A/N My undying gratitude to my friends and betas, Mandy the O and Musique et Amour ... thank you.


Startled for the second time in just a few minutes, John spun around. He composed himself quickly and smiled. "Is there a problem, miss?"

"Oh no, sir," she replied quickly. "I just wished to thank you for this wonderful opportunity you have given us."

Stunned, he examined her face quickly, trying to decide if she was mocking him or not.

Blushing under his scrutiny, Molly tried to explain, stammering that she was serious. "Even though this town called … Seattle? … is not quite as large as I expected, I see a great deal of possibility here."

He continued to gape at her, not sure if she were serious or not. Remembering her ill-concealed aversion to her parents' plan, he wondered for a moment if she was poking fun at him and his town. Uncomfortable with the growing silence, Molly apologized for disturbing him, then turned to walk away.

She did not get far as the deck was still quite crowded. Regaining his composure, he strode over to her. "Please, allow me," he said as he reached for her satchel.

Smiling brightly, her earlier embarrassment forgotten, Molly allowed John to take her satchel.

"So, you think Seattle shows promise?"

"Yes, I do! Oh, thank you so much for bringing me – us – here," she exclaimed. Blushing brightly, she began to apologize. "I'm sorry, I have a tendency to get overly excited at times, and my …"

"No, don't apologize. I think it's charming," he responded with a grin. "If I may be so bold, I'd like to ask you if I may call on you, once you're settled in." At her quizzical look, he added, "To discuss the town's future, of course."

Confused, Molly stammered her consent.

John and Molly quickly became an item. He was enchanted by her optimism and she was excited to be a part of the adventure of building a new town. It amused him that she seemed to be the only one who didn't realize he was courting her.


Molly's optimism was tested over the coming months. The young women were living four to a room, in the only hotel in town, and it did not take long for them to become dissatisfied with the arrangements. Forced inactivity was adding to the general malaise which came over the group; there simply was not enough for them to do. Although the men were happy the women were in town, they had their work to do and did not have hours of idleness on their hands. To make matters worse, John expected Molly to take charge of the women and encourage them to have good attitudes.

It all came to a head one night when they were out walking. "As my wife, Molly, you will be the de facto first lady of Seattle," he pointed out to her. "As such, it will be your responsibility to set the tone for the other women to follow."

Molly had had it. She was tired of the monotony of the days. It was bad enough she was trying to find things to do, but now to be responsible for keeping ninety-nine other young women busy and happy? It was too much to expect of one person, and Molly exploded.

"How dare you?" she yelled at him. "First of all, your wife? You are assuming that I will be your wife! Second, you are not the mayor of this … this … this outpost! Third, since when am I responsible for those other women? And how dare you suggest that they should just be happy, sitting around doing nothing! These women came here expecting to find husbands and have their own households to run. None of us are ladies of leisure." Her anger spent, Molly tiredly turned away from John.

She was not expecting him to wrap his arms gently around her. "I'm sorry," he murmured in her ear. "You're right … I have no right to expect you to keep their spirits up. It's just, well, it's just that you're so optimistic and so happy … I was hoping you could teach them to be, also."

Molly couldn't help but giggle at this. "You make it sound like optimism is a blanket I can spread over them!" Suddenly, she spun around, her eyes dancing merrily. "That's it! That's it. You're a genius, John!" Had he not been holding her firmly in his arms, Molly would have taken off, running into town.

Although he was pleased at her renewed enthusiasm, John was puzzled. "I don't understand, Molly. What's it?"

"It's so simple, John, I don't know why I hadn't thought of it before. All of these young women are here looking for husbands. Once they are married, they will have to set up their household."

John remained puzzled. "But, none of that is exactly news, Molly dear."

"John, do you have any idea what it takes to set up a household? Just the linens, quilts, and curtains can take months to make. Once we purchase the supplies, the women can then spend their days making items for their future homes."

Promising to speak to the boat's captain the next day, John was relieved at how satisfied Molly was with her new plans. Knowing they should not linger out in the darkness by themselves … especially not with their arms entwined around each other … John released his hold on her. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her to the path which led back to the hotel.

Molly told the other women her ideas the next morning. They were all very excited about this; not only would they have something to do, the tasks would fuel their dreams of becoming wives and mothers. The only downside was the length of time it took for the side-wheeler to travel to and from San Francisco. The young women were going to have to wait nearly three weeks to get the materials they needed.


Once winter came, the men had more time for socializing, the three churches in town reaped the benefit as the young ladies refused to be seen in one of the saloons, and the hotel's parlor could not accommodate the hundred brides and their suitors. When she arrived in Seattle, Molly had been pleasantly surprised to discover a Catholic church had already been established.

About the same time, one of Seattle's leading families began a drive to build a Baptist Church. Molly went to one of their meetings, not knowing that John and the patriarch of that family were sworn enemies. When John learned of Molly's involvement, he told her she needed to disassociate herself from that group.

"You don't understand, Molly. They have been doing everything they can to disrupt my logging company. They fought my idea of bringing 'brides' to Seattle. They want me to fail." Seeing his arguments were not persuading her, he changed tactics. "Besides, a Baptist church, Molly? Seems to me you're a God-fearing Catholic missionary lady here following God's will to spread the Church to the heathens and lawless." Unfortunately, he could not stop the grin that formed, which riled her all the more – at him.

"Excuse me," she began heatedly, "but it seems to me that you of all people would recognize the value of a church, no matter the denomination, in this town."

"But, Molly … a Baptist church! What will your parents think of that?"

"I am a registered parishioner at the Catholic Church," she replied primly. "I will be married in the Church and my babies will be baptized there. I am doing my part. But, if other people choose to find … other ways … to worship God, well … I am but a young woman. What could I possibly do to convince them of the waywardness of their actions?"

He raised a brow at that but grudgingly conceded. "You are not my wife, yet. I cannot order you to stay away from that faction." Molly bristled at this, but remained silent. John either did not notice, or chose not to acknowledge her rising temper.


John continued to court Molly, and by the time the side-wheeler returned with the needed dry goods, John was ready to propose to Molly. He thought that she wanted nothing more than to be his wife. He was not prepared for her reaction.

"John, please try to understand," she began gently, "I have no interest in getting married – tying myself down – the whole point in coming west was to … escape! … society's expectations of what a woman should do with her life."

Taken aback, John's response was uncharacteristically harsh. "I have your father's signature on the contract, Molly. The contract that states that you are marriageable and seeking a husband. If you refuse me, I will have no choice but to return you to your father's care."

"You're telling me that I don't have a choice? So, I am no more than a slave … property to be passed from one man to another? I could have had that in Boston!" Whirling on her heel, she stormed off in anger.

John caught up with her easily. "Molly! Be sensible." Grabbing her elbow, he turned her around to face him. He stopped short at the look of angry revulsion on her face. Pulling her close, he wrapped his arms around her. "Is the thought of being my wife truly that horrifying to you?" he asked in an agonized whisper.

Shocked at the pain in his voice, Molly embraced him. "No, no. No, it really isn't. I'm sorry … I never meant to hurt you. It's just … I need a little time. Please?"

He stared at her for several long moments before finally nodding. "It's getting late. Let's get you back to your room," he said, closing the subject for now.


Molly paced, agonizing over the decision she needed to make. What is wrong with me? I did not come out here to get married! But, I can't bear the thought of hurting John. Do I love him? Is that what this means? I don't know! And there's no one I can talk to about this. I will not return to Boston … Do I want to strike out on my own?

Molly sat down on her bed. Is that realistic? Is that what I want? I don't want to hurt John, he is a good man. I would miss him if he was gone … is that love? Is that enough to base a life on?

Crawling into bed, her mind continued to race. When did what I want change so? I came out here looking for adventure, and found … a husband? No! That is not what I wanted. So, why am I losing sleep over this? I need to leave; it's time to move on. Determined to leave the next morning, she finally slid into an uneasy sleep.


Waking up, Molly quickly dressed and went to join the rest of the young women in the hotel's dining room. Listening to the chatter, feeling the easy comradery, her resolve began to slip. She tried to hold onto her vision of freedom, but all she felt was a bleak loneliness. Returning to her room to fetch her hat and gloves, she finally admitted to herself that her dreams had changed. Her "ideal" future included John, Seattle, and all of the friends she had made since leaving Boston. She waited to feel the familiar sense of suffocation that typically accompanied the thought of being tied down, but it was gone. This decision just feels … right! She marveled to herself. And so, with renewed optimism, she went to find the man who would be her husband.


Looking grim, John watched Molly approach. He searched her face, and noted the pleased look upon it. She has obviously made a decision. I hope it makes me as happy as it has her.

Molly was so wrapped up in her daydream that she did not notice John's grim look.

With tears in her eyes, Molly joyfully said "Yes! Yes, I will marry you, John Albright" and threw herself into his arms. Laughing, he picked her up and swung her around. He then told her he had a surprise for her, and after helping her into the buggy, he climbed up, took the reins, and started out of town, away from the lumber mill.

Molly was puzzled; she had no idea what John wanted to show her. About fifteen minutes later, a house came into sight. It was a large, rambling one-story house. Stopping the horses, John jumped down, then reached up to help Molly out of the buggy.

"Where are we, John? Who lives here?" she asked.

"This is my home, Molly. I live here, and once we are married, you will too," he replied, quite pleased with himself.

Molly turned to him with a frown. "But John, this is nowhere near town."

John looked at Molly, puzzled. "No, it's not. Come on, let me show you the inside," and tugging on her hand, pulled her along.

Molly pulled her hand back, and John stopped in surprise. "What is wrong, Molly? Surely you aren't afraid to be alone in our future house with me?" he asked, only half-joking.

"I'm sorry, John … No, of course I'm not afraid to be alone with you! That's not it at all," She all but stamped her foot as her frustration grew. "John, you pride yourself on being a town leader in Seattle, and rightfully so. You own the largest business in town, and you care enough about your employees, and the town, to have made the trip to Boston to recruit marriageable young women."

John stood looking at her, no longer certain there was a point behind what she was saying.

Reading the look on his face, Molly all but growled in frustration. "John!" she said, "listen to me! You … no, we need to live in town."

John continued to look at her with bemusement. "But, why on earth would we want to live in that … town … when we have all of this land out here to ourselves?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.

"How can you expect your employees and their brides to build houses in town when you refuse to live there?" she asked. "How do you expect Seattle to grow if no one builds it up?"

Understanding dawned, and John grabbed Molly and swung her around again. "I knew I loved you for a reason!" he exclaimed. "You're right. You are absolutely right. We shall live in town." Then his face fell and he asked, "Does this mean you won't marry me until the house in town is built?"

"Don't be silly, John. I will marry you, knowing that you will build a house for us in town. In the meantime, I would love to see your house."

Setting her back down, John grabbed her hand and tugged her along. She laughed at his enthusiasm, but her laughter stopped as she crossed the threshold. She was standing in the largest room she had ever seen. "It's a shame this house is so far from town," she finally managed to murmur. "This would have been a perfect dormitory for the brides."

"You don't like it?" he asked with obvious dismay.

"It's so … big!" she finally replied. "I don't understand why a single man would want such a big house." Looking about, she noticed a cook stove in the far corner. "And everything's in one room?"

"Well, I didn't want everything partitioned off, chopping up the space," he answered.

"You certainly don't have that," she responded as gently as she could. "But surely you don't object to having the kitchen …" her voice trailed off as she took in the stubborn set of his face. Sighing, she finally added, "And the bedroom is …"

"Now, that's a room of its own," he answered proudly. "Are you sure it's proper for you to be in my bedroom before we're married?"

"Of course," she answered smartly. "Just not at the same time that you are. Point me in the right direction, and I'll be back shortly."

Mumbling under his breath, he pointed to a door in the middle of the left wall. Taking advantage of her absence, he looked again around the great room that was the main portion of his house. She's right, he realized suddenly, this would have been an ideal dormitory for the brides. Or a lumber camp for my men. I need to start thinking on a smaller scale … the house in town will have to be much smaller. With divided rooms.

"What's wrong, John? You have an awful look on your face."

"Just realized that you are right, Molly dear. This room is far too big for a single family. Maybe we'll see about dividing it up some, once we get the house in town built. If nothing else, we'll need bedrooms for the young'uns."

Laughing at the blush on her face, he picked her up and twirled her around again. "Oh, Molly! You have made me the happiest man in Seattle!"

Returning to town, they selected a lot on which to build their new home. John admitted to himself that although he did not want to live in town, it was a small price to pay to have Molly as his wife.