Just then, Edward fell forward and nearly collided with Abigail. He steadied himself immediately, only to be made dizzy by the warmth he felt when he was closer to her body.
“I’m sorry,” an older man said, recovering from the incident as well. As it was, he’d bumped into Edward while trying to drag his luggage past him.
“It’s all right,” Edward said, nodding politely at the man.
And with that, Edward and Abigail were reminded of their surroundings and drawn out of the oblivion they’d been sharing.
“My wagon is just over this way,” Edward said, gesturing his head toward the near end of the platform. He reached out to take Abigail’s luggage, and their hands brushed up against each other. For a brief moment, they stared at each other, tottering on the edge of their sweet oblivion again, but Edward kept his senses and started walking.
A minute or two later, the couple arrived at Edward’s wagon, where an older woman sat on the bench, napping. “That’s Mrs. Booker,” Edward noted. “I’ve hired her to be your chaperone until we’re married.”
Those words rolled off of Edward’s tongue so naturally, and Abigail’s ears received them the same.
Mrs. Booker came to as Edward was loading Abigail’s luggage onto the back of the wagon, and she formally introduced herself to her charge. Shortly thereafter, the three of them were on the road, with Mrs. Booker seated between Abigail and Edward.
The trio traveled for a good thirty minutes or so, with Abigail and Edward conversing the whole while. They got along so well that Mrs. Booker could tell she had her work cut out for her as chaperone. Edward began to slow the horses and steered the carriage toward the side of the road. Abigail wasn’t at all concerned, though she was curious.
“I’ve traveled by train before,” Edward said as his horses slowed to a stop. “And I know it can be, and usually is, quite trying. By the time my travels are done, I’m usually left starving, exhausted, and in dire need to stretch my limbs.”
Abigail grinned and nodded. Sure enough, she knew exactly what he was talking about and had felt the same pangs during the last leg of her journey.
“Now, I figured you could take care of your exhaustion once we’re back at the ranch,” Edward went on. “I’ve got the spare room all set up for you, and you can sleep in as late as you want tomorrow… But in the meantime, we should take care of the other two things—your need to stretch your limbs and your hunger.”
Edward pointed over his shoulder, toward the back of the wagon. “I’ve packed us a picnic lunch,” he explained. “We can walk through the field over there, to the sitting spot just past it, and have our lunch there.”
Abigail’s face lit up, and her eyes widened. “That sounds perfect,” she said in a voice Edward found melodic.
Mrs. Booker took a deep breath and thought again about her role here. “I’ll stay here on the wagon,” the old gal said. “You’re a good man, Edward Smith. So I’ll give you some liberty… And you best not abuse it.”
Abigail bowed her head to conceal her smirk and laughter, and Edward grabbed the picnic basket from the back of the wagon.
The two of them walked off through the field, and Abigail felt a rush of emotions she’d never felt before. She felt true happiness, romantic excitement, and, above all else, freedom. They barely talked as they made their way to their destination. But the silence was not an uncomfortable one. It was natural.
At the end of the field, there was a passage into a wooden area with a stream that ran through it. This was the “sitting spot” Edward was talking about, and it was slightly similar to the place Abigail had seen in her dreams—only it was much more beautiful.
Edward opened the picnic basket and pulled out a folded blanket, which he spread out on the ground. He gestured for Abigail to sit down, and she obliged, gazing up into his eyes as she did. He nearly stumbled, intoxicated by the moment, as he bent over to remove and set out the food, but he caught himself before that could happen.
Once the food was displayed, Edward sat down on the blanket. There was a respectable distance between the two of them, but still their closeness made them both feel powerful things.
“I hope you like roasted chicken and vegetable salad,” Edward said. He wanted to look down at the food, but he couldn’t take his eyes off of Abigail.
“I’m so hungry I could eat anything,” Abigail said with a laugh, “even stale bread and boiled potatoes.” Of course Edward didn’t get the reference, but he was moved by Abigail’s expression and couldn’t help but smile back at her.
Before the two of them started eating, Edward did something quite touching, yet brazen. He reached out and took Abigail’s hand in his, then he bowed his head reverently. “Thank you, Heavenly Father, for this food you have given us,” he said, squeezing Abigail’s hand ever so slightly. “And thank You for bringing Abigail and me together.”
Edward looked up at Abigail again, and the two of them said, “Amen,” in unison as their eyes met.
If ever there was such a thing as love at first sight, Abigail Jackson and Edward Smith were experiencing it. And if ever there was a couple that was meant to be—if there were ever two souls perfectly paired for each other—they were it.
As the two of them went on to eat their picnic lunch together, the talked at great length. Though they were strangers to each other by conventional measures, they got along as if they’d been a part of each other’s lives forever. And when a deer stopped to graze on a nearby bush and a rabbit ran by, Abigail was reminded again of the dreams she’d had, and she thanked God for allowing them to become a reality.
The couple continued to talk long after they finished eating their food. They learned a great deal about each other and further strengthened the bond that existed between them. No doubt, they could have gone on and talked for even longer. But Mrs. Booker wouldn’t have that. After the couple had been on their picnic for about three hours (during most of which she napped), she went to them and told them it was time they go back to the ranch.
“You’ve had your lunch,” she said, rubbing her big belly. “Now let’s get going so I can have mine.”
TEN
“Over there’s the church,” Edward said, pointing toward the sacred building. He’d pointed out a few different landmarks as they made their way back to his ranch, but he was particularly pleased to point out this one. “That’s where we’ll be getting married,” he added. He looked past Mrs. Booker to Abigail, who was smiling. “When would you like to get married, by the way?” he asked. He looked at her again and added, “I know I’d like to as soon as possible.”
“So would I,” Abigail responded.
“Well, I’ll meet with the reverend tomorrow then, to see when he can accommodate us,” Edward replied.
Again, their talk of getting married felt so fitting and not at all awkward. Given what they felt, it was just understood that things would progress.
“We’re coming up on the ranch now,” Edward said a few minutes later. Abigail directed her attention to the road ahead. There was a large expanse of land in front of her. It appeared to be part of a settlement, and she didn’t know where to look exactly to locate Edward’s land in particular—not that it mattered. She didn’t care what parcel was his. All that mattered to her was that she was his, and he was hers.
As the wagon came upon what Abigail believed to be the settlement, she realized that it wasn’t a settlement, but rather a singular property.
“Here we are,” Edward said, steering his horses toward a post located near a very large house.
Abigail looked around confusedly.
“What’s wrong?” Edward asked her.
“This… this is your ranch?” she asked, astonished at the size of the property she was on.
“Yes,” Edward chuckled. “I apologize for not describing its extent… I own the largest ranch in Laramie. It serves the entire city, the surrounding settlements, and then some.”
“I… I don’t understand,” Abigail stut
tered. For the first time since meeting him, it was obvious to Abigail just how much she didn’t know about Edward. “Is this… is this land your parents’? You’re only twenty-five. How… how could you have such a ranch? Did you… did you inherit it?”
Edward wasn’t laughing any more, but he was still smiling. He was endeared by Abigail’s confusion. “I was raised by my father,” Edward explained, “who died when I was sixteen. He left me a small inheritance, which I used to come out here and set stake to a plot of land that I turned into a ranch… Of course, I had to lie about my age to do so. Rest assured, I’m not usually one for lying. But given the situation, I needed to, and by God, it’s worked out to my advantage.
“Over the past nine years, my ranching operation has grown significantly, and I have made a great deal of money. But like I said in my advertisement, I am mindful of how I spend that money. I spend what I must on myself, my home, and the like, and from time to time I do enjoy life’s luxuries. But I don’t take things too far, and I always give back by giving to those who are less fortunate.”
Abigail smirked. She thought of how her father didn’t want her marrying a rancher. He didn’t want her to be poor, living in a shack, eating stale bread and boiled potatoes. He wanted her to be with someone who was successful, someone who had money and power and could give her the kind of life she was used to. He’d care about these things, and she hadn’t cared about them at all. She’d been willing to give up everything just to be with a man who was like her, someone who loved books and nature, someone who had an adventurous spirit and a thirst for knowledge.
Funny how things work out, Abigail thought as she stepped off of Edward’s wagon.
One month later, Abigail Jackson and Edward Smith were married in the church outside of Laramie. They’d wanted to get married sooner, but they wound up waiting for Abigail’s parents to come out to Wyoming for the wedding. She’d sent them a wire the day after her arrival to let them know that she’d arrived safely.
They found the other part of her message more compelling though, the part in which Abigail noted that Edward owned the largest, most successful ranch in the area. Upon learning this information, the Jacksons’ opinion of Abigail marrying a twenty-five-year-old rancher swiftly changed. They gave her their blessings and asked her to hold off getting married so they could come out and witness it.
Even though they were both quite eager to get married and officially start their life together, Abigail and Edward agreed to oblige the Jacksons’ request, and for the month that followed, they enjoyed a rather romantic, titillating courtship.
When they were finally married, Abigail and Edward did so in a grand ceremony, followed by a grand celebration. The Jacksons stayed on with them for a week or so after the wedding, so that Mr. Jackson could become better acquainted with his son-in-law’s business. When they finally left, Mrs. Booker left the ranch too—and Abigail and Edward went on to live as a couple.
For the next two years or so, the Smiths traveled to several places across the country, whenever Edward could get a break from work. At one point however, they decided to settle down and stay put for a while, so that Abigail could rest up and nurture the life that was growing inside of her.
Nine months later, Abigail and Edward became proud parents to their first child, a daughter they named Greta. She grew to love nature and learning, just like her parents, and joined them on many happy travels.
15. THE convenient BRIDE
Copyright © Hope Sinclair 2018
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher and writer except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a contemporary work of fiction. All characters, names, places and events are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously.
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Contents
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
TEN
ONE
“I think he’s sweet on you,” Meredith whispered to her coworker with a playful smile. “This is the third time he’s been in here this week, but I don’t think it’s the goods that are drawing him in.”
Evelyn Taylor glanced over at the handsome young man who stood awkwardly by the far wall of the dried-foods store. His eyes met hers, and he quickly turned his head to appraise the sacks and cans of food on the shelves.
“You’d better go offer him your help,” Meredith added with a giggle. “I don’t think he’ll budge from that spot until you do.”
Evelyn lowered her eyes and shook her head slightly from side to side. Regardless of the man’s interests or intentions, she had a job to do—and, given how much she needed her work income, she was determined to do it.
She began walking over toward the man. His face lit up at the sight of her, and he fidgeted a bit. “Good afternoon,” she said pleasantly. “Is there something I can help you with?”
“I…I…I need some…some flour,” the man stuttered, lost in the soft beauty of Evelyn’s face.
“Flour?” she repeated, placing her hands on her hips and cocking her head to the side. “You purchased some flour just yesterday. You already need more?”
“Yes,” the man replied, blushing.
“Are you a baker?” Evelyn quipped with a grin.
“Huh?” he inquired, not sensing her humor.
“Two sacks of flour in two days is a lot for a person to buy,” Evelyn answered, taking on a more serious tone. “I was just curious as to how you intend to use it.”
The man took a deep breath and bowed his head. “I haven’t put it to any use,” he admitted. “I don’t even know what to do with flour, to be honest.”
“Oh,” Evelyn responded, at a loss for further words. Now, she, too, was blushing.
“I’ve only been coming to this store as much as I have because I’m quite fond of you,” the man went on, confirming what Meredith had just said. “You’ve really captured my attention, and I hoped to capture yours, as well.”
Evelyn’s heart fluttered in her chest. She did not know how to reply. Fortunately, she was spared by a welcome interruption, as the door to the store swung open, and in walked a teenaged girl with two adorable children. She cradled a small girl, about a year old, in her arms, as a three-year-old boy toddled behind her.
The man looked at the children nervously, then returned his gaze to Evelyn. “So,” he continued, trying to ignore the noise the boy was making, “I hope I’m not being too forward. But, I was wondering if—”
Before he could finish his sentence, the boy ran over to Evelyn and reached his arms up in the air. “Mama!” he exclaimed cheerily as she lowered herself to accept his embrace.
Evelyn hugged the child, squeezing him tightly.
“I’m so sorry to bother you at work,” the teenaged girl remarked, coming up beside Evelyn. “I came into town to run some errands…and when Jack saw the storefront, he put up a fuss and begged to come in and see you.”
“Oh, it’s no bother,” Evelyn smiled, ruffling her hand through her son’s hair. “I’m blessed that my children care for me so much.” She reached out and tickled her baby daughter’s nose. “Hello, my sweet Julie,” she crooned lovingly as the child cooed.
“Bring the kids over here,” Meredith called out from behind the counter, trying to divert the distraction they’d already caused. “I have some dried apples left over from my lunch, and I know how much they like sweets.”
With that, the teenaged girl took the children over to the counter, and Evelyn turned back to her custo
mer. “I’m sorry about the interruption,” she smiled.
The man looked back at her and nodded his head. Evelyn noticed that the pink in his cheeks was gone, having been replaced by a much paler hue.
“So, where were we?” Evelyn asked.
“Uh…um…ah,” the man hedged, reaching up to scratch his head. “Never mind,” he said finally. “It’s not important. I can see you have other things going on right now. I’ll…I’ll come back some other time.”
He turned and swiftly left the dried-foods store. And, as he did, Evelyn felt fairly certain that she wouldn’t see him in there again—at least not until the large sack of flour he’d bought the day before was completely expended or dried out beyond use.
Feeling somewhat deflated, she walked over to the counter to join her coworker, her children, and their caretaker. Even though she was upset, she smiled at them fondly, and laughed as Jack greedily shoved another slice of dried apple into his mouth.
Evelyn interacted lovingly with her children for a few more minutes, and then the young girl collected them and left. Once the trio was gone from the store, Meredith turned to Evelyn and arched her eyebrows. “So,” she asked, “was I correct? That man is sweet on you, isn’t he?”
“Well,” Evelyn sighed, “he might have been. Though I doubt he is anymore. Once he saw the children and realized they were mine, his demeanor toward me drastically changed.”
“Oh, dear,” Meredith said sadly, shaking her head. “I’m sorry to hear that. He was awfully good-looking and seemed nice enough.”
Evelyn nodded lightly and looked off into the distance.
“But, it’s his loss,” Meredith went on. “You’re a wonderful person, and if he can’t overlook the fact that you have children, then he’s nothing but a narrow-minded fool who doesn’t deserve you.”
Evelyn nodded again and forced a smile onto her face.
New Beginnings Spring 20 Book Box Set Page 64
