Read The Montana Rancher's Bride (New Montana Brides) for Free Online Page B

I’ve always been the sp ecial one. I sort of feel as if I’m deserting him.”
    Carrie answered the most recent letter from Case.
    Dear Case,
    I received your letter today and will not waste any time. I am interested in marriage, and I would like to come meet you. How’s that for decisiveness?
    In the same mail, I had the nicest letter from Letty Owens. I am really looking forward to meeting her. She is a strong supporter of yours. It was not necessary to provide me with references. When I tell Mama, I am leaving, I will show her the letter from Mrs. Owens. Maybe it will make it easier for her to accept what I am doing.
    I have something to look forward to now. I am most an xious for your reply.
    I am yours truly,
    Carrie

 
    chapter Eleven
    Carrie Accepts!
     
    Case received the letter with her acceptance and immed iately went to the bank and withdrew ample funds to pay for her trip. Next, he went to Western Union and wired the money to the Oxford Western Union. He paid extra to include a message that said, “Get best transportation possible, wire arrival date, and I will meet you.” Case.
    He walked to the church. “Well, I did it. I just sent money for the tickets, and she’s supposed to send me a telegram with her time.”
    “Jack shook his hand vigorously. I don’t think you will regret this.”
    “I don’t either,” Case said. “It will be nice to have som eone to talk to on the lonely, winter nights.”
    Letty said, “I’m so happy for you, Case. I’m glad she liked my letter. I am looking forward to meeting her. ”
    Two days later, a rider delivered the telegram Case was expect ing.  Carrie would arrive two weeks hence. It was going to be a long two weeks.
    At last the appointed day arrived. Wearing his best church going clothes, his freshly cleaned boots, and a new Stetson hat, Case was in front of the International Hotel when the driver of the stagecoach pulled back on the reins, and calling out, “Whoa, there you varmints, whoa.” The cloud of dust, with no wind to disperse it, hovered above the street.
    The driver tied the reins to the brak e handle, then he, and his rifle toting guard clambered down. He spat a stream of tobacco juice into the dirt of the street. He opened the door and stood aside as a drummer stepped from the coach. Holding out his hand, he assisted a woman, as she stepped out. She brushed her hair back and looked around. She smiled as a handsome young cowboy detached himself from the wall he had leaned against for the past hour and stepped forward.
    “Carrie Robbins? “he asked in the Texas drawl he had never lost.
    “I’m Carrie,” she said and smiled again. Later, Case would swear the day had brightened at that moment. “Are you Case?”
    “Yes .” He became tongue tied. He didn’t know what to do with his hands. “Uhhh, I mean I’m Case Jamison. Welcome to Helena. Let me get your trunk. Do you have a trunk?”
    “I have a small trunk and a carpet bag. Those two,” she said, and pointed them out on the boarded sidewalk.
    “I’ll get the wagon and load them up.” He hoisted the trunk to his shoulder with what seemed to Carrie, a minimum of effort. He started toward the stable.
    “Case,” she called out, “do you mind if I walk with you. I’m stiff from being cramped in the coach.”
    “Excuse me.” Case said. “I’m not accustomed to being around a lady, except for Letty, and she’s like a big sister.
    “You were on the stage for what, four days? I imagine that’s a lot like being on a roundup. In the saddle all day, then using it as a pillow, sleeping on the ground.”
    “I don’t think it was that bad,” she said. “ Is that what you do?” she asked.
    “We have a roundup in the spring and in the fall. And, we do sleep on the ground. That’s our… my wagon,” he said.
    “Our wagon sounded fine to me,” she said softly.
    Case had to make an effort to slow down. His usual pace, marked by long strides would not work walking with a lady.