Chase returns with a basket of food, and Bronnah is once again struck by his thoughtfulness. “Thank you, I’m starved.” She sits quietly and eats while he washes up.
“What have you been up to?” Chase asks.
“I’ve written two letters to my family. I need to post them as soon as possible.” Chase nods in understanding.
"Good idea, we can do that after you eat. I have some errands to attend to while we are in town. We can go as soon as you're ready." Bronnah jumps up and hurries to pull on her borrowed boots. Having only the one dress to travel in, keeps things simple. Chase guides her downstairs, and when they step outside, it is freezing. Thirty degrees and bright sunshine.
A carriage pulls up, the driver jumps down quickly and opens the doors for the couple. Bronnah is surprised and whispered to Chase, “This is too much.”
“Corolla Dress shop,” he tells the driver as he climbs in beside her and shuts the door. “It’s freezing, surely you didn’t expect to walk everywhere?” Bronnah rubs her hands together to keep them warm and stares at him.
“I thought we were going to the post office.”
“We are, but I have a few errands of my own,” he tugs her into his side. “First, we’re going to shop. I need to pick up some gifts for my family, I was hoping you’d help me with that.” Bronnah tucks her hands into his and revels at the warmth and strength that immediately envelops her.
“Gobshite,” she mutters, only to jump when Chase roars with laughter.
“Don’t tempt me, Bronnah-mine. I’ll have you in this carriage,” he teases.
Bronnah ducks her head, “Are ya so ashamed of me Chase?” she asked softly ignoring his laughter.
"Show me your eyes," he demands and squeezes her hand gently until she does. "You are my wife, and it is my honor to provide for all of your needs. Would you deny me, that right?"
Bronnah shakes her head, “Of course not, Chase.”
"I'd gladly claim you as mine, in nothing at all, Bronnah, but Wyoming is freezing this time of year. Today we will provide for all of your needs, and then you will help me figure out what to buy my new triplet nieces." Bronnah sniffs and wipes at her eyes.
“Triplets, truly?”
"Yes, truly. My brother, Dalton and his wife have a two-year-old son, and she was expecting triplets when I left." The carriage stops, and they climb out together in front of a dress shop. Two large windows framed with dresses on the left side and shoes in the window on the right. Stepping inside Dalton and Bronnah are greeted by the owner.
"Good day, I am Mrs. Corolla, how may I help you today?" Bright red hair, freckles, and a broad, welcoming smile sets Bronnah at ease.
"Good day, my wife needs a full trousseau for winter. We've lost all of our luggage in a train wreck."
"I'm so sorry to hear that," she grabs Bronnah's hand and squeezes gently. "No worries, clothing can be replaced." Dresses line the walls, with glass-covered cases, full of jewelry, scarves, and more. Bronnah is overwhelmed.
"I shall go to the post office and send our letters. How long will you need?" he asks Mrs. Corolla.
"Two hours should do."
“Chase!” He presses a kiss to her forehead and turns to the owner.
“I’d like for her to have a pair of sturdy winter boots, coat, and scarf, everything she will need. Don’t let her talk you out of anything.” He exits the shop leaving an open-mouthed Bronnah staring after him.
“Mmm. You’re one lucky girl. Let’s get started.” Two hours later Bronnah is exhausted. She’s dressed in a navy blue, velvet day dress, complete with new boots. Her hair is in a beautiful twist with a matching clip holding it in place.
“Now, Mrs. Rivers, your bags are packed. Can I get you anything else?”
Bronnah smiles, “Mrs. Corolla surely you are magic. I would love something to knock his boots off. Something he would not be expecting. Do you have anything like that?”
A grin covers her new friends face, “Follow me.” Fifteen minutes later, Bronnah is ready and waiting for Chase when he arrives.
“Bronnah?” he gasps, staring at her.
“Your wife is exquisite and easy to dress, Mr. Rivers.”
Bronnah turns slowly, “What do you think?”
“I think you fell from a star, Bronnah-mine,” he murmurs.
"Chase," she sniffs and wipes at her eyes. The pride in his eyes makes all the stress worth it. It's nice to feel dressed appropriately, and she can't wait to show him the rest of her purchases.
“I found some gifts for your family, Chase.”
“Perfect, we have to make a few more stops. Can you have our purchase sent to the hotel?”
“Of course, Mr. Rivers.”
Bronnah wanders over to look out the window of the shop while he pays. When she catches her reflection in the window, she stares in wonder. She wouldn't recognize herself, and it makes her think of her family. Long gone are the days of running through the grassy fields, barefoot in a long skirt and dirty shirt. What would her family think of what she has become? What does she think of herself? In truth, she would have lived in a dirty shack with him and been just as happy as she is now. Love is an unexpected gift, and she means to hold on to it with both hands.
“Ready?” he asked.
“Yes.”
Chase and Bronnah enjoy the next two days loving, laughing and spoiling each other, but Chase does not waste a single second. While she was at the dress shop, he sent telegrams to his most trusted friends. The gathering has begun. Not knowing who to trust in the Marshalls office, he called in favors from his fellow soldiers in different parts of the country. Already they are
