New Beginnings (New Beginnings Series) (16 page)

“I made sure she knew I would discuss this with you, Sam.” Still he waited. “Catherine thinks she is expecting and she wants me to help her get rid of the baby.”

“What did you tell her?” He knew how hard this was on Sara, to help someone lose a child, when it was all she really wanted over the years.

“I told her I would help, but maybe there was a better way. I said I wanted to talk to you first. She was terrified I was going to tell you, but she gave in to it.”

“What is it you have in mind?”

“I thought maybe we could take the day to think about it, maybe discuss it tonight.” She hesitated before adding, “Maybe this could be our baby, Sam.” But he saw the expression on her face again which meant she would not allow herself to believe it might be true until it was.

Sam held her tightly. “We’ll talk about it tonight. Think you can be ready for a Sunday wedding?”

Sara’s entire face brightened, she hugged him tightly. “Nothing short of an earthquake would stop this wedding, Sam Fielding.”

He excused himself to go talk to Reverend Hedges, saying, “Sam and Sara Fielding, I like the sound of that. I’ll be back by noon.” As he kissed her he added, “I hate leaving you for even a few minutes.”

“I hate you leaving me, too, “she answered through the glass in the door as he turned to leave.

Sara went to the kitchen and was met by a very happy Mary, humming merrily to herself. When she saw the bride-to-be enter the room she rushed over with an enormous hug and a kiss on both cheeks. “You’ve made Mr. Fielding so happy, you have made me happy. I cannot believe such a change could come over someone so quickly. I always knew he was a good man.”

Mary was so excited she kept rambling.

Sara laughed and started to think of her as the mother she left in New Brunswick.

Chapter Twelve

As he promised, Sam returned at noon. Mary and Sara were preparing lunch when he walked into the kitchen. By the grin he displayed, they knew everything had been set in motion. Mary started to ramble with excitement again after he asked her about a meal which would be served in the saloon. He would see to it Edward would help her as there would be about fifty or sixty expected to join them after the service. The couple sat back and listened as the housekeeper pulled out the cookbooks with pages already marked for possible menus and then described the wedding cake she had already made in her imagination.

“I best get to Blye’s so I can order what I need,” she said as she retrieved her coat and boots from the storage room. “I must find out what they have available or can have in stock for Saturday.” Without waiting for a response she headed out the back door, which was near the storage room. Before she was away two minutes she poked her head back in again, only to find the couple in a deeply passionate embrace. She hardly noticed and continued, “What about the dress and the flowers?”

Sam quickly spoke up, “Dress is already taken care of. Nellie O’Brien will be stopping in after lunch. We’ll have to think about the flowers.”

Mary quickly turned saying, “What would they do without me? So much to do, so little time.” Even after she closed the door they could still hear her muttering to herself.

Sam gave a light laugh, “I don’t think I have ever seen her so excited before.”

“Who’s Nellie O’Brien?”

“A local seamstress. She was quite eager do a dress for you when I paid her a bit extra to put her other clients on hold for a few days. And she has never had anyone before who could afford a lavish dress.”

“Oh, Sam, I don’t need a fancy wedding. The beautiful blue dress you bought me would do just fine.” She was sitting on his lap careful to put her weight only on his good leg, her fingers adjusting the curls at the back of his neck.

“When you married William, what kind of wedding did you have?”

“A family one, in my father’s church. He married us too.”

“No special dress, no extras?”

“No.”

“Well, we are going to do this one right.” He looked deeply into her eyes, “I love you and I want the whole world to know it … all of Brandon anyway. This town is going to have a wedding like they have never seen before.”

A knock could be heard on the front door and Sam quickly placed a kiss on his love’s lips before going to answer it. He welcomed in Nellie O’Brien, a short, rather portly woman who moved unbelievably fast and her two tall, slim daughters followed with several boxes of supplies.

Sara looked startled as the woman bade her go and put on her best undergarments. She sent Sam away for the entire afternoon, as it was certain bad luck for the groom to see any part of the wedding dress. The three women went into the sitting room to prepare for the fitting.

As he went to go out the door, Sam called back to Mrs. O’Brien, “Whatever Sara wants, double it in elegance.”

Sara turned back to him as she was going up the stairs and was going to protest, but Sam quickly closed the door, blowing a kiss to her through the glass. He couldn’t believe his good fortune, especially when he thought a woman could never give him this much happiness. He was going to see to it their wedding day would be the best day she ever had and it would only get better after. His next stop would be at the saloon to tell them the good news although no doubt not a surprise by now.

Sara’s day was set out for her as Mrs. O’Brien was aggressive with her work and insisted on perfection. Several times the bride was measured from head to toe to prevent any mistakes with the cutting and sewing of the material. The boxes contained many fabrics the seamstress had in good supply. It thrilled Mrs. O’Brien to no end to dress someone where no restriction as to money was applied and she was going to make sure this dress was fit for royalty.

Sam spent his day shaking hands and being offered well wishes everywhere he went. It was amazing how fast the news travelled of the upcoming marriage and the town was quite busy for a Tuesday. Even the country folk came to see for themselves the difference in Sam Fielding. Of course, he was invited to have drinks of congratulations at the bar. Everyone was elated although Katrina did show a hint of disappointment.

Doc Brown also heard the news and after searching found Sam in the saloon. “I had a feeling this was coming,” he said as he greeted the groom, “although maybe not quite so soon.”

“Why wait when I am so certain?” Sam responded, “It feels so right and Sara feels the same way, too.”

Doc was served a drink at the bar and led Sam to a table in a location where they had some privacy. “She has been through a lot in her life. Sam, please, be careful. Sara appears to be strong, but she puts up a good front. Every disappointment she has ever suffered has taken a piece from her.”

They were silent for a few minutes when Doc continued, “The difference in you is amazing, although I could see it coming for a while. Even sporting a new look, eh?” The doc rubbed his own jaw to show what he meant.

Sam ran his hand over his clean-shaven chin and nodded, but quietly told the doctor what had happened to Sara and why he removed his beard.

“Damn,” Doc exclaimed, “Toby ... I can’t imagine and the day William was killed,” he shook his head. “It really is no wonder she went into hiding at the farm. I couldn’t understand what would have happened to make her go that way, but you were always suspicious, weren’t you?” After a slight pause, he continued, “Lily came home yesterday and said you two are soul mates. She said once soul mates find each other there is no resting until they are together and the past is always forgiven. She says there is a look in the eye and you two have it.”

“It’s a nice thought. I wish we could have been together sooner, but I guess a time is set for everything.”

“But be careful, I don’t understand this blood disorder she has, but I certainly don’t recommend she try to have a baby again and I’m afraid she seems to get with child very easily.”

“Don’t worry. We’ve already had this conversation. It seems we are going to have to find a supply of beaver testis.”

“What on God’s green earth are you talking about, man?”

Sam gave a slight laugh as he shook his head. “Sara said an old Indian woman back in New Brunswick taught her about medicines. I didn’t know, but the girls here have been using it for over a year with good success.”

“You have got to be kidding … that woman totally amazes me with her knowledge. She understands far more about medicines than what I learned in university in Montreal.” After a pause he added, “It is funny how times have changed. I came west to get away from the crowds and hectic pace in the city. Red River grew into Winnipeg so I came out to Grand Valley. Now Brandon has grown into a city overnight. It seems to follow me and I can’t get away from it.”

“Speaking of Montreal, I am planning to take Sara there to see a doctor. Maybe something can be done for her. I hear advances are made every day in medicine.”

“There is a chance they may be working on a solution at the school, often a student takes on such a problem to develop a thesis but I haven’t heard of anything lately. A Dr. Evans in Philadelphia has been trying to do a study on this matter. The information I received a few years ago was from his office. I could send a telegraph if you would like.”

“No, I think this should be discussed in person. Besides, they both sound like nice cities for a honeymoon, don’t you think?”

“It would take you a week to get to Montreal and another to Philadelphia. Do you think this town could do without you for very long?”

“I’m sure everything will do fine without me here. I can’t believe a month ago this town and being rich were the only things that mattered to me. Now I think if Sara and I were in a cabin in the middle of nowhere I would be happy. Who would think it possible?”

Doc pushed his chair from the table, “Who would figure, indeed? Certainly not me, nor any other person living in this town.” He patted Sam on the shoulder. “Most people I’d be telling to slow down, but you are right, it seems to be the best thing. Besides, I don’t imagine you two would listen to me anyway. Her marriage to William, I am certain, was not meant to be. He was awfully mean to her at times. But you seem to make her happy, Sam and Lord knows she deserves it.”

The doc left to make a few house calls before the day ended. Sam sat for a few minutes, thinking about everything that had happened in such a short time. For a moment he wondered if he was crazy, but came to the conclusion if he was, crazy made him happy and it was what he wanted.

He arrived home in time for supper and was surprised to find Sara set their places in the kitchen along with Mary’s. His fiancée looked to be nearly floating on air and he was thrilled to know their approaching marriage made her feel that way. Mary was still talking a mile a minute about the arrangements she was making and they all discussed the goings-on for the big day.

After the meal was finished, Sam remarked to Sara, “You look so tired, you’ve had a busy day. Would you like me to draw you a bath?”

“No, thank you,” she answered, “but I am very tired, I think I will turn in for the night. So much has happened today.” She gave Mary a smile to excuse herself and Sam a light, quick kiss.

“I’ll be up shortly,” Sam answered and quickly added, “to wish you goodnight.”

Mary took the opportunity, “Don’t think you two are pulling the wool over my eyes.” Then added with a smile, “But who am I to say anything? But be warned, Sara will be sharing my room on Saturday night. You will not see your bride on Sunday morning. I have worked for you for near three years … I’ve been waiting for this for a long time ... we are not taking any chances.”

The couple smiled back at the housekeeper as there was no use protesting.

Sam went to his room after having a discussion with Mary about the wedding plans. In those three years Mary worked for him, he never saw her so happy. He couldn’t believe his contentment made such a change in other people, but realized maybe it was the transformation in him that really made the difference. Being hard and selfish all those years really didn’t bring him the joy he thought.

It was about half an hour after Sara went upstairs, but she was sound asleep in her new place in his bed. He quietly got undressed and slid in under the covers as carefully as he could, so as not to wake her. She stirred a little and placed her head on his shoulder, which he had become so accustomed to. He didn’t want to disturb her, just wanting to feel her presence beside him. He concentrated on how it felt to have her there. The scent of lavender lingered in her hair which felt so soft as it touched his cheek. He never noticed this before he was clean-shaven. Her skin felt slightly warm against him, which was welcomed on a cool winter night. He carefully ran his hand up the length of her arm and felt the softness of her skin, to her shoulder, following the smoothness to her collarbone. Suddenly he realized it was her skin he felt against his and before he heard it he felt the beginnings of a quiet giggle start in her chest and make its way past her lips. Immediately he rose on one arm above her. “You devil, you,” he said, looking into those eyes that could hold the heavens in their entirety, “Testing my word, are you?” He ran his hand down her slender back and stopped when he came to the band of her undergarment.

“Giving you the test of strength and honour,” she smiled at him, but a hint of seriousness clouded her face, “and letting you see before we are wed this is not a twenty-year-old virgin body that will be with you ‘from this day forward’. I’m making sure it is what you really want.”