The Mail Order Bride's Deception Page 11

  Looking over at the mercantile owner, she saw he was done with the customer he’d been helping. She glanced out the small window, relieved when she saw that Al was still outside. He promised to wait for her to buy his gift before he came in to look for something they could get Gilbert. She wouldn’t have blamed him for sneaking into the mercantile to take a peek at what she was buying. It wasn’t easy to resist looking for her gift.

  After she made the purchase, she stepped out of the mercantile and hurried over to the wagon. With a teasing grin, he gestured to the package in her hands. “I take it your mission was a success.”

  “It was,” she replied. “Want a hint?”

  “No.”

  “No?”

  “I want to be surprised when I see it,” he said as he took the package from her and tucked it away under her seat.

  She grinned. “I can’t help but notice you’re holding on to that package longer than necessary.”

  He glanced over at her and chuckled. “No, I’m not.”

  “You are, too. But it won’t do you any good. I had the mercantile owner wrap it with some extra paper so you can’t tell what it is by feeling it.”

  “Alright. Maybe I wanted a little hint. You can’t blame a man for being curious.”

  Laughing, she accepted his arm and walked with him back to the mercantile. “No, I can’t. But don’t you dare try to wiggle a hint from the owner.”

  “I won’t. I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.”

  “Thank you.”

  They entered the store and the owner’s eyebrows rose. “Did you wish to return the object?” he called out.

  “Not at all,” she replied. “Now that I bought my husband his Christmas present, we can buy other items in your fine store.”

  “I certainly don’t mind people coming back to buy more things,” the owner said. “By all means, you can return as many times as you want.”

  “Will do,” Al replied.

  Sadie turned to a couple of wooden toys. “Which one do you think Gilbert will like best?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Well, what did you like when you were a boy?”

  “I don’t recall much about what I did when I was a child other than follow my pa all over the farm.”

  “Oh come now. Surely, there must be something you remember.”

  “I remember banging on the milk pail and singing.” When she waited for him to add more, he shrugged. “Sorry. That’s all I got. I don’t think I had any toys.”

  “I wish I knew more about what children like. I should have paid more attention to the things at Aunt Betty’s house. I bet she has some toys.”

  He patted the small of her back. “We’ll get him the wooden horse and rider.”

  “That’s good.” She picked the items up and studied them. “He can pretend it’s you on one of your horses.”

  “He might be a little young to pretend that.”

  “Maybe. You’re probably right.”

  “But when he gets older, he will.”

  She smiled and headed over to the counter so they could make the purchase, but he stopped her and gestured to the shelf along the wall.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to pick up a couple of dime novels?” he asked.

  “No. I have everything I want.”

  “Oh. I suppose you’d rather read other books. You probably read literary works instead of dime novels growing up. I could stop by Aunt Betty’s and see if she has any.”

  “No, that’s alright. To be honest, I don’t read books.”

  “Did you want something else to do to help pass the time?” he offered.

  “Well…” She scanned the store, not sure what to take.

  “Winter’s a long time. We’ll probably be stuck for at least three months in the cabin.”

  “I wouldn’t mind doing some sewing,” she decided. “I know Aunt Betty has given us everything we need, but I do find it soothing to work on something.”

  “Let’s get you some things to sew then.”

  As he led her over to the cloths, buttons, ribbons, and other items she could use, she couldn’t help but say, “I take it your gift for me doesn’t include anything to sew.”

  He opened his mouth to answer her but then stopped and laughed. “You’re a sly one. Trying to wiggle out a hint.”

  “But it must be true since you so easily agreed to let me pick out anything I want in this area.”

  “Alright. You win. Yes, it has nothing to do with sewing. But that is the only hint you’ll get from me.”

  “It’s good enough,” she assured him.

  After she selected the things she wanted, they bought the items, and he set the crate in the back of the wagon. Then he took her to a restaurant that was smaller than the ones she was used to in Omaha. Her mind flashed back to the day her life changed, when Hazel had granted her the gift of freedom. Even now, her gaze went to the back corner of the place. Three old men were sitting at the table, laughing and talking as they ate their lunch. There was no lone woman, huddled in hopes no one would notice her.

  Sadie’s eyebrows furrowed. Had Hazel been frightened? Had she been running from someone? Something about her had drawn Sadie to her. Perhaps Hazel had been a prisoner, much like herself. Except Hazel’s prison wasn’t a brothel. It’d been something else. She swallowed and blinked back her tears. How she wished she had asked Hazel what made her answer a mail-order bride ad. But at the time, she was so frightened by the blood Hazel kept coughing up, it never occurred to her to ask her about her past.

  “Sweetheart,” a gentle voice whispered in her ear.

  Sadie turned to Al. “I’m sorry. I was thinking of what your gift might be.”

  He chuckled. “Why do I have the feeling that you’re not going to give up on trying to figure out what your gift is until you actually open it?”

  Glad he bought her lie, she smiled and shrugged. “Because I can’t help but be curious when I know there’s something good waiting for me?”

  “Well, right now you have lunch to look forward to. Come. Let’s sit.”

  She was relieved when he picked a place away from the corner of the room. This was supposed to be a pleasant day.

  Al handed her the menu.

  She lowered her gaze and glanced at the letters that had no meaning to her. “I’ll have whatever you are.”

  “Are you sure? I might order something disgusting.”

  “No, you won’t,” she replied, amused. “You always make good food.”

  “Alright. Let’s see.” He read through the menu and asked, “How does pot roast with mashed potatoes sound?”

  “Sounds wonderful. I couldn’t have done better myself.”

  The waitress came over to them, and he ordered their meals. Despite Sadie’s better judgment, she glanced over her shoulder, her mind unwittingly going back to Hazel. Yes, she had many questions about Hazel, but they’d never be answered. Hazel died and when she did, all the answers died with her. The only thing that Sadie could do was be thankful Hazel had given her another chance at life.

  She looked at Al and smiled. Hazel had done so much for her. Yes. The best way to honor her memory was to embrace the gift Hazel had given her. And that was exactly what she’d do.

  ***

  Late that afternoon when Sadie and Al arrived at Aunt Betty and Bear’s, Al helped her down from the wagon and gave her a lingering kiss.

  “What was that for?” she asked.

  “For giving me the best day of my life,” he replied.

  “It was wonderful for me, too.”

  “That’s what makes it so perfect.”

  He kissed her again then took her hand and led her to the cabin. Though the air was cooler than before, her skin was still warm from the kiss he’d given her.

  They went up the porch steps, and just before he could knock on the door, a girl opened it. “I thought I saw you come up the road.”

  “You did,” Al replied and patted her shoulder. “I
hope Gilbert didn’t give your ma too much trouble.”

  “He was an angel the whole time you were gone,” Aunt Betty called out. “He’s an easy baby.”

  “Thank you for watching him,” Sadie told her as she went over to pick him up from the floor where he was playing with some wooden blocks. “Hey, sweetie. Did you miss me?”

  Gilbert wrapped his arms around her neck and gave her a hug.

  Smiling, she kissed his head and rubbed his back. “I missed you, too,” she whispered. And she had. While she enjoyed her day with Al, it felt good to return to Gilbert.

  “No one can take a mother’s place,” Aunt Betty told her.

  Glancing at Al to make sure he wasn’t in hearing distance, she lowered her voice. “I got Al his gift today for Christmas. It’s a belt buckle, but I don’t know how to put it on his belt.”

  “I can help you with that, and I have a leather strap we can make into a belt.”

  “Oh. I didn’t think of making a new belt.”

  “Well, if he sees his old one missing, he might figure out what you’re doing.” She winked at her. “Don’t you worry. We got plenty of leather around here, thanks to the animals Al helps us catch.”

  “Aunt Betty,” Sadie began, hesitant to ask but figuring it was a safe question to ask since Hazel wouldn’t already know the answer, “why does Al refer to you as ‘Aunt’ Betty but he doesn’t refer to Bear as ‘Uncle’ Bear?”

  The woman laughed. “When Al first came here, he reminded me so much of one of my nephews. I couldn’t help but take him in as a member of my family. Bear says being called ‘Uncle’ makes him feel old and he’d rather think of Al as a friend instead of a young kid.”

  Sadie thought it seemed so much like Aunt Betty to take everyone under her wing and care for them as a mother hen. “You’re a sweet woman.” On impulse, she hugged her. “Thank you for everything you do for me and Al.”

  “I’m happy to do it.”

  “I’m still learning how to cook and sew, but if you ever need anything, I hope you don’t hesitate to ask.”

  “The offer is much appreciated, Hazel.”

  It took Sadie a moment to remember everyone thought she was Hazel. She returned Aunt Betty’s smile. It was easy to forget that she wasn’t really Hazel, especially on days as lovely as this one.

  Her gaze went to Al who was talking to Bear by the front door. She’d made love to him as Sadie, not Hazel. She’d laughed and talked to him as Sadie, not Hazel. And she’d come to Aunt Betty with her request about the belt buckle as Sadie, not Hazel. So many things she’d done with them since she arrived in Rapid City, she’d done as herself. That meant they liked her for her, not because of who they thought she was. Didn’t it?

  Rubbing Gilbert’s back, Sadie thanked Aunt Betty again, and they went over to Al and Bear.

  “Talking about my gift?” Al asked, his eyes twinkling.

  “As a matter of fact, we were,” Sadie replied, glad for the reprieve from thinking about Hazel. “She said she’d come over and help me with it.”

  His eyebrows furrowed, and she took a small bit of delight in knowing she had confused him about what it could be.

  “I’ll come by in a couple days,” Aunt Betty said.

  “That sounds good,” she replied.

  “Bear and I were talking about hunting tomorrow,” Al told Sadie. “They could use another good deer or elk for the winter.”

  Sadie nodded. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

  A round of giggling caught their attention, and Sadie looked out the doorway in time to see Missy with her little brother and sister following her. All carried buckets of water.

  “You’re all acting like a bunch of babies,” Missy admonished, not amused by whatever antics the other two were pulling.

  Sadie wondered where the other sister was and saw her walking around the coop by the barn, feeding the hens.

  “We’re just having fun,” Missy’s younger sister said.

  “No,” Missy replied with a heavy sigh, “you’re not. You’re being irresponsible. You can’t keep tossing buckets of water on the ground so I lose count of how many I filled up.”

  “Where’s your sense of humor?” the brother asked.

  “Just carry your buckets,” Missy said in irritation.

  They came to the porch and the adults moved aside so they could enter the cabin.

  “There’s never a dull moment around here,” Aunt Betty commented with a chuckle.

  Bear winked at Al and Sadie. “Just you two wait until Gilbert’s older and has little brothers and sisters to contend with.”

  Al glanced at Sadie and smiled. “We’re looking forward to it, chaos and all.”

  Sadie’s face grew warm from his meaning. She’d love nothing more than to have his children.

  “I’m sure Gilbert will like having a brother or sister to play with,” Aunt Betty chimed in.

  “Are you kidding?” Missy asked as she set the pails down. “I wish I was an only kid.”

  “You would have gotten bored if it’d just been you,” Aunt Betty replied with a wave of her hand then turned to Sadie. “Don’t let her deter you from having a house full of children. A big house is a happy house, even if there are times when they fight.”

  “I don’t know,” Bear argued as he stroked his chin. “Sometimes I miss the quiet.”

  “That’s why you go hunting,” she told him with a pointed look.

  “That’s true.” He gave Al a nod. “See you bright and early.”

  Al slipped his arm around Sadie’s waist to lead her down the porch steps. They made it to the third step when the youngest girl let out an ear-piercing scream, followed by the boy’s laughter.

  “Go on and chop some wood since you’re so bored you’re pulling on your sister’s hair,” Bear told the laughing boy.

  “I think it’s best if we don’t look back,” Al whispered and continued to lead her to their wagon.

  Chuckling, Sadie decided he was right. In due time, they’d have to deal with their own children who’d do the same kinds of things. She looked down at Gilbert who was smiling and babbling in her arms. It was hard to believe he’d ever argue with his brothers and sisters. He was such a happy child.

  They reached the wagon and he helped her into it. Once he was settled beside her, she placed Gilbert on her lap. “You really don’t think Gilbert will pick on his little brothers or sisters, do you?” she asked.

  He released the brake and grinned. “Yes, I do. Children are children. They’re going to do what they will. All we can do is send them out to do chores so they have better things to do than argue with each other.” He kissed her cheek. “Disappointed?”

  “No. It’s just hard to believe, that’s all. He’s a happy boy, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, he is happy, and even when he argues with his brothers and sisters, he can still be happy.” He shrugged. “At least when they make up, they’ll be friends again.”

  “They will be friends.”

  “They’ll play together a lot. I’ve seen Aunt Betty and Bear’s children when they’re getting along. Don’t worry. Gilbert and his brothers and sisters will have a lot of fun growing up together.”

  “You’re right.” She turned her attention back to Gilbert as Al led the horses down the path. “They will.” She smiled and thought about all the good times waiting for him.

  Chapter Fourteen

  On Christmas morning, Sadie woke up to a big hug from Al. Eyes still closed, she smiled as he kissed her cheek. “Good morning, sweetheart,” he whispered.

  “It is good,” she murmured. Every morning she woke up in this quaint cabin was a good one.

  He slid his arm around her waist and snuggled against her. “Today you get to open your gift.”

  “I think you’re more excited about it than I am.”

  “I probably am, but I think you’ll like it.”

  He nuzzled her neck and she giggled. She was quickly learning that Al had a playful side to
him. “You’re a lot of fun to be around.”

  “I’m glad you think so. It’d be horrible if you thought I was boring.”

  “No, I’d never think that. You’re anything but boring.”

  “Good.” He released her and pulled off her blanket. “Come on. I can’t wait anymore. I want you to see what I got you.”

  Chuckling, she sat up. “I bet I can’t even talk you into lingering in bed if I promise you wonderful pleasures?”

  “Not this morning.” He picked her up and set her on her feet.

  Amused, she watched as he retrieved her robe and slipped it over her shoulders. “You’re not even going to wait until I get dressed?” she asked.

  “You can get dressed afterwards.”

  “This must be good.”

  He kissed her. “It is.”

  Intrigued, she followed him out of the bedroom. “Are we going to get Gilbert up?”

  “Not yet. I want you to open your gift first.”

  He hurried over to the small tree he placed in the corner of the living area and waved for her to come join him.

  Her smile widened as she crossed the room and sat next to him. “I’m surprised you were able to wait until Christmas for me to open it.” She accepted the small box wrapped in brown paper and shook it. “I don’t hear anything.”

  “You’re not supposed to because I protected it.”

  Eyebrows raised, she asked, “Protect it? Is it fragile?”

  “Open it and see.”

  “Alright. I think the suspense is going to kill you,” she teased.

  She proceeded to open the gift, and though she knew it was sneaky, she intentionally took her time. When she got to the box, she lifted the lid and stared at the ring with a gold band and a perfectly sculpted pink rose on it with two green leaves on either side.

  “The man I bought it from said he mixed silver and copper to get the pink and green coloring in the design,” Al told her. “I ordered it right after we got married.”

  “It’s beautiful,” she whispered, tracing the ring with her thumb.

  “I thought you’d like it. Aunt Betty says that every bride should have a ring.” He gestured to it. “Put it on.”