Prologue

 

 

Annabelle stared at the door of the post office. Could she actually do this? If she didn’t, her only hope would be to continue working at miserable jobs like the factory she’d just been released from. Annabelle didn’t want to ever see Mr. Staley again. She would never return to work at his clothing factory no matter what he tried.

When Susan, the girl Annabelle had only known for a few weeks, had announced she had decided to move to Birch Creek, Idaho to become a bride to some blacksmith out there, Annabelle had thought the girl crazy. Who in their right mind would want to go marry some complete stranger and live in the west with all the things going on out there?

Annabelle looked at the outgoing letter in her hand then pulled out the folded one she’d had in her apron and opened it once more to read Susan’s letter she’d received months ago.

 

Dearest Annabelle,

I know you have been worried about me so I thought it would be wise to send you this letter to let you know how things have gone with me. I arrived in Birch Creek with only a small problem when the train was delayed by weather. The storms in Kansas caused us to be late by a day. I did worry Michael would be upset. My concerns were unfounded and I have been welcomed to Birch Creek with kindness and excitement.

We were married the day I arrived and the whole town was here to celebrate with us. I can’t believe how kind and welcoming everyone is. Now I am discovering I truly love my new home and my husband. Any fears I had of marrying a stranger were completely unfounded. Michael has been a wonderful and very kind man to me. I do believe I can safely say I am in love.

If you ever do want to leave New York and all the congestion and bustle there, then don’t be afraid to look at answering the advertisements like the one Michael sent. And if you come out to Birch Creek as well, you’ll always know you’ll have a friend here already. I’m working on getting a boarding house built up for the chance to help women come out west and have a place to stay. Unfortunately, it will take a while before it’s ready. I’d love to hear from you. I hope you are doing well.

With all my love,

Susan

 

Annabelle smiled at the thought of her new friend so happy. It gave her courage to make her next move. Tucking Susan’s letter back in her apron pocket, Annabelle took the last few steps up to the post office and opened the door. She smiled at the man behind the counter and handed over her own letter with the few coins required to post it before she could change her mind.

If Lester hadn’t already found a bride and still wanted her after she sent him the letter, she’d be able to go find Susan in Birch Creek in the Idaho territory herself.