Suitable for Marriage

By Ruth Ann Nordin

Erin Larson has a problem that's been following her since she was a child: Alex Matthews. For a reason she can't explain, Alex has convinced himself that they will end up getting married. But she'd rather go through town in nothing but her chemise and petticoats before that happens.

With her two older sisters married, it's her turn to find a husband. As long as Alex is lingering around, she's not going to find the man of her dreams. What she needs is to find another young lady for Alex to turn his attention to. Then, and only then, will she be free.

Alex goes along with this little matchmaking scheme, knowing full well that if he plays his cards right, he'll finally succeed in convincing Erin that they're a perfect match.

*This is a cute romantic comedy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ruth Ann Nordin
• Release date: May 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005027124

Ruth Ann Nordin

Ruth Ann Nordin has written almost 100 romances, ranging from Regencies to historical westerns to contemporaries. She plays with other genres from time to time, but her first love is romance. She has been happily married for twenty-two years to a sweet and funny guy, and they have four sons, who are all taller than Ruth now that they're 16, 17, 19, and 20. The good thing is she doesn't need a ladder. She considers herself very lucky to have led such a charmed life. Being able to play with characters and create stories is just icing on the cake. Hopefully, she'll get to keep doing this many years to come.

Book preview

Husbands for the Larson Sisters: Book 3

Suitable

For

Marriage

Ruth Ann Nordin

This is a work of fiction. The events and characters described herein are imaginary and are not intended to refer to specific places or living persons. The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and also represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher.

Suitable for Marriage

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2022 Ruth Ann Nordin

Book Cover Design by: Yellow Prelude Design, LLC

Interior photo of horseshoe Dreamstime.com. www.dreamstime.com. All rights reserved – used with permission.

This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without expressed written consent of the publisher/author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Epilogue

Other Larson Books

All of Ruth’s Books

Where to Find Ruth

Chapter One

April 5, 1894

Omaha, Nebraska

It’s a perfect day for a wedding, Daisy Larson squealed in excitement.

Erin Larson, Daisy’s older sister, was just as happy as Daisy was to see their older sister, Patricia, marry Jim Griffin. Patricia and Jim made a perfect match.

The two sisters stood to the right of the preacher. Jim and Jim’s friend, Val Silverton, stood to the left of the preacher. They were all outside, and the day was a warm, sunny one. There was only a breeze, which was good since the winds in Nebraska could pick up and blow everyone’s dresses up to their knees if it was strong enough. That would be quite embarrassing considering all of the people in attendance.

Their older sister, Nelly, had married Val in a very informal ceremony. This wedding was huge in comparison. A lot of chairs had been set out for the occasion, and once the wedding was over, they would all enjoy a potluck. The entire Larson family had come out for the occasion. Erin’s parents and grandparents were there, her aunts and uncles were there, and all of her cousins were there.

In addition to family, Erin’s pa had invited Alex Matthews and his parents there, too. He said he invited them because the Matthews had a piano, and Alex could play music for the wedding. She suspected her pa had other motives for wanting Alex here, though.

Without meaning to, her gaze went to Alex. He was sitting by Adam and Jacob, her two younger cousins. She had other cousins closer to his age, but he probably spoke with Adam and Jacob since he knew them. Adam and Jacob’s parents, Uncle Dave and Aunt Mary, lived in the farm not far from here, and they all came together to help each other at harvest time.

Alex and twelve-year-old Adam were leaning over to see what nine-year-old Jacob was holding. The thing jumped out of Jacob’s hands and knocked Alex’s hat over. Alex managed to grab the frog before it could get away and gave it back to Jacob. Laughing, Alex brushed back his brown hair that reached the nape of his neck with his fingers. Then he put the hat back on his head.

She should have looked away at that moment, but she didn’t, and because of that, Alex happened to catch her looking at him. His smile widened, and he waved to her. Fortunately, Nelly happened to come up to them before Erin had to decide if she should encourage him by waving back or be rude and ignore him. Glad for the distraction, she focused on her sister.

It’s time, Nelly told the preacher. The bride is ready.

Nelly settled into place next to Erin and Daisy and adjusted her pink dress. Erin still thought it was funny that Nelly struggled with wearing dresses and skirts. She’d made it a point to start wearing them all the time since marrying Val, but there was no doubt she felt much more comfortable in her denims.

Erin and Daisy, however, loved dresses, and it’d been Patricia’s idea that they should all wear pink ones. Erin liked that they matched, and pink was the perfect color for something as romantic as a wedding.

The preacher gestured to Alex, and Alex jumped up from his chair to go to the piano. She supposed the fact that Alex could play the piano was why her pa wanted him here, but she worried her pa was going to make a serious effort to pair her up with Alex now that Patricia was joining the ranks of the married women.

Alex began the Wedding March, and everyone’s attention went to the house. A couple of seconds later, Patricia emerged from the front door with their pa.

She’s so beautiful, isn’t she? Daisy whispered to Erin.

Erin nodded. The little pink flowers we etched into the bottom of her white dress really makes it stand out.

I was talking about the pink petals we sewed to put in her hair, Daisy whispered.

Erin’s gaze went to their sister’s hair. Yes, those are a nice touch. I’m glad we thought of it.

I hope I look like that on my wedding day.

You will if you make the exact same dress and flower petals.

Daisy’s nose wrinkled. I don’t know. Then I’ll only be copying her. I’d rather come up with something different when it’s my turn to marry. I love the way the white dress looks with the pink, though.

We’ll figure out a design so that it’ll be different when your turn comes, Erin assured her.

A shush came from beside them.

They turned their attention to Nelly who whispered, You two are louder than you think you are.

Erin noticed that a few people were watching them. Face warm, she grew quiet and turned her attention to Patricia and their pa as they made their way toward them.

Erin couldn’t recall a time when her sister looked happier. She glanced over at Jim and saw that he was equally as happy. She smiled. It was good that they had ended up together.

The preacher asked, Who gives this woman to be married?

I do, Erin’s pa replied.

Patricia kissed his cheek and then joined Jim.

Erin glanced at Daisy, and they squirmed with excitement. Someday, they’d be the ones who would be given to a handsome young man to marry.

The preacher began talking, and Erin imagined what it would feel like to be the one holding the arm of the man she loved as she vowed to devote the rest of her life to him.

First it was Nelly who married, and now it was Patricia. Next, it would be her. After that, it would be Daisy. Erin couldn’t wait! She would have to start making her wedding gown later today. The one they had helped Patricia with was lovely. Nelly hadn’t had one since she hadn’t had a formal wedding ceremony. Erin wanted a formal wedding ceremony. It was much better to watch people marry when they were dressed up. The occasion was much more festive that way.

The preacher finished the vows and then said, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.

Jim kissed Patricia, and Erin and Daisy sighed at how romantic the whole thing had been. One day Erin would share her first kiss with the man she would marry. That day wasn’t going to be long now. She could feel it. Any day now, she was going to meet the man who’d sweep her off her feet and make her his wife.

Once the kiss was over, the preacher said, Ladies and gentlemen, I present Mr. and Mrs. Griffin.

Everyone clapped, and Erin and Daisy shot each other excited looks.

Being a bride is going to be so much fun, Erin whispered to Daisy.

It is. It’s a shame I’m only seventeen so I have to wait, Daisy replied. But at least you can marry at any time. I’m looking forward to helping you with your wedding.

I was thinking of having the colors white and purple for my wedding. Maybe we could decorate our hair with purple and white ribbons.

Daisy’s eyes lit up. I like that! We could take the ribbons and make braids for part of it and let the rest of them flow down our hair.

Oh, that would be pretty!

We could even sew a purple ribbon at the bottom of your white gown instead of flowers like we did on Patricia’s gown.

Erin nodded. And we could sew white ribbons at the bottom of your purple gown.

And you could have white and purple flowers in your bouquet with ribbons to tie them, Daisy said.

Then there’s our shoes. We have to decorate them as well.

We will. Then I’ll make a cake and give it white frosting and make edible purple flowers on it. I can even put your name and the bridegroom’s name on it.

I can’t wait! Erin exclaimed.

I can’t wait, either!

The two sisters squealed in excitement and clapped their hands.

What are you two going on about? Nelly asked as she turned from Val who had, at some point, come over to her.

Erin turned to face their older sister. We’re planning my wedding. Daisy has a lot of good ideas. We’re going to go with the colors white and purple.

I wonder if a summer wedding might be appropriate for those colors, Daisy said. Something early in the spring is good for white and pink or even white and yellow. But white and purple might work better in the winter.

Why does it matter what time of year you marry? Nelly asked. Use the colors you want.

Daisy gasped. The time of year is everything. You don’t want to clash with the surrounding colors.

Daisy has a good point, Erin agreed. We wouldn’t want pink or purple around a bunch of yellow, orange, or red leaves in autumn.

Nelly rolled her eyes. You two worry about things that don’t matter.

I don’t know, Val spoke up. I think it’s nice if things go naturally together. You only get married once. It’s not like you can change your outfit and do it again.

Thank you, Val, Erin said. It’s nice that we have you to talk sense into our sister. Her gaze went to Nelly. As Val pointed out, this is something we only get to do once. Why shouldn’t we make the most of it?

Though Nelly sighed, she didn’t continue to argue the argument.

I’m ready to throw the bouquet! Patricia called out.

Erin and Daisy rushed over to the group of other young women who wanted to catch the bouquet. She and Daisy had spent hours helping Patricia get the thing just right. If she caught it, she planned to dry out the flowers and keep it forever.

Ready? Patricia called out.

Erin joined the other women in saying she was ready. She couldn’t be sure, but she thought Patricia glanced her way before she threw the bouquet over her shoulder. Erin jumped up and caught it before anyone else did.

Though there were a couple of grumbles, the women congratulated her before getting things ready for the potluck. Erin was in the middle of enjoying the gorgeous bouquet that was now hers when Alex came up to her.

I saw you catch the bouquet, he said.

She glanced around but saw that even Daisy had left the immediate vicinity, thereby leaving her pretty much alone with Alex. Uh, yes, she forced out. Is that significant?

I heard that the woman who catches the bouquet will be the next to get married, he said then smiled at her in a way that let her know he had every intention of being her bridegroom.

She blanched. Dear heaven, help her. There was no way she could marry him. Ever. There was no romantic spark between them, and there never would be.

Alex, help us load the piano into the wagon before we eat, his pa called out.

Fortunately, he hurried off to do as his pa wished.

She grimaced and walked over to Daisy who was helping with the last-minute potluck arrangements at the tables. Here. You can have this, Erin told her sister and held the bouquet out to her.

Daisy’s eyes widened in surprise. Why? It was obvious that Patricia wanted you to have it.

I know Patricia was being nice in throwing it to me, but it’s cursed. Alex assumes we’re going to run off and marry each other because I caught it.

Daisy giggled. Did he actually say that?

"He might as well have. He said he heard the woman who catches the bouquet is the next one to get married. Then he gave me the look."

What look?

The same look he’s been giving me for years.

"Oh. That look."

Erin nodded. What did I do to upset God so much that He’d punish me?

Alex isn’t a punishment, Daisy said. He’s simply in love with you.

Patricia hurried over to them. I’m so excited you caught the bouquet, Erin! I heard it brings good luck. Now you’re bound to be the next one who gets married.

Don’t remind her, Daisy said. "Alex just told her the same thing. Then he gave her the look."

Patricia gasped. "Not that look!"

I’m afraid so, Erin replied. He thinks me catching the bouquet is a sign we’re going to get married.

Patricia tapped her lips in a thoughtful gesture then said, What he needs is someone else. Then he’ll leave you alone.

Erin’s ears perked up. Let’s do it. Let’s find someone else for Alex to fall in love with.

I don’t know. Can we do that? Daisy asked, not hiding her doubts. He’s been in love with you since we were children. And it’s not like he has a chance to come across available young women at his farm.

Erin felt her hopes deflate. That’s true. Everyone lives in town.

Including me, Patricia pointed out. I’m going to live with Jim now. You should come visit me. We can go through town and look for the marriageable ladies who are there. Then we can figure out which will be a good fit for him.

Erin’s eyes widened in excitement. Oooh, I like that! Then we can create a plan to match one of them up with him!

And if the first one doesn’t work, we’ll try another one, Patricia said. We’ll just keep throwing women at him until he falls in love with one on them.

That only works if she falls in love with him, too, Daisy replied.

There’s bound to be someone who’ll find him suitable for marriage, Patricia said. If we could pair up Nelly with Val, we can pair someone up with Alex. There are plenty of young women in Omaha who are looking to get married. We’re bound to find someone.

I like the way you think. Erin patted Patricia on the shoulder and gave out a relieved sigh. It’ll be great when he goes down the aisle to marry someone who isn’t me. I’ll be so happy I just might cry.

Yes, we won’t want to miss that wedding, Patricia agreed. It’ll be the day you’re finally free of him.

That would be wonderful. Finally, after all these years, Erin was going to have her dream come true. Then she would be free to find someone she wanted to be with, and better yet, her pa would understand since Alex married someone else. The sooner they started to find women for Alex, the better.

Chapter Two

What luck! Alex managed to sneak into the spot next to Erin before anyone else did. He’d been afraid that one of her sisters would beat him to it. Daisy sat to one side, and it seemed like Nelly was going to sit on the other, but, thankfully, Nelly had gotten distracted by the wind that had blown her hat off. That allowed him a perfect chance to slip between Erin and Val.

Val’s eyebrows arched as he looked at him in surprise.

Nelly can sit on that side of you, Alex said as he gestured to the empty spot on Val’s other side.

Val glanced from him to Erin and then shot him a knowing grin. And to think Erin worries she’ll never get married.

Alex glanced over at Erin who hadn’t noticed he was sitting next to her yet. She was too busy whispering to Daisy. Alex turned his gaze back to Val. Erin and I go way back. We’ve been in love since we were children.

Val’s eyes widened. Does Erin know this?

Of course, she does. She just doesn’t want me to think it’s going to be easy to secure her hand in marriage. A woman has the right to make a man fight for the honor of being her husband.

Val chuckled. If you say so…

Alex frowned. He had hoped he’d sounded so certain of it that Val wouldn’t have doubted him. Alex knew full well that Erin wasn’t all that interested in him…yet. But she was going to be. It was just a matter of time before she realized they were perfect for each other. He might have known it early on, but he was more perceptive about these things than she was. He had good instincts. Ever since