Hannah: Bride of Iowa (American Mail Order Bride 29) by P.A. Estelle Read Free Book Online Page B

put his arm around Maddie, “this is Hannah, my soon-to-be-bride.”
                  The doctor was a big man with thick wavy blond hair and laughing dark brown eyes. He leaned way over on his saddle and took Maddie’s hand. “All I have to say, Miss Hannah, is that it’s a good thing Sam, here, saw you first. I’d have snatched you up before anybody could blink twice!”
                  Maddie burned scarlet at the doctor’s flirtation. “You are the second man to say that to me in the last thirty minutes. I hope there’s a church here where the gentlemen of this town can pray for forgiveness for outright lying.” 
                  The doctor clutched his chest. “I’m wounded to the core!”
                  “Hannah, I’ve known this no-good wretch for a lot of years. He’s the town doctor and I might add a confirmed bachelor, so don’t let that smooth talk of his sweep you off your feet.”
                  She couldn’t help but like the man. His laughter was contagious.
                  “Doctor Charles Page at your service, little lady and don’t listen to old Sam. We’ve been friends for too long for me to steal you away.” He nudged his horse into a trot and yelled over his shoulder, “But I could!”
                  “That man is a God-send around here. I’ve known him since we were just sprouts. I think when Martha passed, he almost felt as bad as I did — blamed himself. It took a while for him to look me in the eye again. I never, not one time, blamed him.”
                  “Is he married?”
                  “Nope. Never did find the right gal.”
                  Lizzy began to jump up and down. “Look, Mama! There’s where Auntie Kate lives! The house was similar to Samuel’s, but the barn was huge and instead of acres of corn, cattle dotted the land.
                  A woman came running out the front door. She had on black pants and a tucked in shirt. Her long dark hair was pulled back in a long braid. She had the same Morrison beautiful blue eyes and dimples. She ignored everyone and hurried over to where Maddie had just gotten down. Her smile was genuine as she gave her a quick hug.
                  She turned her attention to Maddie. “I’m Kate. I have been so anxious to meet you.” When Samuel walked over, she punched him in the arm. “I threatened Frank that if you didn’t come in today I was riding over by myself.”
                  Lizzy squeezed in between them wanting her piece of attention. “And Lizzy, my favorite person!” She kneeled down and gave her niece a kiss on the cheek. I’ve been waiting to see you. Do you know what I have in the barn?”
    Wide-eyed, Lizzy shook her head. “Queenie had four puppies. Didn’t I promise you one of them?”
    “Yes!” She turned to Samuel. “Daddy, can I have one, please, please, Daddy!”
    “I guess so. We’ll take a look at them and when they’re ready to…”
    “Oh, they’re ready. They were born about seven weeks ago. That’s how long it’s been since you visited!” Her tone was accusing. “Lizzy, honey, the pups are in the barn if you want to take a peek. Uncle Frank is in there, too. Tell him to help you look at them and then you both come in for dinner, hear?” Kate hadn’t even finished her sentence before Lizzy was gone. “Let’s go in the house. I’ve made some noodles and chicken.”
    Kate added wood to the stove to heat things up. By the time Frank and Lizzy returned, dinner was on the table. Maddie related the same lie she told Samuel about her life as Hannah. It was not getting easier. Her stomach was just as queasy every time she told that lie. As a matter of fact, it seemed to get worse.
    “So, when’s the nuptials?” Frank asked.
    “I’m hoping, maybe the week of Thanksgiving. Ma and Pa will be here. You both are here.”
    Maddie