Della: Bride of Texas (American Mail-Order Bride 28) Read Online Free Page A

the day for men with a bowler hat and vest worn beneath a traveling coat. A gold pocket watch chain crossed his chest and the watch was neatly tucked into its pocket. Carl walked with a cane, but his frailty didn’t seem to slow his mind. He was as interesting a man as Della had ever met and she thought he must have been quite dapper and handsome during his younger years.
    He and Della spent the hours sharing their rations and chatting about his interesting life—and the one she was just beginning.
    “You have a mighty adventure ahead of you, young lady—one that I envy,” Carl said as he smoothed his short, trimmed beard—obviously deep in thought. “Everyone should be so lucky to arrive in a frontier town where they can decide their own destiny.”
    “I just don’t like surprises,” Della admitted. “It makes me nervous going through my days not knowing what to expect. Too many disappointments in the past for me to embrace change—and here I am going to a new town, with no kin, no money, and no idea how it will turn out.”
    “Ah,” Carl said. “The life you’ve just described is what most people crave—especially on their deathbeds. They wake up day after day knowing there’s nothing new to look forward to—nothing exciting to bring joy to their heart. Welcome this moment, dear Della. Don’t allow the decisions of those from your past determine how you view opportunities for your future. During the war I watched friends perish in battle or lose limbs and they’ll never have a chance to discover what their lives might have been.”
    As Della watched the East Texas pines roll by, she let the words of the wise old man sink in. She’d never looked at this trip like that before. In fact, she’d hardly attempted to see any positives in it at all—just a way to survive. She’d been too busy focusing on how everyone had wronged her, and how fate seemed to enjoy disrupting her plans and seeing how she fared.
    She allowed herself to daydream about the possibilities her new future offered, intentionally thinking about them in an optimistic manner. A banker’s wife , she thought as she pictured all that would entail. Financial stability. Responsible provider. Respected community member—trustworthy for certain, since he deals with peoples’ money. To Della, the title of a banker’s wife seemed to suit her just fine. She would focus on providing a happy, loving homestead as he went off to work each day. There would be times when she’d surprise him with a picnic at midday to show him how much she cared. Della giggled at the thought of her embracing surprises. But it did sound fun—the unexpected romance and loving gesture.
    As the locomotive pulled into the Fort Worth depot, Carl stood and insisted on walking Della to the exit. As she turned to say goodbye to her new friend, Carl gently lifted her hand and gave it a respectful brief kiss before stepping back, tipping his hat, and saying, “It’s been a pleasure.”
    “Likewise,” Della curtsied, feeling as if she’d just been given the key to a new perspective on life. She stepped off the train and onto the platform of the train station. The Texas wind kicked up and blew her loose bun apart, strands of hair falling all around her shoulders.
    “Miss Owens?” she heard as she saw a man walking toward her.
    “Yes,” Della said. “I’m Miss Owens. You must be Mr. Jennings. So glad to meet you.” Della and the man shook hands and he nodded in the affirmative.
    “How was your trip?” Roy asked, walking alongside Della to the baggage area where a porter handed him her belongings.
    “It was wonderful,” Della said as they walked along the platform toward the street. Della paused and took one last glance back at the train and waved at Carl, who was sitting by the window, smiling back at her.
    “You need more time?” Roy asked, realizing she had stopped.
    “No, I’m ready,” Della said, inhaling the fresh air and marching into her new life with