Love Inspired Historical October 2013 Bundle: A Family for Christmas\The Secret Princess\Taming the Texas Rancher\An Unlikely Union (58 page)

The grin slipped from her face. Hannah knew she liked him, too, but she didn’t want to fall for Daniel until she was sure that he loved her. Weariness weighed on her shoulders at the thought.

Chapter Seventeen

D
aniel arrived at the schoolhouse a little after four-thirty the next morning, with Clover in tow for Hannah to ride. He knew she wasn’t going to be happy to see the little mare, but if Hannah was going to travel about the ranch, she needed to overcome her fear of horses’ hooves.

She answered the door with a big smile, until she saw the mare. It slipped from her face like hot wax dripping down a candle. “I see you brought Clover for a visit.”

His gaze ran over her. Daniel was glad to see she didn’t seem as distressed as the day before. It appeared she’d had a bath and washed her hair. The gown she wore was faded, but he assumed that was so that she wouldn’t ruin one of her best dresses. “Yes, I thought it time you started riding again,” he answered, moving aside so she could join him. “Think of it as a way to prove to your father that you can do anything anyone else can do.”

“I don’t have to prove anything to him.” Her face had gone ashen, but she followed Daniel down the stairs. “Besides, I don’t mind walking the short distance.”

“True, but I do mind walking, and if you are going to start going places on the ranch, you really need to learn to ride again.” Daniel turned and put both hands on her shoulders. “Hannah, you can do this. You taught yourself to walk with an ankle that a doctor said you’d never use again. You went to school and became a teacher. You can do this!” he declared.

“All right.” Hannah nodded, but he could feel her shoulders trembling.

Daniel took one of her hands in his and walked to where he’d tied Clover’s reins to a low branch. “Hannah, you know where your feet are at all times, right?”

Again she nodded.

“Then you can make sure they stay away from Clover’s hooves.” He went to the horse’s head and petted her nose.

Hannah moved closer to the little mare. He watched as she checked the cinch, then took a deep breath and accepted the reins from him. Had Levi reminded her to check the cinch when they’d attempted to get her on the horse before? Or were her instincts kicking in? Daniel prayed it was the latter.

Hannah exhaled. She put the reins in her left hand and also grasped Clover’s mane with it, then put her left foot in the stirrup and grabbed the saddle with her right hand. Hannah’s memories must have taken over, because seconds later she was in the saddle.

He averted his gaze while she straightened her skirt. Daniel released the mare. He walked to Tornado, gathered the reins and swung up into the saddle.

“I did it.” She beamed over at him.

He laughed. “Yes, you did. I knew you could.”

Her smile warmed his heart. “Thank you, Daniel. I can’t believe how easy that was. All these years I’ve been afraid to climb on by myself.” She looked like a kid who’d just won the pie-eating contest at the fair.

What he’d taken for granted was something she’d just experienced again for the first time in years. “You’re welcome, but I didn’t do anything but bring you a horse.”

“You encouraged me.” She patted Clover’s neck.

Daniel prompted the stallion to walk beside Hannah and the old mare. “What are you helping Opal with this morning?”

“I’m going to feed the chickens and gather the eggs. Then I’ll do whatever else she asks me to.” Hannah allowed Clover to fall into step with Tornado.

Daniel made sure to keep the horses far enough apart that the stallion wouldn’t act up. “Why?”

“Yesterday I was looking for something to do, and Jeb let me whitewash the chicken coop. Well, I noticed it needed a few repairs, and the eggs collected, so I took it upon myself to do those things.”

Daniel felt guilty once more. If he had checked on her sooner, Hannah wouldn’t have gotten bored. “That still doesn’t answer my question. Why are you going to help today?”

Her soft giggle filled the crisp morning air. “Oh, I’m sorry. When Opal came to collect the eggs yesterday, we got to talking and she told me her daughter is having difficulties with the new baby. With all she normally does, and helping her daughter, she’d gotten behind on some of her chores. I offered to help, and here we are.”

Hannah seemed to be talking more this morning. She sounded nervous and excited at the same time. Was it because of him? Or did she realize that since she’d gotten on Clover by herself, she’d have to learn to get down, too?

“That’s very nice of you to offer to help her, but you don’t have to do that. I’ll talk to her and see if she wants me to hire another girl to help her out.” He enjoyed the sounds of a rooster crowing. Mornings were his favorite time of day, with everything seeming fresh and new. His gaze moved to Hannah, who looked fresh and new this morning, also.

She flicked her ponytail over her shoulder and looked at him. “You’ll do no such thing. I want to help. If this is going to be my home, too, I want to do all I can to make it successful.”

Daniel grinned. He liked the idea that she was thinking of the ranch as her home. Holding his hands up in surrender, he laughed and said, “All right, but don’t forget that after we’re married, you’ll have your own household chores to do. Speaking of which, we’re here, and I have work to do, too, before breakfast.” He spun Tornado around and headed across the yard to the east pasture.

As he rode away, he remembered Hannah might need help dismounting from Clover. Daniel didn’t want her to think he was checking up on her, so he entered the edge of the woods, making sure she could no longer see him, and then turned to see how she fared.

She hesitated, twisting in the saddle and looking down. After she’d judged the distance, she swung her leg over the saddle and sort of leaped from the horse.

Daniel held his breath until she stood up, then he released it slowly. He chuckled and said to himself, “Well, I guess there is more than one way to get off a horse.”

* * *

Hannah sat at the kitchen table with Opal, eating breakfast. She’d fed and watered the chickens, gathered the eggs, milked two of the five milk cows and washed most of the dishes while Opal served the Westland family breakfast.

“I can’t believe how much we’ve gotten done this morning. Thank you for your help,” the housekeeper said as she buttered a biscuit.

Hannah stifled a yawn and smiled. “You’re welcome.” She hated to admit that 4:00 a.m. came earlier than she remembered.

Breakfast consisted of eggs, bacon, ham, biscuits, gravy and grits. She’d watched as Opal carried platters in to the family and later returned with them empty. To keep herself busy, Hannah had washed the pots and pans Opal had used to cook the meal in.

“I didn’t expect you to do the dishes, too, but it sure made my job easier this morning.” Opal chewed the bread with relish.

Hannah dipped a fork into her scrambled eggs. “I’m glad I could help.” She enjoyed the creaminess of the eggs and the saltiness of the bacon. After she swallowed, she added, “Thank you for inviting me to breakfast. I have to admit I haven’t done any real cooking in the fireplace at the school, and this tastes wonderful.”

Opal laughed. “You deserve every bite. Jeb stopped by yesterday afternoon and said that henhouse hasn’t looked so good in years.”

Hannah stopped eating. “He did?”

Bonnie Westland came through the kitchen door. “Yes, he did. It seems you’ve made quite an impression on Jeb.” She walked to the stove and filled her coffee cup. “How come you didn’t join us for breakfast, Hannah?” Those green eyes bored into Hannah as Daniel’s mother waited for an answer.

“I didn’t want to intrude.” Hannah laid her fork down, no longer interested in the food on her plate.

Bonnie pulled a chair out and sat down. “I see. If you are going to become a part of this family, you need to start sharing meals with us.” She set her cup on the table and played with the string on her cotton blouse.

Confusion filled Hannah’s mind. Why was Bonnie showing a sudden interest in her now? “If you don’t mind my saying so, Mrs. Westland, you haven’t exactly made me feel welcome.”

Daniel’s mother sighed. “I know, and the Lord has been dealing with me about my attitude toward you. So today, after my prayer time, I realized I had to come and apologize to you. I haven’t behaved well at all and I’m sorry.”

“Why do you dislike me?” Hannah asked, giving no quarter. She needed to get on solid ground with Bonnie if she was going to be her daughter-in-law.

Bonnie looked to Opal, who nodded. “I don’t dislike you, Hannah. When I tossed this contest into the wind, I thought my boys would marry local girls, but I was wrong.”

Hannah said, “You’re talking about JoAnna and Lucille.” She picked up her tea and took a sip.

Bonnie nodded. “Yes. I’m sure the boys have told you all about them.”

Instead of confirming what she’d said, Hannah asked. “Why did you pitch the boys against each other with this contest?” It was the question she’d been longing to ask ever since the day she’d heard they were competing for the ranch, and it was their mother’s doing.

The woman released a deep sigh. “I didn’t mean to set them against each other. The night I made my demands I was lonely for my husband. I looked at my boys and saw that they weren’t getting any younger, and I wanted them to be as happy as I was with their father. I wanted grandchildren. I still do.”

Hannah stared deeply into Bonnie’s eyes and saw the truth of her words. She also saw the sorrow the woman felt for creating a wedge between the brothers. “You can call off the contest,” she suggested.

Bonnie had started shaking her head before the words were completely out of Hannah’s mouth. “No, I still stand by the contest. Those boys need wives and I need grandchildren. As for the ranch, well, I started something and now I have to stick to my word.” She gulped down the last of her coffee and stood. “And Hannah, I like your straightforwardness. You are welcome to move into the house if you want to.”

Hannah carried her plate to the scrap bucket and scraped it before answering. It was a kind offer, but she liked her small room and the privacy it provided. “Thank you, but I think I’ll stay where I am for the time being, Mrs. Westland.”

“Please, call me Bonnie. I’d like for us to become friends, even if you don’t marry my son.” She handed her cup to Opal. “Opal, I’ll lay out a couple of my riding skirts for Hannah and a pair of trousers. If she’s going to continue doing chores around here, she needs to be dressed appropriately.” Bonnie spun around and headed to the door.

The idea of having more comfortable clothes sounded good, but Hannah didn’t want her to think she needed her help. “That isn’t necessary, Bonnie.”

Daniel’s mother had one hand on the door and was about to leave. She turned around and smiled at Hannah. “Yes, it is. If you plan to get my son to marry you, you need to go where he goes, because he won’t be an easy man to persuade. Besides, I want you to have them.”

Hannah nodded absently. Her mind raced. She’d thought that if she told Daniel that she was ready to get married, he would marry her on the spot. But if Bonnie was correct in her insinuations, he didn’t really want to get married. Hannah’s head began to ache with confusion. What man sent off for a mail-order bride and didn’t really want to get married?

Chapter Eighteen

D
aniel looked across the dinner table at Hannah. Her hair was pulled up and small ringlets framed her face. She wore a blue riding skirt with a white blouse. A butterfly necklace rested against her chest, bringing out the deeper blues in her eyes.

He’d listened as she and his mother talked about the engagement announcement, the hours that the school would be open and what pies Hannah was going to fix for the Sunday get-together with the rest of the ranch.

Levi sat quietly, finishing up the coffee cake Hannah had made. Daniel noticed his younger brother seemed unusually silent tonight and wondered what was on his mind. Did it bother him that their mother and Hannah were getting along so well? Or did it have something to do with the ranch?

Daniel couldn’t take it any longer and asked, “Is something bothering you, little brother?”

Levi looked as if someone had shot him. “Yes and no.”

Frustrated, Daniel laid his fork down. “Well, which is it?”

Levi’s face flushed as everyone turned their attention to him. “Well, if you must know, I’ve been pondering which mail-order bride’s letter to answer.”

“Brides? As in more than one?” Hannah asked.

He nodded.

Bonnie’s voice came out low. “You sent off for a mail-order bride, too?”

“Well, I placed the ad and one lady did answer—Millicent. But she didn’t come. I have three more letters that came this week, and I’m trying to decide which one to answer.” He pulled the letters from his vest pocket.

Daniel watched as his brother spread out the papers on the kitchen table. He frowned, not liking the fact that Levi could have a new mail-order bride there in just a few weeks. Daniel glanced at Hannah, who was staring at him.

“Here, let me get some of this stuff out of your way,” Opal said, picking up empty dishes and bowls.

Levi’s green eyes, so like Daniel’s, came up to meet Hannah’s. “I was wondering if you could help me write a letter to one of these ladies.”

What? He wanted Hannah to help him find a bride? “Wait a minute. That’s not a good idea.” Daniel protested, looking from his brother to Hannah.

“Why not?” his mother demanded. “Your brother needs a wife, too. And since you’re both dead set on mail-order brides, I don’t see what harm it will do for Hannah to help him. She is a schoolteacher, after all.”

Didn’t his mother realize that Hannah would be helping Levi get married, and that Levi and his bride might have a baby before he and Hannah did? He looked at her and saw a small smile play across her lips. Yes, she knew. His mother was trying to speed up the process of getting grandchildren. He sighed.

Levi’s face reddened and he rubbed the back of his neck. “I wouldn’t ask, but I’m not sure how to respond, since Millicent didn’t come. I think I did something wrong the first time.” Levi kept his eyes trained on the letters.

“Do you mind if I read them?” Hannah asked, reaching for the closest piece of paper. He looked up and grinned.

“Feel free.”

When Hannah picked the letter up, a strong smell of roses permeated the air. The scent became even stronger as she unfolded it.

“Woo-wee, someone likes flowers,” Daniel exclaimed, covering his nose at the strong odor.

Hannah ignored him and focused on the words as she read them aloud.

“My dearest Mr. Westland,

After reading your advertisement, I decided to respond with a letter, telling you a little about myself. I am twenty-five years old. Have all my teeth and am a widow. My husband died a few weeks back from the fever, so I am in need of a husband who can take care of me in the fashion I am acquainted with. If you feel you can take care of me and provide me with all the comforts of home, I will be happy to come out and be your bride. I look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Elizabeth Marsh.”

Hannah looked across at Levi. “What do you think about her?”

Daniel snorted and crossed his arms. Elizabeth Marsh seemed to presume a lot. Sounded to him that the woman was a money digger, but he kept that to himself when he saw the look his mother was shooting his way.

Levi grinned sheepishly. “She must smell pretty.” He handed Hannah the next letter.

Bonnie and Hannah chuckled. “Well, her letter is heavily scented, that’s for sure,” Hannah said. She laid Elizabeth’s letter to the side and began to read the next one.

“Dear Mr. Westland,

I am a teacher and would like to remain one. I know that is a lot to ask and your town may not allow it. Regardless, I promise to make you a good wife and take care of our children. Please consider sending for me, Mr. Westland.

Sincerely,

Anna Mae Leland.”

Hannah looked at Levi again. “She seems nice.”

He nodded. “I thought about sending for her. She can always have your job once you and Daniel marry. And since she already wants children, I wouldn’t have to mention the contest.”

Daniel didn’t like the sound of that. He wanted Hannah to continue working at the school even after they got married. The children and school would keep her busy, and she’d also have to keep up with the house and chores, so he’d really only have to be around her at night. No way would he fall in love with a woman he hardly ever saw.

Sorrow filled Hannah’s voice, catching his attention. “No, you should tell her about the contest. Things might have been different if Daniel had told me.”

“You didn’t tell her about the contest before she got here?” Bonnie demanded. “No wonder she’s not in any hurry to marry you.”

Daniel didn’t like where this was going. He reached across the table and scooped up the last sheet of paper. “Here’s the third letter.” He passed it across for Hannah to read, praying it would take the focus off him.

She tried to hide a grin by clearing her throat. Then she began reading.

“Dear Mr. Westland,

At my parents’ request, I am answering your advertisement. My name is Emily Jane Rogers. I am twenty-three years old and am the oldest of twelve children. I’ve lived in the country all my life and would like to live in town. Your advertisement doesn’t say what part of Texas you live in, but I’m praying that wherever you do live, it’s in a town. My father says I am a good cook and will make you a good wife. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours, Emily Jane Rogers.”

Hannah laid the paper down.

Daniel could tell by the look on her face that the letter had bothered her. It bothered him, as well. The poor girl’s letter sounded as if her parents were trying to rid themselves of the extra mouth they’d been feeding.

“What do you think?” Levi asked, looking from Hannah to his mother, and lastly to Daniel.

Hannah answered first. “I’m not the one who will be married to the woman you choose. This is your decision. Which one do you like best?”

“I agree with Hannah, son.”

Daniel shook his head, siding with the women. This was something Levi needed to do on his own. He’d been sent several letters, too, and had based his decision on the fact that Hannah was a schoolteacher. It never dawned on him that she might have a limp or that she would demand love before marriage when she arrived.

Levi sighed heavily. “I’ve read those letters so many times I have them memorized, and I still can’t decide. Anna would be a good choice, if you decide not to teach after you and Daniel marry, Hannah. Elizabeth’s letter smells good but she seems a little pushy. And I feel sorry for Emily. It sounds as if her family is trying to get rid of her.” Levi rubbed the back of his neck again. “I just don’t know.”

Bonnie pulled Elizabeth’s letter from the pile. “Well, if it were me, I wouldn’t choose a bride based on how her letter smells. So I think you can eliminate Elizabeth. The other two are a little harder.”

Levi nodded in agreement. “That leaves the other two.”

Hannah laid the letters face up on the table. “Anna wants to teach and Emily wants to live in town. Anna is welcome to teach here. As for Emily, do you want to live in town?”

Daniel studied his brother. Did he want to live in town? Levi didn’t seem to enjoy working on the ranch, at least not as much as Daniel did. He knew that Levi helped Jeb out quite a bit, most of the time without ole Jeb knowing about it. His brother had a heart of gold. Daniel also knew that his brother enjoyed working with wood, so maybe he would prefer town. Dare he wish?

Levi avoided her question. He picked up the letters. “What a mess,” he said, tucking them back in his pocket.

Hannah’s gaze met Daniel’s as she answered, “It’s really not that big of a mess. Eventually, Daniel will marry—if not me, then someone else.” She broke eye contact with him and looked to Levi. “So with that in mind, which woman would you choose?”

“Probably Emily. She sounds like she needs a fair husband. I can’t help but worry about her. If my letter isn’t the only one she’s sent out, Emily might end up with someone worse than me.”

Bonnie laid her hand on his. “If she marries you, she’ll get a fair husband.”

Levi looked up at his mother. “Thank you, Ma.” He smiled at Hannah. “I believe things are going to work out for you and Daniel, also.”

Daniel hoped so. Now that Levi was sending out a new letter, he needed Hannah to fall in love with him fast.

“Now that I’ve decided to reply to Emily, will you write the return letter for me?” Levi asked Hannah with a grin.

She laughed. “No. She will cherish that letter someday and it needs to be in your own words and your own writing.”

Did Hannah cherish his letters to her? Daniel studied her face. She had the dreamy look of a girl who either was already in love or truly wanted to be.

* * *

Hannah pushed back her chair. “It’s getting late and I need to get to the schoolhouse.”

“I’ll go with you. I want to make sure you get there safely,” Daniel said as he, too, stood.

She smiled at him. “Let me go see if Opal needs any more assistance. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Levi called after her, “Thanks for your help, Hannah.”

“You’re welcome. Just make sure you are honest with her.” Hannah pushed through the door and entered the kitchen. Opal sat at the table, sipping tea.

The kitchen was clean and the floors looked as if they’d been freshly mopped. “Seems like you have everything done in here.” Hannah smiled at her friend.

“Yep, it goes faster when a body’s not so tired they think they are gonna drop. Thanks for all your help today, Hannah.” Opal grinned over her cup. “Now get back to that man. Looks like our Levi is about to give him a run for his money.”

Hannah nodded. “It does look that way. ’Night, Opal.” She went back into the dining room. “I’m ready.”

Daniel walked with her to the front door. He opened it for her. “’Night, Ma. Levi.”

“’Night,” they echoed back.

Hannah descended the steps of the porch. How did Daniel feel about her helping Levi with the letters? Thanks to his mother’s interrupting, he hadn’t said much during the process of choosing which bride Levi should send for. Hannah walked to the barn and stopped.

The moon and stars shone in the cloudless sky, providing plenty of light. “Daniel, I’d like to walk back, if it’s all the same to you.” She turned to find him directly behind her.

He surprised her by reaching out and touching the hair that framed her face. His knuckles brushed her cheek. “All right.”

His husky voice mesmerized Hannah, holding her in place. Daniel ran the back of his hand along her jaw line and brushed her chin. “You are a very beautiful woman, Hannah Young.”

She moistened her lips before answering, “Thank you.”

Daniel’s eyes focused on her mouth.

Was he going to kiss her again? Did she want him to? Her heart picked up speed. What was he waiting for? His hand still remained on her chin, holding it in place.

Daniel lowered his head and captured her lips. The kiss was sweet and gentle. He didn’t move, simply sampled her lips.

Hannah returned his kiss. She wanted to fall in love with this man, but more than anything she wanted him to fall in love with her. With her lips, she tried to convey that message to Daniel
.
Hannah didn’t examine her feelings too closely. She didn’t want to admit that he was capturing her heart with each look and kiss they shared.