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  He was equally happy when both children were born and loved having one of each. Sarah was a wonderful mother and took excellent care of her family. A lump formed in his throat as he remembered him she was pregnant for a third time. He’d grabbed her and twirled her slowly, just as thrilled as he had been when she’d told him about Sadie and Jack. He remembered how excited Sadie and Jack had been, too.

  It wasn’t to be, however. Sarah had gone into labor too early into the pregnancy. Their neighbor at the time, Lydia Benson, had done everything she could, but Sarah had hemorrhaged and both mother and baby perished.

  Crushing grief had followed, and if it hadn’t been for Lydia and her husband, Charlie, Dean might have gone crazy from it. Both had been quick to make him see that he had two young children who needed him and he owed it to them to be strong. It wasn’t that he shouldn’t mourn, but he had to keep it together for their sakes. Lydia told him that Sarah would have expected it of him, and she’d been right.

  Seth and Marcus had been on a drive at the time and he’d had only Lydia and Charlie to fall back on. Lydia had taught him some cooking, and Charlie had helped with repair work around the ranch and kept Dean moving each day. Dean had buried his pain in work and taken comfort in his children. The last three years had been difficult, but not without joy.

  Turning his mind away from all that, he looked down at the letter in his lap and wondered who it was from. He slit the envelope with a pocketknife and pulled out the letter. He detected a faint whiff of ladies’ perfume.

  Unfolding the letter, he read:

  Dear Mr. Samuels,

  I am responding to the advertisement placed with the Brooks Agency of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I found it to be touching and straightforward, which I appreciated very much. As I understand it, you are looking for a wife and mother-figure for your children.

  “What the hell?” he said. Then it came back to him. “Marcus!” His younger brother had told him he should get married again. Dean had said that he didn’t know any single women, at least any reputable ones. That’s when Marcus had told him about mail-order brides and said that would be the perfect way to find a wife.

  Dean had been joking when he said it sounded like a great idea and why didn’t Marcus place an ad. “That jackass!” Dean swore. “I can’t believe he did this.”

  Curious, despite his anger, Dean read on.

  Allow me to tell you about myself. I am five feet, nine inches tall and have dark brown hair, the color of a dark bay horse. My eyes are deep blue and I have a slender figure. I like to think I am kind and have good manners, although sometimes my parents are a little put out with me because I do not always follow the conventions of society.

  I have an excellent sense of humor and enjoy the outdoors. I sit a horse well and can write, read, and do some mathematics. Perhaps I shouldn’t tell you this, as I am informed that many men are intimidated by educated women, but I somehow think you are perhaps more forward thinking than that. I would ask that you keep an open mind.

  I have never been married and have no children, so I come unencumbered. I should like to have children so I hope you aren’t opposed to having more. Although it’s been a few years, I’m sure that you still deeply feel the loss of your wife and I am sorry you have had to endure such a thing. I would never presume to take her place, either in your heart, or in the hearts of your children. Rather, I would like to make my own place in all your lives and hope that we could be happy together.

  I am looking forward to corresponding with you and becoming better acquainted.

  Yours truly,

  Theresa M. O’Connor

  Dean read the letter several times and he was surprised to find that he was moved by this woman’s words. She was honest and sensitive and had added a little humor. He had to admit that his interest was piqued. Although tempted to write back, he had no idea how to respond. He decided to sleep on it and see how he felt in the morning.

  Chapter Four

  “What the hell were you thinking?” Dean said as soon as he saw Marcus the next day.

  Marcus had come to help Dean geld a couple of colts. Seth was out moving part of the herd to a new pasture. Lydia had taken a walk with the kids to pick some early spring berries they’d located on one of the trails.

  Marcus frowned. “What are you talking about?”

  Dean snatched the letter from Theresa O’Connor from a drawer in the kitchen and thrust it at his brother. “Read it.”

  Marcus unfolded the paper and began scanning the page. His mouth curved in a smile that grew wider the more he read. He finished and handed the letter back to Dean.

  “I’ll be damned. She sounds like a keeper,” he said.

  “Why did you put that ad in the paper?”

  “Because you said I should. You said it was a good idea,” Marcus answered.

  Dean let out an exasperated sigh. “I was being sarcastic.”

  “I know,” Marcus said with a nod. “But you need a wife. You need help with those kids. It’s not going to be long before Sadie is a young woman. Are you gonna talk to her about womanly matters?”

  “Lydia will do that,” Dean said. He tended to be shy about sexual matters.

  Marcus harrumphed. “Lydia and Charlie have their own kids to raise. You could certainly use a woman around here and one in your bed. You might be nicer to be around.”

  Dean whipped his head around, ready to berate Marcus, but his brother held up a hand.

  “I know, Sarah was the love of your life, but the fact is she wouldn’t want you to stay single the rest of your life and she’d want someone helping to take care of those kids. If you haven’t noticed, there’s a shortage of women in these parts so the pickings are slim,” Marcus said. His gray eyes, which he had inherited from their mother, were serious. “If you’re not after love, at least be practical. Maybe you won’t fall head over heels for someone, but you could be somewhat happy and have a good life.”

  Dean stayed silent for a few moments and saw the wisdom in Marcus’ words. His grief over Sarah’s death had colored his life for so long and he just couldn’t shake the feeling that he would be replacing her if another woman came along. Marcus may have been wiser than he about the subject and Dean knew he had to take his children’s welfare into consideration.

  He gave Marcus an unsure glance and said, “What the heck would I say to her if I did write? I can’t compete with that letter.”

  Marcus smiled. “It’s not a competition, Dean. You just say what you feel.”

  “I don’t know how I feel. No woman is gonna make the trip out here if I say that,” Dean said.

  “I’ll tell you what. You give me a general idea what you wanna say and I’ll write the letter.”

  Dean mulled over Marcus’ offer. Marcus had the most education out of the three brothers and certainly wrote better than he did. “Ok. Um, just tell her what we’re like and that I’m a hard worker and she sounds real nice. Oh, and tell her about the ranch.”

  “Done,” Marcus said. “Now let’s get to those colts.”

  All through the day, Dean kept thinking about that letter and wondering about the woman who’d written it. Why was she contemplating moving to an unknown land that was barely settled? She seemed smart and nice. Why couldn’t she find a man in Pittsburgh? He assumed there was a good reason and decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.

  By the time Dean’s day was through, he was exhausted. That was nothing new, though. He welcomed the work and the fatigue because they kept thoughts away that he didn’t want to deal with. That night, however, he had something new to think about and it kept him awake for a while.

  He lay in the bed in which he and Sarah had made love so many times and wondered how he could ever share it with someone else. Dean reached over and ran his hand over the side of the bed where Sarah had slept. What would it feel like to have a womanly figure lying next to him again?

  “Sarah, I don’t know about all this. M
arcus tells me I need to find someone to marry, to be a mother to our children, but I don’t know if that’s the right thing to do. I still miss you so much and I don’t think I can love someone like that again.” Dean fought the tears that threatened. “You always said you’d be with me no matter what. I hope you’re with me now. There are times when I think I hear you laugh or feel you next to me. If you are around, can you give me some sort of a sign?”

  He waited but nothing happened. Dean laughed at himself, thinking he was incredibly foolish to expect some sort of otherworldly sign. He rolled over away from Sarah’s side of the bed and eventually nodded off.

  Chapter Five

  After visiting the Brooks Agency, Tessa grew increasingly impatient as she waited for a response to the letter she’d written. Would the man she’d sent the letter to be interested? Should she have written something more or had she written too much? Doubts bombarded her but she did her best to hide her feelings.

  She couldn’t afford for any of her family to suspect anything, so she went to her classes and worked hard at her writing and other studies. She also took home some books about Montana, where Mr. Samuels lived. It was wise to research the place where she might end up living.

  Tessa hid the books away during the day and only brought them out late at night. It wouldn’t do for the servants to find them lying about. House servants tended to gossip. She studied them closely and took notes. The more she read, the more excited she became. It was as far removed from the current life she led as could be. It would certainly be an adventure. She longed to hear a wolf howl and feel the cold winter winds and watch the cattle being driven.

  The books also helped her understand the type of clothing she would need. She was sensible enough to know that high heels and ball gowns would have no place somewhere like Montana. Now the problem would be to figure out how to start buying these things and where to store them.

  Making the purchases wouldn’t be so hard, but there was no way to bring them home without being noticed. All three sisters liked to show each other new clothing and such that they bought. For Tessa to abruptly stop doing that would cause everyone to become curious about why she would suddenly be secretive about her shopping. That would put her plan in jeopardy.

  She thought about places to stash her things until she needed them, but came up with only one place to do so. Her cousin, Edwina, was always pushing the envelope when it came to societal rules and Tessa knew she would help her.

  Edwina Bradbury was known for being a bit of a wild woman, but because she was the sole heir of her family’s vast fortune, those of her class tended to look the other way. With no parents left and no husband to answer to, Edwina enjoyed a freedom that few women of her social standing did. She had always been a sounding board for Tessa’s frustrations.

  Tessa loved her family but she felt like she was drowning. She visited her cousin to plead for her assistance. Edwina understood how smothered Tessa felt in a world that was filled with the same thing day after day. She herself had felt that way her entire life so she was only too happy to help Tessa prepare for her journey, should it ever happen. Tessa left her fiery cousin’s house a happy woman. Now, if only a positive response came.

  Two weeks later, Edwina contacted Tessa by note that a letter had come. Tessa left the house as quickly as possible, saying that she needed to go to the library. A short time later, she sat in Edwina’s ornate parlor. Tessa took the letter from her cousin. She was jittery as she opened it so she took a breath before beginning to read it.

  Dear Theresa,

  I was really surprised to get your letter. I didn’t think anyone would write to me because I have two children. It’s only a very special woman who would be willing to take on that. I’ll tell you about them. Sadie is just like her ma. She has golden brown hair and bright brown eyes. She turned eleven last fall. Jack is all boy and full of energy.

  They’re both good children and I want the best for them. Our house is pretty big. There’s a kitchen, parlor, four bedrooms, and a washroom upstairs. I keep it in good shape along with the rest of the place. I’m not the richest man, but I keep our heads above water. My kids and my cattle are my life, but I’d sure like to share it with someone again.

  Your letter was something else. I can tell that you’re a real lady and smart, too. I’m wondering where you went to school and why a fine lady like you would want to come here. It’s pretty here, don’t get me wrong, but it’s a lot different than what you’re used to. The sky is so blue and on clear days you can see across the valley. The sound of the cattle lowing and the horses nickering to each other is comforting.

  You said you like to ride and we have plenty of good horses so that wouldn’t be a problem. Your schooling would be welcome because we don’t have a school close by here and the kids need to learn. Both are real bright and like learning new things.

  I guess because you told me what you look like, and you sound very pretty, I should tell you about myself. I’ve been told I’m handsome. I have blond hair and blue eyes. Last I knew I stood six feet, two inches tall. I don’t know what I weigh, but I’m very fit. I work off most of what I eat. I have strong arms and a strong back and I provide well for my family.

  That’s about it for now, but I hope I hear from you again soon. Let me know if you have any questions.

  Sincerely,

  Dean Samuels

  Tessa finished reading the letter and leaned back in her seat. The letter hung from her fingers and Edwina snatched it away and read it.

  “Oh, my,” she said. “Tessa, you have a live one here. He sounds dreamy. A real man, not like some of the fops around here. Just think of how manly he must be from all that work. And blond hair and blue eyes? Cousin, if you don’t take him, I just might.”

  Tessa looked into her cousin’s lively green eyes and laughed. “Hands off. Go get your own Montana man.” She took the letter back and stood. “He does sound wonderful, doesn’t he? And just imagine the trip. Why, I would have enough to write about for a lifetime with that alone!”

  “See what the next few letters bring, but I wouldn’t wait too long to meet him if all is satisfactory. You said other women write these men? Some other woman might beat you to it,” Edwina said. “Like me!”

  “Stop your teasing, Eddie. You’re awful and wonderful. So you’ll continue to help me?” Tessa asked.

  “Oh, yes. And more than that, I’ll lend you the money for the trip. You’re going to need more than your allowance and there’s no way to access your dowry, of course. There’s no telling what you’ll come up against and it’s best to be prepared,” Edwina said.

  Tessa was shocked. “You can’t do that! I won’t take your money.”

  “You’re not taking, you’re borrowing, dear. Besides, I have tons of money to spend and watching you live out your dream is a real pleasure for me. I’ll live vicariously through you. Accept the money or I won’t help you,” Edwina said. Her expression was serious.

  “Blackmailer,” Tessa accused. “Very well. I accept.”

  Edwina clapped her hands. “Wonderful! Now go home and write to your cowboy immediately so it reaches him as soon as possible.”

  The letters began coming on a regular basis over the next two and a half months and Tessa was enchanted by them. Dean’s description of Montana and their lives made Tessa want to go there all the more. It sounded like a very purposeful and romantic life.

  Marcus had a blast playing matchmaker and enjoyed writing the letters. As he wrote them, he tried to make them sound the way Dean spoke. He felt that Dean would be a lucky man to get a woman like Tessa and was a little jealous.

  Dean didn’t say so, but he liked Tessa’s letters, especially the way she wrote about her sisters. They sounded like a lively bunch and Tessa’s vivid writing made him feel like he could almost see them. He was glad that she had a close family.

  It was obvious that she was a smart woman and sometimes Dean had to use a dictionary he’d bor
rowed from Marcus to tell him some of the word meanings. When she asked questions about Sarah, Dean froze up and told Marcus not to go into detail about his wife or his grief. He felt that was his business alone.

  Other than that, he mostly left writing the letters up to Marcus and rarely read them before they were sent off. It seemed like his brother was doing a good job and that was good enough for Dean.

  One day, during the middle of July, Marcus showed up, waving a letter. Dean smiled because he knew it was another one from Theresa. He’d actually come to look forward to them.

  “You’re going to love this one,” Marcus informed him.

  Dean took it and opened it.

  Dear Dean,

  I will come right to the point. I have enjoyed our correspondence immensely and it seems you have as well. I think that it’s time we meet and would like to make the trip forthwith. Please reply to let me know if this is acceptable to you and, if so, I will make the final plans.

  In your earlier missives, you told me that the closest railway would stop in North Dakota and that I would come by coach from there. You warned that it would be a long journey, but I am willing to undertake it. I have the means to hire a first rate guide and have no fear of the journey, which I think will be well worth any effort.

  Yours,

  Theresa

  By the time Dean finished reading the letter, panic had begun to set in. When all this had started, he’d never expected it to go this far. Now, half a continent away, there was a woman who was ready to leave her life and come west to meet him.

  “Breathe, Dean. It’ll be okay. Ain’t that something?” Marcus said. His delight brought Dean to anger.