EMMA (Mail-Order Brides Club, #1) Read Free Page B

must seem like another world, coming here?"
    "It is very different," Emma agreed. "It's an exciting city. I love it there, but it's a difficult place for young women, unless they are married. There are not enough jobs to go around."
    "Did you ever consider getting married there?" Hannah asked.
    "I would have loved to," Emma admitted. "But with the hours we work, there was no opportunity to meet any eligible young men."
    "You're very brave to come here. It must seem like quite an adventure."
    "It is an adventure and I will admit to being nervous. I think I am equally excited and terrified, to be honest," Emma said, and then after a moment of debating whether or not to ask, she went ahead and asked what she was dying to know. "What is he like, Ethan?"
    Hannah smiled and thought for a moment. "He's a good man. Josh is the oldest and Ethan is next after him. He's always seemed a bit serious to me, very focused. He's a good father. His little girl, Emily, adores him. She's three, and has blonde curls just like her mother did." She grew quiet then and Emma guessed that she was thinking of Susan.
    "Susan and I were great friends," Hannah confirmed. "We all grew up here together and she and Ethan were childhood sweethearts. It was tragic what happened to her. But, it's a real risk that every woman faces when she has children."
    "It sounds like I have some big shoes to fill." Emma worried that she'd never measure up.
    Hannah sighed at that. "It's been just over a year. Ethan needs to move on, for his sake and for Emily's."
    "I suppose," Emma agreed.
    "You'll meet both of them tonight at dinner. Everyone, actually, including Naomi and Jed."
    "They're all coming?" The nerves came rushing back. Emma found the thought of meeting Ethan and his whole family at once a bit intimidating.
    "They're all dying to meet you. Naomi, especially." Hannah glanced over at the stove and steam was starting to rise. "Well, it looks like your water is about hot enough. Are you ready for your bath?" When Emma nodded, Hannah got up and Emma jumped up to help her. Together, they carried the basin of hot water into the bathroom and filled the tub. Hannah had already put some water in earlier and adding the steaming hot water to it made for a perfect, warm temperature. Hannah left, and within seconds, Emma slid into the tub and sank into its soothing warmth. The heat felt wonderful, and after she'd soaked for a bit, she reached for the bar of soap and washcloth that Hannah had set out for her and proceeded to wash every last bit of the last three weeks grime off her. Once she'd scrubbed herself nearly raw, she sank down again and stayed there until the water grew cool. Then, reluctantly, she eased herself out and patted herself dry. Hannah had told her to take her time and that she'd probably be able to squeeze in a short nap or rest before dinner.
    Emma dressed and then went into the guest bedroom, shutting the door behind her. The bed looked inviting and she was feeling so relaxed from the bath. Hannah had suggested that she try and squeeze in a nap and though Emma had never been one for a nap, she figured it might be nice to just lay down and rest her eyes for a bit.
    ***
    E mma drifted off to sleep almost immediately and slept soundly until she was woken by the sound of voices and people walking around downstairs. She wondered how long she'd been sleeping and worried that it had been too long. She sat up in bed just as there was a soft knock on the door and when she said, "Come in," Hannah opened the door a few inches and peeked in.
    "I don't want to disturb you, but just wanted to let you know that we're going to sit down to eat in about a half hour. So make your way down when you're ready. Take your time." Hannah shut the door again and Emma was tempted to lie back down, but knew she'd probably be out for the rest of the night, so didn't dare. Instead, she eased herself off the bed and looked in the mirror that was hanging on the wall. Her hair was a