Christmas Mail-Order Brides: Four-in-One Collection, page 7
Annika’s eyes burned as she tucked the blanket around Mariah. Would Chase’s new wife continue teaching her to read? Would she help her learn to knit or sew or bake cookies? Who would help her finish the Christmas gifts?
And what about Daniel? Mr. Simms and Chase had no idea where he was hunting or when he would return. As she thought of never seeing him again, she felt like a flower crushed in the road by a hundred wagon wheels.
Oh Lord, this is too much to bear. Please carry it for me.
With an aching heart, she lifted the lid of her trunk and began packing. They’d leave the ranch tomorrow morning by nine so she could catch the ten-thirty train headed east. Heaven only knew what would happen to her then.
The jingle of sleigh bells filled the air as Annika and Mr. Simms sped down the road toward Laramie.
Mariah had begged to go along and see Annika off at the station, but Chase felt it would be too upsetting for her, especially since she was still recovering. So Mariah and Annika said a tearful good-bye at the ranch. Chase and Mr. Simms stood nearby looking grim. Song Li cried and fled the kitchen, clutching a dishtowel to his mouth.
She stared across the snow-covered landscape feeling as numb and frozen as the stream they’d just crossed. So much had happened in the last twenty-four hours that she could barely take it in.
How could she be leaving Wyoming? The thought of returning to the crowded, busy city weighed her down, but not as much as leaving without saying good-bye to Daniel. If only she could have seen him one more time.
Mr. Simms flicked the reins, and the horses picked up their pace. He glanced up at the overcast sky as they entered Laramie. “Looks like we’re in for some more snow.”
Annika lifted her face as the first few flakes drifted down in a lazy dance then flew past the sleigh. She pulled her coat more tightly around her, trying to keep out the cold wind.
Mr. Simms rounded the corner and approached the train station. “Whoa, now,” he called to the horses, and the sleigh glided to a stop. They climbed down, and Mr. Simms made arrangements for her trunk. They walked inside, and he purchased her ticket.
In five days she’d be back in Chicago. What would she do then? Who would take her in? Where would she find a job? A shiver passed through her, and she gripped her bag.
Annika glanced toward the windows. “You don’t need to stay. I can wait in the station until the train comes.”
Mr. Simms’s silver brows dipped. “I wouldn’t feel right leaving you here alone.”
“I’ll be fine.” The truth was she didn’t think she could take one more extended good-bye.
“Looks like the storm is picking up. I suppose I should head back.”
Annika nodded, her throat feeling tight and dry.
He removed his hat and looked at her with sorrowful eyes. “I’m truly sorry for the way things turned out. I just wanted to help Chase. I hope …” He stopped and cleared his throat. “You’re a sweet girl, Annika. You deserve a good husband who’ll love you and take care of you.”
“It’s all right,” she said, forcing out her words. She thought of Mariah and how much she loved her. “A parent will do just about anything to help a child.”
He nodded and sent her a sad smile. Then he placed his hat on his head and walked out the station door.
Annika sank down on the bench and blinked back her tears. Now she was all on her own.
Chapter 9
Daniel rode to the top of the hill and reined his horse to a stop. His heartbeat kicked up as the barn and ranch house came into view. Gripping the reins, he debated his decision a few more seconds. Should he ride on past and avoid the pain of seeing Annika with Chase, or should he stop and say his final good-bye to his family?
He shook his head and huffed out a disgusted breath. He couldn’t put them through the same worry they’d experienced when Chase up and left without a word. How could he think of heading west without knowing Mariah was on the mend and Chase was finally treating Annika as he should?
He spurred his horse to a gallop and headed for the house. When he walked inside, he found the sitting room empty. He straightened his shoulders and entered the kitchen.
Song Li looked up from stirring a big pot on the stove. He nodded to Daniel, his expression somber.
Chase sat at the table drinking a cup of coffee, but Annika was nowhere in sight.
“Welcome back,” Chase said. “How was the hunting?”
“Not good.” Daniel shook his head. “How’s Mariah?”
“Better. Her fever broke last night. Doc says she needs to stay in bed, but it’s not easy keeping her there.” Chase chuckled and took another sip of his coffee.
Daniel glanced toward the steps. “Is Annika upstairs with her?”
Chase’s smile faded, and he exchanged a wary glance with Song Li.
“What?” Daniel’s gut clenched. “She’s not sick, is she?”
“No.” Chase stood and put his coffee cup in the sink.
“Well, where is she?”
Chase turned and faced him. “She’s on her way to Laramie to catch the ten-thirty train to Chicago.”
“What! You’re sending her back?”
“That’s right.” Chase snatched his hat off the table and jammed it on his head.
Daniel grabbed his arm. “But you’re supposed to marry her!”
“I can’t. I met a gal in Laramie, and I’ve been courting her since September.” Chase stepped back, as though he expected Daniel to take a swing at him.
Daniel’s jaw fell slack. “You’re not marrying Annika?”
He shook his head. “I know you and Pa want me to, but I can’t do it. I love Angelica. We’re getting married as soon as Pa settles down and gets used to the idea.”
Daniel stared at Chase for a second, and then his face split into a big grin. He gripped his brother’s shoulders. “You just made me the happiest man in Wyoming!” He turned and dashed toward the back door.
“Hey, where are you going?” Chase called.
“To Laramie! I’ve got to beat that train!”
“But you’ll never get there by ten thirty.”
Daniel jumped on his horse. “Watch me!”
Annika sat on the hard wooden bench and stared at the huge snowflakes swirling past the station window. Her thoughts drifted back to the ranch. Was Mariah still improving, or had her fever returned? Was Chase spending time with her, or had he left her alone in her room? Surely now that he’d revealed his reason for spending so much time in Laramie, he’d be more open with his family and give Mariah the attention she longed for.
Please, Lord, let it be so. She needs her father’s love so much.
Her thoughts shifted to Daniel, and her heart grew heavier. Was he safe and warm? Had he returned from his hunting trip? Was he sorry she’d left? Would he miss her even a little? Tears clogged her throat, but she refused to let them fall. Instead she swallowed and clasped her hands tightly in her lap.
The truth was clear now. She loved Daniel. But she’d never know if he returned her affection. She’d be back in Chicago soon, and Daniel would return to his life on the ranch. Chase would bring his new wife home, and they’d all settle in together and forget about Annika. She’d be just an uncomfortable memory—that mail-order bride who’d arrived unexpectedly and been sent home when no one wanted her.
A terrible pain stabbed her heart, and she squeezed her eyes shut.
The stationmaster cleared his throat as he stepped out from his office. “The train should be here any minute. It’s running a little late because of the snow.”
Annika lifted her head and thanked him, but her voice came out in a choked whisper.
He nodded and sent her a concerned glance, then crossed the room to add coal to the stove. “This storm looks like a bad one. But don’t worry. The train will plow right through. You’ll be back in Chicago before you know it.”
That was exactly what she was afraid of.
The station door burst open. “Annika!” Daniel strode in, snowflakes covering his hat and shoulders.
She gasped and rose on trembling legs. “Daniel … what are you doing here?”
He rushed across the room and took her in his arms. “Thank the Lord you’re still here.” His voice was rough with emotion.
Her tears finally overflowed. He’d come all this way in the storm just to say good-bye. But now that he was here, how could she ever make herself get on that train and leave him. She stepped back and looked up at him with a trembling smile. “Thank you for coming. I didn’t want to leave without saying good-bye.”
“Good-bye?” He stared at her. “No, please, don’t go.”
“I can’t stay. Chase is marrying someone else.”
Daniel clutched her shoulders. “Then stay and marry me.”
Annika stilled. “What?”
He took hold of both her hands. “I love you, Annika Bergstrom. I have from the first day you stepped off the train, but I …” His voice choked off, and he looked at her through glistening eyes.
“Oh, Daniel.” She flung her arms around his neck.
Laughing, he picked her up and spun her around. “I take it that means you’ll stay and marry me?”
She nodded, still struggling to believe the love shining in his eyes. “Yes, Daniel! Yes!”
Chapter 10
Christmas Day arrived bright and clear with a fresh snowfall covering the ground.
Inside the Simms’s house, happy preparations gave way to a merry celebration. Mariah wore her St. Lucia dress and served buns and coffee to the family early that morning.
A happy glow filled Annika’s heart as she lit the candles around the house and on the small pine tree they had decorated with dried fruit, straw figures, popcorn, and cookies.
After breakfast Mr. Simms read the Christmas story as they all sat by the fire. Then Annika and Mariah gave hand-knit scarves to each of the men. Chase delighted Mariah by giving her a beautifully illustrated book titled Young Folks Christmas Book. Song Li gave the family a Chinese tea set.
Daniel presented Annika with a lovely gold locket. Her heart nearly burst with joy as he fastened it around her neck.
In the early afternoon, Chase brought Angelica Morales to meet the family. Her dark laughing eyes and warm smile delighted everyone, even Mr. Simms. She presented each person with a little tin of homemade cookies.
Angelica gave Mariah a little doll she had fashioned for her. Mariah promptly named her Angel and carried her everywhere, even seating her at the table for Christmas dinner.
“This is the nicest Christmas we’ve had in a long time.” Daniel winked at Annika then slipped his hand into hers under the table.
Her stomach fluttered, and she smiled at him. What a blessing to be chosen and loved by such a fine man.
“It certainly is,” Mr. Simms added. “The best part is seeing everyone together around the table.” He smiled at Chase and Angelica, then at Annika and Daniel. Finally, his warm gaze rested on Mariah. “Merry Christmas, everyone. Let’s pray.”
Annika bowed her head and held tightly to Daniel’s hand.
“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your kindness and goodness to our family. Thank You for healing Mariah and for bringing such fine wives for my sons. You’ve blessed us, and we’re grateful. Help us remember the best gift of all, Your Son, Jesus. Let us welcome Him into our hearts today and always. Amen.”
Annika lifted her head and glanced around the table, basking in the knowledge she had a special place in the family now. She looked across at Angelica, and they exchanged a smile. Right then, Annika made up her mind to do all she could to help the young woman feel accepted and welcome.
Mr. Simms shook out his napkin. “Well, what are we waiting for? Song Li, bring on the feast!”
The cook carried in a big platter of glazed ham. Soon bowls of mashed potatoes, green beans, beets, spiced plums, and applesauce covered the table. Laughter and lively conversation filled the air as they enjoyed the special meal.
When it was time for dessert, Annika brought in a big bowl of rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon. “This is a special Swedish tradition.”
Chase frowned. “It looks like rice pudding.”
Angelica’s eyes flashed, and she nudged him with her elbow.
“Well, it is rice pudding, but there’s a surprise in someone’s bowl,” Annika said as she passed them around the table.
Mariah’s eyes grew large. “What is it?”
Annika’s cheeks grew warm. “There’s an almond hidden in the pudding, and Swedish tradition says whoever finds it will marry soon.”
Mr. Simms chuckled. “Well, eat up, and let’s see who gets the prize!”
They all dug into their bowls, while Chase and Daniel teased each other about finding the almond first.
“I’m too young to get married,” Mariah said, “but I sure like this pudding.”
Annika laughed then crunched down on the almond. “Oh my … I got it!”
Laughter and cheers rose around the table.
Daniel grinned and lifted his coffee cup. “Here’s to my beautiful Christmas bride. Almond or no almond, we’re getting married next Sunday.” Then he leaned closer and kissed her tenderly. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”
His kiss left her breathless. “Merry Christmas,” she finally whispered. Then, with her heart overflowing, she lifted a prayer of thanks to God for His faithfulness.
All the time, even when she couldn’t see it, God had been working on her behalf, bringing everything together to give her the desires of her heart—a loving husband and wonderful family.
What an amazing blessing—what a wonderful plan.
Carrie Turansky lives in central New Jersey with her husband, Scott. They have been married for over thirty years and have five young adult children and three grandchildren. Carrie leads the women’s ministry at her church, teaches Bible studies, and enjoys mentoring younger women. When she is not writing or spending time with her family, she enjoys reading, gardening, trying out new recipes, and walking around the lake near their home. Carrie and her family spent time in Kenya as missionaries, giving them a passion for what God is doing around the world. Carrie has authored several novellas for Barbour and two novels for Steeple Hill Love Inspired, including her latest release, Seeking His Love. She enjoys hearing from her readers. You may contact her through her Web site: www.carrieturansky.com.
THE PRODIGAL GROOM
by Vickie McDonough
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
LUKE 15:24
Chapter 1
Christian woman seeks an honorable Christian man to marry. I’m eighteen with brown hair and dark brown eyes, 5′4″, thin and prefer to live in a town. Can cook, sew, and clean. I have no dowry, but I’m a hard worker and can read, write, and converse well.
Council Bluffs, Iowa, November, 1882
That one, right there. She’s the one I want.”
Jolie Addams looked up from the sweet face of the baby she’d been rocking and found a gnarly finger belonging to the orphanage’s benefactor pointed in her direction. She swallowed hard and clutched the child closer to her bosom. Why would Lloyd Richter, a man old enough to be a great-grandfather, want the seven-month-old orphan?
“Miss Addams”—Florence Tuttle, director of the Council Bluffs’ Foundlings’ Home, peered over the top of her spectacles at Jolie—”put the child in her bed and come to my office immediately.”
Jolie rose and watched Miss Tuttle and Mr. Richter meander away, as the orphanage director updated him on the recent additions to the home. With twenty-seven children, the home was near bursting at the seams. Miss Tuttle had reminded Jolie numerous times that she’d have to leave the orphanage she’d grown up in once she turned eighteen, but she had hoped to make herself so useful that the woman might keep her on as a worker.
Her sigh lifted little Deborah’s wispy blond hair. Jolie tucked the baby in her bed for her nap and covered her with a blanket. She glanced around the infant ward, making sure all seven babies were sleeping, and then she tiptoed out. They wouldn’t miss her for a short while. She sincerely hoped that Mr. Richter didn’t want to adopt Deborah. The contented child with an easy smile filled an empty place in Jolie’s heart, and she’d dread seeing her leave, especially with that creepy, old man.
Her hand trembled as she knocked on Miss Tuttle’s door a few minutes later. The dreary hallway mirrored her mood. Hard as it was to lose one of the youngsters she’d grown to love, she couldn’t begrudge any a chance for a normal life with parents who adored their child. But Mr. Richter?
“Enter,” Miss Tuttle’s harsh voice ordered.
Jolie had been in the director’s office only a few times, and each time she’d left in tears. The first time had been the day her father dropped her off after her mother had died trying to birth Jolie’s only sibling. The last two times had been to receive punishment for not cleaning as thoroughly as Miss Tuttle thought she should.
Jolie stood immobile in the doorway to Miss Tuttle’s office, unable to get her feet to obey her mental command to move. Her whole body quivered, but not from the chilly room.
“Come on in, Miss Addams, and have a seat.”
Mr. Richter had settled into one of the two chairs sitting in front of Miss Tuttle’s desk. His leering eyes followed her, making her feel dirty. Why was he gawking at her?
She scooted around the far side of the chair so as not to have to squeeze between them and be close enough that the man could touch her. Perching on the edge of the seat, she held her hands tightly in her lap.
Miss Tuttle looked at some papers on her desk then glanced up. “As you well know, most girls leave the orphanage by age sixteen to marry or find employment. You’ll turn eighteen at the end of November and can no longer stay here. Of course, you must be gainfully employed so you can support yourself and not be a burden on the community.”
