Mail Order Romance Bundle #1 Page 4

  Jesse looked up at the stars, trying to follow where she was pointing but she was calling them out too fast.

  “Do you know them?” she asked.

  “The stars?” he asked back with a grin, “No. I have been acquainted with the Big Dipper though I sometimes have a hard time finding him.”

  Enid smiled and then pointed. “There’s your friend, Mr. Dipper, right there,” she said.

  He laughed. “Ah, he hasn’t changed a bit.”

  “He’s part of Ursa Major, you know.”

  “Ursa what?”

  “Ursa Major, the big bear. Who needs a library full of books when God has given us a sky full of stories. Well, I guess he gave us the stars and man created the stories.

  Ursa’s story is one of love and jealousy. In ancient times, Zeus was the king of all the gods and he was married to Hera, who was a jealous goddess. When Zeus fell in love with the young and beautiful nymph, Callisto, Hera went into a fit of jealous rage and turned her into a bear. Soon after, Callisto was found by her son, Arcas, who, of course, doesn’t recognize his own mother because she’s a bear. He’s about to shoot her right through the heart with his bow and arrow when Zeus changes him to a bear as well, and he put them both up in the night sky. See over there, that’s her son, Ursa Minor, the Little Dipper.”

  Jesse looked up at the sky with new eyes and a renewed sense of awe. He was eager for her to tell him more of the stories that were hidden in the stars, but Enid sat in silence, her eyes never wavering from the stars. When she did finally speak, she said softly, “I think Miss Laura Kate will be happy here.”

  Laura Kate. Jesse had forgotten about her. He wondered where she was right now and if she had gone by mistake to some other bachelor, that he was treating her well.

  “I hope she will be,” he answered Enid.

  “With a good husband who will treat her right, a lovely home and this sky,” she said, lifting her hands towards the heavens, “how could she not be?”

  He chuckled softly. Enid was full of life. It brought him great pleasure to see her excitement at the star-filled sky, something he had grown to take for granted. He hoped that the stars would bring as much joy to Laura Kate. And secretly, he also hoped that she would have a golden voice like Enid’s and that she would love books and be a good cook.

  He looked at Enid with her eyes still on the sky and thought that the man she would end up with would be a happy man, too. If only he could get past her physical appearance. But once you got to know Enid, he thought, it was so easy to do that. She had a certain charm about her that was almost, well, captivating.

  They sat in silence for a bit, but it was a comfortable silence. Then Enid began to sing a song, a beautiful old hymn that sounded so familiar to him. Then at once he recognized it, for it was the very same hymn that he had been humming to himself in the barn as he did the evening chores. Of all the strange coincidences, he thought to himself. Enid’s voice was full of mesmerizing smoothness, and combined with that endless sea of stars and the dark night surrounding them, it was beautifully haunting and took his breath away.

  When she finished, she leaned forward and pulled herself out the rocker, not without a struggle. Jesse started up to help her, but she was soon upright and holding out a hand to stop him.

  “I’m fine,” she said with a smile. “Just getting a bit tired. It’s been a long and stressful day for the both of us, I’m sure. I’ve taken enough advantage of your hospitality for one night and suppose that it’s time for me to turn in.”

  “You’ve taken advantage of nothing. You’ve made me dinner, kept me company and taught me the names of the stars, I feel like I owe you,” he said with a laugh. “Is there anything I can get you?”

  “No, thank you. I’m quite exhausted and am sure I will fall into a deep slumber as soon as my head hits the pillow.”

  “I hope the bed will be comfortable for you.”

  “Oh, I’m sure it will be. If it’s good enough for Theodore Dodd, it will be good enough for Enid Ralphy.”

  Jesse laughed and nodded. “Goodnight, Enid.”

  “Goodnight, Jesse,” she responded as she made her way back into the house.

  Jesse wasn’t ready to go in just yet. Despite the stress of the day, he wasn’t feeling the exhaustion that Enid did. Instead, he felt as if he couldn’t sleep at all, he been jolted with an adrenaline rush and his mind was racing.

  There was something that was bothering him, something that he couldn’t quite put his finger on what exactly that something was. It was looming over him, making him uncomfortable. It could have been that he was worried about what happened to Laura Kate and why it wasn’t her who arrived on the train to Oak Grove that day, it could have been that he was worried about Enid’s future and the life that awaited her with another man for a husband. These concerns definitely weighed heavy on his mind, but no, there was something more, something that involved both of those worries but there was much more to it.

  Jesse sat staring at the stars just as Enid had, trying with no success at figuring out what it was. He wondered if what Enid had said earlier was true-that there must have been a reason for her to be here, that there were no coincidences in life. He liked that thought but wondered what the reason was that she was there.

  Finally, realizing that morning chores would come sooner than later, Jesse retired to his bedroom for the night, though he had an awful time trying to fall asleep. When he couldn’t figure out the worry that was weighing on his mind, his thoughts turned again to Enid. How nice it had been to have another person in the house. And not just another person, but her. She was so easy to talk to, especially for Jesse who usually got along better with his animals, she had a happy manner about her that just put him at ease. He didn’t think he could ever get tired of hearing her voice telling stories and wondered if she had to leave just yet. Maybe she could stay there while he got the whole situation figured out with the Beaumont Agency. But he dismissed the thought as fast as it came, realizing that Enid would probably not want to go for that; she’d most likely want to get back to Milwaukee and figure out the husband she was meant to go to.

  Just then, at the thought of Enid with her new husband, Jesse got a strange feeling, a tightening in his chest. If he hadn’t known any better, he would have said it was a pang of jealousy, but that didn’t make any sense at all. What reason would he have to be jealous? He wanted the best for Enid and hoped she’d be happy with her new husband. Oh! There it was again, that same feeling. How strange, Jesse thought to himself as he finally drifted off to sleep.

  Morning came much too fast as Jesse woke before the sun to head to the barn for the morning chores. The house was dark and quiet, filled with the cool morning air. Jesse tried not to make too much noise as Enid was still asleep. He planned to head out to the barn and then come back and make her his famous flapjacks for breakfast.

  The barn was where he could center himself and though most of the world was still asleep, Jesse loved that time of day best of all. The animals were happy to see him and for some reason he was able to think more clearly at sunrise.

  And this morning was no different than the others. After being outside for awhile and finishing up the chores, he had an epiphany. All at once, it hit him hard. He knew without a doubt the worry that had troubled him all night long. How could he not have recognized it? Suddenly, Jesse was filled with a renewed spirit and a happy enthusiasm that made him break out into an ear to ear smile that made his cow, Bessie, do a double take. He nearly tripped over the milk stool, his excitement was so great.

  “Sorry, girl,” he said as he gave her a pat. He grabbed the milk pail and, nearly spilling it, left the barn back for the house. It amazed him that the very thing that had been troubling him when he didn’t know what it was, well, now that he knew what it was, he felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders and he knew exactly
what he had to do.

  So with a spring in his step and a swinging milk pan in his hand he entered the house still expecting Enid to be asleep, but he was met at the door by a mouthwatering aroma and the sound of bacon sizzling. He found Enid in the kitchen, moving about with a purpose and she turned around when he came in. “Surprise,” she said with a smile and a twinkle in her blue eyes.

  Indeed, it was quite a surprise, as he had been planning on making his famous flapjacks to surprise her, and here she was wide awake with a full breakfast waiting for him. She must have gotten up shortly after he left to have time to prepare everything. His mouth watered as he looked it over-there was a skillet of bacon sizzling, a plate stacked with golden pancakes and another full of the fried potatoes she’d made the night before. She had a pot of coffee on and the table was set.

  “What’s all this?” he asked.

  “Hope you’re hungry,” she responded as she turned back around to take the bacon out of the skillet.

  “It smells wonderful, thank you. Enid, there’s something I need to tell you.”

  “Hmm?” Enid answered, only half paying attention as she focused on putting the bacon on the platter without splattering any drippings. He waited a minute until she was done so he had her full attention. She turned around to face him and he smiled at her.

  “You know how you talked about everything happening for a reason? Well, I figured it out, I know the reason that you are here.”

  “I think I figured it out, too,” she said.

  “You did?” he asked, his voice raising in excitement.

  “Yes, I think the reason for my being here was to help you find Ursa Major. And, of course, to teach you how to make fried potatoes,” she laughed good-naturedly.

  Jesse was hoping she had come to the same realization as he had, but that obviously wasn’t the case.

  “Well, those are definitely good reasons, but they weren’t what I had in mind,” he said, focusing on her eyes and feeling his heart start to beat a little faster. He continued, “I think you are right about there being no coincidences in life and sometimes life has a funny way of making sure that what’s supposed to happen happens.”

  Enid looked a bit confused but she waited while he went on. “Enid, what I’m trying to say is that, I think I wasn’t supposed to marry Laura Kate after all. I believe that it is you who is supposed to be my wife…if you will have me as a husband.”

  Enid’s mouth dropped open and she put her hand over her heart.

  “What? I mean, I don’t understand,” she said with a shaky voice.

  “I was a fool, Enid, and it took a mistake to make me see that. I am ashamed to say that I judged a book by it’s cover and would have never found out who you truly were unless everything fell into place. And it did. Perfectly. You coming here was no mistake, I’m certain of it. The fates conspired to put you on the train to Oak Grove, instead of Laura Kate. Then we found out the next train wasn’t til the next day and when we took you to the church we found out Reverend Hall was gone. I can’t remember a time that I’ve ever been to town when the church doors haven’t been wide open with the Reverend right there to welcome folks. But on this particular time, what happens? He’s not there on this day and we have no choice but to have you come and stay at the farm with me. Don’t you see? It’s like God knew that once I had the chance to get to know the real you that I’d know…that I’d know that you are the perfect bride for me.”

  Enid gasped with surprise and Jesse knelt down on one knee and took her hand in his. “Enid, I’ve never felt this way before, but you have captivated me with your charm and I think I’m falling in love with you.

  You have a good kind heart and when I’m with you, I feel so comfortable and at ease, like I’m with a part of myself. You are a great listener and a magical storyteller and a hard worker and you have a sharp wit and sense of humor, not to mention a darn good cook. And do you know what I see when I look at you, Enid? I see beautiful blue eyes and shiny auburn hair and a contagious smile that radiates love and confidence. I would be honored if you would be my wife.”

  Enid was speechless. Never in her life did she ever think she would have anyone tell her she was beautiful or captivating. And never did she think anyone would propose to her after seeing her face to face.

  Jesse wasn’t sure to make of her silence at first, but then he saw the corners of her mouth turn up and her eyes were overflowing with tears. She gave his hand a squeeze.

  “I’m sorry, I’m just….this is not what I’d been expecting you to say, you gave me quite a shock. I had no idea…” Her normally calm and silky voice was shaky and catching in her throat. “Yes, I will marry you, Jesse, I would be honored to be your bride.”

  She couldn’t get another word out before he stood up and taking her face in his hands, kissed her slowly and gently. Enid had never been kissed before yet being with Jesse, their lips together felt like the most natural thing in the world, as if they’d done it a million times before.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and she put her head on his shoulder, crying and laughing at the same time. He started laughing, too, when suddenly, she pulled away and looked him in the eyes.

  “But, what about Laura Kate? What if she comes on the train today? Or tomorrow or whenever she figures out she was sent to the wrong place?”

  Jesse saw the worry in her eyes and knew what her fear was-that perhaps once he saw Laura Kate in person, he would change his mind about marrying Enid.

  “I’ll go to town today and send word to the Beaumont agency that I will be marrying you. It’s possible that Laura Kate might still arrive before everything gets sorted out, but I give you my word, it’s you who has captured my heart and you who I’ll be marrying.” Upon hearing his words, Enid eyes started to water again and he kissed her once more to seal their promise.

  The next few days were a bit of a whirlwind for the new couple and every afternoon Jesse rode to the train station just in case Laura Kate did arrive after all. Henry Mills though him to be insane and shook his head every time he saw Jesse ride in.

  But each day that Laura Kate did not arrive, their worry lessened a bit until finally Jesse stopped going to check for her.

  Once Reverend Hall was back in town, Jesse and Enid made it official before God and their friends and neighbors of Oak Grove. They had practically forgotten about Laura Kate until Jesse finally got a letter back from the Beaumont Agency explaining that there indeed had been a mistake but in a stroke of good luck, it had worked out for all parties involved. Laura Kate Whitley had been sent out to Colorado for the man that the agency had matched Enid with but ended up falling in love with the man and marrying him. Even though it had worked out well for everyone, the Beaumont Agency accepted responsibility for the mistake and refunded both gentleman their fees.

  As for Jesse and Enid Collins, never did you see a couple more happy and in love with each other. Though they faced some hardships in life as most farm families did, they made each other stronger and faced everything that came their way with grace. Together, they had eight children to fill the farmhouse, five sons and three daughters. Just as Jesse had hoped for, he had built a new legacy and the Collins family farm was known far and wide, for many generations as being a happy home, filled with laughter, stories and lots of love.

  And every year, they celebrated their wedding anniversary, as most couples did, but they also celebrated another special day, that only meant something to the two of them. No matter how busy life got, they always took the time to be together,sitting together on the porch, watching the stars and remembering the day that they met…the best mistake that had ever happened.

  The End

  A Pretty Bride

  ~Pennsylvania, 1880~

  Josie Birch hated being pretty. She’d always been acutely aware of her looks ever since she was a little girl. People were always making comments to
her mother, saying things like, “She’ll never have to worry about catching a husband, that one!” and “She’ll have an easy life, it’s always easier for the ones who have a pretty face.” They spoke with admiration and envy of her dark, silky hair, her sapphire eyes and smooth skin.

  Though most people saw the possession of a pretty face as a benefit, to Josie, it only brought problems. What people saw as blessings, Josie saw as a curse. She had few friends because most of the girls in her small Pennsylvania town were jealous of her, not only for her looks but also for all the attention she got from the boys in town. If they only knew how Josie truly felt. The last thing that Josie wanted was attention; she was shy and didn’t like standing out. After school, she’d hurry home and hide away in her room, reading books, her only solace.

  Unfortunately for Josie, though, the unwanted attention carried over to her home life. Her widowed mother had married a man named George Prentiss, and she and Josie had moved into his house in town. After living through the nightmare of having lost her father, she thought that she and her mother had found happiness at last. Little did Josie know that her nightmare was only beginning.

  At first, it started with the way he looked at her, staring at her a little too long. Josie could feel his eyes on her, making her uncomfortable, burning a hole into her. Then it was the kind of look he’d give her, a hungry smirking look, eying her as if she weren’t wearing any clothes at all!

  After that, to her horror, he would find ways to be close to her and touch her, whether it was brushing too close to her when he passed by, or touching her hair, they were encounters that made her skin crawl and they started occurring more frequently.

  In the beginning, Josie felt that she could not tell her mother what was happening. Her mother had been through so much, they both had, after Josie’s father died. The sickness that had ripped him out of their lives had made Josie sick, too, and her mother worked herself tirelessly nursing Josie back to health while grieving the loss of her husband. They used up their savings to pay funeral expenses, doctor bills and living expenses until the money went out. Her mother took jobs as a laundress and a seamstress, teaching Josie how to sew, too, so that she could help bring in money as well. But it wasn’t enough and they had to sell their home, the only home Josie had ever known.