Mail Order Brides Western Romance Collection ~ 3-Book Bundle (Brides of Virtue Series 1)

by Jill Maguire

  The Bible still lay open on the table and Faith flipped through it innocuously, seeking the solace she had found there before. Her eyes chose another random passage near the middle of the Bible, in the book of Jeremiah. “Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.” Faith read these reassuring words over a few times, letting their promise sink in.

  Plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and my whole soul. These words resonated in Faith’s tender heart. They were words from a God who loved her deeply and who had brought her to this land, brought her here for a reason. Perhaps that reason was Hayes.

  A smile slowly lightened Faith’s features as a warm hope emanated within her. Yes, she would stay in Whistle Stop. She would marry Hayes and stay near the company of her dearest friend, Patience. Faith felt the clutch of fear release her and the love of God engulf her.

  Hayes found the reverend, Mr. Baker, in his small office in the church building.

  “Hayes, my friend, what brings you here today?” Mr. Baker asked with a smile. Hayes squirmed nervously in his seat, glancing anxiously across the desk at Mr. Baker.

  “A woman came by the blacksmith shop the other day,” he started. “She was lost with nowhere to go so I offered her shelter and food. She is a heck of a lady, Reverend Baker,” Hayes smirked. “And it’s hard to believe that when she arrived in Whistle Stop as a mail-order bride, her prospective husband up and abandoned her at the train station.” Hayes removed his dirty hat and rubbed his thumb around the rim, searching for his next words. “All of this is to say that I have offered to marry her and she has accepted.” These last words came out in a rush and Hayes suddenly felt self-conscious about what Mr. Baker would think of him marrying a woman he hardly knew. People did it often these days, Hayes realized that, but he never thought that he would be married in this way.

  “It’s her only option,” Hayes continued before the reverend could object. “She has no other relatives or connections except Patience and Warren Shaw. They know her from their journey west and it was Warren who encouraged me to offer marriage. It seems like the best plan for everyone and if possible, we would like to be married tomorrow, here, if you would do the honors.”

  Mr. Baker continued to smile at Hayes. “Well Hayes, I wondered when you would find the right woman.” The elderly man clutched his Bible to his chest and continued, “I can tell by the fondness in your voice when you speak of this woman that you are already beginning to fall in love. I would be happy to perform the ceremony for you.”

  Falling in love? Hayes was taken aback slightly by the comment, but the reverend’s words also helped convince him that he was making the right decision. “Thank you.” Hayes stood and shook the man’s hand. “I need to get back to work now but I will come back tomorrow with Faith, say two o’clock?”

  The Reverend nodded and escorted Hayes to the front of the church.

  “Thanks, I appreciate this Reverend Baker.” Hayes started toward the door, and then stopped.

  “What is it?” Reverend Baker asked with concern.

  “It’s just…..”

  “Yes.”

  “From what I know of Faith, I gather she has been through some awful ordeal before coming here. I wish I knew what happened so I could do more to help her.”

  “Hayes, you offered this woman a place to stay when she had no place to go, and more than that you have offered her your hand and your heart. Whatever has happened in her past, you can be sure God is bringing healing and restoration to her life. I have faith that Faith will open her soul to you in time, dear friend, and in the meantime, understand that God has blessed her with refuge in you. Be faithful to God and to Faith, and continue to offer your life to this woman.” Reverend Baker smiled even more warmly at Hayes who returned his smile and left with a grateful wave.

  Chapter 12

  When Hayes returned from the church he found Faith seated at the table with a soft glow radiating from her face. She looked peaceful and happy, and it suddenly struck Hayes that by tomorrow evening, this beautiful woman would be his wife. Hayes steadied himself against the wall. He didn’t know Faith well, it was true, but he knew enough to realize he was a lucky man.

  “I spoke with the reverend, Mr. Baker. Everything is settled for tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Thank you, Hayes. You have given me hope, you’ve given me a future,” Faith smiled shyly up at him. It was all Hayes could do to stay standing where he was and not join her at the table to take her hands in his.

  “And you have done the same for me, Faith.” Hayes let his eyes linger over Faith’s face. “I really should get back to work now.” Hayes’ dropped his arm from against the wall and turned toward the blacksmith shop.

  Hayes worked distractedly for the rest of the day and didn’t accomplish very much. He prayed throughout the day for Faith and their future together and he prayed that God would help him to be the husband Faith needed him to be.

  In the afternoon, one of Warren’s farmhands stopped by to drop off some equipment that needed to be repaired. Hayes’s heart started to pound in excitement.

  “Robby, will you get a message to Warren for me? Tell him that Faith and I are getting married tomorrow at the church at two o’clock. I would like him and Patience and Clay to be there.”

  “Yes, sir, I’ll tell him.” Robby mounted his horse and tipped his hat at Hayes.

  Hayes shot the young man a quick wave and lifted his chin as he picked up the scent of a delicious meal coming from inside the house. Hayes hurriedly washed up and went inside to find Faith humming at the stove and dishing a hearty stew into two bowls. They sat in silence through the meal, but both were guilty of slyly casting glances at the other. It was all so fresh and new, these feelings of fondness and hope, and it made Faith and Hayes both cautiously giddy.

  The next morning Faith awoke to the sun shining, laying shadowed patterns over her bedspread. Faith smiled tremulously at the thought of the day’s events and felt her heart pound hard against her chest as she rose and got ready for the day. When she entered the sitting room Faith was surprised to see Patience in the kitchen.

  “Good morning!” Patience greeted her brightly, placing a steaming cup of coffee in Faith’s hands. “Hayes sent word that the two of you are getting married today,” Patience explained in response to Faith’s bewildered look. “Clay and I had to come be with you today.”

  Faith followed Patience’s loving gaze to the floor where Clay sat playing with wooden toys. He smiled up at Faith and she melted over the child’s sweet face.

  “I’m so glad you’re here,” Faith said turning back to Patience.

  “I’m glad too. This is so exciting Faith! And now you’ll get to stay in Whistle Stop. Now, I assumed you didn’t have anything particularly nice to wear today, your nicest dress is probably the one you wore to dinner at our house?” Patience guessed and Faith nodded. “Well, I brought a dress for you to wear and I am going to do your hair up, you’ll look beautiful.” Patience motioned to a dress hanging on the door to the bedroom. Faith gaped at it. The dress was simple, with few frills, but it was made with a beautiful silver material that seemed to glisten in the sunlight.

  “Oh, this is too much. You didn’t have to go through all this trouble,” Faith said, a lump forming in her throat. “I mean, I hardly even know Hayes, it’s really just a marriage of convenience.”

  Patience smiled gently at Faith. “Maybe it seems like that now, but I have no doubt that God brought you two together with a beautiful plan in mind. You will make a lovely couple, and in time, when you get to know each other better, you will love each other and have a rich marriage. I know Hayes, and I know it couldn’t be any other way for the woman he marries. God was looking out for you when he put Hayes in your path. Trust me,” Patience winked.

  Faith trusted Patience, but even more importantly, she was beginning to trust in God again and it was freeing. If the Son therefore s
hall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. The words ran through Faith’s mind and her smile broadened.

  “So, have a seat, I have breakfast all ready. Hayes already ate and now he’s working on a few things with Warren.” Patience went about the kitchen preparing a plate of food. She placed the plate in front of Faith at the table and sat across from her just as Clay walked up to his mama and held his arms up. Patience picked him up with a small groan and placed him precariously on her knees.

  “It looks like the baby could come anytime,” Faith’s expert gaze wandered over Patience’s abdomen.

  “Yes, any day now, I expect,” Patience laid a hand on her protruding belly.

  “Baby,” Clay exclaimed, putting an arm around Patience’s middle. Faith and Patience laughed which earned a delighted smile from Clay.

  “Yes, you’re going to be a wonderful big brother, aren’t you?” Patience touched Clay’s nose and Clay nodded emphatically. A pang ripped through Faith’s heart. She longed for the joys of motherhood, yet she knew it would probably never be. Then, like a lightning bolt crashing through her thoughts, she realized she had never told Hayes about the loss of her pregnancies. Would he feel differently about marrying her if he knew she may never make him a proud father?

  Faith sighed and turned her thoughts to other things. It would not be wise to dwell on such thoughts today. “I think I need some air. I think I’ll go for a walk. Please, make yourself at home,” Faith said, then bit her lip as she realized that she already treated this place as if it was her home to offer. Patience smiled and winked at her.

  “Go ahead, but don’t be too long. We need to get you ready for a wedding.”

  As Faith headed out she reflected on the beautiful change she had noticed in Patience since their journey west. On the wagon train Patience had been grieving the loss of her husband while carrying her first child. She had been distraught and mourning, with a paleness of death on her skin. But now, Patience flourished in the presence of Warren, and Faith found her to be a glowing wife and mother, encircled by the love and joy of her family. Faith only hoped that she too would be so lucky in her marriage.

  “You! I knew I’d find you,” Faith whipped around at the sound of a growling but familiar voice behind her. Her blood ran cold when she turned and locked eyes with the demon from her past – Rex Knowles.

  Chapter 13

  Faith’s mind was spinning. How did Rex find her? What should she do? Run? Scream? Trembling from head to foot, Faith started to walk away and didn’t turn around. Perhaps Rex would assume he was mistaken and leave her alone.

  “Hey! I’m talking to you.” His voice sounded much closer this time and suddenly Faith’s arm was gripped in a strong clutch and she was whirled around to face the one man who frightened her most in the world. Faith tried to wipe the fear from her face, to stand resolute.

  “I’ve been looking for you,” he snarled. “You’re going to pay for what you done.” Faith braced herself for a blow, not really knowing what to expect.

  “Get your hands off her!” Faith opened her eyes in surprise to see Hayes approaching fast. His face was etched with concern and something akin to anger. Hayes ripped Rex away from Faith with the strength of twenty men. “Warren, get the sheriff!” Hayes yelled over his shoulder.

  Seeing Hayes with both of his massive hands full of Rex’s dirty plaid shirt, made Faith feel safer than she ever had before. Hayes towered over Rex and proved to be much stronger than the smaller man. Faith stared as Rex stood with an almost frightened expression and didn’t dare try to struggle or speak. Relief flooded Faith as she watched her betrothed. A serious and protective look spread over Hayes’s handsome features to let Faith know that he would always be there to defend her.

  “What’s the trouble Hayes?” A tall, dark-haired man wearing a black tailored vest sauntered up to where the two men were standing. “Ma’am,” he nodded to Faith.

  “This man was threatening Faith. He has no business being here, Emmett,” Hayes replied curtly.

  “We don’t tolerate men who threaten innocent women in this town.” Sherriff Emmett McCabe looked straight into Rex’s eyes, forcing him to look away. Faith could see the hatred seething from Rex’s every pore as the Sherriff snatched him by the arm. “Let’s go.”

  Hayes grabbed Rex’s other arm roughly and together he and Emmett walked Rex to the outskirts of town.

  “He won’t be coming back anytime soon,” Emmett said when the two men returned to where Faith stood waiting. “Are you alright?” he asked Faith with a look of concern.

  “I’m fine, thank you,” Faith said.

  “Emmett McCabe,” the sheriff introduced himself, doffing his hat to her. “I’m sorry for your trouble with that drifter but he shouldn’t be of any concern to you from here on. Say, I heard you two are getting married today?”

  “We are,” Hayes responded softly. “You’re welcome to come. It will be at two o’clock at the church.”

  “Thank you, Hayes.” The Sherriff adjusted his hat and lowered his chin toward Faith, “I’d be delighted to see this big galoot finally tie the knot,” he added teasingly. “I’ll see you two then.” Emmett smiled kindly at Faith, tipped his hat and walked away. Hayes reached out to touch Faith’s arm.

  “Are you okay? Who was that man?” Hayes asked. There was nothing accusatory or angry in his tone, only concern.

  “I’m fine,” Faith said again. She felt nervous to meet his eye. The last thing she wanted to do was recount the horrifying story of Grace’s delivery to the man she was about to marry. “He’s just someone from my past. Perhaps I’ll tell you about it another time.”

  “You’re shaking, are you sure you’re alright?

  Faith took a steadying breath. “Yes, I’m fine. I should get back to the house though, to finish getting ready.” Faith took one step and then stopped, turning back to Hayes. “Hayes,” she whispered. “Thank you. Thank you for everything.”

  Faith looked to Hayes’ and smiled affectionately, but it was his returned gaze that took her breath away. She turned away quickly and floated back to the house.

  Back at the house, Patience sat joyfully playing with Clay. Faith chose not to tell her friend about her encounter with Rex but rather decided to put the whole thing out of her mind and focus on the wedding.

  For the next few hours the two friends chatted as Patience put Faith’s hair up in intricate braids and twists with a few soft, loose tendrils to frame her face. Faith had never felt so loved by a friend before and soaked in the attention as Clay played happily at their feet.

  “There, all done,” Patience announced with a satisfied smile when she had finished Faith’s hair. She held a mirror up for her to see as Faith’s eyes welled with tears.

  “What is it dear?” Patience held Faith’s chin in her hands.

  “It’s just that I never thought I would be married again, and I never thought I would have a proper wedding with a beautiful dress and fancy hair. It’s all so nice,” Faith sniffled and snorted. “This is all just silliness I suppose.”

  Patience laughed sympathetically. “You deserve this,” she insisted. “I only wish you could have been here with me when I married Warren,” Patience cackled at the memory. She recounted the tale of marrying Warren when they reached Whistle Stop. They knew no one in town, and Patience was nine months pregnant. “I was hot and exhausted and we had no money,” Patience chuckled ruefully. “But we were so happy.” Faith watched as the memories brought a soft smile upon Patience’s face, as if old friends had come to visit.

  Faith wished she could say she was truly happy to be marrying Hayes, but the truth was she was still adjusting to the idea of marrying a man she barely knew. But in honesty, she was hopeful to say the least. Things were turning out better than she thought they would when she had first arrived in Whistle Stop.

  After admiring her hair for a few moments and praising Patience’s work, it was time to continue getting ready for the ceremony. Faith stepped into the shimmering silv
er fabric as Patience made up the back for her. Patience stepped away and looked over Faith with a keen eye.

  “Lovely,” Patience grinned. “I am so truly happy for you. Hayes is a wonderful man and I always hoped he’d find a wonderful woman -- and here you are.” Patience walked next to her friend and gave her a gentle hug. “And I get to keep a great friend close by.”

  “Thank you for everything, Patience.”

  “Are you ready to walk to the church? The men should be there already.” Patience took Faith’s hand and Clay reached up and took hold of his mother’s other hand.

  Faith took a deep breath. “I’m ready.”

  Chapter 14

  Hayes paced up and down at the front of the church as he waited with Warren and Mr. Baker for Faith to arrive. He was grateful for Warren’s presence but wanted desperately to talk to his friend about the run-in with the man who threatened Faith.

  Sherriff Emmett McCabe stood protectively at the back of the church as members of the community took their seats. Hayes hoped Faith wouldn’t be too overwhelmed by the sight of so many people she didn’t know.

  The church’s front door opened and little Clay pushed his way through, followed by his mother who smiled brightly at Hayes and then shifted her gaze to Warren. Hayes watched her face brighten with love as she looked upon her husband and hoped that someday, given time, Faith would look at him in the same way.

  Patience and Clay took their seats in the front pew and turned around to watch Faith walk down the aisle. Hayes stood, as still as a statue next to Mr. Baker, his eyes trained on the door, waiting. When Faith finally stepped through the door, the afternoon sunlight lit her from behind and Hayes thought she looked like an angel. He stopped breathing for a moment and his heart jumped about wildly. She was more stunning than he had ever seen and her brilliant eyes stood out against the silver of the dress.