A Bride For Christmas (Spinster Mail-Order Brides Book 2) Read online

  “Oh, I couldn’t,” he said. “It wouldn’t be right.” She pouted and he immediately regretted his words. “Perhaps I could after all, if that’s really what you want,” he added reluctantly. “Then you should call me Pete.”

  She smiled , then went back to her food.

  “About Sunday,” he said after he’d finished his lamb shank stew. “Are you not going to church, Mrs Grogan?”

  “We always…” Doc Grogan began to say, but his wife interrupted him.

  “I’m not certain we’ll be there, so if you could escort Miss Harken, er, Melody, that would be wonderful.”

  And so it was settled. He would pick her up and get her safely to church on Sunday morning. If he didn’t know better, he’d think there was some sort of scheming going on. One that pushed him toward Melody. But since she was now working for Doc Grogan, he must be imagining it.

  Chapter Five

  Sunday soon came around.

  He’d enjoyed luncheon with the Grogan’s and Melody every day, and was quickly getting used to it. The strangest part was how they’d suddenly taken to inviting him there each day, when they’d never done so before.

  Not that Pete was complaining. He was feeling healthier, and sleeping much better with real food in his belly instead of sandwiches and beans most days. Last night he’d cooked bacon, eggs and toast. The toast was a little burned, but he didn’t care.

  The rest of the food was fine.

  Mrs Grogan had sent him home yesterday with a slice of pound cake to have with his supper. It was very nice. No doubt Melody had made that too.

  He sat at the breakfast table and finished his coffee. The empty bowl from his oatmeal sat on the table waiting to be washed.

  Life had changed considerably since Melody had arrived, and he wondered how long it would last. Mrs Grogan had said she wanted to retire. She’d had enough of looking after Doc Grogan’s business, and so Melody was taking over.

  That made sense, but what about the doc? Was he giving up too? If that were the case, the town would have to start looking for another doctor to take over. It wasn’t easy to get doctors out to these remote areas.

  His head hurt. He was thinking too much, about things that might not ever happen.

  He cleaned up from breakfast, put on his tie and jacket, then reached for his warm woolen coat, his thick gloves, and his hat. He hoped Melody wore her warm coat today. In fact, he would insist on it. With only a few weeks until Christmas, snow would begin to fall soon, and the temperature would be icy cold.

  As he reached the medical center, he knocked on the door. It wasn’t long before Melody opened it wide.

  He looked her up and down. The emerald green skirt matched with an embroidered white shirt looked so refreshing on her. She had her thick coat over her arm.

  “You’ll need to put that on before we leave,” he told her sternly. “It’s freezing outside.”

  She ducked her head through the door. “No snow though.” She looked disappointed.

  “No, but it’s not far off. I suspect we could have snow before the end of the week, if not the end of the day.”

  She grinned. “I’ve never seen snow,” she said, her eyes wide. “It will be fun.”

  “Not really,” he muttered. He took her coat and helped her into it. She pulled her gloves onto her peaches and cream hands, and pulled her hat down over her head.

  As he stepped away from the door, she linked her arm through his, and they began their stroll toward the church.

  “It’s not very far, but it’s hidden behind the town.”

  She glanced at him. “I’m excited to see the Dayton Falls church. I’ve heard it’s lovely. And very friendly too.”

  Without thinking, he patted her hand. “Yes, very welcoming. Everyone in this small town is friendly and sociable. That’s what I love about it.”

  “But you don’t socialize much.” It was a statement, not a question. Obviously Mrs Grogan had been gossiping about him.

  “Did Mrs Grogan tell you that?” Melody didn’t answer so he continued. “I suppose she told you everything else as well?

  She frowned. At least that much was sacred.

  “She didn’t tell me much, just that you don’t get out much, and don’t look after yourself.”

  “I guess that’s something.” They rounded the corner and could see the church in the distance. As they got closer, they could hear the sounds of How Great Thou Art coming from inside.

  Melody sighed. “One of my most favorite hymns,” she said. “My mother loved it too.”

  He reached over and squeezed her hand. She stared down at their entwined hands, and he suddenly snatched it away. He’d overstepped the mark.

  They took their place in the back row of the pews, and he saw unshed tears in Melody’s eyes. She obviously missed her mother a lot.

  She pulled off her gloves and took up one of the bibles sitting on the ledge for use by parishioners. She quickly turned the pages and sat reading silently when she found what she wanted.

  Melody was deep in thought and only closed the bible when the music stopped.

  “Move across please, Mr Williams.” It was Doc and Mrs Grogan. So much for not coming along today. He slid across, along with Melody.

  Today’s sermon was about friendship and community. That was one of the things he loved about this lovely little town – you were never truly alone. There was always someone there in your hour of need.

  Take Mrs Grogan for example. She had apparently recognized a need in him, and had acted on it. He turned to face her, and she glanced across at him, nodding her recognition at her part in what the preacher was saying.

  He would have to make a point to say an extra thank you after the service.

  At the end of the service, they all filed out the door, thanking the preacher as they did so. “Preacher Brown,” Pete said. “I’d like to introduce Miss Melody Harken.”

  “What brings you here, Miss Harken?” the preacher asked, and Pete held his breath. Would she say it was to marry him?

  She glanced sideways at him. “I’m helping Doctor and Mrs Grogan,” she said confidently, and Pete breathed a huge sigh of relief.

  Everyone mingled after church, and some stayed for tea or coffee. Over the past few weeks, there’d been talk of having luncheon after church, where everyone brought a plate of food.

  Melody thought that was a wonderful idea, and so did Mrs Grogan. Most of the congregation was made up of men, and they didn’t agree.

  The small handful of women in town had come on the wagon train when the town was founded. It was mostly made up of single men, and a few married couples with young children.

  The thought had Pete swallowing hard. If Priscilla had survived, they’d have a toddler running around now, and perhaps even another baby on the way. He’d be a father now, and wouldn’t be fighting with himself because of overwhelming guilt.

  When it was time to leave, Mrs Grogan accosted him. “I’m so sorry about this morning,” she said. “I’ve been feeling a little unwell these past days, and wasn’t sure I’d make it this morning.”

  Pete stared at her. “Nothing serious I hope?”

  She waved a hand across in front of her. “I’m fine now.” She glanced across at one of the other wives. “Would you mind walking Melody home? I’d like to catch up with Mrs Green. I’m not sure how long I will be.”

  “Oh, Mrs Green,” she said, waving and walking away. “Thank you Mr Williams,” she said over her shoulder, not waiting for an answer.

  He joined the younger woman who was chatting to some of the Ladies Auxiliary members. “Miss Harken has agreed to join us,” Mrs Jensen said, grinning. “I’ve heard she’s a wonderful cook, and will be such a wonderful asset to the auxiliary.”

  Melody hooked her arm through his, which was not lost on Mrs Jensen. “She is indeed,” he said. “I can attest to that.”

  “Oh?” Mrs Jensen’s eyes opened wide.

  “We, ah, we have to go,” he said quickly, not
wanting to answer her unasked question. The older women in town were always trying to marry him off.

  Not that there were any suitable women about. Melody happened to be the only single woman in town right now. And that wasn’t an option. He’d already rejected her.

  She turned and stared into his face. Her hair fell across her eyes, and it was all he could do to stop himself from brushing it back behind her ear.

  What was wrong with him? He’d made his decision – he wasn’t getting married again. And that was the end of that.

  They chatted about anything and everything as he walked Melody home. She told him about her father’s sudden death, and what it had done to her.

  She was still finding her way around town, so he pointed out the various stores, and told her who owned them. She peered through the window of the Mercantile, but vowed to go in there sometime and take a look around.

  Not that she could buy anything, she’d told him. After her father’s demise she had very little, but the man who robbed her on the train took the small amount she’d had.

  He felt anger boil up inside him. What a low act to do that to someone already in a desperate situation.

  She should be grateful, she told him. Mr Johnston, if that was even his real name, had left her carpetbag in tact.

  It contained her mother’s wedding dress, which she’d planned to wear for their wedding ceremony.

  Guilt hit him square in the heart.

  That poor girl had come here with the expectation that he would marry and support her. Instead he rejected her. This was all his fault.

  He swallowed back the emotion that threatened to change his mind.

  He was about to apologize when they arrived at the medical center. She unlocked the door and he turned to walk away when he saw Doctor and Mrs Grogan in the distance.

  “Mr Williams. Mr Williams!” Mrs Grogan waved to him at the same time she shouted. “Don’t go, Mr Williams,” she called as she got closer.

  She rushed forward and was out of breath by the time she arrived. “Stay for luncheon? We’re having roast lamb. It’s already in the oven.”

  He opened his mouth to speak, but Mrs Grogan beat him to it. “There is far too much for the three of us. I implore you to stay, Mr Williams.”

  As the front door opened, the aroma of a roast cooking in the oven hit him. How could he say no to that?

  “It does smell wonderful,” he said softly. “But I feel I have imposed enough on your hospitality of late.”

  He turned and began to walk away.

  “Please?” It was a gentle plea, but one he felt he couldn’t ignore.

  He turned to face the amazingly beautiful Melody. Her hair had fallen across her face again, and he lifted his hand to chase it back.

  Her eyes were mesmerizing him. He had no right to touch this woman, and he dragged his hand away.

  They all stood on the pathway from the gate to the house, and Mrs Grogan was nodding her head and grinning.

  What was there to be grinning about?

  He hesitated.

  “Do stay, Mr Williams,” the older woman said firmly. “We do so enjoy your company. Besides, what else will you have for luncheon? Some left over beans?”

  She was frowning, and he knew she was right.

  “I do enjoy the food, and the company,” he said equally as firmly. “But I fear I have imposed for far too long.”

  Melody stepped inside the house. “I was hoping we could go for another stroll this afternoon. After we’d eaten.”

  His restraint was being sorely tested. “This afternoon?”

  She nodded. “It’s not too cold with our coats on. And if it does snow, I don’t want to miss it.”

  Mrs Grogan frowned. She had no inkling of their earlier discussion.

  “Perhaps we could venture further out. I’d like to collect some pine branches and pine cones to make some Christmas decorations.”

  Mrs Grogan clapped her hands. “That would be wonderful, my dear.” The look on her face told him the idea was a hit.

  How could he deny her that joy? “If everyone is in agreeance, then I accept your generous offer. Thank you.”

  They all moved into the house, and the two men went into the sitting room while the women prepared the gravy and dished up the luncheon.

  “So, Doc,” Pete said staring across at the doctor. “Are you retiring too?”

  “Retiring? Me? I have no plans for it. What’s brought this on?”

  Pete was confused. “With Mrs Grogan retiring, I naturally thought…”

  “Ah,” the older man said, as though it suddenly all made sense. “Mrs Grogan isn’t retiring. She’s just utilizing Melody’s expertise until...” He suddenly stopped talking, then floundered. “I, I’m sure it will be short-lived.”

  Pete frowned and was about to ask further questions when they were called into the kitchen to eat.

  “It smells amazing. You ladies have done a wonderful job.”

  Mrs Grogan stared at him. “I’m not a very good cook,” she said. “This is all Melody.”

  “She’s an excellent cook,” the doctor added. “I don’t know what we’ll do when she’s gone.”

  His wife glared at him.

  “That is, when she eventually goes. Hopefully not for a long time.”

  A plate was placed in front of the men, and then the women sat down with their meals. They all linked hands and said prayers of thanks for the food and companionship.

  After today’s sermon, Pete felt the companionship meant much more to him than it had yesterday. And for that he was grateful.

  “Mmmm, this is delicious. I wish I had someone cooking like this for me.”

  Mrs Grogan grinned. “But you do, Mr Williams. And you could have had her all to yourself.”

  She was right. He could have had Melody as his wife, but he refused. He rejected her despite inviting her to marry him.

  What kind of fool was he?

  “I’m very sorry, Miss Harken,” he said, reverting back to formality. “I did the wrong thing, and I apologize.”

  “Apology accepted,” she said, then went back to her food as though it meant nothing to her.

  Chapter Six

  She graciously accepted his apology, when what Melody really wanted to do was scream at him.

  But young ladies do not act that way. Besides, Mrs Grogan explained that gently gently was the way to go.

  She had to show Mr Peter Williams that she was flexible, and was willing to forgive him for his indiscretions when they first met.

  And besides that, he seemed to be warming to her. Wasn’t that what she wanted?

  She’d sat opposite him at the table, and stole glances his way when possible.

  From the moment she’d set eyes on him, she’d known he was a kind man, even if he was indecisive. He was also very handsome, with his dirty blond hair, as she liked to call it. Not quite brown, but darker than blond, it sat just below his collar. A little long, but not too long.

  His blue eyes pierced her whenever he glanced her way. It was as though he was trying to see down into her soul.

  “That was lovely, Miss Harken,” he said as he wiped his mouth with the linen napkin. He stood, taking his plate with him.

  “Oh no, Mr Williams,” she said quickly. “That is my job. Please sit down and let me clear the table.”

  After all, as his wife, that’s what she would do. She’d done that exact same thing for her father from the time her mother had died, so it wasn’t as though she wasn’t used to it.

  Heat crept up his face, then he nodded and took his seat again.

  They were dancing around each other – one not wanting to upset the other – and it felt a little precarious, to say the least.

  She finished her last mouthful of food, then scooted around to the other side of the table, and cleared the dishes away.

  “My belly is full,” he said as he smiled at her. “You are an excellent cook.”

  She was disappointed and frowned. “I�
��ve made dessert,” she said sadly. “I hope you’re not too full for that?”

  “I, er,”

  “Take the pie out of the oven, Miss Harken,” Mrs Grogan directed. “Then you two go for your walk. We’ll have dessert when you return.”

  “Oh, what a lovely idea,” Melody said, suddenly full of joy. “What do you think, Mr Williams?”

  He wiped his mouth with the napkin again, then stood. “Excellent idea. Let me help you into your coat.”

  Mrs Grogan nodded. “Look after her, Mr Williams.”

  He stared at the older woman. “Of course.” He looked hurt. It was as though he’d been accused of something he hadn’t done. “I would never let anything happen to Miss Harken.”

  When they were both rugged up, Mrs Grogan gave Melody a basket to bring back her finds. They left the cozy house and headed toward the woods, where Melody had wanted to go.

  She hooked her arm through his and it felt as though they were a couple. But of course they weren’t.

  “It’s not terribly far,” he said, stealing a glance at her. “This area was mostly cleared when the town was built, but we felt it beneficial to keep the woods intact.”

  “How long ago was that?”

  She pulled her hat a little further down on her head. It was quite chilly out here.

  “A little over two years ago. Everyone who lives here came on the wagon train.”

  She had no idea. No one had told her, but there was no reason they should. “That must have been exciting,” she said.

  “Yes and no,” he said sadly.

  She stared at him and hoped he’d tell her what was bothering him.

  “Well here we are,” he announced, spreading his hands wide. “We’re at the edge of the woods. I don’t recommend we go in too deep. It’s easy to get lost.”

  “It’s beautiful here,” she said, running around and picking up pinecones and pine branches for her Christmas decorations.

  She couldn’t help but grin. “Now all I need is some red and gold ribbon. I wonder if the Mercantile sells ribbon?”

  “They do. But I thought you didn’t have any money.”

  Her happiness suddenly disappeared. “You’re right. For a minute there, I’d forgotten the terrible situation I’m in.”