Growing in Love with Her Mail-Order Husband Read Online Free

secret,” he answered, giving her a smile and wink.
    “Well, I love it,” she said again and gave him a quick hug before running over to investigate and explore her gift.
    When she finally stepped away from the stove, Matthew went over the cupboard he’d built and pulled down an envelope.
    “Your other present,” he said, handing her the envelope.
    She flushed, unused to such lavishness being placed upon her. Carefully, she lifted a flap and pulled out the contents, her jaw dropping when she realized what it was.”
    “Two train tickets to San Francisco. But how can we take such a trip?” she asked.
    “You ask too many questions, my dear,” Matthew said in jest. “I’ve told you we have no need to worry about the money; we can afford a few luxuries. I’ve already spoken with the Jensen’s and they have agreed to let Robert stay at our place while we’re gone. He will take care of the house and animals for us while we’re gone.  He’ll soon be old enough to purchase his own place, so the money earned will help him.”
    “I can’t believe it.  I’m going to see the ocean!” she cried out in glee.  “I love you, Matthew.  You’ve made this a very special Christmas and not just because of the gifts.”
    “I love you, Maggie.  Let this be the first of many Christmases we will share together.

Life Together
     
    “ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
    A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
    A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
    A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; ” Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
                 
    Maggie knelt down beside her late husband’s grave, placing a small bouquet of flowers by the marker. “It’s hard to believe you’ve been gone a year already.  So much has happened that at times I feel like our years together was a lifetime ago, but other times it seems like just yesterday you kissed me goodbye and went out to the fields for the last time.”  She paused to wipe away a tear. “I want you to know that Matthew is a good man. He takes care of me and loves me, just like I love him. He even took me to see the Pacific Ocean. Can you believe it? I took the picture I have of you with me, so you could see it also. We are almost done planting our crops now. This year we are doing mainly corn.
    I have to believe you’d be happy for me.  He’ll never replace the spot you have in my heart , but has his own spot. I’ll always cherish the years the Lord gave us together. We were blessed to have the years of friendship before we were married. Goodbye for now, Aaron; I’ll always love you.”
    Blowing a kiss to the grave, s he stood up and turned around to see Matthew staring at her with understanding.  Slowly, she walked over to him, bittersweet emotions flooding through her.  Today marked the one year anniversary of Aaron’s death, but today she was certain there was a new life growing in her.
    When she reached Matthew, he took her in his arms, sharing the strength she had come to rely on.
    “He would be proud of you,” he told her.
    “ Thank you,” she said with a slight smile.
    He released her from his embrace then took her hand and led her back to the house for their noon meal.
    “We might need to hire more help for the planting next spring,” she told her husband.
    “Why is that?” he asked.
    “I’ll be too busy with our newborn to be much help,” she told him.
    “You mean it?  We’re going to have a child?” he asked enthusiastically.
    “Yes, he should be around Christmas time.”
    Her husband’s grin spread from ear to ear. He let out a loud whoop as he picked her up and swung her around. “ Thank you, God for all your blessings,” he prayed as he set her down.

Epilogue
     
    “ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father