was shocked. Belle had told Thomas, something he would have forbidden her to do, and yet the result was even better than he could have expected.

  There was a chorus of “ayes” then all eyes turned to him. With his gaze focused on Belle, he said, “We accept.”

  ***

  Belle crept down the stairs toward the kitchen. It had been hours since their meal, the one where she’d hardly eaten anything because her nerves had stolen her hunger, and she was extremely hungry. Rounding the corner, she stopped short seeing Dennis sitting at the kitchen table.

  “I thought you might come down,” he said. His gaze drilled into hers but there didn’t appear to be anger there. Was he mad at her still?

  “I—I didn’t eat much at dinner.”

  He held out a hunk of bread and cheese. “Want some?” Her stomach growled in response and the corner of his mouth quirked. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  She joined him at the table, taking some of the bread and cheese and chewing thoughtfully.

  After a time, he said, “Belle, I need to apologize.”

  “I didn’t mean to share your secret,” she blurted out before he could stop her. “I just wanted to tell him how hardworking you are. Then Dora joined the conversation and…it just came out. I’m sorry.”

  “No,” he rested his hand over hers and squeezed, causing her to meet his gaze. “You did the right thing. I’ve been in the wrong this whole time. I was so focused on work and just…shortsighted. Can you forgive my arrogance?”

  “Of course,” the words were out of her mouth before she had chance to really think about them, but she knew they were the truth. She would forgive him time and time again, because sometime over this week and their extended time together, she had come to care for him—beastly arrogance and all. She smiled at her thoughts.

  “And…” she watched him hesitate, searching for the words, “And I know that it will take time, but I want us to have a good marriage. A loving one.” His eyes met hers, diving into the depths there, and he leaned forward as his hand came to rest against her cheek.

  She reached up and rested her hand on top of his then, not knowing what else to say—if there even was anything—she leaned
forward and pressed her lips to his.

  He was shocked by her bold actions but didn’t pull back. The kiss was short but it sealed their promises to one another.

  Theirs would be a love that grew and was shaped by time. Though it would take effort from them both, Belle knew their bond would be stronger for it. What had started with a week of playacting as husband and wife had now turned into the real thing.

  THE END.

  Secret Baby

  Mail Order Bride

  CHRISTIAN MICHAEL

  Chapter 1

  Big Timber, Montana

  “It sure is pretty out here,” Tobias Young said.

  “Agreed,” Mack Tucker said, nodding to his friend and pastor. “I’m glad you could come out for a ride this morning.”

  “’Course. I always have time to slow down. A man can’t be so busy that he doesn’t take time to enjoy God’s creation.”

  Mack smiled, thankful for his friend’s company. He’d been feeling lonely the last few months and he needed times like this to remind himself of the fact he wasn’t alone—even if it felt that way sometimes.

  “So are you going to tell me what’s been eating you?”

  “Huh?” Mack said, drawn from his thoughts.

  “You’re distracted.”

  Mack rubbed the back of his neck, glancing sideways at Tobias. “Am I?”

  Tobias laughed but didn’t say anything. He was waiting for Mack to fess up to what was eating away at him.

  “I’ve been feeling lonely.” There, he’d said it. Admitted to his feelings.

  “I see.” Tobias nodded slowly but didn't say anything else.

  He was waiting for Mack to give him more…and of course Mack would. He always did, because he felt comfortable with the pastor and because the man was his friend.

  “It’s just that after Maude’s wedding I kind of feel like I’m…I don't know, missing out on something.”

  “Like a family?”

  “Yeah,” Mack admitted, “Just like that.”

  “You do know that a family takes being married, right?”

  He let out a short laugh. “I do.”

  “Well then, what’s keeping you from that?”

  Was he serious? He of all people should know that the pickings for women in Big Timber were less than ideal.

  “Really?” he asked, incredulous.

  “I’m not saying you’ll find someone here,” Tobias said with a laugh.

  “Then where?”

  “Do like I did. Find a wife through a mail order bride catalogue.”

  Mack’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. “What? You’re saying that Anna was a mail order bride.”

  “She was,” he said, then leveled his stare at Mack, “But don’t go blabbing that around. She’s a private woman and says that our love story is ours…or something nonsensical like that.”

  Mack laughed. “You got it. But…was it worth it?”

  “You’ve seen Anna and I. What do you think?”

  “I never would have guessed you’d ordered her as a bride. You seem so in love.”

  “It’s because we are.” Tobias grinned. “I saw the Lord’s hand in our story just as I know His hand will be in yours too. Try it. Place and advertisement and see who bites.”

  “This isn’t fishing,” Mack reminded the man.

  “No, but you may be surprised. God won’t bring just anyone into your life, she’ll be just what you need to grow closer to Him.”

  The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying to Mack. He wanted to move on with his life, into the next step and all, but he also didn’t like the hint of warning in Tobias’s tone.

  “Look at it this way,” Tobias said, noticing Mack’s hesitation. “You’ll be sure that God brought you together for a purpose.”

  How could Mack argue with that—let alone a pastor?

  ***

  Boston

  Effie Blackston couldn’t stop crying. This was the worst week of her life and it had started out with the promise of being the best.

  “Miss, you’ve got to eat something,” the maid said, coming into the room with a tray.

  Just the scent of the food sent Effie to the washroom in nausea.

  “I…can’t,” she managed, hugging her arms across her body and falling back into the bed. “Please…just leave me.”

  “But miss,” the young girl said, bold taking a seat on the bed, “You shouldn’t be alone right now.”

  Effie looked at the girl, Mary, who was just a few years older than herself but yet wizened with street smarts Effie didn’t have. She was a cunning girl when it came to high society, but apparently an idiot when it came to love.

  “He said he loved me.” Effie stared into space in front of her, numbness flowing through her.

  “Men lie, miss,” Mary said.

  Effie’s gaze snapped to the girl’s.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, “It sounds harsh, but it’s true. You can’t let his leaving you at the alter ruin the rest of your life.”

  Effie was shocked by the girl’s blunt words but yet bolstered by them too. She couldn’t let the fact that Ronald left on their wedding day completely cripple her. She still had friends…then again, she wasn’t sure if she did. Most of her friends had come through Roland’s circles.

  Another bout of nausea took her. “Ugh, if only I didn’t feel so awful.”

  “I’m sorry, miss,” Mary gently put her hand on her head. “Have you felt ill for a while now? Should I fetch the doctor?”

  “Just recently. I’ve felt like this the last few mornings.” Effie groaned and laid back down.

  “Mornings, you say?” Mary asked.

  “Yes,” Effie said, rolling over. “It’s quite awful.”

  “Miss...” Mary’s tone drew Effie’s gaze to her.

  The look on the girl’s face startled her. “What is it?”

  “It’s not my place, miss,” Mary said, licking her lips carefully, “But, could…um, could you be expecting?”

  Effie felt the world slow down. No…

  She swallowed, her memory going back to a night a few weeks ago. A night that never should have happened.

  Tears pricked her eyes. “Oh, Mary—”

  Mary’s eyes reflected her shock but the look was quickly replaced by compassion.

  “What will I do? I’ll be put out by my parents, estranged from everyone I know…how will I survive?”

  Mary’s brows wrinkled and she twisted her hands together, thinking hard about the situation. “I have a suggestion, miss, but I don’t know if you’ll like it.”

  At this point Effie had no other options. If this young servant girl could offer something—anything—she would take the way out. “What is it?”

  “Become a mail order bride.”

  Effie gasped, thinking of the girls she’d known who had gone to the West to be married. Effie had laughed at them, thanking the Lord she was engaged to Ronald. And look how that had turned out.

  “But…”

  “It’s the only way, miss.” Mary shook her head and Effie felt more than saw her glance at Effie’s abdomen. The one that would swell with a child soon.

  It was the only way. “But no man will take an unwed mother.” Effie’s voice broke on the last word.

  “Once they know, it’ll be too late.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’re a small woman, miss. You find a man soon enough, you can be out West and married before the babe starts to show. We’ll let your dresses out. Once he’s married to you there’ll be nothing to do but care for you and the little one.”

  Effie saw the many holes in the girl’s logic, but at this point she had no better option.

  Resigning herself to the fact, Effie said, “Fetch me the matrimonial journal.”

  Chapter 2

  Mack couldn’t take his eyes off of Effie. She stood before him in the church, a faint pinkish tint to her cheeks, with her dark brown hair piled high on her head and her pale blue e
yes on his. From the moment she stepped from the train to now, he wanted to pinch himself every few moments. He was living a dream.

  They said their vows and Tobias pronounced them man and wife. Then, taking her hand in his, he led the way down the aisle. Without her family present or his, he hadn’t planned anything special and he hoped she wouldn't mind. The mere fact they had married the same day she arrived was amazing to him, but she seemed to be as eager as he was.

  Now they were in the wagon on the way to his cabin on the ranch he owned and ran. He glanced sideways at her and wondered what she was thinking. They’d barely said anything to one another since she arrived, their vows being the most they’d spoken in person, but he figured there was plenty of time to change that in the coming years.

  “This here is the beginning of my property,” he said when they came up on a tree lined drive. She merely nodded, not saying a word.

  The road wound around until the cabin came in sight. It was small, one long structure with sections for the kitchen, sitting area in front of the fire, and a bedroom at one side.

  From the look of her clothes, it would be much less fancy than what she was used to, but he hoped it would be sufficient.

  “This is it?” she said, breaking the silence.

  “Yup.” He pulled the wagon up, coming around to help her down.

  She eyed the cabin with unease.

  “Don’t worry, it’s clean and cozy. Nice and warm in the winter.”

  Without saying anything she followed him inside. It was dim, the windows covered by blankets that he’d forgotten to remove. “It is lacking a woman’s touch, but I figure you can help with that.”

  She stood at the entrance, staring at everything until her gaze rested on the bed that was separated by another hanging blanket, one corner held back by a tie.

  “That’s the…um, the bedroom.” He rubbed the back of his neck realizing now that he hadn’t thought this through. They may be man and wife, but he was sure she wouldn’t be comfortable in the same bed with him anytime soon.