Sarah: Bride of Minnesota (American Mail-Order Bride 32) by Katie Crabapple

he observed.
    "That's wonderful. I'm sure you're thrilled to see him happy."
    "Yes, of course. It's just strange. He fell in love with Erna shortly after we came to Wisconsin, so it doesn't feel right that he would love someone else. He said the boys seem to like her, though."
    "Good. I'm happy for all of them."
    After dinner, Karl tried on his new pants. "They're perfect," he said, walking into the kitchen to show her.
    She nodded. "They fit you just right. Good. Now go take them off so they won't get dirty."
    Karl laughed. "How quickly do you think I can dirty my clothes?"
    "I have no idea." She had seen the state of his clothes when she arrived though, and she really didn't want to think about it.
    As soon as the dishes were washed, she joined him in the parlor. Her fingers itched to pick up her knitting, but she didn't allow herself. She needed to follow his wishes and give him her full attention in the evenings. "How did work go today?"
    He shrugged. "It was a regular day. I hate this time of year, because there's always someone who is sick, and they miss work, so I end up doing my job and the jobs of others as well."
    "I'm sorry you have to work so hard. Could you hire a few more men to even things out?"
    He shook his head. "There aren't any more men in the area who want the job. I've hired everyone I can possibly hire."
    "Really? It seems as if there's always someone who needs work. I guess here there are more jobs than there are men to do them."
    "Yes, there are. Minnesota is a good place to live." He talked to her of the wonder of there being so much work. His father had told him stories of Germany and how there hadn't been enough work for the people who lived there.
    Sarah loved watching him when he talked. He had what she considered a typical German look. His eyes would light up when he talked about anything that excited him, which Sarah enjoyed watching a great deal. Her Karl was a man with a passionate nature. He got enthusiastic about so many topics. She didn't know why she hadn't seen it before.
    "Oh, I almost forgot," he said, standing up and putting his hand in his pocket. "I found this today, and it made me think of you." He handed her a small stone.
    Sarah turned the stone over and over in her hand, trying to understand. "Why?"
    "Because it's the exact same shade of blue as your eyes."
    She felt a slow smile spread across her face. Maybe her Karl had the makings of a romantic man after all. "Thank you."
    He sat down again, his arm going around her. "You like it?"
    Sarah nodded. "I like that you thought of me while you were out, and that you wanted to get me something to match my eyes." She hadn't even realized the man knew what color her eyes were, so she was quite happy that he had paid enough attention to match the exact shade.
    "I think of you all day every day," he said emphatically. "I'm glad you took all those trains to come here and marry me."
    Sarah smiled. "So am I."
     
    *****
     
    Sarah was more nervous than ever when she woke the next day. She hurried as she dressed, rushing into the kitchen to fix breakfast.
    Karl looked up from the table. "Good morning."
    "You're up early! What are you — " She broke off as she noticed the cookies she'd baked the day before were missing. "Did you eat all the cookies?"
    He shook his head. "There's one left." He indicated the table in front of him.
    "One? I told you those were for the relief society meeting today! Why would you eat all the cookies? There was a cake for you."
    He shrugged. "I couldn't sleep, and they were there. I didn't want to dirty a plate and a fork, so I just had the cookies instead. Is that a problem?"
    Sarah closed her eyes for a moment, forcing down her anger. She could always bake more cookies before the other ladies arrived. "No, of course not. It's fine." She turned to him. "Are you hungry?"
    He shook his head. "No, and I have a bit of a tummy ache."
    She wanted to growl at him, but she held her tongue. "That's what happens when you