Fiona's Fantasy: Clover Creek Community, #2

By Kirsten Osbourne

Fiona Jefferson knew all she needed in life was to be married, and she'd be happy. She imagined dancing with her husband under the moonlight. She wanted twelve children, six boys and six girls. But first she needed a husband. Unfortunately, she knew every man in town from their two-thousand-mile journey along the Oregon Trail, and none of them appealed to her.

 

When she talked to her friends, Emma and Henri, about her situation, they both responded with the same man, one she'd already considered and decided wasn't for her.

 

Sam Appleby knew he was in love the first time he saw Fiona in Independence, Missouri. Unfortunately, he was too quiet to do anything about it. His younger brother did all the talking for both of them, and half the other men on the trail.

 

When Fiona and Sam were set up by Emma and Henri, they immediately felt a connection. Within a week they were married. Everything was great for Fiona except she didn't believe he loved her. She hoped one day he would say those three words, but within a few months, she'd almost given up hope.

Would Sam ever say he loved Fiona? Or was she destined for a life of heartbreak?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Unlimited Dreams
• Release date: Jan 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215664285

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Chapter One

Fiona Jefferson paused in sweeping the spot just in front of the front door of the cabin she shared with her father to watch the progress he was making on the house he was building for them. It was spring, and she could hear birds chirping. What a long, hard winter it had been. Now that April had finally arrived, men were plowing fields and birthing calves.

Oh, it was a wonderful spring! And she was determined to be married before summer. Not that there were men catching her eye that she wanted to marry, but there had to be someone like her. Who wanted an even dozen children and was looking for a bride.

She sighed and closed the door. She was doing spring cleaning that day, and though she’d rather be outside doing anything but cleaning, she knew her role as a woman of the west. She would be able to start her kitchen garden soon, and she would be able to spend all the time she wanted outside then.

Supper would be cold sandwiches, because she was too busy cleaning to do much else. The walls needed to be scrubbed and the dirt floor of the cabin needed to be swept. At least she didn’t need to scrub floors this time. But there would be a real house by fall for them to winter in.

How she hoped she wouldn’t still be keeping house for her father in the fall. She knew every man in their little community, and she could think of no one she wanted to marry.

Fiona sighed dramatically and got back to work. Tomorrow was Sunday. She’d talk to Emma at church, and perhaps she would be able to help her find a husband. Perhaps Emma could make a project of her. Or really, anyone who would. She’d ask Hannah, Pastor Jed’s wife, but she was busy with her baby. No, a married woman with no children would be best to help her.

As she continued her chores, she fantasized about what it would be like to be married. She imagined a tall, dark-haired man with brown eyes. Maybe a bit of a beard, but nothing long and scraggly as some of the men in the community had taken to wearing.

He would always act like a gentleman. She’d prefer a soft-spoken man so she wouldn’t have to fight to get words in edgewise. He would bring her flowers and take her on long buggy rides out to the lake. But only after his work for the day was done.

They would dance even when there was no music because they would be filled with music at all times. Oh, being married to her perfect husband, and having their twelve children, would be a joy.

*****

At church the following day, Fiona found Emma sitting with her husband, Jared, and her sister-in-law Henri, and brother Roy. Two families had merged twice with Henri marrying Emma’s brother, Roy, and Emma marrying Henri’s brother, Jared.

Fiona chose the pew right behind them. Her father usually stood at the back of the church for some reason she would never quite understand.

While the men were off visiting with the other men, Fiona pushed her head between Emma and Henri. I wonder if you two ladies could help me with something.

Henri turned to her and smiled. We’d be happy to.

I want to get married. Before summer.

Emma and Henri looked at each other for a moment. Sam.

Your brother Sam? Fiona asked. He’s so quiet. He’s got to be up to something.

Henri laughed. He’s quiet because Bastian never shuts up. There’s no need or opportunity for Sam to say a word.

Fiona frowned. Do you really think that’s why?

Emma nodded. She’s right. I’ve been around the Applebys enough to know she’s telling the absolute truth. I’ve seen Sam open his mouth to speak, but Bastian always says something, so Sam stays quiet.

Perhaps I could invite him to supper one time and see how we do together.

Better yet, Emma said. Let me invite both of you and Henri and Roy to supper. I’ve been learning to cook from Henri, and I’d love to show off my skills.

Fiona nodded. That would be better. If you invite us both it looks like you’re trying to match us. If I invite him, it looks like I’m setting my cap for him.

Exactly, Henri said. She had a hand resting on her baby bump, but there was no indication that Emma was expecting at all.

When? Fiona still wasn’t sure how she felt about the middle Appleby brother, but she was willing to give him a chance.

Tonight? Emma suggested. Before the workweek starts and everyone has to get back to their real lives. I finished my spring-cleaning last night, so I won’t be bogged down with work.

Well, then tonight we’ll all have supper together. Six?

Perfect, Fiona said. That’ll give me time to get supper on the table for my pa, and then I’ll head up the hill.

Henri frowned. No, I’ll have Sam come for you at quarter til six. Then you won’t have to walk up the hill or walk home in the dark.

Do you think he’d do it?

Henri laughed. If he wants to eat something more than his own cooking, he will.

Emma nodded. We take turns cooking for the men, so we’d be able to cut him off easily.

Fiona laughed. You are going to force this on him, aren’t you?

Henri shrugged. I don’t consider it forcing. He wants to marry as well.

I suppose we’ll see what happens then.

Fiona was both excited and nervous about spending the evening with Sam, but she would give him a shot. He couldn’t be quiet all the time. What should I bring?

Emma shook her head. I’ll take care of the meal.

I could bring dessert? Fiona suggested, wanting to show off her baking skills. She’d always been a whiz in the kitchen.

All right, Emma said. Henri, you can make the bread.

Henri nodded, and Fiona could see she didn’t mind when Emma volunteered her to do things. I’ll see you both at six then. Thank you.

All three of them stood up then and wandered to the back of the church. I’m excited, Emma said.

Henri nodded. Me too!

I’m nauseated, Fiona said. She was happy there was a plan, but she just didn’t know what to think about Sam Appleby.

The other two laughed. It’s going to be fine, Henri said. He’s my gentlest brother. He brings me sick birds to heal. He used to take them to Ma, but now they come to me. And he checks on them every day until they can fly again.

A slow smile crossed Fiona’s face. Maybe Sam was the one she was looking for after all.

She got into the wagon beside her pa to head home. While he drove, she said, I’ve been invited to supper at Emma and Jared Appleby’s place.

That’s nice. Just leave me something I can have, and I don’t mind. Her father rarely cared what she did. As long as her chores were done, he didn’t care if she languished reading novels all day.

"Sam Appleby