"Daddy?"
Jarrod looked up from the letter he was writing to see Chloe poke her head through his half-open door. "Are you ready for your bedtime story?" he asked as he noticed she was in her nightgown with her dark hair braided down her back.
"Uh huh, but can I talk to you instead?"
Jarrod noticed the earnest expression on her face, pushed his chair away from the desk and held out his arms. "I'm sure we can do both," he promised with a smile.
Chloe climbed into his lap. "Daddy, do you think Rebecca would ever want to be my mama?" she asked as she rested her head against his chest.
Jarrod tried to control his elation at the unexpected question. "Would you want her to be, Chloe?" It had been hard to see Rebecca get on the train to leave and he hoped her journey wasn't proving too arduous. He hadn't been sure how to bring up the subject to his daughter, but the house seemed emptier since Rebecca had gone home a few days before. He was prepared to wait if Rebecca needed more time, but the only thing that kept Jarrod from asking her to marry him outright was Chloe's reaction.
"I miss her. She's really nice and I like her a lot," Chloe explained. "And she makes you smile, Daddy."
Jarrod chuckled. "You make me smile, too, kitten," he reminded her.
Chloe snuggled into his arms. "But you can never have too many smiles," she insisted. Then Jarrod felt her stiffen slightly. "But I already have a mama, even if I'll never see her," she remembered sadly. "I guess I can't have two."
"Of course you can, kitten. Uncle Heath has two mothers, you know, even though your grandma's the only one still with us." Jarrod kissed her lightly on the top of her head. "But I have to ask Rebecca first. Anyone would be glad to have a daughter like you, but she has to want to be with me as well."
"Don't be silly, Daddy," Chloe scolded him. "You make her smile too."
"I suppose I do," Jarrod agreed with a smile of his own. "Tell you what," he said as he made up his mind. "Do you think we should wait until the school term is over and go together, or should I go to Nevada myself and ask her sooner?"
Chloe thought for a moment. "Couldn't you just write her a letter? Then you wouldn't have to go away and I wouldn't have to wait as long." Her eyes held a hopeful expression.
Smiling, Jarrod shook his head. "I could, but don't you think this is something I should ask her in person?"
That made Chloe think some more. "I guess you're right, Daddy. Then maybe you should go and not wait, but only if you promise to bring her back with you."
"Chloe, I can't promise something like that," Jarrod reminded her gently. "It's Rebecca's decision, but I can promise you that I'll do my best."
"Okay," Chloe agreed. "I think I'm ready for my story now."
Jarrod set her on her feet. "You go find the chapter we're on and I'll be right there." Chloe gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and hurried out of the room. Jarrod looked at the letter he had almost finished and suddenly, Chloe's idea didn't seem so unreasonable. He wanted Rebecca to feel comfortable about her decision and even though he wanted to propose in person, a letter might be the best way to avoid making her feel pressured.
.
My Dearest Rebecca,
Both Chloe and I had a wonderful time during your visit and I cannot begin to tell you how much emptier Stockton seems since you left.
I know I said I would not pressure you, darling, and I will not break that promise, but I feel I must make my hopes and intentions clear.
I love you, Rebecca, and there is nothing I desire more than for you to become my wife and mother to my little girl. I long to wake up every morning to your beautiful smile, to see you and Chloe laughing together and for us to give her all the brothers and sisters she could want if that is your wish. I promise to always love you, I swear I will always put you and our family first and I will do everything in my power to never leave you alone.
Please take as much time as you need, my love. I would have asked in person, but I was concerned that may have made me seem too anxious, even though I do not wish to spend one more day apart from you than is necessary. I do not expect an answer right away, but please do write me and let me know that you are at least considering my proposal.
With all my love,
Jarrod
.
Rebecca set the letter down with a smile. She'd known that Jarrod would propose at some point and she wasn't sure exactly what she should do. She had to admit she was in love with him as well and in spite of her hesitations, knew she wanted to accept. The only thing holding her back was Chloe. She didn't want to Chloe to resent her at all for taking any of Jarrod's attention and didn't want Jarrod's daughter to feel like she was trying to replace her mother, even though she knew Jarrod's ex-wife never had much to do with her daughter and was spending the rest of her life in prison. Deciding to take Jarrod's advice and take as much time as she needed, Rebecca turned to the other letter she had received and was a bit surprised to see if was from Stockton as well, but in an unfamiliar handwriting.
Dear Rebecca,
Things have been fine here and I hope you had a good trip home. I am writing to ask if you might want to come and live with us and be my mama. When I asked, Daddy said it would be okay for me to have two mamas but he said you would have to want him as well as me, so I think I should tell you that he is the best daddy ever. Everyone in town says he is a great lawyer and he is always there for me or my grandma or uncles or aunt whenever we need him. I promise I will be the very best daughter you could ever want and I will do my best to never disappoint you if you decide to be my mama.
Sincerely,
Chloe Barkley
All of Rebecca's fears were banished as she read the heart-felt letter. She was sure Jarrod had no idea his daughter had written to her as well and what Chloe wrote touched her deeply. She immediately retrieved a pen and paper.
.
My Darling Jarrod,
Would it surprise you that I have been thinking of you ever since I boarded the train? I have spent many hours thinking about what it would be like to be married to you, to help raise Chloe into the lovely woman I know she will become and I must admit that I want that life with all my heart.
So in answer to your question, my dearest, I say yes, not only once, but a thousand times. I would rather not wait any longer than we must, but I know your brother is to be married as well and I do not want to detract from his and Aggie's day. But I shall arrange to sell the house and come to Stockton as as soon as I may so we can be married in front of your family whenever the time is right.
Oh, Jarrod, I cannot even begin to tell you how happy I am and I will be counting the hours until I am once more in your arms.
Your loving
Rebecca
.
My Beloved Rebecca,
No words can express the joy your letter gave me. I agree with your sentiment that we not wait any longer than we must and I am humbled that you wish to be married here. Whatever sort of wedding you want, my darling, is what you shall have and if you would like preparations to start before you arrive, I am sure my mother and sister will be glad to help. You need not worry about Nick and Aggie; they are thrilled as well and Aggie has instructed me to ask if you would consent to a double wedding. Nick and I have agreed that whatever the ladies of our hearts decide is what shall be, so you do not need to be concerned on our account.
As for Chloe, I cannot even begin to tell you how excited the news has made her. I do not believe I have ever seen my little girl happier and I thank you for bringing that sparkle to her eyes.
You have not spoken much of your family, but we can certainly wait to give them time to attend if that is your wish. I would be happy to cover any travel expenses if that might be an issue in allowing them to come.
I love you, darling, and I cannot wait for the moment when you are mine and I am yours.
Forever and always,
Jarrod
.
Dear Mother and Father,
I am writing to inform you that I will no longer be living in Silver Springs. I am to be married to Mr. Jarrod Barkley of Stockton, California, and we will be living on his family's ranch not far from there. I know my choice of husband in the past was not a wise one, but Jarrod is an upstanding member of his community and a wonderful man who has always treated me with tenderness and the utmost respect, so you need not worry about my welfare or happiness.
Jarrod's brother is also to be married and he and his fiancée have graciously invited us to share in their day, so the wedding is to take place on April 25 at the Stockton Community Church if you are able to attend. Jarrod has offered to make any travel arrangements you require and you can contact me at my lodgings at Stella Bailey's boarding house in Stockton.
Sincerely,
Rebecca