CHAPTER TWO

 

 

 

 

Colten dropped the reins with one hand and gripped Annabelle tightly around the middle to keep her from falling even further, but released her almost immediately when he realized how wonderful she felt in his arms. The second his hands were gone, she stood up and scooted over to the far side of the wagon bench. It seemed weird to miss her.

How was that even possible? He didn’t even know the woman and already he was sad he couldn’t hold her.

“Sorry, miss. The horses can be a bit temperamental.”

“Annabelle?” Susan asked from somewhere in the distance. Colten wasn’t sure where she was because all he could do was stare at the woman who was giving him a look he wasn’t quite sure how to read. She didn’t seem angry at him, but she wasn’t fully pleased either.

“Susan.” Annabelle scrambled to descend the wagon and Colten held the reins steady so the horses wouldn’t move with her climbing off.

“I didn’t know you were coming!” Susan said, pulling the girl into her arms. “What a wonderful surprise. What brought you here?” Susan looked up at Colten and an expression of pure joy crossed her face. “Colten!” She clapped her hands together. “I thought you told Michael you weren’t going to send for a bride yet.”

“I didn’t,” Colten said, shaking his head at the same time Annabelle looked up at him. “She didn’t come here for me.” He raised his brow and gave Annabelle a look to remind her how foolish her choice of Lester was.

“I came for someone else,” Annabelle said, her voice soft and a little concerned.

“Who?” Susan asked, facing Annabelle directly now.

“Mr. Lester Olsen.”

Susan threw her hands in the air then shook her head vigorously. “No way, I won’t allow it. You cannot marry Lester. He’s not right for you. And he would drink every last drop of money.”

“But what else can I do?” Annabelle asked. “I accepted money from him to help with my travel expenses. Mr. Howard there says that Lester will think he owns me now. And I don’t have anything left to pay him back.”

“That doesn’t matter,” Susan said. “There is no way on earth I’ll stand for this. I’ve got some money I could loan you. And you can work at the boarding house when it’s done to pay me back. So don’t go getting worried about any of that.”

“But if she’s here and Lester sticks around, he’s going to cause a lot of trouble for the girl,” Colten said. “She should just head back to where she came from.”

“Oh, I can’t do that,” Annabelle said. “I can’t go back to working in the factories. And I have no family or anything I want to return to in New York.”

By this time, Michael had come around the building and joined his wife, introducing himself quickly to Annabelle.

“What is all this about?” Michael asked, giving his wife a kiss on the cheek. Their obvious infatuation with each other had not diminished in the least.

Susan quickly explained the situation and Michael looked up at Colten. He’d known Michael long enough to realize when the man had an idea. And also when he wouldn’t like what his friend had to say.

“Then Colten should marry her.” Michael looked at his wife, then to Annabelle. Both of the women turned their heads slowly to stare at Colten where he still sat in the wagon. Susan with speculation and Annabelle with fear. Or maybe just shock. But why did her cheeks turn pink and her eyes dart away from him then right back?

“Now hold on a minute,” Colten said. “You’re getting too far ahead of yourself. I’ve known of her existence less than a quarter of an hour, and you’re trying to tell me we should get married?”

“I didn’t know Susan long before I knew we’d suit.” Michael put his arm around his wife’s waist and pulled her against his side.

“But you had written to her before. And you had planned for this. I’m not just going to upend my life to marry some girl who wasn’t careful enough with her planning to figure out if her intended was worth coming all this way out here for. And accepting money from a stranger is inappropriate.”

At the look of hurt in her pretty hazel eyes, Colten knew he’d been a terrible person.

The whistle of the train snapped him back to the most important issue. “She’s got to get back on the train. She can continue on to California, and then return to New York on the trip back.”

“Have you ever been on a train?” Susan asked, putting her hands on her hips. “Sure it’s better than traversing the country in a covered wagon, but it’s a hard and tiring journey. And it costs money that you have already accused her of not having. If you’re so callous as to insist that she leave, then you are definitely no gentleman. Now, leave her trunks here and be gone with you.”

Colten’s face heated in shame. He’d let himself get riled up at the suggestion that he change his life to take on a woman. It didn’t matter that the woman was the prettiest he’d seen in forever. Or that she felt warm and soft and perfect in those brief moments he’d held her.

“I’m sorry,” Colten said. “I know she can’t just get back on the train. Besides, we’d never make it in time. But I just don’t know what to do for the young lady.”

“Thank you for your help, Mr. Howard,” Annabelle said. “I appreciate the ride here and the help with my things. I don’t expect you to help any more. Please return to your labors. I know I interrupted your work. I do hope you’ll check on Mr. Olsen and make sure he’s not gravely injured.”

“Of course, Miss Annabelle.” Colten tipped his head as if he were wearing a hat and flicked the reins of the horses to get the wagon moving. Before the wagon did a complete circle, he slowed down again and asked Michael. “Do you want me to bring your load over as well?”

Michael shook his head. “No. I’ll come by with the wagon and Jessie. He’s been begging to drive it.”

“Sounds good.” Colten continued on toward the platform where the crates for the mercantile sat waiting for pick up. Lester was still on the ground and young Matthew was sitting on the edge of it kicking his legs back and forth as he watched the unconscious man.

If only he knew what to do with the drunk. Colten pulled the wagon up to the edge of the platform, giving Lester a wide berth, relieved he’d gone off the edge where he had. When he’d stationed the horses in the right place, he handed the reins to Matthew to keep the horses still while he moved the crates into the wagon bed for delivery to the store.

Unfortunately, the whole time he was working, he couldn’t get Annabelle out of his mind. What a crazy notion, to think of marrying someone you just met. But it would be better for her to not be available when Lester woke up. And she was a beauty. But how could they make it work?

It was impossible.

 

 

 

***

 

 

Annabelle had always thought of herself as a strong and uncomplicated woman, but being here and so out of her element without the promise of a good husband like she’d dreamed he would be, she was lost. In his letters, Lester had sounded just fine. He hadn’t sent a lot of details, but the fact that he worked for someone and that he had sent money to help pay her expenses to travel there had seemed completely reasonable.

She should have waited to hear from Susan again, but the problems back in New York had gotten to the point where she could either choose her husband, or end up being a mistress to one of the vilest men in the city. She’d run out of money to pay her rent and had just managed to scrape up enough funds to buy her ticket. And she’d had to sell her mother’s locket to do that. But her mother wouldn’t have wanted her to become a play thing for another man.

She would have wanted her to work hard and become something better. And with a new life here in Birch Creek Idaho, she would do just that. Even without a husband. Susan’s assurance that they could give her a place to stay and help her get a way to earn a living helped ease her fears.

“How would you feel about taking over the job of school teacher for a while?” Susan asked. “I’m getting close to my time and the kids still need their lessons. That would help you ease into the town.”

“Are you sure?” Annabelle asked.

“Of course.” Susan hugged her, pressing her curved belly against Annabelle’s side. “Sorry, I keep forgetting how big I’m getting.”

“Will Mr. Olsen cause a problem?” Annabelle asked.

“He might throw a fuss, but no one in town would want to see you married to him. He’s not a horrible man, just not husband material.”

“How long would it take me to pay him back what he sent me?” Annabelle asked.

“We’ll take care of that right away. He’ll probably be happy to know he’ll have more money for drink and forget the whole idea of marrying you anyway. Then you can work at the school or something like that. Oh wait. Didn’t you have a job at the clothing factory? You sew really well don’t you?”

“I’m decent at it.”

“Well, I ordered a sewing machine because I needed more clothes for my growing size, as well as for this little one coming soon. And I don’t know much more than the basics. How about we get you some fabric and you can help me make some baby clothes?”

“I would love to help you with that.” Annabelle looked at the brick building that was still being worked on. “I suppose I should find some lodgings.”

Susan laughed. “That’s what this will be. Right now, there’s nothing else really. Not unless you want to move in with a family. The Howard’s have a storage room they might let out.” Susan gave Annabelle a look that just made her laugh.

“I don’t think that is an option.”

“Well, our little hut isn’t all that amazing, but there is a bed there that you could use and Jessie could go back to sleeping in the shed. He’s out there a lot anyway since he loves to be with the horses.”

“Are you sure?” Annabelle asked.

“Of course I am. I told you to come out here and see me. So you are my guest for as long as you want to be. Then once this place is built, you can rent out a room here indefinitely until you find something better. Maybe a home of your own.”

“I don’t see that happening any time soon.”

“Possibly,” Susan said. “But I have a feeling Birch Creek isn’t going to be so sparse on bachelors for long. In fact, there are a few homesteads out there that have been cleared recently. Not sure who lives there, but if word gets out that there is a lovely young lady such as yourself in the area, the men will come looking. And you’ll have your pick.”

Annabelle shook her head. “I didn’t do so well with my last choice. I’d almost rather not have to go through it again. How did you know Michael was the one?”

Susan smiled. “I had a little help. And I knew I was coming here to find my true love. Just took him a minute to figure it out too. Men can be a little daft that way. Don’t worry. We’ll get yours to come around soon enough.”

Annabelle sighed. “I don’t know what I was thinking coming here like this. I feel like I’ve caused such a mess.”

Susan gave her a side hug. “Nonsense. Now, what do you say we head over to the mercantile and see if Mrs. Howard has some nice fabric? We’ll get you started on some sewing right away.”

As the two walked down the road, Annabelle glanced at Susan and could see the cogs working in the back of her mind. The other woman was planning something and Annabelle wasn’t sure what she should do about it. But right now, she was okay with someone else taking charge for a few minutes while she let her mind mull over her options.

 

 

 

***

 

 

Annabelle held the paper wrapped packages of fabric that Susan had picked out from the mercantile, trying to make sure she didn’t drop the spool of thread that just didn’t want to stay put. They’d had a nice little conversation with the woman at the front and Susan had explained what had happened with Colten and Lester at the station. When Annabelle realized Mrs. Howard was Colten’s mother, she made sure to explain how Colten had assisted her in finding Susan and getting away from Mr. Olsen. Mrs. Howard had seemed relieved that the things she’d heard weren’t as bad as the gossip had made it sound. Susan and Mrs. Howard talked quietly for a moment while Annabelle had looked over the supplies to be sure she had what she needed.

“I think I hear him unloading the crates. I’ll go see what I can do to help.” Mrs. Howard turned toward a door at the back of the store then turned back and smiled at Annabelle. “Welcome to Birch Creek. I’m happy you’re here. And don’t worry about Lester. We’ll make sure everything is fine with that.” She gave a little wave, then left the main room to head toward the back.

Susan led Annabelle out the front door, and down the street in the opposite direction of the boarding house.

“Mrs. Howard is a sweet woman,” Annabelle said. “Is everyone here so nice?”

“Most everyone. I think you’ll find you’ll love it here,” Susan said as they continued walking down the street. “It may take a bit of getting used to since it’s nothing like New York was. But the people here are wonderful and so kind.”

“They seem to be. All except for the one.”

“Yes, Colten was a bit rough for a moment, wasn’t he? He really isn’t that bad. I think he was just taken aback by the misunderstanding at first.”

“Where are we going?” Annabelle asked, glancing behind them toward the boarding house.

“Back to my current house. I figured we could get some dinner going and get you settled. Michael will bring your trunks. There isn’t anything you need immediately is there?”

“No.” Annabelle looked over at Susan then glanced back toward the train station. “I feel like I’ve just made one mistake after another.”

“I’m sorry, honey. I know things look tough now, but I’ll help you every way I can.”

“I know you will,” Annabelle said. “I was just hoping to be able to offer something to someone instead of being the one who needed saving. I thought I would finally be able to be useful. Be a wife who would cook, and clean, and care for a husband and a house, and eventually a family. But instead, I come here and mess things up.”

“Don’t ever feel that way,” Susan said. “I was the one that suggested you should come out here. And I never would have thought Lester had it in him to send an advertisement. There are a couple homesteaders out in the valley that looked to be more the type. Or even Colten, really. Michael said he’d mentioned he might look into it. I sure had my hopes up when I saw you in the wagon with him.”

Annabelle chuckled. “That will never happen. I’m sure. You should have seen the look on his face when he realized I had come out to marry someone, then the horror when he discovered it was Lester.” Annabelle shuddered. “What on earth am I going to do? Will Lester be a problem?”

“I hope not. But I do think getting you married as soon as possible will be a good idea. That way Lester can’t force you by some unpleasant means or even by complaining to the mayor. The mayor is a bit of a stickler.”

They continued on slowly since Susan’s increasing size made her walk gingerly. When they reached the little house, Susan shrugged. “It’s not much, but it’s sweet.”

As the door opened and Annabelle stepped inside she smiled widely. “I love it. You have it set up so darling. And there isn’t anything cluttering it up or making it look uncomfortable.”

“This is where Jessie has been staying,” Susan said, leading Annabelle to a door on the far wall of the main room open area of the cabin. She pushed the door open and inside was a small room, about five feet by six feet with a small bed and a trunk in the corner.

“Who’s Jessie?” Annabelle asked.

“A boy apprenticed to Michael at the smithy. He came to us not long after we were married. Such an incredible help. And he won’t mind at all sleeping in the shed with the horses. So this will be your room for now. Then once the boarding house is done, you could either move there with us as well, or you could possibly keep on at this place.”

“I could never afford to rent this place,” Annabelle said.

“Oh, you never know,” Susan smiled. “I’m pretty reasonable. Besides, maybe you’ll have a husband before long and he’ll be the one to pay the rent.”

Annabelle laughed at the wink from Susan. “So tell me what you need me to do first. You should probably sit down and rest with that baby.”

“How are you at cooking?” Susan asked.

“I’ve done some. Not much recently, but I used to cook all the time at home before my parents fell sick.”

“How about you give dinner a try. I’ll put my fat swollen feet up and let them relax a little.”

“Sure thing,” Annabelle said. “When will the baby be coming?”

“As far as I can tell, probably a few more weeks, but you never know with babies from what I’ve been told.”

“I’m excited to meet the little one. And thank you for taking me in. I don’t know what I would have done if you weren’t here.”

Susan smiled. “You are more than welcome, Annabelle. But I’m sure you would have done just fine. You are a woman who knows how to take life by the reins and steer it where you want it to go. You’ll see.”

 

 

 

***

 

 

Colten had only managed to unload the crates from the wagon and into the storage room, and was just preparing to open up the wooden slats before his mother descended on him.

“What on earth did you do?”

“What?” Colten asked, turning around.

She stood before him with her hands on her hips, and a frown on her face. Colten looked away, hoping to play dumb. Surely she wouldn’t know anything about the mess at the train station.

“There’s talk all over town that you got into a fight with Lester over a girl. Did you push him off the station platform?”

Colten shook his head. “Of course not. Lester was too drunk to walk straight as usual. He fell off on his own.”

“What about the girl? Why am I hearing that you were fighting over a woman?”

“I wasn’t fighting over a woman. Some empty headed female agreed to come out here and marry Lester. I was just trying to keep Lester from disturbing the passengers. How was I supposed to know she’d come willingly?”

“She wants to marry Lester?” his mother asked.

“Of course not. Not now that she’s met him. Or not met, actually. He passed out before they talked. She’s with Susan and Michael. They’ll take care of her.”

“They shouldn’t have to do that. Susan is going to have that baby any day, and they’ve already got Jessie there with them. I’m going to make sure this girl has a place to stay.”

“No, Momma. Just let it be.”

“Let it be?” his mother huffed, crossing her arms over her chest in another sure sign he was going to be in trouble. “We are not the kind of people to just let a poor girl be on her own. No sir, if I have to kick you out of your room to put her in there, I will, so help me.”

“Annabelle will not want to live here with us, Momma. She practically told me to get lost.”

Colten’s mother cocked her head to the side. “What did you do to deserve that?”

“Nothing,” Colten said.

“Um hmm.” She shook her head. “I know you better than that.”

“I apologized.”

“I should hope so,” his mother said. “Well, finish unpacking and then get up to your room to pack it up. I’m going to offer it to Miss Annabelle.” She turned around and left the storage room, allowing Colten to get back to his unloading.

Colten knew better than to argue with his mother. He would just have to let things play out, but he hoped Annabelle would stay with Susan at her place. She’d be more comfortable there without his mother pestering her. If he knew his mother, she would latch onto the idea that Colten should be the one to marry Annabelle.

He shook his head again. For some reason the thought wasn’t nearly as distasteful as it had been when it was first brought up.