Mail Order Bride: Love On The Line: A Mail Order Brides Western Romance (6 page)

Chapter 14

"PLEASE REMEMBER THIS IS ONLY A WATER STOP. THE TRAIN WILL ONLY BE STOPPING FOR HALF AN HOUR. THIS IS THE LAST STOP BEFORE SAN FRANCISCO."

Watching the conductor walk away, Elizabet stood. "I wouldn't mind getting off to stretch my legs. Want to join me?" Holding her hand out, Tom took it. "Suppose someone has to watch that behind of yours. We wouldn't want a rattle snake to get you."

"Think you're the best man for the job?"

Falling in behind her, and joining the queue for the exit door, Tom said, "When it comes to your behind, I think I'm the only man for the job."

Elizabet smiled. "You never stop, do you?"

Leaning in close, she found him whisper in her ear, "Which one of my lovers were you talking to-?"

"I think it was the eighty year old," Elizabet added and laughed.

"You can laugh. But before we made sweet love, she was only twenty. She was never the same since."

Elizabet looked at him and found him grinning. "You said before. So what happened—she aged when she saw you naked?"

"Very funny. Maybe I'll stay put and let you fend for yourself then."

Elizabet took hold of his face in her hands and held it. "Aw come on, what happened to my big brave man?"

"You're still not funny."

Seeing him fight back a smile, she decided to tease him more. Taking a length of hair in her fingers Elizabet toyed with it and put on an innocent face. "I think my, Tom, doesn't love me anymore." Hearing him stifle a snicker, she put on a pout and watched as his composure crumbled and he broke out laughing.

"I swear you're going to pay for that."

"So you still want to watch my behind?"

Tom said nothing. Looking at his eyes and mischievous grin, she knew his mind was busy conjuring up some type of revenge.

Waiting her turn, Elizabet watched Tom jump off the last step of the train and turn for her. Holding out his hands to lift her down, she noticed a glint in his eye. "And you better not say that I've put on weight."

Tom grinned. "As if I would." Taking her easily in his arms he swung her safely down and held her a few inches off the ground.

Looking to the ground, Elizabet said, "You can put me down now."

"Make me."

Elizabet knew by the strong hands that held her there was no chance of escape. "Is this it then? This is how you're going to get back at me?"

Holding her in place, Tom pulled her closer to him. "Say it."

"Say what?"

"You know what, that you're madly in love with me."

Hearing the words and watching him grin. "OK I—I—I…"

"You're hoping that my arms are going to give out before you say it, don't you?"

Elizabet smiled, "That's a no?"

"That's a no. I could hold you like this all day."

"Darn, there goes that plan. So how do I get out of this?"

Pausing for a moment as if he was thinking, Tom said, "Alright then, a kiss."

Elizabet looked around her. "I could scream for help." Pretending to be a damsel in distress she called out softly. "Help, help me-"

Pulling her closer to him he remarked. "You'll have to do better than that-"

"Oh kiss her, will you? You know she wants to be kissed."

Elizabet turned to see an elderly gentleman standing beside them. "Life's too short to miss these moments." Walking away, he left the two of them staring at each other in silence.

Wondering what to say next, Tom broke the silence. "He's right. I'm not going to look back and regret not taking this moment, are you?"

Elizabet looked into his eyes and shook her head slowly. Feeling her feet finally touch the ground, he pulled her close to him. Holding her chin softly in one hand, he bent down and brushed his lips softly against hers. Feeling him press closer, Elizabet met him and kissed back as hard as he did. Closing her eyes, she found herself lost in the moment. Gone to a place where only they existed, she felt the world around her disappear. Wondering how long she could keep up with him, she found him break free and look into her eyes. "See—I knew you did."

Elizabet gripped onto him and pushed her face deep into his chest. Holding it there, she listened to his heart and said the words she couldn't hold back anymore. "I love you, Tom."

Chapter 15

Back on the train and on the final leg of their trip to San Francisco, Elizabet thought of what would happen when they got there. Looking at the small champagne glass in her hand, she watched the bubbles inside it and was lost deep in thought. Reaching across the table Tom touched her hand and brought her back to the present.

"What's up, you don't like champagne?"

Elizabet took a sip to prove that she did. "No, no it's not that, I'm just not looking forward to…"

Tom put his hand onto of hers. "You want me to talk to him? I mean it might come across better man to man."

Elizabet shook her head. "No, I can't let you do that. This is my decision, I'll tell him myself. But-"

"But what, he'll be fine about it-"

"I don't know—you have to remember we've been in correspondence for six weeks now. I just walk up and say thanks, but no thanks. It just doesn't feel right."

Elizabet watched Tom get from his seat and come around to her side of the table. Taking her chin in his hand, he looked into her eyes. "Neither does marrying the wrong man out of obligation. Better to break his heart now, than a year, maybe two down the line." Leaning in he kissed her softly on the lips. "And there's no way I'm letting you do that. I know you're a good woman, Elizabet. That's one of the things I like about you. But sometimes you've got to think of your own happiness." Picking up his glass he took a sip and continued. "Put it this way, it's not like you both knew each other that well. I know you swapped letters, but can you really trust everything that you read. Heck, for all you know this guy could be a weirdo or just plain lying to you."

Picking up her glass, Elizabet took a drink and thought over what he'd said. She knew she'd been a little loose with truth on her end and never mentioned Charles and the problems he'd caused her. Maybe John had done the same, maybe he wouldn't be the exact person she was expecting.

"Come on, you hear stories like that all the time. A guy writes to a girl promising that he's wealthy, six feet tall and owns his own teeth-"

Elizabet giggled. "Teeth?"

"Well, you know what I mean. Next thing you know, that girl ends up with a broke miner who's as fat as a hog and gummy as a baby."

"So you know many mail order brides?"

"Well no, but I guess it could happen. Take my brother for example, he's supposed to be marrying one in the next couple of days. For all he knows she might look nothing like the photograph she sent him."

"Your brothers marrying a mail order bride too?"

Sitting back in his seat Tom took his glass and laughed. "What are the odds of that, both of us marrying a mail order bride?"

"So when is she due to come in?"

"I don't know, the next few weeks I think. In fact, that's why I'm going to San Francisco, he asked me to be his best man. That and I'm getting back into the family business. Guess I can't play the traveling hobo any longer."

"So you're not a traveling hobo?"

Tom laughed. "No, I'm not a hobo. But I guess you figured that out by now."

"Expensive wine gave it away."

Tom swore. "Always does. Guess I just can't hide the fact that I like the good life."

Wrapping her arm around his, Elizabet nestled in closer to him. "So you must be close then, you and your brother. If you're traveling all the way from New York to be there for him."

Tom shook his head. "Suppose so. But then I owe John a lot. He kept my father off my back when I said I wasn't interested in the family business. Can't really turn around and say no now. That and my mother swore that she'd cut me out of the family will if I didn't show my face. Families, huh."

Fearing the worst, but hoping she was wrong, Elizabet lifted her head and turned to face him, "You said John."

"Yes, my brother's John, so?"

"That's the name of man I'm marrying."

Tom took another drink from his glass and smiled. "And what? You think you're marrying my brother."

What's your family business?"

"Railroad. My late father got involved in the early days and did well for himself. He passed away a year ago-"

"That's what John said he did."

Tom smiled at this. "So his name's John and he works for the rail road. I bet you could throw a stone in San Francisco and hit anyone called John who works for the rail road." Laughing to himself, Tom patted her on the back of the hand. "And anyway, you're not his bride, he told me she was coming in a few weeks' time. That's why he wanted me home now. To help out while he sorted out the wedding."

"But-"

Putting down his glass and reaching into his pocket, Tom took out his wallet. "Look I've a picture of him here. Anyone would think you'd changed your mind about me." Opening a pocket of it, he took out a folded photo and opened it. "See. You happy now-"

"Oh my God that's him."

Tom took the photo away. "You're a card, you really are. Had me going there for a moment. Very funny." Taking his glass and finishing it off he turned. "Come on, jokes up, you got me."

Elizabet said nothing and stared at him in silence.

"You're not joking?"

She shook her head.

"But you can't be, you aren't due in San Francisco for weeks yet."

Elizabet bit her lip. "I'm sorry Tom, something came up and I had to leave New York as soon as possible. I had thought of going on an earlier sailing, but then the train came up and-"

Tom stared into the distance. "Sweet Jesus. What are the odds…?”

Elizabet took her hand away from his. "I can't do this to you and your brother, Tom. The last thing I want is for either of you-"

"We can work this out. There's no way I can stand back and let you marry him. Elizabet, I love you."

"I'm sorry, Tom. Please, I'd like to go back to my room." Wiping away the tears that had started to fall, she didn't wait for a response and pushed passed him. Feeling a hand take hold of hers she shook it free.

"No, Tom, please let me go."

"But…"

Running down the aisle, Elizabet didn't listen to anything more he said. Pushing aside a couple coming the other way she was relieved to get to her room before he did. Closing the door and putting on the bolt, Elizabet leaned against it. Hearing Tom argue his case she put her hands to her ears and tried to drown him out. Hearing his promise that he'd be back, she felt a sense of relief as the other side of the door went quiet. Leaving the door and sitting on her bed, she knew one thing for certain, she wasn't going to become part of a love triangle. No one could win in that situation. The last thing she wanted was to see Tom and his brother at odds over her. Elizabet knew there was only one thing she could do, she had to get away from it all. How, she didn't know yet. 

Chapter 16

Tom looked out the window and watched the outskirts of San Francisco go by. Taking out his pocket watch he looked it over and knew they'd be in the station in the next ten minutes. Sitting in view of Elizabet's door, he looked up and saw it still remain firmly closed. Wondering if she'd had as rough a night as he had, he stifled a yawn and felt his bladder protest once more. Looking to the door, he didn't think a quick run to the toilet now would make any difference. Once he got back he'd resume his place outside her door and wait for her to open up. Then he'd make her see sense. Walking to the toilet, he replayed the conversation he'd had in his head all night. Going through the scenario over and over again, he pictured both he and Elizabet arguing their case to John, and John agreeing to it. How could he not? Elizabet clearly didn't love him so what was the point in going through with a sham of a marriage? He deserved to know the truth now and not later. His mother might be another case however. Having left on bad terms, Tom hoped she wouldn't use this as added ammunition against him. Feeling the train slow and come to a stop, he looked out a nearby window for a cause.

"It's another train."

Tom turned to see a porter coming his way. "Train?"

Joining him at the window he pointed ahead of them. "It always happens if the line ahead is busy. Shouldn't be too long—maybe ten minutes. Once they've moved on, we'll be in the station then."

Thanking the man and happy that he'd even more time to get to the toilet, Tom left as quickly as he could and got back to the conversation in his head. 

Leaving the toilet and feeling the train under way again, Tom tapped lightly on Elizabet's door. Hearing no response he knocked once more.

"Elizabet, it's Tom. Will you open up? I've got an idea, let's talk."

Tapping a little stronger he waited and heard nothing on the other side. Putting his ear to the door and expecting to hear something, he found the silence baffling. "Elizabet, are you alright in there?" Left only with his imagination for an answer, he found it give him the worst possible image. "Oh, Jesus no." Thinking that she'd taken her life, he shook the handle for all it was worth and then pounded on the door. "Elizabet!"

"SIR!"

Tom turned and found the porter he'd been talking to earlier. "Sir, I'll have to ask you to stop."

Ignoring the command Tom held out his hand, "Quick give me a key, we need to open it up. I'm afraid she's done something stupid."

"I'll have to make sure first," the porter said and walked to Elizabet's door. Tapping on it he waited for an answer. "Miss, we'll be arriving in the station soon, do you need any help?"

Hearing nothing he turned to Tom.

"Come on, quickly, open it, open it."

Tom watched as the man pulled a bundle of keys from his pocket and stopped when he had the right one. Taking it out and putting it in the lock, Tom gave him just enough time to open it. Charging past and expecting to find the worst, he found nothing instead. Looking around the room he found it completely empty. Getting to her wardrobe he opened it and found it bare. Confused, Tom dropped to his knees and found the space under her bed the same. "I don't understand."

"You're sure there was someone in here, sir?"

Getting to his feet, Tom surveyed the room and mumbled to himself, "She must have gotten out when I'd gone to the toilet." Leaving the room as quickly as he entered, he frantically searched the train. Calling out her name he stopped each passenger he met on the way and gave her description. Coming up with nothing, he threw his arms up in desperation and wondered how she'd avoided him. There was only one hope he thought, he'd catch her coming off the train. Once on the platform he'd get to her before she had a chance to escape. Confident that his idea would work, he raced to the front of the train once more. Pushing his way to the head of the queue, he got there just as the train started its approach into the station.

Standing on the platform, Tom stood to his full height and surveyed the passengers disembarking. Calling out Elizabet's name he ignored the passers-by who stared at him. Watching the crowd thin out and the last stragglers make their way off the train, he turned and wondered how she'd got by him. It didn't make sense, he'd searched the train and everyone that had gotten off. How could a woman laden down with bags just disappear like that?

"Elizabet!"

"She's long gone."

Tom turned to find the old man that he and Elizabet had met the day before. "You know where she is?"

"You must be a terrible kisser the way she ran off with her bags."

Tom held him by the shoulders. "Where is she I need to find her?"

"She got off the train when it stopped-"

Tom looked past him and then back to him, "Where, in the station?"

"No. She got off about twenty minutes ago that time we were stopped. I looked out the window and saw her running across the rail tracks with her bags—I'm sorry son, but she's gone. Now if you don't mind."

"Huh? Oh I'm so sorry," Tom said, letting go of the man's coat and getting out of his path. "Thank you, for telling me."

Smiling in return the man stopped and turned. "Been married forty years and still don't understand women. But that one, she seemed like a keeper. If I was you, I wouldn't stop looking until I found her." Leaving it at that, he tipped his hat and walked away.

Seeing a wooden trolley nearby, Tom sat on it and looked in the direction they'd came. Wondering if it was worth his while going back to where they'd stopped, he didn't think he'd be able to compete with her twenty minute head-start. By now she could be in a taxi and headed to any part of the city. Looking to the ground and lost in a world of despair, he felt a strong hand slap him on the back.

"Hey little brother."

Tom looked up and found John look him over.

John said, "This is the part where you say, 'Hi John. Yes, it's good to see you too.' I think that's how you'd say hello to a brother you hadn't seen in two years." Slapping him playfully on the shoulder, he added. "Why the long face? You think you'd found a gold mine and lost it all in a card game."

"You could say that," Tom mumbled.

Taking a seat beside him he asked, "And what was all the shouting about? Were you calling out a woman's name-?"

"Elizabet."

"Yeah, that was it. Elizabet. Funny that, that's the same name as the woman I'm marrying," John said and slapped him on the thigh. "Small world."

"Too small," Tom mumbled and walked away.

"Hey, where are you going to sourpuss?"

Tom turned and stopped. "To a bar, to drink my brains out—oh and by the way, you can wipe that smile off you face. After you hear what I've got to say you'll be joining me.”