Free Hannah: Bride of Iowa (American Mail Order Bride 29) by P.A. Estelle Page B

this?”
    “Of course not. It gives me so much pleasure being able to help you. We are going to be sisters.” Kate hugged her soon to be sister-in-law. “I have some ribbon that we can use in your hair and some ivory kid slippers also.”
    It was decided Maddie would stay at Kate’s house on the day before the wedding. She would help with getting her dressed and with arranging Maddie’s hair.
    It was mid-afternoon when Maddie left Kate’s. An unease came over her as she was halfway home. It was the same feeling she had that day when Chad Skinner showed up. Maddie looked to her right, to her left and then behind her. Somewhere close by she heard the soft neigh of a horse, but saw nothing.
    Maddie leaned forward giving the horse its head and got home as fast as she could.
    * * * *
     
    The next morning Samuel rode out early to check on some of his fencing and the few cattle he owned. A few neighbors had mentioned strange things happening — little things like chickens gone missing, a calf disappearing, food stolen from root cellars. Samuel laid the Storekeeper on the table. “You keep this with you, especially while I’m gone. I don’t want to be worrying about you and Lizzy.” He pulled her into his arms. “It won’t be long, sweet Hannah. I am counting the minutes.” His kiss left her wanting so much more. She wanted their wedding to come as much as he did.
    Maddie decided to take Lizzy out and work in the garden, turning and readying the soil for the spring planting. It certainly didn’t need it. She had been out there every day for the last few days, just keeping herself and her mind busy.
    She’d be Mrs. Samuel Morrison in three days. More to the point, she would become Hannah Morrison. The day after tomorrow she would go to Kate’s house and her sister-in-law would do all she could to help her get ready for the big day. She would also have food ready to feed the small party that would attend Samuel’s and her wedding.
    And Maddie, what was she going to be doing on the most important day of her life? She would be lying. She would continue to deceive everyone who had become like family to her, the people she cared for, even loved.
    Maddie threw the hoe down and plopped down on her knees. She watched as Lizzy laughed playing tug of war with Mr. Wiggles. The little girl’s laughter made the very sun shine brighter. If she told Samuel of her deceit, would that sound be lost to her forever? Would the kisses she has begun to crave, become an aching memory?
    She shrieked when two hands landed on her shoulders. Samuel chuckled and sat down behind her pulling her against him. “You made such a pretty picture sitting here I just couldn’t resist.” His warm breath caressed her neck as soft kisses followed. Maddie could not take a chance in losing all this. Mrs. Hannah Morrison, she would become.
     
                                                                                        * * * *
     
                  “Hannah, I have everything in the wagon. It’s time to go.” Maddie heard him. This was the second time he had called up the stairs. Her resolve to continue this charade was crumbling. Move your feet, Maddie . Her heart was beating so hard in her throat, she felt like she couldn’t breathe. She looked up and he was standing at her door. “Didn’t you hear me? It’s time to leave for Kate’s?’
                  She cleared her throat. “Samuel, please come and sit down for just a minute.”
    He sat down, taking her hand. She saw something in his eyes she hadn’t seen before — dread, maybe fear.
                  “What is it, Hannah? Are you okay?” He cupped her cheek with his other hand.
                  Say it! Just tell him straight out! “Samuel, there are things about me that you need to know. I am—”
                  “Sweet,” he released a