Free Ashley Merrick - India: Bride of Indiana (American Mail-Order Bride 19) by Ashley Merrick

everyone agreed to donate something. They received gift certificates from local restaurants, bottles of wine and spirits, and a few people donated their second homes for a week’s vacation.
    “I’m going to hit up Richard for the big ticket item,” Laura said as they climbed into the buggy, their arms full of auction items. They placed everything safely in the back seat and then Laura drove to the factory, which was a surprise to India. She had no idea that was on their agenda for the afternoon.
    “Have you been to the factory yet?” Laura asked as she turned onto the drive that led to an enormous brick building that sat at the river’s edge.
    “No, not yet,” India admitted.
    “Well, prepare to be impressed. It’s quite something.” Laura led her into the main lobby of the building, where a gray-haired receptionist sat at the front desk and smiled at them when they walked in.
    “Hello, how can I help you,” she began and then recognized Laura. “Oh, it’s you, Laura. I haven’t seen you in much too long. How are you?” She came from around the desk and gave Laura a big hug.
    “Hi, Frances. It’s great to see you. This is India, Richard’s wife.”
    “You don’t say?” Frances looked at her curiously and then held out her hand with a big smile.
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my dear. I’ve known your husband for many years.”
    “Frances has been here since the beginning, when Jim started the company.
    “Thirty-two years,” she said proudly.
    “That’s impressive,” India said.
    “Richard is in his office, if you want to head on up to see him?” Frances suggested.
    Laura led the way and stopped to show India the factory floor where the wagons were made and assembled. What looked like over a hundred men were hard at work, sawing and sanding and welding metal to make the various parts that were needed.
    Richard’s door was closed. Laura knocked and when he heard her voice, he sounded surprised as he told them to come on in.
    “This is a nice surprise,” he said.
    India looked around the office while Laura told him why they were there. The room reminded her of his den at home, without the fireplace. There were shelves filled with books, several file cabinets, a few colorful paintings on the wall, and a large wooden desk piled with papers on both corners and pictures of his children in the middle.
    When Laura had finished telling him all about their latest fundraising project and the silent auction, he thought for a moment and then said, “So, you need something really big, that will get people’s attention?”
    Laura nodded. “I was thinking maybe a gift certificate towards the purchase of a new buggy or carriage?”
    “We could do that. Or maybe I have a better idea. I’ll need to run it by the others first, though. If you would excuse me for a moment.” Richard got up and left the office and India looked at Laura.
    “What do you think he has in mind?” She asked.
    “I haven’t the foggiest,” Laura said with a chuckle. They chatted for a few minutes and then looked up when Richard and his brothers all came into the room, looking excited.
    “They all agree, it’s a wonderful idea.”
    “What?” Laura asked.
    “We’re going to donate one of our newest buggies, the one that we just released last month. The Eagle.”
    “What? Are you serious?” Laura said and India’s mouth fell open. The Eagle was a sleek, expensive buggy, a two-seater that was light and fast.
    “That’s incredibly generous of you,” India said.
    “It’s good publicity for the company, too. It’s an advertising expense and it’s going to a good cause. So we’re happy to do it.”
    “Well, I’m just so proud of you all!” Laura jumped up and hugged each of her brothers in turn. “All right, we’ll let you get back to work.”
    “I’ll see you at home later,” India said as they left Richard’s office. Her head was spinning as she followed Laura out to the buggy. It was hard for her to