Sophie: Mail Order Brides of Wichita Falls - Book 7

by Cyndi Raye

  Her eyes darted back and forth. Her gloved hands clutched the cloth napkin. When he looked in to her eyes he saw stark fear.

  He realized how brave she had been to be out on her own. She was trying to face her fears. Why, the way she had been treated by John Abbott had made her afraid to walk down the side walk alone. Now, here she was, trying to start over and he was worried she’d fall for one of these men who happened to see a beautiful woman and introduce themselves.

  Most of the men who were seated before him were decent, hard-workers. He didn’t have to worry about anyone stealing her away from him because Sophie wasn’t his.

  Not yet, anyway.

  He wasn’t going to let her face her fears alone.

  She didn’t have to.

  Because she had him.

  “Good evening, sir. Would you care for a menu?” The older lady handed a food menu to him.

  “Thanks.” He took the menu and stood. “I’d like to sit with my friend over there. Would you mind.”

  The server smiled. “Of course not, then we can fit more people in. That is wonderful.”

  “Would you bring two glasses of lemonade, please?”

  Salem didn’t wait for an answer but moved quickly to Sophie’s table. She looked up in surprise before smiling. A small sigh escaped from her lips and she let a tear fall before swiping it away with the napkin she held. Salem tried not to notice so as not to embarrass her.

  “Would you mind if I join you?”

  Sophie sniffed. “Of course not. I’m glad you are here. This is quite nerve-wracking with all these people.”

  Salem shifted the chair so he was sitting directly across from Sophie. She was one of the bravest women he knew. “I was so angry with you when I heard you came here alone.”

  Sophie drew herself up, pulling her shoulders back. “I’ll have you know I wasn’t alone. The nice reverend walked me here. He is planning to come back for me in one hour.”

  Salem leaned in closer. “That’s all nice and dandy, Sophie. Who is going to protect you in here?”

  She smiled. It grew bigger when another tear slid down her cheek. She tried to hide it behind her napkin. Taking a deep breath, she forced her words out. “Why, you of course. Isn’t that why you are here?”

  Salem wanted to stick out his tongue and make her laugh out loud but he held himself back. She was trying hard to be strong and brave, even though a tear slipped out. He could either hamper her efforts or help. He wanted to help. His hand slid across the table. He placed it gently over hers. “Yes, it is why I’m here. I won’t let you deal with this alone.”

  Then he stuck out his tongue anyway and she roared with laughter. The other diners turned and stared, which made her laugh even harder. “Oh, Salem, must you do this now!”

  He grunted. Squeezed her hand and tilted his head as she settled down. He didn’t care if the other patrons wondered what in the world was going on. All he knew was his Sophie was smiling again.

  “Thank you, Salem. I needed that. I knew I had to get out in the public eye sooner or later. I was deliberately hiding out in the boarding house because I was scared. John Abbott made all of us women afraid to make a move alone.”

  “I understand, Sophie. You should not be alone in public. Not until there’s a sheriff to keep everyone safe. We don’t know who everyone is yet.”

  “I thought sitting here in this café it would be alright. The reverend insisted on escorting me here, at least. I told him I was fine so he went back to the boarding house, promising to return in an hour.”

  “I know. I went to the boarding house for supper and found out you were here.”

  Her head shot up. She had been staring at the tablecloth for some time. “You came here for me? Not to eat dinner?”

  Salem shrugged. “I know what you went through, Sophie. I was there when all of that ruckus took place, remember? Eating alone was a major mistake. Men will think you are wanting them to pursue you. Always have a companion with at all times. So, I’ll be that companion whenever you want to go out.”

  Sophie looked at him. “That is kind of you to offer to be my companion when I go out. Although I am suspecting you are making things sound far worse then what they are. The men who introduced themselves were kind, gentlemanly folk.”

  Salem looked over the tables to watch each man eating his food. They did seem like okay men. There were just some things you can tell about a decent person. Knowing that, he still said, “You can never be sure.”

  “Salem, are you trying to keep me scared?”

  “No. I want you to be on the lookout. Women in the west need to be careful, is all.”

  “You sound like you run this town, almost like a sheriff.” She giggled at that.

  He nodded. He sure did. “I was asked about that, too.”

  Sophie’s brow rose. “Sheriff Nightingale, now that has a nice ring.”

  Mrs. Salem Nightingale, now that has an even nicer ring. He grinned, knowing he couldn’t say it aloud.

  At least, not yet.

  Chapter 5

  Salem was jealous. It had to be the reason he acted as if any man who spoke to her was out to hurt her. A smile curved her lips when she looked down at the food on her plate.

  The evening was turning out to be pleasant enough. Salem was a great conversationalist. He made her laugh, entertained her with stories of his apprentice and every now and again held her gaze so intently she shivered in spite of herself.

  The perfect gentleman. Salem assumed he was the only man who would be able to keep her safe. He more or less told her so. It made Sophie feel as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her chest.

  Being in this town had made her a bit nervous at first. Sophie was fine as long as she stayed at the boarding house. When she was escorted to the table she had felt so brave. But the moment the reverend had left, her nerves got the best of her. What ifs began to play through her mind. There were no distractions to keep her mind busy so all she had thought about was what if there were more men like John Abbott out here.

  She had realized the moment the first man had introduced himself that she was foolish to have been left alone. Even though it was well meaning, her courage had began to lack until she saw Salem sitting at the table at the far end of the café.

  It had brought tears to her eyes. The man drove her crazy one moment and tried to be her saviour the next. When he sat down at her table the tear slid down her cheek. She had tried to hide it but knew he saw, even though he hadn’t said a word.

  Salem finished his plate and wiped his mouth. “Delicious.”

  His words brought her back to the present. “Thank you, Salem.”

  He smiled, his eyes twinkling. “You told me that earlier.”

  She reached across the table, uncaring if it was too bold a move. “I’m glad you are here.”

  He leaned in, just a bit, not even enough to notice but she did. It made her lean in, too. If they were too close, their lips may touch again and then she would forever be under his spell. She shook herself. “I think we better go.”

  Salem nodded, his eyes still on her. “Care for a walk before we head back?”

  “That would be lovely.” Her heart rate went up the moment he escorted her from the café. Other men nodded as she walked by. They were a friendly lot here. She probably didn’t need Salem to hoard over her but deep down she was happy he decided it was for the best.

  “This is going to be the site for the new church,” Salem added, pointing to a bare spot at the corner of Main street.

  Sophie nodded. “The old church had been burned down when the outlaws had taken over.” Memories of the fire forced her feet to stop moving. “I saw the fire from the porch of our cabin. We lived about a quarter mile from here, along the creek. My Pa raced to town to help but it was too late. Several of the outlaws stood in front of the church with guns, not allowing anyone to put out the fire. Swore they’d shoot the first person who interfered. My Pa said people stood there and watched their beloved
church burn to the ground.”

  Salem shook his head. “They’re paying for it now, almost all of the outlaws are dead. Just a few were taken to Dallas to be sentenced in front of a judge.”

  “May their souls burn for what they did to this town. Even now,” she said, turning around, seeing the near empty homes along the main street, “it still resembles a ghost town.”

  Salem placed an arm across her shoulder. “Not for long, more and more people are moving in. But for now, that’s why I need you to be more cautious. I think you know by now that I care for you, Sophie.”

  She stopped again. Turned to him. “Salem, I know. My feelings for you are so, I don’t know, confusing.”

  “We can figure it out together.”

  She shook her head. “No, we can’t, Salem. You said you were offered a job as sheriff of this town. While that’s wonderful, I’m not sure I can live here, always knowing what those outlaws did to my father and this town.”

  He took her hand. “Sophie, I’m sorry about your father. I’m darn sorry about this town. But, it’s not a bad place. Look around, can’t you see what we are building? With Max Ward’s help, it is going to be a great place to live.”

  Sophie closed her eyes. She had to remind him of her future. One without him. “Salem, I’m going to be a mail order bride. Have you forgotten?”

  Salem’s breath hitched. He began to walk faster. She tried to keep up. “You don’t have to. A lady can change her mind, you know.”

  Sophie’s emotions were out of control. Should she be happy he wanted her to stay or sad she had to go through with the mail order promise? She wasn’t sure how to feel. “Salem. Tomorrow morning I’m going to Wichita Falls for the mail. There will be letters from men from all over who are looking for a mail order bride. My job is to find Elizabeth and Rose a match. In the meantime, there may be one in that batch of letters for me. Or, perhaps Miss Addie has already found me one. So, you see, the plans are in motion. I can’t just change my mind.”

  Salem looked angry. His jaw stiffened. “Yes. You can. I’ve thought about selling my saloon in Wichita Falls and taking the job as sheriff here. I’m sure the townsfolk would prefer a sheriff who is willing to settle here and start a family.”

  “I wish you luck with that, Salem. My path has been determined for me.”

  Salem turned to her. “It doesn’t have to be that way. Listen to yourself! Do you feel as if you have to sacrifice your life now because of what you went through? That’s preposterous!”

  Sophie sighed. “Miss Addie has done a lot for me and the girls who were abducted. I’ve had my whole life torn from me by the outlaws who took over this town. Miss Addie took me in when we were set free. She clothed us and gave us a new reason to keep going. She promised to find us a husband. She is working very hard to do so. When I took this job here in Mill’s Ridge, it wasn’t done lightly. I am determined to make it work here before Miss Addie finds the perfect match for me. It’s the least I can do for all she has done.”

  Salem held out his arm. As she took it, Sophie noticed how stiff he was. “I have to check in on Wes. I’ll escort you home.”

  Sophie began to worry when Salem dropped her off at the door to the boarding house, abruptly leaving to walk to the saloon. He had never looked back. She stood at the door watching him. Alarmed, she wondered if he was done with her. He had been hinting of a relationship before and now that he knew her future plans, was it over?

  Although, they didn’t have a relationship, not really. Except there was something there, a feeling that he was made for her. Sophie’s mind was exhausted. How was she going to find a match for herself when Salem interrupted every single thought?

  It was time to go to bed. She’d think about all of this more on her way to Wichita Falls in the morning.

  <><>

  “Oh, dear. Thank you for letting me know. I’m sorry for your loss.” Sophie closed the front door. Now what? It was about an hours ride to Wichita Falls. Her escort, Mr. Dunleavy from the mercantile, was going to go with her in the buggy because he needed to bring back some supplies waiting at the train depot in Wichita Falls. He woke up this morning to find his twelve year old dog had died. Instead of going to Wichita Falls, he planned to take the dog to his son’s homestead a few miles out of town and bury him there.

  Sophie had to pick up the mail. She didn’t want to go alone but had no choice. Elizabeth and Rose had their work cut out for them now that they had a full house. She didn’t dare pull one of the girls to ride along.

  It was a warm, spring day. The sun shone down as she went to hitch up the buggy at the livery. Sam Smith got the buggy ready. “Fine day for a ride, Ma’am. Have a wonderful day!”

  Mr. Smith made her smile. Perhaps she’d have to ride by herself for almost an hour but she’d have plenty of time to think about what type of groom she would want. As she steered the buggy towards the trail to Wichita Falls, Sophie wondered what it would be like to officially be married.

  It had been all she had ever wanted. A handsome husband, a wonderful family with children and their own homestead, just like her parents. Would she be able to leave here knowing she had kissed a man like Salem Nightingale and would her new husband be able to make her forget those steamy kisses?

  Perhaps it wasn’t a good idea to ride alone. She had been about fifteen minutes out and her thoughts were filled with Salem. Nothing else. Not the sway of the leaves as the slight wind brushed against the trees, or the small rabbits that scurried away when the wheels of the buggy pushed on by.

  Nope. Salem. How would she get him out of her head? Perhaps she needed to ask Miss Addie to find her a groom sooner than later. Would that make him fade from her memory faster?

  The journey to Wichita Falls lasted about an hour. Sophie was glad to see the small town from the ridge where she had stopped to let the horse take a small break. It wasn’t far, maybe five minutes to go.

  The dust from the road had taken its toll. Brushing dust from the material of her gown, Sophie began the last trek towards town.

  She left the buggy at the train depot so the men there could load up Mr. Dunleavy’s order. As she walked up the street, she lowered her hat a bit to keep the sun from shining in her eyes since it almost blinded her.

  Sheriff Montana strolled down the street towards the saloon. “Good morning. Looks like Mill’s Ridge is turning around.”

  “Why, good morning Sheriff. Mill’s Ridge is slowly growing.”

  “Even more now that there’s a new sheriff in town.”

  Sophie stopped. “A new sheriff. Whoever may that be?” Her throat closed up. She already knew who he’d say.

  “Salem Nightingale has taken the position. He’s done proved himself with the fiasco concerning those nasty outlaws some time back. The man is perfect for the job. Good day!”

  “Good day.” Perfect, indeed! Sophie frowned. Although she had refused to acknowledge her deep feelings for Salem, he had gone right out and deemed himself sheriff. Not only that, he said it would be better if he had a bride.

  So when she walked towards Miss Addie’s boarding house and saw Salem leaving there with a stack of envelopes in his hand, she once again stopped dead in her tracks.

  Salem looked surprised to see her. He looked in to the distance to see her buggy at the train depot. “Mr.Dunleavy getting his supplies?” he asked.

  She shuffled her feet.

  He raised a brow.

  Sophie flinched.

  “Where’s Mr. Dunleavy?”

  Her mouth formed a word but it didn’t come out.

  “Sophie?”

  He walked towards her. She stepped back. “I, uh, his dog died.”

  “His what did what?”

  “The old mutt in his store. He’s dead. Had to go bury him at his son’s homestead. There was no one else.”

  Miss Addie?” Salem addressed the older woman who stood in the doorway.

  “Yes, Mr. Nightingale.”

  “Please do not let her leave here un
til I come around for her.”

  Miss Addie smiled. “I’ll see what I can do. Miss Winters can certainly make up her own mind, sir.”

  He ignored Miss Addie’s words and turned to Sophie. “I’ll pick up the buggy and be back in one hour. Do not walk back up to the train depot alone.”

  Sophie fumed. “I’ve been on my own for the last hour. Do you honestly think I am helpless?”

  He adjusted his hat. “No. I don’t think you are helpless. Your problem is that you are one of the most independent women I’ve ever met!”

  Confused, Sophie placed both hands on her hips. “How is that a problem?

  “You won’t listen to a word I say. I asked you not to go about alone and here you are, an hours ride away from home, alone!”

  An hours ride away from home! Did he just say that? Sophie smiled, even if it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She was still fuming but his words yanked at her heartstrings. He had called Mill’s Ridge their home.

  He stared at her.

  She stared back, aware of the fury on his face.

  Instead of a reply, she stuck out her tongue, turned and entered Miss Addie’s boarding house like a queen walking to her throne.

  As Miss Addie closed the door, she smiled again when she heard his outrageous laugh.

  “Let’s have some tea. Follow me, dear,” Miss Addie mentioned, heading towards the dining area. The older woman poured two cups and sat one down on the table for Sophie. “Now, tell me how is the boarding house doing?”

  Sophie placed a bag of coin on the table. “It is doing well. We are filled to capacity and as each person leaves there seems to be another one ready to rent a room. I’m amazed at how quickly the town is growing.”

  Miss Addie nodded. “Good. It’s good to know. Why, have you heard the news? There will also be a new sheriff when Salem Nightingale gets back. With Wichita Falls growing so fast and now talk of the railroad spreading it’s tracks to Mill’s Ridge, both towns will be a wonderful place to live.”