The Golden Bride

by Kimberley Woodhouse

  “I’m looking forward to our outing tomorrow.” Her smile seemed a bit shy, and it made her look even prettier.

  “Me too.”

  “I promise not to take you bonnet shopping again.” Standing, she grabbed her things. “Until tomorrow.” She walked away.

  “Until tomorrow …”

  It took him a moment to recover because the reality of his feelings had taken hold in his heart and refused to let go. He was going to have to pray a lot for God to help him be patient, because he was already falling in love with Mrs. Olivia Brighton.

  Dragging her brother by the arm, Olivia hiked up the stairs to their home.

  “What is going on?” Daniel wasn’t used to being ordered around by his little sister and had said as much when she’d grabbed him in the dining room. At least he’d laughed about it.

  When they were safely inside and she’d closed the door, Olivia paced the floor in the parlor. “I need your advice.”

  He straightened and crossed his arms over his chest. “Of course. Whatever you need.”

  “It’s about Joseph.” Watching him closely, Olivia was a bit surprised to see a corner of Daniel’s mouth lift. What was that all about? It almost seemed like he was ready to laugh. She gave him a scowl.

  “What about him?” His face went back to all serious.

  “Well …” She sighed a long, drawn-out sigh that meant she wasn’t sure how to proceed. Oh, bother. Best to just get it over with. “I asked him to escort me on an errand today.”

  “Very wise decision. You know I don’t want you ever going anywhere alone.”

  “I know.” She wanted to roll her eyes and tell him she wasn’t five years old anymore, but she bit her tongue. “But I’m wondering if I should …” She couldn’t say it.

  “Should what?” Her brother narrowed his eyes and pushed his chin out. “Buy another bonnet? Mail a letter? What could be so serious that you need my advice?”

  Exasperating man. She placed her hands on her hips. “I know that Joseph is your friend.”

  “The best.”

  “Yes, I know.” She gave him a look that she hoped conveyed to him that he should be quiet and let her get it out. He grinned and didn’t say a word.

  “And I’ve been so amazed at how hardworking he is, how much he sacrifices to help with Bible study, church, the council, plus taking care of his own employees. His heart to help those who are less fortunate—and those that have been taken advantage of—is a blessing to me.”

  He raised his eyebrows but didn’t say anything.

  With a huff, she flung her hands out in front of her. “I just think that maybe you were right.”

  “Oh?” One eyebrow spiked while a smile spread across his face.

  “Yes, I know. You’ve been worried about me. And I even appreciated all the lectures.” She held up a hand. “Well, for the most part, because they made me think and pray and grow. So I have to admit that I’ve been thinking about Joseph a lot. About how he’s the kind of man that I’d always hoped I would marry, but it makes me nervous to even think about that. He’s my friend. We spend a lot of time together, and I don’t want to lose that on top of the fact that I don’t know if I’m ready to fall in love. But my heart seems to pick up its pace whenever he is around. And I admit that I really like it when he is around.” The words had spilled out before she could do anything about it.

  Daniel put a hand to his chest. “I’m crushed. Am I not good enough for you anymore?”

  All the tension she was feeling drained as she began to laugh at his dramatics. “You know I love when you’re around too. But I get to see you all the time. And you’re my brother. It’s different.”

  “I know.” He stepped over to the settee and sat down. “I’m sorry for teasing you, but you looked so distraught that I just had to break the strain before that vein in your neck exploded.”

  Self-conscious, she put a hand to her throat then saw the mirth in his eyes. “You are rotten.” Laughter bubbled up again. “But I love you.” She sat next to him and relaxed. “I guess I have never experienced anything like this, and I need my big brother’s advice. It scares me and thrills me all at the same time.”

  He took her hand. “Why don’t we pray about it together, all right? You know that I think that Joseph is the best man around. I trust him with my life. But you’ve had a lot of emotional upheaval the past few months. It won’t hurt for you to take your time and truly get to know him. Give him a chance to show you the man that he is. And pray. A lot.”

  “I can do that.” Sweet peace settled over her again as Daniel prayed for her. Just like it had at the creek the day Hezekiah died. Once again, she was reminded that God was with her. She wasn’t alone and didn’t have to walk this journey by herself. Not only that, but Daniel was there too. “Thank you.”

  After they prayed together for several minutes, Olivia’s heart felt refreshed. No longer did she feel like she was carrying a huge weight. She checked the time on the clock and hoped that the next few hours would pass quickly.

  After Bible study, Olivia excused herself and raced up the stairs to get her bonnet and reticule. Joseph was waiting for her downstairs, and it made her heart flutter to think of him. The only time she’d ever had feelings like this was when she was fifteen and a young, unmarried missionary had traveled through their area to speak with her parents. She’d fancied herself in love with the man as soon as she’d heard all his exciting stories about traveling and telling people about Jesus. She’d even written him a letter the night before he left, hoping that perhaps he felt the same toward her. But when he’d left early without even saying goodbye to her, she burned the letter and promised to never be a silly, lovesick girl ever again.

  Practicality had won out the rest of the time. There weren’t many young men her age around, and she spent most of her time on the farm with her mother. But when Mama and Daddy died, she’d met Hezekiah at the bank, and he’d offered to rescue her. It hadn’t been a whirlwind romance. It had been a marriage of convenience. Oh, Hezekiah said that he loved her and told her how beautiful she was. But she’d never felt any heart flutterings for him even though he was very handsome. To be honest, most of the time, she was aggravated with him no matter how she tried not to let it show.

  As she walked down to the dining room, she had to admit that Joseph stirred something in her. Was this what the beginnings of love felt like? She wasn’t sure.

  “You look lovely as always, Olivia.” He tipped his top hat and offered his arm.

  With a smile, she tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “Thank you.” Hopefully, her cheeks weren’t turning too pink. “I appreciate you escorting me today. I don’t leave the restaurant much, and you know how protective Daniel is, especially after the horrible day in the alley. I don’t even want to walk outside the building by myself.”

  He patted her hand. “Which is wise, considering how dangerous things can be here. And there are not very many women as you well know, so you are quite a fascination. Maybe once we get more upstanding married men to move into the area with their wives and children, things will be different and hopefully safer. I know it will take time, but I’m already seeing a bit of difference since the alcalde was elected and we have a police chief.”

  They walked in a slow, steady pace down the street. Olivia turned her face toward him. “Do you think that families will move here? I mean, I hope they do—there’s just so many men coming in seeking their fortunes in gold. It doesn’t seem like much of a place to raise a family.”

  “You’re correct. It’s not. But I am encouraged that we need businesses to supply for all these people coming in. Restaurants, bath houses, laundries, and stores for supplies.”

  “Haven’t you seen how many men have come just to throw up a shack to start these businesses and then because their items are in demand, they get greedy and drive the prices to outlandish numbers?”

  “That is true. Nevertheless, look at your brother. He took the time and money to bu
ild a decent building. He serves excellent food. And he doesn’t hike up his prices like the others. His business is thriving and overflowing. It’s men like Daniel—who I know wants a family of his own one day—that I’m hoping we’ll garner more of in the future.”

  She thought about it. “I hope you’re correct. I was shocked to find out that there were so many men in this city and not even a school operating.”

  “All the students—and the teacher—took off hunting for gold as soon as word spread. Now there aren’t any children who are around to be taught.”

  That was why the schoolhouse was being used as the police office now. Were the rumors factual, though? Were children being sold into slavery? Her heart sank as she thought about the little boy she’d tried to rescue. “Do you think that what your foreman heard is true?”

  He sighed and took several steps before he responded. “I hope not with everything in me. But I’m afraid it could be. I’ve been praying that if it is, we will be able to find them and help.”

  “I’ll pray that too.” Heaviness filled her heart. Lord, help us. “I apologize for taking our conversation in such a disheartening direction.”

  He patted her hand again and gave it a tiny squeeze. “It’s quite all right, Olivia. I love your heart for people.”

  The praise made her smile. “I just wish I could do something more to help.”

  “You are. You’re praying, you’re helping us with the Bible study, your idea of meals for the police captain and his men was brilliant …” He stopped walking and turned to face her. Their arms still intertwined, he was quite close. “And you stopped that man from killing the boy. That was one of the bravest things I’ve ever known anyone to do.”

  Staring into his brown eyes, she felt lost in the emotion she saw there. What was it? Whatever it was, it pulled her in, and she didn’t want to stop it. “I don’t think I’m very brave, but thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He licked his lips and took a deep breath. “You are a fascinating woman, Mrs. Olivia Brighton.” With a smile, he turned forward again and led her down the street.

  The compliment made her feel things she hadn’t felt before. Deep down, she knew she’d begun to care deeply for Joseph; and if God was giving her a second chance at love—possibly even marriage and a family—it overwhelmed her with emotions and questions. She’d failed Him miserably the first time. Could she really do better? She shook her head. All the negative thoughts were things she needed to rid her mind of—that’s one of the things she’d been working on after reading Faith’s journal. She just wasn’t sure how to accomplish it day in and day out.

  “You look deep in thought. I hope I haven’t offended you.” Joseph’s voice broke through her thoughts.

  “No. You haven’t offended me.” How much should she tell him? She’d always been a blunt and honest person. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt for Joseph to see who she really was as she took her time to get to know him as well. “My thoughts often take a negative turn, and it’s something that I have felt challenged to work on. My family used to tease me about being skeptical and sarcastic. But with the joy and positive nature of my parents around me all the time, I didn’t think anything of it until after they were gone. I found myself spiraling in a negative direction. That’s not who I want to be.”

  “I don’t see you as a negative person.”

  “I’m glad. But you’re not inside my mind.” A new boldness overcame her. It felt good to share with him. “When I first came here, I was determined that life would never be good again. It was all my fault for my husband’s death. I didn’t think I deserved a second chance, and so I just needed to do my best to serve God in this filthy city and adjust to the situation. I guess I’d settled for thinking I’d be miserable the rest of my days and that was my burden to bear.”

  His soft chuckle made her feel lighter. “I can’t tell you how many times I have had the same thoughts.”

  “Really?” The thought of this man next to her—a man so full of life and determination to change the world for good—having negative thoughts was a bit of a shock.

  “Oh, definitely. I know I don’t measure up to God’s standards, and sometimes I’m overwhelmed by the evil around me, wondering how someone like me could possibly bring about any change. I know that I don’t deserve a second chance, or a third or a fourth for that matter, but then I’m reminded of Christ paying the price for my sin, and I’m encouraged to keep doing what I’m doing.”

  “So you don’t think less of me for having doubts and negative thoughts?”

  “Not at all. We’re all sinners, Olivia. All of us. And we all struggle. But your brother told me when I first came to know Christ that part of our job as a body of believers is to encourage and exhort one another. We’re all going to feel beaten down at some point, and we’re all going to lose our confidence. It’s our job to help each other through the muck and mire.”

  “That’s a good way to look at it.”

  “Why do you think it’s so difficult for us to grasp that?” He steered her around a large mud puddle.

  She laughed. “Probably because we’re stubborn. Prideful. Selfish.”

  As his laughter joined with hers, he patted her hand again, a gesture that became special to her—almost intimate. She wouldn’t mind one bit if he just kept his hand over hers.

  They walked down the street for several long moments without speaking. Wagon wheels sloshed and rumbled through the muddy street, while men shouted at one another over the din and chaos. It was nice to walk in companionable silence while the world bustled around them. It seemed very … normal. Olivia allowed herself to think forward for a brief moment. What would it be like to be married to this man?

  She looked away as heat crept up her neck. It was too soon to be thinking such thoughts, as nice as they might be. No. She needed to keep her focus on God first and seek His direction. Joseph might not even think of her in that way. It was best to guard her heart and mind. But Daniel had encouraged her to get to know their friend better. If she had his approval, that was a good thing, right?

  “Penny for your thoughts?” Joseph stopped them again.

  She turned her face back to him and looked into his eyes. “I don’t think they’re worth quite that much.”

  “I do.”

  As their gazes collided, Olivia felt like the air around them was suddenly sweeter. Cooler. Refreshing. She felt a blush rush up her cheeks, and she looked down at the ground hoping her bonnet would hide the telltale pink hue.

  “Forgive me. I’ve embarrassed you.” Joseph’s boots aimed forward again, and he gently pulled her along. “I just realized that I don’t know where we’re going on this errand of yours.”

  Looking up and along the street, she couldn’t help but laugh. They’d walked a good distance, and she’d completely forgotten what she needed to do. “Now it’s my turn to apologize. It completely slipped my mind.” She stopped and let go of his arm while she reached into her reticule. Holding up a piece of paper with her right hand, she took hold of his arm again. “I have a list.”

  “Well, I say it’s time we tackle that list so we can get you back to the restaurant before your brother sends out a search party for us.” He winked at her.

  “That’s a splendid idea.” She wouldn’t mind if they were going to pick up manure—she’d treasure every moment she had to spend with Joseph Sawyer.

  September was upon them, and the changes in San Francisco were almost as many as the ships that anchored in the harbor each day. Joseph looked out to the wharf. Changes for good couldn’t happen overnight, but steady progress was all that they needed. And so far, they’d made good progress.

  What amazed him the most was George’s felicitous manner with him at the council meetings lately. He didn’t balk at suggestions near as much as he used to. As soon as he’d seen the petition that Olivia had worked on for so many weeks, he opened the floor for the council to discuss what they could do in addition to the police. What would it take to put
fire safety measures in place? Instead of closing the door on such discussions, it seemed Banister was now in favor. Many times, he’d offered to go to his employer for extra funding. All the members had nothing but praise for the head of the council. At this point, Joseph didn’t care. He’d just keep an eye on things and see if he could find out what George was really up to. Someday the gentleman was bound to slip up. Joseph’s gut told him that his instincts were correct. He just had to wait.

  As Joseph walked up Market Street, he thought about other changes that were happening. The first brick building in town was going up. Several other large buildings and even a few large homes were under construction. Businesses were booming, and the influx of people continued to grow.

  It was amazing compared to where San Francisco was just a year ago. Thinking back to that time, he found himself grateful again for his friendship with Daniel. He owed his friend his life. And through Daniel, he now knew Olivia.

  Just the thought of her made him smile. Winding his way through the streets, he passed one of the large homes being built. Perhaps it was time for him to start thinking of building a home, a home in which he could raise a family. Olivia’s face came to mind again. Would she be willing to stay here? Even if she got over the fact that he owned a gold mine, he wasn’t sure she wanted to stay. But her brother was here, and he knew how close they’d grown. Maybe it wasn’t such a crazy thought after all.

  Redirecting his steps to the land office, Joseph decided he’d just have to step out in faith. He had plenty of money—that wasn’t an issue—so he could purchase a piece of land in the best area he could find.

  After leaving the land office, excitement built in his gut. This would be a nice project to keep his focus positive when other things tempted to bring him down. Checking his pocket watch, he realized that he’d better get home and change if he had any chance of following George tonight.