A Mail Order Bride for the Undertaker (Love by Mail #1)(8)

“It’s time for dinner,” Mercy set a steamy pot of stew in their midst. Cole had also finished setting two sets of plates and spoons on the table. They sat facing each other on the opposite ends.

Mercy led the prayer, thanking the Lord for their daily provisions and for their health. Once again, they ate in silence. Wanting to break the awkwardness between them, Mercy stirred up a conversation.

“The people in this town seem to be nice.” She silently slurped on her stew and waited for Cole’s response.

“Yes, they’re good people,” he said calmly.

She paused then exclaimed excitedly. “I know! How about we invite our neighbors for a potluck dinner tomorrow night?”

Mercy’s beaming eyes reflected back in Cole’s who did not seem to be as ecstatic about the idea. “That’s a great idea, Mercy but my neighbors – our neighbors – are difficult people. They – uh – don’t mingle with others that much.”

“Cole,” she asked shyly, “I don’t mean to pry, but did something happen?”

He seemed to be taken aback by her question, but was quick to hide his surprise. “No, no, everything’s fine in this small town. They’ll love that potluck idea, but winter’s coming so everyone’s tightening their belts.”

“Oh.” Mercy smiled. “God will provide. He won’t let us down.”

When they both had finished their meals and had placed their plates back in place, Mercy decided to retire for the night.

“Mercy,” Cole began. Mercy dried her hands on her apron and turned to him. “Since we’re still getting to know each other, you can stay in any of the rooms in the house. There’s plenty to choose from.”

Mercy saw the concern and genuine thoughtfulness in Cole’s eyes “Thank you, Cole.” She turned her back to him, but then quickly pivoted in his direction.

“Good night.” She gave him a peck on the cheek and squeezed his warm hand.

“Good night.” He smiled back at her.





Chapter 4


“Something smells good in here.” Cole walked in the kitchen while Mercy busied herself kneading the dough.

“Good morning!” She placed a woven basket on the table. “I’m baking cookies.” She flashed him a huge smile and wiped her brow with the back of her hand.

“There’s flour on your forehead.” Cole took a step closer and reached a hand towards Mercy’s face. She flushed when Cole’s hand was only a few inches from her face.

“It’s for the townspeople.” She felt the heat rush to her face at the close contact with Cole. She turned away from Cole’s hand and hastily arranged the cookies in the basket. “I thought I should make more friends in town.”

Cole scratched his messy hair and then slowly nodded his head. “That’s a great idea, Mercy. I’ll go chop more wood for tonight.”

He headed out the door when Mercy called out, “Would you like some cookies?” She blushed thinking he should have started with that. What must he think of her!

She held out a basket towards Cole, but he just smiled back at her and waved his hand dismissively, “Just leave some for me,” and he disappeared outside.



The sun basked the town in light as Mercy strolled down the town square. Her tight bodice felt warm even despite the shade cast by her wide-brimmed hat. With her basket of cookies secured tightly around her arm, she gathered up the courage to talk to people.

“Good morning!” Mercy approached a group of ladies sitting by the town’s saloon. “I’m Mercy - Mercy Beckett and I’m new here. Would you like some cookies?”

“Cookies? Do you think we’re ten?” A lady with a huge bosom and wildly tied hair scoffed and laughed at Mercy. The other two snorted and joined her boisterous laughter.

One of them had stopped laughing and eyed Mercy tediously, “Hey, you’re that girl married to Cole Beckett.”

Taking it as a compliment, Mercy smiled. “Yes, that’s me!”

The lady with the big bosom scoffed and shot Mercy a dirty look. “Nothing to smile about when you’re associated with him, you know.”

Taken aback by their harsh reactions, Mercy’s face grew hot. She wanted to answer back to defend Cole’s honor but she had always been told to hold her tongue in times of fury. Like a proper lady, she excused herself and strayed the other way away from the loud ladies by the saloon.

Mercy decided to walk along the stalls of fresh vegetables in hopes of finding new friends but somehow her mind wandered off. Why did everyone whisper about Cole? Why did they all give her the cold shoulder?

Lost in her thoughts, Mercy didn’t notice another woman hurrying towards her and they collided.

“I’m terribly sorry.” The woman brushed her short brown hair away from her face and straightened her brown lace dress. Mercy picked up her basket; fortunately her cookies were still inside, undamaged.

“No, I should apologize. I wasn’t looking where I was going.” Mercy stood up and brushed dirt off her dress. “Mercy, by the way.” She extended her hand.

The lady looked at it for three seconds before finally shaking it. “Hannah,” she said.

“Would you like some cookies, Hannah?” Mercy offered her basket and to her amazement, Hannah did take one.