A Match Made By Mail

Needing a home and a husband to help her raise her orphaned nephews, Bella Wilson travels to Wyoming in response to a mail-order bride ad. But when she arrives, she discovers Pony Express rider Philip Young didn’t place the ad. With her groom-to-be insisting he’s not looking for a wife, Bella must convince him to marry her for the sake of the children.

Philip never planned to marry, but he can’t possibly turn away a woman in distress and allow her nephews to end up in an orphanage as he once had. A marriage of convenience is the perfect solution. But when he slowly discovers that family life may be what he’s been looking for all along, can he convince Bella to give love a chance?

Dear Reader,

Writing Philip’s story was fun. Bella and the boys were just the special delivery he needed to make his life interesting. Years ago my husband, James, came up with the idea of sending a mail-order bride on the Pony Express. I liked the general idea and tweaked it a little for Philip’s story. I hope you enjoyed meeting Philip and Bella and the boys as much as I did. Feel free to connect with me on Facebook and Twitter. Also, if you’d like to receive my newsletter, email me at rhondagibson65@hotmail.com. I love connecting with my readers. You may also write to me at: Rhonda Gibson, PO Box 835, Kirtland, NM 87417.

Warmly,

Rhonda Gibson

“You are our last hope to stay together,” Bella said.

“What do you mean?” Philip asked.

She couldn’t explain about her fiancé breaking their engagement. That she’d refused to let the boys end up in an orphanage.

Bella watched the emotions rush across Philip’s face. He was a handsome man with deep blue eyes and straw-colored hair.

So far she’d been timid with him, but her future and the future of her nephews depended on this man. She squared her shoulders and lifted her head high, then said, “Look, you placed the advertisement and I have arrived in answer to it. Are you going to marry me or not?”

Would he abandon her and the boys to their fate? She’d answered the advertisement expecting him to marry her. It’d never dawned on her that he might not have placed it.

She’d been wary of who might be at the end of the trail, but now that she’d met Philip, Bella knew God had a plan. If only Philip would see it, too, she’d be able to relax.

RHONDA GIBSON lives in New Mexico with her husband, James. She has two children and three beautiful grandchildren. Reading is something she has enjoyed her whole life, and writing stemmed from that love. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, beading and playing with her dog, Sheba. You can visit her at rhondagibson.net. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.

Pony Express Mail-Order Bride

Rhonda Gibson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

—Deuteronomy 31:8

Thank you Michelle Matney for being such a great friend and critique partner. A special thanks to James Gibson for being my best friend and brainstormer, my books are not complete without you. Most importantly, I thank the Lord above. Without Him there would be no books by Rhonda Gibson.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Dear Reader

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Wyoming

January 1861

Philip Young’s horse raced into the Turnstone Pony Express relay station. Extremely tired and chilled to the bone, Philip prepared himself to jump onto the cold saddle that awaited him. Relay stations were every ten to fifteen miles on the trail and this one had been fifteen. They were the places where Pony Express riders exchanged horses and continued on until they reached their home station.

Thankfully this was the last time he’d change horses before he would reach his family’s farm and his home station. After a couple of days’ rest at the home station, Philip would head on to the relay station he and his brother Thomas ran on the other side of Dove Creek.

He prepared to swing onto the saddle of the horse that the relay station manager, John Turnstone, held for him. “Glad to see you made it.” John’s grin spoke volumes of his pleasure and yet didn’t tell him anything as to what he was getting pleasure from.

Philip paused with his foot in the stirrup. “What’s going on?”

John’s shoulders shook as he tried to hold back his laughter. He held the horse’s head and said, “A special delivery arrived for you today by stage.”

Philip dropped his foot back to the ground. “What kind of special delivery?” The need to get onto the waiting horse battled with his curiosity.

His job was to keep the mail going through, but then again John’s curious behavior had him hesitating. Philip felt torn. John tossed him the reins to the horse Philip had just rode in on and then jumped on the back of the fresh mustang. “You best go inside and see. I’ll finish your run. See you later.”

Philip didn’t take time to watch John and the horse speed away. He tied the spent horse to the hitching post by the barn and then hurried to the house. He took the steps two at a time.

The door banged against the wall as he called out to John’s wife, Cara. “Cara, John says I have a package waiting and felt it was urgent enough to take the rest of my run.”

His gaze fell on two little boys who sat side by side on the couch. Their big blue eyes stared at him in fear. He’d never seen them before and for a brief moment wondered as to their presence. Surely they weren’t his special delivery.

“Cara isn’t here. She went to check on Mrs. Brooks, their neighbor.”

He looked to the kitchen, where a young woman with blond hair, blue eyes and a heart-shaped face stood in the doorway. He couldn’t help but notice a dimple in her left cheek that came to life when she smiled. She motioned for him to join her. Hesitant, Philip moved into the warm kitchen.

John and Cara’s house was small but comfortable. Most relay stations were manned by one man and consisted of a small shanty or barn for the man and Pony Express horses. This one wasn’t like most; it held warmth and a sense of family.

He held out his hand. “I’m Philip Young.”

She placed her smaller hand in his palm. Her fingers shook slightly. “Bella Wilson.” Bella pulled her hand from his grasp.

Philip looked to the boys. They had stopped watching the adults and were playing with small wooden horses. His gaze returned to Bella. “Do you happen to know where the package is that the stage dropped off for me?”

A weak smile touched her lips. “I guess you’re looking at it.” At his frown, she pressed on. “I’m your mail-order bride.”

“What?” Philip wished he could cover the shock in his voice, but he couldn’t.

Bella twisted her hands in her skirt. “I answered your advertisement for a mail-order bride.” Her cheeks flushed and her gaze darted to the little boys on the couch.

Philip didn’t know what to think. She didn’t appear to be lying, but he’d not placed an ad for marriage in any newspaper. He motioned for her to sit down at the small square table. When she did, he said, “I have no idea what you are talking about. I didn’t place a mail-order-bride ad in any newspaper.” Well, he had once—not for himself but for his brother Thomas.

She frowned and stood. “Hold on a moment.” Her skirt swished across the floor as she walked to where the boys sat playing. Bella dug around in the largest of the three bags that rested beside the couch and then she stood.

Dread filled him as she made her way back holding a small piece of newspaper. Bella handed it to him, still frowning. His gaze fell upon the writing.

November 1860

Wanted: Wife as soon as possible. Must be willing to live at a Pony Express relay station. Must be between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five. Looks are not important. Write to: Philip Young, Dove Creek, Wyoming, Pony Express relay station.

Philip looked up at her. He hadn’t placed the ad but had a sinking feeling he knew who had. Just because he’d advertised for a mail-order bride for his brother, didn’t give Thomas the right to do the same to him. “Did you send a letter to this address?”

Bella shook her head. “No, I didn’t have the extra money to spare for postage. I just hoped I’d make it to Dove Creek before another woman.” She ran her tongue over her lips. “I did, didn’t I?”

He sighed. “Well, since this is the first I’ve heard of the advertisement—” he shook the paper in his hand “—I’d say your chances of being first are good. But this is dated back in November and it is now January, so I’m curious as to what took you so long to get here.” He didn’t add that he was also curious as to why he hadn’t gotten letters from other ladies.

“Well, I didn’t actually see the advertisement until a few weeks ago. My sister and her husband had recently passed and I was going through their belongings when I stumbled upon the paper. Your ad leaped out at me as if it was from God.” Once more she looked to the two boys playing on the couch.

Philip’s gaze moved to the boys, too. “Are they your boys?”

“They are now.”

Sadness flooded her eyes. The family resemblance was too close for them not to be blood relatives. And since she’d just mentioned her sister’s death, Philip didn’t think it was too much of a stretch to assume that the boys had belonged to Bella’s sister. “They are your nephews?”

“Yes. I’m all the family they have left. The older boy is Caleb Rhodes and the younger is Mark.” Her soulful eyes met his. “And you are our last hope to stay together.”

Philip didn’t want that kind of responsibility. He wasn’t the marrying kind. He didn’t want or need a family. And from the sound of it, it was obvious that a family was something that Bella both wanted and needed.

Bitterness filled Philip. He couldn’t get married. That would require him to love deeply and Philip couldn’t bring himself to do that. His father had loved his mother so much that when she’d died in childbirth, he’d died, too.

The workers at the orphanage had whispered how sad it was when a man died of a broken heart from loving too hard. Even at the age of five, Philip had known that his father had hung himself in the barn. He’d seen him do it but had never told anyone.

Now here stood a stranger with two children who expected him to marry her. All women expected love to come with marriage eventually. He couldn’t give her his heart. What if he carried his father’s gene of weakness? Would he rather kill himself than live with the pain of knowing he’d never see his wife, the one who held his heart, again?

* * *

Bella Wilson watched the emotions rush across Philip’s face. He was a handsome man with deep blue eyes and straw-colored hair. There was a small bump on the bridge of his nose, which had probably been broken sometime in the past. She thought the bump gave his face character.

Was Philip Young a take-charge man? Her ex-fiancé, Marlow Brooks, had been a take-charge man, but when she didn’t want to follow his lead, he’d called off their engagement. The memory still stung. What had he expected her to do? Put the boys in an orphanage? There was no way Bella would allow Mary’s children to be sent away. She had foolishly thought that she and Marlow would raise the boys and give them a happy home. Marlow had disagreed and broken their engagement.

Bella wanted to prove to Philip that she had a backbone. So far she’d been timid with him, but her future, and the future of her nephews, depended on this man. Exhaustion had about taken its toll, but Bella knew she had to be strong for the boys’ sake. She squared her shoulders and lifted her head high, then said, “Look, you placed the advertisement and I have arrived in answer to it. Are you going to marry me or not?”

He swallowed. Philip ignored her question and asked one of his own. “What did you mean when you said that I’m your last hope to stay together?”

She wrapped her arms around her waist and looked to the little boys. “Mary and her husband, Jim, owed more than they owned. So there is no money to raise the boys. Before I knew that my sister’s life had all been a lie, I quit my job and hurried to Denver, Colorado. Upon arriving I learned that they didn’t have the money that she and her husband had led everyone to believe they did. So their debtors came and took everything Mary and Jim did have and then the bank froze their money to pay off their home mortgages. All I had left was what I brought with me and those two small boys with their small bags.” Tears pricked the backs of her eyes. She fought to keep the moisture from falling. “Now I have no money, no way to feed them and no place for them to live.”

“So why didn’t you continue on to Dove Creek?”

“I ran out of money and the stage refused to take me any farther. Thanks to Cara and John I learned that you’d be arriving soon and they said we could stay with them until you did.” Bella heard the desperation in her voice and swallowed hard. Would he abandon her and the boys to their fate? She’d answered an advertisement expecting him to marry her. It never dawned on her that he might not have placed it.

Bella gnawed at her bottom lip. Marrying Philip would assure the boys’ security. She’d been wary of who might be at the end of the trail, but now that she’d met him, Bella knew God had a plan. If only Philip would see it, too—then she’d be able to relax.

His deep sigh drew her attention. “Where do we go from here?” he asked.

She shrugged. “I’m still waiting to see if we are getting married. If not, then I will have to decide what I will do and you can go on with your life.” Bitterness laced her words and Bella wished she could take them back. Her life had changed so much in the last few months.

He nodded but didn’t say anything.

What must he think? He’d just been told she was his mail-order bride. A bride he’d not sent for. He could go on with his life and Bella couldn’t hold it against him. She’d gladly taken on her nephews because they were her family and she loved them. Philip didn’t have such feelings and wasn’t obligated to marry her.

Bella offered him what she knew was a weak smile. “It’s all right, Philip, I understand. You didn’t write the advertisement. I’m sorry I sounded resentful.” She pushed away from the table. “God will provide a way.” Were they empty words? Would the Lord really take care of her and the boys? Bella had to believe He would.

Philip pushed back his chair. “Give me time to think about this, Bella. It’s sudden for me.” His gaze moved past her to the two little boys. “And a lot of responsibility. But I’m willing to consider what is best for everyone.”

That was all she could ask, and yet Bella wanted to ask so much more of him. Instead she nodded her understanding.

Chapter Two

The sadness on her face tugged at Philip’s heart. He looked to the two boys, who were staring back at him. “Come on, boys, help me put the horse away.”

They clambered down from the couch. The older boy looked up at him. He watched the younger one slip his small hand into his brother’s. Philip assured them, “You don’t have to come, if you don’t want to.”

The two looked at each other. Both seemed hesitant.

They were so small and unsure of what to do. Their little eyes were filled with a deep sorrow that could only be placed there by the loss of one’s parents. How many children had he met in the orphanage, where he’d grown up, with that same lost, hurt stare?

Philip kneeled down in front of them. “Look, fellas. You don’t have to go with me. I’m going to put the horse away and maybe find the old yellow cat that lives in the barn.”

“There is a kitty in the barn?” Mark asked with new interest.

Philip stood. “Last time I was here there was. He’s old, so I like to check on him, and sometimes I sneak a little milk from the cow to give the old cat a treat.”

Mischief replaced the look of loss in Mark’s eyes. “Can I help you sneak the milk?”

Philip started to the door. “You sure can, and if we hurry, we can be back in the house before it gets dark.”

Mark’s little boots sounded on the wooden floor behind him. “What color is the cat?”

Philip stopped by the door and pulled down both little boys’ coats. He held them out to the boys. Mark took his and thrust his arms into the sleeves while Philip answered, “He’s yellow with white stripes all over.”

Caleb looked to Bella one more time.

She smiled at him and motioned for him to go on. Her soft voice ordered, “Be good for Mr. Young and do as he says.”

That was all the encouragement the little boy needed. “Does the cat have a name?” Caleb asked, taking his own coat and then following Philip and Mark outside.

Philip untied the horse and walked him into the barn. He rubbed the horse’s velvety nose. “Cara calls him Sunny.”

Mark ran deeper into the barn. Horses of all colors looked out over their stall doors at the little boy as he passed. “Here, kitty, kitty,” he called in a soft voice.

“Caleb, take Mark up to the loft. That’s where Sunny likes to hang out.” Philip fluffed the older boy’s soft blond hair. “Just be careful up there.”

“Mark! Come on!” Caleb yelled. He hurried to the ladder that led up into the hayloft. “Mr. Young says the cat might be in the loft.”

Philip chuckled. Both boys scrambled up the ladder. He listened as they searched the barn for the cat. Tiredness weighed on him like a wet blanket as he rubbed down the horse and poured feed into the bucket in its stall. He picked up each of the horse’s hooves and checked them for rocks.

As he worked, Philip listened to the boys rooting around in the hay above him. They seemed like nice little boys who needed a father figure. Just like he had at the age of twelve, six years ago, when John Young and his wife, Rebecca, had adopted him. John had been a good parent to him. Still, the thought of his own birth father troubled Philip.

“What are they doing up there?” Bella asked.

He’d been so deep in his work that he hadn’t heard her come into the barn. Philip stood and stretched out his back. “Looking for the cat.”

Her face was tilted upward as she tried to see the boys. Dark circles surrounded her heavily lashed blue eyes. She’d been through a lot over the last few weeks and Philip’s heart went out to her.

Caleb called from above. “Mr. Young?”

He looked up, too. “Yes?”

The little boy’s blond head popped through the railings. “We found a cat, but I’m not sure it’s Sunny.”

“What makes you think it isn’t Sunny?” Bella eyed the loft warily.

Philip frowned. He realized that the old tomcat normally would have come out as soon as he heard voices. Why hadn’t he been paying better attention to the boys? Philip just prayed that whatever kind of cat they found up there, it was a friendly one.

“Come see.” Mischief filled the boy’s smile.

Philip chuckled. Caleb reminded him of his younger self. He seemed like the adventurous, fun-loving type. He looked back to where Bella still stood looking up into the hayloft. Her tan coat hugged her body and she crossed her arms about her middle. “Are you coming?” he asked.

She shook her head. “No, if it’s all the same to you. I’ll stay down here.”

Philip nodded. Curiosity drove him up the ladder. Bent over at the waist, he gazed about. The loft was beginning to look like a storage shed. Tools, old furniture and wooden crates filled the space. “Where are you two?”

Caleb stepped out from behind a pile of furniture. “Over here.” He disappeared again.

He walked toward the boy and stepped around the rubble of broken furniture. He found the boys crouched down staring into a pile of hay. He cleared his throat and caught their attention. “What are you two looking at?”

Mark ignored his question and asked one of his own. “I thought you said Sunny was a boy cat.”

Philip grinned. “He is.”

Caleb tried to muffle his laughter. “I don’t think so, Mr. Young,” he said.

Mark scooted back so that Philip could see what they’d discovered. A mama cat lay on her side nursing three kittens. She was yellow with big green eyes that didn’t look happy to have her secret space invaded.

“Well, I guess you are right, boys. Daddy cats usually don’t take care of their kittens. She can keep the name, though, don’t you think?” He kneeled down beside Caleb.

Both little boys nodded. Mark reached out a hand to touch one of the kittens and the mama cat hissed up at him.

“Don’t touch them, Mark. She don’t want us to,” Caleb said as he grabbed Mark’s hand and pulled it back.

Philip agreed. He stood slowly. “Come on, boys, let’s give the little family some privacy while Sunny feeds her young.”

Mark’s bottom lip shot out. “I want to stay and pet them.”

Caleb shook his head. “Remember what Aunt Bella said, Mark. We better do as Mr. Young says.” He tugged on his little brother’s shirt.

Still not pleased at having to leave, Mark stood.

Philip looked down at them. “Boys, we best leave Sunny alone until the kittens get bigger. I’d hate for her to move them. Promise you’ll stay out of the loft until I tell you that you can come back.”

Caleb nodded and nudged his brother to do the same. Mark did so, but not with as much enthusiasm as his brother. The two boys descended the ladder first. Philip followed a little more slowly.

When he turned around, Bella was kneeling down in front of Mark. “What did you find up there?” she asked softly.

“A mama cat and kittens,” Mark said, his bottom lip still pooched out. “Mr. Young told us to leave them alone. Do we have to, Aunt Bella?”

She looked up at him. Philip felt as if he could drown in her pretty blue eyes. To avoid them, he bent down and picked up a piece of straw. He chewed on the end of it, waiting for Bella to look away.

She turned her attention back to Mark and Caleb. “If he said so, then yes.”

Mark kicked at a clump of wet hay. Disappointment filled his face. Tears filled his eyes.

Philip watched as Caleb placed an arm around his brother’s shoulders, then looked to him. “Mr. Young? Are you still going to give the cat some milk?”

Philip looked up into the loft. “Not today. I don’t think we should disturb the mama cat, but the cow still needs to be milked. Do you boys want to help?”

Mark seemed to brighten with the prospect of milking the cow and both boys nodded. Philip looked to Bella.

She stood slowly and said, “Before she left, Cara said we could warm up the pot of stew for our supper. While you men milk, I think I’ll see if I can scrape together a pan of biscuits.” Bella walked toward the barn door but then stopped. She turned slowly and studied them. “Are you sure you don’t mind the boys helping you?” Her brow furrowed.

“I wouldn’t have asked for their help if I didn’t want it,” he answered with a grin. Philip dropped a hand onto Caleb’s shoulder.

Bella nodded and then left.

Philip turned his attention back to the boys. “Looks like we have chores to do.”

“I’ve never milked a cow before.” Caleb removed his arm from Mark’s shoulders.

“Me, neither.” Mark stooped down and picked up a piece of straw. He placed it between his teeth and chewed.

Philip tried not to smile as he realized Mark was imitating him. The boys needed a man in their lives. Could he follow in his adoptive father’s footsteps and adopt the two boys as his own? Bella would have to be part of the package. He couldn’t imagine her letting him raise the boys alone and, truth be told, Philip didn’t want to. But he also didn’t want to fall in love. Would Bella agree to a loveless marriage?

* * *

Bella missed her old job at the bakery. She even missed the early hours and found herself still rising long before the sun. If there was one thing Bella was good at, it was baking. The smell of biscuits filled the house. She loved mixing, kneading and baking bread.

Philip came through the door with both boys hot on his heels. “Woo-wee, something smells good in here.”

Mark dashed around Philip. “I got to help milk the cow.”

Caleb followed, carrying one of the milk buckets. “Me, too.” He panted under its weight.

Bella couldn’t help but smile. The boys were louder and more active than they had been since she’d taken them from their home a month ago. It appeared spending a little time with Philip had been a positive experience for the boys. She was thankful that Cara had suggested they spend the night with them so that they could all get to know each other better.

Philip put his bucket of milk on the kitchen counter and then helped Caleb with his. “You did a good job.” He patted the boy on the shoulder and offered him a warm smile.

Caleb squared his body. He stood taller and nodded his thanks. Mark hurried to the settee, where they’d left their wooden horses. He carried them to Philip and Caleb. “This one is mine. His name is Brownie. Someday I’m going to have a horse like him.”

Philip took the toy and examined it. “He looks good and sturdy. I think you have yourself a keeper there.”

“While you men study the livestock, I’m going to butter this bread and get our supper on the table.”

Bella continued to listen to Philip and the boys as she set the table for dinner. Cara had told her earlier that she wouldn’t be back in time to eat, but for her and the boys to go ahead. It felt odd working in another woman’s kitchen as Philip and the boys talked about horses, the Pony Express and the mama cat. She smiled at the way the boys responded to Philip. Caleb asked questions about the Pony Express and Mark talked about the mama cat and kittens.

She made sure to set a plate on the back of the stove for Cara and then called, “Time to eat, boys.”

Philip pushed up from the couch. “Come on, boys, I’ll show you where we men wash up.”

“Do we need our coats again?” Caleb asked.

“Nope, we won’t be outside. Cara talked John into making her a small pantry off the kitchen, where she made a place for him to wash up.” He was already walking past Bella and into the pantry.

Bella smiled as the sound of the boys’ laughter and chatter filled the small space.

“When I grow up, I want to fish, ride horses and hunt,” Mark said.

Getting to know her nephews was a joy. Bella had the sense that Mark was more outdoorsy and that Caleb enjoyed being inside.

“Maybe someday you can work on my brother Thomas’s ranch,” Philip said, leading the boys back to the table, where they all sat down.

Bella frowned. That would never happen if Philip wasn’t going to marry her. It wouldn’t do for Philip to fill the boys’ hearts with dreams that weren’t going to come true. After the boys were in bed, she’d talk to him.

“Aunt Bella, are you sick?” Mark studied her face.

She smiled. “No, sweetie. Why?”

“You aren’t talking.” He laid his spoon to the side.

“I’m tired, not sick.”

Mark frowned. “Oh. All right.” He picked up his spoon and tasted the stew. A big smile pulled at his mouth. “This is good.”

Bella laughed. “I’m glad you like it. Now eat up and then we’re going to get ready for bed. It’s been a long day.”

Both boys did as she said. They tucked into their supper as if it was their last meal.

She sighed. If Philip wasn’t going to marry her, then how was she ever going to take care of the kids? Maybe she could see if Dove Creek needed a baker. But the short supply of money that she had wouldn’t be enough to rent them a place to live. Worry ate at her insides like a gopher gnawing at the roots of a tree. What was she going to do?

Chapter Three

An hour later, Bella cleaned the kitchen. She’d put the boys down on a pallet beside the fireplace. Their soft snores filled the kitchen and sitting room. Philip sat at the table nursing a cup of coffee.

Drying the last dish, Bella eased into the chair across from him. “Thank you for being so patient with the boys today.”

He nodded. “It was my pleasure.”

Bella traced the wood pattern on the table with her finger. How did she bring up the subject of him not promising the boys things that he couldn’t give them? She didn’t want to offend him, but she also didn’t want his empty promises hurting her nephews.

“Ma always says ‘The best way to say something, is just to say it.’” Philip set the cup on the table and waited.

Had he read her mind? “Your mother says that?”

“Yes. She’s my adoptive mother. She took me in when I was twelve years old,” Philip answered. His gaze moved to the sleeping boys.

“Oh, all right. Philip, I like that you have made friends with the boys, and to be honest, they have been happier today than I’ve seen them in a long time.” Bella stopped, once more wondering how to say what she felt needed to be said.

“But...?”

She sighed. “But please don’t make promises you have no intention of keeping.”

He frowned. “Like what?”

Bella met his gaze. “Like telling Mark that someday he could work on your brother’s ranch. I’ve no idea where we’ll be living.”

“I see.” Philip walked to the stove and refilled his cup. “What if I said I’ve been thinking about that?”

Did she dare hope he’d changed his mind about marrying her? Before her thoughts and worry overtook her, Bella asked, “Thinking about what?”

Philip returned, turned his chair around and sat down. He rested his arms against the wood. “Those boys need a father figure.” He studied her face.

She couldn’t argue with that, so Bella nodded. What was he saying? That he wanted to fill that position? And if so, what did that mean for her? The questions whirled in her mind like a Texas twister, but she held them inside, waiting for him to explain further.

He pressed on. “Seems to me that they’ve taken a cotton to me.” Philip ran a hand through his hair. And looked at her, waiting.

Bella thought she knew where he was going with this conversation but wanted him to be the one to get there. She stared back at him.

He cleared his throat. “Um, I grew up an orphan.”

She knew that. He’d mentioned it earlier. Bella continued to wait.

“And, well, I don’t want to see those boys in an orphanage like I was.” He paused again. “If you still want to get married, I’ll adopt the boys as my own.”

Bella wanted clarification. “You want to marry me?”

He sighed heavily and then answered. “Not really. But to keep those boys out of an orphanage, I’ll do it.”

So for the sake of the boys they were both willing to marry strangers. She sighed, too. “We are a pair, aren’t we?”

Philip nodded. “I’m not the marrying kind.”

“What does that mean?” Bella asked.

“My real mother died trying to give birth to my younger brother, who died with her. Then my pa simply gave up on life and grieved himself to death. When I was younger, I vowed not to marry or fall in love.” He took a sip of the warm coffee. “I don’t want to be married in the real sense of the word. I’m pretty sure my adoptive brother Thomas is the one who placed the advertisement that got you here. If it was up to me, I’d never marry, but since it’s my brother’s fault you are here, I will marry you and adopt the boys.”

Bella’s heart ached for the little boy whose parents both died, leaving him alone in the world at such a young age. It was obvious by the look on his face that Philip still hurt from his loss. She laid her hands on top of his folded arms. “I don’t want to get married, either, but for the sake of my nephews I made the decision to do just that.”

He cocked his head to the side. “Why don’t you want to marry?”

She pulled her hands from his arms and tucked them into her lap. Swallowing the hurt that welled up in her, Bella said, “Up until a month ago, I was engaged. Then when my fiancé found out the boys came with me, he broke off the engagement. I don’t want to get married or fall in love because I don’t trust anyone but myself and God now. Men leave at the least bit of trouble.” She turned her head so that he couldn’t see the tears in her eyes. They weren’t tears for the man who didn’t love her, but for the loss of her own life. Now she lived and did things for the boys.

Philip reached out and turned her head so that she faced him once more. She tried to ignore the hurt and tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. “Are you saying you’d be happy with a marriage where I gave you my last name and adopted the boys?”

“I suppose so. As long as you understand I can never fall in love with you. Or anyone else for that matter. My only concern is for the boys.”

Philip chuckled.

“What’s so funny?”

“Thomas and his wife, Josephine, had what Thomas called a marriage of convenience. Sounds like we’re agreeing to the same arrangement.”

She frowned. “I still don’t see the humor.”

Philip explained, “I sent for a mail-order bride for Thomas, and Josephine answered his ad. Now he’s done the same to me.” He shrugged. “I don’t know. All of a sudden, it struck me as funny.”

Bella shook her head, still not seeing the humor in their situation. She didn’t want to marry for love, but it saddened her that for the rest of her life she would be married to a man who didn’t love her. Was she overly tired? Or had the stress of the last month addled her brain? For the sake of the boys, theirs was to be a marriage of convenience.

* * *

The next morning, Philip folded his blanket and laid it on the couch. His gaze moved to the two sleeping boys. Cara had returned shortly after supper and she and Bella now slept in the only other room in the house.

He quietly walked to the front door, pulled on his boots, coat and hat and then headed outside to feed the horses. John was due back later and Philip wanted the relay station to be in tip-top shape when he arrived.

Philip yawned as he slipped out the door. Cold air tugged at his hat. Even though he’d been bone-tired the night before, sleep had evaded him like fog on a new spring morning. His mind refused to shut down. How was he going to take care of a family? After praying during the early hours, sleep and a plan came to him.

If John returned early enough, Philip intended on packing Bella and the boys up and taking them to the Young farm, where his adoptive family and Pony Express home station was. He could only imagine what Ma was going to say when he arrived with his future wife and children in tow.

Philip hurried to the warmth of the barn. He hummed as he fed the horses and mucked out stalls. His ma would probably be surprised, but also proud of him for taking on the two little boys, he was sure of it.

It was a typical January morning and the trip to the creek would be cold. When it could be delayed no longer, Philip picked up two large buckets and pulled the barn door open. A cold wind hit him as he shut the door and then headed out to get the water. The wind had picked up and blew about him.

With his head down, he reached the edge of the creek in a matter of minutes. When Philip looked up, he was surprised to see Bella at the water’s edge, scooping up a bucket of cold water.

Bella turned at his approach. “Good morning.”

He walked to the bank. “Good morning. I should have thought to come get fresh water for the house before heading to the barn. Here, let me take that,” Philip offered, setting one of his buckets down and reaching for hers.

She smiled and shook her head. “No, thank you. I’ve got it.” Bella took a step up the bank, her eyes downcast.

Was she having second thoughts about marrying him? Or was she feeling shy this morning? Philip hurriedly filled both buckets and then hurried after her. “How are the boys this morning?” he asked for something to say.

Bella glanced at him. “They were still asleep when I left the house.”

“Oh.” He tried to think of something more to say. Philip cleared his throat. “If it’s all the same to you, as soon as John gets home, I’d like to head for home.”

“Home?”

Philip ducked his head against a cold blast of wind. “Yes. My family’s home is the Young farm that is one of the Pony Express home stations. It’s about ten miles from here. I’d like for you to meet my family before we get married and move to the relay station.”

She nodded, also fighting against the wind. “That sounds nice. Do you have a large family?”

He grinned. “You could say that. Why don’t you go on inside with the water and I’ll be in as soon as I get the animals taken care of. We can talk then.”

Bella shivered and clutched the front of her tan coat tighter about her. “Sounds good.” She walked to the house at a fast pace.

Philip hurried through the remainder of his chores. Once done, he returned to the house. His boots pounded on the steps of the porch. The wind continued to pull at him as he opened the door. Warmth washed over his flesh, sending prickles into his face.

“Breakfast is almost ready, Philip,” Cara said, scraping scrambled eggs onto five plates.

His gaze sought out Bella’s. Compared to Cara, Bella was tall. The two women were as different as night and day. Cara’s hair was bright red, while Bella’s was sunshine blond. Cara’s green eyes were sharp and Bella’s blue eyes were soft. Bella’s voice was quiet with a gentleness that seemed to soothe, whereas Cara’s held an Irish brogue that tickled the ear.

Yes, they were different. He hoped that physical appearance was the only difference. Cara was as kind as a kitten. So far, Bella seemed to have the same trait.

Bella smiled at him. A soft pink filled her cheeks, reminding Philip that he was staring. He grinned and winked at her. The pink in her face burst into flames and turned bloodred. Philip couldn’t help but chuckle.

Cara laughed. “Hang your coat up, Philip, and stay awhile.” She carried the plates to the table. How she balanced them so well, Philip had no idea.

He did as she said. “It sure smells good.” Philip walked toward where the boys were seated at the table. “You men mind if I sit between you?” He pulled out the chair.

They both shook their heads. Their hair stuck up in all directions. They wore pajamas on their small bodies. “Bella usually sits between us,” Mark said, playing with his fork.

“Does she now?” Philip arched his eyebrow at the boy.

Caleb scratched his head. “Yep.”

He looked to Bella. She had moved to the stove and was pulling out a pan of fresh biscuits. “You can sit there. I’ll sit on the other side of Mark.” Once she’d placed the pan on the top of the stove, Bella motioned for him to sit.

Philip sat and waited for the women to join them at the table. Mark wiped at the sleep in his eyes, while Caleb yawned. When the women were seated, Cara asked him to bless the meal and he did.

The boys immediately began eating. They shoveled the food into their mouths as if they feared it would be their last meal. He remembered seeing other small children, half-starved, eating their first meal at the orphanage and his heart went out to the two small boys.

Bella softly said, “Slow down, boys. There is plenty of food.”

Caleb swallowed hard. “For now.”

Philip laid his hand on the boy’s shoulder. Looking deep into Caleb’s eyes, he vowed, “You boys will never go hungry again.”

“They have never gone hungry,” Bella said, her voice shaking. “I’ve always made sure they’ve had something to eat.”

He turned to look at her. “I didn’t mean to imply that you haven’t done your best.”

She lowered her head, but not before he saw that her eyelashes were damp. “And I didn’t mean to snap.”

Cara broke the silence that had formed around the table. “Philip, do you reckon John will be home today?”

“Probably. I’m sorry he took my ride.”

Cara laughed. “Not me. He needed a break from this place. Even if it is only for an overnight adventure.”

Philip nodded. He knew what she meant. A relay station was a place where the riders exchanged horses, unlike the home station, where they would stop and start their runs. A home station meant just that, home. John didn’t ride unless a rider couldn’t continue. He was pretty much stuck at the station, day in and day out. That was one of the reasons Philip and Thomas continued to ride for the Pony Express after they’d taken over the relay station on the other side of Dove Creek.

Bella looked from him to Cara. Confusion filled her eyes. Her forehead crinkled. “Why would he be glad to be gone?”

Philip answered. “Relay stations can be very lonely. I’m sure John is enjoying being at the Young home station. My brothers are probably telling him all kinds of stories.” Philip bit into the most delicious biscuit he’d ever tasted—and his adoptive ma’s were pretty good. Last night’s had been good, but this one seemed to melt in his mouth.

Understanding lit up Bella’s face, then remembrance. “Oh, you said you’d tell me about your family.” She smiled.

He savored the buttery bread for a moment longer before swallowing. “I did, didn’t I?”

She nodded her agreement.

Philip smiled. “Well, I was adopted when I turned twelve. John Young and his wife, Rebecca, not only adopted me, but also six other boys. Plus, they had a little girl of their own. So all together I have six brothers and a sister. Sadly, John passed away, but not before he signed all us boys, except Benjamin, up to be Pony Express riders.”

“How come Benjamin didn’t get to be a rider?” Mark asked around a mouthful of eggs.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full, Mark,” Bella scolded in a gentle voice.

The little boy ducked his head. “Sorry,” he muttered.

“Because he’s only eight years old. Oh, I take that back. He just had a birthday, so he’s nine now.”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Bella said. She stood.

Philip enjoyed the gentle swishing sound her skirt made as she walked to the washtub. “Thank you.”

“I imagine that your adoptive father’s death was hard on Rebecca,” Cara said with a frown.

“It was, but then Seth Armstrong showed up at the farm as the Pony Express station manager and the two of them fell in love. They were married and now we are all a happy family again.” He pushed his chair back and carried his plate to Bella.

She took it and slipped it into the hot, soapy water. “I’m glad she found a man who would take in all you boys.”

Was that bitterness he heard in her voice?

She looked up at him with sadness in her eyes. Philip remembered her talking about her fiancé rejecting her after he discovered there would be children to raise that weren’t his. His heart went out to the broken woman in front of him. What could he do to bring the smile back on her face?

Philip vowed that he’d make her smile again.

Chapter Four

“Do all these brothers and sister have names?” Bella asked as she wiped the food from the dishes.

“As a matter of fact, they do. I’ll start with the oldest and work my way down to the youngest. Jacob, Andrew, Clayton, Thomas, Noah, Benjamin and, lastly, Joy.”

Cara walked to them. “Bella, go sit down and enjoy your coffee. I’ll do these dishes. After all, you did most of the cooking this morning and gathered the water.” She held her plate and the boys’.

“I can help,” Bella answered. “The job will get done faster with more hands and then we can all three enjoy another cup of coffee.”

Philip went to the table and gathered the remaining dishes. He set them on the counter. She wondered if he would always be this helpful.

“Aunt Bella, can we be excused?” Caleb asked.

She glanced at her nephews. “Are your hands clean?”

Both boys looked down at their fingers and nodded.

“Then I suppose you can.”

They scooted off their chairs and hurried into the sitting area, where their toy horses awaited them. Caleb rushed ahead and handed Mark his toy. Bella heard Philip chuckle and turned to face him.

At her inquisitive look, he said, “Caleb reminds me a lot of Benjamin.” Philip shook his head.

“How so?” Cara asked. “If I remember right, they don’t look anything alike.”

Philip shook his head. “Not in looks but in actions. Ben is always looking out for Joy.”

Bella had to admit that Caleb tried to look after Mark. Unfortunately, she’d learned really quickly that the little boy didn’t care much for his older brother bossing him around. “Yes, but Mark doesn’t always want his help.”

They finished the dishes. Cara excused herself and left them sitting at the kitchen table nursing cups of warm coffee. Bella looked into the dark liquid and inhaled its rich fragrance.

“You are a very good cook,” Philip said, complimenting her.

She looked up at him. “Thank you. I love to cook and bake.” Bella twisted the cup in her hands. She’d always dreamed of someday owning her own café and serving fresh desserts. Her gaze moved to the boys. But now that dream was gone.

Philip chuckled, drawing her attention again. “Well, that’s good, because I like to eat.”

Bella smiled. “Most people do.”

The door came open with a bang and John Turnstone entered the room. He pulled off his coat and looked around. Cara came from the bedroom with a bright smile on her face. “Did you have a good ride, dear?”

“I did.” He walked across the room and hugged his wife tightly.

Bella pushed her chair back and walked to the stove. She avoided watching the other couple’s greeting. Instead she asked, “John, would you like a cup of coffee?”

“That sounds wonderful.”

She poured the rich liquid from the pot and then turned. John had walked to the table. “So what do you think of your special delivery?” he asked Philip.

Philip grinned. “I like it.”

Mark and Caleb came into the kitchen, too. “What’s a special delivery?” Caleb asked, climbing into the nearest chair.

Bella felt her cheeks flame to life. She watched as Philip scooped up Mark and tickled him.

“You two are,” he told the two boys.

Bella sat the mug in front of John.

Cara stood beside his chair, smiling at the boys and Philip. She patted her husband’s shoulder. “Would you like something to eat?”

His gaze moved to the stove, where the pan of leftover bread sat. “I’d love a couple of those biscuits.”

“With sausage?” Cara asked, heading to the stove.

“Yep, that sounds good.” John picked up his cup and took a swig of the coffee. After he swallowed, John said, “That ride home was a cold one.”

“I figured you’d get here later today.” Philip grinned.

John shook his head. “Naw, I wanted to get back here.” He grinned at Cara as she handed him his plate with two sausage biscuits.

Philip looked to Bella. “What do you think? Ready to head out?”

“Yes, but how are we going to get there? I mean, I didn’t bring a horse or a buggy with me and you came in on a Pony Express horse.” Bella couldn’t imagine the boys having to walk in that cold wind. It might have calmed down, but ten or fifteen miles was a long way for the two little boys to have to walk.

“I’ve been thinking about that and was hoping John and Cara would allow us to borrow a wagon and horse.” He looked to John. “I can have it back to you in a couple of days.”

John had just taken a bite of the sausage biscuit. His eyes widened and he looked to Cara. He chewed with pleasure.

Cara laughed. “Nope, not my biscuits. Those are from this one.” She pointed at Bella.

John swallowed. “You can borrow whatever you want as long as this little lady will give my wife the recipe for this bread.” He held out the half-eaten biscuit, as if there was any question to which bread he meant.

“What do you say, Bella? Want to give away your recipe?” Philip grinned at her. Was that pride she saw in his eyes?

Bella turned her attention to Cara. “I’ll be happy to give you the recipe.” She whispered loud enough for everyone to hear, “The secret ingredient is lard.”

John roared with laughter. “Best tastin’ lard I ever had the pleasure of eating.”

The little boys laughed along with the adults. Bella loved seeing them so happy. God had known what He was doing when He’d prompted her to answer the mail-order-bride ad. For that, she was thankful.

Still, she couldn’t help but wonder what her new life would be like. Would the boys still be happy when the newness of their situation grew old? How were they going to feel the first time Philip reprimanded them? How was she going to react to that? So much was unsure in their lives.

* * *

Philip tried to focus on what John was saying, but his ears seemed only interested in what Bella and Cara were talking about. Her soft laughter and bright eyes continued to distract him.

“So, why don’t you two at least stay tonight and that way you’ll get an early start and not have to drive too long in the dark?” John asked.

He turned his attention back to John. “I think that’s a good idea, if Bella is agreeable.”

She turned her head and smiled at the two men. “That would give me time to write out a couple of recipes for Cara and in the morning she can make the biscuits.”

John hit the table with the flat of his hand. His voice boomed. “It’s settled, then.” He pushed his chair back. “Philip, would you mind helping me fix one of the back stalls? I’ve been needing an extra pair of hands and yours look available.”

Philip laughed. “Be glad to.” From the corner of his eye he saw both of the boys scramble to their feet.

Bella must have noticed, too, because she said, “Boys, I need you to stay inside and help me mix up a batch of oatmeal cookies. I’m sure I’ll need a couple of tasters.”

They immediately ran to where Bella stood. “I’m good at stirring, Aunt Bella,” Caleb offered, looking up at her.

“Me, too,” Mark agreed.

John laughed. “Well, if I had known there would be cookies to sample, I wouldn’t have mentioned the broken stall door.” He started to sit back down. “That stall can wait another day or two.”

Cara shook her head. “Oh, no, you don’t. You go to work. I don’t want to have to help you later. You know how I hate being in that barn. Philip’s here, so go.” She pointed at the door with a stern look.

Philip saw Bella try to hide her grin. He pushed away from the table. “Come on, John. The sooner we get the stall fixed, the sooner we get to eat cookies.”

John grumbled, “At times like these, I wish I was six again.” He pulled his coat back on and headed out the door.

Philip pulled the door shut behind them, but not before he heard the women burst out into laughter. He buttoned his coat as he stepped off the porch, glad that the wind had died down.

His thoughts turned to the trip to his adoptive parents’ farm. It would take between twelve and fifteen hours. Thankfully the road wasn’t too bad. The wagon was light and, since they weren’t taking much of anything with them, should be easy for a horse to pull.

Philip walked to the barn and could hear John singing a hymn inside. Since his real father’s death, he never entered a barn when he knew someone was inside, until he heard them moving about or making some type of noise. The silence of the barn on the morning he’d found his father had taught him to be cautious before entering. The singing inside stopped and Philip pulled the barn door open and stepped inside.

“What were you doing out there? Woolgathering?” John asked, motioning for him to come farther into the barn.

“I suppose I was.” Philip walked to where John waited.

John handed him a piece of wood. “Here, hold this.”

Philip took it and held it in place while John hammered a nail.

“Were you thinking about that pretty lady inside? I imagine you were surprised when you saw her.” He chuckled and continued working.

“No, I wasn’t thinking about her, and yes, I was very surprised. You could have warned me.” Philip picked up another board and handed it to John.

John nailed it into place. “Where would the fun be in that?” He swung the stall door back and forth.

Philip shook his head. He sat down on a barrel and looked at John, not bothering to answer him. Instead he said, “You didn’t need my help with that. Why did you want to come out here?”

A grin split the other man’s lips. “Well, for a couple of reasons. One, I wanted to thank you for taking care of the place while I was gone, and two, I was wondering what you are going to do about those boys.”

“I didn’t do anything special around here. As for the boys, I’m going to adopt them.”

“That’s what I figured.” John rubbed his chin. “Why would you want to adopt two little boys that don’t belong to ya?”

Philip frowned. What was the older man getting at? Why wouldn’t he want to adopt Caleb and Mark? “I don’t want them to go into an orphanage like I did.”

“And there’s no other reason?”

“Just say what it is you want to know, John.” Philip locked eyes with his friend, not knowing what John would say next.

John shook his head. “Are you sure you’re not taking the boys in so that their aunt will get feelings for you?”

Philip chuckled. “I’m sure. I don’t intend to fall in love with Bella. The boys need a father, and since my brother Thomas is responsible for bringing them into my life by placing that mail-order-bride ad, I’m going to be the one to take care of them.” He stood. “Now that the door is fixed, we can mosey back inside and have a cookie or two.”

“I vote for two.” John slapped him on the back. “While we’re at it, maybe you should take a good long look at the cook. She’s a fine-looking woman.”

Philip shook his head in mock defeat. How could he explain to John that he didn’t want to fall in love? He didn’t want to grieve for a woman, should something happen to her. And at the same time, Philip didn’t want a woman grieving for him, either. Would he be able to maintain a friendship with Bella and not fall in love with her and the boys? Philip planned on guarding his heart and prayed Bella would do the same with hers.

Chapter Five

Philip rubbed at his shoulder as he drove the wagon. An ache had begun about midmorning and just hadn’t stopped hurting. Probably from sleeping on the rough boards in the barn last night, he thought.

With John home, he and his wife had taken the bedroom, and Bella and the boys had slept in the sitting room, leaving Philip the barn as a sleeping place. He looked behind him at the boys huddled under the piles of blankets that Cara had insisted they take on the trip home.

Bella sat beside him on the wagon bench. They’d left a little after 6:00 a.m. She’d been quiet most of the morning. Since he really didn’t know her, Philip wasn’t sure if she was just being shy or if it was her personality to just be silent.

He pulled his hand away from his shoulder and focused on the scenery around them. The road was clear, making travel much easier. To the right he saw a large tree with dry ground under its branches and decided to pull the wagon over for a bit of lunch.

In a soft voice, Bella asked, “Is there anything I can do to ease the stress in your shoulder?”

He smiled. “Thanks, but I think all it needs is to stretch a little. I thought we’d stop here and have lunch, if that’s all right with you.” Philip set the brake on the wagon and slipped off the hard seat.

She nodded. “This is a perfect spot. The boys can play under the tree while I get lunch set out.” Bella pulled a picnic basket out from under the seat.

The boys continued to sleep as she dug out sandwiches, pickles and a jug of apple cider. Philip walked about, swinging his arms and stretching his muscles. Sitting on a wagon all day wasn’t something he was accustomed to. Now, riding a horse all day, that was a different story. He grinned. In a few days he’d be back in the saddle, riding for the Pony Express.

His gaze moved to Bella as she worked. Would they be married before he had another run? He walked to the tailgate of the wagon, where she had set out the food on a blanket.

“We should tell the boys we’re getting married, before we get to your folks’ house.” Bella handed him a sandwich.

He looked to the two lumps under the blankets. “I suppose you’re right.” Although he thought they probably already knew, since they’d talked openly about it with John and Cara Turnstone.

She grinned at him and motioned for him to watch the blankets that covered the boys. Bella raised her voice slightly. “Would you like a cookie after you finish your sandwich, Philip?”

Two blond heads popped out from under the covers.

“I want a cookie,” Mark exclaimed, shoving the blankets away and pushing his way toward the back of the wagon, where Bella and Philip were.

Philip brushed the hair on the little boy’s head with his hand. “Sandwich first, cookies last.”

“Aw, why do we have to eat the icky food first?” Mark protested, frowning down at the bread and meat Bella had just thrust into his small hand.

Caleb sat down beside his brother and yawned out the answer. “Because the icky food is the best for your body.” He grinned at Bella when he took the sandwich she offered. “But Aunt Bella’s food is never icky.”

Philip laughed. “Already a charmer, aren’t you, Caleb?”

He smiled at Philip but didn’t answer. Pretty smart little boy, Philip thought. The sandwich was good but a little dry. That was what one could expect from trail food.

“Boys, I have something I want to tell you.”

Wariness filled the children’s eyes at Bella’s words. Both lowered their half-eaten sandwiches.

Bella smiled at them. “This is good news, not bad.”

Philip half expected the boys to relax but was disappointed. Mark’s eyes began to fill with mist. He rubbed them in an attempt to fight off the tears.

Philip laid his hand on the little boy’s shoulder. In a gentle voice he said, “Buck up, little man. You might like what she has to say.” He nodded to Bella to continue.

She pushed a strand of hair from her face. “Philip has asked me to marry him and I’ve agreed.”

They continued to look at her, waiting. He grinned. “That means you get to live with me at the relay station.”

Caleb frowned. “We know that. Is that the news?”

Bella chuckled. “Well, yes. I thought you’d be surprised.”

Both boys gave her another look of exasperation and then continued eating.

With disbelief filling her voice, Bella asked, “You really aren’t surprised?”

“Nope, you told us we were coming out here so you could marry Philip. So since we found him and haven’t moved on, we figured you two were getting married.” Caleb stared at her as if she’d grown two heads.

“Plus, we heard you talking to John and Cara about it.” Mark shook his head. “We aren’t babies, Aunt Bella.” Then he finished off his sandwich. With the last morsel still in his mouth, he asked, “Can I have my cookie now?”

Philip laughed. The boys were proving to be very smart. Bella would need to stay on her toes with these two. He wiped the last crumb from his own mouth and said, “Yeah, can we?”

She shook her head and handed over the cookies. Her fingers brushed his and Bella looked up at him. Had she felt a small spark, too? Or just been surprised at his touch? He’d never expected to feel anything for her, so what was this attraction? Perhaps it was nothing. Perhaps it was static electricity in the air. Or perhaps... No, Philip refused to even think that it could be more than just a small spark of electricity.

* * *

After riding for over fourteen hours, Philip pulled the wagon into the Young family farm’s front yard. The sound of cows lowing and chickens settling in for the night were a comfort to his tired mind.

Andrew was the first to greet them. “Better move that wagon next to the porch. I have a rider coming in any minute now.”

Philip nodded and grinned. “Nice to see you, too, big brother.” He did as Andrew said and guided the horse to the porch, where his mother and her close friend, Fay, sat rocking.

His mother, Rebecca, stood and pulled her shawl closer. A smile graced her face. “’Bout time you got home, son. We’ve been waiting for days.”

He set the brake on the wagon, then jumped down and hurried up the porch steps. Philip picked up his adoptive mother and swung her around. Her squeal was the reward he’d been looking for.

“Put me down.” She playfully slapped his shoulder.

Philip hugged her close and then did as she ordered. He stepped back and grinned. “You’ll never believe this, Ma, but I’m getting married.” Not the most graceful way to announce his future plans, but no one had ever claimed he was graceful.

She looked at him with an open mouth. Her big blue eyes had grown even bigger. “You’re what?”

“Getting married.”

Rebecca looked to the wagon, where Andrew was talking to Bella. The little boys stood behind her in the bed of the wagon looking about. “I see.”

Fay stepped up beside Rebecca. She grinned at Philip. “Why don’t you all come inside? I’ll put a fresh pot of coffee on and get those young’uns a glass of milk.” She turned and entered the house before he had a chance to answer or respond.

He was grateful that Fay was taking the matter into her own hands. She had entered their lives at the same time that Seth had. Her husband had recently passed away and her landlord had kicked her out of her home. Rebecca, seeing a need, had invited her out to the farm. Fay was a part of their family now and Philip was grateful for her kind ways.

He hurried back to the wagon. First Philip helped Bella down, then he turned to swing both boys to the ground also. Then he led them up the stairs, where Rebecca still stood. He understood his mother’s shock. How many times in the past had he sworn he wasn’t the marrying kind? “Ma, I’d like you to meet Bella, Caleb and Mark.”

Rebecca nodded. “Please call me Rebecca.” She opened the screen door. “Come on in.”

Bella smiled. “Thank you. I know this is probably a shock to you. But I hope we can be friends as well as in-laws.” She entered the house. “Come along, boys,” Bella called over her shoulder.

Caleb and Mark both grinned up at Rebecca. “Are you going to be our new grandma?” Mark asked.

Rebecca kneeled down in front of him. She wiped the blond hair from his eyes. “It looks that way.” She stood and then asked, “Do you young men like cookies?”

“I do!” Mark grabbed Rebecca’s hand and began pulling her into the house.

Philip caught the door and watched in amusement as Mark chattered. “My favorite kind of cookie is oatmeal. Caleb likes sugar. I’ll eat them both. What kind do you have?”

Rebecca laughed. “I’m not sure. We’ll have to ask my daughter, Joy. She’s the one who bakes the cookies.”

Bella frowned at the little boy. “Mark, stop pulling on Rebecca,” she ordered.

He dropped Rebecca’s hand. “Sorry.” Mark bowed his head.

Rebecca looked at Bella. “Maybe we should have our snack in the kitchen. Is that all right with you?”

Philip watched as the two women walked to the kitchen with the boys between them. He wondered how long it would be before Rebecca started asking questions.

The sound of horse’s hooves pounding the ground drew his attention back to the yard. His brother Noah practically jumped from the horse. He tossed the mailbag to another of his brothers, Clayton, with a grin. Clayton was already in the saddle and halfway down the trail when Noah turned toward the house at something Andrew had said.

Noah was the smaller of the boys. Only thirteen years old, the boy could outfish, outhunt and outride all of them. He was darker-skinned and quieter than most of them. Noah raised a hand and waved.

Philip waved back as he watched the younger boy head to the bunkhouse. A yawn escaped Philip. He turned to the kitchen, knowing he’d not be allowed to stand in the doorway much longer.

Rebecca stuck her head through the kitchen door. “Come on, you have some explaining to do.”

Yep, he’d been right. His ma wasn’t going to wait much longer to find out what had happened in the last few days to change his mind on marriage. As he walked the short distance to the kitchen, Philip wondered if he should tell his family this marriage was a marriage of convenience.

He entered to find Caleb and Mark sitting at the table with a plate of cookies in front of them. Joy ran to meet him.

“I’ve missed you,” she practically whispered. Joy loved to talk to family members but was always shy around strangers.

He grabbed his little sister up into a bear hug. “I missed you, too.”

She pulled back and put her hands on both sides of his face. “Are you really getting married?”

“I am.”

“Why?” She lowered her hands to his shoulders.

“Joy!” Rebecca scolded.

Philip laughed. “It’s an honest question, Ma.” He lowered Joy to the ground, grabbed her hand and then joined the others at the kitchen table. Philip sat down and pulled Joy up onto his lap. “We’re getting married because Thomas sent for me a mail-order bride.”

Rebecca frowned. “I thought he wrote all those girls and told them that you’d changed your mind.”

“How could I change my mind? I didn’t even know I’d advertised for a bride until Bella showed up.” Philip reached for one of the cookies. So, Rebecca had known about the ad and made Thomas respond to the letters that had arrived. He bit into the gingersnap cookie and smiled. Served Thomas right for placing the ad in the first place. He could just imagine his brother having to answer each and every letter.

Rebecca asked, “Bella, would you like to take a quick walk with me?” She pushed her chair back and waited for an answer.

Philip held his breath. What would the two women talk about? What would his adoptive mother say? Would she try to talk Bella out of the marriage? If so, how would Philip feel? He’d already made peace with the idea of getting married. He looked to the two little boys, who were playing with his little brother Benjamin. What would become of them if Bella changed her mind?

Chapter Six

Bella slipped into her tan coat. What did Philip’s mother want to talk to her about? Had she guessed their intentions of making this a marriage in name only? Would Rebecca try to talk her out of marrying Philip? She followed the other woman out into the cool evening air.

Rebecca stepped out onto the porch. “I thought maybe we could walk to the river and back.” She waited for Bella to catch up with her.

“All right,” Bella agreed.

When they were several yards from the house, Rebecca spoke again. “Bella, tell me about yourself.”

Bella glanced sideways at her future mother-in-law. “What would you like to know?”

“Anything, everything. I want to get to know you. Find out who my son is marrying.” Rebecca pulled her cloak tighter about her tiny waist.

Bella nodded. The best place to start would be close to the beginning. “I grew up in the city of Douglas City, California. My parents only had two children who lived to adulthood. Myself and my sister. My sister married and moved to Denver, Colorado. Both our parents caught a fever last winter and died. I chose to stay in California. When my sister died, I was working at a bakery and planning on opening my own shop someday. But now my goal is to raise her boys.” Bella stopped talking. She wasn’t sure exactly what Rebecca wanted to hear, but she felt that should pacify the woman.

They walked on for a few minutes. Finally, Rebecca said, “I’m sorry for your losses.”

Bella swallowed. “Thank you.”

“So you have no other family?”

“No, it’s just me and the boys now.” Bella had heard the water long before she saw it. It rushed over the rocky river bottom at a fast pace.

Rebecca stopped and sat down on a large boulder. “Are you sure you want to marry Philip?” She tucked her hands deep into the cloak.

The best answer was a truthful answer. Bella sat down beside her. “No, but I have no other choice.”

“There are always other choices,” Rebecca said, searching Bella’s face.

She shook her head. “Not for me. My sister and brother-in-law left their children nothing. I quit my job unaware that my sister had lied about their wealth. If things had been as she’d indicated, I would have had the finances to raise the boys and used my savings to invest in a bakery of my own. As it turned out, I had to use most of my savings to get here.” Her voice caught in her throat. Bella fought back the tears of frustration at the turn her life had taken. She would do it all again for the love of her nephews, but she didn’t have to like it.

“What about love?” Rebecca asked.

Bella shook her head. “I thought someone loved me once, but it turned out he didn’t love me enough. I doubt any man can truly love a woman the way she deserves. So I don’t expect Philip to love me.” She looked out at the rushing water. Darkness began to cut the beauty of the running water off from her view, much like her ex-fiancé had done with love.

Rebecca’s soft voice penetrated Bella’s thoughts. “Don’t you think Philip deserves love?”

She stood. “Rebecca, we’ve talked about this. He is in no rush to fall in love any more than I am.”

“Everyone wants to fall in love, Bella.” Rebecca stood also. She dusted the back of her skirt before retracing their steps.

Bella felt a harsh laugh bubble up as she fell into step beside her future mother-in-law. “Only those who have never tasted love or who have gotten away unscathed by its cruelty.”

Rebecca stopped and turned to face Bella. “It’s obvious you’ve been hurt, but as far as I know, Philip has never been in love. He’s never been hurt by it. Will you be the first by not returning his love, should he fall in love with you someday? I only want what is best for my son, so please just think about it before you actually get married.” She searched Bella’s eyes, then turned away.

Bella fell behind her. Was it possible Philip would fall in love with her? If he did, would her not returning his affections hurt him? He’d been the one to suggest a marriage of convenience. Was she doing the wrong thing by marrying him?

* * *

The next morning, Bella still didn’t have any answers. She knew she had to consider Caleb and Mark, but she also worried that she’d be doing Philip an injustice by marrying him.

All day, she worried about what to do. Rebecca had said there were always choices, but Bella couldn’t see them.

She felt Philip watching her and looked up. He studied her face as if he was trying to read her mind across the kitchen table. The Young and Armstrong families were eating dinner. They were a noisy bunch and none of them seemed to be paying attention to Bella and Philip.

They’d said less than ten words to each other during the day. Bella had been busy with the women, cooking, cleaning and planning their wedding. Philip had been with his brothers and his stepfather, Seth.

This wasn’t the first time she’d felt his eyes upon her after her talk with Rebecca. Had he known what his mother was going to say to her? Did he read the doubt on her face regarding their upcoming wedding?

She lowered her head and continued eating. Pot roast and potatoes left a dry taste in her mouth. Bella made the decision to talk to Philip again about getting married.

If he had changed his mind, she wanted to give him the option of calling it off. Would he? And if he did, where would that leave her and the boys? Bella silently prayed that God would take control because at this moment she felt as if she had none.

* * *

During the few days that Philip had known Bella, he’d learned that she was quiet. But he sensed there was more to her quietness today than before. She’d seemed upset when she and Rebecca had returned from their walk last night.

Now that tonight’s meal was complete and the dishes were cleaned, he searched out his future bride. Philip found her in the kitchen standing by the stove. He walked to her and laced his fingers around hers. “Bella, I’d like to have a private word with you.”

She nodded and laid the towel in her other hand on the counter.

Philip looked to Fay. She rocked in her rocker by the fireplace. The younger children all played at her feet. “Would you mind keeping an eye on the boys for a few minutes? We won’t be gone long.”

“I’d be happy to watch them,” Fay replied.

He smiled his thanks and then pulled Bella toward the front door. Philip noticed the frown on his mother’s face. She’d been quiet since her and Bella’s walk also. What was wrong with her? Rebecca had always been warm and loving to the strays who crossed her doorway. Why was she acting so different with Bella?

After putting on their coats, they stepped out onto the porch. Philip indicated Bella sit down in one of the chairs that faced the front yard.

Bella did as he indicated.

He leaned against the porch rail and studied her, then asked, “What is bothering you? Is it something Ma said?”

Soft words burst from her lips. “I’m not sure we should get married.”

Philip had half expected her to say just that. “Why not?”

Bella stood to face him. Her blue eyes looked deep into his. “Look, I’ve been in love. You haven’t. I don’t want to be the cause of you not finding true love.”

He took her hand in his once more and pulled her closer to him. “We’ve been through this. I’ve explained that I have no intention of falling in love and why.”

“I know, but...”

Philip pulled her even closer. “No buts. I don’t want to fall in love, you said you don’t want to fall in love. Have you changed your mind about that?”

She shook her head.

“Then there is no problem. We are getting married for the boys’ sake. Just because we aren’t going to fall in love doesn’t mean we can’t be friends and talk about things. Especially when it is of this importance. Agreed?”

She took a step even closer. “Agreed.”

The sweet scent of vanilla wafted toward him and he grinned. Impulsively, Philip bent his head and smelled the side of her neck. He murmured against her neck, “Did you let Joy dab you with vanilla?”

Bella nodded. Her hair tickled his face.

Philip pulled away. What was he doing? He grinned down at her. “I thought so.” His little sister loved the scent of vanilla and used it like perfume.

They were standing so close that Philip felt her shiver. “I suppose we should go back inside.” He looked deep into her eyes. “Do you still want to marry me, Bella?”

“As long as you are sure this is what you want,” she answered.

He kissed her forehead. “I do.”

She shivered again.

A giggle sounded to his right. He looked up and saw four small faces in the window. Then he heard his little sister announce to the room, “They’re kissing.”

Philip groaned. “We’d best get back inside.” As he followed her in, Philip admitted to himself that he’d like to have stayed outside a little longer with Bella. He tried to convince himself that it was to assure her that he wanted to marry her, but the truth was, he enjoyed holding her in his arms and watching her cheeks turn a pretty pink.

Chapter Seven

The next day, he was still thinking about Bella’s pink cheeks when he pulled his horse to a stop in front of the relay station he shared with Thomas and his new wife, Josephine. He dismounted but left the horse tied to the porch.

Josephine and their closest neighbor, Hazel, were sitting at the kitchen table peeling potatoes. They looked up as he came through the door.

His sister-in-law’s mouth pulled into a big smile. “It’s about time you got home. I was beginning to really worry about you.”

Philip shut the door and hung his coat on a peg. “I was delayed by my future bride.” He’d walked halfway across the room when the door opened again and Thomas entered.

Hazel demanded, “What future bride?”

Over the past year, Hazel had become motherly toward the two young men. Then when Josephine had arrived a few months earlier, Hazel had treated her as family, too. Hazel didn’t hesitate to ask her question.

Philip turned and stared at his brother. “It seems I’ve posted a mail-order-bride ad in Colorado and Bella Wilson felt the need to answer it by arriving by stage out at the Turnstone relay station.” He had the satisfaction of watching Thomas’s face pale.

“Um, Bella Wilson?” Thomas ran his hand through his hair and looked over Philip’s shoulder at Josephine.

Philip turned in time to see her shrug her shoulders.

“Don’t look at me. I’ve never heard of her,” Josephine said before studying the wood pattern on the table.

Hazel frowned. “I thought I told you two to answer each and every letter and apologize for misleading those young ladies.” She looked between Thomas and Josephine.

Thomas walked around Philip. He headed to the coffeepot. “We did.”

Philip followed him. “Well, Bella didn’t write a letter. She simply came, much like Josephine did.”

Shock filled Josephine’s voice. “She’s a Pony Express rider, too?”

Hazel laughed. “Here I thought you were the only woman gutsy enough to pull a stunt like that.” She held out her cup for Thomas to refill.

“No, she arrived by stage but didn’t have enough money to continue on to Dove Creek. John got a kick out of sending me into the house for my special delivery packages.”

The other three people in the room stared at him with open mouths. Finally, Josephine spoke. “Did you say packages? As in more than one?”

Philip took a cup down from the cupboard. “Oh, did I forget to mention that she has two children in her care, too?”

Thomas raked his hand through his hair. His face looked miserable.

Josephine’s eyes grew big in her heart-shaped face.

Hazel whistled low and muttered, “Two children.”

Philip took a sip from his warm coffee. It felt good to make them squirm a little. Josephine’s gaze sought out her husband’s.

Thomas finally found his voice. “How old are they?”

“Four and six,” Philip answered.

Josephine gasped. “I can’t imagine being all alone with a four-year-old and a six-year-old. The trip out here must have been so hard.” Regret filled her voice.

Hazel shook her head. “Boys or girls?”

Philip walked over to the table and sat down. “Boys. Caleb and Mark. They are nice enough little boys. I believe I’ll adopt them after the wedding.”

Thomas pulled out a chair. “So you are going to marry her?”

“She has no other place to go and I can’t let those young’uns go into an orphanage because their aunt can’t take care of them.” Philip palmed the cup in his hand, rolling it back and forth as he looked at each person sitting at the table.

Hazel finally snapped. “Philip Young, you stop feeding us a smidgen at a time and tell the whole story. Is Bella their mother or aunt?” she demanded.

He laughed and then told them everything that he knew about Bella and the boys. He finished with “They are staying out at Ma’s until the wedding day.”

Thomas nodded. “And when is the big day?”

“Day after tomorrow. I’m going to sleep now and head back sometime tomorrow. By now, Bella is overwhelmed with our rather large family.” He pushed back his chair and yawned.

“Can just anybody come to this wedding?” Hazel asked with a grump. “Or do they have to have a special invitation?”

Philip walked around the table and gave her a big kiss on the cheek. “It wouldn’t be the perfect wedding without you there, Hazel. I expect you to come with me.”

A flush filled her cheeks. “Well, if you insist.”

Josephine laughed and shook her head. “Go to bed, Philip. Hazel and I have to decide what we’re going to wear.”

“If we all go, who’s going to man the relay station?” Thomas asked.

“Looks like you are going to miss the wedding of the season.” Philip turned toward his bedroom. “Serves you right, too.”

“You don’t like shindigs anyway,” Hazel reminded Thomas, picking up her cup and heading to the washtub with it.

“No, but I love Ma’s cakes.”

Philip laughed. “I’ll eat an extra piece for you. If the boys don’t eat it all up.” He closed the door to his bedroom and leaned against it.

Would this be the wedding of the season like he’d told Thomas? Or was it all just a mockery of what a marriage should be? He walked to the bed and sat down.

His worn Bible lay on the side table. Philip picked it up. Lord, I hope I’m doing the right thing by Bella and the boys. He leaned back on the pillows and opened it up. Maybe he’d find the answer between the pages.

* * *

Bella put her face in her hands. She wasn’t sure how much more pampering she could take. The outhouse probably wasn’t the best place to get her thoughts together, but it was the only place she could be alone, away from all the questions and prying eyes.

Philip had been gone since early yesterday and during that time she’d met most of his brothers and his stepfather, and had been bombarded with wedding plans. Rebecca, Fay and their close friend Emma, who had come to the family as a slave to another couple, thankfully the Young men had made it possible for her to have freedom now. Each lady had their idea of what Bella’s wedding should look like. The barn was decorated with white streamers and wooden planks stretched across barrels for seating. Pine branches hung from the rafters and the scent of their needles filled the barn, covering up the animal smells that normally lingered there. The added greenery and yellow ribbons tied to them gave the barn a fresh look.

What Bella had thought would be a simple wedding with family had turned into a town wedding. People from all over had been invited. Rebecca had sent Seth and Andrew into the general store with an open invitation flyer that was hung by the register. Already neighboring wives had arrived asking what foods they could bring. It was going to be a spectacle.

She raised her head. Well, it was more for show than actually a love commitment. What difference did it make if everyone showed up and had fun? Bella shook her head. To her it meant mingling with folks she didn’t know. She’d never liked large crowds and now here she was stuck with the biggest event of her life.

“Bella? Are you all right?” Emma asked through the door.

She lied. “Fine.” Bella liked Emma, even more so after she heard how Emma had been kept as a slave by an older couple and then the Young family saved her by purchasing her from her masters. They’d given Emma her freedom, but she’d stayed with them and become a part of the family. Bella suspected that the main reason Emma stayed was because she was in love with Andrew.

Emma’s shadow blocked out a little of the sunshine as she leaned against the door. “The Youngs can be a little overwhelming. I guess we all can.” She sighed heavily. “I hope you understand that we are trying to help and that we are excited to have you become a part of the Young family.” The last part was said wistfully.

Bella straightened. “I know. I just needed some fresh air.”

Emma giggled. “So you chose the outhouse?” She moved away from the door. “I think I could have found a better place.”

Bella opened the door with a grin. “Yeah, probably not my best choice of the day.”

“No, maybe not. Come with me.” Emma headed down a small path away from the outhouse.

“Where are we going?”

“To a quiet place where you can think.” Emma stopped in a small grove of trees.

Bella was surprised to see a small wooden bench sitting under one of the trees. “I didn’t expect this,” she said in awe.

Emma smiled. “Have you always been shy?”

She could deny it, but seeing how she already had one lie to repent for, Bella chose to nod. “It’s worse when there are lots of people around.”

Emma smiled. “And you are going to marry the prankster of the family. Not a shy bone in his body.”

“Afraid so.” Bella sat down.

Emma nodded. “I thought so. When we get back, I’ll speak to Rebecca and Fay. Between the three of us, we’ll help you get through this wedding.”

A bird landed on a branch over their heads. He sang for a moment and then took flight once more. Bella wished she could fly away like the little bird, but she knew that she had to get through this. The boys were depending on her. “Thank you. I think I’m better now. We can go back.”

Emma stood. “I’m glad you feel better. This spot always makes me feel good.” She glanced around with love in her eyes.

“Did Andrew put the bench here for you?” Bella asked, standing also.

“He did.”

Bella smiled. “I thought so.”

Emma looked everywhere but at Bella. “What made you think that? It could have been any of the boys.”

It was Bella’s turn to giggle. “Yes, but Andrew is the one who is sweet on you. So it made sense he would do something special like this for you.”

Emma grinned. “I don’t know that he is sweet on me, but he is very kind and understanding.” She started walking back up the path that led to the house. “We’d better hurry. Fay and Rebecca are waiting to fit your wedding dress.”

Bella groaned. The thought of spending more time being stuck with pins and told to stand up tall made her want to run back to the outhouse.

As if she could read her mind, Emma teased, “Don’t even think about going back to the outhouse.”

Bella discovered that the afternoon hadn’t been so bad after all. The three women worked on her dress while the children played outside. The men went about their chores and things seemed to settle down a bit. Perhaps it was because Emma had pulled the other two ladies aside and explained Bella’s feelings.

As soon as the dress was complete, the four women began to make dinner. The beans had been on the stove most of the day and the roast in the oven, so all they had to do was make the potatoes and other vegetables. Joy loved making cookies. She and Emma had made a fresh batch that morning, so even dessert was prepared.

Bella found herself looking up the road for Philip’s return. He’d gone to tell his brother and sister-in-law that they were getting married. If he didn’t hurry back, he was going to miss his own wedding.

Anxiety hit her like a punch in the stomach. Had he left for good? Was he planning on coming back? Bella told herself she was being ridiculous, but the sudden fear was very real. She hated being this dependent on another person. Maybe she should talk to Philip about getting a job in town, once they were married. Would he go for such a thing? Or would he want his wife to stay home and pretend that theirs was a real marriage?

Chapter Eight

Philip, Josephine and Hazel arrived at the Young farm a little before dusk. He was thankful that the women had agreed to ride their own horses instead of bringing a wagon. It would have taken much longer to get back if they had brought the wagon.

Caleb spotted him and came running. “Philip! You came back!”

He dropped from the horse. “Of course I came back.”

Caleb stubbed his toe against a small rock and sent it sailing across the yard. “Well, I wasn’t so sure you’d be back.”

Philip kneeled down in front of the little boy. Mark ran up to stand beside his brother. “As long as the Lord will allow me to live and breathe, I will never leave you.” He pulled both boys into a hug.

“I told you he’d come back,” Benjamin said, coming to a halt beside them. “Hi, Aunt Josephine, Aunt Hazel.”

Both women slid off the backs of their horses. “Hello, Benjamin.” Josephine gave him a hug.

When she released him, Hazel grabbed the boy. “Benny Young. You have got to stop growing.” His head came to her chest. She released him, then turned her attention to the other two boys. “You must be Caleb and Mark.”

At their nods, Philip made the introductions. “Boys, this is your aunt Josephine and aunt Hazel.”

“Oh, Philip, they are adorable.” Josephine smiled down at them.

“Now, Josephine, don’t embarrass the boys. I want you to meet Bella, so let’s head to the house.” Philip handed the horses’ reins to Benjamin. “Do you mind taking care of the horses for us, Benny?”

“Naw, we’ll take care of them. Won’t we, fellas?”

Caleb and Mark nodded eagerly. Philip watched them lead the horses into the barn. It broke his heart that the boys hadn’t thought he’d come back. Had the same thought crossed Bella’s mind? He hoped not.

Philip opened the door for the ladies and then followed them inside. The smell of roast and potatoes greeted his hungry belly and it growled its approval.

Bella came through the kitchen door with a wide grin. Her hair looked a little mussed and her checks red. Was that joy he saw in her eyes? Had she missed him?

Don’t kid yourself, Phil. Your family is overwhelming and she’s simply happy to see a familiar face, he told himself.

He stepped around Josephine and Hazel. “Bella, I’d like you to meet my sister in-law, Josephine, and our next-door neighbor Hazel. Ladies, this beautiful young woman is my future wife, Bella.”

Bella stepped up beside him and grabbed his hand. She held on as if she was drowning.

Philip looked down at her, puzzled. Her eyes had gone from joy to wariness in the few moments it had taken him to make the introductions. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

“Oh, we are so happy to meet you,” Josephine said as she offered Bella a quick hug.

Hazel stood back and eyed the younger woman. She gently pulled Josephine back. “Josie, give the girl some breathing room. She looks like she might just pass out from all this attention.”

Bella squared her shoulders and smiled tightly. “It’s nice to meet you both.”

Josephine’s expression said she didn’t understand why there was so much tension in the room. Philip didn’t really understand it, either. What was wrong with Bella?

She squeezed his hand tighter. “I’m sorry. I guess I should have warned Philip that I’m not very good around a lot of people. The last couple of days have been a little stressful for me. It’s not you. I just...”

Hazel smiled. “Girl, there is no reason to explain. There’s nothing wrong with you. I don’t care much for crowds myself. That’s why I live on the outskirts instead of in town.”

“Is that Hazel’s voice I hear out here?” Rebecca asked, coming through the kitchen door. She wiped her hands on her apron and hurried into the room for hugs.

Philip watched Bella’s face. He noted the tightness around her mouth and the paleness of her skin. Gently he tugged on her hand. In a soft voice he asked, “Would you like to go with me to the barn to check on the boys?”

“That would be lovely.” She sighed. Relief washed away a little of the tightness on her face.

The other women were busy catching up as they hugged each other and oohed over new hairstyles and dresses. “If you ladies will excuse us, Bella and I are going to go check on the boys.”

“You kids go on,” Hazel said, smiling at them with understanding.

Rebecca called over her shoulder, “Hurry back. Philip, we still need to make sure that your suit will fit.”

“Ma, I’m not wearing a suit.” Philip propelled Bella from the house.

Bella giggled. “Do you really think you are going to get out of wearing a suit to your wedding?”

“Yep. I hate being trussed up in layers of clothes. I’m going to wear my jeans, boots and a new shirt. It’s blue. I got it while we were in Dove Creek.” He winked at her and headed away from the barn and toward the creek.

“I thought we were going to the barn.”

“We were, but now that I know she wants me to hurry back, I think I’ll go somewhere else.” Philip grabbed her hand and made a run for the tree line.

Bella laughed as they cleared the yard. “You are a mess, Philip Young.”

He slowed down but continued to hold on to her hand. “How were things while I was gone?” Philip realized that he’d taken Bella from the house so fast that she didn’t have time to get her coat. He released her hand, slipped out of his coat and draped it around her shoulders.

“Thanks.” She snuggled into the warm jacket. “It was all right. I just hadn’t expected there to be so many people about. Your mother invited the whole town to our wedding.”

Philip wasn’t surprised. “And I’m guessing she plans on using the barn for the ceremony and party afterward?”

Bella nodded. “People have been arriving to ask what they can bring.”

He led her to the water’s edge. “Or came to see the new bride.” He kneeled down and picked up a rock. The water was frozen, so his thought of skipping rocks vanished as quickly as it had formed.

“Maybe. I’ve met more ladies in the last two days than I have in two months.”

He frowned. “Really?”

She smiled. “When I say met, I mean spoken to and exchanged names.”

“Oh.” He tossed the rock across the frozen surface. “I’m sorry about that. We probably should have talked about the wedding more before we arrived.”

Bella sat down on an old log. “Yeah, I would have preferred a small wedding with just your family present.”

“I understand. I’m sorry Ma has gone all out.” He stood and walked back to her. “She means well.”

She nodded. “I know. And after tomorrow this will be behind us.” Bella stood. “We probably should head back.”

Philip chuckled. “You’re probably right. She’ll send a search party after us if we stay gone much longer.” Even though he laughed, Philip couldn’t help but feel bad that Bella was anticipating the wedding being over. It wasn’t that he wanted the wedding to be special for him. After all, he didn’t even want to get married. But he felt that Bella should have the wedding day she wanted.

They started walking back to the house. “Have you always been quiet?” Philip asked, tucking his hands deep into his front pockets.

“I don’t think I’m quiet when I’m with only two or three people, but I suppose I have been.” She looked off into the distance. “That’s one of the reasons I love baking so much.”

He didn’t understand what baking had to do with being quiet.

His confusion must have shown on his face, because Bella explained. “When I worked at the bakery, I stayed in the kitchen and baked. Most of the time there were only two people besides me at the bakery and they were up front.” She looked up at him and then continued with a shrug. “My day started early, so going to work there weren’t many people about. Then when I was done, I’d go back to my home and read or sleep.”

“I see. So you really aren’t used to being around others.” He almost felt sorry for her. Philip liked being with other people and talking, joking and laughing.

Bella shook her head. “No, until I got the boys, I didn’t have to worry about anyone else and I enjoyed my own company.”

He pulled his hand from his pocket and grasped hers. “Well, after our wedding we’ll head back to the relay station. Thomas and Josephine are the only two other people that live there.”

“So, we’ll be living with them?”

Philip frowned. They really hadn’t talked much about life after marriage. “Yes, the house has two bedrooms, so we’ll have one and Thomas and Josephine will have the other. My room is small, but the four of us will be fine until we can make other arrangements. I’m sure the boys and I can make pallets.”

She scowled but nodded. Bella remained silent the rest of the way to the house. Philip hadn’t thought that she wouldn’t want to live with his brother and sister-in-law once they were married. “Let’s check on the boys before heading inside,” he suggested when they came to the yard.

They went to the barn. When he pulled the door open, Philip gasped. Everything had been cleared in the center, looking much like it had at Christmas. Only now white streamers hung from the rafters and big yellow bows made from fabric decorated the stall doors. The horses had all been moved to the very back of the barn. Several tables stood off to the right—Philip assumed this was for the food that the neighbors and his mother planned on cooking up.

The boys were nowhere in sight and Philip realized it was suppertime as the triangle rang out. “Those little rascals are already in the house, probably at the table.” He smiled at Bella.

“Probably. My nephews love to eat.” She turned and walked out the door.

Philip followed. He pulled the barn door closed and watched as his brothers arrived from all directions. They laughed and pushed at each other. Thankfully there were only three of them at home now.

Seth rounded the barn beside him. He put his arm around Philip’s shoulders. “Are you ready for the big day tomorrow?”

Bella looked over her shoulder and grinned but continued walking. Philip wasn’t sure if she could hear them, or if she’d picked up her pace because she wanted to give them privacy.

“Hey, Bella. Can I have a quiet word with you?” Andrew asked, hurrying to her side.

Philip wondered what Andrew wanted with Bella but knew he needed to respond to Seth’s question. “I’m ready for it all to be over and just to start a simple life with her.”

Seth nodded. “I understand, son. That’s how I felt when I married your mother. But truth is married life isn’t always simple.” He stopped with his arm still around Philip’s shoulders.

Philip stopped also and turned his head to look at his stepfather. “Is there something you want to say, Seth?”

“As a matter of fact, there is. Your mother is worried about you.”

“I can’t imagine why.” Philip shook his head. “Bella is a nice girl. The boys have been well behaved. What gives her cause to worry?”

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