Prairie Romance Collection Read online

  “I’m not trifling with her emotions, if that’s what you’re asking,” John stammered. He wasn’t sure what to expect next.

  Father shut the door and ushered John to a chair. “We just don’t want you to hurt the girl by leading her on. She’s very nice, and she deserves more than that.”

  “I plan on asking her to marry me,” John blurted out, almost feeling like the boy he had been when he often got in trouble for all his mischief and had to face his parents.

  His mother clapped her hands. “Good! When are you going to do it?”

  John felt as if he had stepped into a stage play in the middle of the second act and hadn’t seen the script. “I’m not sure…uh, soon.”

  Mother sank into a chair and modestly arranged her skirt. “She doesn’t have any family, does she?”

  John stood up and paced across the floor, rubbing his hands together. Then he thrust them into his pockets so he could keep them still. He wasn’t exactly comfortable talking about this with his parents. “No, but I took Martin…uh, Pastor Hardin with me when I asked her if I could court her.”

  A sweet smile lit Mother’s face. “I’m glad you’re doing things the proper way. I tried to raise you right.”

  Father placed a hand on his shoulder. “If you plan on asking her to marry you sometime soon, maybe you could do it while we’re here. If she doesn’t mind getting married quickly, I could perform the ceremony. It would be a privilege, son.”

  John felt as if a whirlwind had picked him up and was slinging him around in a dizzy circle. He wished it would deposit him back on the carpet that stretched almost from wall to wall in the room. He needed a firm foundation under his feet so he could think straight. “I’m trying to plan something special for the day I ask her.”

  That was all Mother needed. He could almost see her creative mind go to work as she jumped up from the chair, reminding John of what she had been like when he was younger. So full of life, meeting every challenge head-on. “Maggie enjoyed the ride on the side-wheeler.”

  John nodded.

  “You could take her tomorrow night.” She move closer to John. “If she says yes, we’ll telegraph Esther and Levi, telling them how much longer we’ll need to stay.”

  Maggie worked in her garden all morning. She had an abundance of produce, which she didn’t want to take the time to can. When John had come to help with the chores that morning, he’d asked if she would like to go on a boat ride after they ate supper with his parents. She looked forward to the evening and didn’t want to spend the afternoon slaving over a hot stove. She wanted plenty of time to get ready for the outing.

  After lunch, Maggie went into town and delivered all the vegetables to the parsonage. Elizabeth Hardin gladly received the bounty. Then Maggie went to the mercantile to purchase ribbons to match her favorite blue dimity dress. All the way home, she planned the hairstyle she would wear and how she would wind the ribbons through it.

  When John arrived to pick her up, Maggie was glad she went to all the trouble. The way his eyes lit up when he saw her made the effort worthwhile.

  After supper at the hotel, Mr. and Mrs. Collins accompanied them to the pier where the City of St. Louis gently swayed in the water. As the boat moved away from the wooden platform, twilight was falling over the water. Lights along the bank reflected in the ripples, and stars appeared one by one in the sky. Maggie started counting them in her head until there were too many. She and the Collins family stood by the railing and watched the summer night unfold before them accompanied by the gurgle and splash of the water as the wheel lifted it up and poured it out. By the time the boat moved around the first bend in the lake, the inky sky twinkled as though covered with a field of diamonds. A three-quarter moon cast its path across the water, beckoning Maggie to some unknown, enticing place. She knew God had created this spectacular display. Her heart filled with praises.

  Before long, people drifted into salons on the boat, where music played and porters served refreshments. Maggie wanted to stay right where she was, beside the man she had come to love with all her heart. John stood so close she could feel the heat radiating from his body, but he didn’t touch her. They didn’t talk but instead enjoyed the movement of the boat and the wonder of the night that surrounded them.

  When John finally spoke, Maggie turned and noticed that they were alone. Even his parents weren’t beside them any longer.

  “What are you thinking about, Maggie?”

  His quiet voice sounded like a caress. Maggie could only wonder how a real caress from John would feel.

  She peered up into his beautiful green eyes, which sparkled in the moonlight. “I was praising God for providing us so much beauty.”

  A look of disappointment crossed his face for a moment. “Yes…it is beautiful.” He turned and gazed across the expanse before them.

  “And I was thankful that He brought you into my life,” Maggie whispered.

  John’s expression brightened as he turned back toward her. “I am, too, Maggie.” His fervent declaration touched her heart.

  He moved closer and slipped his arm around her waist. Maggie looked up into his face, studying the lines and planes outlined in the moonlight, all the time aware of the weight and warmth of his arm around her.

  “You’re lovelier than anything out there.” He gestured toward the lake.

  Tears pooled in her eyes, and she glanced down at the bright trail across the water. Through her tears, the ripples along the surface looked extra sparkly.

  “Maggie, I love you so much my heart feels as if it might burst.”

  John’s words whispered against her hair arrowed to her heart, then she heard him breathe in her scent. She knew what he meant. She felt the same way about him.

  “I brought you on this boat ride for a specific purpose.”

  Maggie didn’t know what he meant, but it intrigued her. “And it was…?”

  John turned her toward him and gently held her upper arms. “Will you marry me, Maggie Swenson?” His intense gaze almost consumed her. He had spoken the most wonderful words she had ever heard.

  “Yes.” The syllable slipped out on a whisper. “Yes.” This time she made sure John could hear her answer.

  He gently cupped her face in his hands and studied her as if memorizing her expression. His eyes stopped their journey on her lips. He slowly lowered his face toward hers but stopped a hairbreadth away.

  Maggie slipped her arms around his waist and closed her eyes, lifting her lips willingly to him. When their mouths touched, Maggie couldn’t believe the sweetness that enveloped her. The love that poured into her heart and soul was so much greater than she had ever imagined. She became lost in the wonder of it.

  John could hardly believe how easily the words had poured from him. He didn’t know why he worried about it all day. He asked her to marry him, and she said yes. Twice. Her lips tasted better than John had ever imagined. He wasn’t sure whether the kiss lasted for a second or an hour. Whichever, it wasn’t long enough. A lifetime of kissing Maggie might be long enough, and he was going to find out. He planned to kiss her several times a day for the rest of their lives. The very thought lit a fire deep inside him. A fire he knew would be hard to keep under control. His father’s idea of a swift marriage sounded better all the time.

  When their lips parted, he gazed into her eyes and read the love there, but she spoke the words anyway. “I love you, John Collins, and I will until the day I die.”

  He pulled her against him, holding her so that their hearts beat in one accord. She rested her cheek on his chest, and the intimacy of the moment overwhelmed him.

  “When, John? When should we get married?”

  He pulled back but didn’t take his arms from around her waist. “Would it be all right if we get married really soon?”

  “How soon?”

  John sighed. “I would like to get married before my parents go home. That way my father could perform the ceremony.”

  Maggie took a deep breath
then let it out slowly. “That is soon.”

  “I’ll understand if you want to wait longer. Of course, they can stay a week or two while we make wedding plans.” John pulled Maggie’s head back against his chest. He loved the feel of her against him. The perfume of her essence filled him with heady anticipation. How he hoped that she would agree to marry quickly.

  Maggie took a few minutes to answer, but she didn’t pull away. John watched the ripples dancing in the moonlight, feeling as if his heart was dancing right along with them.

  “One of us should have family at the wedding. I don’t have any left, and it’s a long way from North Dakota. I wouldn’t ask your parents to return later when there’s no real reason the wedding can’t take place right away.” Maggie smiled up at him. “Do you think it’ll be all right with them?”

  John leaned his forehead against Maggie’s, and their breath mingled. “I told them I planned to ask you to marry me. They thought it was wonderful. It was their idea to stay until the wedding if we get married soon.”

  Saturday, July 15, dawned bright and sunny, but a breeze blew welcome relief from the high temperature. Holly spent the night with Maggie, helping her finish making her wedding dress. They had found a bolt of silk the same shade of light green that John’s mother wore when she married. They adorned Maggie’s dress with an abundance of lace, and Maggie found her mother’s lacy veil in one of the trunks. Including the traditions of both mothers in her wedding attire made the day more special.

  Holly went out in the late morning and picked wildflowers. With them, she fashioned a bouquet for Maggie to carry. Scraps from the lace they used on the dress surrounded the blossoms.

  The wedding was more elaborate than Maggie first thought it would be. All their friends at the church pitched in, planning a wedding supper for after the ceremony. These people provided the food and decorations. Maggie felt blessed to have so many people around her, supporting her.

  At four thirty, Pastor Hardin and his wife came to the farm to get Maggie and Holly. White fabric streamers decorated the buggy he drove. He had offered to stand in for Maggie’s father and walk her down the aisle. The church was already full when they arrived. John, his father, and Hans waited at the front of the church. John and Maggie had asked Hans and Holly to be their attendants.

  All Maggie saw when she walked down the aisle was the face of her beloved. She knew that later she would try to remember every detail, but everything happened so fast. Soon Mr. Collins pronounced them man and wife. Mr. and Mrs. John Collins. The fervent kiss John gave her made her blush.

  After the new couple exited the church, John’s mother came to hug both of them. “Welcome to the family, Maggie. I’m officially making you the keeper of the quilt.”

  John laughed. “She’ll take better care of it than I did.”

  Once again he kissed his bride, and Maggie welcomed it with all her heart.

  Epilogue

  By late August, Maggie had settled happily into married life. Sharing a home with John fulfilled many of the dreams Maggie had had as a young girl. She already knew what an honorable man John was, but she never dreamed how much fun he could be. When he came home, he filled the house with laughter and love.

  Early in the month, John hired the son of a neighbor to help with the work at the farm. Because he enjoyed being stationmaster and telegrapher, he didn’t want to quit his job. But the farm demanded a great deal of time when he got home, and he wanted to spend his evenings with Maggie and Rascal. It was just one more thing for Maggie to love.

  One day at noon when he came home for dinner, he carried a package wrapped in brown paper. “I picked up the mail, and this is for you.”

  Maggie turned from the stove where she stirred gravy. “Who is it from?”

  “My mother.” John set the parcel on the end of the table. “It’s probably a wedding gift.”

  “Should I open it now?”

  “I can’t stay long today.” John came up behind Maggie and slipped his arms around her, dropping a kiss on her upswept hair. “Open it after we eat. You can show it to me when I get home this evening.”

  Maggie stepped from his arms, picked up the skillet, and poured the gravy in a waiting bowl. “Okay. Dinner is ready.”

  Pleasant conversation punctuated the meal, but Maggie couldn’t keep her eyes from straying to the package sitting on the other end of the table. After John left, she made herself wash the dishes before she opened it. When she finished, she swiped her hands down the front of her apron before removing it and hanging it on a hook near the sink.

  When Maggie unwrapped the brown paper, she found two wrapped bundles. The first parcel contained linens—sheets, pillowcases, and kitchen towels. According to the notes pinned to two pairs of pillowcases decorated with delicate embroidery, Miriam had made one pair and Esther the other. John’s mother created a set of pillowcases in cutwork embroidery, outlining the flowers and leaves in many colors. Seven kitchen towels, one for each day of the week, were also decorated with needlework.

  Maggie laid them aside and opened the other package. She uncovered a sewing basket. When she opened the top, she found two envelopes on top of the contents. The words Read This First were written on one of them. She tore it open.

  Dear Maggie,

  The time Peter and I spent with you and John was special, and we welcome you into the family. His sisters and I hope you enjoy using these items as much as we enjoyed making them for you.

  I must admit I was amazed that John hadn’t realized the significance of the quilt, because I wrote him a note explaining it. After I returned home, I searched my sewing basket and found it stuck in the side. It’s in the other envelope. I must have neglected to attach it to the quilt when I gave it to John.

  My daughters are better seamstresses than I will ever be. They now make my clothing, too. I gave each of the girls her own sewing basket for her birthday when she was twelve years old. Since my sewing basket is lined with some of the same fabric that I used in the quilt, I wanted you to have it.

  We hope you and John can come to North Dakota to visit the family soon. The girls are eager to meet you.

  Love,

  Brigit Streeter Collins

  Maggie put the paper down and carefully opened the other envelope.

  My dearest son,

  This quilt is the story of your family and the love that binds us together as truly as the threads that hold together these pieces of cloth.

  I began this quilt as a new bride. I didn’t know any more about sewing than I did about being a wife, but I knew about love….

  As Maggie continued to read the words, tears pooled in her eyes. Soon they streamed down her face. After she finished reading, she dashed them from her cheeks with the backs of her hands.

  She bowed her head and thanked God for allowing her to become a part of this wonderful family. Maggie was confident that she, John, and the wee one she suspected she was carrying would add to the tapestry of love her mother- and father-in-law had begun.

  LENA NELSON DOOLEY lives in Hurst, Texas with her husband, James, and enjoys her two daughters and her grandchildren. Aside from writing, Lena has spoken to women’s groups and retreats, as well as written for seminars and conferences. Lena appreciates any opportunity to spread the Gospel through missions work and writing. Visit her website at www.LenaNelsonDooley.com.

  The Bride’s Song

  by Linda Ford

  Chapter 1

  1898—Freebank, western Canada

  Agust of wind swept shiny strands of black hair across Dora Grant’s cheek as she hastened across the pleasant, tree-lined street. Lifting her face into the wind, she laughed. At twenty-two she had found the ideal place, and she was supremely happy.

  The prosperous town of Freebank was the perfect place for a determined young woman to carve out a life for herself. Situated alongside the Canadian Pacific rail line, which headed west to free land, opportunity, and prosperity, the thriving community boasted of schools, more than
twenty stores, six churches, a theater, and an abundant social life.

  Climbing the three stairs to Doc Mackenzie’s office, Dora stepped inside. She smiled at her reflection as she paused at the hall table to brush her hair back from her face. Her hazel eyes sparkled, revealing her happy state of mind. With deft movements, she tied a crisp white apron over her skirt and blouse. She had changed her mind about wearing her new white lawn blouse this morning, deciding to do the wise thing and save it for a social occasion. Her plain, oft-worn apparel was more appropriate for work.

  Dora’s footsteps kept pace with the happy tune she hummed as she completed her routine morning chores. Placing freshly boiled instruments on a tray, she covered them with a clean towel.

  If Doc Mackenzie doesn’t get back soon, he won’t have time for his noon meal, she thought when she glanced at the clock over the bookcase. Perhaps she should go into the living quarters and sit with Mrs. Mac until the doctor returned. But before she could cross the room, a buggy rattled into the yard, followed almost immediately by Doc’s heavy footfall on the stoop.

  Instantly her anxious wonderings eased. Doc would get a chance to eat the simple meal she’d left for Mrs. Mac to serve. Now Dora could relax until their afternoon office hours began.

  But the racket of a fast-approaching wagon sent tickling fingers of apprehension up her spine.

  “Whoa,” a deep voice called out, followed by a frantic inquiry. “Doc. Doc Mackenzie. Are you home?”

  Dora hurried to the window, pushing aside the lace curtain. Two heaving and sweating horses stood harnessed to a wagon that still shuddered from its sudden halt. Her gaze followed two men as they jumped down from their seats and reached back into the wagon’s bed to lift out a blanket-wrapped body.