The Chinese Lantern Bride
This is a multi-part series about a widower who finds himself in possession of a mail-order bride.. who -- doesn't exactly turn out the way he expected. Will he break her before he gets the chance to discover that she might just be the piece of his life that he was missing?
This is a prologue to the actual story and could work as a standalone story.
All characters are above the age of 21 years old.
Prologue
My Loving Daddy,
How swiftly do the days fly when you have a baby to take care of! I wish I could have written sooner but your grandson has been quite the demanding little calf. He just has that determined glint in his eyes that I find all too familiar. I've seen that same look on your face so often as a child when my behavior went out of line. In a way, this eases the ache of being away from you since it's such a piece of my childhood, of home.
I miss you, Daddy, more than words can express. I am incredibly happy in Markleeville with David and our precious Denver but a part of my heart will always be with you. I do hope that you have been well. On this note, I have a strange request to ask of you. Please write back and tell me about your day. Just a normal, uneventful day. I don't even care if it's a monologue about one of your new Chinese curios that I never quite understood. I just want to feel as though I was there with you.
The little terror's awake so I must cut this letter short. But do indulge your little girl. I look forward to hearing about your long, boring, beautiful day.
Your Affectionate Daughter,
Annie
-----
Dearest Annie,
My day went well. There are two new hotel guests whose company I do not find unpleasant. They checked in early this morning and will likely be staying for a week.
The rest of the day was slow.
I miss you as well, my darling.
Be well, my child.
-----
Dear Taciturn Daddy,
You're always so economical with words! It seems as though I ought to be more explicit. Have there been any lovely ladies keeping your company? Do you find any of them attractive? I'm sorry for prying, it's just that the prospect of you finding warm and meaningful companionship has always brought me hope and joy. It has been years since Mama died and I know the years have taken their toll.
Once again, forgive me for speaking so frankly, Daddy. You know that I am always and forever,
Your Affectionate Daughter,
Annie
-----
Anthony creased his brow as a reluctant smile crept across his face. He folded the letter back into its envelope and placed it on the marble surface of his study table that had been recently bleached.
"Oh, Annie," he sighed inwardly. "If you only knew what kind of company I have been keeping." He felt the same unwelcome combination of affection and guilt that overwhelmed him every time his daughter wrote to him. Her gentle mockery and genuine concern reminded him so much of his departed wife that sometimes he thought the cocktail of love and pain would drive him insane.
A small movement in the corner of his eye broke his train of thought and he turned towards the distraction. The buxomly blonde in the corner of the room was a sight to behold. Long, soft curls framed her face and fell tantalizingly over her tanned breasts. Her cheeks were flushed, as if from the cold or physical exertion, perhaps both. But it was her hands that got his attention. They were not where they were supposed to be.