Page 10 of Leftover Mail-Order Bride (Frontier Brides #2)

V ictoria left with Mr. Dalrymple when he came to call after services. Jack didn’t try to stop her. She’d already done so much for his family. Jacob had returned to the house and was resting in his room. Joy was nearly back to her bubbly self. And Pa was alive. They had much to be thankful for.

“You couldn’t have slept much last night,” Ma said when Jack came to check on her and Pa later that afternoon. “Why don’t you rest?”

“Cows need milking, chickens feeding,” he said.

“Cows always need something,” his father said with his gentle smile. “That doesn’t mean you should neglect your health.”

His mother regarded him, brows raised.

He held up his hands with a chuckle that did Jack’s heart good to hear. “All right, all right. But maybe I’d like my son to learn from my poor example.”

His mother laid her hand over his. “He has learned a lot from your example, especially where love is concerned.”

“And when should we expect to hear good news there?” Pa asked Jack.

His heart pinched. “Not for some time.”

Immediately, his mother rounded on him. “Jack Hercules Willets, what have you done?”

He couldn’t help his wince. When Ma used anyone’s middle name, it was best to give up peaceably or run for cover.

“I proposed this morning, Ma,” he said. “She declined.”

His mother’s eyes narrowed. “You proposed to a girl after a harrowing night in which she had no sleep and worked her fingers to the bone tending to your family? What did you expect her to do, dance a jig?”

Jack rubbed the back of his neck. “I told her how much I appreciated her work. I even said she was about the prettiest gal I’d ever met.”

“ About the prettiest!” his mother sputtered.

Pa patted her hand before focusing on Jack. “Do you love her, Jack?”

Throat tightening, he nodded. “Close enough I know what I feel will only grow with time. She’s the one, Pa.”

His mother’s face softened. “Then you can’t give up, Jack.”

Pa nodded. “I’m real sorry if my illness came between you two. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Jack shook his head. “I wish I knew.”

Ma rose and came to lay a hand on his shoulder. “If you truly feel she’s the one God’s called you to stand beside through life, talk to her, Jack. Tell her how you feel. Not here,” she touched his forehead, then his chest, “here, from your heart. And don’t focus so much on what she can do for you and the family, but what you can do for her to make your own family.”

Hope pushed up, bright as a lily in summer. Jack enfolded his mother in a hug. “Thanks, Ma. I’ll ride over as soon as I’ve seen to the milking.”

Ma leaned back to eye him. “Now, if you please. You have eight brothers and sisters roaming around this place who are capable of milking a cow. You’re the only one who can tell Victoria how much she’s loved.”

***

Victoria just wanted to retreat to her room in the parsonage and cry her eyes out. She was tired, and she hurt inside and out. But she couldn’t give up her new dream. Somewhere, there must be a man who would love her for who she was, not for what she could do for him. Unfortunately, the man of her dreams wore Jack’s slow smile.

“Never you fear,” Mrs. Dalrymple said when Victoria explained she’d refused Jack’s suit. “I invited Mr. Goodenough for dinner again, just to be on the safe side.”

Oh, she would never survive another dinner with the fellow. “I didn’t get any sleep last night,” she told her hostess. “I’m not fit company.”

“We all have our burdens to bear, dear,” the minister’s wife said. “I’ve had two gentlemen express interest in the spare room, so I really need you settled soon.”

Her heart seemed to be shriveling. “Perhaps a nap before dinner,” Victoria said.

Lord, where am I to go? If holding out for love truly is Your plan for me, please show me what to do.

When she rose a few hours later, she felt a little better. She changed into a fresh gown, her red and green plaid with her shawl over the top, washed her face, tidied her hair, and came downstairs to play the piano before her next suitor arrived. Next suitor. She shuddered at the thought.

Yet, she had to keep her hopes up. Jacob had suggested she might teach. Starting a new school still sounded daunting, but perhaps Mr. Dalrymple knew of some group who placed teachers in established schools. She was probably most qualified to teach music. Jack had certainly seemed awed by her talents. Unfortunately, with few instruments in the area, she likely couldn’t support herself as a music teacher.

And there was always the possibility that another local man might show interest in marrying her. Falling for Jack, she hadn’t given other men proper consideration. Not Mr. Goodenough, certainly, but there was Mr. Hartley. Her smile turned up remembering Jane’s assessment of him. Jack would probably agree that the young man needed more time to grow into his potential before he looked for a bride.

And she really must break this habit of seeing the world through Jack’s eyes!

She heard the knock at the front door and misplayed a note. Wincing, she finished the piece she was playing as Mrs. Dalrymple ushered Mr. Goodenough into the parlor.

“Isn’t she a wonder?” the minister’s wife warbled. “Why, if I was a gentleman, I’d snap her right up.”

Mr. Goodenough’s gaze remained on Victoria. “She’s perfect.”

Under that look, she didn’t feel remotely close. In fact, she had to fight to keep from pulling her shawl closer or running from the room.

Mrs. Dalrymple didn’t seem to notice, for she made her excuses and withdrew with a look to Victoria, who made herself go sit on the sofa.

To her surprise, instead of taking the upholstered chair nearby, Mr. Goodenough dropped down beside her and seized her hand. “Miss Milford, Victoria, I meant what I said a few moments ago. You would make the perfect wife for a man like me. You’re pretty, poised, and capable of entertaining important people. I have dreams of rising here, first a seat in the legislature and then, dare I say, to the governor’s house! Tell me you’re willing to stand beside me as my bride.”

He was offering prestige and power. As his wife, she likely would never need to fear she’d lack a place to live or pretty clothes to wear. A prudent woman might have accepted. She might have accepted before she’d met Jack. But now she just couldn’t give up the dream in her heart.

“I’m so sorry to have raised your expectations, Mr. Goodenough,” she said. “I cannot marry you.”

He pulled back, eyes narrowing. “Holding out for someone wealthier, eh? Well, men like that can afford to be picky, and you can’t. One fellow’s already refused you, and it seems Willets decided to back off as well. I’m the best you’re going to get.”

She wasn’t sure whether to argue or take herself off in high dudgeon. “Then I am surprised you’d even be interested.”

He edged closer and slipped an arm around her waist. “Oh, I’m interested. Let me show you.”

Victoria tried to recoil, but he pulled her closer. She put both hands to his chest. “Get away from me this minute!”

“You heard the lady,” a voice growled from the doorway. “Get away from her. Now.”

Jack! Relief and hope vied for first place inside her as Mr. Goodenough leaned away.

“I’m afraid you’ve interrupted a private moment, Willets,” he said, keeping his arm securely around her. “Dear Victoria was just about to agree to be my bride.”

“Never,” she snapped, squirming out of his grip at last. “I would not marry you. On any day, under any circumstances. You have abused your hostess’s hospitality, sir, along with my patience. Do not approach me again.”

Shaking his head, Goodenough stood. “Fine. Your loss. I wish you luck with her, Willets. This is one filly who can’t be tamed to the bridle.”

“Let me see you to the door,” Jack said. He grabbed the fellow by the collar and marched him protesting from the room.

Mrs. Dalrymple arrived with her tray of lemonade just in time to see them leave. “What’s happening? Why is Mr. Willets treating Mr. Goodenough so shabbily?”

Before Victoria could answer, she set down the tray and clapped her hands together like a girl. “Oh, I see. You made him jealous, you clever thing!”

“I did no such thing!” Victoria protested, reminded all too forcefully of how Charles had treated her. “Mr. Goodenough attempted liberties when I refused to marry him. If Mr. Willets hadn’t stepped in, I don’t know what would have happened.”

Jack came striding back. “Sorry to show up like this, ma’am. No one answered my knock, and I found I couldn’t wait to speak with Victoria. And my apologies for taking over your housecleaning, but I didn’t think you’d want trash dirtying up your parlor.”

Mrs. Dalrymple put her hands on her ample hips, but her eyes sparkled with glee. “After such a display, Mr. Willets, I expect you to take action.”

“I will.”

He went down on one knee in front of Victoria. “Victoria, please forgive my poorly worded proposal this morning. You deserve so much better, so much more.”

She wanted to cradle his dear face in her hands, but the minister’s wife seemed glued to the carpet for once.

“It wasn’t a bad proposal,” Victoria told him. “Just not the one I wanted.”

“It didn’t come out the way I wanted either,” he said. “I do appreciate your capabilities—nursing, playing the piano, encouraging people, helping others, but it wasn’t your looks or your abilities that drew me to you. From the first day, I could see your determination and your devotion. Since then, I’ve come to admire how you can find the joy even when I’m too focused on the work. You inspire me. I’d marry you if you told me all you want to do is sit in the parlor and stare out the window all day.”

She shook her head, smile breaking free. “Oh, Jack, you don’t mean that.”

“I do! I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want a helpmate, a wife who can work beside me on the ranch. You are so much more than that. I’ll spend the rest of my life showing you how much I value you. I’ll bring you flowers every day. I’ll ride to Olympia for sheet music. I’ll find a way to get you a piano.” He pulled back and dug in the pocket of his coat to produce a white paper packet.

Victoria blinked back the tears that threatened. “You remembered.” Her fingers trembled as she accepted the peppermint stick from him.

“I remember everything you say to me. And I’m committed to doing whatever would make you happy.”

She could hardly speak, for now her lips were trembling too. “I think I could be happy just being with you, if you truly want me.”

“I don’t ever want you to doubt that again. And you’ll have a whole family of people who’ll love and care about you too. Please marry me, Victoria. I don’t think I’ll be whole without you.”

Joy surged up, wrapping itself around her heart. “I feel the same way. If you’re sure, Jack.”

“I’m sure.”

In his gaze, in his smile, she saw the truth shining. He truly was falling in love with her just as she was with him. So long as they both kept working at it, there was no reason they couldn’t have the future she dreamed of.

Thank You, Lord!

“Then, yes, Jack, I will marry you.”

He rose and pulled her into his arms. The touch of his lips to hers, the tenderness of his arms around her, told her even more than his beautiful sentiments that she was valued and cherished.

Mrs. Dalrymple started applauding again. “Oh, wonderful! You must stay for dinner, Mr. Willets. I have plenty, and we have cause to celebrate!”

Jack kept his arms around Victoria’s waist as if he would never let her go. “I’d be glad to, ma’am. Thank you.”

“I must tell Richard,” she said, trotting toward the door. “He’ll be so pleased.” She waved a hand. “Carry on!”

“She is the worst chaperone,” Jack said with a shake of his head. “But you won’t find me complaining.”

“This time, me either,” Victoria said, lifting her chin for another kiss.

***

Victoria returned with him to the ranch in the wagon after dinner so she could check on her patients. Jack indulged himself, holding the reins with one hand and slipping his other arm about her as she sat beside him on the bench. She rested her head against his shoulder, and all he could do was send a hallelujah heavenward. He would never deserve her, but he was more thankful than he could say that she’d agreed to be his bride. And to think anyone had once considered her a leftover!

Ma met them before they even started down the hall. She blocked the way forward, arms crossed over her chest. “Well?”

“We’re engaged,” Jack said. “Victoria is willing to take a chance on me.”

“Not a very large risk,” she pointed out as his mother dropped her arms and beamed. “I’ve watched you at work. I’ve seen you in times of cheer and times of trouble, sir.”

“And I collapsed like a tent pole in a strong wind under the latter,” he reminded her.

“You did no such thing,” his mother protested. “You’re the first one anyone calls when they need help, Jack. Now that you have someone you love to stand beside you, any trouble you face won’t seem nearly as hard. You’ll see.”

Jack smiled. “Well, I won’t wish for more trouble to test that theory, but I count myself the luckiest man alive.”

“And I count myself the most fortunate woman,” Victoria said, gazing at him in a way that made him want to stand taller, hold her closer.

His mother rubbed her hands together. “Now, we just need to find a nice girl for Jacob. Perhaps the new schoolmarm he’s planning to engage.” She laughed. “Who knows? It might be a different sort of engagement entirely.”

“With our family,” Jack said, “I wouldn’t be surprised.”

***

Thank you for reading Jack and Victoria’s story.