Mail-Order Mishap by Mildred Colvin

Author:Mildred Colvin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: forgiveness, love story, mailorder bride, victorian romance, broken family, soul salvation, 1865 missouri, civil war time period, covered wagon train, faith love and trust
Publisher: Mildred Colvin

Chapter 10

Early the next morning after a restless night of little sleep, Olive perched on the seat beside Sam for the short drive through Independence to the Howell’s son’s home. Although she’d have welcomed a conversation if Sam started one, she wasn’t sorry for his silence as so many thoughts tumbled through her mind.

She’d never met another man like Sam. It seemed there was nothing he couldn’t do, and do well. He certainly knew how to use a gun. Yet he was a kind, gentle man. One look from him and she felt beautiful. Yet he’d killed her husband. A tremor moved through her at the thought. Maybe she shouldn’t be attracted to the man who made her a widow. She almost wished she’d never known the truth but had continued believing they’d buried Joshua several months ago back in Ohio. How could such a mistake have been made? Surely, someone even now grieved for that poor man she’d thought was her husband and would never have the comfort of knowing he got a proper burial. But the funeral director said his face had been too damaged for her to recognize. There would have been no way to identify him either then or now.

A sigh slipped out. Sam was a far better man than Joshua ever thought about being, and she loved Sam, but she’d never loved her husband. She didn’t love Michael Dugan either. How had her life gotten into such a twisted mess?

“You doing all right?” Sam’s voice startled her.

She turned and saw concern in his eyes. Her heart stepped up its beating as she searched his face. Did he care for her or only feel the responsibility of her wellbeing? She forced a smile. “I’m fine.”

He gave a curt nod and turned his attention back to guiding the horses past another wagon and a man crossing the street.

They were following the Howell’s wagon now. Olive watched the houses go by, eager to put an end to their journey. They’d spend tonight with the Howell family then leave early the next morning for Liberty Flats where she’d be able to see her brother. Longing for the security and familiarity of her family poured over her, and she blinked moisture from her eyes. No sense in crying. A talk with Joseph would set her mind at rest. He’d always been level headed and would help her decide what to do about Mr. Dugan. And maybe Sam.

~*~

After a delicious home-cooked meal of fried chicken, fluffy mashed potatoes, and green beans from their hosts’ garden, Sam found Olive visiting with the Howell’s daughter-in-law while they washed dishes as if they were old friends.

He caught her attention before going out the door. “I have an errand to run in town. I’ll be back shortly.”

“All right.” She watched him open the door then turned away.

Their brief exchange held no hidden meaning, yet he wondered as he saddled Bullseye if marriage to Olive would be like this. Keeping track of each other’s business, sharing special looks and smiles, and spending time together.

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