Authors: Nathan Adams
Clean Western Mail Order Bride Romance
By: Richard Christian
Chapter 1:
Wayne Thurgood was a good man, hardworking, and loyal. His entire life revolved around two key things: his wife and his children. Betsy Thurgood was a rough-and-tumble woman who knew how to take care of business and never complained about anything. She was God-fearing and cared deeply for the well-being of her family as they settled in Wyoming, where life could get hard. That very attitude carried her though till the end, and even on her deathbed, she didn’t break in the face of death. She stared it head on, and told Wayne it was OK for him to move on because one day she’d see him again.
It had been roughly three months, but it still hadn’t been easy for Wayne. His heart was hurting again today as he sat in the kitchen where his daughter Melinda was making breakfast. She was only 8, but the young girl knew how to cook up a mean meal like her mama.
“Smells good in here,” he said after a moment of scanning through the paper.
“Thanks, Daddy. I figured you’d want something good to start the day right with. I know things have been hard.”
“That is true, but we don’t need to dwell on that. We take the good with the bad around here,” he said.
She continued to cook, and Wayne resumed looking in the paper again. He was searching for something in particular, and after a few more moments, he found it. He’d placed a mail-order bride ad in the paper about a week ago, but he hadn’t gotten any responses yet. He kept running it, hoping someone would answer the call soon. “Maybe I ought to change my phrasing,” he said with a sigh as he looked at the description.
It read, “Wanted: Wife who knows how to take care of multiple children, cook, clean and doesn’t mind the ways of the Midwest. Travel expenses will be taken care of, and living arrangements can be made if necessary.”
When he thought about it, the ad might not sound too enticing. What woman would want to take on the role of raising three children who weren’t her own, as well as live in such a harsh environment? Everyone knew about the problems the Midwest faced, with attacks by Native Americans only being one of the issues. It wasn’t the most glamorous place to call home, and most women preferred to stay on the East Coast and up north where the living was much easier.
Charlie and Elisabeth came in from outside laughing and carrying on, though Elisabeth was whining. Wayne grinned at the younger kids, “What’s got you two so riled up?” he asked.
Charlie, who was 6 at the time, smiled. “We were just playing by the well, and I made up a story about a witch being down there. You should have seen Elisabeth’s face,” he said laughing harder at the flustered girl.
Elisabeth was only 5, not very far apart from Charlie, so they got along—most of the time. She stomped her foot angrily and crossed her arms, “Charlie’s just mean! Tell him to stop making up stories, Daddy,” she begged.
Wayne stood up and mused Elisabeth’s hair lovingly. “Sometimes we just need to grow a little bit of thick skin. But what have I told you both about playing near the well?” he asked, getting more serious now.
Both kids shifted from foot to foot quietly.
“Well?”
“Not to do it.” They answered in unison.
He sighed deeply and then ushered them toward the table. “Now hurry up, wash up your hands and settle down. Your big sis is about to get your plates ready,” he said.
He walked out onto the front porch with the full intention of getting some fresh air, but then he saw a familiar wagon out front, and it made him sigh deeply. Sheryl and James Carson were here, no doubt to discuss the children’s “dire” situation with him once again. These were his wife’s parents, and they’d always been overly concerned about their grandchildren and their upbringing.
“Wayne, you’re looking well,” his heavyset mother in law said as she stepped out.
Wayne nodded and adjusted his hat. “Same to you, Sheryl,” he said.
“Now what have I told you about addressing me like that? We aren’t that familiar, Wayne,” she scolded lightly before coming up and taking a seat in a rocking chair.
Mr. Carson came over next, and he was the very antithesis of his wife, standing very tall and lean. He was a proper man, nothing like Wayne with his bulging musculature and simple manner of dress. “Good day to you, Wayne,” James said before taking his own seat.
“I take it you both are here to discuss more about the kids,” Wayne guessed.
“Quick to the bullet, aren’t you, Wayne? Well, you’re right. I just so happen to think that it’s been long enough, and it’s high time we start getting serious about their arrangements,” Sheryl said.
“Their arrangements are fine. There’s no need to uproot two kids from their daddy, move them halfway across Wyoming and put them at more risk just from the travel alone,” he said.
“We already mentioned we were considering building a house here,” James said. “This is just you stalling.”
“There isn’t a way in hell I’m going to let you both keep coming over here and causing trouble. They already said they don’t want to go with you,” Wayne retorted.
“You see, it’s that brute behavior of yours that makes me really worried about leaving my grandchildren here. We’re going to have to take this to court if you don’t cooperate. You already have your hands full with the ranch, and the kids are always running around here not being minded as it is. You won’t even get a nanny for them,” Sheryl said pointedly.
“They don’t need a nanny. They’re smart enough to manage themselves while I work,” Wayne said.
“Then what about when I came rolling up and saw Charlie and Elisabeth playing by the well again?” Sheryl said narrowing her eyes and leaning forward. “You think that’s smart enough? They’re children and don’t know any better, and they need guidance. I fail to see why this even needs anymore discussion,” she said.
Wayne was about to say something, but suddenly Elisabeth ran out of the house and hugged both James and Sheryl. “I missed you two!” she said happily.
Sheryl’s venomous demeanor turned loving and sweet when she caught glimpse of her granddaughter. “Well, I missed you, too, you sweet thing you! How would you like to come stay with Grandma and Grandpa for a bit?” she asked.
Wayne stood upright at that one. “Now don’t you think you can just come here and start playing mind games with the kids,” he said angrily.
Elisabeth looked shocked. “Why can’t I, Daddy?” she asked softly.
Wayne grimaced a bit, but then pointed to the door. “You need to finish your food, and all of you need to stay in there until I come back inside,” he said.
Elisabeth looked confused and hesitated, but after a moment, she ran off inside just as she was told.
Sheryl chuckled low. “Seems to me like they’d be just fine coming to stay with us,” she said. “That’s fine, though. Once a court looks at all of this evidence, then I’m sorry, but you’re going to lose, Wayne. Two parents that make much more money than you, and two parents who have raised kids before. They’re not going to give you the time of day,” she said as she stood up and walked down the steps slowly.
If he was any less of a man, he would have knocked her down the steps. James stood up and eyed Wayne condescendingly. “I never wanted you to end up with my daughter anyway, but these kids deserve a better home than this,” he said and walked off with his wife.
Wayne watched them pull off in all their self-righteousness. When they were finally gone, he kicked the railing on the porch in his agitation about the whole thing. He knew they were just using this to get back at him for stealing their daughter away. Now she was dead, and no matter the reason, they would always blame him. He failed to see how logic escaped them when it came to the kids, however. How would these gifts from God have come to exist without his marriage to Betsy?
. . .
A few days passed, and there was still no sign of a woman accepting his proposal. With a summons in hand, the time was drawing nearer and he was getting more desperate. At this point, he was prepared to pay for the woman’s time and even make it a shorter gig.
He walked into the post office, and just before he was about to speak, he got the news he’d been waiting for. “Hey, Wayne, a telegram came in for you earlier. Care to take a look?” the postmaster asked.
Wayne couldn’t help but grin ear to ear and walked over quickly. “Sure do!” he said and sat down to look at it.
To my dearest Wayne Thurgood,
My name is Chelsea Sharpton, and I happened upon your ad looking for a wife who can care for children and tend the home. I am young, have never been married and have never had children, but it has been all my life that I have spent raising the children in my community and assisting at the schoolhouse. I’m certain I would be perfect for this, so if you accept me, please write me back.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Sharpton
She sounded perfect, and Wayne was getting excited just thinking about it. The fact that she was young was even better because that meant she wouldn’t be clingy. When this was all over, she could go back home, and there would be no more questions asked. “Let’s go ahead and respond to this now,” he said as he vigorously wrote down his response. He couldn’t wait to meet her, and he hoped she was everything she was saying she was. If this all worked out, he wouldn’t have to worry about his meddling in-laws anymore.
The telegram was sent quickly, and all that was left was to get a response. Wayne was surprised when it came back as quickly as it did, and soon the plans were set. He was one step closer to proving Sheryl and James wrong.
The postmaster smiled. “It’s been set, and the money has been sent,” he said.
James thanked him for his time and help and proceeded back home. There was still a load of work to be done around the ranch, and despite the fact that he was already hours behind, he didn’t care. He could work forever now knowing that his kids would be cared for and they would never have to leave him.
Chapter 2:
The sun was setting when the train pulled into the station. Wayne stood there with all of his children dressed nice and presentable.
“Daddy, you look really nervous,” Melinda said with a smile.
Wayne’s eyes darted down to her before looking back up at the slowing train. “I am. Can’t help it, darling,” he answered honestly.
“Do you think I did a good job on Elisabeth’s hair?” she asked, looking for his approval.
Wayne looked down with a gentle smile and squeezed her hand. “You sure did. She looks like a million bucks. So do you,” he said.
Before long, however, the people poured off of the train. Wayne tried to get an idea of who the girl might be. He wasn’t sure why he was so curious about how she looked, especially because whatever woman he was seeing was his business, but he was curious. He hadn’t deemed himself ready to get into another relationship yet, so he wasn’t really in the market.
He quickly forgot all of this when he saw a woman standing there and looking somewhat aimless. He knew she was it, but it was very hard to believe.
The woman had long blond hair that fell in gentle waves and the longest lashes he’d ever seen. Her features were bright and kind looking, and he was eager to speak with her. He felt a lump in his throat thinking about it but finally put his hand up to signal to her. “Mrs. Sharpton!” he called out to her.
Chelsea’s eyes quickly moved to examine the family, and a kind smile settled on her features. It looked appropriate for her to smile this way, and it made Wayne grin back just as sincerely.
She moved over and grinned at him and the children, but before Wayne could even speak, Charlie was cutting in. “You’re really pretty miss,” he said with a big grin plastered on his face.
Chelsea giggled and bent down to his level. “Well, that’s a really nice thing for a gentleman to say to a lady. Thank you for the compliment.”
Charlie nodded and seemed like he wanted to say more, but Wayne spoke up. “Mrs. Sharpton, it’s so good to finally meet you in person,” he said. His whole body felt like it was on fire at this point. Standing in front of her like this was working some kind of magic on him. All the composure and canned lines he’d drummed up were no longer going to help him.
“You can call me Chelsea. I’m sure we’ll be more familiar than that in time, and I’d like to start off that way. That is, if you don’t mind,” she said.
“Of course not. I much prefer it this way. Well, let me correct myself then. It’s nice to meet you, Chelsea.”
“Same to you. And what is your name?” she asked, redirecting her attention to Charlie.
“I’m Charlie, and this is Melinda and Elisabeth,” he said gesturing to them. “But when Dad’s gone, I’m the man of the house—no matter what Melinda says.”
Chelsea giggled at his profession. “Then I’ll keep that in mind. Hi there Melinda, Elisabeth,” she said softly.
Melinda had a frown on her face unlike the two younger ones. “I don’t care what Daddy says, you’re not going to be anything like my mama. You don’t even look like her,” she blurted out.
Wayne was caught off guard by her reaction and hurried to make her stop. “Melinda! That is very rude. Apologize,” he said.
Chelsea seemed to handle the situation with poise, however. Instead of being offended or upset, she smiled at Melinda and nodded. “You’re absolutely right. I don’t look like your mama, nor am I anything like her. She was one-of-a-kind,” she said.
For a moment, Wayne was confused. She didn’t know anything about Betsy, and he hadn’t even told her he was widowed. He was quiet as he watched it all play out.
“I could never replace her, and I won’t try to. In time, if you come to like me, then I think that would be wonderful, but I won’t rush you,” she said gently.
Melinda continued to look at her as if she were sizing her up but finally decided she was in the clear. “Fine. I’m sorry I said that stuff,” she said kicking her foot.
Chelsea nodded. “It’s perfectly fine, Melinda. Well, I guess you all are going to be seeing me to the house then?” she asked.
“Yes, though I was curious why you didn’t choose boarding. It isn’t as if I mind, but most people I would assume would,” he said.
“I guess I’m just not most people,” she answered simply.
It was strange. Chelsea came in like a force of nature, yet she was gentle. Something about her subtle power was intoxicating, and he enjoyed it. He wished just for a moment that he could have met her alone.
The group proceeded back to their wagon, and Wayne took a moment to observe Chelsea again. The kids, all except for Melinda, seemed to be taking to her very well. She seemed to have a way with them, and that made it hard to deny that she was the best one for the job. Wayne couldn’t help but see her as more than that though. She had an infectious energy that he was drawn to.
Eventually the wagon pulled back to the home, and the kids quickly went about their daily chores around the house, and it gave him time to spend with her alone. “So what made you decide to answer the ad?” he began as they sat down at the dining table.
“Well, recently I lost my dad. He got very sick, and my mom just couldn’t take it. She went shortly after him. They left me alone, and I just wanted to start my life somewhere anew, a place where people weren’t reminding me constantly about what a tragedy my parent’s demise was,” she said.
Wayne sighed. “I can relate to that. My wife passed away a few months ago.”
“I’m so sorry to hear about that,” she said softly, but then she backtracked. “Guess I kind of did what I was just complaining about, didn’t I?” she said with a sheepish smile.
Wayne chuckled. “Yeah, but it’s all right. People make honest mistakes. That’s probably what was happening back home. People were genuinely worried about you, but they just don’t know what it’s like to be in that kind of pain. It just comes across wrong,” he said with a shrug.
Chelsea smiled. “I think that’s a good way to put it,” she said, but then curious expression crossed her face. “If you don’t mind me asking, what happened to your wife?”
Wayne was quiet when she brought that up. He normally didn’t like talking about what happened to her because it was very painful. “Well,” he began, but then stopped again.
Chelsea looked worried. “If I said something wrong, I’m sorry. You don’t have to answer,” she said looking down into her lap.
Wayne looked up at her and saw how remorseful she was for having asked. Truthfully, he didn’t mind telling her for some reason or bringing it up. Seeing her with that gentle expression of guilt on her face had an effect on him, however. “Well, she drowned,” he said simply.
“That’s awful to hear, Wayne.”
“The kids were playing, but Melinda ended up getting swept up by the water. I wasn’t there in time because I was working the ranch, but Elisabeth and Charlie were calling out to Betsy. She told Elisabeth to come get me, and she went on and tried to save Melinda. She succeeded, but when I finally got there it was too late for her. Can’t stand anything having to do with rivers, streams or any kind of water for that matter now,” he said.
There was an unsettling silence in the dining room as the kid’s voices could be heard in the background. Chelsea didn’t look up from her lap.
“Melinda blames herself a lot for what happened. After Betsy passed away, she started trying to be more like her mama. It’s part of the reason why things might be a little odd between you two at first, so I apologize for that,” he said.
Chelsea nodded. “I can understand her grief. I wouldn’t like it if someone came in and tried to act like my mom or dad. It’s normal for a girl to have those feelings. In any case, I just wanted to know what happened since I’ll be here with you,” she said smiling and placing a hand on his. “We can leave that conversation behind now.”
Wayne looked her in the eyes and then looked off, rubbing his hair back somewhat uneasily. “About that, Chelsea, this entire thing is temporary you know?” he said.
Chelsea blinked. “What?”
“I’m in the middle of a custody battle with my in-laws. They don’t want to have anything to do with me, but they want the kids. It’s a long, ugly history with them as it is. There’s really no repairing it, and I don’t care to, so at this point it’s all about making sure I don’t lose my kids,” he said, returninghis gaze to her.
“Oh,” Chelsea said quietly. The disappointment could be seen clearly on her face. “I guess I just missed that then,” she said as she stood up.
Wayne stood, too. “Wait, I don’t want you to think that’s just it. I mean I didn’t really think these things through at first,” he said trying to find a way to explain it.
Chelsea shook her head. “You don’t have to try to make it something it’s not. Where might my room be then, Mr. Thurgood?” she asked him.
Wayne disliked how she reverted to addressing him by his proper name. “You can call me Wayne,” he urged.
“Well, I’m more like a caretaker than a wife so it feels more appropriate,” she said.
“But you’ll be acting as a wife, so I think it’s best that you still call me by my name,” he said. After he said that, he realized how bad it really sounded.
“You don’t have to say it twice. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be going to my room now,” she said and walked off.
Wayne wanted to stop her. He wanted to tell her he was sorry, that none of this was true. The glow she once had just seemed to fade. “Chelsea,” he said, but she didn’t stop. He was left standing by himself, and he felt more alone than ever.
. . .
The next morning, Wayne sat with the kids at the dining table. Chelsea was up, dressed as gorgeous as always, as she worked the stove and filled the house with intoxicating aromas. “Smells great,” he said, trying to bring that smiling face back again.
She did smile back at him, but it seemed like it was only for the sake of the kids. It was empty unlike before. Wayne’s own grin faded, and he looked back to his paper.
“Miss, why are you here? Are you going to be our new mommy?” Charlie asked suddenly as he placed his chin in his palms.
Both Chelsea and Wayne were caught off guard and bolted upright from their tasks. Noticing this, they looked at each other.
“Uh, well, you see that’s a complicated question, Charlie,” Wayne said to spare Chelsea. “How do you like the biscuits?”
“Taste better than yours,” he said taking another huge bite.
Wayne cleared his throat in embarrassment. “I’m not the best cook.”
Chelsea giggled. “That’s why you need help around here.”
“She’s just here to keep grandma and grandpa from taking us away,” Melinda answered in a sure tone. “I wouldn’t look much into it.”
Wayne glared in her direction once more. “Melinda, that mouth of yours is going to get you in a world of trouble. Excuse yourself.”
“Why!? It isn’t fair. You know it’s true. She’s not going to be our new mama,” she yelled.
Wayne was about to explode, but Chelsea stopped him. “Melinda, I know you don’t like me very much, but for your dad’s sake, you should be more respectful. What he’s trying to do for you is a really hard thing to do. Have you thought maybe your dad doesn’t want to lose you?” she asked gently.
Melinda frowned. “Grandma and Grandpa wouldn’t keep us from Daddy,” she protested.
Chelsea shook her head. “You never know what will happen. You should apologize to him and do as he says for the time being. I promise it won’t be so bad,” she said.
Melinda was quiet and then looked at her daddy, “Sorry,” she mumbled before excusing herself like she was told.
Wayne was astonished. “Just like that, huh?” he asked.
“Well, there’s more to raising children than just getting angry. You have to understand their point of view sometimes,” she said with a bright smile. “You’re a sweet man, Wayne, but kids do need balance.”
Wayne contemplated her words, but soon breakfast was finished up, and just as quickly as it seemed like she was warming back up, she coldly vanished again to attend household duties. He wondered for a brief moment if maybe she was coming around or if she was still just acting like he said she would be. She might have been young, but the well of knowledge and experience she seemed to have with people in general was the light in Wayne’s darkness.
He sat at the empty dining table before one of his workers hollered in to him. With his mind still clouded and full of questions about what it was he was starting to feel for the fair and gentle woman, he reluctantly resigned himself to a day of work where he couldn’t get her out of his head.