Free Desperate Lola (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 2) by Carré White Page B

widened.
    “Enoch Larson was a drunkard and an outlaw. He wasn’t suited for anyone, let alone an unsuspecting young woman. Chastity Donovan married him despite this, but I worried it would not end well. I prayed for a good outcome.”
    “Goodness.” My hand went to my throat. “What happened?”
    “He was shot in a gun battle and then hung after his trial.”
    I glanced at Mr. Kelly. “How awful.”
    My husband-to-be looked unsympathetic. “He was a wastrel. It’s not surprising he’s dead now. He was a notorious bank and train robber. He ran with the Ketchum Gang. No good ever comes from thievery.”
    “What happened to the woman?”
    “She married Enoch’s friend, Lucian Ellison. They’ve gone off to Arizona.” Pastor Kinsley smiled. “It all ended well, which is the only thing that matters.” His friendly gaze drifted between Mr. Kelly and myself. “You two seem rather well-suited. I have a far better feeling about this union than the last one.” He glanced over our heads. “There’s Mrs. Hershey.”
    I turned to find an older woman in a smart dress and hat, which held an abundance of feathers. “I’m here! Everything’s still arranged.” She swept into the entranceway, a cloud of floral-scented perfume billowing around her. “Did you have trouble on the road? We had expected you two hours ago.”
    “Yes, carriage trouble,” said Mr. Kelly, his eyes drifting to me. “It’s better now. We seem to be on course again.”
    It was strange, but my belly flipped over, as little tingles fanned out all over my body. When he smiled, he looked almost boyishly handsome, even with the fine lines at the edges of his eyes. I longed to be alone with him—to kiss him again. There were so many things we needed to talk about.
    “Don’t you agree, Lola?” he asked softly.
    I smiled. “I do.”
    Mrs. Hershey glanced between us. “Well, you seem to be fond of one another. There’s a good sign. I was worried for a moment there. Now I can set all of that aside.”
    “As long as she refrains from talking, the marriage has half a chance,” chuckled Jack.
    Ignoring that, I said, “Will there be more people? Is this all we can expect?”
    “This is it, if that’s agreeable to you.” Pastor Kinsley motioned for us to enter the church. “Shall we get to it, then?”
    “By all means,” said Mr. Kelly. “The sooner, the better.” He took my hand. “Are you ready?”
    “Yes.”
    “No last minute questions or regrets?”
    “Oh, I have plenty of questions, but they can wait.” His frown was endearing. “Questions aren’t allowed at the moment, are they?”
    “Shush, no talking. Don’t spoil it.”
    “Very well,” I giggled.
    “All right then,” said the preacher. “I’ll get my prayer book, and we can get on with the ceremony.”
    We followed Pastor Kinsley down the aisle, while Mrs. Hershey brought up the rear. She would witness the nuptials. Her beam of pleasure was contagious. As I stood with Mr. Kelly before the preacher, I stared at my husband-to-be, marveling at the fact that I would be linked to him forever, although he was still a stranger for the most part. In time, the mystery of our characters would fully be revealed. In my heart, I knew this union was sound, although twinges of doubt continued to plague me.
    “If there is anyone here who objects to this union,” said Pastor Kinsley. “Do speak up now or forever hold your peace.” He paused for a moment. “Now, you may say your vows.” He glanced at Jack.
    “I, Jack Walter Kelly, take thee, Lola Anne Parsons, to be my lawful wedded Wife—”
    “Wait.”
    He glanced at me, shocked. “Pardon?”
    “That’s not entirely accurate.”
    “What isn’t entirely accurate?”
    “My name. It’s really Lola Anne Foster.”
    Jack’s mouth fell open. “I beg your pardon?”
    “I didn’t give you my real last name. I was worried my family might follow the train ticket. I didn’t want them to know where I went. Can’t we change