Pony Express Christmas Bride

Chapter Four

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

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.