Gabe's Pledge (Grooms With Honor Book 3) Read online

  “Right now I don’t know if I want to. It would mean leaving Clear Creek and my friends and family.”

  “It would be a fresh start. A home of your own instead of living in the hotel. Children of your own instead of taking care of a schoolhouse full of kids.”

  “But I’d miss my little sisters growing up.” Iva Mae helped raise her three younger sisters before their mother married Ethan Paulson. Then her mother and Ethan had four more daughters.

  “Maybe your future husband could move to Clear Creek?”

  “Not if he works in his family’s business.”

  Now Iva Mae’s heart clinched at the thought of leaving her family. “Maybe I’ll just be content with being a school teacher.” Tears pricked in her eyes. Because she didn’t want to leave her family, or because she didn’t want to give up the chance of a man loving her as a woman and wife?

  “Without thinking about it, blurt out what you really want if you can have anything and anyone in the world.” Mary snapped her fingers. “Go!”

  “Marry Gabe and stay in Clear Creek.”

  Did she just say that to Gabe’s sister? Iva Mae’s face reddened at her words.

  “Okay. Let’s think about this. How can we get Gabe to finally court you?” Mary’s face twisted in thought as she tapped her chin with her finger.

  “If he hasn’t done it yet, what makes you think he’ll finally see me as marriage material?”

  “Maybe if someone else does...it will make him realize he better get his rear in gear.”

  “Mary!”

  “He’s my brother. I can say what I want about him.” Mary waved her hand in the air to dismiss Iva Mae’s shock.

  “I want someone who will love me, and I don’t think Gabe thinks of me in that way. I’m his sister’s friend who has hung around his house for over a decade. I’m just another sister, like you and Amelia.”

  “And you think someone you meet through a letter is going to love you instantly?”

  “Well, no.” Iva Mae looked back at the letter in her hand, then over to Mary. “This is a gamble, isn’t it? This man could be lying through his teeth, or maybe he doesn’t have any.”

  Iva Mae shuddered at the thought of marrying a man she had no clue what he looked like, good or bad, hairy or bald.

  “You know, you could keep writing back to ‘your future husband’ while making Gabe jealous at the same time.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Keep writing to the mystery man to get to know him better, but let Gabe know you’re doing it. Maybe it will help push Gabe to decide once and for all if he wants to marry you or not.”

  “And if that doesn’t work?”

  “Then you decide if you want to marry the man you’re writing to, or stay the town’s spinster schoolteacher.”

  What should she do? Well, her New Year’s resolution was to marry in 1887, so she had to keep working at it.

  “All right. I’ll write back to my ‘future husband’. Then what?”

  “Before you mail it, take it over to the saddle shop for Gabe to read. Ask if he thinks it will peak the man’s interest. And be sure to show him the original letter so he doesn’t think you’re making this all up.”

  Iva Mae would be making a bold move by sharing this with Gabe, but he’d been her friend for so long. And if it made him realize he loved her, it would be worth the possible embarrassment.

  “Be warned. You do realize the whole town is going to be in on this as soon as people realize letters are being sent back and forth.”

  Iva Mae groaned. Besides her parents knowing about it, the pastor’s wife and the woman’s church circle would get involved.

  “At least the ladies in town will help you finish your quilt tops now. They’ve been gathering dust in your hope chest for a decade.”

  “True. I have thirteen quilt tops, including my wedding quilt, which could be stitched and finished. Give the ladies something to work on during the winter months.”

  Iva Mae was kind of joking, but it would be nice to have the tops quilted and finished for when she married.

  “I’m sure your mother would put up the quilt stand in the hotel’s big room. That way women can work on them whenever they want to.”

  And every time Gabe came into the hotel for any reason, he’d see the quilt stand as another reminder of her intent to marry. This could be fun.

  ***

  Gabe heard the tinkle of the bell above the door of the saddle shop, but didn’t look up from his work. His father, Reuben, was up by the front counter so he could talk to the customer. Probably someone who wanted a pair of boots resoled, or harness repaired anyway. That was his father’s specialty, not his. These days Gabe spent his time custom making saddles, and loved it. He’d finally found his life’s work.

  “Hello, Mr. Shepard. Is Gabe in the back?”

  Gabe’s right hand jerked hearing Iva Mae’s voice and he nicked his left hand with the sharp tool he’d been using to carve into the leather. Why was Iva Mae asking for him?

  “Yes, Iva Mae. Go on back to talk to him. He won’t mind taking a break from his work.”

  Gabe dropped the tool on the table and picked up a rag to dab the blood on top of his hand. Great. Another scar to add to his hand. He hadn’t stabbed himself in a long time.

  “Gabe?” Iva Mae paused in the doorway of the back room looking at the array of leather and tools in the room. He liked things neat and clean, so his hand carving tools were lined up on the table beside the leather he was carving on today. A table behind him held the stitching machine, which stitched the heavy pieces together. Various colors and sizes of leather hung on long poles across the wall on his right. Two saddle stands held saddles, which were works in progress. Three kerosene lights hung from the ceiling to give him plenty of light to see the detailed work he did.

  “What can I do for you, Iva Mae?” Gabe dabbed his hand wound one more time before tossing the rag on the table.

  “Did you hurt yourself?” Iva Mae rushed up and took his hand to study the bloody spot, just as if he was a boy getting hurt on the playground.

  “I’m fine. Just a nick. What do you want?” That came out rougher than he intended but she’d surprised him by coming into his work place.

  Iva Mae took a deep breath and pushed some letters toward him.

  “I need a man’s opinion so I’d like to know what you think.”

  “About?”

  “I wrote to a marriage agency and received a letter back from an interested groom. I wrote a letter back, but I wanted your thoughts on it before I sent it. I’m wondering if this information was what a man would want to hear from a prospective bride.”

  What? Iva Mae was actively looking for a husband, through a mail-order agency? Surely not!

  “What do your parents have to say about this, Iva Mae?” Gabe asked as he took the letter Iva Mae held in her outstretched hand.

  “I’m an adult and they are fine with me finding a husband. I really don’t want to move from Clear Creek, but if that’s what it takes...” Iva Mae shrugged her shoulders, as if it was all right for her to leave town.

  “First, please read the letter I received from the man.”

  Gabe flipped the page first to see the signature, but it was only signed “your future husband.” Why didn’t the man sign his name...so Gabe knew whom to hate?

  He started from the beginning, reading as fast as he could. Surely, this wasn’t a real person.

  “Where’d you get this and why?” Gabe asked, trying not to stare into Iva Mae’s bright green eyes. He’d forget his name if he stared into their pretty depths too long.

  “I wrote to a matrimonial agency stating I wanted to become a mail-order bride. This is the first letter I’ve received so far. The agency said I may receive more than one, but this is the person they think is the most matched to me.”

  “But it doesn’t say anything. Not where he lives, what he does for a living. Does he have money to support you...and he’s ashamed to even
sign his name.”

  “I thought it was rather endearing the way it was signed.” Iva Mae’s chin rose although a blush bloomed on her porcelain skin. Her skin tone was the perfect match for her rich red auburn hair tucked in a thick bun at the base of her neck. When was the last time he’d seen her with a braid down her back? Years ago. Gabe wondered how long and thick her night braid was now.

  “Anyway, here’s the letter I’m going to send back to him after I get everyone’s approval.”

  “Approval? From who?” Gabe asked as he absentmindedly switched letters with Iva Mae.

  “Well, you and I thought I’d ask Mary and Daisy to read it too. Maybe I should ask Mrs. Millie Wilerson to read it since she was a mail-order bride.”

  “That was over a decade ago.”

  “I know, but I need to talk to her about the wedding cake anyway.”

  Gabe narrowed his eyes. “What wedding cake?”

  “If you’ll read the letter, I asked my groom if we could marry here in Clear Creek since he lives in the state. So of course, Mrs. Wilerson would be the best person to bake the cake. That’s her specialty now.”

  Gabe grew up enjoying Millie’s pies and cakes since she baked for the café and hotel the first years she lived here. The marshal was a lucky man to have Millie for his wife.

  Would Iva Mae be a good cook too? She’d grown up in hotels so she’d never cooked meals for a family.

  “Please read it, Gabe, so I can take it to the next person. I want to get the letter mailed as soon as possible.”

  In that case, maybe he should tear it up so she had to start over?

  Why was he upset that Iva Mae wanted to marry? That was most girls’ dream since they were old enough to plan it. Iva Mae would be no different. It was just that...he never thought she wouldn’t be around town to see nearly every day.

  “Gabe...” Iva Mae warned him he was stalling.

  “Okay.” He turned away from Iva Mae, pretending to find better light to read the letter instead of her seeing his face as he read her words to another man.

  To my dear future husband,

  I was thrilled to receive a letter so quickly from the agency. They said it might take a while to find the perfect match among the men looking for mail-order brides, but here we’ve been matched almost immediately.

  I am twenty-three, with auburn hair and green eyes. I am a schoolteacher so I am in good shape keeping up with my students.

  Yes, Iva Mae had a nice hourglass shape.

  My stepfather and mother own and manage a nice hotel so I’m proficient in cleaning, cooking, and hosting dinners. I have seven younger sisters, so I’m prepared, and want a large family.

  Sweat beaded Gabe’s forehead thinking of Iva Mae “making” children with another man. That wasn’t an image he wanted in his head for the next week, month, or forever.

  You may wonder what is wrong with me since I’m not married yet. I assure you I’m a nice, congenial woman who, unfortunately, has never been asked for her hand in marriage.

  That line stung Gabe’s conscious since everyone assumed he’d be the one to court and marry her.

  I can send letters of recommendation from my pastor and the school board to vouch for my word. I will list their addresses at the end of this letter so you can write directly to them if you so wish.

  I, in turn, would like letters of recommendation from your pastor and another worthy person in your community also. Please have the letters sent directly to my pastor.

  The one request I have is that we be married in the Clear Creek Community Church. I believe you live in Kansas, so we could have the wedding and reception in my parent’s hotel before we move to your hometown.

  If possible, could you send a portrait of yourself and your name? I have enclosed a recent cabinet card photo of myself.

  Sincerely from your future bride,

  Iva Mae Paulson

  Gabe folded the letter in thirds and handed it back to Iva Mae, hoping she didn’t notice his trembling hand.

  “Do you really want to do this, Iva Mae? Marry a stranger?”

  “No, I’d rather marry the man standing in front of me, but...” Iva Mae shrugged her shoulders. “I’m tired of waiting for you to ask me to be your wife, so I’ll move on.”

  Gabe couldn’t believe she was so forward and blunt, but that had always been her way.

  “I’m sorry, Iva Mae, I just can’t fathom getting married yet.”

  “To me or anyone?” She looked so sad, and resigned at the same time.

  “I don’t have a house of my own.” Gabe said rather than answering her question. Iva Mae would always be his first choice, but he wasn’t in a position to offer a secure future yet.

  “You could rent an apartment if you couldn’t afford a house yet. Surely you get a salary from your father.”

  “Yes, I get income from the shop and could afford a place to live.” Actually, he had his inheritance from his stepfather stashed in the bank he’d never touched too.

  Iva Mae’s eyes bugged out. “So why are you still living at home? You’re twenty-seven years old!”

  “I like living with my family.” When his father married Darcie Robbins, she brought her two children to the marriage. Gabe adored being the big brother to then two-year old Tate and baby Amelia. Then Gabe’s sister Mary moved in with them, and they had the best upbringing they had missed with their mother in New York.

  “And I’d bet they are ready to kick you out of their house at your age. Think of the money they’d save on the monthly food bill.”

  Darcie had never said a word, but Gabe could see he was an extra burden for her, still washing his clothes and cooking his meals. Iva Mae was right. He needed a house, or at least to help Darcie with the expenses of the household.

  “I wish you’d reconsider writing to an agency. It would be better if you met a man and fell in love the old-fashioned way, courted first at least instead of meeting at the altar and your first kiss is to seal your marriage vows.”

  “I suppose Adolf would marry me. The Reagan brothers don’t seem to be interested in me either.” The “either” was meant as a jab to him.

  Why couldn’t he commit to Iva Mae? Probably because his parent’s history put a twist in his failing to move forward with his life.

  His father had been so in love with his mother, but when Reuben returned from Civil War duty, he found out his wife had declared him dead and married another man, Mary’s father. The chip on Reuben’s shoulder had remained sharp for a decade until he returned to look for Gabe. It had been hard to mend the rift between father and son, but Darcie had blended the two families together.

  Gabe didn’t feel ready to become the head of a household. It was such a responsibility. But was his panic worth losing Iva Mae over?

  Iva Mae spun on her heels and left the room without saying another word. She wasn’t happy with him, but this was a lifelong commitment and he was serious about being able to take care of a family. Maybe it was time to talk to his married friends to see how they balanced time, expenses, and their wives.

  Chapter 3

  Gabe pushed through the café door and closed it quickly to keep the swirling snow from gusting into the café. It was a typical gray snowy January day but Gabe was on a mission this morning.

  Besides eating breakfast in the café this morning so Darcie didn’t have to feed him, he was looking for advice.

  “Gabe! Join us!” Mack called and waved from the table in the corner. Just the group he wanted to talk to.

  The Reagan brothers and their father usually ate together on Saturday mornings in the café. It started out as a way to give Kaitlyn Reagan an occasional break from preparing a meal for six growing boys and their father.

  As the sons left home, Pastor resumed the Saturday morning ritual to get together with his grown sons, whoever could make it that particular day.

  Today the newly wedded sons, Angus and Fergus, sat with their father, Mack, and Cullen. The perfect combination of seasoned
and “new in love” advice awaited him at the Reagan table.

  “Good morning, everyone. Is there any food left to serve me?” The table was laden with plates of pancakes, eggs, and bacon, besides five cups of steaming hot coffee.

  “Linnea just served our food but if you wave at her, I’m sure she can find you another cup and plate of the same.”

  “I’ll have your food out in a moment, Gabe.” Linnea called out because she must have heard Mack say her name.

  “Pull up a chair. Make yourself at home, son.” Pastor Reagan waved to the chair across from himself that was empty.

  “Don’t see you often in here for breakfast. Darcie okay?” Pastor continued.

  “She’s alright. Just thought...it was time I pay for some of my own meals so she didn’t have to feed me all the time.”

  “Next Saturday bring your father and siblings along too. She’d really appreciate a morning to herself.”

  Gabe looked around the corner and noticed Angus and Fergus nodding to agree with their father.

  “Daisy and Iris glad you’re out of the house this morning too?”

  Angus took a sip of coffee before answering. “Oh, they had plans this morning, so they were happy to get us out of their way.”

  “What are they up to?” Gabe asked Angus as Linnea set a cup of coffee in front of him.

  “They’re setting up a couple of quilting frames over at the hotel this morning,” Linnea interrupted to tell Gabe. “The town ladies are going to start quilting Iva Mae’s wedding quilts together.”

  Everyone at the table stopped eating for a second and stared at Gabe. Wondering if he had news to share this morning? Nope. He wasn’t involved in Iva Mae’s wedding.

  “Did you finally pop the question to Iva Mae?” Mack asked but he looked certain it hadn’t happened.

  “No.”

  “She finally accepted Adolf’s proposal?” Fergus asked next.

  Oh gosh, Gabe hoped that hadn’t happened.

  Cullen cleared his throat. “She’s been corresponding with someone.”

  Everyone turned to stare at Cullen. He never talked publicly about the mail he sorted in the post office. Cullen took his role as postmaster for the United States Mail Service very seriously.