Laurel: Bride of Arkansas (American Mail-Order Bride 25) Read Free Page B

disappointed you in some way?”
    “Not that I know of, but I—”
    “As far as I’m aware, then, I can meet your specifications.” She reached into her reticule and produced a small piece of newspaper. Smoothing the creases, she read, “. . . need wife to keep house and raise 2 daughters . . . ’ I’ve stated in my response that I can do this. I am a God fearing woman and am in very good health. If you wish, you may check my teeth. Although I’d appreciate the opportunity to rinse out my mouth.”
    He stared at her for a second, admiring her directness and her determination. He smiled and answered, “That won’t be necessary, but thank you for the offer.”
    She picked up her fork again and leveled her gaze on him. “Griffin, I don’t mean to be difficult or obstinate. It’s just that I’ve entered into an agreement with you and I intend to honor that agreement. I won’t be leaving.”
    “Good.” He picked up his own fork and proceeded to eat. He wondered what had happened to make her come out here by herself to marry a strange man, to face the unknown. What or who was she running from? Was she in trouble with the law? Was he ultimately putting his children in danger?
    No. He answered his own question almost as soon as he had the thought. He’d always been a fair judge of character, had to be in his business of hiring men to work in the logging business. Trust was imperative. They put their lives in each other’s hands every day. It was the same with his family.
    No. Laurel Weidner wasn’t running from the law. She was only escaping a situation life had handed her and now she was the answer to the situation life had handed him. They’d figure it out together.
    He ate the last bite on his plate and saw she had finished as well. “Shall I take you to the hotel so you can freshen up before we go see the preacher? Do you have everything you need?”
    “Yes, thank you.”
    He paid for their food and escorted her out of the café and onto the sidewalk. The Bradford Hotel was just a few doors away and they had an hour before they had to be at the parsonage. An hour before he made the best or worst decision of his life.
     
    ***
     
    Laurel took in more of the businesses in the town of Flat Rock Point, as they left the café. The livery sat nearest to the train station on her left, the café, and then the bank. As they crossed the street, she saw the General store, Adams Furniture Store, and Doc Hartsell’s Apothecary.
    The hotel sat next to the Apothecary and down to her right. When they came nearer, she read the sign across the front that proudly stated in bold letters, The Bradford Hotel, Aaron Bradford, Proprietor. The building sat on a corner lot with several columns supporting a grand balcony that graced the two exposed sides. Beautifully scrolled trim adorned the façade.
    She entered through the leaded glass and carved oak door ahead of Griffin. The lobby, she noticed, kept the promise of the exterior with thick floral rugs atop polished wood floors, a carved wooden desk sat beside and slightly behind the wide oak staircase.
    They walked up the stairs to a room that turned out to be on the front side of the building. After he unlocked the door, Laurel walked over to the window and looked out to the street. She turned to face him just as he set her bag onto the foot of the bed and thought the room was as nicely appointed as the downstairs. It had a woman’s touch with soft linens and lace curtains.
    Griffin took his watch from the pocket of his vest. “We have about forty-five minutes before we have to be at the parsonage, so take your time. I’ll go down to the lobby and wait for you there.”
    “All right, I won’t be long.”
    The door had no sooner closed behind him before she collapsed on the edge of the bed beside her bag, and took a deep breath - well as deep as the stays of her corset would allow. She was glad to have a few minutes to herself to think about her new surroundings and her