“Elizabeth,” Rosie began, her voice cutting through the thick silence of the parlor, “I will marry him.” Her words were not just a whisper of consent but a declaration of intent. She lifted her chin, her gaze meeting Elizabeth’s steady one, a silent pact forming between them in that look.
The matchmaker’s lips curved upwards, a smile blooming like a desert flower after rain. “Bravery suits you,” Elizabeth said.
“Thank you,” Rosie managed, her hands now still, folded demurely atop her lap. “Your faith in me...it gives me strength.”
“Strength is already there,” Elizabeth returned. “All three of you have shown great strength in leaving your father’s farm. Now you simply have to let it take you on the next step and see where it leads.”
“Even all the way to Colorado?” Rosie said. It was a feeble attempt to lighten the load of her decision, yet Elizabeth chuckled—a low, knowing sound.
“Especially to Colorado,” she affirmed. “Remember, love is the greatest adventure of them all.”
“Then it’s settled,” Rosie said, her earlier trepidation transforming into a thrill that gave her energy. “We shall embark on this adventure, come what may.”
“Come what may,” Elizabeth said, pleased that the sisters were going to get away.
Only an hour passed before the sisters all took seats on the train that would take them to their new lives—and hopefully their new loves.
Rosie shook her head as she realized she was on the train and just remembered the time in Elizabeth’s office. A smile tugged at the corners of Rosie’s lips. With each thought of Hope Springs, the excitement kindled within her, warming her from the inside out. She envisioned herself stepping onto those dusty streets. There, she would no longer be a woman defined by her past but one who could forge her own destiny. Perhaps she’d tend a garden or stand by Charles’s side as he navigated the tribulations of being mayor.
As the train chugged along, Rosie’s anticipation grew with every passing mile. She sat by the window, watching the landscape change from the familiar sights of Massachusetts to the unknown.
Rosie’s mind wandered to Charles, the mayor who had captured her curiosity from afar. She imagined their life together in the quaint town, picturing herself by his side as they faced the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead.
She could picture how it would be. Despite his initial aloofness, there would be a depth to his character that would come out the longer she was there. She wouldn’t see him and know that he was the man she needed to complete her. No, it would be slower than that. More subtle. People who met and immediately fell in love were works of fiction, and she wanted a love that would last her entire life.
Lost in her thoughts, Rosie barely noticed when Izzy nudged her and pointed out the window. As she turned to look, a vast expanse of rugged mountains and sprawling valleys greeted her gaze. The breathtaking beauty of the untamed wilderness filled her with a sense of awe and wonder.
In that moment, Rosie knew that her life was about to change in ways she could never have imagined. The train slowed as it approached the station, and Rosie’s heart fluttered with nervous excitement. Stepping onto the platform, she felt a rush of anticipation mingled with a touch of trepidation at the unknown future that awaited her in Hope Springs.
As the sisters gathered their belongings and followed the bustling crowd toward the town, Rosie couldn’t shake off the feeling of being on the cusp of a new chapter in her life. The dusty streets of Hope Springs stretched before her, lined with quaint storefronts and bustling activity that spoke of a community united by both hardship and hope.
The three sisters stood together, waiting for the men who would soon be there to take them away from each other. First, Ana left with Dr. Mercer, and though the man Ana was marrying looked very tired, she had a feeling they were a perfect match.
And then came Albert Thoreau with his perfectly tailored suit and his air of superiority. She worried a little bit for Izzy, but she knew her sister could take care of herself. They were all strong because they’d had to be. They’d taken many beatings for one another over the years. No more though. Their father was many states away with no idea where they were. It was better that way.
Left alone, Rosie stood watching the town for a few minutes before finding a bench and putting her things on it before sitting beside them. Rosie knew she could choose to be upset that Charles was late, but it was easier to imagine that he was doing important work for the town. Of course, the town would have to come first. He hadn’t even met her yet.
She waited for almost an hour before she spotted him. Charles Jordan stood at the end of the platform, his gaze steady as he watched Rosie. There was a flicker of warmth in his eyes that surprised Rosie, a hint of vulnerability that mirrored her own emotions at that moment.
With each step closer to him, Rosie felt a surge of courage welling up inside her. The air crackled with anticipation as she finally stood face-to-face with Charles. His usual aloof demeanor seemed to soften in the golden glow of the setting sun, casting a warm light on his rugged features.
“Rosie,” he began, his voice deep and resonant, “I’m glad you’re finally here.”
Rosie felt a rush of relief flood through her at his welcoming tone. She managed a small smile before replying, “I’m glad to be here, Charles. To start this new chapter together.”
As they walked through the streets of Hope Springs, Rosie couldn’t help but notice the subtle change in Charles’s demeanor. The townspeople greeted them warmly, and Rosie felt a sense of belonging settle over her like a comforting blanket.
“We need to go to the church and get ourselves married first. I was told you were coming here with your sisters?” he asked, looking around to see if he spotted any other new women around.
“Dr. Mercer was waiting for Ana when the train pulled into the station. Izzy had to wait a few minutes for Mr. Thoreau, but they’ve been gone a long while as well. It was nice having time to just sit and watch the town and get used to its rhythms,” Rosie said softly.
Charles frowned and pulled out his pocket watch. “I had no idea it was so late. I had thirty minutes before your train pulled in, and then I decided to read one last document before signing it and come here to the station. I lost track of time, and I’m sorry for that, Rosabelle.”
Rosie smiled. “Everyone calls me Rosie. My sisters and I were born Anabelle, Isabelle, and Rosabelle, but all our names were shortened quickly.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Rosie.”
“Do you have a nickname?” she asked as they approached the church.
