RICKY: A Sweet Western Historical Romance (Mail-Order Brides Club Book 5) (6 page)

“Are you tired?” Sarah realized he was giving her an easy way to end their encounter and was grateful.

“Yes, I think I’ll head to bed, if that’s all right with you?”

“Of course. I’m going to stay up a bit. I’m not at all tired.” He grinned at her, and then added, “I’ll see you in the morning.”

S
arah woke
the next morning feeling as though she’d had the most wonderful dream. But as she went over the details of the dream and fully woke, she realized that it hadn’t been a dream at all. None of it. She had been very thoroughly kissed by her new husband and she had liked it. It was a pleasant revelation but also a confusing one.

She wondered how things would progress from here. She hoped slowly. Although she’d been married before and wasn’t a stranger to what happened in the bedroom, it was still sacred to her, not something to take lightly. When and if that time came, it would be when they fell in love.

She hoped that was possible. She realized she was already half-way there herself, but she didn’t know about Ricky. She knew that he found her attractive, obviously, but was she more to him than just a convenient wife and mother? She hoped that in time, his feelings for her could grow.

Meanwhile, she hadn’t felt like this in many years. She’d forgotten the excitement of falling in love, the anticipation of seeing someone and of their touch. In one night, everything had changed for her.

But an hour later when Ricky made his way downstairs and into the kitchen, no doubt lured by the smell of fresh coffee, it was like nothing had changed. She didn’t know what she had expected, but Ricky was same as he ever was. She supposed that was a good thing and she told herself she was silly to have expected anything different.

“I thought we’d stop by to see my mother after church,” Ricky said as he added a bit of sugar to his coffee.

“Is she still not feeling well?”

Ricky frowned. “She seems to be worse, actually. I stopped by yesterday to see them, and she was sleeping. When I spoke with my father, I could tell that he’s worried. We all are.”

“Is there nothing they can do for her?” His mother had seemed so weak when she first met her. How sad to think she was in worse condition now.

“The doctor has tried just about everything and nothing really seems to help.”

“Is there anything we can bring her? Is she eating at all?”

“No, just clear soup. We won’t be able to stay long, but I think it will do her good if we pay a short visit and hopefully cheer her up a bit.”

T
he service was packed
and the sermon was up-lifting. The music was lively, too, and Sarah noticed that Brianna’s clear voice shone through in some of the songs. It must be nice to have that kind of talent.

Sarah enjoyed music immensely, but had learned many years ago that she was unable to sing on key. It was quite disappointing because she loved to sing. But for everyone’s sake, she put her energy into sewing instead.

After the service, they saw the rest of the Donovan clan outside and, as usual, they were all heading back to Naomi and Jed’s for Sunday dinner.

“I hope you’re joining us today?” Naomi said when she saw Sarah and Ricky.

“We’d love to, but I think we’re going to head over to see my parents today.”

A cloud crossed over Naomi’s face. “Please tell Evelyn I said hello. I’m sorry she’s still not feeling well.”

“I’ll be sure to tell her.”

Naomi wandered off and a few moments later, as they were leaving, they ran into Colleen.

“I just heard you’re not coming by today. I’m sorry that your mother isn’t doing well.”

“Thank you,” Ricky said.

“Sarah, I’m assuming the two of you are going to the library benefit?”

“Yes, will you be going, too?”

“Most of us will be there. It should be fun. I just wanted to mention that the offer stands if you’d like to come by and use my sewing machine. I am going to be making a new dress for myself, too, and actually probably for a few others, I imagine.”

“Oh, thank you, I really appreciate it. But, I think we are getting a machine soon.”

“This week,” Ricky confirmed.

“Oh, that’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you. We should get together soon anyway and talk about our design plans.”

“I’d like that,” Sarah said. She looked forward to getting to know Colleen and the other Donovan wives better. So far, they had all been so friendly and welcoming. Very different from that Lynn woman.

“Are you ready to go?” Ricky asked, and she snapped out of her daydream.

“Yes, of course.”

A
half-hour later
, they pulled up the drive to the house where Ricky grew up. Although it was the middle of the day, almost one in the afternoon, the house was quiet and it didn’t look like anyone else was visiting.

“It’s too much for my mother to have everyone over at the same time,” Ricky said as they climbed out of the buggy and walked towards the front door.

His father opened the door as they reached it. He must have been watching for them.

“Come in, come in. Your timing is good. She just woke up from a nap about ten minutes ago.”

“How is she today?” Sarah asked.

“I’d like to say she’s better, but she’s really about the same. The doctor says he’s done everything that he can. It’s in God’s hands now.”

He led them into her bedroom. It was a lovely room. The sun was shining in through a large window by her bed and she was sitting up, surrounded by pillows and soft blankets.

Ricky walked over to her and gently pulled her in for a hug.

“You look better,” he said softly.

“You can’t charm your mother. I know I look terrible,” she said with a disturbing wheeze to her voice.

“You look beautiful to me,” he insisted.

“Oh, go on.” She swatted his shoulder and he leaned over and kissed her forehead before standing up.

"It's nice to see you, Mrs. Donovan," Sarah said and went over to kiss her cheek.

"Lovely to see you too, dear. And it's Evelyn."

Sarah smiled at that. "Of course, thank you."

"And Andrew is with you?" Evelyn asked.

"Yes, he's here." Sarah pushed her son forward and Evelyn reached out her hand and Andrew shook it quite seriously.

"Tell me what you've all been up to this week?" she asked. Sarah could tell she was tired, but she seemed to draw energy from having them all near. Her face lit up as Ricky started talking, telling her all about their dinner the night before at Emily and Peter's and updating her on the coming election.

"So, do you think I have a chance?" he asked his mother, after he finished telling her all his plans.

"Of course! And now you have Sarah to help you, and Andrew. I have no doubt you will be our next mayor." She spoke quietly but with confidence and Sarah noticed that her words had an effect on Ricky. He stood taller and there was a sweet twinkle in his eyes. It was obvious that he adored his mother and that the feeling was mutual.

Listening to the two of them, Sarah started to feel more confident about Ricky's chances too. Maybe she wouldn't be as much of a liability as she had feared. Maybe she could actually help-Andrew, too.

R
icky was
quiet as they left his parents’ house after promising to stop by again in the next few days. Sarah could tell that he was upset by his mother’s condition. As friendly and charming as she’d been, her frailness was alarming. When she’d coughed, her whole body shook and the sound terrified Andrew. He’d stood close to Sarah and had barely said a word, not at all sure how to act around the tiny, sick woman.

Out of the corner of her eye, Sarah could see the worry in Ricky’s eyes. It wasn’t there long, though. With fascination, she watched as a smile slid across his face and his mood instantly brightened. A deliberate effort, no doubt.

“What do you say we stop for a bite to eat? We could have Sunday dinner at the Bozeman Hotel. You’ll like it there.”

Sarah hesitated for just a moment. She went by the Bozeman Hotel every day when she walked Andrew to school and back. More than once, she’d slowed her steps to get a peek inside the luxurious hotel. The little bit that she’d been able to glimpse looked beautiful.

“Are you sure? That seems like a special occasion kind of place.”

Ricky chuckled. “This is a special occasion. It’s our first dinner out as a family.”

That was hard to argue with, and very sweet.

“Well, of course then and thank you. It’s a lovely treat.”

Moments later, Ricky tied the buggy up outside the hotel, and they went inside. An elegantly dressed man greeted them at the restaurant’s entrance and then showed them to a round table in the center of the room. 

As they took their seats, Sarah glanced around. The surroundings were plush, with soft carpets and muted colors that offset the dark, polished wood and brass. Their table was topped with a crisp, cream-colored linen cloth and a vase of fresh-cut flowers sat in the center.

Seconds after they were seated, a young man came to the table and filled their water glasses. A moment later, a waiter appeared to take their order.

The menu was extensive and several of the items were things that Sarah was not familiar with. She decided to try something she had heard of, but had never had before, chicken fricassee. Ricky ordered beef tenderloin and she suggested a grilled cheese sandwich and roasted potatoes for Andrew. She knew he’d never touch any of the fancier stuff.

After they ordered, another young man stopped by the table with a basket of bread.

Andrew immediately reached for a roll and Sarah did the same. She was spreading butter on the hot bread when a couple walked up to the table that she didn't recognize.

Ricky immediately stood and held out his hand. "Dr. And Mrs. Wilson, so nice to see you."

"You as well. This must be your new wife? Sally, is it?" The doctor had graying hair and a matching mustache and looked to be in his early sixties. His wife seemed a bit younger, though her hair was just as gray.

“This is Sarah and her son, Andrew. Sarah, Dr. Wilson is the best doctor in town."

"Until a few weeks ago, I was the only doctor," he chuckled, then added, "Please sit down. We don't want to interrupt your meal; we just wanted to come and say hello. I understand you're considering throwing your hat in the ring for the mayor's race?" Dr. Wilson spoke lightly but Sarah could tell it was rather a serious matter to him.

"Yes, I've decided to enter the race," Ricky said with a smile.

"Good, we need some young blood to take charge and get things done around here. Bozeman is a growing town. Care needs to be taken. I trust you're up to the job?"

"Yes, sir. I agree with you. I have plenty of ideas for how we can do that. I'd be happy to sit down and discuss them with you at your convenience."

Dr. Wilson nodded, apparently satisfied with what he'd heard so far.

"I'd like that. I'll look you up in the coming weeks and we'll have that talk. I won't take up any more of your time now. Enjoy your meal."

As he and his wife left, another couple approached the table. They were much younger and looked to be about Ricky's age. As soon as they reached the table, Ricky introduced them.

"Sarah, this is John Thompson and his wife, Olivia. John owns the biggest and most successful ranch in Bozeman."

Sarah noted that Olivia was wearing one of the prettiest dresses she'd ever seen. It was a lovely, pale blue and looked exquisitely made. She glanced Sarah's way and smiled every so slightly and Sarah immediately sensed she was similar to Lynn. Probably not someone she'd enjoy spending time with. But, she'd be happy to be wrong about that. She hated to make quick judgments that way, but in her experience, her initial read of someone was usually on target.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sarah," John said and then added, "Our ranch may be the biggest, but I'm not sure it's the most successful. It should be, and it will be again. Possibly with your husband's help, if the rumors I'm hearing are true?"

Ricky smiled. "Yes, it's true. I'm officially running for mayor."

"Good. You have our support and we'll do what we can to help spread the word."

"I appreciate that, John."

John looked as though he was going to say something else, but the waiter came to the table with their meals and they took a step back to let him by.

"Ricky, we will talk soon. Sarah, it was so nice to meet you."

"You, as well. Lovely to meet you, too, Olivia." Olivia said nothing, just nodded and smiled tightly again. Sarah turned her attention to the food that had been set in front of her. It looked and smelled delicious.

"I knew it was a good idea to come here," Ricky said as he cut into his steak.

"Because you knew the food would be so good?" she teased him.  Sarah had quickly realized that Ricky had an ulterior motive for bringing them there. She hadn't realized it would be such a visible place to be and an opportunity for Ricky to network and show off his new family. She was glad that she'd worn her best dress that morning and that Andrew looked neat and presentable as well.

W
hile they ate
, Sarah noticed people around the room glancing their way and as more people walked by on their way to be seated, many of them slowed for a minute to say a quick hello. When the waiter returned to clear their plates and offer coffee and dessert, both Sarah and Ricky ordered coffee and Andrew a dish of vanilla ice cream.

As they sipped their coffee,  the flow of people stopping by the table started up again. Sarah was fascinated by how many people seemed to know and respect Ricky. Younger people their age, as well as several older couples that were friends of his parents.

He introduced Sarah and Andrew to all of them and by the time they finished their coffee, he had commiserated with half a dozen people about his mother's illness. Everyone seemed so concerned about her and Ricky was no longer smiling when the bill arrived. He put some money down and smiled at Sarah, but she could see the pain in his eyes. He looked tired, and worried.

"That was nice that so many people stopped by."

"Yes, though all my parents’ friends seem just as concerned about my mother. I thought it might have just been me thinking she is worse than she is, but they all say the same thing. It just doesn't look good for her, unless she makes a turn for the better soon. Otherwise, she'll continue to decline and grow weaker."