Canceled-Order Bride (Sons Of A Gun Book 1)

by Brenda Sinclair

  Lily stood and kissed his cheek. “I shall insist Jackson spend every Sunday with me. And later, with our children also should we be blessed. A new family tradition. Meanwhile, I’ll plan the best wedding I can.”

  “That’s my girl.” AJ smiled. “I look forward to you being my first daughter-in-law.”

  “And I couldn’t wish for a nicer father-in-law.” Lily hugged him. “And who would have guessed this all resulted from a letter sent in error to a lady your daughter considered suitable for you.”

  AJ laughed. “Things happen for a reason. And this couldn’t have turned out better.”

  “Providing I get this wedding planned on time. I’m off to town to meet with your daughter. She’s ready for the my first dress fitting.” Lily scooped up the cups and set them in the wash tub. She couldn’t wait to try on her wedding gown.

  “I’ll drive you to town then,” AJ offered, pushing his chair back from the table.

  “Thank you. One of the ranch hands would have taken me, but I appreciate you offering. I haven’t attempted driving a horse and buggy,” Lily confessed. “But Jackson promised to teach me… one of these days.”

  AJ chuckled and shook his head.

  “I know. I’m not holding my breath,” she teased. “Perhaps my future father-in-law would teach me instead?”

  AJ nodded. “No better time than now. I’ll let you drive to town.”

  Lily inhaled deeply. The thought of driving the buggy frightened and excited her in equal measure. But if she intended to be a rancher’s wife, she needed to learn everything she could. Starting today.

  * * *

  A scattering of fluffy white clouds lingered in the brilliant azure sky. Lily couldn’t have been more proud of herself, driving the buggy to town under AJ’s competent tutelage. He’d praised her endlessly which she’d appreciated, and she looked forward to the return trip home.

  She’d cried when Amanda showed her the gown and it fit her perfectly. Now Lily wandered down Aspen Drive, taking the long way to the general store. Whenever in Milestone and the weather permitted, she would seek out a different route when walking to the church or the store or visiting with one of the other merchants.

  Wedding plans took up almost all of her time these days. Thankfully, her friends at the clothing emporium had been lifesavers willing to assist, as well as sewing her wedding gown and Amanda’s bridesmaid dress.

  Lily required new soaps and honeysuckle shampoo, and she hoped Mr. Cochrane could include her items in his next order if they weren’t already on the shelf. She peeked into the window of the millinery shop and spotted the owner, Suzette Graham, positioning a new feather and silk creation on a metal display rack. Lily and Amanda enjoyed the company of the perky young lady who was only a year older than herself. They’d all met for the noon meal at the hotel dining room on a few occasions, appreciating the break from their busy workdays. Lily waved before continuing on her way.

  Suzette and Amanda worked together on several custom-ordered outfits, matching the hat to the dress for a few well-to-do clients. The initial idea of the matched custom outfits had originated over one of those luncheons. Now, several more ladies were insisting on these collaborative efforts when ordering a new dress, and the young entrepreneurs couldn’t be happier to comply.

  Lily waved to Fred Turner, Billy’s father, who owned the feed store, and then turned down Maple Drive approaching the small park on the right. She recognized Iris Lake, the town’s new schoolteacher who Mrs. Landers had introduced Lily to at church last Sunday. She learned that Iris was living with Mrs. Landers, paying room and board to the widow, the most disagreeable woman in the entire town. Had the poor girl known what she was getting involved in when she moved into the widow’s home? Of course, if only a few citizens opened their homes to single young women, perhaps the new schoolteacher hadn’t much choice in accommodations. Lily had considered attending Normal School once herself, but her father had insisted she learn business instead. And that decision had served her well.

  Iris sat on a sturdy wooden bench, dabbing her eyes with a lacy white handkerchief. Had she been crying? The school was still closed for summer and today was Saturday. Shouldn’t Iris have been enjoying herself? Taking a break from preparations for the school’s reopening? Why would she be sitting alone in a park, crying?

  Lily approached her. “I don’t mean to intrude, but is everything all right?”

  Iris glanced up and slowly nodded, appearing to recognize Lily. “I’m fine,” she whispered.

  “That doesn’t appear entirely true, or you wouldn’t be crying.” Lily settled on the edge of the bench. “Is there something I can do to help?”

  The schoolteacher shook her head. “I’m… I’m just being silly. I spotted the purple irises growing in Mrs. Cochrane’s yard and they reminded me of my mother. Her favorite flower was an iris.”

  “Which explains your name,” Lily guessed.

  “Yes, it does.” Iris dabbed at her tears with the handkerchief. “A bit of homesickness and sadness engulfed me, and here I am feeling sorry for myself.”

  Lily considered the observation a bit odd, considering Mr. and Mrs. Cochrane’s residence was situated on the other side of town. When had the schoolteacher inspected their flower garden? Were Iris’s tears due to homesickness as she’d claimed? Or was it something more? “Perhaps you should write your mother a letter.”

  Iris’s expression crumpled as her eyes filled. “Mama passed away this past June.”

  Lily reached for Iris’s hand and gently squeezed it. “I’m so sorry. I lost my mother in January, and I understand the heart-wrenching pain you’re feeling.”

  “I cared for Mama for months and months, knowing her days were numbered. But losing her… you can never be prepared for that.”

  Lily patted Iris’s hand. “But there will always be a place in our hearts for our mothers, no matter how long ago they’ve passed.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for your kindness. I needed a comforting word and a friendly face today.” Iris smiled, weakly.

  “Always happy to help someone in need of a bit of cheering up.”

  “I don’t want to burden you with my… issues.” Iris straightened on the bench. “Where are you off to today? Just out for a morning walk?”

  Lily stood. “I’m going to the store to place an order. Would you like to accompany me and we can stop at the hotel for a bite to eat afterward? My treat.” Lily couldn’t help wondering what more the girl could be troubled with, besides grieving her deceased mother. The dark circles beneath Iris’s eyes suggested she hadn’t slept well for several nights.

  “Oh, goodness, Lily. I’m taking a break today from lesson planning and preparing the school for the students’ return to classes. I’d love to, but there’s no need for you to pay.” Iris glanced down at herself. “I wish I had something nicer to wear. While traveling to Milestone, all of my trunks… were stolen. I packed a few things in a bag, but I have a limited wardrobe to choose from every morning. And I’m afraid I can’t even sew on a button.”

  “My talents with a needle and thread are equally limited.” Lily hooked her hand around Iris’s arm. “But my friend, Amanda, and I recently opened a clothing shop. Perhaps one or two of the dresses in our stock would fit you. The prices are reasonable. At least, in my opinion.”

  “I have the funds to pay, but I wasn’t aware of a dress shop in town.” Iris walked with Lily. Being of similar height, the two of them easily matched their steps.

  “We’ve only been open a few months, but we’re growing a clientele. Any problems that arose, we’ve easily rectified to our customers’ satisfaction.”

  “That’s wonderful. Where is it located? I’ll drop in today and hopefully find something suitable.” Iris’s voice hinted that her mood had brightened.

  “Near the far end of Main Street beside the bank.”

  Iris’s face paled, momentarily.

  Lily considered it an odd reaction, but she continued, “
Several dresses in our stock are ones that I donated. Every season while living in Boston, my father purchased a new wardrobe for mother and me. I owned enough gowns to choke several horses. ” Lily laughed, heartily. “Choke a horse is an expression I heard after moving here. I have no idea who this horse belongs to, but I do feel sorry for him.”

  “Oh, you’re just teasing me.”

  “Seriously, I contributed the entire contents of my largest trunk to the store’s inventory. Most of the dresses were worn only once or maybe twice at the most. Our maids washed and pressed them after each wearing. I’m hoping you’ll find something that suits you.” Lily raised an eyebrow. “If you don’t mind buying something that is secondhand.”

  “Not at all. I’m certain the gowns will be lovely, judging by the dress you’re wearing today.”

  Lily gazed upon the teal satin dress she’d ordered for a friend’s wedding in Boston. “This is completely inappropriate for the dusty streets in a Montana town, but I don’t care. It’s one of my favorite dresses and I intend to wear it whenever the mood strikes me.”

  “I love your outlook on life.”

  “Then we should be friends.” Lily opened the general store door and entered behind Iris.

  In no time, Lily had placed her order with Mr. Cochrane while Iris wandered up and down the store’s main aisle.

  “See anything that catches your eye, miss?” Mr. Cochrane inquired.

  “Nothing today, thank you,” Iris replied, smiling. “I’m just waiting for Lily.”

  “All right, then. Have a wonderful day, ladies,” Mr. Cochrane called as they left his store and closed the door behind themselves.

  “Now, we can enjoy a relaxing meal and get to know each other better,” Lily suggested.

  Iris discreetly looked across the street as a man on a horseback passed by. “Who is that handsome man?” she whispered.

  Lily followed her gaze and chuckled. “That’s Daniel McLennon. He’s my future brother-in-law.”

  “I certainly wouldn’t mind getting to know him,” Iris replied.

  Lily chuckled. “Then perhaps one day I should introduce you two.”

  “Perhaps you should.” Iris smiled and followed Lily to the hotel.

  Chapter 31

  The horribly disheveled man silently cursed the dusty street as he slowly rode his tired horse into Milestone, Montana.

  “What would possess someone to move to this poor excuse for a town?” he muttered aloud. Moving here on purpose seemed beyond his comprehension, especially when a person could be living in a bustling city instead.

  Normally, he would have stopped at a hotel and inquired where he could find a bath and a shave. And purchased new clothing and suitable boots. Due to unfortunate circumstances, none of that was currently possible. If he hadn’t been in such a rush…

  Water under the bridge now.

  And it was all that fool’s fault!

  He tied the horse’s reins to the hitching rail, climbed the wooden steps, and walked into the Copper Nugget Saloon. He never would have imagined himself patronizing such a place. A scattering of wooden tables with mismatched chairs covered the plank floor coated in a layer of dirt. A sturdy wooden bar with decorative inlaid panels fronted the main wall where shelves held a collection of liquor bottles and assorted glasses.

  Wire-framed spectacles sat at an odd angle on the barkeep’s bulbous nose as he stood waiting for him to approach. “What can I git ya?” he inquired, slurring his words slightly.

  Jingling the last few coins in his pocket, he muttered, “Beer.” He handed over payment and drank deeply, hoping to clear the trail dust from his throat.

  The barkeep looked him up and down. “Name’s Charlie Hughes. I own the place. What brings ya to town, mister? Ya appear a little worse for wear.”

  He grimaced, hearing Charlie’s comment, and then gazed at his expensive suit with one sleeve almost completely torn off and the once pristine white shirt now grimy from too many days’ wear. His finger tentatively touched the swollen lip which had bled profusely the night he’d been attacked and robbed of all his worldly possessions while traveling alone on a dark trail. A week had passed, but his entire face remained tender to the touch. He hadn’t checked in a mirror, but he must look a fright. He figured men generally didn’t arrive in town looking like something from decent folks’ worst nightmare.

  He sipped his beer, mindful of his damaged lip. “Ran into a bit of trouble on the way here.”

  “My guess is you encountered one of them damned highwaymen gangs.” The barkeep waved his hand. “Rob their own mothers, they would. Can I get you another beer?”

  He smiled. “Not today, Charlie.”

  Two white-haired gentlemen sat at a nearby table, discussing local happenings and laughing at an occasional shared joke. But his ears perked up at the mention of someone of interest to him.

  “Did you mention the name Lily Watson?” he called to the old-timers.

  The taller one replied, “She’s getting hitched to Jackson McLennon. Don’t recall the exact date, but soon enough I reckon.”

  “Well, I’m here looking for cousin Lily. Arrived a little ahead of the wedding in case I could be of some help.” He wandered over to their table. “I don’t suppose you’d know where I could find her?”

  “She’ll be over at Amanda’s Clothing Emporium.” The fellow waved him in the general direction. Considering the old-timer slurred his words and seemed a little tipsy, he wasn’t certain the man hadn’t provided flawed information.

  “Up the street a ways by the bank,” the other old fellow added.

  “I passed a First National Bank on the way into town.” He touched the brim of his somewhat crumpled bowler and nodded. “Much obliged, gentlemen.”

  “Say hello to that pretty cousin of yours,” Charlie called.

  He walked outside through the batwing doors. “Yes. I certainly will,” he muttered. He couldn’t wait to meet up with Lily, considering she was the reason he’d come to this one-horse town in the first place.

  Chapter 32

  Spying from a distance, he watched two fashionably dressed women exit the clothing store through the front door. He couldn’t hear their conversation, but he caught the word ‘daughter’. The two women parted ways, heading off in opposite directions. From his position against the wall across the street, he could still detect movement inside the building through the large display windows. But he couldn’t identify who remained in the store. Another woman? Perhaps even two people?

  Was one of them a man?

  Was one of them Lily?

  He ducked into the alley and crept along the brick wall hoping to avoid detection. Hearing a back door open, he crouched behind a rain barrel and peeked over the rim. A young woman stepped outside, carrying a large package. She pulled the door closed behind her and strode down the alleyway in the opposite direction. He counted the buildings from the corner and determined the woman had exited the clothing store.

  He remained hidden, completely dumbfounded. How many women worked or shopped at this place anyway? Already three had left. Only one of them carried a package, so they weren’t all customers. Or if they were, they hadn’t purchased anything. More importantly, none of them had been Lily.

  He crept out from behind the barrel and hurried to the back door. He slowly lifted the latch, slipped inside, and closed the door behind him. His timing couldn’t have been better. Had the woman intended to lock the back door and forgot in her haste? Or did folks in this nowhere town just leave their businesses unsecured during the day?

  He paused for a few moments to allow his eyes to adjust to the interior. He stood in what resembled a storage room. Boxes were stacked against two walls and a square desk, a wooden chair, and a metal cabinet occupied one corner. A substantial black Schwab safe stood next to a staircase which probably led to a second floor. A small table and three chairs, a small unlit woodstove, and a counter with a kettle, cups and saucers, and a sugar bowl occupied the wall opposite.<
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  The store appeared deserted, completely devoid of any sound, but he hoped at least one more person remained inside. Hopefully, that person would be Lily. He stepped across the plank floor and pulled the curtain aside.

  * * *

  Lily heard a sound coming from the back room. “Amanda, did you forget something?” she called, straightening the display of newly arrived ribbons which customers had been rummaging through all day.

  She glanced toward the back of the store and gasped. A vagrant stood just inside the curtained-off area. She stared at him in disbelief; she’d never seen anyone looking so down on their luck. His scraggly beard was matted with dirt, purple bruises covered most of his face, and dried blood coated the cut above one lip. His suit was crumpled and filthy, and one sleeve was almost completely torn off.

  “I’m sorry. You’ve wandered into the wrong establishment.” Lily’s knees shook beneath her skirts. She prayed the ruffian would turn around and leave.

  “Hello, Lily.”

  Her heart almost stopped and she inhaled sharply. “William?” She knew his voice but she’d barely recognized him. He might have returned from a war, judging the state of his clothing and his face.

  “It’s good to see you again,” he said, sneering.

  Lily straightened her back. William Connors was the last person on earth she wished to ever cross paths with again. “What brings you to Milestone?”

  “Interesting story.” He stepped closer and glared at her. “I find myself in need of a few things.”

  “Really,” Lily muttered. Certainly a new suit was one of them. A bath and a shave would no doubt make it onto his list. What could he possibly think she would help him with? Thankfully, she’d become Jackson’s fiancée and the despicable man no longer posed a threat to her. That didn’t mean she wasn’t frightened by his sudden appearance, especially since he’d snuck in through the back.

  Amanda had dashed out the back door to deliver a package to Mrs. Landers. Of all days for her partner to forget to lock the door. Or had William broken the lock somehow? Nancy left to fetch her daughter from school while Ruby headed to the general store to pick up a few things for supper. She’d been left completely alone. Lily had locked the front door for the day; no customers would come to her aid. Somehow, she needed to get William out of here, or plan a means of escape.