Judith: Bride of Wyoming (American Mail-Order Bride 44) by Hildie McQueen Page B

can’t marry you today.”

Chapter Eight

    Sean paced the front room in Father Patrick O’Reilly’s house. Angela Parks, the woman he’d been told was dead, sat in a chair with an expectant expression. The priest sat across from her, his eyes following Sean.
    “A decision must be made, of course,” Patrick said to no one in particular. “I do believe it’s best to take some time and think things through.” He looked pointedly at Angela. “You can’t expect Sean to marry you this instant.”
    “Of course I can. Our child should have proper parents. It’s not my fault I was so ill after having her. My mother took it upon herself to bring Bethany here.”
    There were too many things whirling in his mind to think straight. Sean went to the doorway and looked out. Taking deep breaths did not relieve the tightness in his chest. How could this be? If Angela had arrived just another day later, he’d be married to Judith and there would be nothing Angela could do. Yes, actually, there was. The woman could take his daughter.
    He turned and studied Angela, who’d grown thinner and gaunt since he’d last seen her. The yellowish tone to her skin was troubling. He wondered what illness she had. If the woman followed through on her threats, there was nothing he could do. One thing was for certain. He’d never allow her to take his daughter. “I love Bethany. I’ve raised her. You can’t expect me to give her up.”
    “I expect you to be responsible and marry me. We have a child together.” Angela gave the priest a triumphant look. “Isn’t that right, Father?”
    Patrick looked to Sean. It was obvious by the flatness in his gaze, he, too, did not like the idea of Sean marrying the woman, who’d obviously fallen on hard times and was desperate for someone to support her.
    The priest nodded. “I think it’s proper for Bethany to have parents. Sean and his intended will provide your child with a good upbringing.”
    “No.” Angela jumped to her feet, clenching her hands. “I will not let another woman raise my baby.” She whirled toward Sean. “Where is my child? I want to see her now.”
    “Not until you calm down and we decide what is best.” Sean refused to give in to the woman’s demands. It would be a cold day in hell before he tied himself to the woman for life. Angela would not stay, not for long. Already, he saw the disdain she held when looking about Patrick’s house. She wanted a place for a time, to recover, then she’d leave and Bethany would lose her mother all over again. If she was so ill it could cost her life, then the outcome could be the same.
    His daughter without a mother and he raising her alone.
    Sean moved to stand closer to Angela, but the priest intercepted. “There has to be a compromise we can come to. Why don’t you live here in town? You can visit Bethany as much as you want.”
    Sean never loved his friend more than at that moment. Although, for religious purposes, it would be best for him to marry Angela, Patrick still fought for an alternative. Obviously, the priest could see beyond Angela’s threats.
    “And how will I support myself? I don’t have any skills. Besides, I came here to see my child, to raise her proper with a mother.”
    Sean met her gaze. “A mother who loves her? You know what I think? I think you’re down on your luck and are looking for a temporary place. I think once you get better, you’ll leave and I’ll be left with a brokenhearted child.”
    * * *
    Judith opened her eyes and peered up at Eloise’s pale face. “What happened?”
    “You fainted. Haven’t eaten since yesterday I assume, so of course with the shock…” Eloise didn’t finish talking and wiped a tear from her face. “I can’t believe this.”
    “Why?” Judith didn’t want to finish the sentence. It was not important, really, why Sean changed his mind about marrying her. He must have come to some sort of realization. God, what was she going to do now?
    “Bethany’s