The Wrangler's Mail Order Bride Read Free

Margaret’s near-hysterics. Her family hadn’t wanted her to get on the train with no guaranteed party waiting for her. Clara’s smile spread, though, as the train pulled into the station and Sadie’s warm grin met her as she stood, arm in arm, with a tall, very handsome man that Clara assumed was her new husband, Tripp.
    She hopped off the train nearly as soon as it came to a full stop. Dropping her valise, she rushed into Sadie’s open arms, holding tightly to her friend. Sadie pulled back, clasping Clara’s hands. “Oh, dear Clara. We’re so happy to see you, and thrilled that you’d decided to take Hank up on his offer—well, to help him, actually.”
    Clara pulled her handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed at her face, wishing she’d taken the time to look in a mirror. She looked from her friend—certainly a sight for sore eyes—to the man smiling next to her.
    Sadie laughed and grabbed his arm, pulling him closer. “Clara, this is my husband, Tripp Morgan.” She smiled, looking up at him proudly, her arm through his. She leaned toward Clara, her hand to the side of her mouth, and whispered, “He’s a chef.”
    Clara laughed, her heart warmed that her friend was so happy. And clearly in love.
    “I’d heard that.” She held her hand out to the man with the shy smile who seemed not to be able to take his eyes off Sadie. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Morgan,” she said, shaking his hand.
    “Same here, Miss Martin.” He gave her hand a shake, smiling. “Welcome, and we are so grateful that you decided to come.”
    “I told Hank how lucky he was that you were willing. It only made him pull his hat down further and stalk away,” she said, hiding her laugh with her hand.
    “And I can see why you said that now.” Tripp tipped his hat to Clara and made his way over to the pile of bags unloaded from the train.
    As he walked away, Sadie put her arm through Clara’s and turned her toward the stagecoach. “Isn’t he wonderful?” She could hardly take her eyes off of Tripp, either, and Clara wondered if it would ever be that way for her, smiling at her friend’s happiness.
    “And wait until you meet Hank. I really think this is a truly fortunate match. For both of you.”
    Clara squeezed her friend’s arm. “I’m a little nervous, now that I’m here. It seemed like just a—well, a good idea, but now it’s feeling more real.” Her breath quickened as she thought about all of the things that it meant to be a real wife. And wasn’t sure at all that she even knew what those things were.
    “Don’t worry. We have a long ride in the stagecoach, at least two hours. We didn’t want you to have to ride alone, not knowing where you were and all. And the restaurant is closed today, so we came up to fetch you.”
    “And I’m so glad you did,” Clara said. “I really don’t even know where I am.” She looked around at the strange surroundings. Buildings were much taller in Chicago than here in Arizona Territory, and the roads were even different.
    Sadie guided her toward the waiting coach and Tripp handed her bags to the driver. Clara’s cheeks flushed as Tripp opened the door for them, waving them in ahead of him, and sneaked a quick peck on Sadie’s cheek. “Tripp, stop that, now. We’re in public.”
    Tripp laughed as he stepped in and closed the door behind him. Clara glanced at Sadie, whose big, blue eyes were turned to Tripp. It was easy to tell that she really hadn’t mind the kiss at all.

Chapter 3
    “ I hope you don’t mind that Hank didn’t come along to meet you.” Sadie still had her arm through Tripp’s, where it had rested the entire trip. “We thought you might like to rest—and maybe freshen up a bit.”
    Clara’s hands flew to her hair, tucking it back into the pins it had fallen out of. “Oh, is it that bad?”
    Sadie laughed, patting her friend’s knee. “No, of course not. You look lovely. I just remember the long journey and how grateful I was for a hot bath, a good