A Leap of faith

one

Buck Lincoln, you dirty dog!" Wade laughed, slapping him on the back so hard Buck nearly stumbled.

Buck rolled his eyes, bracing himself for the inevitable teasing. He had known this would come after he placed that ad for a mail-order bride.

"The girls 'round these parts not purdy enough for you?" Wade asked, a chuckle lingering behind his words.

Buck shrugged, trying for nonchalance. "I grew up around these women. I need someone who doesn't know my past—hopefully a no-nonsense gal who can get her hands dirty."

Wade laughed again, shaking his head. "And you think you'll find that in Boston? Good luck to you, brother.

Wade continued in a more serious tone, "I sincerely hope you find what you're looking for. Dakota's been without a mama for quite some time; she's surely in need of a woman's touch."

Buck chuckled at the memory. "Gosh, last time I was out and about your way, I swear I saw the tot digging for worms."

"Can't keep that girl out of the mud or in dresses! Why, just last week, I had to ask the seamstress to make her a pair of pants that would fit. You should've seen the disapproving look she gave me."

Wade shook his head, laughing. "What did she say?"

Buck mimicked the seamstress's tone, "Mister Lincoln, that young lady needs to be dressed like one!" He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Figured it was time to get me a wife, so here we are.

Speaking of little Dakota, where is she? I promised her a lollipop the next time I saw her."

Buck grinned, his eyes brightening at the thought. "She's with the pastor's wife, learning her letters. I swear, this morning she looked like a wild-haired tornado! Couldn't sleep a wink—she was too excited to learn to read. For a three-year-old, that girl is gosh darn smart."

Wade chuckled, shaking his head. "Well then," he said, spinning on his boot toward the mercantile, "I'll have her goodies ready when she's all done learning for the day.

Annie

Annie Wesson, you cannot be serious!" Cassidy gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You can't go off and marry a stranger!"

"And why not?" Annie stood with her hands on her hips, defiance in her stance. "Women do it all the time, and it works out just fine for them."

Cassidy flung her arms in the air, nearly pacing in her agitation. "A thousand reasons! What if he's an outlaw? A murderer? What if you don't love him?"

Annie paused at that, the weight of her sister's words sinking in. After a moment of careful thought, she replied, "I'm twenty-four, Cass. I'm too old for love. I just want to settle down and have a family of my own. None of the men here in Boston are the least bit interested in me. Maybe if I had your blonde hair and blue eyes, they could overlook my age, but I'm just plain-looking. A farmer out west will do just fine.

Mamas going to have a cow when she caches wind of this, Cassidy threatened.

Annie turned her piercing gaze onto her younger sister, Mama better not hear a word about this until I'm good and ready to tell her. her tone was sharp.

besides he hasn't even written me back yet. he might not want me to come, I'm sure he's had several woman write him.

Cassidy flung her hands in the air once again, don't say i didn't warn ya,.

Annie sat at the small desk in front of her bedroom window, gazing out at the bustling city of Boston. The view was beautiful, but the thought of leaving felt bittersweet. Still, her adventurous spirit tugged at her, and the idea of living under the stars, surrounded by wilderness, intrigued her. A smile crept across her face as she glanced at the letter in her hand—Buck Lincoln had finally written her back.