Read Charlotte's Mail Order Husband (New Montana Brides series) for Free Online

thought about being a teacher, but the pay is not as good as that of a teller, which truth be told, is not that great either.
    “ Zebulon, you are a man of wealth; you could have married any number of women. Why did you go this route?”
    “I would like for you to accompany me to church Sunday at the Christian Church. There, you will see there are no women my age, and not many of any age. The pastor’s wife, Letty Owens, is probably the only one you’ll see, but Jack would call on God to strike me down if I approached Letty. I joke of course. They are both very nice people.”
    “That’s the same sort of situation I had back home. M ama was starting to suggest some of the older men as possible husbands. Some were as old as Papa!”
    “Tomorrow morning, I would like to introduce you to Jack and Letty. They are about our age, and as nice a couple as you could hope to meet.
    “Then, if you aren’t still worn out from your trip, we’ll take a ride out to the ranch. It’s about an hour’s ride, maybe a little more.

 
    chapter Nine
    The Circle P Ranch
    “We have a nice café down the street , where I’ve had breakfast many times. Would you care to try it?”
    “Let’s ,” she said and hooked her arm through his.
    It seemed the breakfast rush was over. “Did you save some back for us, Minnie?” Zebulon asked the waitress.
    “Sure thing, Hon. Always,” she replied.
    They placed their order, and Zebulon said, “Minnie, do you think you could scrape something up for us to take with us. We’re going out to the ranch.
    “Sure, Hon, it’ll be ready when you leave,” Minnie said.
    During breakfast, Lottie talked about her family and b eing the oldest of four sisters. “There was no privacy, and none of your personal belongings were safe. The only one of the three I was close to was Martha, the closest to my age. I told her about my plan to come out here before I told Mama. She was concerned about it, but understood why I felt I had to do it.”
    “Mary and I were the only two in our family. We had the usual squabbles growing up , and only became close after our parents passed away. It was hard for me to leave her, but she has her husband and daughter. The nights were always the worst for me,” he said.
    Lottie said, “There was never any loneliness in our house. With four girls in the family, someone was always around, and I helped Mama with the others.”
    “Will it be difficult not having a Catholic Church here?” he asked.
    “I don’t think so,” she said. “After all, we worship the same God.”
    “If you’re ready, let’s walk over to the church and I’ll i ntroduce you to Jack and Letty, and then we’ll go out to the ranch.”
    As they walked along, Zebulon paused in front of the general store. “Let’s kill two birds with one stone. Let’s go in the store, and I’ll introduce you to Silas Farmer, the owner. You can see what he has on his shelves for future reference, if you decide to stay in Helena.”
    She put her hand on his, and looked directly into his eyes. “ Zebulon, if you think, as I do, that we’re compatible, then I’m not going anywhere, but to the ranch.”
    “It’s a relief to hear you say that. I think you will make a wonderful wife.”
    When they opened the door and walked into the store, a bell jingled above their heads. “Be there in a second,” a voice called from the rear.
    A man walked from the rear, clad in jeans, and a brown shirt, wiping his hands on the apron tied around his waist.
    “Howdy, Zebulon, how are you today?”
    “I’m fine so far , Silas. Lottie, this is Silas Farmer, the proprietor of this fine establishment. Silas, this is Charlotte Jenkins. She’s just arrived from Baltimore and is going to be my wife.”
    “Miss Jenkins, it is my pleasure to meet you, and we lcome to Helena. We think a lot of Zebulon, hereabouts.”
    “Mr. Farmer, the pleasure is mine, and please, I’m Lo ttie.” She extended her hand, and Silas shook it