A Mail Order Bride for the Miner (Love by Mail #2)(3)

No, such fragile creatures weren’t for him. Yet the more he looked at Mercy, her rosy cheeks, glowing complexion and round belly, the more he questioned himself. If Cole found such a lovely bride, maybe…

“…back in Missouri,” Mercy said. She must have not noticed he drifted off lost in his thoughts. “I used to write letters for mail order brides before I met Cole.”

“And now she runs an inn and a mail order bride agency.” Cole stepped up to her side beaming with pride. He bent down to kiss Mercy on the head.

Hank averted his gaze at the display of affection. "Ma wanted me to - to get married." He sighed.

Mercy immediately perked up and turned to Cole and then Hank. “Oh, my agency can help you find the perfect bride!”

Hank stepped back. “I – I was just –“

Cole grinned.

“Sounds good, honey. Hank’s pretty shy, so you’ll need to find him someone extra special." He winked at Hank, who glowered. "But for now, let’s look at the caskets.” He turned to the older man. “Follow me.”

Hank tipped his head to Mercy and followed Cole to the back. Several caskets of different size and style leaned against the wall. Hank thought of the tears. Maybe this whole marriage business was a good way to occupy his mind?

He glanced at Cole. Why did he need an ad? Cole was a handsome man, and coming from the family of undertakers he likely would have had his pick of the ladies in town. In fact, Cole would probably had gotten married before Hank left for California, if not for his too-jolly attitude when dealing with the dead. People used to whisper things about Cole, but Hank never listened. After all they whispered about him too.

Hank thought back to many a night they spent at the saloon, in fear of growing old and alone. But then Cole had gotten married. How long has it been since he visited his old friend?

“So, what do you think?” Cole asked, tapping a casket in dark mahogany.

Hank scratched his head. “H-how much?”

“You pullin’ my donkey’s tail?” Cole snorted. And in a more somber tone, “It’s for free.” Hank opened his mouth, but Cole shook his head. “Don’t even think ‘bout it.”

Hank gripped his friend’s arm. “Thanks.”

Cole nodded and slapped him on the arm. “C’mon, why don’t you come by our place? We’ve got plenty of stew to go round. A lot has changed in town since you left. Changed for the better. And I’m sure some company will do you good.”

Cole placed a shoulder around Mercy, who beamed at Hank. "We can get started on your ad later."

Hank coughed into his fist. This was one eager lady Cole had married. "I’m don’t – don’t know."

Cole chuckled. "Your Ma had been harpin’ on about you getting’ married, Hank."

"Her dying wish," Hank muttered to himself.

"C’mon," Cole began, "we’ll help you out, and in a few weeks’ time, you’ll have found your bride."





Chapter 2


December 1871



Hank’s heart thumped so hard, he worried it would jump out of his chest and into his hands. Talk about offering his heart to the bride.

"What if – what if she – she doesn’t come –?”

"She will," Claire said, eyes twinkling. The pastor’s sister seemed more excited than him.

"Oh, I think that’s her now!" Mercy turned to Claire. "This reminds me of the time I first met Cole. He was late picking me up."

Hank chuckled.

Claire shook Hank’s arm. "That’s her, right?"

Hank took a deep breath. Miss Flynn had sent a picture of her taken two years ago, but there was no doubt it was her. It seemed little had changed over the two years.

"What’s that on her face? Is she injured?" Claire murmured.

Hank felt his cheeks burn. He didn’t mention it, but he thought Mercy might have told her friend. After all she had read the letters, she had seen the photograph. But he had no time to say anything.

The young woman stepped off the coach. A blue kerchief wrapped around her head kept her hair in place and long, loose strands covered, or were meant to cover, the left side of her face. She looked straight at them, but made no move.

Mercy smiled at the newcomer. "Sarah? Sarah Flynn?"

The woman nodded and smiled, and Hank’s heart melted.

While Claire and Mercy ran towards her Hank took the time to observe his bride to be and followed in a stately manner.

She was taller than both Mercy and Claire, and although part of her face was hidden, she stood with unyielding grace, back straight and shoulders wide apart.

"Howdy, I’m Claire."

"I’m Mercy. Welcome to Angel Creek, Sarah."

“Howdy.” Sarah smiled at them and then turned to Hank. "Hello, Mr. Welton."

Hank opened his mouth, but then gritted his teeth. He’d just embarrass himself. And what if she turned tail and ran when she found out? He settled with a brisk nod at her.

Sarah visibly paled.

"Oh, don’t mind him." Claire squeezed Sarah’s hand. "He’s just shy. He’s so happy to see you he’s stumped good."

Mercy nodded. "Come with us now. You’ll be staying at Pastor Shepard’s house."