Lacey Dyann: Mail Order Brides Series, #10

By Beverly Kovatch

Lacey grew up on a farm near Silver Valley with her mother, father, and two younger brothers. They all worked hard and struggled to survive. Lacey's only reprieve from her reality was her friendship with the Peterson's. She envied their love for each other and wished she could one day belong to a family like theirs. Her father was not fond of her friendship with the Peterson children, but he tolerated it until he realized that Lacey and Jonathan were becoming more than just friends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beverly Kovatch
• Release date: Sep 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223579670

Beverly Kovatch

This Author is about as unknown as one can become. She sometimes lives in the past, sometimes in the future, sometimes right in the middle of the present. Her mind wanders from what was to what is to what could be. That is the power of the written and spoken word. There are so many opportunities for so many people, and she wonders why no one seems to seek them out. She lives on a farm in what was once a vast farmland area. A few people still believe in farming, but each year, there seem to be fewer and fewer of them. This past year, it appears that the moral background of the world is rapidly disappearing. It takes hard work to be a farmer nowadays. It is a lot easier to sit back and watch others do it. People have taken this place we call home for granted. The pandemic threw us all for a loop, but it also made some realize that unless we fight for what we believe in, our country, the one we all grew up in, could be lost. It took hard work and determination for us to be where we are, and all of it started with a small dream. You see, everything in life begins with a dream. This Author once dreamt she could one day write a book that others might enjoy reading, and here she is. She has written not one book but more than twenty books. Some people dream of owning just a small piece of land, owning their own little business, raising their families in a free land, a place where we are allowed to say what we feel in our hearts, fight for what we believe in, worship at the church of our choice. These past few years have taught this Author that there is power in our words. Once our words are silenced, we have given up one of our most treasured rights. It is my hope, my dream, that the power that you, my readers, have within you will never be silenced. The dreams you hold inside will always be fulfilled, and that you will always and forever … Keep on Dreaming!

Book preview

Chapter One

Jonathan walked out of the classroom with books in hand. Nathaniel was right; it was a good school, and he had learned a lot. Jon missed his family but also loved being in San Francisco. It was a bustling town with a craziness that he also enjoyed. The school dean had implied that he wanted him to stay on and teach. He wasn’t sure if that was because he was good at it or that his daughter Victoria had taken a liking to him.

Victoria was beautiful, but Nathaniel warned him about sticking to the books and keeping his emotional side in check until he graduated. He kept telling him there was time for women after he accomplished becoming a good physician. He didn’t think it would be that hard keeping his mind off of women, but then, no one had ever seen the likes of Victoria.

He walked across to the boarding house where he was staying. Olivia and Charlie had done so much for him. He really owed them everything, and he wasn’t sure how he would ever repay them for their sacrifices. They had put money aside whenever possible to make his attending school and having room and board possible. If Charlie hadn’t discovered the gold, he would have had to work while attending school, and the studies were not easy. Working and studying would have been so much more complicated. Not worrying about the finances made getting to the top of his class much easier.

HE WALKED TO THE POST office to see if he had gotten any mail. Every day, he hoped there was a letter back from Lacey. He kept trying, but the letters he hoped for never came. He returned home for a visit and discovered that her mother had died, and she was busy raising her two younger brothers. Lucy told him that her father was sick. She became Lucy’s best friend, but she was really his best friend. No, Lacey was so much more than that to him. She knew him better than anyone.  The night before he left was burned into his memory. He should have told her his plans then, but he wanted to surprise her. 

He knew she was upset that he was leaving, but not showing up to say goodbye ruined his plans. He wanted to say so many things. He tried to tell her how he felt in his letters, but she never answered them, and she refused to see him when he came home to visit.

He was lonely and missed his family and Lacey, but Lucy, David, Olivia, and Nathaniel kept him abreast of everything happening back home. He loved getting the letters, but it also made him homesick. Three years was such a long time to be away from home. Lucy wrote the most. She wanted to be sure he had all the news and gossip in town.

Dear Jon,

Ma and Pa are doing fine and send their love. So does everyone else, for that matter. We all do miss you here. By the way, it is now official. I am being courted by Josh now. I am not sure how Ma and Pa like that, although they love Josh, well, you know that. Josh asked Pa if it was all right, and Pa reluctantly said yes, but he said yes. It seems that Melody has finally given up on Josh for now. At least, I hope she has.

David, Samuel, and Josh have been working on the winery together. That is quite a sight. It is actually starting to look positive. David hopes to be able to put out his first bottles of wine next year. I can’t wait for you to meet Sam and Cat. Everyone in town really likes them, and I know you will, too. Cat has become like a big sister to me. I love it. They both seemed to have fit in, and David needed the help. I am glad to have another woman closer to my age to confide in. They have become an extended family.

There is still no news on Sara-Jen. I feel so bad some days for David. I know he misses her so much. Not knowing where she is or if she is even alive has tortured him. Then, poor Sam is still waiting to find out if she is his long-lost sister. Isn’t that crazy? I keep hoping they get answers soon. Lacey has been so busy I barely see her anymore. The boys say their father has gotten worse. I have to go out there soon and check on her like I promised you.

Major Clancey stops into town every few months to tell us what is happening with the Indian tribes. He said that Nawku and his men raided another Indian village Northeast of here. Everyone has been on edge about that one, especially David.

I think he fears that Nawku is still looking for Sara-Jen. David hasn’t shown any interest in any other woman since Sara left. I genuinely think he loves her and hopes she will return to him. I hope she is alright, but inside, to be honest, I am worried about David. What if she doesn’t return?

Talking about sisters, Angelina is like a repeat of Danny; she keeps me running constantly. The new school opened, and Mrs. O’Connor and Catherine alternate teaching the classes.

They have a classroom full of students. Riker and Rachel are almost ten. Can you believe that little Reggie is nearly three? He looks just like a miniature Rex. That little guy has him wrapped around his finger. I swear, for a man who didn’t want any children, he is a wonderful father. We have so many new little babies in town that the church has a preschool class that Catherine teaches.

Angelina, Reggie, and Eli are in that class. Hope, Riker, and Rachel are in a class with Mac and Monty. Lacey’s brothers, Terrance and Kendal, attend when they aren’t working their father’s farm. I am afraid that even though they are teenagers, most of the town’s children are in that one class. You should see all the kids. Silver Valley seems to keep growing. I think it will someday be like your San Francisco at this rate.

Word has it that Quin and Cassie had a baby, too. They are still in Colorado, helping out Cassie’s dad and brothers. Have you heard anything from Reese? Pa said that you wrote that you saw him in San Francisco? What is he up to?

Leanna said that she also got a letter from Abbie the other day. She, Shawn, and Charlotte are doing fine. They made it back to Fort Hampton. She said they miss us already and hope to return to visit again next year.  Oh! I almost forgot. Mollie and Conner Johnson got married. Can you believe that one? Old people getting married it’s crazy. Betsy and Nathaniel are so happy about it. His Ma and her Pa that is something you don’t see every day. Leanna is in heaven, though; she is just waiting for Josh to pop the question so she can plan our wedding.

So much has changed since you left. I hope that you are going to visit soon.

Ma and Pa said something about us traveling to San Francisco for your graduation. I am so excited. You can show me the big city. Have you decided what you are going to do when you graduate?

I sure hope that you plan on coming back home. I don’t want to pressure you, but we love and miss you. Plus, I want you here if Josh and I do get married. It wouldn’t be the same without you. Well, that is all the news I have for now, except  I almost forgot when I saw Lacey in town, she said to tell you hello. I can see that she misses you more than she wants to admit. I don’t know what happened between you and her, but I always thought... well, you know what I thought.

Jonathan laughed at Lucy’s letter. She seemed to know everything about everyone, and it was great catching up on all the news in Silver Valley. He didn’t want to admit it, but he did miss everyone there. He knew that he would have to decide about the job in San Francisco soon, and if Victoria had anything to do with it, it could be a long time before he got to see anyone in Silver Valley. Of course, Lucy had to mention Lacey, beautiful, funny Lacey, but that was a lifetime ago, and yet, it seemed like only yesterday he had stolen a kiss from her behind the barn. Suddenly, a shrill voice woke him from his daydream.

Jonathan, where have you been? Victoria asked as she walked up to him.

Just reading a letter from my sister, he replied. She is filling me in on all the news I have been missing from back home.

Oh, how nice, she replied, not interested in his sister or her gossip. Have you forgotten? We are supposed to have dinner with my parents tonight.

I have not forgotten Vicki, he said as she glared at him.

Jonathan, How often do I have to remind you that it is not proper to call me Vicki? Especially out here in the open where other people can hear you.

I am sorry, Victoria, he replied, agitated that it constantly had to be so formal with her and her parents, for that matter. They always called him Jonathan, never Jon, and he had to remember to never call her anything but Victoria.

You need to get changed now, Jonathan.

What’s wrong with what I am wearing? he asked as she glared at him. Her look told him he had better go and change his clothes immediately.  There were times when she made him feel like he was a little child, and this was one of them, and he hated it.

Fine, I will go and change, he replied. Is there anything, in particular, you want me to wear? he said sarcastically.

The new suit I picked out for you last week will be suitable for dinner tonight. Father has invited some faculty members who must approve your tenure. You must present yourself to them as if you are already one of them.

Victoria, I haven’t decided if I will take this position if it is even offered to me. Don’t you think this is a bit premature?

Jonathan, please don’t make me angry; it will be offered to you, and you will accept this position. Why in the world would you even question it? This position is a very important one for both of us. She replied.

Well, Victoria, let me tell you this. I am not deciding on this position until I have spoken to Nathaniel and my parents. Is that understood?

Of course, Jonathan, she said to appease him. I am sure your parents and Dr. Weinstein will agree that this position is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us, for you, I mean. If we must go and see them to discuss it, then we will. She said, exasperated. Please, go and change and be at our house by five. Do not be late, Jonathan.

Of course not. I will be there with bells on, Jon said sarcastically.

Jonathan, please, this is an important evening. Very few people are given such an opportunity.

You’re right, Victoria; as usual, you’re absolutely right.

James Whitmore was also a candidate for this position. He was the man who deserved the position. James had worked extremely hard to be a candidate. He was a good man and a good teacher. The teaching position was perfect for James,  but Victoria had her eyes on him and not James. The way Victoria spoke about it, Jon had an intense feeling that they were going to offer him this position instead of James, not because he deserved it, but because of Victoria.

Jonathan hated this; he didn’t want the position in the first place. His desire had always been to be a physician, not a teacher or professor. He had always been in it to help people. His mother died because there was no physician in their town, and he didn’t want that to happen