Hannah Saves Samuel (Wanted: Wives In The West 1) Read Free

he, too noticed the faraway look on Samuel’s face. Time was of the utmost concern.
     
    The other men had been happy to hear of the pastor’s plan. But Samuel hadn’t said anything. He’d simply shaken his head and showed up at the agreed upon time. When anyone spoke to him, he would display a polite smile, but it was obvious that his heart wasn’t in it.
     
    Now, four weeks later, the plan was paying off. Pastor Littlejohn and his wife sat up into the night reading through the replies. “I think you need to read this one,” Mabel said, passing the letter and photograph to Stanley. The woman in the picture was delightful. She looked young and happy – very well kempt. He would never have known how much turmoil she was in just by looking at the photo.
     
    Dear Pastor Littlejohn,
     
    It is through the guidance of the Lord that I write to you today. I have prayed for an opportunity to find a loving, God-fearing husband whose side I can be at forevermore.
     
    I write to you with urgency, as my loving Pa has passed away and I will soon be left without a place to go once my Ma and my six-year-old sister, Jenny, move into tight quarters with my Aunt Agnes in Savannah. I’m not only looking for a husband, but for a family-oriented community that I can contribute to as well.
     
    I like to think I’ll be a fine wife for the right man. As long as he has a heart that turns to Christ and promises to honor and love me as much as I will him, I’ll be happy. I’m a hard worker and have plenty of homesteading experience. I’m also not afraid of the pioneer life and helping out around the ranch, doing man’s work, if needed.
     
    Ever your friend,
    Hannah Browning
     
    “I feel like she’s the one for Samuel,” Mabel said as Stanley laid the letter down and looked at her, smiling. “He needs a loving woman who is committed to him and to our Lord.”
     
    Stanley set the rest of the letters aside, and reached over to put the flame out on the oil lamp. “We’ll send her a train ticket tomorrow,” Stanley said, drifting off to sleep with a satisfied smile on his face.
     
    …
     
    Hannah ran home from the post office as fast as she could. She hadn’t waited to go to the magnolia tree the day the reply came. She’d ripped it open right when the postmaster handed it to her, letting out a squeal as she rushed off to give her ma the good news. “You don’t have to worry about me anymore!” she said, gathering up her ma and Jenny in her arms and giving them a big hug as she danced in front of the hearth.
     
    “What are you going on about?” Ma asked, looking at Hannah as if she were crazy. Hannah had always been fiercely independent, always doing things her own way. It drove Ma insane trying to keep her grounded when her Pa had encouraged her with her wild dreams and high hopes.
     
    “I’m going to Texas!” Hannah said. “I answered a Hearts and Hands ad for Christian women to help settle Fort Worth, right where the Chisolm Trail begins. I’m going to stay with a couple from the church and work for them and hopefully meet my future husband!”
     
    “Hannah, you can’t go out West all by yourself!” Ma said.
     
    “Oh, I won’t be alone,” Hannah declared. “Well, just on the train. But Caleb and Margaret Marshall are my chaperones for the trip.” She handed her ma the reply.
     
    Dear Ms. Browning,
     
    It is with sincere pleasure that my wife, Margaret, and I welcome the opportunity to host you in Ft. Worth, Texas as a potential life partner for one of the fine young men in our congregation.
     
    Enclosed, please find the railway ticket for your trip. We look forward to meeting you, having you stay at our home, and giving you employment on our ranch.
     
    May God keep you safe in your travels!
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Caleb Marshall
     
    Ma shook her head in disbelief. “Hannah, I know it’s dangerous out in Texas. I’ve heard about those Chisolm Trail towns, too. There are all sorts of bad seeds out