Mail Order Bride Book 6
Chapter I:
Billy rode up to the community and looked around him. It looked like the last town he had seen. But something seemed…different. He rode on Thornbird, his trusted thoroughbred. He was getting a lot of stares. No one had ever seen a man like that on this side of town. He wore sharp suspenders on his boots, leather pants, a sleeveless brown jacket and a cowboy hat. People knew what he was. He was attractive…but dangerous. His rugged, rough exterior was further complimented by two guns in his holsters. Persons admired him from afar. Women blushed at the mere sight of him. He parked his steed in front of a bar. He was thirsty. He had an interesting walk and put one foot in front of the other as he entered the watering hole. He sat in front of the bar and was greeted by a huge man in a white shirt who was wiping a glass.
“What can I get you?” he asked the stranger.
“A straight whisky, please.” The bartender immediately started fixing the man a drink. He sat down and stared at the glass. He began to reflect on the decisions he had to make, the lives he lost and the lives he had to take…
He took another sip of his whiskey and continued his reflection. Suddenly, his thoughts were immediately interrupted by a “good time Sally,”
“Hey there, lone ranger. You look a little lost, are you ok?”
He looked directly at her, got up from his stool and told her, “I know where I am but nice try.” He put the glass on the table and walked out of the bar. The lady looked very disappointed and huffed and sat down on the table. She was watched him walk out of the bar and started talking to the bartender.
The cowboy headed outside. He wanted to explore the town. The horse began to whine and put his foot down.
“Hey! Easy there, Thornbird! I am going to explore the city. I will be right back.” He petted the horse. Finally, he calmed down and the stranger walked off. He made sure to take his bags of money and headed into some stores.
Jeanie was currently looking to buy some new things for the kitchen. She looked at the collection of knifes and other utensils. She had some cutlery but it had been in the family for ages. She thought it was time for a change. She hummed a hymn under her breath as she looked at the assortment of cutlery. She then looked up and realized that he had been watching her. She couldn’t understand it. She felt disturbed and yet…liked it. She immediately regained composure.
“Hi,” she said hoping to disarm the man who kept staring.
“Hey, pretty lady,” He tipped the brim of his hat in her direction. He had never seen such a beauty before. He had seen women of all sorts, of all races and religions, but this one was different. He could feel it. He kept admiring her. He realized that she was looking for new cutlery.
“Oh this brand is better,” he said as he pointed to the stainless steel collection of knives, forks and spoons.
She smiled and was taken aback. “Thank you for your opinion, sir but I know what I want.” She went to the other set of stainless steel cutlery. It was the same quality but cheaper.
“Oh, I’m sorry ma’am.” He liked that she was polite but had a mind of her own. He liked a woman who was feisty. Most of the women he met didn’t have a mind of their own. Jeanie picked up the set and headed to the cashier. He watched the way she walked. It was with grace and ease. He watched her leave the store and smiled at her.
“Hey!” he called out to her, “Hope to see you again!”
“We shall see, sir.” She then left the store and made her way home.
The handsome stranger decided to make his way back to his horse.
“What a woman,” he thought. She didn’t seem to be impressed by his charm or his demeanour. She didn’t seem interested in him at all and yet, he liked her. He shook his head and found Thornbird looking at him with scorn.
“Crap! It’s time to feed you isn’t it?” The horse nodded. He then grabbed the bag of feed and fed him. The horse seemed content eating his oats. He rubbed the horse’s mane and looked around the town. He could live here. This could be his peace of mind. He looked around for a place for him to sleep and where he could get a hot meal. He saw a tavern which seemed quaint. A woman with a curvaceous figure was at the counter of the tavern. He sat by the counter and waited for her to be free. Here he could see the destitute and drunk. Men were slurring over there words and looking to have a good time and there were women who were well-dressed and all dolled up willing to provide a good time at the right price. He was used to places like this but it didn’t mean he felt comfortable in such environments. His mind reflected to the lady he saw at the shop. She would never be seen in a place like this. She was so pure and innocent and yet…had such a mouth on her. Maybe she believed in God and was a good Christian girl. He then pictured her going to church and reading hymns and being a good wife and mother…
He immediately shook the thoughts out of his head. He was an outlaw and a bad boy. He wouldn’t know what to do with a girl like her. She deserved better. Also, it would draw attention to him. He came here to lay low. A marriage to a girl like that might bring some unwanted attention.
A woman came up to him and touched his thigh.
“Hey sugar,” He looked up and realized a buxom woman who was wearing too much make-up was attempting to flirt with him. She wasn’t his type and wished she would stop.
“How about you and me get a room and…” He pulled her hand off of thigh.
“Ma’am, I’m sorry but I will have to politely decline. I’m already having a good time,” he said as he rose his glass to her.
“Oh…ok,” she was disappointed. She had eyed him for afar. Ever since, he came into the town, she wanted him. But it never occurred to her that he didn’t want her. She had never been rejected before. She was the talk of the town. Even the mayor who was a married man and a family man wanted her. How could he not want her? She walked away disappointed but found someone else who was interested in what she had to offer.
The stranger continued to enjoy his beverage. When the woman at the counter became free, he began to talk to her.
“Hi, I’d like to know if you have any vacancies? I need a place to stay for a while.”
The woman smiled. Normally, she was known for being a strict businesswoman. Her tavern came first. Yet, she found this gentleman to be charming.
“Sure, anything for you. Let me just check on a room for you.” She attempted to sashay her hips as she left the room. He watched, smiled and continued his drink. He looked around once more and saw that the drunks had already become unconscious and that the good time gals had already found ways to turn tricks.
He was content and continued his drink in peace. Suddenly, the silence was broken.
“Hey! Let me go!” A beautiful woman who appeared to be well-dressed and easy to bed was trying to get away from a brutish figure. He was overweight, rude, ugly and unmannerly. He could understand why such a woman would want to get away from him.
“Now look lady, you look like you could show me the time of my life and I’m ready to buy.” She was still trying to break free. There were a lot of money bags on the table. Clearly, the man could more than afford a night with this woman.
“No! I am not interested, not even if you were the richest man on the planet!” She still tried to break free. He had a strong grip on her.
“OOH! So suddenly you whores have a conscience? Well! Well! Look at that!”
“Let the lady go,” he said calmly. The brute turned around and faced him.
“What you say?” the brute said. He was surprised and annoyed that this absolute stranger was getting involved in his “business transaction”.
“I said to let the lady go,” he released the grip he had on her wrist. The lady massaged her wrist then ran off.
“Did you know what you just done?” The brute got up from the table he was sitting at. His belly jiggled as he walked closer and closer to him.
“Boy,” he said dryly, “You got some nerve coming into this town and threatening me. But don’t worry,” he said as he cracked his knuckles, “I’m gonna teach you a lesson that you won’t ever forget.”
The gentleman smiled. He wasn’t one to back down from a fight. The brute lunged at him and threw the first punch. The gentleman blocked the punch and counter-attacked. The brute then recovered and tried to land another blow but was once again opposed by the stranger. He then landed a knock-out punch. The brute fell to the floor and was unconscious. Everyone in the bar remained quiet. There was suddenly an air of fear in the atmosphere. People stared at him realizing that he wasn’t one to be messed with. He then returned to the counter. The owner who was checking on the room for him was frozen. She saw the whole fight. She then faced him.
“Are there any rooms available, ma’am?” He asked.
“Uh, yeah...yes, here you go,” She said as she handed him the key. He could tell she was a little nervous and managed to disarm her with a smile.
“Thank you,” he said as he tipped his hat to her. He grabbed the key.
“Ok, I will show you to your room. Follow me.” The stranger followed the lady through the back door. They walked down a hallway with a few doors. She pointed at a door which was to be his room. He turned the key and opened the door. It was small but comfortable. He wasn’t a man who needed much riches.
“Thank you. This will do just fine…uh…what’s your name?”
“Eileen Poll and you’re welcome,” She then walked down the hallway. He looked around the room and sat on the bed.
“Yes, this will do just fine.”
He then decided to gather his things from his horse. He walked down the hallway and into the bar. There he saw the lady he has rescued. She was making eyes with him. He tipped his hat to her and began to walk off. She immediately followed him.
“Wait, I just wanted to thank you for saving me.”
He looked at her and smiled, “no need to mention it. It doesn’t matter what a woman does. To me, everyone deserves respect.” He then continued walking.
“Wait, I just want you to know if there’s anything you need,” she said as she began pulling on the collar of her dress exposing her collarbone to the stranger, “feel free to ask,”
The man looked at her and said, “Ma’am as flattered as I am that you would be willing to offer yourself to me, I must politely decline.”
The woman looked troubled. She didn’t understand. So why did this man rescue me?
“Ok, well thanks again.” She said as she walked off.
The stranger began to shake his head in disbelief. This was some strange town.
Chapter 2:
He finally walked up to his horse and grabbed his bag with his toiletries and some change of clothes. The horse began to whine.
“Hey! Hey! I will be back tomorrow ok?” The sun was beginning to set. It was almost time for him to go to bed. The horse continued to whine.
“I promise! Ok? Alright…how about this? I get an apple for you tomorrow,” The horse immediately stopped whining. He was relieved. He rubbed the mane of the horse and headed back to the tavern. He made his way to his room and lay on the bed. He began to reflect on his first day. He didn’t expect that much excitement. It seemed like trouble always followed him. He thought about that girl he saw once again. He wanted to get to know her. She was captivating. He wanted her…no, not like that but he wanted her to be his. He didn’t want to own her; he just wanted her for himself. He groaned. His thoughts were frustrating her. He never met a woman who could hold herself in a conversation. She didn’t want him and could take care of herself and respected herself and he found that to be extremely attractive…especially in his town. He hoped that he would see her again and they’d have a longer conversation. He had never been so interested in another woman before.
Finally, the cowboy felt sleep coming on. He blew out the candle and allowed his mind and his body to relax.
He woke up the next morning and stretched. There was a small window in the room covered with wooden panels. He opened the panels and looked outside. The sun was up and it looked beautiful. He got out of the room and walked down the hallway. Women stared at him. He forgot to put on a shirt! He ran back into the room, donned a shirt and headed to the bar. He sat at the counter and waited for the owner. When she finally came out from the back, she smiled at him. He ordered breakfast and she brought it out immediately: scrambled eggs, bacon and toast.
“Everything a growing boy needs,” she joked.
“Ma’am, I am no boy. I’m a real boy.” She laughed.
Oh, yes he was.
“Had a good night?” She looked at him playfully insinuating that something intimate had happened.
He laughed, “No ma’am just slept through the night by my lonesome.”
She looked at him and touched his hand. She maintained eye contact with him. He laughed nervously and touched her hand lightly. He then moved his hand.
“Ma’am, I know what you are trying to do and I respect you too much to do it. I am going to leave now and check on my steed. Thanks once again for the bed and hot plate of food. I will be back soon.” He paid for the meal, tipped his hat and headed outside. He began to walk and whistled a tune as he made his way to his horse. He then made his way to the post. He stood in his tracks. He knew he was at the right post. This was just the wrong situation.
He began to pace around trying to figure out the mystery. He then ran up and pulled at the rope and screamed….his horse was missing.
Chapter 3
“Where is he?!” He was livid. The horse was his transport and his best friend. Now he was gone.
Well now he’s going to be mad that I never gave him that apple I promised him
He tried to think about the possible suspects. Who would want to steal his horse?
Suddenly, he heard laughter.
“Looking for your trusty steed?” The brute appeared out of nowhere. He looked proud of himself.
He was enraged, “What did you do with my horse?” He ran up to him. The brute stopped him.
“No…why should I tell you anything?”
He clenched his fists and furrowed his brows, “If you don’t want a repeat of what happened the other day, you should tell me!”
A couple of guys ran out. They were armed with sticks and prepared to do harm. The cowboy didn’t care. He had been through worst. He tried to swing a punch at the first guy. He countered with a punch of his own and he staggered to the ground. Another guy kicked him adding pain and agony to his physical appearance. He was on the ground trying to fend for himself but could do no such thing. He lay on the ground in the foetal position. When they were over, he stayed on the ground. They finally walked away.
He eventually got up. The brute still looked at him.
“Hmm…you survived that beating? I’m impressed. I’d almost offer you a hand…almost. Your horse will be returned to you before sundown.” He then walked off.
He staggered towards the nearest building. He then saw her from a distance. She immediately ran over to him.
“Wow and now she has to see me like this,”
She was frantic. She began to ask a lot of questions.
“Are you ok? What happened?” she asked.
He really didn’t like that she was seeing him like this.
“Just got into a bit of a fight,”
She gasped, “Well you seem to be in bad shape. I’m not sure who you angered but they were clearly upset.”
He tried to stand properly but couldn’t. She helped him up.
“Where are you staying?”
He said The Tavern and he helped him there. They entered the establishment and the owner was concerned.
“What happened?” She asked them.
“Just a little accident,” he lied. She glared at him.
Well at least she’s looking at me
The owner looked like she wanted to know more about the incident but Jeanie could see he was badly bruises and bleeding.
“Uh, can you tell me which room is his?” Jeanie asked the owner.
“Room 112. It is the third door on the right.”
“Thanks,”
They immediately ran into the room. Jeanie looked at the stranger. He was losing consciousness. She immediately sat him on the bed and began looking for medical supplies. She knew she needed hot water, a basin and some wash cloths.
“Stay right here, I’m going to get some things.”
“I don’t think I’m physically able to do anything of the sort,”
She smiled weakly at him and headed outside.
Jeanie spoke to the owner and asked her for the necessary supplies. The owner found some supplies in a cupboard and handed them to her. She thanked her and ran back into the room.
She saw him groaning in pain. She immediately set up a makeshift medical kit and began tending to his wounds. He groaned at the pain but soon realized that it had subsided. She was very good at taking care of him. She put alcohol in the cuts and put frozen meat from the ice box on his bruises.
“There, that should help.” She then smiled at him.
He smiled back at her. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome.”
“Why did you stop and take care of me? You could have left me. You could have asked someone to help and left me. I want to know why you stopped and decided to help.”
“I want to know how you ended up in a fight.”
Touché
He decided to tell her the truth. She didn’t seem like the type of woman who should be lied to.
“It was about my horse. Had ‘im for a long time. Some thugs stole him from me. I was questioning the men responsible for my horse…and they beat me fine and proper…”
Jeanie looked at him. He wasn’t lying about the beating. He was hurt pretty badly.
“All this for a horse?” She was confused. She didn’t understand it.
“It’s because I defended a woman who didn’t want to sleep with one of the guys,”
She was taken aback, “I’m…I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s fine. You didn’t know.”
“I’ve never met a man like you before,”
“What? A man who can take a beating?”
“No,” she said, “A man who fights for a woman’s honour.”
He was doubtful about the honour of the woman he had saved. She was a prostitute after all. But he couldn’t get over the way she was currently looking at him. It made him feel like a knight in shining armour and not an outlaw or common criminal. He felt like he mattered to someone.
She sat by the bedside and looked at her patient.
He smiled, “Well, lady I’ve answered your questions. So, what about mine?”
“It’s what I was told to do. I am supposed to tend to the sick, help the poor…”
“Yes, take care of strangers and what not. Missus, are you tryna’ tell me that you are a good Christian woman?”
She smiled softly, “Yes. Yes I am.”
Hmm…So I was right.
“It’s one of the reasons I have been put on this earth. I was meant to help people. So here I am.”
He smiled, “I’ve never met a woman like you?”
She smirked, “A Christian woman?”
He nodded, “A woman with honour.”