Mistaken Bride. Renee Ryan

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       Who, indeed?

       In Bridget’s estimation anyone who walked away from their own baby didn’t know the first thing about love. Every child deserved to be loved. Even the difficult ones.

       Familiar stirrings of regret filled her. She had so wanted to turn all three Atwater girls into friends, as much as charges. She’d almost succeeded. With a little more time…

       She was doing it again. Trying to change the unchangeable.

       “We’ll have to report her situation to the American authorities as soon as possible,” Nora said only halfheartedly.

       It was, of course, the right thing to do.

       Though Grace’s mother had left her behind, there may well be other family with a claim.

       “I suppose we must.” Bridget reached out and touched the baby’s flawless cheek. Large blue eyes stared back at her. “She’s really quite beautiful, isn’t she?”

       “She’s perfect.”

       Bridget couldn’t argue with that bit of truth. All children were a gift straight from the Lord. One day Bridget wanted at least five tiny blessings for herself.

       A space opened up along the gangplank and she started forward, then stopped and looked back at Nora. “Are we to meet Maeve here or on the docks below?”

       “Below,” she said. “Flynn had a few last-minute details he needed to address before he could leave the ship. Maeve chose to stay behind with him.”

       Of course she had. Bridget’s younger sister adored her new husband, as did they all. The ship’s doctor was now a part of their family. Best of all, Maeve’s shipboard romance had restored Bridget’s faith in the possibility of finding love again for herself.

       Love. Romance. Marriage.

       Were they still possible for her at the age of four and twenty? Had she missed her chance when Daniel had decided he didn’t want to marry her?

       She ignored the pang in her heart and reminded herself anything was possible with God. Despite the thirteen years between their ages, Flynn Gallagher was a perfect match for Maeve. Their union was a blessing and a testimony to the power of love.

       Finished feeling sorry for herself, Bridget tossed her shoulders back and stepped away from the railing. “Right, then. Here we go.”

       Without looking back, she moved onto the gangplank. For once Nora allowed her to take the lead.

       All the planning, prayer and gathering of meager funds had brought them to this glorious day. The moment Bridget’s feet touched the wooden dock, her legs wobbled beneath her and her breath caught in her throat. “Oh, Nora, we’re finally in America. Isn’t it wonderful?”

       “Breathtaking.” Nora made a face. “As long as you cover your nose.”

       Bridget waved a dismissive hand. Nothing was going to ruin this moment for her. Not even the awful smells. Besides, Boston wasn’t their final destination. Once they gathered their few belongings, Flynn would hire a carriage to take them to the small town of Faith Glen.

      Faith Glen. The name had a nice Irish ring to it.

       Heart slamming against her ribs, Bridget turned in a slow circle. She wavered a bit, not yet used to the feel of the docks beneath her. There were so many sights to take in, so much noise to filter through her mind. The shouts and laughter mingled together from every corner of the wharf.

       A stiff breeze kicked up, tugging several tendrils free from their pins. Bridget shoved at her loose hair, which was quickly becoming an untidy mess. It seemed the wind always won the battle against her best efforts to tame her unruly curls.

       She waved at her new friends, Ardeen and her aunt. They returned the gesture but didn’t approach, too intent on finding their luggage. The two had been so kind to Bridget and her sisters. Ardeen wasn’t particularly young, but was attractive and fashionable. Mrs. Kennedy was shorter and a little fuller figured. Both were single and appeared out of their depth amidst the chaos on the wharf. Bridget should help.

       “Watch yourself,” came a shout from behind her.

       With only seconds to spare Bridget dashed out of the way of a cart careening by. Undaunted by the near-miss, she cut a glance to the other end of the wharf but couldn’t find Ardeen and Mrs. Kennedy.

       People of every age, size and station milled about. Caught up in the excitement, Bridget gravitated to a location out of the main thoroughfare. All she wanted to do was watch, listen and learn the many secrets of her new homeland.

       “Stay focused, Bridget.” Nora placed a light touch to her arm. “We still need to locate our luggage before we rendezvous with Maeve and Flynn.” Her tone was pure Nora—brisk, efficient and more than a little impatient.

       Nora was in her sensible mood. Best to move out of the way and let her take charge.

       “Why don’t you give Grace to me?” Bridget reached out her arms to the wiggling bundle. “I’ll take her out of the hot sun while you search for our luggage.”

       Nora hesitated.

       “If I stand over there—” Bridget cocked her head toward a spot directly behind her “—I’ll be able to watch for Maeve and Flynn.”

       “That’s not a bad plan.” Slowly, with more than a little reluctance, Nora handed over the baby. “But stay put,” she ordered, her warning gaze proving she knew there was a good chance Bridget might not do as commanded. “I won’t be long.”

       Bridget had no doubt. “Run along, Nora. Grace will be quite fine with me.”

       That seemed to mollify her and she scurried off at a quick pace.

       With the infant nestled safely against her, Bridget moved into the shadow cast by the ship’s hull and continued watching the activity around her.

       As though sensing all was well, the baby promptly fell asleep in her arms.

       Equally content, Bridget sighed. The starkly handsome ship rocked in the brackish water behind her. Caged in the dark pool, the enormous structure swayed its lofty head in impatience. The groan of the rigging sounded like an angry mutter of protest against its current confinement.

       Bridget had felt that same way back in Ireland. At least in the end. But she and her sisters would soon claim a home of their own, their first, the one deeded to their mother years ago. It was the discovery of that long-hidden deed that had spurred the sisters to set out for America. Now, she couldn’t wait to see where their journey led.

       So many possibilities lay ahead. Her mind wanted to wander. She let it.

       Far too little time passed before Bridget caught sight of Maeve disembarking with her new husband. They hadn’t seen Bridget yet. Arms linked, leaning into one another, the newlyweds moved as a single unit. Flynn’s dark head bent over Maeve’s lighter one. He whispered something in her ear. They both laughed, and the sound reached all the way to where Bridget stood with Grace.

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