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Brandon brushed his suit and checked his appearance in the small mirror in his room at the Hampton House.
Jacks was bringing Beth into town to meet him and would then take her home again. The preacher fidgeted, checking his usual outfit as he tried in vain to smooth his unruly curls.
Beth had reminded him that he was expected at the saloon that evening and that she would see him the next day after church, which meant Brandon had to wait for the lovely young woman to be delivered to his door when he would have rather fetched her himself.
Tugging his cuffs straight and adjusting his suit as always, the preacher turned from his room and headed down the stairs and onto the front porch. Over the past week he had spent much time in prayer and meditation over his relationship with Miss Beechen and had concluded that if she were willing, he would ask her to marry him and have the wedding once a parsonage could be built.
Perhaps he was only a lowly preacher, but he had savings of his own stashed away over the years and hoped that Beth would agree. She had come to Needful as a mail-order bride, someone willing to marry a stranger, perhaps she wouldn’t mind rushing a bit for someone she already knew.
***
BETH BUZZED WITH EXCITEMENT as she sat in the wagon next to Jacks. The older man had kindly offered to take her to town to meet with Brandon then take her home later, and she was grateful.
“I’m sorry if this changed your plans,” Beth said, smoothing her bright green dress with nervous hands. “I don’t mean to be a bother.”
“You’re no bother,” Jacks said, offering a rare smile. “I was going to town anyway to order a few things and visit with Ben. He’s the man teaching in the school now, you see, and well, he’s more my age than some of the fellas around town.”
Beth grinned, understanding. “I’m sure you have a good deal in common.”
“When you get to be a certain age it’s like that,” Jacks agreed. “Take Mrs. Perkins for example. She’s got a lot of history and knowledge locked up inside her head. Now that she’s starting to find her words again it will all come out. It’s nice to be able to talk to someone who has seen the things you have.”
“Is that why you enjoy sitting with her so often?” Beth asked. “I’ve seen how you help Prim, and since you eat dinner at the house, it must be nice to have someone closer in age.”
Jacks smiled again, as he leaned on his elbows and slapped the reins to the horse’s rump. “It’s like that, besides she’s had a rough time, and she should have a friend.”
Beth nodded understanding, as she thought on how Brandon had been a friend to her from the moment she had arrived in Needful. Even now after only a couple of weeks, she felt certain she had come to this town for him. Not only did she like and respect him, but she also found that she enjoyed their time together and the conversations they shared.
She couldn’t help but wonder if Olive would find it an acceptable match. Beth didn’t want to be a burden to anyone and though she knew she was a help at the Bowlings’ home, she longed for a place of her own, a family, and someone to love.
Something told her that tonight everything would change, and she would be able to see her future unfold. The knowledge, the hope, seemed to bubble through her like a raging brook.
“I’m glad you came here Miss Beechen,” Jacks said, surprising her as she turned to stare at him. “Needful is a good town, but what it needs is families. When I was a boy, I lived in a small community where everyone looked out for the other. It was rough for a hard-headed kid like me, but I know that I am the man I am because of folks looking out for me.”
Beth’s smile was big as she looked at Jacks. “I’m glad you turned out so well,” she teased. “I think we need a few more busybodies in the world nowadays.” Her bright chirp of laughter made the older man chuckle. Springtime in Needful seemed to be in bloom, at least in her heart.
***
“YOU’RE SURE IT’S FINE to ask?” Brandon drawled as Olive straightened his tie, “she won’t get mad.”
“I’ve seen the way that girl looks at you,” Olive said, brushing the shoulder of his gray suit with her hand. “She likes you and for a girl like that, it’s enough. If you let her learn to love you, she’ll never stop.”
Brandon nodded seriously, and he wished he didn’t have to go to the saloon tonight. He would have rather spent the evening with Beth, talking and planning for the future.
“Now stop your worrying,” Olive chided. “Enjoy your evening and be yourself, and things will work out. God didn’t bring that girl here for nothing you know.”
Brandon smiled leaning in and kissing Olive impulsively on the cheek.
A half-hour later he was greeting Beth at the door and walking her to a table in a dim corner, much to the irritation of some of the other men in the establishment.
“I hope you’ve had a good week,” Brandon mumbled, as he held her chair. “Not working too hard are you?”
Beth’s laugh made the preacher flinch. He needed to relax. “I’m glad you’ve had a good week.”
“And you?” Beth asked as he took the seat across from her and someone carried them tea. “I hope your sermon is going well.”
“It is,” Brandon nodded as meals arrived. “Perhaps we can have a picnic after church on Sunday,” he offered. “I could ask Olive to pack a lunch.”
“I’d be happy to cook something,” Beth offered. For some reason, she felt nervous and awkward but excited at the same time.
“Miss Beechen,” Brandon blurted as they picked up their forks. “I know it is very sudden but I need to know, would you consider marriage? I mean you came here as a mail-order bride, and we seem to get on so well together. I like you tremendously and thought perhaps we might come to an agreement.” Brandon blinked at Beth across the table breathlessly. The words had tumbled out of him like cascades over boulders, and he didn’t know what else to do.
“I think I would,” Beth said leaning in so only he could hear. “You’ve been such a friend to me, and, well, I care for you. I know we haven’t known each other long, but it seems like we’ve been friends forever.”
“I feel the same way,” the preacher said, taking her hand gently in his. “Do we have an agreement?” he whispered. “I’ll talk to the mayor and the board to see about getting a place built. I have a bit of money of my own to get it started.”
Beth felt her heart swell and tears threatened. “I didn’t imagine my life would go this direction when I answered Olive’s letter all those months ago,” she sniffed. “I’m the happiest most hopeful woman in the world right now.”
The newly pledged couple spoke quietly through the rest of their meal speaking of hopes, joys, and plans as love grew, like a rosebud only beginning to unfurl in their hearts.
“I’m afraid I’m going to have to leave,” Brandon said sadly as they finished their coffee and cornbread. “I made a promise and have no intention of breaking it. Perhaps you can visit with the Hamptons until Jacks returns.”
“I’d like that,” Beth agreed, squeezing his hand as he held hers. “I’ll see you tomorrow then,” she finished with a sigh as he rose, leaving her alone at the table.
Beth sat at the table for several minutes thinking over the conversation and thanking God for the fact that Brandon Tippert had been the man who had opened the coach door the day she arrived.
She couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like if some cowboy or farmer had opened that door and told her he was her intended. Would she have been excited or terrified?
“You look happy,” Olive said, slipping into the chair across from Beth. “I take it that you and Brandon have come to an agreement.”
Beth nodded happily. “We have. Mr. Tippert will talk to the council at the next meeting about building a home. Her green eyes danced with delight at the thought of a home of her own.
Olive reached across the table and patted Beth’s hand. “I told you things would come together,” she smiled.
