Read Montana Bound: A Sweet Mail Order Bride Historical (Mail Order Bride Journeys Book 2) for Free Online

she would have been content to relax and nurse a coffee while she woke up, Owen was normally already wide awake when he emerged from the loft, and eager to get started on his daily labors.
    It didn’t take too long to finish cleaning up from breakfast, and as Constance had finished packing lunch about the same time, both women walked outside together to join Owen. Grace was not surprised to find Owen waiting out front, already finished getting the wagon all ready and pulling it out front of the house. She was surprised to find him relaxing in the seat, his feet resting on the front edge of the wagon.
    “Don’t fall asleep, or you’ll miss the sun peaking over the horizon.” Grace teased.
    Owen nearly fell over backwards, not having heard the women emerging from the house. It was a comical sight, and caused both women to laugh at Owen’s expense. Feigning outrage, Owen spit the piece of straw that he had been chewing on to the ground and sat up straight in his seat. “Look who’s talking. Before you moved in with us, the closest you ever came to seeing a sunrise was a painting that you saw as a child.”
    “Actually, you probably don’t know how close to true that statement is.” Grace laughed. “I’ve never been one to crawl out of bed too early.”
    She followed Constance to the other side of the wagon, as Owen hopped down to help them to their seats. Owen helped Constance up first, much to Grace’s chagrin, as she had hoped that she would be seated in the middle next to Owen.
    It was different heading to town that early in the morning. The noises that the wagon made seemed so much louder in the quietness of the morning. A few of the songbirds had already awakened and were beginning to fill the air with their beautiful songs, but there was little else breaking the silence. It was a bit on the chilly side, and Grace was thankful that she had bundled up a bit more than usual, because even though the air was still, without the sun to warm them she would have probably been quite cold by the time they arrived in town.
    The festival was sponsored by the church, and as such, was held on the church grounds. As they approached, Grace could see a few people already milling about, working on one project or another. Owen parked the wagon between two others, and everyone hopped out. As Owen set out some hay for the horses, they were approached by a woman, whose bubbly personality immediately warmed Grace up to her.
    “Good morning, Owen! Good morning, Constance!” The woman said as she got closer. Approaching Grace with her arms spread wide, she gave her a quick hug and then kissed both cheeks. “You must be the young lady that Owen told me about.”
    “Mrs. Metzger, this is Miss Grace Russell.” Owen said, placing a hand on Grace’s shoulder. “She is staying with us for the time being, while she gets herself settled in Montana.”
    “Welcome! Welcome! We are so happy to have you here.” Mrs. Metzger said, hugging Grace again. “Thank you so much for helping set up today.”
    “It’s my pleasure to help out, and I’m so pleased to meet you.” Grace answered, feeling already that she had made a new friend. “Just tell me what to do, and I’ll get started.”
    “Such a spit-fire.” Mrs. Metzger said, and then looking Grace over as if she was sizing her up, she added, “Do you think you could help me hang the banners, and streamers? That way we could get to know each other better too.”
    “That sounds good to me.” Grace said.
    “Good. Constance, if you don’t mind, could you maybe help set up tables and chairs? And Owen, you’ll find the stands already set out where they need to be assembled. Mr. Paxton is already working on one, you could work with him.” Mrs. Metzger said, clearly comfortable in her role as facilitator.
    Owen and Constance took off immediately to begin their tasks, and Mrs. Metzger led Grace over to some boxes that contained the banners, along with streamers and other decorations.