This Texan Had No Intention of Becoming a Groom…

Until he found out he had a year to find a bride—or risk losing the family ranch. Any of the four mail-order brides recently arrived in Granite, Texas, would make a good wife. So why can’t Levi Westland stop thinking about the one who refuses to have him? The marriage of convenience Levi offers isn’t enough to persuade Millie Hamilton. Truth is, it’s no longer enough for Levi, either….

Millie just needed a place to escape to. Now that she’s paid Levi back his traveling expenses, she can forge her own way. If he knew the truth about her past, Levi’s admiration would vanish. But the only thing harder than risking her heart may be watching Levi marry anyone but her.

“Are you sure that’s what you want, Millie? Just to remain friends? We can still be friends and be married.”

He wished the carriage wasn’t so dark so he could see her expression better. “I thought things had deepened between us. Can you seriously deny you have feelings for me?”

He heard her soft sigh and felt her sit up straighter on the seat. “Levi, I’ll admit that something has changed between us, but it doesn’t matter. I still can’t marry you.” Was that a catch he heard in her voice? Or wishful thinking on his part?

“Can’t? Or won’t?” Levi was more shaken by her refusal than he cared to admit. He knew his voice held the anger he felt but he couldn’t help it. It was as if he were trying to draw a different response from her. To make her admit she cared. He sought to erect a wall of defense around his heart.

“I don’t have a choice, Levi.”

Why couldn’t she see that a marriage between them would be the best solution? It dawned on him it was the solution to his problem, not hers.

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 www.rhondagibson.net, where she enjoys chatting with readers and friends online. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.

His Chosen Bride

Rhonda Gibson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

For I the Lord your God will hold your right hand, saying to you, Fear not; I will help you.

—Isaiah 41:13

A special thank you to all my critique partners…

I couldn’t have finished this book without you.

Contents

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

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Excerpt

Chapter One

Granite, Texas

Fall 1886

Millie Hamilton stood in the stagecoach doorway and looked out on the town before her. Dusty, rustic and sparse. Most certainly not like her beloved hometown of Cottonwood Springs, New Mexico, with its trees along Main Street and flower boxes in front of businesses. No, she was finally in Granite, Texas, six months past her original arrival date.

“Miss Millicent Summer?”

Millie knew without being told that the man in front of her was Levi Westland, the man who’d expected to marry her six months ago. She was to have been his mail-order bride. She recognized him from the photograph he’d sent her in his last letter, though the small picture hadn’t done him justice. Surely he hadn’t continued to meet the stage daily.

“Yes?” Millie allowed him to take her gloved hand and assist her from the stage.

“I’m Levi Westland.”

To say Levi Westland was handsome would have been an understatement. Piercing green eyes shone from his face like gleaming porcelain, and two dimples appeared as if loving fingers had squeezed his cheeks. She was caught off guard by the sudden flutter in her heart. He was the most handsome man she’d ever met, and that meant trouble for her.

Levi Westland smiled up at her and continued to hold her gloved hand in his. He smelled of fresh-cut wood and warm earth, but his attire appeared to be that of a rancher. Leather cowboy boots, a black Stetson hat and a shiny belt buckle were not the standard dress of a woodworker, which was what he said in his letters that he did.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Westland.” Millie removed her hand from his. “I wasn’t expecting you to be waiting for me—after all, it has been over six months since I was supposed to have arrived.”

The stagecoach driver tossed two bags down to the boardwalk in front of them. Millie grimaced at the thud that they made and was thankful she’d thought to put her charcoal and paints in her satchel instead of in one of the bigger bags.

Levi picked up the luggage. “I wasn’t really waiting for you, Miss Summer. I just happened to be walking by when the stage arrived. When the driver called out your name, I stopped.” He offered her what looked like a nervous grin. “To be painfully honest, I’d given up on your arrival months ago.”

Millie nodded. “I see.” She inhaled deeply and turned to face the handsome man. It was time to be honest with him, as well. “Mr. Westland, I would appreciate it if you would address me as Miss Hamilton. My full name is Millicent Summer Hamilton. I only used my middle name to protect myself while traveling.” She paused as she felt a slight heat enter her face. Millie took another breath and rushed on, “And when I was sending letters to strangers who wanted to get married.”

He chuckled. “Then Miss Hamilton it is.”

“Thank you.” Millie knew she’d been foolish in not revealing her full name in the letters they’d exchanged. It was one of many things she’d done to prevent her parents from finding her. It had been foolish to run away from home, but something she’d felt she had to do then also.

Now that she’d spent some time away from her home, Millie wasn’t ready to return.

Millie watched as he motioned for a gangly young boy to come toward them. The teenager stopped a few feet away. “Can I do something for you, Mr. Westland?” the lad asked.

“Amos, would you take Miss Hamilton’s bags to the boardinghouse?”

The floppy hat that covered his blond locks bobbed agreement. “I’d be happy to, Mr. Westland.” His young voice cracked and a red flush filled his neck.

Levi dug into his pocket and pulled out some change. As he handed it to Amos, he continued, “Please ask Beth to put the bags in room four.”

“I will. Thank you, sir.” He shoved the coins into his front pocket, took the bags from Levi and ran across the street and around a corner.

Millie’s first instinct was to chase after the young man. Everything she needed was in those bags including most of her money, her only sketch pad and drawings. Now she wished she’d kept her money with her instead of hiding it within the bags. She could replace the sketch pad and drawings but not without money.

“Don’t worry, he’s reliable. Amos will take them straight to the boardinghouse. You’ve nothing to fret about.” Levi tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and proceeded down the boardwalk.

Had her face shown her concern? Or had it been the wringing of her hands that had given her away? Millie realized she’d need to learn to control her expressions if she wanted to be taken seriously as both an artist and a woman.

“I’ve some business to take care of and then we’ll head to the boardinghouse where you can see for yourself that your bags are fine.”

Millie nodded and allowed him to guide her in the opposite direction of the way the lad had run. She wanted to scream, but since the only reason she’d come to Granite was to return the money Mr. Westland had sent for her travel expenses, she’d go along with him for now. After making him wait so long for her to arrive, Millie didn’t feel it would have been right to explain her change of heart regarding marriage in a letter. No this had to be done in person.

As they walked, Millie struggled inwardly with her emotions. Just like her mother, Levi Westland had taken charge, not bothering to ask her what her plans were. For now, she’d give him the benefit of the doubt, but if he thought just because they were supposed to get married, that he could control her every move, well, he had another think coming.

She wasn’t marrying him or any other man. Millie had come to Granite to tell him that she’d been mistaken in answering his mail-order bride advertisement. She had thought at the time it was the only way to escape her controlling mother and to flee from the law.

But on the trip out, she’d changed her mind. Because Millie knew it wouldn’t be right to keep the money he’d already spent on her passage to Granite, Millie had taken a job in Lubbock Texas.

It had taken her six long months to earn his money. She’d grown up during those months and realized she should have stood up to her mother and told the law what had happened.

Millie still wasn’t sure if the U.S. marshal was after her or not. Burning down Eliza Kelly’s house had been an accident, but now she understood that by running away, she appeared guilty and it wouldn’t look at all like an accident to the law.

Her thoughts calmed a bit as she glanced around the small town of Granite. It looked like a nice place to settle. Millie thought about the art gallery she hoped to have someday. If all went well, she might just stay here and make that dream come true. Then she could return to Cottonwood Springs a success and with a little money to pay a good lawyer.

In his letters, Levi had described Granite and its people as warm and welcoming. As if to prove his point, a woman with a small boy in hand smiled and waved at them. Millie returned her smile and wave. If everyone was as friendly as the woman Millie felt sure she’d be happy here. But would Levi allow her to stay once she told him she didn’t wish to marry after all? Or would he expect her to pack up and move on?

Levi had said he’d given up on her. That was good. She’d be able to tell him that marriage was out of the question and she had earned enough money at Miss Hattie’s Laundry, and by selling a few of her drawings in Lubbock, to pay him back for the trip to Granite.

To break the silence, Millie said, “This looks like a nice town.” She noted a furniture builder’s shop and inhaled deeply. Was that Levi’s carpentry business?

The soothing scent of wood filled her nostrils. Millie didn’t think the scent drifted out from the store; more than likely it came from the man beside her.

Her papa worked at the sawmill in Cottonwood Springs. The smell of fresh wood shavings always gave her comfort. Today the scent reminded her of Papa, and longing entered her heart to see him again.

Levi offered a stiff chuckle. “We like it.”

He continued walking with her, nodding at the locals, so Millie allowed her thoughts to drift back to her father. She missed him dearly but couldn’t see herself returning home just yet.

Mother was as demanding as the day was long and Papa was as meek. He allowed her mother to boss him around. She told him what to do and where to go as if he were a child. No, Millie had had enough of that in her eighteen years at home.

Reflecting on her parents’ relationship, Millie knew she didn’t want or need a loveless marriage, in which one person ruled the roost and the other lived life in misery. It was sad that she thought of her parents’ marriage like that, but doing so had enlightened her that she didn’t want such a life.

Her gaze moved back to the handsome man beside her. He seemed lost in his own thoughts so Millie tried to work through hers. How was she going to tell him they weren’t getting married? Did he still expect her to marry him? For all she knew, he could already be married.

Levi suddenly stopped. “I’m sorry. I just realized you must be tired after your long trip. My business can wait until this afternoon. Why don’t we go eat lunch at the boardinghouse and afterward you can rest?” He didn’t give her time to answer, simply turned around and began walking back the way they’d come.

Millie frowned at him. He flashed a smile in her direction and once more she was taken aback by his good looks. Maybe Levi Westland had charm, but no matter how much he planned on using it to get her to marry him, he could just forget it. All her life she’d been coddled and pampered, but at what price? Millie sighed. Until she’d run away from home, she’d never been free. Her mother had made sure she was hardly ever alone and that she’d never made any decisions on her own.

As they continued along, Millie thought about the event that had forced her into thinking she needed to run away.

Mrs. Eliza Kelly had asked her to watch her shop while she took her friend schoolteacher Hannah Young to the train station in Durango, Colorado. It was an all-day trip so she would be gone for a day and a half. She’d told Millie that if she wanted to spend the night in Eliza’s house, she could. Her mother had agreed to let her stay.

Millie had made the mistake of telling her friends that she planned to spend the night at Mrs. Kelly’s and would have the house to herself. The other girls had decided it would be fun to come over and smoke a few cigars. The boys always snuck around smoking the horrible things.

Her friend Charlotte had brought a handful to the shop and said it was time they found out what was so wonderful about them. They’d made plans for the girls to come over later, after the shop had closed, and try them out.

If only she hadn’t tried to smoke one of the horrible cigars before the other girls arrived. She’d just lit it when her mother had come barging into the house. Millie had panicked and tossed the other cigars out the kitchen window. She’d laid the lit cigar on the windowsill and hurried into the dining room to meet her mother.

Mother had decided she shouldn’t spend the night alone and forced her to go home. Before Millie could sneak out and back to Mrs. Kelly’s, the cigar had rolled out the window and into the dry ground below. It had set the grass and remaining cigars on fire. The house and dress shop had gone up in flames and burned to the ground.

Millie lassoed her thoughts with a snap. No use crying over spilt paint. The only thing to do was set things right. And that, she planned to do. Millie shaded her eyes with her hand.

Granite wasn’t a bad-looking settlement and so far she hadn’t seen a saloon. That was a huge plus in her books. However, she did miss the trees and flowers that lined Main Street in Cottonwood Springs.

They took a side street that didn’t have as many businesses. Her companion remained silent as they passed Bob’s Mercantile and the Sewing Room.

Bob’s Mercantile had a window on each side of the open door, with an old flyer advertising the newest parasols from New York City. The plank exterior was newly whitewashed, and Millie could see barrels in the center aisle near the door.

But the Sewing Room grabbed her attention, and she slowed, trying to take it all in. Every frill imaginable had been showcased in the two windows; a quilt, hankies, ribbons, bonnets...even an apron. A sign hung in the window stating it would soon be closing and everything was on sale.

“We’re almost there,” Levi finally offered.

Millie quickened her steps and simply nodded. The smell of baking bread tickled her nose as they passed the bakery and she inhaled deeply. Her stomach rumbled.

A warm chuckle was the only indication that Levi had heard the sound. Butterflies replaced her hunger pains at the rich sound of his amusement. A dimple flashed in his cheek. She almost groaned aloud.

He truly was a handsome man. Maybe she should move on to another town once her business with Levi Westland was done. It wouldn’t do for her to fall for a take-charge man and lose her newfound independence.

* * *

Levi enjoyed the soft scent of lavender that Millicent Hamilton wore. With each step they took, it filled his senses. He was still a little shocked that she’d arrived six months later than he expected. She’d been so silent in the time they’d been together that he’d had time to do some thinking.

A little over a year ago, at Christmas, his mother, Bonnie Westland, had surprised him and his brother with the news that she wanted a grandchild and that she expected them to get married and provide her with that child. She’d pitted her boys against one another by stating that the first to marry and have a child would inherit the ranch.

Levi knew Daniel wanted the ranch more than he wanted to live. So at first Levi had enjoyed playing the game, mainly just to irritate his older brother. He’d never intended to win the ranch. He shook his head at how foolish that sounded now.

Levi pushed the gate open in front of the boardinghouse and allowed Millie to slip past him. As they walked up the path, his thoughts returned to his mother and the contest she’d started. When Daniel had married Hannah in the fall, Levi had thought that would satisfy their mother. Daniel loved the ranch and so did his wife, but Levi’s mother had informed him that he was still expected to compete for the ranch. Why was it so important to Mother that he marry, too? The question swirled through his mind like a wild tornado.

Bringing himself back to the present, Levi heard the lacy blue curtains flutter in the breeze. The smell of roasted meat drifted out the open window of the boardinghouse’s restaurant.

He heard the soft rumble of Millicent’s stomach and said, “The food here is wonderful. Beth is probably the best cook around.” He placed his hand in the small of her back as she climbed the short steps to the entryway.

“Beth?” Millicent’s blue eyes searched his face as he stepped around her and opened the door to the boardinghouse.

He pointed to the sign that read Beth’s Boardinghouse and Restaurant. “Mrs. Beth Winters. She runs this fine establishment.” He didn’t mention that he owned the boardinghouse since there would be time enough for that later.

A bell sounded over their heads as they entered. Levi watched as Beth hurried toward them. She patted her dark brown hair into place and swiped at the flour upon her blue apron. A smile touched her lips and brown eyes as she realized it was him. “Levi, I wasn’t expecting you to be here so early in the day.”

“I decided to have an early lunch.” He watched Beth’s eyes dart from Millicent back to him. “Beth, I’d like you to meet Miss Millicent Hamilton. She will be staying here for a while.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Hamilton. So the bags Amos brought in earlier were yours?”

“Yes, they were,” Millicent replied. A sweet smile of relief graced her pretty heart-shaped face.

Beth smiled back and then turned to enter the restaurant portion of the boardinghouse. “Levi, your table is ready.” She glanced over her shoulder. At his nod of approval, she continued. “Miss Hamilton, we put your bags in room number four. I hope it is to your liking.”

She took the reserved sign off Levi’s favorite table, which was in the far corner of the room. From this vantage point he could see everyone who entered and exited the dining room. Levi smiled his thanks and moved to pull out the chair that would sit to the right of him.

Millicent took the seat Levi pulled out for her. “Thank you, Mrs. Winters. I’m sure the room will be fine.”

Beth handed Millie a menu once she was seated. “You can call me Beth. Everyone does.”

Millicent took the menu and smiled. “Please, call me Millie.”

Millie. The name had a sweet ring to it. So far everything about the woman screamed sweetness—her name, her fragrance and the way she tilted her head when she seemed to be thinking of something, like now as she studied the lunch menu.

Levi pushed the thoughts away. He would not become enamored with Millie. Having his heart broken by Lucille Lawson had hurt too much. Even before his mother’s contest, he’d asked Lucille to marry him, but once she’d found out he wasn’t going to take over the ranch, she’d broken off their engagement and their friendship. No, his heart couldn’t take another breaking.

“Millie it is. Are you planning to stay long in Granite?” Beth asked.

“I was considering it.”

Levi heard the doubt in her voice. He knew she’d come because of his invitation so what had changed? Had spending an hour with him changed her mind? Maybe she didn’t want to be his mail-order bride. He hoped that was the case.

“That would be nice. Granite doesn’t have a lot of young women. Another one is always welcome.” Beth assured her. “What can I get you to drink, Millie?”

“Tea, if you have it.”

Beth nodded. “Iced? Or hot?”

Levi got some satisfaction in seeing the amazement in Millie’s face at learning that they served iced tea. He loved cold beverages and had made it a point to get ice delivered every morning. It cost a pretty penny but was worth it to him.

Millie’s expression turned from surprised to pleased. “I’d love iced, if it isn’t too much trouble.”

“No trouble at all. Levi, coffee? Or iced tea?” Beth waited.

He pulled his gaze from Millie. “I’ll have the same. Thank you, Beth.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll be right back with your drink orders.” Beth turned and hurried back to the kitchen.

Millie went back to studying the menu so Levi looked about the dining room. Only one other couple was there, and he recognized them as Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan. They were passing through Granite on their way to Austin and were staying at the hotel.

“You seem familiar with this restaurant. What would you recommend, Mr. Westland?” Millie asked, bringing his attention back to her.

Levi smiled. “I’d recommend the roast beef sandwich. The bread is always soft and buttery and the beef tender.”

She laid the menu down. “Sounds wonderful, I’ll order that.”

For the first time, she smiled at him, and it reached her eyes. Beautiful blue eyes with thick, light-colored lashes. Her face reminded him of a doll he’d once seen sitting in a store window while visiting Austin.

Beth arrived at that moment and set down their drinks. “Did I hear you say you’d like the roast beef sandwich?” she asked Millie, as she stood and pulled out a small pad of paper and a stub of a pencil.

“Yes, please.” Millie picked up her tea glass and took a small sip. “Mmm, this is very good.” She smiled up at Beth.

“I’m glad you like it. What about you, Levi?”

He handed the menus back to Beth. “I’ll have the same.”

Beth nodded and wrote their orders down on the small pad. “I’ll have that right out.” She smiled, then left to make the sandwiches.

Millie pulled the napkin from the table and smoothed it out over her lap. “Mr. Westland, I hope you don’t take what I’m about to say the wrong way, but I really feel we need to settle this now.” She paused, but when he didn’t answer, Millie continued. “I’ve changed my mind. I no longer wish to marry.” Before he could respond, she pressed onward. “I want to return my travel fare to you.” Millie pulled the money from the handbag she carried and laid it on the table in front of him.

He admired her spunk. Levi pushed the money back to her side of the table. “I can’t accept your money.” He held up his hand to stop her from protesting. “I, too, have changed my mind about marriage and so it would be unfair for me to take the money back.”

When he lowered his hand, she asked, “You have changed your mind also? Honestly?”

Levi offered her what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “Yes, when you didn’t arrive on schedule I was relieved because I wasn’t ready to get married. I should never have placed that advertisement.”

She took a sip from her tea, then gently set the glass back down. “I’m glad to hear that. I was worried you wouldn’t understand and I imagined you would wonder why I answered you in the first place.”

He pushed forward in his chair. “It has crossed my mind. I mean, you are still here even after you’ve decided not to marry me. It’s only natural that I wonder.”

Millie looked him straight in the eyes. “I have a scheming mother. She controlled me to the point that I lost all signs of independence. I had to get away, but once I left, I realized I couldn’t marry someone who would be the same way.”

Levi felt his jaw drop. They’d just met. How could she have formed an opinion of him so quickly? Or was she talking about not marrying any man, not just him?

Her soft laughter surprised him. “I’m not saying you are controlling, although since our first meeting you have taken charge of my life.”

He crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. “How so?”

It was her turn to lean forward. “First, you sent my bags here, told Beth which room to put me in, and then proceeded to drag me off to some business meeting. Halfway there, you changed your mind and turned me around and now here I sit at your table ordering lunch. It never dawned on you to ask what I wanted to do.”

Levi felt his ears turn red. She was right. He’d taken over the situation and not once had he stopped to hear her out or see what she wanted to do. How could he have assumed he knew what she wanted or needed? Had he turned into his mother?

He shook his head. “You’re right, and I’m sorry.”

She tilted her head to the side and studied him. “It’s all right. You were working on the assumption I still wanted to get married.” Millie lowered her gaze and, with her fingertip, traced the pattern on the tablecloth.

“Thank you for understanding.”

Beth arrived at the table with two steaming plates. Levi was pleased to see she’d added fried okra to their meal.

“I hope fried okra is to your liking, Millie.” She placed the dishes on the table and smiled.

Millie wrinkled her nose slightly but answered, “It’s fine, thank you.”

He bit his tongue to keep from speaking. The desire to tell her to send the plate back if it wasn’t to her liking filled him. But, if he did say that, Millie would probably think he was being bossy again.

“Do you need anything else?” Beth asked, looking their table over and making sure their drinks were still full.

Both shook their heads. Levi was the one to answer. “I believe we are fine for now, Beth.”

“All right, I’ll bring the tea pitcher by in a little bit to refill your glasses.” And with that, Beth turned from the table and headed back to the kitchen.

Levi said grace, and then after several long moments of silence while they ate, he asked, “Since you aren’t going to marry me, what are your plans?”

Millie sat up a little straighter in her chair. “Well, if I decide to stay, I will need to find a place to live.” She held up her hand as if to ward off any protest he might have. “I have enough money to spend the night here tonight and I thank you for sending my belongings here, but tomorrow I will need to find less expensive accommodations. I’m sure this lovely boardinghouse is more than I can afford.”

He didn’t argue with Millie, but he didn’t like the idea of her staying at the hotel, and as far as he knew there wasn’t a room in town for rent or a house to buy.

The hotel was a nice place, but Levi felt protective toward Millie. Maybe it was because he’d brought her here. Maybe because she’d revealed she’d never lived alone. Whatever the reason, he planned to have a chat with Benjamin Olson, the hotel owner, and make sure that Beth’s Boardinghouse offered Millie the lowest rates in town. With that thought in mind, he asked, “And then what will you do?”

“I’ll need to seek out employment.” Her hands worked the fabric of the napkin.

Beth arrived back at the table with the promised pitcher of tea. She refilled their glasses and looked to Levi. A quick glance at Millie revealed her pushing the okra around on her plate.

If Beth hired her, she would stay on at the boardinghouse as part of her payment and he wouldn’t need to talk to Mr. Olson. Levi thrust his chin upward and hoped Beth would take the hint to play along with him.

“Can I get you anything else?” Beth asked.

“No, the food is great, but we were just discussing possible employment for Miss Hamilton.”

Millie’s head jerked up.

Before she could comment, Levi pressed on. “You wouldn’t happen to have a position open, would you, Beth?” He prayed Beth would understand what he wanted her to do.

Without missing a beat, Beth looked to Millie. “Can you cook, wash dishes and wait on tables? I could use another set of hands at the noon and evening meals.”

Millie looked down at her hands. He wondered what she found so fascinating about them. “I can.” Her voice came out strained.

Beth laid a hand on her shoulder. “Why don’t you enjoy your lunch and we can talk about it when I show you to your room? How does that sound?”

Millie nodded, and Beth returned to the kitchen. Happy that was settled, Levi reached for his sandwich. He’d raised it to his mouth and was about to sink his teeth into the fragrant meat when he saw the angry expression on Millie’s face. Now what? He lowered the sandwich.

“You didn’t need to do that, Mr. Westland. I am capable of finding my own job,” she ground between her teeth.

Levi offered her his most charming smile. “I’m sure you can, but now you don’t have to.” He expected her to argue, but instead her eyes grew wide as she stared toward the dining room door.

His gaze followed hers. His brother, Daniel, and Daniel’s new bride, Hannah, waved and headed toward their table. Levi stood to welcome them.

Daniel greeted him with a broad smile and a rough slap on the back. “Haven’t seen you since the wedding. We’ve been missing you out on the ranch.”

Levi raised an eyebrow. “That right? Me? Or the fact that you lost an extra cowhand when I moved into town?” He grinned at his brother. “With a new wife and the ranch to keep you busy, I’m surprised you’d miss me at all.”

“Oh, we miss you all right,” Hannah added her assurance to her husband’s comments.

“Miss Hamilton, I’d like you to meet my brother, Daniel Westland, and his beautiful bride, Hannah. Daniel, Hannah, this is Miss Hamilton.” He paused then added, “My mail-order bride.”

Hannah gasped, but Daniel laughed and shook his head. “Well, isn’t this something?”

Levi hadn’t seen his brother this pleased since his wedding day. When Daniel looked this happy, it usually didn’t bode well for him. Levi asked suspiciously, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He searched his brother’s dancing eyes and realized the answer wouldn’t be coming too soon. His gaze moved to Hannah. She stood staring at Millie as if she’d seen a ghost. What was wrong? Both women simply stared at each other.

Daniel’s booming voice captured his attention once more. “You aren’t going to believe this, but Ma has three more mail-order brides at the house waiting for you to come out and meet.” Daniel hooted and held his sides.

Hannah elbowed her husband in the ribs. He quickly straightened his face and turned to Millie. “I’m sorry, Miss Hamilton. It’s nice to meet you.”

“What?” Levi sank into his chair. What had his mother been up to? He noticed Millie hadn’t said a word. She simply stared up at Hannah. Her face had gone pale, and she looked as if she might be sick. Levi knew how Millie felt, even if he didn’t know why she felt that way.

Daniel placed his hands on the back of one of the empty chairs. “Remember those other three mail-order-brides that wrote to you a few months back?”

Levi nodded. His stomach pitched. He pushed his untouched sandwich away and grabbed the iced tea.

“Ma sent them all letters and invited them to come to the ranch to meet you. They all arrived at different times. I believe the first one arrived two weeks ago. Anyway, Ma sent Hannah and me to town today to invite you out to dinner so you can meet the ladies.”

Levi felt his tongue thicken and his throat close. Just when he’d thought he’d managed to escape Bonnie Westland’s plans of marriage, his mother had taken matters into her own hands again.

What must Miss Hamilton think? Three mail-order brides. All in Granite, Texas. All there to marry him. What on earth was he going to do with them all?

Chapter Two

Millie stared at Hannah Young. It had never occurred to her that she might run into someone in Granite from Cottonwood Springs. Granite was so far from Cottonwood Springs, New Mexico, she’d felt confident she was safe. What if her old schoolteacher knew that she’d burned down Mrs. Kelly’s house and business? Would she tell everyone that Millie was an arsonist? What about Seth Billings the U.S. marshal? Would Hannah let him know where to find her?

“Millie Hamilton? Is that really you?” Hannah leaned toward her and brushed the hair back off Millie’s forehead.

With that one action and two questions, Hannah made Millie feel as if she were a young student in Hannah’s classroom once more. “Yes, ma’am, it’s me.”

The squeal that issued from Hannah’s throat scared Millie so badly that she knocked over her tea. She watched in horror as it spilled into Levi’s lap. Before she could react, Hannah grabbed her in a tight hug about the shoulders, then pulled back and held her at arm’s length. “Millie, I can’t believe it is really you. I’m so glad to see you. I’ve missed Cottonwood Springs horribly. Oh, this is wonderful. I can’t wait to get caught up on all the news from home. Why don’t you come out to the ranch for supper tonight, too?” Hannah took a breath, released Millie, and then grabbed her husband’s arm. “Daniel, Millie is from back home.”

Daniel laughed. “I got that, honey.”

“Oh, Levi, I’m so sorry.” Millie handed him her napkin and watched as he dabbed at the tea on his pants. She realized she’d used his first name but at the moment she didn’t care. All she could think about was, how much did Hannah know?

He offered her a weak smile. “It’s all right, Millie. Hannah has a way of shocking people. I blame her.” Levi turned his grin on his sister-in-law.

“I’m sorry, too, Levi.” Hannah returned her attention back to Millie. “I still can’t believe it’s you.” She clapped her hands together like a kid who’d just been offered a pony ride.

Millie swallowed the lump in her throat. “It’s me.”

“What brought you here? Oh, don’t answer that. I want to be able to sit down and catch up on everything.”

“I think you are scaring her, Hannah.” Daniel chuckled and wrapped his free arm around his wife’s waist. “Besides, didn’t you just hear Levi say Millie is his mail-order bride? Ma’s going to be disappointed that Levi didn’t need her help luring a mail-order bride here.”

Hannah’s mouth worked as if she’d just swallowed a lemon drop whole.

Beth arrived at the table with the promised tea refills. “What can I get for you, Mr. and Mrs. Westland?” She grinned at Hannah.

“Oh, nothing for us. We just stopped by to invite Levi to supper out at the ranch,” Daniel answered. “And now that we’ve done so, we’ve got shopping to do before we head back out to the ranch.”

Beth refilled Levi’s and Millie’s glasses and then left the table.

Finally, Hannah said, “You have to come out with Levi, Millie. I can’t believe we’re going to be sisters-in-law.” Excitement rose in her voice once more.

Millie didn’t have time to respond. Daniel chuckled and turned his wife toward the door. “You can talk all about it tonight. We have to get Ma’s shopping done and then I need to get back to the ranch. I have work to attend to.”

Millie couldn’t let Hannah go without finding out what she knew. Panic threatened to choke her as she called out, “But, we just reconnected. Can’t you stay for lunch?”

Daniel seemed to ignore her and continued to guide his wife away.

“We’ll have dinner and catch up,” Hannah answered, smiling and waving goodbye over her shoulder.

What choice did Millie have? Of course she’d go out to their ranch. Millie needed to know what Hannah knew about the events that had taken place in Cottonwood Springs. She’d know if the U.S. marshal was looking for her. Surely, if he was, Hannah would have said something. Still, her stomach quivered in fear. Millie turned toward Levi. “Can I ride out with you?” she blurted.

He nodded. “Of course. I’ll have to clear up that we aren’t getting married.” Levi called to his brother’s retreating back. “We’ll be there around six.”

“Good. We’ll see you tonight.” Daniel waved as they left the restaurant.

Levi sighed. “Those two came in here like a whirlwind. I’m sorry, Millie. I hadn’t planned on letting them continue to think we’re getting married.”

A frown marred his handsome features, and for the first time Millie realized she wasn’t the only one with a new problem. Had Daniel said there were three other mail-order brides waiting for Levi out on the ranch? How did that happen? Levi looked downright nauseated. She felt the same way.

Hannah had looked as happy as a little girl with a new puppy. Millie realized she’d also have to tell her schoolteacher that they were not going to be sisters-in-law. What a mess this was turning out to be. “What did your brother mean by more mail-order brides waiting for you?”

“Didn’t you hear him?” Levi wiped at the moisture on his pant leg.

Millie tried to remember what else had been said but couldn’t. “I’m sorry, I didn’t. I was too surprised to see someone here from Cottonwood Springs,” she admitted.

“Do you remember me mentioning in my letters to you that last winter my ma started a contest between Daniel and I?”

Millie nodded. “Yes, if I understood it right the first brother to get married and have a grandchild would inherit the family ranch. Is that correct?”

“Yes.” Levi took a deep breath and then sighed. “After you didn’t show up, I received three more letters to the ad I’d placed. I didn’t want to answer any of them, but Ma insisted. She said that if I didn’t marry she’d sell the ranch before the year was out. At first I’d planned to go along with her, but then I realized that I could buy time by letting her believe I’d answered one of the letters.”

“But you didn’t,” Millie said.

“Well, I did, but then I changed my mind and wrote all three ladies and told them I’d decided not to get married at this time.” He paused and took a deep drink from his tea glass. “I would have written to you, as well, but I thought you’d changed your mind about coming and I didn’t see the need to.”

Her heart lurched in her chest. Millie quietly thanked the Lord he hadn’t written. If he had, her parents would know where she was now. When she’d been home it had been her job to collect the mail each day, but with her gone, Millie felt sure her mother was doing the collecting now.

She took a deep breath and pretended his last statement had had no effect on her whatsoever. “You didn’t tell your mother what you’d done?” Millie studied his face. She noted his ears had slowly begun to turn pink.

The more she learned about Levi’s mother, Bonnie Westland, the more she could see her own mother’s personality emerging from the other woman. It was nothing for Ma to manipulate things to her way of thinking.

“No, I didn’t tell her. I thought that by the time she figured it out, Daniel and Hannah would already be expecting their first child, and Ma would forget about her crazy scheme to get me married, too.”

“But isn’t that like lying?” Millie asked.

He set his glass down slowly. “I didn’t really think of it that way. I just figured I’d tell her later and explain again that I’m not ready to marry right now.”

Millie decided not to press the issue. She knew what it was like to have a mother who tried to control your every move. What Levi did or didn’t do was between him and his maker, not her. A smile teased her lips.

“You find my situation funny?” Levi asked. A new growl had entered his voice but not his soft green eyes.

She tried to control her facial muscles. “Well, not funny-ha-ha. But it does seem that your mother has found another way to get you to marry one of those ladies.” Millie pursed her lips together in an attempt not to laugh.

A grin began to part his mouth, and twin dimples twinkled in her direction. “Oh, go ahead and laugh. It wouldn’t be the first time my mother’s antics were laughable.”

Millie immediately sobered. Her own mother had caused her pain and embarrassment more times than she could count. “I’m sorry, Mr. Westland. It really isn’t funny.”

He leaned forward on his forearms. “What happened to calling me Levi?”

Millie looked down at the tablecloth. “I’m not sure it’s proper to call you by your first name.”

“Good thing we aren’t proper here in Granite. Please, call me Levi.” He laid his napkin on the table and stood. “I need to get to work. If you need anything, I’ll be at the furniture store. I have a little carpentry shop set up in the back.”

She nodded. “Thank you.”

As if he’d eaten persimmons, Levi said, “It will take us a while to get out to the ranch, and then Ma will want to introduce everyone. I’ll pick you up around three.” With those instructions, Levi turned and left the restaurant.

Millie stood also. Once more she felt as if Levi was taking matters into his own hands without waiting to see what she had to say. What if she’d changed her mind about going out to the ranch? Had he thought about that? No, he’d simply assumed he knew the best plan, told it to her and strolled away.

Beth stopped beside the table and asked, “Are you ready to see your room?”

Millie nodded and picked up her handbag. She noticed the money Levi had left on the table and scooped it up. “What do I owe for the meal?” she asked, looking to Beth.

“Nothing. When you work here, meals are free.” She smiled and headed toward the exit. “I don’t expect you to start work today, but we’ll need to hurry. The lunch crowd will be here shortly and I need to make up a few more sandwiches before they start coming in.”

Millie followed her hostess and now employer from the restaurant. “How much is the fee for the room?”

“Levi doesn’t charge us for room and meals when we work for him.” Beth led her up a staircase off to the right of the front door. She stopped in front of room four and looked at Millie. Beth gave her the key and then held the door open for Millie to enter.

Millie couldn’t get her legs to move. “I’m confused. I thought I would be working for you.”

“You are, but Levi is the owner of the boardinghouse and the restaurant so he does the paying, and I do the bossing.” She smiled to take any sting out of her words.

“I see.” Anger seeped through Millie. Why hadn’t he told her he owned the boardinghouse? So far, he’d manipulated her into staying at the boardinghouse, given her a job and was calling her by her first name. Was there no end to the man’s boldness?

* * *

Levi arrived a little before three o’clock. He’d met with his banker and then spent the rest of the afternoon in his workshop stewing over what to do about the mail-order brides out on the ranch.

Absorbed in his thoughts and the intricate carving on the chest he’d been working on, Levi was running late. Even as he walked up the sidewalk to Beth’s he couldn’t shake the question that had haunted him all afternoon. How had his mother known he had written to all three ladies explaining he wasn’t ready to marry? Or obtained their addresses for that matter?

He stepped into the boardinghouse and found Millie sitting on a small bench in the lobby. She’d freshened up and now wore a pretty blue day dress with a matching bonnet. Levi realized he should probably change his clothes and perhaps wash his face before they left.

The grandfather clock chimed the hour with three soft bells. He knew if they were to get out to the ranch at a reasonable time, they had to leave now. His mother wouldn’t take kindly to them arriving late. He’d have to forgo the cleanup and pray that he looked presentable.

She stood and wiped her hands over the front of her dress. Her skirt swished as she turned to pick up a covered pie plate. The scent of warm peaches filled the air between them. “I’m ready,” Millie announced in a tight voice.

Was that anger he detected? His gaze moved to the clock once more. He wasn’t late so why was she upset? Would he ever understand women? This one was turning out to be as rough as an unsanded board. “The buggy is right outside.”

Levi held the door open and then followed her to the buggy he’d rented earlier. Until today he’d had no use for one, but he realized that if Millie was going to ride out to the ranch with him she probably wouldn’t want to double up on his stallion, Snow. He took the pie and helped her up one-handed into the buggy.

“Thank you.” She took the pie and proceeded to stare straight ahead.

As he circled around the buggy, Levi tried once more to figure out what could have made her angry. He pulled himself up. Maybe she’d had time to rethink her desire to get married and didn’t like that three other women were now here to say I do.

He endured the stony silence until they were out of town and then gently pulled the team of horses to a stop. Levi set the brake and then turned to face her. “Millie, did I do or say something to anger you?”

She blew a blond curl off her forehead and sighed heavily. Without looking at him, Millie asked, “Seriously, you don’t have a clue why I might be upset right now?” Then she turned and her blue eyes flashed in his direction.

“No, I don’t. When I left you were fine.”

Millie studied his face. Her anger seemed to dissolve and confusion laced her pretty features. “Maybe manipulation comes to you naturally. Is it really possible you don’t know what you’ve done?” A frown marred her pretty forehead.

Levi didn’t know whether to be angry or laugh. He had no idea what she was talking about. How could he?

She took a deep breath. “Do you deny that you insisted we leave at three?”

“No, I don’t. We had to leave at three because it takes a couple of hours to get out to the ranch and Ma will expect us to socialize for at least thirty minutes to an hour with the other—” he paused “—guests before dinner.” He didn’t point out that they were wasting time discussing what time they left when they should be on their way.

“Do you own Beth’s Boardinghouse?”

So that was it. He picked up the reins and released the brake. She didn’t like that he owned the boardinghouse. What did it matter if he owned it?

A small ache began to seep up his neck and into his temple. The women in his life were going to drive him to madness. He realized she was still waiting for an answer. “Yes, I do.” Levi slapped the reins over the horses’ backs.

Millie grabbed the seat and held on as the big animals moved forward once more. “And you didn’t bother to tell me.” Her words came out harsh and ragged.

“Why would I tell you? We just met. I’m not in the habit of telling my business to people I’ve just met. I’m sorry if it makes you angry that I own the boardinghouse.”

Once more she sighed heavily. “Levi, you own the boardinghouse where I now work and live. You are controlling my every action—that’s what makes me angry. I don’t like people manipulating my every move.”

Didn’t he have enough to deal with, with facing his mother and the other three brides? Maybe he should turn the buggy around and head back to town. At least there he had some control over his life. With that thought, it dawned on him that Millie was feeling the same way he felt right now.

He pulled the horses to a stop once more and turned to face her. “I really am sorry, Millie. I didn’t see it that way. My reasoning was that you needed a place to stay and a job. I knew Beth could use the help, and with the job came the room and board. It never dawned on me you would take offense.”

Millie stared at him with big blue eyes. Her emotions warred on her heart shaped face. He could tell she wasn’t sure of his sincerity.

“Honest. And to prove it, I vow to never meddle in your life again.” He gave her what he hoped was a sincere grin. “Promise,” Levi added, praying she’d accept his apology.

She nodded. “All right. I’m sorry, too. I may have overreacted.” Millie twisted away from him.

He turned back to the horses and the business of riding out to the ranch. “No harm done. I’m glad we got that settled.”

“Me, too.”

His thoughts turned to the ranch and the women who were waiting for him. He still hadn’t decided what to do about them.

Her soft voice asked, “Levi, may I ask you a question?”

“You may ask whatever you want to, Millie.” He focused on the backs of the horses and the dirt path in front of them. She could ask, but he didn’t have to answer, he quietly thought.

“Why don’t you want to get married?”

That wasn’t the question he’d expected. Levi swallowed. Maybe he could distract her. “Why don’t you?”

A swift answer spewed from her lips. “I don’t want or need a man to boss me around.”

He couldn’t help but wonder what man had bossed her around in the past. Or was she thinking of her mother? She’d said the woman had been manipulative; maybe she’d been bossy, too. “It’s your turn to answer the question.” She grinned at him and raised a fine blond eyebrow.

Levi decided to be honest with her. “Women want love when they get married. Love is no longer in my future. I can’t promise love so I don’t want to marry anyone.”

She sobered. “I can understand that, but what about your mother?” Millie traced the pattern on her dress with her finger. “She seems pretty insistent that you marry, and soon.”

“Honestly, I’m not sure what to do about her. She’s invited these women to the ranch and expects me to pick one out like you would a nice piece of furniture.” Levi shook his head. “I’m not sure what to do about the mail-order brides, either.”

They rode along in silence. After several miles, Millie spoke again. “Levi, why do you have to do anything with them? Your mother invited them. Why don’t you let her figure out what to do with the ladies?” A mischievous gleam filled her pretty blue eyes.

Millie had a valid point. He shouldn’t be held accountable for the other three ladies. The only one he’d invited to Granite was Millie. Could he tell his mother they were her responsibility? And what would she say if he did?

He silently prayed, Lord, I mean no disrespect for Ma, but I don’t feel I should have to deal with these mail-order brides. Please be with me when I tell her just that.

Chapter Three

Levi helped Millie down from the wagon and turned just in time to face his mother. She sprang off the front porch of the family ranch house like a mountain lion after its prey. Her green eyes blazed, leaving no doubt that she’d talked to Daniel and found out about Millie.

“Hello, Mother. How are you this evening?”

His causal greeting did nothing to slow her down. She ground out between clinched teeth, “You and I have business to discuss in the barn now.”

Levi handed Millie her pie and turned to his mother again. “Mother, I’d like you to meet Miss Millicent Hamilton. Millie, this is my mother.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Westland.” Millie held out her hand. Her fingers shook, but she held her head up high. Levi felt a moment of pride at the way she held his mother’s eyes and waited for her to respond.

Bonnie Westland took Millie’s hand and shook it hard. “I’d like to say it’s nice to meet you, too, Miss Hamilton, but at the moment, I’d rather hold my opinion.”

He watched as Millie’s spine straightened. “I’m sure when you get to know me, you will find me very likable.”

His mother’s mouth dropped open and her eyes widened. Then a smile graced her lips. “I like a girl with spunk. You keep talking to me like that and you might be right.”

The slamming of the front door drew their attention. Hannah raced down the stairs and grabbed Millie in a tight hug. “You came!”

Millie hugged her back. “Of course I came. You invited me.”

He couldn’t see her face but knew Millie was smiling. Hannah turned her toward the house, and they started clucking like a couple of hens. A smile touched his lips as he realized neither woman would like that analogy.

“Come on, son.” Bonnie led the way to the barn. Levi followed, dread filling him. He knew his mother wasn’t happy and was determined to tell him about it.

She stopped in the open barn door and watched as he unhitched the rented buggy from the horses. Levi had learned a long time ago to wait her out. She’d have her say in her own time.

“Daniel tells me that Miss Hamilton is yet another mail-order bride. What are you going to do about all these mail-order brides?” She finally snapped.

Levi led the first mare into the second stall on the right of the barn. He heard her boots shift through the hay as she followed. “Miss Millie and I have an understanding at the moment, so I’m not going to do anything about her. As for the other three...” He stood to his full height of five feet, ten inches, locked eyes with his mother and then continued. “You invited them, not me. I’d say they are your responsibility so I’m not going to do anything about them.”

For the second time today, Levi had the satisfaction of finding his mother stumped. At least for the moment. He tossed fresh hay into the stall and then walked past her to get the other horse. When Levi returned, his mother stood in the same spot. Her arms were crossed over her chest and her green eyes studied him. He led the other mare into the stall beside the first one and tossed her hay also.

“Levi Matthew Westland.”

Here it comes, he thought. He stood before her. “Yes, Mother?”

“We had a deal. You get married before the year is out or I sell the ranch.” She stared him straight in the eyes and dared him to argue.

“No, you made that declaration and I didn’t say anything,” he countered.

“You led me to believe you’d written to the Rodgers girl,” she accused.

He nodded. “That is true and I did. I just didn’t write to her what you thought I did. By the way, Ma, how did you find out I’d changed my mind?”

She took a deep breath. “I did what any mother would do and I opened your letters and read them.”

Levi laughed, but no merriment filled the hollow sound. “I doubt that other mothers would do such a thing, Ma. Most mothers leave their adult children alone and let them find their own mates.”

Bonnie nodded. “Yes, and most sons get married before they are thirty,” she countered.

He shook his head. “Daniel is married now. You’ll have your grandchild and he can have the ranch. And I can live my life the way I want to.” Levi started to walk away. He’d never just walked away from his mother before, but today Levi didn’t see any other alternative.

She didn’t speak loudly or harshly, but the command in her voice stopped him in his tracks. “Levi, we aren’t finished here.”

Levi turned to face her. “Mother, on this subject we are. Like you pointed out, I’m thirty years old and I am in no rush to get married.”

Bonnie squared her shoulders, walked up to Levi and looked him in the eyes. “Now look here, I promised those women a husband. That if you didn’t marry them, there were other eligible bachelors in the area and I’d help them settle down in Granite, Texas. You will choose one and I’ll see that the others find husbands, as well. Levi, you have one year from today to get married or I will sell the ranch and everything that goes with it to the highest bidder. I don’t care which girl you marry and I don’t care if your brother and Hannah have two children. There are four women in that house—pick one.” With that she walked from the barn.

Had he seen tenderness in her eyes before she’d hardened them and made her demand? What drove his mother to insist that he and his brother marry? Every time he’d asked her in the past she’d simply said she wanted grandchildren. Today, it didn’t matter if Daniel had children; she wanted them both to be married.

Levi sighed and followed her out of the barn. His mother was already going through the front door of the ranch house. He leaned against the face of the barn, not wanting to go inside but knowing he’d have to eventually.

“She’s a stubborn woman, our Ma.” Daniel eased around the corner of the barn.

Had he been there the whole time? “What do you make of that? I always thought she wanted grandchildren and that you and Hannah would be giving her what she wants. But now that doesn’t matter.” Confusion laced his soul.

“Yeah, I heard. It sounds like she doesn’t want them from me, little brother. She wants them from you.” Daniel’s eyes held the hurt that Levi heard in his voice.

“I don’t think that’s it. She didn’t say anything about me giving her grandchildren. She just said I had to be married before the year is up.” Levi knew his words sounded empty to his brother. Did Daniel think their mother loved him more? She’d always favored Levi, but he didn’t believe for a moment that she loved him more.

Daniel clapped Levi on the shoulder. “Well, it doesn’t matter. She’s in for a surprise tonight.”

Levi looked to his big brother. Unbridled pride now showed in Daniel’s face and eyes. “Does that mean you are going to announce you’re soon to be a papa?”

“Sure does. But don’t tell Hannah I told you. She wanted to surprise the family with the news.”

The two brothers hugged. Levi was happy for Daniel and Hannah. Plus, a baby in the family might just soften their mother up and she might forget all about him getting a wife.

Daniel released Levi and looked at him. “I know what you’re thinking and you might as well forget it. Ma’s not going to forget her threat. Either you marry or we both lose the ranch.”

The renewed worry and sorrow in Daniel’s voice sobered Levi up. He kicked a rock across the yard. Daniel needed the ranch. Especially now that he had a family to raise. It had been wishful thinking on Levi’s part.

“Aw come on, it isn’t that bad.” He gave Levi a gentle shove toward the house. “I enjoy married life. Didn’t think it would be possible, but believe me, it is.”

They stopped at the washroom where they both scrubbed their faces, hands and arms. Levi wet down his hair and combed it into place. “I’m glad married life agrees with you, Daniel. Hannah is a wonderful woman.”

Daniel nodded. “She sure is.” His grin turned roguish and he said, “There are four women in there waiting to see who will be the next Mrs. Westland. One of them is bound to be a wonderful woman, too.”

* * *

Millie entered the sitting room with Hannah. She felt rather than saw the three pairs of eyes that swiveled in her direction as they stepped into the room.

“Oh, good, you’re all here.” Hannah pulled Millie toward an overstuffed short couch to sit beside her. “I’d like you all to meet Millie Hamilton. She grew up in Cottonwood Springs and attended my school when I taught there.”

Millie offered what she hoped looked like a friendly smile, instead of a nervous grimace. “Hello.”

Hannah turned to the woman who sat on the left-hand side of the room. “Millie, this is Anna Mae Leland. She’s a schoolteacher. I’m hoping she’ll agree to teach out here on the ranch, but so far she assures me she’d rather teach in town. Isn’t that right, Anna Mae?”

Anna Mae’s soft brown eyes met hers. “That’s right.” She offered a soft smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Hamilton.”

“Please, call me, Millie.” Millie looked at the other two women, as well. “All of you.”

“Thank you, we will. I’m Susanna Marsh.” She played with a blond curl that fell across her left shoulder. Susanna held herself ramrod straight. Her voice sounded a bit frosty.

Millie looked into Susanna’s light blue eyes and smiled. There was a challenge within the other woman’s that almost caused Millie to laugh. Had the other women already heard she was Levi’s first pick in a mail-order bride? If Susanna’s sulky look was any indication, they had.

Hannah took over the conversation once more. “Millie, I’d like you to meet Emily Rodgers.”

A dimple in Emily’s right cheek flashed as she offered a shy grin. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Millie. I’m glad you decided to join us for supper.”

“Really, Emily. We don’t even know her. How can you sit there and pretend to like her?” Susanna snapped. She stood and walked to the window.

Emily offered Millie another grin. “I don’t have to pretend, Susanna. Some folks you just know you’re going to enjoy being around the moment you meet them. I think Millie is one of those people.”

Millie decided to speak up before Susanna could respond. “Thank you, Emily. I’m sure you are right.”

Susanna huffed. She turned and eyed all the women in the room. “Don’t you all find this a little strange? It was bad enough when three of us showed up and now to have a fourth bride.” She pointed at Millie.

Hannah cleared her throat and became the schoolteacher Millie remembered. “That will be enough, Susanna. God only knows what the outcome of this will be, but until He reveals His plan, you will all get along.” Her eyes snapped to each face.

Anna Mae and Emily immediately nodded their agreement. Millie watched through lowered lashes as Susanna crossed her arms and proceeded to try to stare Hannah down. A grin threatened to break through Millie’s lips as the two women faced off. Susanna would soon learn Hannah could stare all day and she would win.

Susanna dropped her eyes and lowered her arms. “How long should this go on?” she asked in a soft voice.

“Until my son chooses a bride.” Bonnie Westland swept into the room and smiled at everyone. She stood in front of the fireplace looking much like a queen in a picture Millie had once seen in one of her schoolbooks. “You will all remain my guests until he decides.” Her green gaze landed on Millie and said, “Except Miss Hamilton. She will be returning to town after supper.”

Millie acknowledged the command with the slight bowing of her head. She had no intention of staying under this woman’s roof any longer than she had to. Bonnie Westland reminded Millie so much of her own mother she felt like weeping. The sad thing was she wasn’t sure if they were tears of joy or sadness that she felt stinging the backs of her eyes.

“Hannah, since Levi has already met Miss Hamilton, would you be so kind as to take her to the library? My son will be here shortly and I’d like him to meet the other three ladies.”

It really wasn’t a request, and both Millie and Hannah knew it. Hannah stood and smiled at the other ladies. “Ladies, we’ll see you in a little while.”

Millie followed but not before she saw Anna Mae’s face pale and Susanna flash a look of triumph. Emily closed her eyes as if in prayer. She could only imagine what each woman thought. Well, if truth be told, Millie knew Susanna saw her as competition. She wondered if she should tell the other woman she had no interest in marrying Levi or any other man.

Hannah led her into a big room with wall-to-wall bookshelves. Large comfy chairs sat about with end tables between them. She grabbed Millie’s hands and declared, “You must tell me everything you know about Cottonwood Springs. Have I missed much since I’ve been gone?”

Where did she begin? Millie allowed Hannah to lead her to one of the chairs, where she released her hands and took the chair opposite her. “Haven’t you received any news from Mrs. Kelly or Mrs. Billings?” she asked, stalling for time and praying Hannah’s two best friends hadn’t figured out that she’d burned down Mrs. Kelly’s house.

“Oh, well, both have written, but I’d hoped you’d have newer news.” Hannah leaned forward in her chair as if Millie’s next words would be golden.

Millie straightened in the chair. “Let’s start with their letters. What did they tell you? I’ll be able to fill in anything else I might know.”

“Eliza wrote that her house was burned down and that they think it was a group of boys that might have caused the fire, but she refuses to press charges against anyone. She’s married now to the new blacksmith, Jackson Hart, and they have adopted a little boy.” Hannah smiled across at Millie. “What she didn’t tell me was what kind of man her new husband is. All I know is that he brought Eliza home from Durango the day after I got on the train to come out here. What do you think of him? Is he a God-fearing man? What does he look like?”

A smile crept over Millie’s face. So Hannah didn’t know she’d burned down Eliza’s house and she basically wanted more information on the new blacksmith. “I didn’t know they got married, but she did seem sweet on him. And, yes, I have to say he’s as handsome as they come.” But not as handsome as Levi. She pushed the troublesome thought away and continued, “As for him being a God-fearing man, I have no idea. I left shortly after they arrived back from Durango.”

“Why?” She waved her hand as if to stop whatever answer Millie was about to give. “Oh, I know you came to be Levi’s wife, but why did you decide to be a mail-order bride?”

The time had come. Millie knew she had to be as honest as she could with Hannah. “I ran away from home. Since Rebecca came to Cottonwood Springs as a mail-order bride, and she and Seth are so happy together, I thought that doing the same would get me out of Ma’s house and far away from her bossiness.”

Hannah raised her hand to her mouth. “You didn’t,” she whispered.

“Yes, I did. I left home shortly after you did.” Millie leaned back into the soft cushion of the chair. She prayed Hannah wouldn’t mention Eliza’s house again, so that she wouldn’t have to confess her part in its destruction.

Horror now filled Hannah’s face as she shot off her questions. “But I left over six months ago. Where have you been all this time? I bet your mother is worried sick. Have you contacted your parents? Told them where you are?”

Millie leaned forward and grabbed Hannah’s hands between hers. “I’ll answer your questions, Hannah, but you have to promise me that you won’t write and tell anyone from home where I am. I’m not ready to face my parents yet.”

Hannah gently removed her hands. “Millie, I can’t force you to contact your parents, but you have to let them know you are safe. You can come out here and live with me and Daniel, tell them that and they will at least know you are all right.”

“Thank you for the kind offer of letting me stay with you, but I have a job and place to live in town. I will tell them I’m here.” Millie felt the air rush from her lungs as panic seeped through her blood. “Just not yet.”

“But why?”

Millie tried to control her emotions. “You know how Ma is. I just need more time to prove myself as an artist. She will never let me do that if I go home now. And if I contact her and tell her where I am, she and Papa will be on the next stage out here. They will insist I’m too young to be on my own.”

Confusion covered Hannah’s face. “But I thought you were going to marry Levi.”

Millie knew she was botching this conversation. She took a deep breath and tried again. “I was, but when I arrived in Lubbock, I realized I’m not ready for marriage. I worked for about six months and sold a couple of my drawings so that I could give Levi back the money he sent for my passage here. Then I took the next stage and came on out to tell him I’d changed my mind. I arrived today.”

“Have you told him yet?” Hannah’s eyes were the size of summer apples.

Millie grinned. “Yes, I did, and he was just as relieved as I was. He’d changed his mind, too.”

Hannah shook her head. “And here Bonnie has been collecting other mail-order brides for him.” Her eyes twinkled with merriment. “Speaking of which—” she pushed up out of her chair “—maybe we should head back to the sitting room and try to rescue my brother-in-law from the other ladies.”

Millie fought her way out of the cushions. “Hannah, are you going to contact Ma and Pa?” She had to know before they left the room. As much as she liked Granite, if Hannah planned on contacting her family, Millie knew she’d move on to another town and probably in another state.

“No, you should do that.” Hannah turned and faced her. She rested one hand on her stomach and the other on the doorknob. “But I know if a child of mine ever ran away, I’d be going out of my mind with worry. Promise you’ll let them know soon?”

How soon was soon? Millie knew she had to make her own way before she told her parents where she was or before she returned to Cottonwood Springs. Plus, she wanted to make enough money to rebuild Eliza’s home and business. How long would that take? Honestly, Millie didn’t know, but she didn’t think it would be soon enough for Hannah. “I can’t promise soon, Hannah. I need time, but when I can, I will.”

Hannah nodded. “I won’t say anything, but I really hope you will pray about it and let them know. They are your parents, Millie. They love you.”

Millie nodded. Although she knew they loved her, she also knew she couldn’t go home and live under their roof again. She had to prove to them she was an adult now and could make her own way. It is not good that man should be alone, whispered through her mind. Millie tried to ignore it even as she wondered if that applied to women, too.

* * *

Levi had never been so happy to see an evening end as he had this one. He helped Millie into the buggy and then hurried to join her. Though the mail-order brides weren’t that bad, the continued questioning from his mother had been horrible. He knew she was only trying to help the ladies get to know him better, but, confound it, he didn’t want to get to know them better.

Hannah stood beside the wagon. She appeared both happy and worried. “We are having a birthday party for Daniel in a couple of weeks. Be sure and come out for it. All right, Millie?”

Millie took the empty pie plate Hannah was handing up to her. “I will.”

“Good.” Hannah allowed Daniel to wrap his arms around her waist. She smiled up at him, and love shone from her eyes.

Why couldn’t Lucille have loved him like that? Bitterness touched his soul for a brief moment as he watched the happy couple. Love had shown in Lucille’s eyes but it had not been for him. It had been for the ranch. He pushed the unpleasantness aside and decided to be happy for his brother and Hannah. Levi tore his eyes from them.

His mother had been thrilled with their baby announcement, and the brides had all looked at him expectantly—all but Millie, who was too busy congratulating her friend to pay attention to him.

He clicked his tongue, and the horses moved forward.

Millie waved at Hannah and called, “I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.” Then she turned and placed her hands in her lap.

Levi wasn’t sure what to say so he didn’t say anything. More than once this evening, he’d felt Millie watching him, but Levi didn’t think she was looking at him as husband material. During dinner, she’d seemed entertained by his situation with the brides.

His mother had complimented Millie on the pie she had brought and then promptly began praising Emily Rodgers’s baking skills. According to his mother, Emily’s cinnamon buns would melt in his mouth. Since he favored the buns over most desserts, he assumed his mother had been trying to make Emily more appealing in his eyes.

He’d smiled at the redhead only to have Susanna Marsh state that she could sew better than anyone back home and then that if he’d like, she’d make him a new Sunday shirt. Levi had almost spewed his coffee all over the dinner table at the offer. That had been when he’d caught Millie’s grin. It hadn’t been the first one of the night, but it had been the brightest.

She broke the silence in the wagon. “So did you speak to your mother about the brides?” Humor laced her voice.

“I listened more than I spoke. She was more than happy to tell me she’d read my letters and rewrote them.”

Millie frowned. “How did she get your letters?”

Levi sighed. “I placed them in the box beside the front door, to be mailed by the next person who went to town. That was foolishness on my part. I should have taken them to town myself.”

“What did she write? Surely she knew you couldn’t marry all three of them.” Confusion laced her pretty face.

“I don’t know the exact words, but Ma said she promised them that if her son didn’t marry them that there were other eligible bachelors in the area and that she would help them settle down in Granite, Texas.” Misery wrapped itself around Levi’s shoulder like a winter’s fog.

“I see.”

“No, you don’t. No one does. She is determined that I marry and has given me a year to do so.” He didn’t wait for Millie to comment. “If I don’t, she’s going to sell the ranch.” Levi realized he was pouring his heart out to a virtual stranger, but Millie made it easy to talk to her.

The wheels of the wagon crunched loudly in the silent night. “That’s not much of a threat. You live in town.”

Levi sighed. “That’s true, but Daniel lives on the ranch. It’s his home.”

“Couldn’t he find a new home? People move all the time.”

She meant well, Levi was sure of it. Millie just didn’t understand because she didn’t know the Westlands or their history. “It’s not that simple. Daniel promised Pa he’d make sure the ranch continued to run before he died. In the process of doing that, Daniel fell in love with the land and he would do anything to hang on to it, including placing a mail-order bride ad and falling in love with Hannah.” He thought the last part of his explanation would be enough for Millie.

“Then why doesn’t Daniel tell his mother how he feels? I’m sure she’ll relent and let him keep it whether you marry or not.”

It all sounded so simple when Millie put it like that but again, she didn’t know Bonnie Westland. The woman had thrown down the ultimatum, and now they would all pay if he didn’t do as she said.

“It’s not that simple, Millie. Daniel would never disrespect our mother. The land isn’t his to fight with her over, and once Ma makes up her mind, there is no changing it.”

Silence hung between them once more. After about half an hour, Millie spoke again. “So you will cow down to your mother’s bossiness.” It was a statement that sounded full of disappointment to him.

“No, I will marry because I love Daniel and I want him to be happy. After Pa died, Daniel became a second father to me. He’s stood in front of charging bulls to keep me safe. This is the least I can do for him.” Once the words were out of his mouth, Levi knew he’d marry before the year was up.

What other choice did he really have?

Chapter Four

Millie felt sorry for him. She’d thought her ma was bossy, but Ma would have had a hard time keeping up with Bonnie Westland tonight. At dinner, Bonnie had positioned herself at one end of the table and Levi at the other. She’d made sure everyone could see and hear her handsome son. She’d told each of them where to sit and then the questions began. Fortunately for Millie, Bonnie had paid very little attention to her.

The mail-order brides had answered Bonnie’s questions, and Millie had learned a lot about each of them.

Susanna Marsh had worn her widowhood like a badge of honor. She’d boasted of being an excellent wife and housekeeper, and claimed she specialized in making clothes for herself, her husband and the needy.

Anna Mae Leland had spoken quietly. She’d confessed she loved to teach and really would like to live in town.

At that point, Hannah had leaned over and whispered in Millie’s ear, “That’s why I’m having such a hard time getting her to take over the ranch school.” Millie realized quickly that nothing passed Anna Mae’s attention. Anna Mae raised a fine brown eyebrow in their direction as if to tell them whispering in public was rude.

Emily Rodgers had explained that she was the oldest of twelve and loved to cook and bake. She’d grown up on a small farm in Kansas, enjoyed gardening and hoped to find a job in town.

Millie had expected to be questioned in the same manner, but instead, Bonnie had complimented her on the pie she’d brought and then proceeded to tell Levi that Emily’s cinnamon buns were much better. Millie’s only consolation had been that Beth had baked the pie, not her. Of course, she didn’t say that. Millie was wise enough to simply smile and let the conversation flow right over her.

When Bonnie had directed her clear green eyes straight at Levi, Millie, who had been seated the farthest away from him, had leaned forward slightly in her chair. She’d wondered what his mother would expect to happen next. It hadn’t taken Bonnie long to demand Levi tell the ladies a little about himself.

The mail-order brides had sat up straighter in their chairs. Daniel had scoffed and Hannah had grinned. Looking back on it now, she could understand why Levi’s ears had turned bright pink.

Levi had laid his fork down, cleared his throat twice, and then proceeded to tell them that he placed God above all else.

From the corner of her eye, Millie had seen the frown that Susanna had hurried to mask. Millie wondered if it was because Susanna expected to be first in her husband’s life or did she have something against God or Christians? Having been raised in church, Millie figured the other woman simply wanted to come first in her future husband’s life.

He’d then told them that he owned several businesses in town that were run by other people. Levi’s face had relaxed and a smile had touched his lips as he’d told them about the furniture business that he ran. He’d leaned forward and shared that right now he was the only builder but someday, he might take on a partner because business was so good. As if he’d realized everyone was staring at him, Levi had concluded with saying that should he choose a bride, then she’d have to be willing to live in town. Both Anna Mae and Emily seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

Hannah had saved Levi from having to answer any further questions by saying she had an announcement to make. She and Daniel had stood up and turned to face Bonnie. “Daniel and I are going to have a baby, probably around the last of September or the first of October.” Her brilliant smile warmed Millie’s heart.

Everyone had congratulated the happy couple, and Millie hadn’t missed the subtle glances the brides had given to Levi. It was no wonder that soon afterward Levi had announced it was time to return to town.

Millie had agreed and covered a yawn proving she was tired from her long day. Now, sitting in silence beside him, she wanted to offer some form of comfort, but what?

Levi stopped the wagon in front of the boardinghouse and came around to help her down. His hands felt warm and strong around her waist. “Thank you for taking me with you this evening,” she offered as her feet touched the ground.

He looked down at her, and a gentle smile covered his lips. “I noticed you didn’t say, ‘I enjoyed myself.’”

She liked the way a teasing light lit his eyes. “No, I can’t say I enjoyed most of it. Although, it was kind of fun watching you skitter around those brides like they were hot coals popping out of the fireplace.”

Levi’s dimples flashed as he laughed. “My favorite part of the evening was when you told my mother that once she gets to know you, she will like you. I’ve never seen her stumped like that before in my life.”

Millie stepped out of his hands. “Yeah, it was kind of rude of me to be that forward, and I noticed she didn’t have much to say to me after that. Maybe I should apologize.”

“Don’t you dare. I think she might have met her match in you.” He continued to stare at her and his face sobered. “If you change your mind about getting married, let me know. I’m in the market for a wife, ya know?”

Had he just proposed to her? Millie took a step away from him and clasped the gate handle. “I know, and that’s about the saddest proposal I have ever heard. Nonetheless, I’m afraid I’ll have to pass it up. I’m going to continue with my plans of opening an art gallery in Granite someday.” Millie hoped to lighten the mood and winked at him. “Ya know—” she paused for effect “—you have three prospective brides waiting for you out on the Westland ranch.”

He groaned. “Yeah, I know. But seeing as you’re already in town, it will be easier to court you.” Levi pulled himself back up onto the wagon and winked down at her before turning the wagon around and heading back along the street.

Millie realized her jaw hung open and she snapped it shut. Had he insinuated he planned to court her? The gate creaked as she opened it. A yawn escaped as she made her way into the house and up to her room. No, surely he was simply teasing her.

She used the key to open her room. It was a nice space with tan walls. The window faced out over the front porch. She pushed back lavender-colored curtains and cracked it open. Crickets and locus sang on the soft evening air.

Tiredness enveloped her like an old friend. Millie changed out of her dress and into her nightgown. She pulled the quilt back on her bed and then blew out the lamp. The cool sheets welcomed her like dew on a crisp autumn morning.

And yet, sleep eluded Millie. She turned over and punched the pillow. Levi Westland was not going to try and court her, was he? Once more, she told herself they’d only been casting about playful banter.

Still, with three beautiful women at the ranch ready to marry him, why had Levi suggested she marry him? So what if she was already in town? That was no reason to focus on her. Especially since she’d already told him that she’d changed her mind about marriage.

Millie grew irritated from both lack of sleep and her wayward thoughts. If he thought he could woo or bully her into a marriage with him, Levi Westland had another think coming.

* * *

The next morning dawned bright and early. Millie hadn’t slept well and felt as prickly as a hedgehog. She dressed in her Sunday best and fixed her hair before heading downstairs to meet the rest of the boarders and to have breakfast. Beth had shown her around the day before so she knew exactly where to go in the big house.

Millie entered the dining room with a smile plastered on her face that she prayed looked believable. Beth looked up from cutting a young boy’s sausage. Levi had mentioned the evening before that Beth had a six-year-old son named Mark.

Mark smiled up at her, and she saw that he’d lost his front tooth. The boy seemed big for his age. Her papa would say the lad was built like a lumberman. She genuinely smiled at the thought of her papa.

“Good morning, Millie. I pray you slept well last night.”

She didn’t want to lie to her hostess so simply said, “Good morning, how are you today?” Millie averted her eyes from the two curious people who sat at the table.

The scents of bacon, eggs and hot biscuits filled the room.

A buffet had been set up against the far wall. It hadn’t been there the day before, and Millie wondered if it was something that Beth did every Sunday morning. She’d check, and if so, Millie decided to get up earlier to help her next Sunday.

“Very well. Go ahead and help yourself to breakfast. We aren’t formal here.” Beth waved toward the table lined with food.

Millie did as she was asked. The food looked and smelled wonderful. Once more, she thanked the Lord for the new job and the benefits it had to offer. She chose a little of everything on the table. Last night, she’d picked at her food; this morning, she intended to enjoy it. A genuine smile touched her lips; maybe today she wouldn’t have to deal with any of the Westlands and could just take pleasure in her first Sunday in Granite.

Millie poured herself a cup of coffee before picking up her plate and turning back to face the table. The rich aroma of the hot beverage soothed some of the prickles she’d been feeling.

There were four people present: Beth, Mark, an older woman who looked to be about seventy and a man with brown hair and soft brown eyes. Thanks to the coffee and their welcoming faces, Millie felt as if she could relax.

“Please, sit by me. I am so anxious to get to know you,” the gray-haired woman invited. Her steely blue eyes twinkled up at Millie.

How could she refuse such a kind offer? “Thank you.” Millie pulled out the chair beside the woman and sat.

“My name is Mrs. Englebright. I believe your room is right next to mine.” She picked up her cup and took a sip. When she set it back down, Millie noted that the older woman had added either cream or milk to the coffee.

“I’m Millie Hamilton.” She reached for the butter. Millie thought the woman already knew who she was, but she didn’t know what else to say.

Beth smiled about the table. She nodded to the gentleman, who sat up a little taller in his seat.

He cleared his throat and then announced, “Miss Hamilton, my name is Gerald Lupin. I work for the newspaper office. We will be printing our first issue one day next week.” He returned to his eggs.

As Millie buttered her biscuit, she replied, “It’s nice to meet you all. I didn’t know Granite had a newspaper office, Mr. Lupin.” She picked up a napkin and placed it in her lap.

He laid his fork down and then wiped his mouth before speaking. “We’ve been here about a month, but until recently didn’t have all the equipment we needed to print our paper.” Mr. Lupin tore his biscuit in half and reached for a small jar of honey.

Millie wondered who “we” and “our” were but didn’t ask. She was afraid she might disturb Mr. Lupin with further questions. He seemed a little preoccupied with his meal. She looked down the table at Beth, who simply shrugged.

“Sorry I’m late,” Levi Westland said as he entered the room. His hair was damp and he wore a crisp white shirt with dark trousers and black boots. “I wanted to finish Mrs. Lewis’s table before we went to church. You know she will be asking me about it this morning after services. It’ll be nice to tell her it’s done.” Levi continued on to the buffet and began filling his plate up with food.

Millie thought she was going to choke on her bread. What was he doing here? Was he stalking her? Or did he normally eat his meals at Beth’s Boardinghouse? But Beth had told her the day before that the house wasn’t open to customers on Sunday, only residents.

“You are fine,” Beth said as she wiped jelly off Mark’s mouth.

Levi scooted into the spot across from Millie, between Mark and Mr. Lupin. “I take it introductions have been made.”

It was Mark who answered around a mouthful of eggs. “Yep, they been talkin’ and talkin’. Miss Millie hasn’t even had her first bite of Ma’s wonderful biscuits yet.” The six-year-old grinned up at Levi.

“Thank you, Mark, for that nice compliment but don’t talk with your mouth full.” Beth beamed.

The little boy swallowed. “Yes, Ma.”

Levi looked across at her. “You have to try them, Millie. They are very good.”

Her hackles rose. There he went, telling her what to do again. Millie offered him a sweet smile and said, “All right, but do you think Beth’s rolls will be as tasty as Emily’s cinnamon buns?” She was rewarded with Levi’s sudden choking cough.

* * *

Levi sloshed coffee down his throat to wash down the suddenly dry biscuit. Millie took a dainty bite of hers, looking as innocent as the day she was born. Why did she have to bring up the mail-order bride?

Mark asked, “Who’s Emily?”

“She’s one of the mail-order brides we met last night.” Millie smiled sweetly at Gerald Lupin.

Did she hope Gerald would think he had a front-page story and start asking questions? Wouldn’t that set the little town of Granite into a tizzy? He could see the headlines now: Mail-Order Brides Descend On Granite, Texas, Thanks to the Westland Family. Levi wiped his mouth off and proceeded to eat his breakfast.

Mark asked, “What’s a mail-order bride?”

Levi wanted to groan and crawl away at the same time.

He was shocked when Gerald answered, “Mark, a mail-order bride is a woman who answers an advertisement in a newspaper, magazine or catalog. The ad is usually placed by a man who is looking for a wife or a bride. It’s a fairly common practice in some places.” As if speaking to himself he added, “I wonder if we should consider offering that kind of ad in our paper.”

“Oh.” The little boy sounded as if he had more questions.

Gerald placed his napkin on the table and stood. “If everyone will excuse me, I need to get ready for church.”

Beth picked up her plate and Mark’s. “We need to finish getting ready, too, son.”

Thankfully, Mark hurried after his mother with no further mention of mail-order brides. Levi sighed and tucked into his eggs.

Mrs. Englebright pushed her almost-empty plate back. “How many brides were there?” She directed her gaze to Millie.

Millie lowered her roll. “There were three.”

“And they all came to marry our Levi?”

Levi felt her gaze upon him but decided to ignore both Mrs. Englebright and the heat he felt burning in his ears.

He heard the laughter in Millie’s voice. “They sure did. I think they are smitten with him.” She was really enjoying his discomfort. What could he do to stop her?

The question filled his mind as Mrs. Englebright continued with questions of her own. “And what did you think of the young ladies, Millie?”

Millie picked up her coffee and blew on it. “They seemed nice enough. I’m sure whichever one Levi chooses he’ll be happy with.”

“You’re probably right. After the war, women from my hometown were answering those ads. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. When Harvey didn’t come home and I heard he’d died in battle, I thought about it, but, well, I wasn’t ready.” She paused as if deep in thought and then turned a brilliant smile on the both of them. “But most of them gals that did get new husbands were happier than seasoned punch. I asked them to write me after they were married and they did. It was nice hearing about the lives they’d begun.”

Levi decided to speak up and maybe turn the teasing card around to Millie. “They were all very nice, but I think I’ve set my cap on marrying Miss Millie. After all, she was the first mail-order bride to answer my advertisement. Isn’t that right, Millie?” He sat back and crossed his arms, daring her to deny it.

“Yes, but as I’ve already told you, I’ve changed my mind.” Millie’s cheeks turned pink and her eyes studied the plate full of food in front of her.

Mrs. Englebright chuckled as she pushed out of her chair. “I think I’ll go freshen up some before church, too.”

Levi watched her leave. She was a sweet woman, and he was glad her kids had set her up here at the boardinghouse. He turned his gaze to Millie.

She’d quietly left the table and taken her plate and Mrs. Englebright’s with her to the washtub.

He stuffed the rest of his biscuit into his mouth and grabbed up the remaining dirty dishes on the table. It surprised him when she rolled up her sleeves to do the dishes.

“You don’t have to do those. Beth usually gets to them when she does the lunch dishes.” Levi set the plates into the hot water.

Millie offered him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Why does Beth always have to do them?”

She had a point. Levi rolled his sleeves up, too, and moved to the washtub. He could tell he’d pushed too far with his teasing. Millie released pent-up air that drifted across the hairs of his arms.

“If you insist on helping, please let me wash and you dry. I have no idea where these go.” She handed him a tea towel.

Levi scooted to the side, and she moved into his spot in front of the dishpan. He took the first plate that she’d washed and dried it. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you with Mrs. Englebright.”

“Are you?” There was a slight twinge of doubt in her voice.

Was he? Levi didn’t like the fact that he’d upset her. He’d simply been trying to take the attention off himself and she had been the most convenient person in the room to direct it to. “Yes.”

She bobbed her head once. “Then thank you for that.”

Levi took the dishes as she passed them to him. When they finished, they had a nice stack piled on the sideboard and he felt a sense of accomplishment. How many Sundays had Beth come home to dirty dishes? Too many. He decided to change the way things were done on Sundays, and he had Millie to thank for that.

Millie kept quiet as they worked. Was she still angry with him? Levi decided to find out. “As soon as I toss out this water and put away the dishes, how would you like to sit with me on the front porch while we wait for the others?”

Her pretty blue eyes searched his. He could see questions within their depths and couldn’t help but wonder what she was thinking. She pushed a stray curl off her forehead and nodded. “All right. I’ll even help you put the food away, but when we get out there, I have a few questions for you, Mr. Westland.”

She scooped up two platters and headed toward the kitchen. Dread filled Levi. She’d called him Mr. Westland in the same tone that his mother used when she said his full name. What new questions did she have for him now? Dread crept up his spine and into his hairline.

Chapter Five

Millie hurried as she put away the leftover food. She was tired of playing games with Levi Westland. He’d mentioned again his interest in marrying her. She needed to nip that line of thinking in the bud. He had no business even considering her as a future wife.

When the kitchen was straightened and all the food had been stored, Levi asked, “Ready?” He rolled his white sleeves back down.

Her gaze ran over the cleared buffet. “I believe so.” She led the way out to the front porch.

Levi held the door open for her. Again, Millie inhaled the sweet scent of fresh-cut wood. One of the reasons she’d answered Levi’s mail-order bride letters was because he’d written that he was a carpenter and enjoyed working with wood. Millie grinned at her own silliness, just because her father worked in a sawmill and worked in wood, she’d thought at the time her husband should, too.

He indicated for her to sit on the new hanging swing. Had he put it up this morning? She didn’t recall it being there yesterday. It swayed slightly as he sat also.

“Is this new?” Millie asked, feeling the smoothness of the arm of the swing.

His green eyes sparkled with pride. “It is. I’m hoping that our neighbors will see it and want one. Do you like it?”

Millie nodded. “It’s very comfortable.” She sat back and enjoyed the gentle rocking motion.

After several moments of comfortable silence, Levi cleared his throat. “I understand you have some questions for me? The others will be out soon.” He gently reminded her.

She turned on the seat so that she could look him in the eyes. “I do. Why do you keep insinuating you’d like to marry me when you know perfectly well I’ve changed my mind about marriage?”

He chuckled and cleared his throat. “Last night, I was teasing you. This morning, well, I’ll be honest, I was in an embarrassing position and wanted to get the attention off me with a little playful banter with you. It worked, too. Mrs. Englebright left the dining area without any more talk about mail-order brides.” He beamed a dimple-filled smile at her.

Frustration filled her. “Yes, she did, but did it ever occur to you that she might have taken you seriously and even now is plotting some form of matchmaking?”

He stared back at her with a blank expression.

Millie felt lost in the sea of green that was his eyes. They flashed with specks of yellow and hints of little-boy mischief and grown-man joy. Levi always seemed to be smiling or at least his eyes were.

She shook her head and turned her gaze from his. Eyes didn’t smile. What was wrong with her? If she didn’t watch it, next thing she knew she’d be fantasizing about his mouth and finding different meanings for his words. Like some silly girl whose head was full of romantic nonsense.

“No, but would that be so bad?”

She quickly cut her gaze back to him in disbelief. Was the man deaf? Hadn’t she just told him she didn’t want to get married?

He held up both hands in a show of surrender. “I’m not saying we have to get married. As long as Ma and everyone else assume we’re courting, they won’t be after me to choose one of the other brides.” Levi tilted his head as if saying, Think about it.

Millie stared at him. Did she understand him correctly? He wanted everyone to believe they were courting just so he wouldn’t have to deal with his mother and the other brides. Was that fair to the prospective brides? Was it fair to his mother? Could she seriously go along with his plan?

Levi turned on the bench and faced forward. “I’m not ready to get married, either, Millie. But I feel like I’m being forced to make decisions for my future that I don’t feel comfortable with. All I’m asking is that we be friends. If others read more than friendship into that, that is their business. I need time to figure out which bride I’m going to marry.” His voice sounded tired. She recognized the cause. She’d lived with it all her life: the inability to chart your own course in life because of an overbearing parent. She considered the pros and cons of his suggestion.

Being friends with Levi would be nice, and she could move around freely in the town under the umbrella of his protection. The bad part was, his mother seemed to be even more assertive than hers and Millie would have to endure even more contact with her. But who better than herself to deal with an aggressive mother, since she had vast years of experience?

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