COLLEEN: A Sweet Western Historical Romance (2 page)

CHAPTER TWO

Colleen's letter had arrived on Friday, much to Julia's delight. Her train was due to come in the following Tuesday and Julia was waiting for just the right moment to let Paul and David, her husband Liam's brothers, know that she was on her way, planning to stay in Bozeman, and if all went well, to marry one of them.

The moment came when she and Naomi, their mother, had the dinner plates cleared and everyone was on coffee and dessert. Julia didn't bring it up earlier because she wasn't sure how the conversation was going to go and if it didn't go well, she didn't want to be the one who ruined the family's Sunday dinner. Every Sunday after church, the entire Donovan family gathered at their parents’ house for a meal. With ten children, spouses and grandchildren, it was a large crowd. But by the time dessert was served, people started to leave the table and scatter around the room.

Julia was seated at the far end of the table, with Liam by her side and both David and Paul directly across from her. She had orchestrated the seating so that it worked out that way. Both men were drinking coffee and their desserts were gone. It was time.

"So, you know how I mentioned ages ago that I have this really pretty single friend?" She paused to see if they were listening. Paul was.

"Julia, you've said all your friends are pretty and single, but regrettably they're on the other side of the country."

"Well, true, but do you also remember that I mentioned one in particular, Colleen, that I've been hoping to convince to come visit with an eye to move here....and maybe get married?"

"You also said you didn't think she'd actually ever do it." David surprised her. He hadn't seemed to be listening.

"Yes, well, I was starting to give up hope as I've been suggesting it to her for so long. But, she finally took me up on my invitation. I just received a letter from her and she'll be here on Tuesday. Are you both still interested?"

"I am," Paul said without hesitation.

David said nothing, just added more sugar to his coffee and gave it a stir.

"David?" Julia asked.

"I'll meet her, but I said before that I don't like the idea of going against my brother for the same girl. Doesn't sit right with me."

"Well, as I told you before, it doesn't bother me any," Paul chuckled.  He was so good-natured. "Besides, it's not like there's an abundance of women here. I'm not going to pass up this opportunity and I don't think you should, either. Let fate decide."

"I still don't like it. But, as I said, I'll meet her and see."

Colleen was nervous. She'd been so organized and focused up until the moment she actually got on the train. Over the past few weeks, she'd had nothing but time to think about her life and what she was doing. Already, she was wondering if she'd made a huge mistake. It had worked out well for Emma and Julia, but maybe they'd both been lucky? Montana was a long way to go for something that may or may not work out. Colleen tried to tell herself she was being ridiculous, that it was just the normal jitters that anyone would feel in such a situation.

She did relax a bit at the thought of seeing Emma and visiting with Julia. Even if all else failed, at least she'd have that. And she did have a contingency plan, of sorts. She had just enough money saved that she could buy a return ticket home if she needed to. She didn't have the guarantee of a job when she returned, but Miranda had said that she would do whatever she could to help her out. Colleen had a skill that was in demand and if there wasn't room in Miranda's shop, there would likely be room in another. But that was an absolute last resort. Colleen had no desire to return to Boston.

The train was due to arrive in Bozeman that afternoon, just before three. Which, judging by the sudden springing to life of the people around her, must be coming up soon. Nerves turned to excitement as Colleen followed the lead of the others in her car who were gathering by the windows to get a glimpse of their destination. In the distance, she could see a small station and a few scattered buildings. That must be Main Street. She wondered which one was Donovan's Pub, Julia and Liam's restaurant. Julia had said it was very close to the station.

The whistle blew as the train approached and then came to a stop. Colleen made her way off the train and glanced around at the crowd that had gathered to meet the train.

"Colleen! Over here." She heard Julia's voice before she saw her and then spotted the familiar long, red hair. Julia ran over to her and pulled her into a hug.

"I can't believe you're really here! We're going to have so much fun. Let's get your bags."

"I can't believe I'm here, either," Colleen said with a smile as Julia led her over to the baggage area where their luggage was being unloaded. Colleen only had a relatively small bag compared to all the large trunks people were traveling with. She didn't have much, though, just a few dresses, a well-worn bible, ribbons for her hair and, of course, her sewing kit.

Once they’d collected her bag, which wasn't heavy at all, Julia took charge and carried it to her buggy. She put the bag in the back seat and they both climbed into the front. Julia gave her a tour as they drove out of town, pointing out the mercantile, which was owned by her husband Liam's brother Joshua and also Donovan's Pub, which was almost directly across the street from the station.

"I can't wait to take you there and have you meet everyone. We have some great people working with us. It's like a family."

"It looks wonderful. I've heard so much about it, I can't wait to go, either."

"I thought about taking you there right away, but then I realized you probably need a rest first and a hot bath. I know that's all I wanted when I first arrived. It drove Liam crazy, though. He could see me get off the train and was dying to walk over and introduce himself, but Emma had forbidden him to do so. She knew I'd kill her if she didn't let me clean up a bit before I started meeting people. She was so right!"

Colleen chuckled at that. She hadn't yet met Liam, but from Julia's letters, she could almost picture him being eager to go say hello.

"Emma's right, of course. I am feeling a bit ripe after going so long without a bath. I've been dreaming of hot water and soap for the past week."

"Well, we have plenty of that. And also a nice, big guest room with a comfortable bed. When I first saw Liam's house, I have to admit I thought it was too big for just two people. But, as he's explained more than once to me, he plans to fill up those extra rooms and in fact, I have a little something to share with you that I haven't told anyone outside of the family yet, except for Emma of course."

Colleen knew instantly what she was referring to. "You're expecting?" Julia looked so excited, that's what it had to be.

"Yes, but from my estimation, only about two months along. We just told his family last week. I wanted to wait another month, just to be safe, but Liam was dying to share the good news."

"I'm so excited for you. How are you feeling?"

"Surprisingly good, so far. I keep expecting it to get much worse, but I've mostly just been very tired."

"Well, maybe it's good timing that I'm here now, then. I can help out around the house and farm, and then also when the baby comes."

"I am so happy that you're here. You made the right decision to come." Julia looked serious then and Colleen appreciated the reassurance.

"Thank you. I think I did, too, but I have to admit, I've been second-guessing myself some this past week. It's a big move, coming here."

"Once you settle in, I think you'll grow to love it as much as I do."

CHAPTER THREE

The time flew as Julia drove them back to her house. Colleen filled her in on what all their friends were up to in Boston and before she knew it, they were pulling up to Julia's front door. It was an impressive home. As Julia had said, it was large and as they went inside, Colleen could also see that it was bright and roomy. It wasn't fancy by any means, but it was clean and welcoming.  Julia brought Colleen's bag into a guest room just off the kitchen and immediately started to heat some water for her bath. She also put a small teakettle on the stove, which was ready in just a few minutes and they both sat at the kitchen table to enjoy a cup of tea and scones that Liam had brought home from the pub the night before.

"These are incredible," Colleen said after her first bite. The scone was fragrant with cinnamon and walnuts.

"Mrs. Johnson made them. She's the main cook at the pub and everything she makes is so good."

By the time they finished eating, the other large buckets of water were hot enough to make a nice bath for Colleen. She helped Julia carry them into the bathroom and filled a large, claw-footed tub. Julia added some soap and then brought in fluffy towels and a washcloth.

"Enjoy! And take your time. We have a few hours before dinner. It's just going to be a small crowd—Emma and Ethan and their children, Emily and Jeremy, and Liam's brothers, David and Paul." Julia had a twinkle in her eyes as she said their names and Colleen immediately grew nervous again.

"What if they don't like me?" she wondered out loud.

"Don't be ridiculous. They'll love you! If you don't find them suitable, there are plenty of other men available here. Tons of them, actually."

"Okay. I'll try not to worry too much."

"Don't worry, relax and enjoy your bath. You'll have time for a nap after, too."

The hot water of the bath felt wonderful, and Colleen scrubbed herself well and then sunk lower into the warm water and let it wash over her. She stayed there until the water cooled and her hands started to feel a bit wrinkled and prune-like before she finally got out of the tub. After toweling off, she changed into clean clothes and then her bed looked so inviting that she decided to take Julia's advice and lay her head down for just a minute.

An hour or so later, Colleen woke to the sound of voices coming from the kitchen. She eased herself out of bed and ran a brush through her hair that was still slightly damp underneath. When she walked into the kitchen, Julia was busy cooking while a tall, handsome blond man was leaning against the counter, laughing and chatting with her. He looked up when she drew near.

"This must be the lovely Colleen, then? I'm Liam and it's a pleasure to meet you!"

Colleen found herself pulled into a bear hug from what seemed like the friendliest man she'd ever met. She could see why Julia had been so taken with him.

"It's really great to meet you. Thank you for letting me stay with you both."

"We're happy to have you here. I understand Julia shared our good news with you?" He was beaming and Colleen was so happy for her friend. The two of them were clearly madly in love. Would she ever find anything even close to that?