Read Online Cora: Bride of South Dakota (American Mail-Order Bride 40) by Susan Horsnell - Free Book Online Page B

and Millie was unable to make the journey, so it’s fine. Please tell me about your family.”
     
    “They’ll be your family too after we’re married. I’ve booked a private dining room at the hotel for tonight. They’ll all be joining us for supper and let me warn you, it’s like a circus when we all get together. I don’t expect you to remember any of this but here goes.” John took a deep breath and Cora giggled. “I have three sisters, all older and they have mothered me to death. Pearl is 32, married to Charles and they have three kids – Jonas 8, Jane 4 and Joe 2.”
     
    “How does she not mix their names up?” Cora asked.
     
    “She does, we all do. Next is Ruby 30, married to Colt. They have five kids – Samuel 8, Matthew 7, Mark 6, Luke 4 and Rose 2. Opal is 2 years older than me. She’s 28 and married to Carson. They have 3 kids – William 5, Ellen 3 and Grace 1. Ma’s name is Sarah and Pa’s is Josiah. They own the Mercantile down the road from the hotel and live out back.”
     
    Her eyes must have been glazed, showing the overwhelming confusion she felt. John squeezed her hand.
     
    “You okay?”
     
    “Um, I think so. I don’t know how I’ll ever remember everyone. You have such a large family.”
     
    He laughed. “You have no idea how confusing it can get and to make it real interestin’, my sisters’ husbands are identical triplets!”
     
    “My goodness. How do they not get them confused?”
     
    “I have no idea because I still can’t tell ‘em apart.”
     
    “There’s no hope for me then.”
     
    John lifted her hand and gently kissed her fingers one by one. She shivered as every nerve in her body came alive. “Don’t worry, darlin’. I’ll take good care of you.” His blue eyes were intense as they studied her.
     
    Heat raced through Cora until she felt like she was burning up. “Mr. Franklin, you’re staring at me like I’ve grown another head.”
     
    He threw his head back and laughed. A deep, rumbling laugh from deep in his chest.
     
    Cora moved uneasily in her chair as several people glared at them.
     
    He noted her discomfort and quietened. “Sweetheart, first of all, I think seeing as we’re marrying tomorrow you should start calling me John. Secondly, don’t go worrying your pretty little head about my family, they’re real friendly and they’re gonna love you. And, I was staring at you, and I won’t apologize for it, because I can’t believe you thought you were plain.”
     
    Cora dropped her head. Her eyes fixated on her fingers entwined with his.
     
    He placed two fingers under her chin and tilted it until her eyes locked with his. “You really don’t know how beautiful you are do you?”
     
    “Please, you’re embarrassing me.”
     
    He kissed her fingers again. A warm fuzzy feeling spread over her. “I can’t wait to make you my wife.”
     
    Excitement surged through her. I can’t wait either.

Chapter Seven
     
    Cora stripped down to her chemise and released her hair from the pins holding it securely in place. It tumbled over her shoulders. She crawled onto the bed. She had a few hours to nap before John came to collect her for supper. She had wanted to stay with him but he’d insisted she rest after her long journey. He said it would help her feel relaxed and more able to cope with meeting his large family.
     
    She tossed and turned, worrying and fretting, her mind refusing to still. How will I remember who’s who? What if they don’t like me and tell him not to marry me?
     
    Doubts and fear caused her stomach to roil. She jumped from the bed and paced the floor, it didn’t help. I’ll go for a stroll around town. The fresh air will clear my head.
     
    With her decision made she quickly dressed. After dragging a brush through her hair she left it loose to drape over her shoulders and flow down her back. She opened the door and peered out. After checking the hallway in both directions, she crept from the room. In a matter