Читать онлайн книгу "Pony Express Christmas Bride"

Pony Express Christmas Bride
Rhonda Gibson


Want Ad WifeMail-order bride Josephine Dooley’s trip west was supposed to end in marriage to her intended groom—not with the discovery that he hadn’t actually placed the bridal ad! Now her only choice is to convince pony express rider Thomas Young to wed her anyway, to save her from her scheming uncle.A bride shouldn’t be a surprise package and when Thomas finds out about his meddling brother’s ruse, he plans to send his would-be wife packing. However, when he realizes Josephine desperately needs his help and a marriage of convenience is the only way he can protect her, he vows to become the husband she needs. But he quickly learns that it will be hard to keep his new bride at arm’s length…because Josephine is his perfect match.







Want-Ad Wife

Mail-order bride Josephine Dooley’s trip West was supposed to end in marriage to her intended groom—not with the discovery that he hadn’t actually placed the bridal ad! Now her only choice is to convince Pony Express rider Thomas Young to wed her anyway to save her from her scheming uncle.

A bride shouldn’t be a surprise package, and when Thomas finds out about his meddling brother’s ruse, he plans to send his would-be wife packing. However, when he realizes Josephine desperately needs his help and a marriage of convenience is the only way he can protect her, he vows to become the husband she needs. But he quickly learns that it will be hard to keep his new bride at arm’s length...because Josephine is his perfect match.


“Look, I’m not sure what you are expecting from this marriage.”

Thomas took his hat off his head and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. “But it isn’t going to be a real marriage.”

“We said vows, Thomas. Vows that I have been raised to keep.” Now that they were alone, was this his way of saying he’d changed his mind? How could he do such a thing?

His gaze met and held hers. “I agree, but this isn’t a real marriage, Josephine. The only reason I agreed to it was because I wanted you to be safe from your uncle and his evil plans. I have no intention of falling in love.”

All Josephine could think to say was “All right.” Inside she told herself she was happy that he harbored no desire to fall in love and live happily ever after.

Tension eased from her body. If he felt that way, then he couldn’t expect her to love him, either. How could anyone love another when they weren’t even sure they could trust them?

Still, a twinge of worry etched its way through her mind. “Does this mean you want to get out of the marriage?” She didn’t want to not be married to him; she needed the protection of his name.

“No, we’re married and you have the protection of the Young name, but that is all.”


Dear Reader (#ub214167c-c213-586e-8d44-76fa1a93a7fc),

When I was researching the Pony Express, I came across a letter from a little girl who asked if there were any girl Pony Express riders. The gentleman who answered her letter said, “not that history recorded but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t one.” That got me to thinking, and Josephine’s story was born. I enjoyed telling Thomas and Josephine’s love story.

Thank you so much for reading Pony Express Christmas Bride. I hope you are enjoying reading this miniseries as much as I am writing it.

Warmly,

Rhonda Gibson


RHONDA GIBSON lives in New Mexico with her husband, James. She has two children and three beautiful grandchildren. Reading is something she has enjoyed her whole life, and writing stemmed from that love. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, beading and playing with her dog, Sheba. You can visit her at rhondagibson.net (http://www.rhondagibson.net). Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.


Pony Express Christmas Bride

Rhonda Gibson






www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)


To everything there is a season.

A time for every purpose under heaven.

—Ecclesiastes 3:1


A special thank-you to my family.

I love you all very much.

James Gibson, your support means the world to me.

Father God, thank You for the stories You place on my heart and for being with me when I write.


Contents

Cover (#u4bd1ce74-3a3f-59f7-87be-02ea38b56933)

Back Cover Text (#ub46c5999-c27e-5a19-9f04-ab9dbdbc13b7)

Introduction (#u55ed61cc-bdd8-53e9-868b-646d2736b1de)

Dear Reader (#ud9472fcc-e08a-52ed-aec6-17ff3acb6f75)

About the Author (#u3a5a2b80-4d51-5eeb-b85a-2cfea41d083a)

Title Page (#u83fecd02-c3b0-58a1-bf20-bdd8636a93d8)

Bible Verse (#u2aff6d9b-d160-5c2f-9065-0880c917dafa)

Dedication (#ua45292ee-36b8-5345-9d0e-65c7c5796203)

Chapter One (#u4f464245-7d95-5f87-aaa1-6fe8c12b978c)

Chapter Two (#u16e62842-de61-5f55-ab92-87fad810602c)

Chapter Three (#ub23fb784-4795-5d5e-83d4-90a3c9594b0a)

Chapter Four (#uc3cbf1f7-d984-564f-b6d5-8fae85ec266c)

Chapter Five (#u689d8229-02a0-593c-b433-cebc427711ce)

Chapter Six (#uc92c11f3-b24d-5723-9598-42fd9820b4a0)

Chapter Seven (#u475e63e0-4ce1-5d79-ae9c-6d6e4e2aaadb)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-One (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-Two (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-Three (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-Four (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)


Chapter One (#ub214167c-c213-586e-8d44-76fa1a93a7fc)

Dove Creek, Wyoming

October 1860

Josephine Dooly lay low over her horse’s back. She whispered soothing words in his ear, even though she felt sure he couldn’t hear them over the yells of the bandits in hot pursuit of her. Her heart raced, adrenaline ran full throttle through her veins and pounding heart.

She doubted the bandits were after her money; they wanted the bags of mail in her possession, but if they stopped her, they’d get both and it wasn’t in her to let them have either. She meant to keep the hard-earned money she had on her person—and her mother’s locket. Josephine had a wedding trousseau to buy and a household to set up. Bandits out for the thrill of the steal were not going to alter her plans one little bit.

“Just a little farther, boy. We’re almost there.” The Pony Express station just ahead was Josephine’s destination. Once she rounded the bend, she knew the men would stop chasing her. Ole Mac, the previous stock tender, had said so when he’d given her instructions about this part of her run.

Thankfully, this was Josephine’s last ride for the Pony Express. She still couldn’t believe that cutting her hair and shortening her name to Jo had gotten her employment with the Pony Express. But she thanked the Lord that it had. There’d been some close calls and a few lonely days, but she’d made it by the grace of God.

As promised, once she rounded the bend, the bandits turned back the way they’d come. She let out several loud whoops of her own and patted the horse’s neck as she sped into the Pony Express station, where another rider waited to take her place.

She handed off the mochila and slid from the pony all in one motion. The other rider raced away, leaving Jo and the station manager standing in the yard in front of a tall barn.

The Pony Express station stock tender turned to look at her. “Boy, you look plum tuckered out.” With a good-humored laugh, he slapped Josephine on the back and only her quick reflexes kept her from flying through the air and falling on her face.

He motioned toward a building a few feet away. “Welcome to the Young family home station. I’m Andrew Young. My brother Philip is in the bunkhouse. Head on over. He’ll make sure you get something to eat and show you to a warm bunk, where you can bed down.”

Josephine nodded. This was her first time at this station, but she knew that in another ten miles she’d be in Dove Creek—and that was her final destination. She’d hired on as a Pony Express rider simply to get here.

She lowered her voice to sound like that of a young boy’s. “Thanks, believe I will.” Her legs felt as if she’d marched through mud and it had dried on her boots, weighing them down. She walked to the small bunkhouse, happy for a little time to rest after her last run.

A smile tilted her lips. She’d made it to the Young Home Station. It had taken a couple of weeks, but she was here. And her uncle was none the wiser. She’d managed to escape his plans to marry her off to a distasteful gambler as payment of a large debt he owed. What kind of uncle did that to his niece? Apparently hers, as that was exactly what had happened. But she’d outsmarted him.

Answering Thomas Young’s ad for a mail-order bride had been her saving grace. And the scariest thing she’d ever done in her young life. Well, that and signing on to be a Pony Express rider.

Her forehead puckered in thought. What would Thomas’s brothers Andrew and Philip think when she revealed that she wasn’t a boy but their brother’s mail-order bride?

Josephine hoped Thomas would be as happy to see her as she would be to see him. She’d not had the luxury of time to wait and see if he’d send her money to travel to the West, but had of necessity found her own way to Wyoming.

Josephine knew she’d had no choice. After her mother’s death, her father had become depressed and one day just disappeared. Leaving her behind to fend for herself. At first her uncle had paid little attention to her, but soon he’d realized that she could become profitable to him. To escape her uncle and his plans, she’d signed on with the Pony Express and never looked back.

Josephine pulled her shoulders back and raised her chin, readying herself to meet Philip Young. She touched her hand lightly against her chest, comforted by the warmth of her mother’s locket. The jewelry was the only thing left of her mother, besides Josephine’s memories, and she cherished it above all her possessions. Fortunately, her uncle hadn’t known she possessed it or it would have been long gone.

She pushed the sad thoughts aside and entered the bunkhouse. She yawned and weariness filled her. Josephine knew that once she told Philip who she really was, she’d need a couple of hours’ sleep before heading to the town of Dove Creek. She hadn’t waited for Thomas’s letter and now only hoped that she’d be given the directions to the relay station that he ran. If she understood correctly, it was a mere five miles on the other side of Dove Creek, so shouldn’t be too hard to find.

Nerves warred with hunger as she thought about this new life she planned to carve out for herself. Josephine prayed once more that she’d made the right decisions in answering a mail-order-bride ad, joining the Pony Express to escape her uncle and then marrying a man she didn’t know. Some might say she’d jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire; Josephine didn’t know, but she was about to find out.

* * *

Thomas Young leaned against the stone fireplace, watching snow drift silently to the ground in light, fluffy flakes. Living at a Pony Express relay station was the perfect life. He and his brother Philip had everything they needed. They attended to the Pony Express station that rested on the far side of the Young Home Station, which was always their first and last stop on their rides. Their ma liked this because it meant she got to see her adopted sons at least once a week. The home stations offered a bed and meal, whereas their small station offered only a fresh horse and more miles to ride between home stations.

Thomas heard the bugle blow seconds before the young man came into sight. The Pony Express rider came in fast and hard. Not all the riders used the bugle, but this one did. Thomas pushed himself away from the fireplace wall. He hurried to the barn and pulled out the already saddled horse that the rider would exchange. He’d take care of the exhausted horse as soon as the Express rider was on his way.

The young boy rode low over his horse’s neck. The powdery snow lifted from the horse’s hooves like steam from an overheated kettle.

Thomas braced himself for the horse exchange. The boy practically leaped from one horse to the other in one motion. Thomas recognized him as Juan. “Adios!” he called after the retreating back. The pony beside him heaved. Juan had ridden him hard.

The rider waved and shouted back. “Buenos Dias, Senor Young!”

He smiled and then gently tugged on the reins of the spent horse. “Come along, boy. We’ll have fresh oats in your belly in a few moments.” Thomas took the horse to the small barn that housed six Pony Express horses. His own gelding was behind the barn in the lean-to it shared with Philip’s horse.

The smell of hay and oats filled his nostrils. The warmth of the barn wrapped around his chilled body. Philip had been gone for almost four days. He’d planned to ride his part of the trail and then stop in at their adoptive mother’s home station near Dove Creek.

As he worked, Thomas talked to the horses. “Philip should be home later today, boys. I’ve missed his constant chatter. How about you?”

One of the animals kicked its stall door in answer. Thomas laughed. “Well, at least one of you missed him, too.” He took off the Pony Express–issued saddle and began rubbing down the horse that had just arrived.

“I see you are still talking to the animals.”

Thomas turned to smile at the little woman who stood in the doorway. Hazel Gorman was short, round and full of wrinkles. Her hazel eyes twinkled as she looked at him. He wasn’t sure of her age and had never been brave enough to ask. “Hello, Hazel. I didn’t hear you arrive.” He put the horse into a stall, where fresh oats awaited it.

She continued into the barn carrying a big basket. “With the way you and these horses were yammering on, I’m not surprised.” There was a teasing glint in her voice that assured him she was joking.

“What’s in the basket?” Thomas knew it contained some kind of eatable. Hazel was their nearest neighbor and enjoyed bringing them some form of baked good at least once a week. She also brought them canned goods and warm soups or stews.

“It’s getting colder, so I thought you two boys might like a couple of loaves of bread, and I’ve also jarred up my favorite beef stew. It should last you a few days.” Her wrinkled face crinkled up into a smile.

The old woman had more or less adopted Thomas and Philip and used the excuse of feeding them as a reason to come over and check on them. Thomas knew she grew lonely out on her place and, to be honest, he enjoyed her frequent visits.

“Well, thank you. Come on into the house. I just put on a fresh pot of coffee.”

She fell into step with him. “When is Phil coming home?”

Thomas grinned. “Anytime now. He should have already arrived.”

As if she heard the loneliness in his voice, Hazel grunted. “You two boys need wives to help you pass the time when the other is working.”

He held the door open for her. Thomas didn’t point out that he was working, too. And he wasn’t about to talk about getting wives. Instead he said, “That stew smells good.”

Hazel playfully slapped his arm as she passed. “You can’t smell the stew. You’re just trying to change the subject.” She walked to the kitchen area and set the bread and jars on the table.

He closed the door and shut out the cold air and lightly falling snow. “Look, Hazel, I know you mean well, but Philip and I are doing just fine without wives.”

She ignored him and moved to the cabinet that contained four tin mugs, the remainder of the clean dishes in the house. Hazel filled two of them with hot coffee and motioned for him to join her at the table.

Thomas sat down with a sigh. If he knew Hazel, and he believed he did, she was going to start a running conversation on the benefits of having a wife.

Hazel studied his features over the rim of her coffee cup.

He turned his face so that she could see only the right side. The last thing Thomas wanted was for her to focus on the scar that ran from his temple to his chin on the right side. It wasn’t pretty and no woman should have to look at it straight on.

“You are a handsome young man, Tom. Look at me.” She lowered her cup.

Thomas tried a teasing tone. “You are mighty pretty, too, Miss Hazel. Are you hinting you’d like to marry me?” He continued to keep his face tilted from her sight.

“You rascal. We both know I’m too old for you. Besides, I want a man who isn’t ashamed of his looks.” Her tone had lost its teasing tone.

Thomas didn’t have a chance to answer. The door burst open and Philip came into the cabin. Cold air and a petite young woman followed him inside.

Without so much as a how-do-you-do, Philip blurted, “Hey, Thomas! Look what I brought home!”

This couldn’t be good. Philip looked a little too cheerful. The pixie-looking girl beside him smiled shyly and clutched a worn piece of luggage in her small hands. She was a pretty little thing with big brown eyes, a mass of short red hair and the cutest turned-up nose he’d ever seen. Thomas didn’t know how to answer his brother. He had no idea what was going on. “Um...”

Hazel got to her feet. “Did you up and get married, Phil?” She hurried forward and hugged him.

Shock filled Philip’s face as he held his hands up like a bank robber in front of the sheriff. “No.”

Hazel stood back and frowned. “Then maybe you should explain who this young lady is.” She released him and crossed her arms over her ample bosom.

Philip reached behind him and pulled the pixie forward. “This is Josephine Dooly. Thomas’s mail-order bride.” His laughing blue eyes met Thomas’s.

“What?” Thomas’s and Hazel’s shocked voices echoed each other.

The young woman seemed to have found her tongue. “I know I should have waited till you sent for me, but, well, under the circumstances, I came as fast as I could.”

“What circumstances?”

Her cheeks reddened. “I told you in the letter.” Small hands clutched the carpetbag as if she were afraid they’d take it from her.

“What letter?” Thomas stood and raked his hand down the side of his scarred face.

Philip looked as pleased as punch. His blue eyes danced with merriment as the scene unfolded before him.

Hazel’s gaze darted between the three of them. She finally focused her eyes upon Josephine. “I’m Hazel Gorman. Let’s sit down at the table and see if we can sort this all out.” Her wrinkled hand waved toward Thomas and the chairs that remained empty behind him.

Josephine nodded. She sat her bag beside the door and walked toward him.

Philip shook his head. “I need to unload the wagon before the storm hits.”

“It will wait.” The steel in Hazel’s voice stopped the young man. Wariness filled his eyes.

Thomas waited for the young woman to sit, then he did the same. Whatever was going on, it was obvious that Philip had a hand in it all. Thomas picked up his warm cup and cradled it between his palms as he watched his brother pull out a seat at the old wooden table. The smile on Philip’s face set Thomas’s teeth on edge.

Hazel set cups of coffee in front of Philip and Josephine. “All right, you two. Start at the beginning.”

Josephine looked at Philip, who quickly began to study the surface of the table as if he’d never seen it before. She shrugged and said in a soft voice, “As Philip said, I am Josephine Dooly. I answered Thomas’s mail-order-bride ad because my uncle is trying to marry me off to pay for his gambling debts. Mr. Grossman, my uncle’s chosen husband for me, is three times my age and a gambler with no moral conscience. I’d simply be a servant in his house.” She shuddered and inhaled before continuing. “When I answered Thomas’s mail-order-bride ad, I explained that I wanted to get away from my uncle and start somewhere fresh. Thomas wrote back and said he’d send me money for passage out to Dove Creek as soon as he could afford to. I couldn’t wait, so I took a job as a Pony Express rider and brought myself to Dove Creek.”

She took a deep breath and looked to Philip, who still studied the tabletop. A sigh escaped her lips before she pressed on. “I met Philip at the home station and he said he was Thomas’s brother and would take me to him. So while he completed his Express run, I went into town and bought a couple of dresses, shoes and other things I knew I’d need to start a new life and home with Thomas. My things are on the wagon.”

Thomas shook his head. “I never placed a mail-order-bride ad.”

Josephine’s chocolate eyes flared with new brightness. “I wrote to you and you answered.”

Hazel focused on Philip. “What do you have to say about all this, young man?”

He finally looked up. “Well, I got to thinking about what you said.” Philip paused, but Hazel’s lips only grew thinner. “You know, about how lonesome Thomas gets when I’m off on my rides for the Pony Express.” He paused again. Still no response came from the older woman. “So I placed the ad.” He held up his hands at the flash of anger that entered the older woman’s eyes. “Now, Hazel, don’t get all riled up. You are the one who said he needed a wife.” Philip crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his chair back. “I got him one.”

Josephine gasped. From the look on her delicate features, this was news to her, too.

Thomas wanted to knock the chair right out from under Philip. He lowered his voice and said, “Philip, this has to be the stupidest thing you’ve ever done. I don’t want a wife. You marry her.” He pushed away from the table.

Philip dropped the chair back onto four legs and stood, also. “I’m not the one who is moping around here like a lost puppy.”

Anger flared through Thomas’s blood. “I haven’t been moping and I don’t want or need a wife.” He waved his hand toward Josephine.

Josephine was on her feet in an instant. “I will not marry him!” she said, pointing at Philip with a shaky finger. “He’s a liar and can’t be trusted.” She turned toward Thomas. “You, on the other hand, I have to marry and I have to do it quick.”

“Why me?” Thomas demanded through gritted teeth, not liking that he felt as if he were being pushed against the wall.

Hazel spoke calmly but firmly. “Sit down, all of you.” When all three did as she said, Hazel sighed. “Philip, this is a mess and it’s your fault.” She turned to look at Josephine. “I’m sorry you got involved with these two’s tomfoolery.”

Josephine’s big brown eyes filled with tears. “I have to marry Thomas. My uncle could find me at any time and force me to marry Mr. Grossman. I don’t want to get married, either, but it’s my only escape.”

Thomas studied the girl. She had a heart-shaped face surrounded by short, fiery red curls that came to her jawbone. Brown eyes as big as pie plates were filled with the bare glistening of tears. Small freckles were sprinkled over her pert nose. She certainly was a pretty little thing.

Josephine’s eyes blazed into his as she huffed and visibly stiffened, gaining her nerve, it would seem. “Look, I realize this isn’t what you want, but I have to get married and you are the one I am going to marry.” She swallowed hard, lifted her chin and boldly met his gaze.

The show of strength and the determination in her voice took him by surprise. What had happened to the young woman who moments ago had trembling lips and tears in her eyes? Was her situation so desperate she’d marry a scarred man like him?

The wind whipped around the cabin windows. Hazel looked at the swirling snow outside. “I have to get home, but I refuse to leave this young woman alone with you two.” She pushed her chair back. “Josephine, you come home with me and we’ll sort this out tomorrow.”

Josephine pushed herself to a standing position and raised her chin with a cool stare in Thomas’s direction. “I expect to get married tomorrow.” With her head held high, Josephine picked up her bag and followed Hazel out onto the front porch.

Thomas’s gaze followed her. She couldn’t be more than five feet tall. Such a tiny woman for such a big attitude.

Josephine turned and looked at Philip. Her hand clasped something under her blouse as if she were seeking strength. “You will pay for this, Philip Young.” Then she followed Hazel off the porch and into the swirling snow.

Thomas looked at his brother’s stricken face. Had he not been so upset with Philip, he’d have laughed outright. For once in his life, Philip actually looked afraid. Josephine Dooly might be small, but she’d put the fear into Philip.

Renewed anger at what his brother had done turned Thomas’s tone to grit. “I’m going to follow Hazel home. I’d hate for them to get trapped in this weather. You need to get whatever is in the wagon and bring it into the house.”

Seeing Philip’s horse standing beside the porch, Thomas decided to take it for the short ride over to Hazel’s small farm.

Hazel and Josephine sat side by side on Hazel’s wagon bench. The two women were bundled up and heading down the rutted road. Thomas followed. What was he going to do now? He didn’t want to get married, but the fear he’d seen in Josephine’s eyes had been real.

If he understood her correctly, Josephine’s uncle intended to sell her to his gambler friend to pay off his own debts. No one deserved to be held in servitude to another, and if what the young woman had said was true, Thomas knew he’d never allow anyone to marry her off like a piece of property.

Deep down, Thomas knew he’d marry her to save her from her uncle and the gambler—even if this wasn’t the path he would have chosen for his own life.


Chapter Two (#ub214167c-c213-586e-8d44-76fa1a93a7fc)

Josephine trembled with anger. She’d been lied to. Again. What made men act the way they did? Were there no honorable men left in the world? Josephine pulled the locket from under her dress and held it in her hand. In the past her mother’s necklace had given her a sense of hope. Now it only felt like a weighted piece of jewelry.

“Are you cold, dear?” Hazel used her right hand and tucked the blanket tighter around Josephine’s legs. Snow drifted easily about them.

“Not really,” she answered as she tucked the necklace back inside the neck of her dress. How did she explain that she trembled from fear? Her plans had seemed so simple when she left St. Joseph. She’d get to Dove Creek by traveling the Pony Express trail, then once she arrived, find her mail-order groom and get married. But that wasn’t how it had worked out. Now her future looked vague and shadowy. She tried to force her confused emotions into order, but sadness enveloped her along with the ever-constant and pulsating fear.

“Angry?” Hazel ventured.

Josephine looked at Hazel in surprise and nodded. Philip had been the one who had placed the ad and answered her letter. He’d lied to her. Like all the men in her life, he’d turned out to be a deceiver. First her father had deserted her shortly after her mother’s death, then her uncle had betrayed her by using her to pay off his gambling debts and now Philip had tricked her. Men couldn’t be trusted. “Very,” she admitted.

“I don’t blame you one bit. Phil doesn’t always think before he acts. I’m sure it never dawned on him that his meddling in Thomas’s life would put you in danger.” Her aged hands slapped the reins over the horses’ backs to speed them along.

The snow continued to fall heavily in big, puffy flakes. Josephine didn’t correct her by saying she’d been in danger long before Philip’s deceit. Instead she asked, “Why would he do such a thing?”

Hazel shook her gray head. “I might be partially to blame. I’ve been telling those boys for months that they needed wives. It gets lonely out here, but I never imagined Philip would go off and do a harebrained thing like this. I’m sorry, Josephine.”

“Miss Hazel, it’s not your fault. Philip is the one who placed the ad and encouraged me to come. He’s to blame.” Josephine looked over her shoulder. She could see Thomas trailing them, riding Philip’s horse. Had he really not known what his brother was up to? Maybe he hadn’t. His green eyes had shone with confusion when she and Philip first entered the old shack.

If Hazel heard the bitterness in Josephine’s voice, she didn’t let on. “They are both nice young men,” Hazel said, turning down another lane.

Josephine didn’t want to argue with the older woman, but right now she just didn’t see it. Philip had lied to her and pretended to be his brother; at least, he had in the letter he’d sent. And at no time during their trip out to the way station had he said anything about Thomas not knowing she was coming. As for Thomas, he might be nice, but he didn’t want to get married and she didn’t know what she’d do if he didn’t marry her.

The wagon slowed to a stop in front of a farmhouse. “It’s not much, but it is home,” Hazel said, setting the brake and preparing to dismount from the wagon.

Josephine looked at the small house and smiled. She watched as smoke curled upward from the chimney into the late-afternoon sky. Its warmth beckoned to her. “It’s perfect.” Weariness weighed heavily upon her shoulders as she climbed down from the wagon.

Thomas pulled up beside them. His cowboy hat covered most of his head, but light brown hair could be seen around his ears and neck. A light beard covered his face. “Hazel, it looks like we are in for a heavy snow. Can I cut more wood for you?”

It seemed now that he wasn’t filled with shock, his voice had lowered a degree. Josephine found herself looking up at him. She liked the warmth in his expression.

Hazel answered, “No, thank you, Tom. We’re set for a few days.” She carried her basket up the steps.

A few days? Josephine hadn’t planned on staying with the woman a few days. She needed to get back to Dove Creek and to the preacher who could marry them. Her gaze moved from the old woman back to Thomas.

His green eyes searched hers. “Do you mind talking for a few minutes?” he asked, swinging down from the saddle.

“Come on inside, both of you. You can use the sitting room to have your visit,” Hazel ordered as she entered the house.

Josephine didn’t know exactly when or how she’d let the older woman take over her life, but it seemed Hazel had done just that. She turned her attention back to Thomas. “I need to talk to you, too.” If she could make him understand why she needed to get married as soon as possible, then maybe he’d agree.

He nodded and followed her into the house. Josephine stopped inside the doorway. She hadn’t expected to see a plush settee and large chair in the small home. A beautiful rug rested on the floor and colorful paintings filled the walls.

Hazel came out of a door to the right of the room. “Josephine, you can sleep in there tonight.” She indicated the room behind her and then continued on to the kitchen. “I’m going to make hot coffee. Would either of you like a slice of spice cake to go with the coffee?”

Thomas answered, “I can’t stay long.” He took his hat off and worked the brim with his hands.

“I’d love a piece,” Josephine replied as her stomach growled.

Hazel nodded and left the room. Josephine moved to the settee. “Would you like to sit?” She set her bag down.

Thomas nodded. “I’m sorry that Philip lied to you.”

“Me, too. But that doesn’t help me now.”

“No, I suppose it doesn’t.” Thomas looked to the doorway where Hazel had gone.

Was he wishing he’d followed her? Josephine sighed. “Was that all you wanted to say?”

He looked back at her. “No. Were you telling the truth? Is your uncle going to force you to marry someone to pay off his gambling debt?”

“Yes.” Her voice trembled. Had he heard the fear she felt?

Josephine prayed she could make him change his mind about marrying her. “The man my uncle wants me to marry is old, smells like rotting food and is willing to take me as payment for my uncle’s debts.” She stopped, her gaze met his and she involuntarily shivered at the thought of someone like the gambler ever touching her. “He makes my skin crawl when he looks at me,” Josephine admitted.

Thomas moved his hand to the right side of his face, where a faint line ran from his temple to his chin, and asked, “And marrying me would be better?”

Josephine smiled at him. “Well, you aren’t old and I can’t smell you from here. So I think so.” When he didn’t smile back, she sighed. “Look, I just need to be married. I’m not asking you to be a real husband. I can take care of myself. In a few months I’ll be twenty-one and out of my uncle’s and Mr. Grossman’s reach. But until then, I need to be legally married so that my uncle will no longer be my guardian.”

He continued to study her. “What Philip did wasn’t right.” Thomas cleared his throat and said a little louder, “Hazel, would you join us, please?”

She immediately entered the room, carrying a plate with a slice of cake on it. “The coffee is taking a little longer to brew, but Jo can start with the cake.” She handed the plate to Josephine.

Thomas grinned. Was he grinning because Hazel had shortened her name to Jo? Josephine had noticed the woman had shortened both Thomas’s and Philip’s names, too. Maybe this was her way of showing affection to the people around her. As long as she didn’t call her Josie, it was fine.

“Thank you.” Josephine set the plate down on the table in front of her. “I’ll wait for the coffee.”

“Hazel, can Josephine stay with you for a few days?” Thomas asked.

Disappointment and fear hit her like a sack full of apples. Josephine pleaded, “Thomas, I don’t have a few days. If you aren’t going to marry me, I need to move on. My uncle is probably already halfway here.”

Hazel nodded, ignoring Josephine’s outburst. “She is welcome to stay as long as she likes.”

Thomas nodded. “Good. Who knows how bad this storm may be, but if we can, we’ll head to town tomorrow.”

“So you are going to marry her?” Hazel asked with a wide grin.

“I am,” Thomas answered. He stood to his feet. Looking down at Josephine, he said, “This storm may last a few days. If that happens, we’ll go to town and find the preacher as soon as the weather clears. The good news is that it will stop your uncle from coming for you right away.”

Relief flooded her. She was getting married just as she’d planned, but for some reason, Josephine couldn’t feel happy about it. Could it be because Thomas was only marrying her since he felt forced to do so? Was it possible Thomas would change his mind after he’d had a little time to think about it? The prospect of marrying a complete stranger didn’t appeal to her, either, but what choice did she have? She shoved the fear down that trickled up her spine and into her hairline. No, she’d not borrow trouble. But pray that Thomas was a man of his word.

* * *

The snow fell continuously as Thomas rode home. Philip’s horse snorted and pranced toward the barn. Thomas let the horse gallop as he thought about the past few hours.

Thanks to Philip, Thomas would be marrying a girl he hardly knew. Thomas had to admit the prospect didn’t rankle as much as it had at first. He didn’t know when he’d seen a prettier girl. Her red hair looked soft enough to touch, but he hadn’t dared. Her pretty brown eyes revealed every emotion that flowed through her. Was she aware of how expressive her eyes were?

Josephine had said that all she wanted was his name and the right to claim she was married. Would that be enough? She’d also said she was almost twenty-one, two years older than him. But she was still young enough to want someone she could love. Still young enough to want a house full of children someday.

He’d never be someone she could love. His scarred face had caused girls to giggle and laugh at him. While living in the orphanage, he’d been tormented because of the scar. At the age of eleven, he’d had a crush on one of the girls, only to have her scorn him with cruel words. You’re so ugly, no one will ever want to adopt you. Those words had stuck with him and they could still do damage if he dwelled on them.

If Philip, who’d been his best friend at the orphanage, hadn’t said that Rebecca and John Young couldn’t adopt him unless they took Thomas, too, then he would never have been adopted.

He dismounted in front of the lean-to, where his own horse waited to be fed. Philip’s gelding hurried into the warmth of the small shed. Thomas fed both horses and unsaddled Philip’s.

Besides the fact that he bore a hideous scar on his face, Thomas also dealt with the fact that he’d never know who his real parents were or where they had come from. He had no idea who he really was. Would any of that matter to Josephine someday?

His fingers moved to the scar. The caregivers at the orphanage had said he’d been dropped off on the doorstep with no identification and the wound on his small face. How was it that a baby of a few months could get such a gash?

Rebecca Young said that the scar was hardly visible, but Thomas knew it was there. He could feel the light groove with his fingertips. Earlier, Thomas had sensed Josephine’s gaze on it and he figured that she thought the scar was revolting. She’d shivered just looking at him.

Thomas knew he’d marry Josephine and stay married to her for as long as she wanted. But he vowed he’d never allow himself to believe that she’d care for him. With that thought in mind, Thomas headed for the house.

The snow continued its slow, mesmerizing drift to the ground. In a couple of months Christmas would arrive, and from the looks of the weather right now, it might be a white Christmas. It was hard to believe that he’d spend the holidays as a married man.

Thomas shook the snow off his collar. He stomped his feet on the porch to remove the packed slush from his boots. The question tore through him again. Was he out of his mind agreeing to marry a total stranger?

What would it be like to spend every day with someone other than Philip, especially a female? Would she expect him to be at her beck and call?

He opened the door and entered the warmth of the cabin. It really was more of a shack, but he and Philip had gladly called the place home. Now he wondered if it would be good enough for Josephine. Would she hate it? Think it ugly? Would she soon be demanding they get a place of their own?

Philip turned from the stove. His eyes danced. “Sorry I sprung her on you like that. I meant to talk to you about her before she arrived,” he said, dishing up a plate of Hazel’s stew and fresh bread.

Thomas took his gloves off and stuffed them into his pocket. He calmly hung his coat on the nail by the door. His hat was last to come off. “Philip, you have done some stupid things, but this takes the cake.” He turned to face his brother. “What were you thinking?”

Philip placed a second plate of food on the table. “Well, at the time I simply thought you needed someone to be here with you when I’m off riding the trail.”

“Why? Do I seem like the sort who needs constant companionship?” Thomas pulled a chair out and sat down.

Philip added a plate of sliced bread to the table, then turned for the coffeepot and two cups. “Hey, between the two of us, you are more sensitive. I get lonesome, so figured you did, too.” He sat down.

Thomas bowed his head, said a quick prayer before speaking again to Philip. “Then why didn’t you get a bride for yourself instead of one for me?”

“I’m not the marrying kind,” Philip said, then tucked into his dinner.

Thomas laughed bitterly. “And I am?” Didn’t his brother realize that of the two of them, he, Thomas, was the less likely to have a woman fall in love with him? After all, he was scarred both inside and out.


Chapter Three (#ub214167c-c213-586e-8d44-76fa1a93a7fc)

The next day, after taking care of the morning chores, Thomas made his way through the falling snow across the back pasture to Hazel’s farm and knocked on her door.

The whole way over he’d prayed Josephine had changed her mind about getting married. Maybe Hazel had talked some sense into her. After all, would marrying him really keep her uncle at bay?

“Good morning, Tom. What brings you out in this weather?” Hazel asked, stepping to the side to let him in.

He took his hat off. “I just wanted to make sure you two were all right.”

She shut the door. “Why wouldn’t we be?”

Thomas shrugged, then followed her to the warm kitchen. Josephine sat at the table cradling a coffee cup in her hands. Red curls framed her face; they looked damp, as if she’d just washed her hair. Wide brown eyes met his and he saw weariness in their depths. Or maybe it was just acceptance of the situation she found herself in.

“Sit down. I’ll make you a cup of coffee,” Hazel said. She walked to the stove. “Would you like a warm biscuit with butter and honey?”

He grinned in her direction. “I’d love one. You make the best biscuits around.” Thomas pulled out a chair and sat.

In a soft voice Josephine asked, “Did you come to tell me you’ve changed your mind?” She stared into the cup instead of looking at him.

This was his chance. He could say yes and she’d probably understand, but something in the way she sat and looked into the coffee stopped him. It was as if she expected him to back out. She tucked a curl behind her ear.

If nothing else, Thomas Young was a man of his word. He straightened his shoulders and answered, “No, I just wanted to come by and see if Hazel would like for me to milk the cow this morning. It’s pretty cold out there.” He took the plate Hazel handed him.

Hazel pulled on her work boots and grabbed her coat off the hook by the kitchen door. “Thanks, Tom, but I think I’ll run out and milk her. You kids probably have stuff to talk about.” Hazel hurried out the door, not giving him time to protest.

Silence hung in the air between them. Thomas wasn’t sure what to say. He breathed a silent prayer for the right words. After he’d finished his biscuit, he asked, “What did Philip write to you about me?”

Josephine rocked the cup back and forth in her hands. “Not much. Just that you lived in an isolated place, but that we could meet in Dove Creek and we’d get married there.”

He picked up his own cup. “Well, before we get married, we should get to know one another.” Thomas set the cup down. “I’ll start. I was raised in an orphanage not far from here. My parents or someone dropped me off on the doorstep as an infant. I have no idea who my parents were or why they abandoned me like an old, torn-up shoe.” He heard the bitterness in his voice and pressed on. “When I was twelve, Rebecca and John Young came to adopt a boy. Philip and I had grown very close. They picked Philip, but he refused to go with them unless they took me, too.”

Once more he stopped. Philip was his best friend, but that didn’t excuse what he’d done this time. “I know Philip did a stupid thing by luring you here, but he’s my brother and cares about me.” At her doubtful glance, he pressed on. “Anyway, Rebecca talked John into taking us both and they became the only parents I’ve ever known. Not only did they adopt Philip and me, but five other boys, and they had a little girl, Joy, so I have a big family.” He paused to see her reaction.

She sat with her chin resting on her hands. “How did you end up out here in the middle of nowhere?” The softness of her voice and the way her eyes searched his sent a warm feeling through him.

He grinned. “Before he died, John had talked to his friend who worked for the Pony Express and they’d decided that the Young farm would be a Pony Express home station and that we boys, all six of us, would be riders. Ben is the baby boy and too young to ride.” Thomas still missed his adoptive father. “After John died, Rebecca married Seth Armstrong, and Philip and I learned that the relay station manager here quit, so we took over for him. We both still ride for the Pony Express, too.”

“How did you meet Hazel?” Josephine asked. Her brown eyes bored into his, and for a moment Thomas had the strange thought that he could lose himself in them if given the chance.

He cleared his throat. “She came over the first day we arrived. Introduced herself as our neighbor and has been a friend ever since.” Thomas grinned.

Josephine sipped at her coffee and nodded. “She’s treated me with nothing but kindness, also.” She traced the wood grain on the table, then looked back up. “I suppose it’s my turn now.”

Thomas tipped his own cup and drank the lukewarm coffee, glad for the liquid that washed through his overly dry mouth. He waited as she scrunched up her face and gathered her thoughts.

“My mother died when I was fourteen years old. My papa loved her dearly, and when she died, my uncle said Papa couldn’t stand to look at me because I look just like her. About four years later, Papa left me in my uncle’s care and never came back.”

She looked up at Thomas, and tears filled her brown gaze. “Uncle continued to take care of me, made sure I kept up my studies and that I was raised as a true lady, but last year Uncle started gambling.” She swallowed hard. Thomas noticed that she put her hands under the table. “Things in the house started disappearing—paintings, rugs, the good silver and china. At first he accused the hired help of stealing them. Then he fired them all using the excuse that they were thieves, but the truth was he could no longer afford to pay them. Then he blamed me. Out of money and ways to acquire enough money to pay his debts, Uncle noticed Mr. Grossman’s interest in me.”

Thomas felt the need to gather her into his arms and protect her from the life she described. “You don’t have to continue, Josephine.”

She nodded. “But I do. I want you to understand why I need you to marry me.” Josephine pulled her hands out from under the table. She clasped them together, but not before he saw the trembling. She continued, “Uncle explained that he owed Mr. Grossman more money than he could ever afford to repay. Mr. Grossman had threatened to have Uncle put in prison if I didn’t marry him. I asked for a month to prepare for the wedding. The next morning while reading the paper, I saw your ad—well, Philip’s ad—for a mail-order bride. I realized it was my means of escaping marriage to Mr. Grossman. He’s far older than me and has been married three other times, each time his young wife died suddenly and under suspicion. And each time he’s managed to escape the hangman’s noose. I know deep in my heart that I am not safe marrying the likes of him. I wrote to you, I mean Philip, and he wrote back saying he’d send money for my passage out here as soon as possible. But I couldn’t wait. My time was running out. So I cut off my hair, stole a pair of my uncle’s work pants and a shirt, and went to the Pony Express office to apply for a job.” She took a deep breath.

“So you told them you were a boy?”

Josephine shook her head. “No, I just asked if I could apply for the job. When the man asked my name, I told him it was Jo. He asked for a last name and I told him my name was just Jo.” Panic filled her eyes. “I couldn’t tell him my full first name or he would know I was a girl, and if I’d given the man a last name and if my uncle happened to ask him about me later, Uncle would know immediately where I’d gone.”

Thomas searched her face. Didn’t she realize she had lied by omission of the truth? She’d led everyone who worked for the Pony Express to believe that she was a boy. That was the same as lying to them. He understood why she’d done it, but it was still deceitful.

“After I got the job, I had to continue letting everyone think I was a boy. It was wrong, but I felt for my own safety I had to continue with the lie. I’ve asked the Lord to forgive me and I believe He has.” She looked at him, waiting for his response.

Thomas didn’t know what to say. It wasn’t his place to judge her, and if she’d confessed to the Lord her wrongdoing, well, that was between her and her Maker. He nodded and saw relief wash over her face. “So you got here by being a rider for the Pony Express?”

“I did.”

Riding for the Pony Express was dangerous work. How had she managed to make the rides? Had she run into bandits or Indians?

“I knew that if I could make it to Dove Creek, I’d find you and you’d save me from my uncle and Mr. Grossman.” Her hands trembled as she ran them through her curls.

Thomas knew the danger she’d put herself in by coming to him. “I’m glad you made it here safely.” He also knew now, without a shadow of doubt, that he’d marry Josephine to keep her safe. “As soon as the snow clears, we’ll ride into Dove Creek and get married.”

A smile trembled on her pink lips. “Thank you. I promise I’ll be a good wife. I can cook, clean and help out around the station.”

The back door blew open and Hazel followed the cold wind inside. “Peaches sure was glad to see me this morning.” She held up a pail of fresh milk and shut the door.

Thomas noted that her cheeks were red from being out in the wind. He should have gone to milk the cow and felt bad that the older woman had gone out in the cold to do it. He stood. “Hazel, I’m sorry. I should have done that for you.”

“Nonsense. I’ve been milking Peaches for several years now, winter and summer.” She set the pail of milk on the counter and stood by the stove for warmth. “I trust you two had plenty of time for your talk.”

Josephine nodded.

Thomas answered, “We did.” He put his hat on his head. “Thank you for the coffee and grub, Hazel. I best be getting back to the station.” He turned to Josephine. “My run is tomorrow and Thursday. When I get back, hopefully the snow will have cleared enough to get to town. Stay with Hazel and stay inside. If your uncle is about, I don’t want him to see you before we get married.”

Josephine frowned but nodded. She looked sad, dejected and weary. His heart went out to her. As he left the house, Thomas silently vowed to protect Josephine from her uncle and from Mr. Grossman.

Realizing how much her emotions affected him, Thomas told himself that she might become his wife, but he’d never allow himself to fall in love with her.

* * *

Josephine watched him leave. “He really is a nice man, isn’t he?”

“That he is,” Hazel answered. She rubbed her hands together over the stove. “You know, I’ve been wanting to make a quilt. Maybe you and I can piece the top together while we wait for his return.”

Josephine nodded. “Is his word good?” Josephine felt a frown pull at her brow. She wanted to believe Thomas would keep his promise and marry her, but she worried that after a couple of days in the saddle with lots of time to think he’d change his mind.

Hazel chuckled. “His word is good. Thomas will marry you, but I don’t know that he’ll trust you. You’ll have to earn that.”

“Why wouldn’t he trust me?” Josephine asked.

Hazel poured hot coffee into her cup. “Those boys don’t trust anyone very much. Probably because they were orphaned at an early age.”

Josephine nodded. She’d been deserted by her father and the hurt still lingered. Truth be told, she didn’t trust easily, either. What kind of marriage would she and Thomas have? She’d promised to be a good wife. Could she uphold her promise?

Josephine had no intention of falling in love and living happily ever after. Men couldn’t be trusted. They deserted, lied and thought of women as personal property.

Nope, she wasn’t about to fall in love with her future husband or anyone else. No man would ever hold her heart. Thomas Young was a handsome man, but Josephine vowed not to let that sway her into trusting him.


Chapter Four (#ub214167c-c213-586e-8d44-76fa1a93a7fc)

As the saying goes, Thomas felt as if he’d been ridden hard and put up wet. He had to admit the past two days had been grueling, but riding through the wet snow on an ice-packed trail wasn’t completely to blame for his weariness. Thankfully, his return ride had ended at the Pony Express home station in Dove Creek. The farm of Rebecca and Seth Armstrong, his adoptive mother and stepfather.

Andrew Young slapped him on the back. “Welcome home, little brother.”

“Thanks, Andrew.” His gaze moved to the house. Rebecca stood on the front porch and he smiled.

“She’s been waiting all day for you.” Andrew gave Thomas a little shove. “Better not keep Ma waiting.”

Thomas walked toward the front porch. He’d never had a mother until Rebecca took him in. She wasn’t that much older than him, but her wisdom and motherly love offered a comfort no other woman had ever filled. His boots thudded as he stepped up onto the porch. “Hello, Ma.”

Rebecca wrapped him in a big hug. Excitement filled her voice and she said, “I’m so glad to see you.” She released him and stood back to look up at him. “I’ve missed you.” Twin dimples and blue eyes smiled up at him.

“I’ve missed you, too.” Thomas knew his words rang true. He missed her easy smile and the light touch of her hand upon his face.

Rebecca lowered her hand and then pulled him inside the house. “I wish Seth was here. He’s been worried about you and Philip, but unfortunately he and Clayton had to go into Dove Creek for supplies. When Philip passed through here the other day, he assured us you were fine, but parents want to see for themselves.”

“Thomas!” his little sister, Joy, squealed as she ran to him.

Thomas caught her in midair. He hugged Joy close. The sweet scent of vanilla filled his nostrils. “Hi, squirt!”

Joy’s happiness at seeing him shone in her blue-green eyes. Thomas realized he’d stayed at the relay station too long. His family missed him and he missed them, too. He lowered Joy to the ground.

His gaze moved to Fay Miller and Emma Jordan, who stood together by the kitchen door. They were as much a part of his family as his brothers and adoptive parents. Fay had moved in with Rebecca after his adoptive father John’s death to help out with their little sister, Joy. Emma Jordan was like a sister to him. She came to the family as a slave of one of the stage coach riders. Thanks to the stage being robbed, she and her owner had had to stay longer at the stop, and during that time, he and his adoptive brothers had helped Rebecca and Fay buy the young woman from her owner. Emma was immediately given her freedom papers and now lived with the family as a free woman.

Fay smiled at him. “It’s good to see you, Thomas. Are you hungry?”

Thomas yawned and nodded at the same time. “I’ll get him a plate, Fay.” Rebecca hooked her arm in his and walked to the kitchen.

Fay patted his arm as he passed. “I believe your mother wants you to herself for a few minutes.” She grinned at Rebecca.

The two women had a special bond. After her husband died, Fay had been cast from her house in town and Rebecca, being the kindhearted woman that she was, had offered her a home. Then the two of them had taken in Emma.

His gaze moved to the young woman. Emma had been sold as a slave by her father to pay his debts. Much like Josephine’s uncle was attempting to do to her. What was wrong with those men? Didn’t they realize how important family was? He shook his head to clear his thoughts.

As if she could hear those thoughts, Emma said, “Joy, let’s get your room clean before your pa gets back.” She grasped the little girl’s hand before she could protest and pulled her to the back of the house.

Thomas laughed when he heard Joy’s protest. “I don’t want to clean my room. I want to talk to Thomas.” Joy wasn’t much for talking around strangers, but with her family and Emma, well, the little girl was very verbal.

Fay gave him a parting grin and then followed Emma and Joy from the room. She called out, “We’ll talk to Thomas when your mother is done catching up with him. I imagine the quicker you get that room clean, the quicker you’ll get to see that big brother of yours.”

Rebecca pulled him into the warm kitchen. “I hope you don’t mind me hogging you to myself. It’s a mother’s prerogative to be able to learn all about her son and what he’s been up to in his time away. Don’t you agree?”

Thomas wasn’t about to argue with her. “Of course I don’t mind. I wanted to talk to you in private anyway.” He sat down at the table. What was Rebecca going to think of his news?

Rebecca moved to the stove and dished up a large bowl of beans and ham. “Sounds serious,” she said, placing a big hunk of corn bread on a plate and then adding a bowl of hot stew.

“It is.” There was only one way to find out how she would feel about him getting married. Just blurt it out, Thomas ole boy, he said to himself before doing just that. “I’m getting married.”

She squealed. “That’s wonderful news, Thomas.” Rebecca slid the food in front of him and sat down. Her eyes were bright and curiosity filled their depths. “Who is she? Where did you meet? No wonder you haven’t come to visit us. You’ve been too busy courting.”

This wasn’t the reaction he’d expected. Thomas had thought Rebecca would be giving him advice and telling him that maybe he should wait, but instead she stared at him with big blue eyes and a broad smile, waiting for answers to her questions.

He swallowed, then answered, “Her name is Josephine Dooly.” He picked up his spoon and dipped it into the bowl.

“That’s a pretty name. Now, where did you meet?”

Her excitement both amused and perplexed him. “Philip brought her home.”

“What?” She jerked backward and gave him a stern look.

That was better. To prolong her waiting, Thomas happily took a bite of the beans. Their meaty flavor tasted good on his tongue. He swallowed. “Yep, brought her home and said she was my mail-order bride.”

Gone was the joyful look that she’d had earlier. “Maybe you should start at the beginning.” Rebecca leaned forward once more. Now she looked more like the mother he’d grown to love.

Thomas laid his spoon down and told her about the past few days. He assured her that Josephine was staying with Hazel and not in the house with him and Philip, at least not until they were married.

Rebecca nodded in all the right places. She frowned as he told her about Josephine’s uncle and the need to marry quickly. “It’s funny that Philip didn’t mention her.” She chewed on the tip of her fingernail.

That was curious. Philip had told him that Josephine had ridden in as a Pony Express rider. She’d told him who she was and asked if he was Thomas’s brother. The two had planned their trip back to the relay station. He’d left for his run. Upon his return, two days later they headed to town, where she’d gussied up like a girl and bought things she thought she’d need in her new home. Why hadn’t his brother told their parents about Josephine? Had Josephine continued to act like a Pony Express rider while his brother was away? So many questions swirled in his mind and he made a mental note to ask Philip about them when he returned home.

“Do you really want to marry this girl, Thomas? Have you prayed about it?” Her questions pulled Thomas from his inner thoughts.

He focused on his mother’s face. Would she understand? How could she? Thomas wasn’t sure he understood what he was doing himself. “I feel like I need to marry her. I’ve asked the Lord to have His way and He hasn’t given me any signs or feelings to make me change my mind.” Thomas pushed his plate back.

In a soft voice Rebecca asked, “Do you love her?”

Thomas wanted to laugh but didn’t. “Love her? No, I haven’t known her long enough to love her.”

“I see.” The frown on her face indicated that she didn’t approve.

He shook his head. “Josephine doesn’t love me, either, Ma. It is to be a marriage in name only. She needs an escape, and since Philip sent for her, I feel obligated to marry her.”

Rebecca pushed out of her chair. She walked to her teapot and poured herself a cup of tea. “Mark my words, one of these days, Thomas, your soft heart is going to get the best of you. I just hope this isn’t that time.” She paused, then continued, “Why doesn’t Philip marry her?”

Thomas shook his head. “Josephine doesn’t trust him and who can blame her. And Philip says he’s not the marrying kind.”

He carried his plate and bowl to the washtub, then poured himself a cup of coffee. Thomas sighed. “I know it isn’t normal to marry like this, but when I look at her and see how afraid she is, I feel that I have to help her.”

Rebecca cradled her cup in her hands. Her eyes betrayed the worry she felt. “What happens after her uncle finds out she’s married? Once he realizes he can’t force her to marry, will you stay married?”

“I’m not sure, but until I do know, I’d like to keep this between you and me.” Thomas drained his coffee. “And Philip, of course.”

“You don’t want the family to know you are getting married?” Rebecca shook her head. “I don’t know, son.”

“Please, Ma. I just don’t want them to know until Josephine and I have had time to decide how we are going to handle her uncle. Then we’ll get married and tell everyone.” He searched her face.

Rebecca returned his gaze. “All right. I feel the family should know that you are getting married and be able to attend.”

He put the cup in the washtub with the other dirty dishes. Then Thomas walked to her and enfolded her in his arms. “I understand your feelings, Ma.” Another yawn escaped him and he laughed. “I really need to get a couple of hours’ sleep and then head home.”

Joy ran into the room. She stopped just inside the door. “Now, Ma? Please. Now can I talk to Thomas? I’ve missed him so much.”

Thomas knew he’d not get any sleep for a while. Fay and Emma followed Joy into the room. He would enjoy his family and worry about sleeping later.

He released Rebecca and nodded his consent to stay and visit with Joy, Fay and Emma. Rebecca’s eyes expressed the worry she felt for him. Would Seth and his brothers feel the same way as Rebecca? Or would they understand his odd feelings of protectiveness toward the young woman?

* * *

Josephine slipped out the kitchen door into the backyard. The water well stood several feet away and she walked slowly to it. So far Hazel hadn’t noticed that she’d left the house. After spending three days indoors, Josephine relished the fresh air, even if it was icy cold.

Her fingers were sore from sewing the quilt blocks she and Hazel had begun piecing together. Working on the fabric had helped to keep her busy, but still she’d longed to be outdoors.

She loved the way the log cabin quilt was shaping up. Hazel had said that the red fabric came from one of her late husband’s shirts. It was fitting that the red was the center of each block, since Hazel said her husband had been the center of her world for as long as she could remember.

Josephine hadn’t asked Hazel for more details than that. The older woman’s eyes had teared up, so Josephine had changed the subject. It was obvious that Hazel had loved her husband very much. What did a person do to have a love like that? Was there some formula? Could it be a family secret passed down through the generations? Aggravation twisted her gut. A girl should have a mama to instruct her in things of this nature.

She leaned against the cold stone of the well and sighed. Thoughts of her future husband filled her mind. Would she ever be able to trust him enough to have that type of love? Josephine shook her head. Probably not. Her distrust of men ran too deep, and Josephine knew that her heart couldn’t take it if Thomas decided this marriage wasn’t for him.

Her eyes searched the road. Darkness kept her from seeing past the barn. Thomas should have been back this morning, but as the day had worn on and the evening shadows lengthened, Josephine realized he wasn’t coming. She sighed again.

“That bad, huh?”

Josephine jumped at the sound of Thomas’s voice and gave a small squeal. Her hand covered her heart. “You pert nigh scared the life outta me.” She protested a little louder than she’d intended.

He rested his arms along the rim of the well. “You were so deep in thought, your uncle could have walked right up to you.”

The accusing tone of his voice set her teeth on edge. She wasn’t a child and she didn’t need him reminding her of the danger she’d put herself into coming out for fresh air. “Thankfully, you aren’t him.” Josephine looked out into the darkness, lightened only by the white of the snow.

Thomas laughed softly. “You have spunk, Josephine Dooly. I’ve never heard of a woman riding the Pony Express. And now here I find you outside when you know it could be dangerous.”

Josephine turned her gaze back on him. Had she misheard him a few moments ago? The warmth in his laugh drew her like a kitten to fresh milk. Was she so used to her uncle treating her like a child that she expected Thomas to treat her the same way? She searched his face. “You aren’t angry with me.”

“No, I’m not. I am concerned that you take risks, but I am not your keeper. You can come and go as you wish.” He pushed away from the well. “I came by to tell you that tomorrow we’ll go into town and get married, if you still wish to do so.”

Josephine exhaled. “I do, but what about my uncle?”

“I’ve been thinking on that. I don’t think there is anything he can do after we’re married. And as your new husband, I will keep you safe.”

Relief filled her. “Thank you.” She swallowed.

He nodded. “Can I walk you back inside?”

A longing to stay out in the fresh air battled with wanting to please him and go inside. The cold air nipped at her cheeks, helping her to make the decision. Josephine nodded and led the short distance back to the house.

His boots crunched through the snow as he followed her to the kitchen door. She stepped up on the porch but then turned to face him. He deserved an apology and she didn’t want to offer it in front of Hazel. As it stood right now, she would have to apologize to the older woman, too. “I’m sorry. I should have done as you asked and stayed inside.”

He reached up and brushed a wayward curl from her face. “I understand your need to come outside. I’m not sure I could stay inside for three whole days, either.”

The light touch of his fingers against her cheek surprised Josephine. Her gaze met his. Dark circles surrounded his eyes. Had he rested or come straight to her after his run? She felt the urge to lean her face into his warm palm. He smiled and pulled his hand away. Thomas yawned. “I best be heading back to the house. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

As he turned to leave, Josephine called out, “Thomas.”

He stopped and searched her face.

“I’m glad you are home.” She smiled as her mind went blank. She could think of no more words to retain him.

His lips twitched into a grin. “Good night, Josephine.” And he walked into the shadows.

She stepped into the kitchen but turned to watch Thomas climb onto his horse and head into the darkness that now enveloped the world. It seemed she was forever watching him leave.

Tomorrow they’d be married. Would they be compatible? Or would he soon tire of her and want to go on with his life, without her? She didn’t know why, but the last thought troubled her.


Chapter Five (#ub214167c-c213-586e-8d44-76fa1a93a7fc)

Josephine looked at her reflection with apprehension. Her short red hair curled about her face and ears in a wild array. She didn’t feel like a bride. She wasn’t sure she even looked like a bride.

Cutting her long red hair had been a big sacrifice and made her look like a boy. The store-bought dress she wore was too big and hid all her womanly curves. Weariness filled Josephine’s eyes where joy should reside.

“You look beautiful,” Hazel said as she slipped into the room.

“I don’t feel beautiful.” Josephine ran her hand down the pale green dress that hung on her slim body.

Hazel grinned. “Well, you are.”

“I should have tried the dress on last night. Then I’d have known it was too big and could have taken in the sides.” She sighed, wishing for another dress but knowing that the only other dress she had fit just as this one did.

Store-bought dresses never fit right. If only she’d had the foresight to buy material, but she hadn’t. At the time she’d bought the two dresses, Josephine hadn’t cared how they would look on her, but after just a few days around Thomas, she did care.

Josephine sighed. He deserved a pretty bride. Last night as she lay thinking about her wedding day, she realized that Thomas really was a good man. The fact that she was pretty sure he’d given up sleep to check on her made Josephine want to please him. It had been a long time since anyone had thought of her and put their own needs aside.

Hazel studied her a moment, then snapped her fingers. “I have just the right thing.” She returned a few moments later with an exquisite belt made of soft, supple leather with lace overlay and a dainty gold buckle.

Josephine let out a long, audible breath. She fingered the belt reverently. “Oh, Hazel. It’s lovely.”

“Well, put it on, girl. Let’s see what it does for you.”

Josephine buckled the belt about her waist, then turned to look in the mirror. The belt pulled the material snugly over her shoulders, accentuating her womanly curves and tiny waist. Of its own accord her smile broadened in approval. Hazel tugged here and there in the back and then met her eyes in the mirror. “Are you about ready to go? Thomas and Philip arrived a few moments ago. They are hitching up the wagon now.” She touched one of Josephine’s many curls.

Butterflies took up residence in her stomach. She placed her hand over the flutters. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” Josephine picked up her handbag and hat, then turned to the older woman. “I know I’m getting married today, but it doesn’t feel the way I thought it would.”

Hazel opened the door. “What did you think you’d feel?”

Josephine knew she was being silly. Growing up, she’d fantasized about the perfect wedding, with her papa by her side and the man of her dreams standing at the church altar waiting for her. Her white dress would flow about her instead of the green dress she now wore with a belt to take up the slack. The thoughts saddened her. As a child, she’d dreamed of love and romance.

She picked up the green cloak that matched her dress. “Never mind, it doesn’t matter.” Josephine put on the cloak and then stepped around Hazel. With her head held high and her stomach in knots, she walked out the front door.

Thomas turned in the saddle to look at her. What did he see? She felt her cheeks grow warm under his steady gaze. His eyes no longer looked clouded with weariness, and for that she was thankful.

“Green is a pretty color on you,” he said, swinging down from the horse.

He was just being kind. Still Josephine answered appropriately as she made her way to the wagon. “Thank you.”

He helped her up onto the wooden bench and did the same for Hazel. Josephine busied herself tucking a blanket around her cold legs. The older woman scooped up the reins and smiled. “It might be cold, but the sun is shining. A perfect day for a wedding.”

Philip laughed and swung his horse around. He led the way down the muddy road that led to town. Thomas brought up the rear.

Josephine wished she could see Thomas’s face. Was he as nervous about today as she was? Or was this simply a chore that he needed to get done and over with?

It was at times like this that Josephine wished her mother were still alive. She pulled her mother’s gold-plated necklace out from under her dress. Her hand wrapped around it. If her mother were here, Josephine knew, she wouldn’t be marrying Thomas Young. She’d be home preparing to become the wife of a man of stature. Not a Pony Express rider who, thanks to his brother’s meddling, felt obligated to marry her.

Josephine glanced over her shoulder. Thomas was looking to the left. She took the brief moment to study the side of his face. Even with the faint scar that ran from his temple to his chin, he was probably the most handsome man she’d ever seen.

Thomas swiveled in the saddle to find her gazing at him. Embarrassed to be caught staring, Josephine quickly turned her head to face forward once more. She worried her lip between her teeth as they rode in silence.

This was the day she’d been waiting for. The day when she’d finally have freedom from her uncle and his evil intents. It was supposed to be the happiest day of her life.

Josephine sighed heavily. If only it were a happy day. Instead the four people heading to town all looked as if they were walking to the gallows.

Was she making the biggest mistake of her life? Would marrying Thomas turn out worse than marrying an old, fat gambler? Could she ever trust Thomas? Probably not.

As soon as her uncle found out she was married and left, Thomas would be finished with his need to help her. She’d be alone. Josephine raised her chin and looked straight ahead. Don’t fall in love or trust this man, she told herself.

* * *

Thomas felt her rejection as strongly as if she’d slapped him. Oh, she said their vows and acted like she’d meant them, but earlier he’d seen the way she quickly turned after staring at his scarred face. He wasn’t fooling himself into believing that Josephine would ever grow to love him. If anything, she’d put up an invisible wall.

“You may now kiss your bride.”

What? Kiss your bride? He’d forgotten all about this part. Should he have discussed it with Josephine before the ceremony? He looked into Josephine’s upturned face. Her eyes were closed as she waited for his kiss. A kiss he was sure she’d despise.

Philip slapped him on the back. “Go on, kiss her,” he encouraged a little above a whisper.

Thomas leaned in and gently touched his lips to hers. A soft shock tickled his lips. He opened his eyes to find her looking into his with an emotion he’d never seen there. Had the spark between them surprised her, too? He pulled away.

Hazel grabbed Josephine and hugged her fast. “Congratulations.” Tears filled her eyes.

His new wife’s soft voice responded with a quick “Thank you.”

Thomas thanked the traveling judge and quickly paid him for his services, then followed Hazel and Josephine from the small office.

Philip clasped an arm around his shoulders. “I wish you a lifetime of happiness, little brother.”

“I’m only a month younger than you, Philip,” Thomas answered, shrugging Philip’s arm away.

They stepped out into the sunlight. Thomas squinted his eyes. His gaze quickly found Josephine. She and Hazel stood beside the wagon. They’d parked it under a tree off to the side of the sheriff’s office, where the ceremony had taken place. His horse was tied to the gate of the wagon along with Philip’s.

“Tell Ma and Seth I said hello,” Philip said, falling into step with him as he walked toward the women.

He sighed. “I wish you could come with us.”

Philip chuckled and dropped his voice. “Why? Afraid of your new bride?”

Thomas glared at him. “Never mind. On second thought, I’m glad you aren’t coming.”

“Yeah, me, too. When Ma finds out you got married without her, she’s going to skin you alive.” Philip shook his head in mock sorrow and then hurried on toward Hazel and Josephine.

Thomas pushed air from his lungs. Philip was right. He should have given the family time to come to the wedding. But on the way home, he’d remembered how afraid Josephine seemed and he’d only wanted to protect her and get married as soon as possible. Now that he was sure her uncle could never hurt her, Thomas knew it was time to tell the rest of the family and his mother that they’d gotten married. Philip looked to Hazel. “Hazel, are you ready to get back to your place?” he asked as he untied his horse from the wagon.

“Just about. Since we aren’t going out to the Young farm, I’d like to stop in at the general store and pick up some thread before heading home. If it wouldn’t be too much trouble.”

“What’s going on?” Josephine asked, looking from one of them to the other. Confusion filled her soft features.

Hazel looked at her and grinned. “Philip and I decided to let you and your new husband go to his parents by yourself.” She smiled as if this was a wonderful gift that had just been bestowed on them.

Josephine’s expressive brown gaze met his. “I didn’t realize we were going to your parents.”

“I’m sorry. I forgot to tell you last night.”

“Thomas, I didn’t pack for an overnight trip.” Reproach laced her indulgent words.

He hadn’t thought of that, either. Where was his head? His thoughts had been so wrapped up in getting them to town safely and keeping a lookout for trouble from her uncle that he’d not considered what would be important to her. “Um, we can go to the general store and buy what you need.” Thomas congratulated himself on his quick thinking.

But one look at her face and he could tell she wasn’t impressed. So far her wedding day had been a total disappointment. He’d seen the way her face had dropped when they discovered that the preacher was out of town but that they could be married by the traveling judge. And now she had to face his family without Hazel’s steady comfort and her personal belongings.

Hazel patted Josephine’s arm, drawing her attention from him. “This is my fault, too. In all the excitement of getting ready, I didn’t notice that you hadn’t packed a bag this morning. I’m sorry, Josephine.”

Philip pulled himself up into his saddle. “I don’t see where there is any harm done.” He turned his horse toward Main Street. “Other than that ragged carpetbag, she didn’t arrive with anything personal to start with.”

Thomas wanted to strangle his brother. Philip had the sensitivity of a grizzly bear. Josephine touched the necklace that rested on her chest. She pulled her shoulders back and nodded. Her eyes still sparkled with what Thomas could only estimate to be anger or perhaps unshed tears. He quickly looked away.

Hazel hurried to the side of the wagon and climbed aboard. “I have a better idea. Josephine and I will run over to the widow Ring’s house. Her dresses will fit Josephine better than those store-bought ones.”

“But I don’t have any money with me, Hazel.” Josephine ignored Thomas’s offer to assist her up to the wagon seat. She pulled herself up and smoothed her skirt about her legs.

Thomas quickly assured her. “I’ll pay for whatever you need.”

Philip’s deep chuckle irritated him. He frowned at his brother while untying his horse from the wagon. Thomas pulled himself into the saddle.

“Of course you will. You’re married now. Whatever Josephine wants, you will pay for,” Hazel reminded him. She snapped the reins over the horse’s back, setting them into motion.

Thomas nodded. Nothing he said or did today was right. He clamped his lips shut, determined not to say the wrong thing again.

“Why don’t you boys go wait for us at the general store? I’d like a little time with Josephine before you two take off for your parents’. We’ll meet you there in an hour.” Hazel wasn’t really asking them to leave; her tone told them to go.

Thomas heard his brother’s snort of laughter again. This was all Philip’s fault. If his brother had just minded his own business and not written an advertisement for a mail-order bride, neither he nor Josephine would be in this situation now.

Hazel turned the wagon down Elm Street and left the men staring after them.

“Looks like we have an hour to kill. What do you want to do now?” Philip asked. He rested his arms on the saddle horn and looked across at Thomas.

“I’d love to strangle you. But since that’s against the law and I’d have to answer to Ma if I did, I suppose we can go to the bakery and get a slice or two of sweetbread while we wait.” He turned his horse toward the small store.

Thomas hoped a hot cup of coffee and sweetbread would calm the troubled waters of his stomach. He felt as if he’d just fought a mighty battle and lost. Josephine was angry at him and they hadn’t been married even a half hour. Would they forever be at odds? Or was this about to become normal life for him?


Chapter Six (#ub214167c-c213-586e-8d44-76fa1a93a7fc)

Josephine sat beside Thomas on the wagon seat. She wanted to smile knowing she had two beautiful new dresses, undergarments, a nightgown and a new pair of shoes in the basket at her feet. Much more than what she’d need for an overnight stay at the Young farm, but they all fit.

Mrs. Ring’s goods were as wonderful as Hazel had described. The dresses fit perfectly on her small frame. The widow woman had a real talent with needle and thread. Something that Josephine hoped to accomplish someday, as well. Her fingers were still sore from working on the quilt blocks with Hazel.

The shoes were a soft tan and had come from the general store. Unlike her boots, they hugged her feet and made her feel like a woman again, instead of a Pony Express rider.

She cut her eyes and looked at Thomas under her lashes. The question that burned in her mind, but she’d never ask, was—had he felt that little spark when he’d kissed her? Josephine had tried to push that thought, that memory of their lips touching for the first time away all morning. But now, secretly admiring her husband, she couldn’t keep it at bay any longer. Still, she tried by thinking of other things.

Hazel had said that Josephine needed to learn to trust her new husband. That was easy for the older woman to say. Hazel had never been abandoned by her father, almost sold by her uncle or lied to by her new brother-in-law. Hazel had confessed to having a wonderful marriage that had lasted almost forty years.

Thomas stared straight ahead. He hadn’t said much since leaving town. Josephine wondered about the faint welt on his face and had to stop herself from reaching up and tracing it with her finger. How had he gotten the scar? He seemed very aware of it, and even now his jaw clenched under her observation.

She felt more than saw him guide the horse to the side of the road. Josephine waited as they came to a complete stop.

He set the brake on the wagon, then Thomas turned to face her. A deep sigh released from his chest as he said, “Well, we did it.”

Josephine nodded. She tried to add a teasing note to her voice as she answered, “We sure did.”

His face remained serious. Thomas wasn’t in a bantering mood. Her new husband had something important to tell her. His jaw clenched, and then Thomas said, “Look, I’m not sure what you are expecting from this marriage.” He took his hat off his head and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. “But it isn’t going to be a real marriage.”

“We said vows, Thomas. Vows that I have been raised to keep.” Now that they were alone, was this his way of saying he’d changed his mind? How could he do such a thing? Bitter bile rose in her throat.

His gaze met and held hers. “I agree, but this isn’t a real marriage, Josephine. The only reason I agreed to it was because I wanted you to be safe from your uncle and his evil plans. I have no intention of falling in love.”

All Josephine could think to say was “All right.” Inside she told herself she was happy that he harbored no desire to fall in love and live happily ever after.

Tension eased from her body. If he felt that way, then he couldn’t expect her to love him, either. How could anyone love another when they weren’t even sure they could trust them?

Still, a twinge of worry etched its way through her mind. “Does this mean you want to get out of the marriage?” She didn’t want to not be married to him; she needed the protection of his name.

“No, I married you before God. I just want you to know that there will be no children and no romance. We are married and you have the protection of the Young name, but that is all.” His Adam’s apple jumped in his throat as he swallowed.

Josephine lowered her eyes. Would her uncle be content with this sort of arrangement? Could he take her away if he knew they were sharing a name and nothing more? She hadn’t thought of this before because she hadn’t wanted a real marriage any more than Thomas did. Josephine still didn’t want a real marriage and prayed that her uncle would be none the wiser.

The warmth of his hand enveloped her shoulder. “Look, no one else has to know our personal business. Ma knows why I married you, but none of my family knows.” He grew silent for a moment, then continued, “Well, that may not be entirely true. I’m sure by now she’s expressed her concerns to Seth.”

So his adoptive parents knew. “I see.” She raised her head and looked at him. “Are we keeping it a secret from everyone?”

Thomas sighed. “No, tonight we’ll tell my family and make sure that they know how important it is to keep our secret. That this isn’t something we want shared with the world. My family will understand.”

The warmth of his hand seeped through the fabric of her dress. The comfort it offered wasn’t enough to keep the cold fingers of fear away. “I know you trust them, Thomas, but I don’t.” She placed her hand on top of his. “Trust isn’t something I offer easily and I’m scared. What if one of them lets it slip to my uncle or Mr. Grossman that we’re married in name only? Could he have the marriage annulled if he knew?”

“I don’t think so, and even if he wanted to use that as an excuse, it could easily be rectified.” His hand moved to touch one of the many curls that surrounded her face. “Would it make you feel better if we didn’t tell the others?”

Hadn’t she just said that? Josephine sighed. “It would.”

He jerked his hand from her hair and turned back toward the front. “All right. I’ll talk to Ma and Seth when we get there.” Thomas flicked the reins over the horse’s back and then set them on the road and headed to his family farm. “Philip knows, also. I told him to move his things into my room before we get back. You’ll be staying in his room.”

So he’d already made arrangements to move her into another room before he’d spoken to her about it. Josephine wondered how Philip had taken the news that he no longer had his own bedroom. “Was Philip all right with the move?”

Thomas shrugged. “He’s fine with it. He’ll have the room to himself two days a week.”

“What about the rest of the week?” Josephine asked out of curiosity.

“He’ll be on the Express trail two days a week and the other three we’ll share the room.” Thomas glanced over at her. “Don’t feel sorry for him. He brought this on himself.” His gaze returned to the road.

Josephine hated that Philip had invited her to marry Thomas, and she hated that she’d had to come, but most of all she hated that both men had to change their way of life for her. It hadn’t been fair to either of the men and yet there was nothing she could do about it now.

“Thomas?”

“Yes?”

Josephine took a deep breath. She wanted to make up for his lost freedom and way of life. “I’m sorry you are upset, but I promise I’ll be a good wife. I can cook and clean, and I’m learning to sew.”

He grinned but continued to face forward. “I’m sure you will be.”

Josephine heard the doubt in his voice. Did he expect her to fail at being a wife?

She’d failed at being a good daughter. Why else would her father have abandoned her after her mother died? What made her think she could be a good wife? Maybe Thomas was wise to doubt her abilities.

Josephine turned away from him. She didn’t want to fail. With hard work, she’d prove she’d be a great wife and Thomas Young would be glad that he’d married her. She clutched the chain of her necklace and fought the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. This day just continued to get worse and worse.

* * *

Thomas pulled into the front yard of his parents’ house. He jumped from the wagon and helped Josephine down. She’d remained quiet the rest of the way to the farm.

Rebecca hurried out of the house with a smile on her face. “Thomas! I can’t believe you’ve come back for a visit so soon.” She turned her blue eyes on Josephine. “You must be Josephine. Thomas has told me all about you.” She hugged Josephine quickly.

Thomas wished she hadn’t said that. It was bad enough that he’d not told Josephine anything about his family. Now she was going to be angry that he’d told Rebecca all about her. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Young.”

His mother looked from Thomas to Josephine.

Thomas handed Josephine her basket. “Ma’s last name is Armstrong. She married Seth not too long ago,” he explained.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Josephine glared at him.

He thought he’d told her Rebecca’s last name was now Armstrong. Maybe he should have mentioned it again. Thomas touched Josephine’s arm. She pulled away from him. “I’ll take the wagon to the barn and be right back.” He climbed back on the wagon and turned the horse toward the barn.

Rebecca’s soft laughter filled the tense air. “No harm done. Call me Rebecca. Mrs. Armstrong makes me sound old. Come on inside, Josephine. I can’t wait for you to meet the rest of the family,” Rebecca said, wrapping her arm in Josephine’s.

He was in big trouble, Thomas thought. He had no idea how to act around his new wife. He should have told her more about his family. Thomas jumped from the wagon and unhitched the horse.

Andrew stepped from the barn. “I see you brought a woman home to meet Ma.”

“Not just any woman, my wife.” Thomas looked to his older brother.

“Wife?”

“Yep, we got married this morning.” Thomas leaned against the wagon and crossed his arms.

Andrew whistled softly. “Congratulations. I can’t believe you got married.” He shook his head and then looked sharply at Thomas. “Does Ma know?”

Thomas groaned. “No.” He’d sent his new bride inside and hadn’t mentioned they were married. Would he be facing two angry women when he went back to the house?

The front door slammed as Benjamin, Thomas’s youngest brother, ran out onto the porch. He yelled, “Thomas! Ma wants you in the house.” He leaped from the porch and continued running toward them.

Andrew slapped Thomas on the back. “Don’t look so stricken. I doubt your new wife has had time to spill the beans just yet.”

Benjamin stopped a few feet from them. “Miss Josephine says she’s your new wife. Did you know that?”

A laugh spilled from Andrew’s lips. “Of course, I could be wrong.” His older brother moved to the head of the horse and said, “Beni and I will take care of the horse for you.”

Thomas pushed away from the wagon with a groan. “Thanks. This day just gets better and better,” he grumbled.


Chapter Seven (#ub214167c-c213-586e-8d44-76fa1a93a7fc)

Thomas entered the house quietly. He figured the women would be in the kitchen. What was he going to say? How angry was Ma?

Laughter filled the house. The sound came from the kitchen. Thomas frowned. Maybe he’d read too much into Ma’s summons to come inside. He walked the short distance to the kitchen.

Rebecca saw him in the doorway and pushed away from the table. She hurried to him and gave him a hug. “Josephine tells us that you two got married this morning.” Blue eyes looked up at him. There was a smile on her face, but disappointment filled her gaze.

“We did. I meant to tell you but got sidetracked,” he offered in the same manner he’d done as a boy when he and Philip had gotten themselves into trouble with her.

“Would you like a cup of coffee and a couple of cookies? Joy baked them.” Rebecca turned from him and walked to the stove.

He smiled at his little sister, who stood beside Josephine. “I’d love one of Joy’s cookies.”

Joy grinned proudly at his words. “They are sugar cookies.” She cut her eyes to look at Josephine. “I like to use lots of butter in my cookies.”

“I noticed that. They are especially yummy.” Josephine smiled at the little girl.

Thomas walked to the table and sat down beside his new wife. “I love sugar cookies.” He scooped up Joy and hugged his sister close.

Josephine watched them with a soft grin. “I’ll have to borrow your recipe, Joy.”

Joy’s shyness filled her voice as she said, “It’s really Ma’s recipe. She just lets me use it.”

“I’ll be happy to write it out for you, Josephine. But I have to warn you, Thomas will eat them all if you don’t watch him closely.” Rebecca sat a dessert plate in front of him with two cookies on it.

He snatched one of the cookies up and made a big show of taking a bite from the treat. “Mmm, these are good.” Thomas prayed he’d make it through the day. Both of the women in his life seemed as prickly as porcupines and he was the one who seemed to rub them both the wrong way. All he could do was pray.

* * *

Watching Thomas with his brothers and sister, Josephine envied his large family. After they’d told them about Philip’s sending for her as a mail-order bride and her uncle’s treachery, Josephine began to enjoy their laughter and teasing. During the meal, she observed Joy’s shyness but realized that Joy’s brothers did not have that affliction. They were all very easy natured and outgoing, from the youngest, Benjamin, to the oldest, Andrew.

She handed Rebecca the almost empty bowl of mashed potatoes. “What else can I do, Rebecca?”

“If you want to dry, you are more than welcome to do so.” Rebecca smiled at her.

Fay and Emma exchanged puzzled looks. “Um, then what are we supposed to do?” Emma asked.

“Whatever you want.” Rebecca grinned over her shoulder at them. “I’d like to get to know my new daughter-in-law over the dishes.”

Josephine swallowed. What did Rebecca want to know? She dreaded the questioning that would soon take place.

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Fay walked from the room. Emma giggled and followed.

The rest of the lunch crowd fled the kitchen, including Rebecca’s husband, Seth. Rebecca laughed. “I guess I didn’t have to tell them at all.”

Josephine wanted to thrash her new husband. He’d been the first to leave the room.

Rebecca turned to face her. “Well, now that we’re alone, let’s get to know each other.” She offered a sweet smile and began to wash the dishes.

Josephine took a cup from her and asked, “So what do you want to know?”

“Anything you want to tell me.” Rebecca’s dimples showed as she looked at Josephine. “I just want to get to know you. I’m not your judge. I want to be your friend.”

Just like that? All she had to do was share a little about herself and Rebecca would be her friend? Josephine focused on the cup in her hands. “I’m not sure where to start.” Stalling, that was what she was doing, stalling, pure and simple.

“How about telling me where you are from?”

“St. Joseph, Missouri.” She set the dry cup aside and reached for the next.

“It must have been hard to leave there.”

Josephine thought about that for a moment. “Not really. Mama died seven years ago and Papa ran off four years later. I really don’t have any other family except my uncle and I don’t miss him at all.”

Rebecca placed another clean dish in the drying bucket. “What about friends?”

She shrugged. “I don’t have any.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

Josephine laid the dishrag to the side and faced Rebecca. She didn’t want her mother-in-law’s pity. “I know this sounds strange to you, coming from this big family and all, but I really don’t have anyone who cares about me. No family, no friends, nobody.” She heard the crispness in her voice and almost wished she could take it back. But maybe this was just what Rebecca needed to hear. Not everyone had the perfect family.

Rebecca turned so quickly that Josephine took a step back from her. Her blue eyes blazed and her cheeks turned bright pink, anger laced her words. “Let me tell you about me. I grew up in an orphanage and had one brother. He was forced to leave me at the age of twelve and brave the streets alone and in the cold of winter. He froze to death. I was sent here to this farm to help my late husband John’s mother and father, not as a daughter but as a hired hand. John saw me, liked me and married me. Mainly to please his mother and father. We grew to love each other and we built this family. After John’s death, Seth arrived here as a Pony Express station manager. We fell in love and have kept this family together.”

Josephine opened her mouth to say she was sorry, but Rebecca held up her hand to silence whatever she thought Josephine was about to say. “During that time, I met Fay. Her husband had died and the owner of the house they were living in kicked her out. Emma came here as a slave. Fay and I, with the boys’ help, figured out a way to save her from her owners.”

Rebecca placed her damp hands on her hips. “We all have had a hard life, except maybe Joy. All of these young men that I call my sons were orphans. So, no, I don’t find your situation strange. What I do find strange is your need to lash out at someone who is offering you the hand of friendship and the chance at a new life.”

She deserved that. Josephine licked her lips and nodded. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed your life was any easier than mine has been.”

Rebecca pulled her into a tight hug. “Josephine, Thomas sees something in you that he likes. Believe it or not, I see it, too. The fact that you don’t trust anyone hasn’t gone unnoticed, but let me assure you, you now have a family and friends, if you will allow myself, Fay and Emma to get close enough to you.” She released Josephine and looked into her eyes.

Josephine wanted to believe her. She wanted to trust that they were all offering her the hand of family and friendship. But when her uncle had begun selling off their property and firing their help, her so-called friends had all distanced themselves from her. She had quickly learned the only one she could depend on and trust was herself. “I’ll try.” And she would, but it wouldn’t be easy.

“I’m sorry I lost my temper. It doesn’t happen often.”

Josephine smiled. From the shame-filled look on Rebecca’s face, she knew Rebecca meant her apology. “I was feeling sorry for myself, but I don’t anymore. I needed to hear about your past and will try to tell you more of mine without feeling sorry for myself as I do so.”

Rebecca nodded and then turned back to the washbasin. “We better get the rest of these dishes done before it’s suppertime.”

Josephine picked the drying towel back up and asked, “Has Thomas told you why we got married?”

“He did. I was hoping he’d wait until his family could attend the service.” Rebecca’s hands flew as she washed dishes.

“I’m sorry.”

Soft laughter filled the air. “It’s not your fault. Thomas could have told me yesterday when he was here that he was getting married today, but he didn’t. That’s not your fault, it’s his.”

Josephine didn’t argue. She spent the next hour telling Rebecca about her childhood, her mother’s sudden death and her father’s abandonment. They put away the last of the dishes and Josephine felt as if maybe she and Rebecca could be friends. She still had trouble trusting the other woman completely and knew she’d never trust Thomas. For now, it was nice knowing that his family was trying to befriend her.

They spent the rest of the afternoon with his family. Fay and Emma both thanked her for doing the dishes. Josephine learned that each household member had chores and that Emma and Fay were responsible for the lunch dishes, among other things.

Thomas’s brothers Andrew, Clayton and Benjamin were funny and kind. They didn’t hang about the house but left shortly after lunch to “get back to work,” as they all said. She liked them all, even Noah, who was the quietest and most serious of the brothers. Benjamin had told her that his other brother Jacob had moved to California and he missed him very much. Josephine felt sure that he was just as friendly as his other brothers and looked forward to meeting him someday, too.

While Fay put Joy down for a nap, Emma and Josephine talked on the front porch. Emma was a little shy and her eyes often searched the barnyard. Josephine couldn’t help but wonder if she was sweet on one of the Young men.

“I’m glad you married Thomas.” Emma picked at a piece of lint on her skirt.

Josephine smiled. “I am, too.”

Where had her new husband and his mother gotten off to, anyway? Was Rebecca telling him about their talk in the kitchen? Was she scolding him for marrying without inviting the family?

The sound of horse hooves pounding the ground drew her attention to the barn and yard in between. Clayton sat on a horse waiting for the Pony Express rider to arrive.

Her heart picked up speed as she remembered waiting for the mochila, a leather bag that held the mail, to be passed to her. The mochila had to be kept safe at all times and moving down the trail. What important letters and messages were in this particular mochila? That question ran through her mind every time it was passed to her.

Clayton caught it in midair and sped away. His horse knew its job and jumped in its hurry to continue on carrying the mail. The young man who had come to the end of his ride slid from his horse, much like she’d done several days before. His shoulders drooped and he slid to the ground.

He’s hurt. The words thundered in her mind. “Get Rebecca,” she yelled at Emma. Josephine raced off the porch to his side.

Andrew was already there. “Bill? Can you hear me?” He was picking him up with an arm around the man’s waist. Josephine moved to the other side and helped to lift him.

The young man didn’t answer.

“Should we carry him to the bunkhouse?”

Andrew looked at her, his eyebrows raised, but he simply nodded. “That’s probably for the best.”

Josephine grunted as the rider’s weight shifted more onto her when Andrew had to release him to open the bunkhouse door. Within a few moments they had him lying down on a bunk.

Bill groaned and his eyes fluttered open. “Thanks, Andrew.” He turned his head and looked at Josephine. “Thanks, pretty lady.” A crooked smile spread across his face.

Andrew groaned. “Billy, are you hurt? Or not?”

The young boy, who looked as if he were fourteen or younger, pulled his buckskin jacket back, revealing a bloodstained shirt. “Shot.” His eyes fluttered closed once more.

Josephine opened his shirt up further. “Yep, he’s been shot, all right. Turn him over, Andrew, we need to see if it went through or if he has a bullet in him.”

Rebecca and Thomas hurried into the bunkhouse. Thomas immediately helped Andrew in turning the young man onto his side.

“How is he?” Rebecca hurried to the cot.

Josephine saw that the bullet had gone completely through and sighed with relief. “I think he’s going to be fine. The bullet went all the way through. Gently turn him back over.” She looked up into her husband’s admiring eyes.




Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.


Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию (https://www.litres.ru/rhonda-gibson/pony-express-christmas-bride/) на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.



Если текст книги отсутствует, перейдите по ссылке

Возможные причины отсутствия книги:
1. Книга снята с продаж по просьбе правообладателя
2. Книга ещё не поступила в продажу и пока недоступна для чтения