Mail Order Farmer

by Marie Johnston

  “You said you were going to marry her,” Brock pointed out.

  “That’s what I’m flying to the Philippines for. To meet her before we make the leap. How long did you know Josie before you wanted to marry her?”

  “We met a week before the Fourth of July parade, then—”

  “My point is that you didn’t know her long. I’ve already been chatting with Daisy for over a month. We haven’t even kissed, and I know her better than any other person I’ve dated.”

  The room went quiet. Had that finally gotten through to them? He didn’t want to leave with everyone intent on changing his mind.

  His dad spoke first. “It still seems a bit extreme. And like her only goal is to get her green card.”

  “She could do that quicker than waiting on me. I just want to meet her. Who knows, we might not be compatible and you’ll all be right.”

  “We don’t want to be right about this not working out,” Travis said. “We don’t want to see you get hurt.”

  The others nodded. Except Mom. She gave him a steady stare with the slight crease between her brows that meant she hadn’t given her approval about anything.

  “You’re sure you’re not planning to marry her over there?” Mom asked in a stern tone.

  “No. I’d want all of you at the wedding. And I don’t want to marry and then fly home while she sits and waits for a visa.” He wanted a real wedding, with all his family and the town to celebrate, to prove to everyone that the relationship was serious and not bought and paid for. “And you all know I can’t be away for months.”

  Her mouth flattened. “There’s that then. I don’t like it, but I’ll reserve judgment until you meet her in person.”

  Dad cleared his throat. “So you two decide to… You get home, and then what?”

  “We apply for the visa and she’ll fly over when it goes through. We’d have ninety days to get married or she’d have to go back.”

  The information didn’t soften the lines in Dad’s forehead. “And during that window is when you’d get married?”

  Aaron nodded.

  Cash folded his arms, his expression serious. “The time between you flying home and her coming here? What would she be doing?”

  They obviously didn’t trust her. Aaron sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. The line of tension radiating through the room had broken. He didn’t want to snap it back in place, but he had to draw a line. “I guess that’s between her and I.”

  His cousins gave him assessing looks, like they were deciding if they should respect his limits.

  It didn’t matter. If he and Daisy were going to get over the hurdle of how they met, it would be together, not him making excuses to everyone.

  “I want you to call when you get there,” Mom demanded. “And check in every day.”

  Aaron suppressed a sigh. “I’ll call when I land and as often as I can. I’ll be all right.”

  “I’ll take over for you while you’re gone. Just go over what you need done.” Dad sounded slightly less disturbed about the situation than Mom.

  Aaron nodded. He had it all mapped out and ready; he just had to find the scrap of paper he’d scribbled it all on. Was it in the shop or his office?

  He tapped the front pocket of his flannel button-up. The fabric crinkled. Good thing he hadn’t tossed his shirt in the wash yet. He dug it out and handed it to Dad. He hated bogging the guy down in retirement. Dad needed a hobby other than watching cable shows he’d missed all the years he’d been in the field.

  “I’d appreciate it if you guys keep this to yourselves as much as possible. I don’t want her showing up and everyone thinking she’s a mail-order bride. I’d rather she got to town and then we told everyone that she and I met online.” Then it’d look like they’d been dating a while before the wedding. If the town caught wind of the juicy gossip first, he feared Daisy would be labeled and feel more like a fish out of water than she might otherwise.

  “If it works out,” his mom added.

  Yeah. If it worked out.

  Chapter Seven

  Aaron shot a text off as soon as he got the all clear to turn on cellular service after landing. He’d upgraded phone plans but informed his family he was sticking to texts. It didn’t stop him from compiling and elaborating on his to-do list for his dad. Aaron reiterated the times and contacts for the grain hauls. Little had changed since the day Dad had ran his share of the farm, but he didn’t do it every day anymore.

  Another text was sent to each brother. Meal nights, reminders to behave, and as many extra chores that Aaron could think of to keep them out of trouble and out of their parents’ hair. To Mom, he sent the dates and times of the boys’ conferences and vacation days. All he’d need was for one or both of his brothers to sleep in and miss school right before Thanksgiving vacation was to start.

  He strode off the plane, grateful to stretch his legs and back. It was…what day now? He’d left on Tuesday and traveled for an entire day. It was now Wednesday evening in Manila. To his internal clock, it was Wednesday morning and the shoddy sleep he’d gotten on the plane didn’t equate a full night of rest. Daisy had offered to meet him, but if his flight was delayed, he didn’t want her to hang around the airport. And he’d be more rumpled than usual after the flight. She’d assured him that he could get an Uber and language wouldn’t be a problem.

  He checked his watch. She’d be starting her shift soon. They were meeting for lunch the next day, giving him some time to sleep off the jet lag. Her mom would accompany her to have lunch at the hotel. According to the stories he’d read, it would be typical for Daisy to bring a friend or relative to their first few meetings. It was smart, too.

  The Manila airport had wide corridors and a sleek, modern look. He’d only flown a few times before, but this was his first international trip. Did he look as out of place as he felt?

  He glanced down at his wrinkled white T-shirt and unbuttoned plaid flannel that hung over faded blue jeans. The hard soles of his work boots didn’t make much noise. Had he even packed a pair of athletic shoes?

  The travel fog in his mind blocked any memory of what he’d packed. He wound his way to baggage claim, thankful that the main points of the airport process were similar in different countries.

  Suitcase in hand, he rolled it behind him to track down a ride to his hotel. Warm, muggy air swamped him as soon as he cleared the door. It wasn’t as bad as he expected, but this wasn’t the worst time of year.

  He looked around. Definitely not Minnesota. The other day he was in a grain truck, cruising along the wide-open expanse of the highway. No snow had stuck around back home, but the fields were all harvested and brown. Tonight, he was surrounded by concrete, people, and buildings taller than any that could be found in Moore.

  Since he was a beacon for “I need a ride,” he was invited right into a taxi. The driver sped off and Aaron clutched the edge of the seat. Fast-paced music filled the cab, and Aaron hunkered down to watch the scenery fly by. Traffic plugged the roads. The surreal experience could just as well have happened to another person. They passed other taxis, other taxis passed them, and a thrill coursed through him whenever he passed a real Jeepney. He was pushed back into his seat when the taxi’s speed picked up in four lanes, then bumped back and forth when they hit stop and go traffic.

  All his internet research was alive and more real than he imagined it could be—and faster paced. He didn’t care if he was the definition of touristy, he gawked out the window. Brightly colored signs were a blur through the window and the honking was constant. Some high-rises were obviously residential, with small patios lining the sides from top to bottom. He hoped they would be arriving at his hotel soon, as the buildings grew even taller and were covered in glass, but it still took several minutes to reach his destination. His eyelids were getting hard to keep open, but the scenery was too fascinating to miss. Finally, the driver pulled into an arched entryway.

  Aaron fumbled through paying the driver, and by the time he
was done, both he and his luggage stood in front of a set of glass doors.

  Hell, this was the fanciest place he’d ever stayed. Check-in went smoothly, and he found his room. Dropping his bag inside the door, he flipped the lock and sauntered to the window.

  Aside from vacations as a kid to Disney World and his few trips to Minneapolis, this was by far the biggest metropolis he’d ever been to. Talk about feeling like a hick.

  Which wasn’t a bad thing. Unless Daisy thought so.

  This was her home? Bright lights, chaotic streets, and neon signs as far as he could see.

  Where’d she live compared to here? She’d said this was the closest quality hotel she could find.

  He turned away from the window. From the walnut wood accents to the flat screen TV and the fluffy white comforter on the king-sized bed, he couldn’t tell he was in a different country.

  A wave of weariness propelled his feet toward the bed. He collapsed facedown on it and let his eyes drift shut.

  ***

  A cacophonous ringing roused Aaron. He popped his head up and winced. A kink had formed in his neck while he slept. Blinking against the wall of light shining through the wall-to-wall windows, he struggled to recall where he was.

  The ringing stopped. His eyes shot wide.

  Daisy! What time was it? He scrambled to look around for the phone. The cordless sat on the small table by the TV cabinet. He willed it ring again. No luck.

  Dammit. He twisted onto his back and winced as his tight muscles protested.

  “Fuck.” According to his phone in Manila time, it was ten minutes after he was supposed to meet Daisy.

  Popping off the bed, he strode toward the door. They were supposed to meet in the lobby. Daisy would take him around the corner to a cheaper place to eat, one she claimed wouldn’t price gouge the traveler as badly.

  The phone’s ring stopped him in a heartbeat. He spun on his heel and raced for the room phone.

  “Hey,” he answered, breathless, but fully alert thanks to the adrenaline racing through his veins.

  “Aaron. Hi. I…was afraid you didn’t make it.” The upbeat tone of her voice didn’t mask the concern underlying it. Had she worried he’d stood her up?

  “I fell asleep in my room less than five minutes after being here. I didn’t think I’d conk out so hard, otherwise I would’ve set an alarm. Are you in the lobby?”

  “Yes. Ina and I are here.”

  “Be down in five.” He clicked off at her “Bye” and dove for his suitcase. After tossing it on the bed, he whipped out a fresh set of clothes. Wrinkled, but better than what he had on. Daisy might as well see it now before he was accused of false advertising.

  He frowned as he ripped out of his current clothing and tugged on the fresh set. This wasn’t how he wanted to meet her in person. The blue pinstriped button-up wasn’t the outfit he’d chosen for lunch. He’d picked his church clothes for that: crisp white shirt and black jeans. He wouldn’t even wear his hat.

  His hat.

  Running a hand through his hair, he searched for a mirror.

  Hell. A cap was needed more than a pair of pants. With one, he’d have a hailstorm’s chance in hell of hiding the dark circles under his eyes and the unruly nest perched on top of his head.

  Hadn’t he made an appointment to get a haircut?

  His stomach plummeted. Yes. He’d made it for last weekend and forgot about the damn thing as soon as he’d hung up the phone. Now he was shaggy, and he’d stiffed some poor girl out of twenty bucks plus tip.

  There wasn’t time to dwell on it. He had two more minutes to speed to the lobby but he barely remembered what floor he was on and where the elevators were. Snagging the key card off the bathroom counter, he breezed out his door. The elevator was easy enough to find.

  It was empty when the doors opened. He shuffled inside and pushed the button for the main floor.

  His heart thrummed, slowing down now that he was on his way to Daisy as fresh as he could be. Leaning his head back, he let his eyelids drift closed. As the elevator pinged for the lobby, he popped his eyes open.

  Oh. Shit. The ceiling of the elevator car was mirrored and he’d forgotten his cap. He never forgot his cap. Because he had an extra in his truck, his shop, and five hanging by the front door.

  His only cap in the Philippines was the one he wore on the flight and it was lying on the bed where he’d chucked it. Perfect.

  Frantically finger combing his hair as he exited the elevator, he wished he could pull off the disheveled look like his brothers, but they spent too long in the bathroom trying to achieve that appearance. His gaze swept the bustling, open layout.

  White marble and gold accents made the lobby seem larger than it was. Couples in power suits and heels marched back and forth. Hotel clerks checked guests in at the desk, a congenial smile on each of their faces. He recalled the friendly atmosphere from yesterday. It’d put him at ease after the road trip that was unlike any he’d ever taken. Once the fifth motorcyclist had zipped between his cab and the car next to him, he’d quit flinching.

  Movement in the lounge area of the lobby caught his eye. A woman with long, jet-black hair draped over one shoulder stood up.

  His breath froze. Daisy.

  Her skin glowed under the lighting of the lounge chandelier, and she tipped her head to the side as she considered him. Dark eyes that he knew to be the softest brown evaluated him. Her gaze drifted over his hair, and he swallowed hard. He should’ve taken another few minutes and gone back for his cap. No, he was late enough. She didn’t deserve to wait. Her smile was slow and hesitant as she met his gaze.

  His world stopped, but somehow his feet kept moving. The grown man in him acknowledged that he wanted to run. He’d never been on a date that tied him in knots like this. For senior high prom, he’d gone with a good friend. The rest of his dates he’d met at the bar, or through his friends and cousins.

  He hadn’t “met” Daisy yet. While they’d chatted through the computer, she’d still been unreal. But now they were in the same room, and she was very real. From her thick glossy hair, to her plain purple top tucked into a pair of white pants she wore like a second skin and shoes that Nicolas’s girlfriend called Converses. She was the girl next door that grew up an ocean away. And that he might marry.

  He was almost to her. If he didn’t change course, he’d run into the back of one of the couches. Another lady rose next to Daisy, and for all that Daisy was short, this woman was even more petite, and her look much shrewder.

  That must be Ina. He sifted through his brain for her name—Mari. That was it! Daisy had only told him once. She always called her mom Ina.

  Mari narrowed her gaze on him. She scrutinized him from his hair down to his scuffed boots. His nicer pair was packed away or scattered on the bed with everything else; he couldn’t recall.

  “Finally, we meet.” He grinned. Couldn’t help it. Because he had no idea how to act, he shoved his hands into his pockets and threaded through the furniture until he stood in front of Daisy and her mother.

  Hugging would be too forward, but he wanted to. His curiosity was insatiable about how her slender build would tuck into him. The top of her head hit below his shoulders, the perfect height to nuzzle into her hair. Did she use a fruity shampoo, or one with a floral scent? Would her hair be as soft as it looked?

  He took his hands out of his pockets, almost reached for her, but kept them at his side.

  “Daisy.” He nodded at her, then her mom. “May I call you Mari?”

  “Yes.” Mari’s expression hadn’t wavered since she’d first set eyes on him. Her hair was pulled back, her eyes a slightly lighter shade of brown than Daisy’s warm hickory tones.

  Daisy said her mom learned English as a kid but didn’t speak it often. He’d do his best to learn their language, but he’d taken two years of Spanish in high school and probably couldn’t order a cup of coffee without needing someone to translate for him. He wasn’t likely to do well learning her language
.

  “Hello, Aaron.” Daisy’s shy smile made him smile again and there they stood, grinning at each other while Mari checked the time.

  Mari spoke to Daisy, her tone stern. Daisy nodded and looked at him, a shadow of guilt crossing her face. “I’m sorry, but I have to work in a few hours. Do you mind if we go to lunch right away?”

  Her voice was like satin. In their chats, she’d been soft spoken. She still was, but in person, she was…better. In every way.

  “Come,” she said to him, but grasped her mom’s elbow. “What kind of food do you like?”

  “The usual. A burger and fries is fine. I like steak and mashed potatoes. My brother makes a killer beef stroganoff. I don’t mind pasta as long as there’s meatballs.” He chuckled, suddenly nervous at the perplexed look on her face. “Rancher food, I guess.”

  “Um…perhaps we try…”

  Mari spoke to Daisy again and her tone said it all. They weren’t going to a place that had rancher food.

  “The hotel would have food that you like,” Daisy said. “But it’s really expensive.”

  He’d be paying for everything. It was the norm for would-be grooms when they traveled to see their future brides. And God, that’s what he was. A would-be groom.

  “You know what? When in Rome. Show me what I’ve been missing out on in Moore, Minnesota.”

  A smile of relief lit up Daisy’s eyes as they walked next to each other. Mari looked between them both, as if rating their sincerity.

  Stepping out into the air shocked his system. Yesterday, he had to wear his winter coat and gloves, and it wasn’t even the coldest months of the year. Here it was summer again. Only stickier and, his gaze swept the sidewalks, much more crowded.

  The sidewalks by the hotel were wide enough for them to walk side by side. As he’d been driven up last night, he’d noticed that traversing around Metro Manila could be a harrowing endeavor if he found himself in an unfamiliar place. Speeding traffic, dubious walkways, and congestion were a recipe for disaster for the ignorant.

  “How was your flight?” Daisy asked.