BRIANNA: A Sweet Western Historical Romance (Mail-Order Brides Club Book 4) (5 page)

W
hen Brianna closed
the door behind her, she saw Colleen curled up on the sofa reading a book. She looked up and smiled. "Did you have fun?"

Brianna walked over and joined Colleen on the sofa. "Yes, it was a really nice evening. I think Paul and I will be good friends."

"Well, that's certainly a good place to start."

"You know that it's much too soon for me to think about anything more than that."

"Yes, of course it is. I'm just excited for you, and I really like Paul."

"I do, too. He's easy to like. He mentioned something about a barn-raising tomorrow. Are we going to that?"

"Yes, David mentioned it to me a week or so ago and I forgot all about it until this morning. We were talking about it over breakfast."

"Right. I think I may have walked in on the end of that conversation. No wonder I thought I heard the term before. What actually happens at a barn-raising?"

"It's a fascinating thing to watch. It's like a big party, but a productive one. Most all of the men in town gather to work together and build the barn. The work goes very quickly with so many hands, and then at the end of the day when it's finished, everyone celebrates with a big potluck dinner. All the women bring food, and there's music and dancing. It's a festive, fun time. I think you'll enjoy it."

"That's what Paul said, too. I am looking forward to it. But right now, I think I'm ready for bed."

M
orning came quickly
, and Brianna woke well-rested and ready for the day ahead. The barn-raising was to begin at 8:00 a.m., and David had already gone to meet the other men when Brianna strolled into the kitchen. Colleen was busy making tea and slicing bread for toast.

"We'll go over there after lunch, later this afternoon. There's no point in going earlier because there won't be much for us to do. I'm going to do some cooking this morning, to make a few things to bring over."

"What are you making? I'm happy to help."

"I can definitely use your help. I have a lot of potatoes to peel. I'm making potato salad and some corn muffins."

"Will Emma and Julia be going?" Brianna asked.

Colleen handed her a mug of hot tea and then a plate of toast with the jelly on the side.

"Yes, Julia mentioned at the pub yesterday that they would be going. Liam had Mrs. Johnson made a big batch of pulled pork."

"That sounds delicious."

"And I'm sure that Emma and Emily are probably making something, too."

A
t around three thirty
, Colleen and Brianna started to load the buggy with the food. It took about a half hour to make the drive to where the barn-raising was being held. There was a good crowd there when they arrived. More than sixty men were busy building the barn. Brianna was surprised to see that it looked almost finished. The men were split into groups, with each handling a different function. Some were sanding, some painting, and others were on the roof, laying shingles.

The women were busy setting up the food. It was a beautiful day, sunny and clear. They added their potato salad and corn muffins to the collection of food that was already overflowing on the table. There were children everywhere, running and playing, but at a good distance from where the men were working. Julia and Emma were already there, and as soon as they set their food down, Colleen and Brianna walked over to them.

“Have you been to one of these before?” Brianna asked her friends. They all nodded yes.

“It’s common here,” said Julia.

“It’s amazing, how everyone gathers and works together.” Brianna was fascinated by how efficient it all seemed.

“Everyone helps, so the work gets done faster. They all do it for each other,” Emma explained.

“The best part is coming soon, when the men finish, and the festivities begin,” Colleen said.

Sure enough, less than an hour later, the men were completely done and the barn was finished. They made their way toward the table and loaded up their plates with food. Once all the men had served themselves, the women and children lined up to fill their plates. There was plenty of food, all kinds of delicious looking things, from Mrs. Johnson’s barbecued pork to roast chicken, an assortment of sandwiches, baked casseroles with cheese and vegetables, potato salad, and much more.

Once everyone was done with dinner and nibbling on desserts, several of the men went to their buggies and then returned with musical instruments and started to play. The music was lively and soon people were dancing. Brianna decided to indulge in a second piece of the decadent chocolate cake that Emma and Emily had made. There were a couple of women standing by the dessert table, deep in conversation. They didn’t notice Brianna, but she recognized them from earlier when Colleen had introduced them. They were both about her age. Betty Sue was recently married, and Mabel still lived at home. Brianna remembered from Colleen’s letters that Mabel had been a bit of a gossip and had also once hoped to marry David. She knew that Colleen was not overly fond of Mabel.

“Rumor is that she’s expecting. They say she’s a widow, but one never really does know the truth about these things,” Mabel said.

Brianna froze in the middle of slicing the cake as she realized that they were talking about her.

“I wonder how long she’s planning to stay with them,” Betty Sue said and then added, “They are newlyweds, and I know I certainly wouldn’t welcome another person in the house for long.”

Mabel snickered and then said, “I know. If I was newly married to David, I would want him all to myself. That much I know.”

They changed the subject after that, and Brianna scurried away with a piece of cake that she no longer had an appetite for.

She felt terrible. Colleen had told her that she could stay as long as she liked, but Betty Sue was right. Colleen and David were newlyweds, and the last thing they needed was another person in the way.

W
hen she returned
to where Julia and Colleen were sitting, Colleen took one look at her face and asked, "What's wrong?"

Brianna forced a smile. "Nothing. I just realized now that I took this piece of chocolate cake that I'm really not that hungry after all."

"Well, pass it over here. I'll help you get rid of it," Colleen said.

Julia reached for her fork. "I will, too. Emma's cake is the best."

"Emily did most of it," Emma said. "She's becoming quite the little baker."

Brianna smiled at that. "She's a sweet girl. She really seems to love you."

"I know, I'm lucky," Emma agreed.

After they finished sharing the piece of cake, David and Paul walked over and asked if they wanted to dance. Ethan and Liam were right behind them, and within minutes they were all dancing to the music. It was a lively beat and they danced for several songs before the music slowed. Paul pulled her closer to him and they swayed to the soothing melody. When the song ended, he took her hand.

"Can we go for a walk?" he asked. "I'd like to talk to you."

"Of course," she said happily as she followed him away from the crowd. He led her a short ways away to the bank of a small pond. There were several large rocks there, which had flat surfaces perfect for seating. Once they were comfortably situated, Paul took her hand again and had a serious expression.

"I have a proposal to make. I want you to know my intentions. I would like to marry you. We’ve only just recently met, so it wouldn't be truthful for me to say that I'm in love with you, and I don't think you would respect me if I did say that. But, I think that I could fall in love with you. I like and admire everything about you that I've learned so far, and I have to admit, the moment I saw you I felt a stronger attraction than I’ve felt for any other woman. I would marry you tomorrow, if you would have me.” He hesitated for a moment, and then continued. “But, I know the timing may not be quite right for you, given your situation."

Brianna was shocked. And it must have shown on her face, because Paul quickly added, "I also want you to know that if you would consider marrying me, we could take things very slowly. You could have all the time that you need. We could live as friends, good friends, until you decide that you want that to change. I know this must be coming as a shock to you, and I don't expect an answer today. But I felt very strongly that I needed to tell you how I am feeling."

Brianna felt a mixture of dismay and delight. She had expected that she would probably stay with Colleen for at least several months before eventually deciding to marry. But, she realized that was selfish of her and that there was only one right and proper thing to do. She didn't need to think about it. It was quite obvious what her answer must be. She took a deep breath.

"I will marry you. I appreciate the offer, especially your willingness for us to take things slowly. I can't truthfully promise you that I will ever love you as I once loved my husband, but I can promise you that I will make you a good wife."

Paul looked disbelieving and then delighted. "That's all I could hope for. And you've made me the happiest man alive today. How soon would you like to marry?"

Brianna thought about that. Now that she had decided that she would marry, she thought it best to do it as soon as possible, so that Colleen could have her house back to herself again.

"Perhaps in two weeks?

"
A
re you sure about this
?" Colleen asked her softly when the others went back out to the dance floor and Paul had gone off in search of dessert. She had looked more worried than excited when Brianna and Paul came back to the group and shared their good news.

"Yes, I'm sure. Paul is a good man. He is easy to be around and I think he will make a good husband."

"Paul is great. But do you already know that you love him?"

"I don't think that I really have the luxury of waiting to fall in love. The clock is ticking." She hesitated and then added, "And I'm sure you would love to have your house back to yourself."

"Don't be silly. You're welcome to stay as long as you like, I told you that. I mean it." Colleen seemed sincere, but Brianna still couldn't help thinking about what those two women had said and she agreed with them. It wasn't right for her to stay longer at Colleen’s when she had the opportunity to marry.

"I have made up my mind. I am going to marry Paul."

T
he dancing continued
, and everyone was in a celebratory mood. Most of the students from Brianna's class were there, running around and playing in the grass. Millie and Peter were among the liveliest, and were playing ball with a large group of children. Peter threw the ball at one point, and his aim was a bit off as it hit a man on the sidelines square in the head. That man was not at all happy about the situation.

"Who did this?" he screamed.

Peter immediately apologized. "I'm sorry, Father. I didn't mean to."

His father went from being upset to enraged. "Come here, now."

Peter hesitated, and then walked over to where his father stood. As soon as he was within reach, his father lifted his arm and then swung, hitting his son on the side of his head with all his might. Peter fell to his knees, and his father hit him a second time for good measure.

"You're lucky we're not home, or you'd be getting the belt, too. It's time to go. Get your sister."

Brianna and Paul watched the scene with horror, as Peter struggled to his feet and his sister ran to his side and helped him up. The crowd was mostly silent as the small family walked away, got into their buggy and drove off.

"Those poor children. Isn't there anything that we can do?" Brianna asked.

"Unfortunately, no," Paul said and didn't look at all happy about it. "He is their father, and has the right to discipline them as he sees fit."

"I was warned about the two of them when I started at the school. Now I understand better why they may be difficult at times, given what they have to deal with at home." She told Paul about the fight Peter had gotten into that week and why.

"It's gotten much worse since his wife died, from what I understand. She has been gone for five years now, and he gets mean when he drinks. He was drinking tonight with the men, and from what I gather, it's a rare day that he doesn't drink too much."

Brianna's heart went out to those two children. Now that they’d lost their mother, who would protect them?

T
he next two
weeks passed quickly. Colleen insisted on making Brianna a wedding dress.

"Just something simple. It doesn't have to be elaborate or fancy. But you should have a new dress for your wedding. That will be my gift to you."

Colleen surprised her with a beautiful piece of fabric that she picked up at the mercantile after her lunch shift. It was a pale apricot shade, a soft shimmery fabric that highlighted her blonde hair. Colleen designed a beautiful dress that was flattering and full, so that she could wear it throughout her pregnancy.

The sun shone brightly on the day of the wedding. It was a Saturday afternoon and after the ceremony there was going to be a reception at Naomi and Jed’s. Both Paul and Brianna had insisted on something simple, a small wedding with just the immediate family and a few friends. Brianna didn't want them to make much of a fuss.

Colleen helped her to get ready, fastening the back of her dress and playing with her hair, tying part of it up with a shiny ribbon and letting soft waves cascade down her back. When she was finished, Brianna looked in the mirror and felt a mixture of sadness and excitement.

"You look beautiful, but are you sure that you want to do this?" Colleen looked concerned.

Brianna smiled. "Yes, I'm sure. It's why I came here, and I think it will work out."

"Well, I love that you'll be living right next door," said Colleen. "We can still see each other all the time."

"I'm counting on it."

"
A
re you sure about this
?" David asked his brother the morning of the wedding. He'd taken a ride out to Paul’s house after breakfast, while the girls were getting ready.

"Yes, I'm sure. Remember how you knew when you first met Colleen? That's how it is with Brianna. Are we madly in love? No, not yet. But I'm confident that we'll get there." Paul knew that his brother only want the best for him. He was going to be his best man at the ceremony.

"I understand. I'm just surprised that Brianna agreed to marry so soon. Why the rush?"

Paul thought about that for a moment. "I get the sense that she wants things settled. That she's ready to move on. Not necessarily emotionally, but she is ready to be married again, especially with the baby coming. And I think she likes me, though I don't think she's capable of being anything more than friends yet. I told her that we can take things as slowly as she wants and that she can have all the time that she needs to feel comfortable."

"Good. It will give you time to get to know each other better, to really develop a friendship and partnership."

Paul grinned. "I still can't believe she said yes. I feel like the luckiest man alive."

"And you are, if that's how you feel. I'm happy for you," said David. "I should get back to the girls. It's almost time for us to head to the church."

"I will see you there."

B
rianna's nerves
took over as they reached the church. David got out of the buggy and tied up the horses, then came around to help both girls out. There was already a small crowd gathered, and a sense of anticipation was in the air. Pastor Ben was waiting for them when they came into the church, and directed them where to go. As soon as the organ music began, Colleen, as Brianna's matron of honor, led the way into the small church and Brianna and David followed. He had offered to escort her and would then take his spot next to Paul as the best man. As Brianna walked down the aisle holding lightly to David's arm as she went, she saw the happy expressions of the people in the pews, and the reality of what she was about to do hit her for the first time. It felt surreal, almost as if she was walking in a dream. Ahead of her Paul waited, and he looked as handsome as he possibly could, but Brianna felt little other than a mild feeling of warmth as one would for a friend. She just couldn't put herself in the mindset of someone who was madly in love and about to get married. She felt guilty about that and then guilty again for getting married so soon. In her mind, she was still married to Ted. It was far different from her first wedding, and that would be impossible to measure up to. But Paul was a wonderful person, and he had said that he would be patient with her. She also sensed that he would be a good father, and that was important to her. More than anything else, she had to think of the baby first.

Pastor Ben was smiling as he led them through the simple service and vows. She repeated as instructed and after they had both exchanged I do's, he pronounced them man and wife.

"You may now kiss your bride."

Paul leaned in and gave her a proper peck on the lips. It lasted but a moment, and she was surprised to discover that the feel of his lips was not entirely unpleasant.

Everyone congratulated them as they filed out of the church. Brianna then went with Paul to his buggy and they all caravanned back to Jed and Naomi's for the reception.

Paul turned to her with a smile as they started to ride away from the church. "So, Mrs. Donovan, we're married. How does it feel?"

Brianna chuckled, "It's going to take some getting used to. Being called Mrs. Donovan, that is."

Paul looked more serious for a moment. “I just want you to know that I do intend to be a good husband, and a good father for your child. You will never have to worry about that."

Brianna was moved. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."

They chatted easily the rest of the way, and aside from the fact that she was in a brand new dress, it didn't feel like she had just gotten married. It felt like she was just out for a drive with her new friend, Paul.

Once they arrived at the house and went inside, Naomi was bustling around getting the food ready.

"Can I do anything to help?" Brianna asked.

Naomi handed her a large platter of cheese and assorted meats. "Yes, please set this on the long table against the wall.” Brianna did as instructed and then all of the girls continued to help Naomi put food out, so it was ready in just a few minutes. Naomi had explained that it was going to be buffet style, so everyone could just help themselves to whatever they wanted. There were all kinds of food, from fried chicken to sliced meats, potato salad, fresh baked bread, a bubbly cheese and potato casserole and more. In the corner of the room sat the wedding cake. It was all frosted in white, and was several layers high.

"Did you make the cake, too? It's beautiful."

"No, Julia and Emma did that. Each of them baked a cake and then brought them here to frost and assemble. The vanilla bottom layer is the one that Julia made, and the top layer is Emma's—that's chocolate. So people can choose whichever flavor they like."

"That is wonderful. And I won't be choosing. I plan to have some of both."

Naomi smiled at that. "I'm sure you won't be alone." She then announced to everyone that the food was ready, and that they should all come take a plate and eat.

Brianna had just settled down at the lawn table with Paul on her left and Colleen on her right when another man joined them, one that she hadn't met before but he did look somewhat familiar. With his almost-black hair and light skin, he had the look of the Donovans about him. Paul made the introductions. "Brianna this is my cousin Ricky. Ricky, my wife, Brianna."

Ricky smiled and held out his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you." He sat down and then turned to Paul with a cheeky grin. "I can see why you married her so quickly. I never even had a chance."

Everyone laughed, and Brianna could see why Ricky had the reputation that he had. Colleen had filled her in on Ricky, how he had pursued her and had actually proposed before David had. With his handsome looks and eyes that promise mischief, Brianna could see his appeal and could also understand why he reminded Colleen of her charming, cheating ex-boyfriend, Frank.

"We haven't seen you in a while, Ricky. Have you been traveling?" Paul asked.

"Yes, I just got back from a business trip to San Francisco."

"San Francisco? How exciting. What is it like there?" Brianna asked.

"It's a beautiful city, with a booming economy. There's a misty fog that rolls off the ocean. I've never seen anything quite like it."

"It sounds lovely, and perhaps a little bit like Boston. I do sometimes miss the ocean."

"You should definitely visit San Francisco. Perhaps Paul will take you?"

Paul nodded in agreement and said, "I've never been there, and would like to visit someday. Especially if it's a trip that Brianna wishes to make."

"Perhaps, someday. That would be nice." She doubted very much that it would happen, though. With the baby coming, a trip to San Francisco was not likely to be on the horizon.

The rest of the afternoon was a pleasant one and Brianna was surprised at what a good time she had. It was always fun to visit with Julia and Emma and she was starting to feel as though she too could belong in this extended Donovan family. Naomi seemed genuinely thrilled that she and Paul had married and no one commented on it happening so quickly. Faster weddings seemed to be more generally accepted out here.

Paul caught her mid-yawn, as people were starting to leave. The excitement of the day had caught up with her and she was suddenly exhausted. Brianna was approaching her fifth month now and was feeling much better than she had during the first three months, when the morning sickness and bone tiredness was a daily occurrence. Usually, by around six or so her body wanted to rest.

"Are you okay? Are you ready to leave, do you think?" Paul looked concerned.

"I'm fine. Just a little tired. It has been a busy day." She smiled.

"That it has, and a happy one." Brianna went with Paul as they said their goodbyes and then climbed into the buggy. His farm was just a short drive and before she knew it, they were there. He stopped the buggy, tied up the horses and then came around to help Brianna out.

"Go ahead in," he said. "I'm going to bring the horses out to the barn and make sure that all the animals are fed and then I'll be in shortly." He smiled back at her and added, "Make yourself at home."

Brianna went inside and looked around. The house was clean and comfortable. She quickly found an oil lamp, and lighted it. It was just after dusk when the light was starting to dim and she knew that it could suddenly get dark quickly. She wasn't sure which room Paul had in mind for her, as he had three bedrooms in addition to the main bedroom. She decided to settle onto the sofa and look through a book while she waited. He had a nice selection of leatherbound books in a bookcase against the wall. She selected a thick novel by Charles Dickens,
A Tale of Two Cities
, and started to read.

She quickly became engrossed in the novel, so much so that she jumped when the front door opened and Paul walked in. He noticed the look on her face and asked, "Did I startle you? It must be a good book."

She smiled. "It is. Charles Dickens."

"Oh, that is a good one. I noticed that you found the lamp. If you like, I can show you around so you know where everything is."

"Of course." Brianna closed the book, stood and then followed Paul as he led her around his home and pointed out where everything was, especially in the kitchen. Then they made their way toward the bedrooms. He stopped in front of a large room, which she guessed was the main bedroom as it looked lived in, with a pair of boots by the side of the bed and a jacket hanging on a peg on the wall.

"This is my bedroom, and I thought you might like this one." He indicated the guest bedroom next door. It was a large room with an oversized window, a chest of drawers and a double bed with a cream-colored quilt topped with a crocheted blue blanket.

"My mother made that for me and gave it to me as a gift when I moved in here." Paul indicated the blanket.

"That seems like something she would do. That was very sweet of her."

"I agree. I'm lucky. We all are." He smiled and then said, "I'll get your bag out of the back of the buggy. I almost forgot it."

"Thank you." She yawned again, and then apologized. "I'm sorry, that's so rude of me."

"Not at all. You should rest. I'll be right back with your bag."

Brianna sat on the edge of the bed and gazed out the window. In a few minutes, it would be completely dark out. It wasn't all that late, but Brianna was utterly exhausted and about ready to fall into bed.

Paul returned a moment later with her bag and set it down at the foot of the bed.

"Why don't you go to sleep?" he suggested. "It's been a long day, and you should really get your rest."

"If you don't mind, I think I will." She was grateful for the suggestion. Her eyes felt so heavy.

Paul leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "Good night, Mrs. Donovan."

Brianna smiled. "Good night, Mr. Donovan."