Free Mail Order Romance Bundle #1 by Lisa Page

bed.
    “He didn't hurt you, did he Miss Josie?” Elsa asked. “I've been keeping an eye on him since that night I caught him peeping in your room. I kept him away, but tonight, I was downstairs...your mother wanted me to make a lemon cake for your party tomorrow. I'm so sorry, child!”
    “I'm fine, Elsa, thank you! Your timing was perfect.”
    Even though he was gone, Josie was overcome by a flood of emotions and gave in to a flow of tears. Elsa sat next to her on the bed, comforting her. “You are going to be so happy with Sam. You deserve a man who will treat you with kindness and respect.”
    “Oh, Elsa, I'm so worried for my mother. You don't think he would ever hurt her, do you?”
“No, he loves your mother.”
    “You've been with him for a long time. How did his first wife die?”
    “Not by his hand if that's what you're hinting at child. She died of scarlet fever, rest her soul. She was a pretty one, too. He loves your mother but he's...well let's just say he's a man of 'desires' which is why I felt I had to protect you. But I've been with him for many years and know too much about him for him to get rid of me.” She smiled at Josie. “So I will be here for you and I will watch out for your mother. I promise.”
    “Thank you, Elsa. I can never repay you for your kindness and your help. If it wasn't for you, I would have never had the chance to correspond with Sam, we would have never fell in love.”
    “Your happiness is all the payment I need, child.” Elsa patted Josie on the back and then getting up, she added, “Now make sure that you lock your door behind me. I will try to keep an eye on him but I don't want him sneaking back here, feeling rebuked.”
    “I will, Elsa, and thanks again.”
    Elsa smiled kindly at Josie before leaving.  Two more days , Josie thought.
     
    The next day, Josie noticed that there was a red mark upon George's cheek, a remnant of her slap. She was slightly shocked as she didn't realize that she'd hit him that hard. It was very obvious and she wondered if her mother had noticed or had asked him about it. Elsa made her favorite dinner and her famous lemon cake for dessert was a special touch that Josie greatly appreciated. She got to bed early after a special time of prayers with her mother. Together they prayed for a safe journey for Josie while she secretly prayed for her mother's well-being. She slept soundly and peacefully on her last night at home. The next morning she would be leaving on a long train ride from Pennsylvania to Texas.
     
    The train ride was even longer than she'd imagined. She had a lot of time to think. About her father and how different her life would have been if he were still alive, about her mother, and how she would miss her. But she could not be responsible for her mother's choices, she could only be responsible for her own. She was thankful that Elsa would keep an eye on her mother and update her as needed and that her mother had actually agreed to a visit the next summer, without George. Other than that thought, she did not waste her precious time on thoughts of George.
     
    She finally arrived at Cactus Creek after her long journey. She didn't have any idea that she would be as nervous as she was to meet her new husband. Her heart was racing and her mouth felt like it was full of cotton. But when she stepped off the train, she saw him right away and their eyes met. It was really Sam!
    He ran to meet her and lifter her off the ground and spun her around as she laughed, losing his hat in the process. He set her down and looked at her. It was a look filled with joy and she could tell that he was pleased with her appearance. “I know the last thing you want to hear is a comment on your looks, but Josie, you take my breath away. You are my pretty bride and I can't believe you're finally here!” he said happily. He said it in such a sweet, endearing way that it bother her at all.
    “Were you nervous?” he asked her.
    “Of course not! Well,