Genevieve: Bride of Nevada (American Mail-Order Bride 36) Read Free

and after a year of hoping, she’d given up. She wouldn’t give up on her marriage.
    Stuart pulled back on the reins, and the horses stopped in front of a large two story brick building.
    “This is the courthouse. Judge Matthew Marin will marry us.”
    “Good. I’ll just be happy to be out of the cold.” Unlike the other buildings in town the red brick seemed almost inviting. Maybe that was a good sign. Maybe her marriage would be like the red building. Sturdy, built for the long run.
    Stuart chuckled. “The air is a bit nippy. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders. I like that about you. I could see that in your letter.”
    “I tend to be straight-forward about most things. I’m twenty-five and I want a home and family to call my own. That hadn’t happened yet back in Lawrence.”
    He set the brake and climbed down, then came around to help her off the wagon.
    They entered the courthouse and the warmth was immediate. Just being out of the wind was wonderful. She glanced around, brushed a hand down her lapel and followed Stuart to the judge’s office.
    A skinny young man seated at the light wood desk outside the door marked Judge Matthew Marin , looked up as they approached.
    “Please tell the judge that Stuart MacDonnell is here.”
    “Yes, sir. Please be seated.”
    He waved toward a row of straight back wooden chairs against the wall across from his desk.
    Stuart shook his head. “Thank you we’re fine.”
    Genny was actually quite happy not to sit on the hard seat. She’d already determined that riding to her new home would be a painful experience on the plain wooden seat in the buckboard. She was neither thin nor fat, but now she wished she had more padding on her behind.
    The young man returned through the door he’d left ajar.
    “The judge will see you now. Congratulations on your marriage.”
    They entered the judge’s chambers where a man of about fifty or so rose from sitting behind a large dark wood desk that had been polished until it gleamed.
    “Matt, how are you?” asked Stuart as he walked forward and the two men shook hands.
    “I’m mean as a snake per usual,” answered the judge with a smile.
    Stuart laughed before turning and motioning for Genny.
    “This is Genevieve, Genny, Copeland. She’s come all the way from Massachusetts to marry me. I guess the least I can do is accommodate her.”
    “Good. I’ve got the papers all ready. I just need both of your signatures on the marriage application and then, after the ceremony on the marriage certificate.”
    Waiting until Stuart signed, Genny then stepped forward and added her signature to the document the judge placed on a corner of his desk.
    The ceremony itself took only a few minutes, and then the judge was saying “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
    Genny looked up at Stuart.
    After a short pause, he bent and kissed her on the lips.
    A short, but quite nice kiss. His lips were firm and felt wonderful on hers. She’d have to figure a way to have more of those.
    Stuart smiled and held out his hand to the judge. “Thanks, Matt. Appreciate it.”
    “I’d say anytime, but I don’t want to be marrying you again.” The judge turned to her and nodded. “Look after him, Genny.”
    “I aim to.” She looked up at Stuart, his smile, but she instantly held her breath. His smile showing straight, white teeth, had faded. “If he’ll let me.”

CHAPTER 2

    As they left the courthouse, Stuart remained stiff and aloof.
    “So, do you regret marrying me yet?”
    She smiled up at him. “Not yet. You?”
    He didn’t smile. “Not yet.”
    She wanted to crawl inside herself and escape his stern countenance but she forced herself to talk. “I hope I don’t give you reason to regret your actions today. I’ll be a good wife to you, Stuart.”
    “Just care for my children. They’re my only concern.”
    Genny nodded. “I intend to. I can’t wait to meet them. Do I remember correctly that the trip to