by Linda Ellen
“Now you both see here. I’m declaring myself official judge of this contest and I say it was a tie. Fair and square.” Eyeballing each man and daring them to argue, she then marched up to her surprised husband and pointed one finger in his face, nearly touching his nose. He blinked in astonishment as she added, “Now, as I recall, Tobias Alexander, we were dancing to one of my very favorite songs when we were interrupted, and I for one would like to get back to that. You coming?”
Bride and groom stood thus, staring into one another’s eyes—hers sassy and determined and his shocked but approvingly amused, until a low chuckle started in Hampton Gibson’s chest before radiating out to fill the surrounding air. Then, he slapped his grandson on the back, making Tobias let out a cough. “Uh oh, look out when they use your full name like that, boy,” he laughingly cautioned. “Whenever your grandma did that, if I didn’t hop to, I usually found myself sleeping in the dog house that night. Heh heh! I’d say you’ve got one lively filly there, young buck. My advice is…do whatever she tells you to do, and like it.”
The crowd roared…
“Now what are you thinkin’?” the young buck asked as he nuzzled the lively filly.
Oh, how she adored this man! To think that she had almost decided against taking him up on his offer of a marriage of convenience when she’d needed a plan of escape from Harold Barrow. Lying there in his arms, she couldn’t imagine being married to anyone else in the whole world. Tobias was her darling husband in every way, and she felt extremely thankful that Elvira Fetterman had suggested an unusual and unheard-of solution to her problem—to become a proxy bride for Tobias Keller. It was the best decision she had ever made.
Her brown eyes twinkling merrily, Pauline raised an eyebrow and answered, “Oh, just remembering your grandfather’s advice.”
Tobias snickered mischievously. “Oh yeah? So, what’s my orders, boss?” he queried with a mock salute.
A bit shy, as she was still learning to navigate the waters of married life, particularly that a certain amount of wanton teasing with her man was normal in the privacy of their bedroom, Pauline felt her face turn a bit pink. Nevertheless, she boldly leaned over and whispered something risqué into her husband’s ear, then bit her lip and watched as his eyes sparkled lasciviously in response.
“Yes, ma’am.”
The rumbling cacophony of the steamboat’s foghorn erupted just then from the boilers, covering the ribald laughter of the newlyweds as Tobias set about obeying his wife—and liking it.
Leave a Review
~~~THE END~~~
(But coming later in 2019—A BRIDE FOR DWIGHT)
(That will be Dwight and Mary’s story!)
Well, dear reader—did you enjoy Pauline and Toby’s story? If so, PLEASE consider leaving a review on the seller’s page where you purchased. (Scroll further down for a link to my Amazon page.) I do understand that Amazon has become obstinate regarding reviews, so if they won’t let you, how about Bookbub or Goodreads? If nothing else, posting on your Facebook page would be awesome, or spread the word by telling others about it in whatever way you want. Reviews are the lifeblood of a book’s success. It doesn’t have to be long and wordy, just something like “Loved it!” is fine. (If you want to write more, especially things like what you enjoyed about the book, that’s fine too.) Also, if you think a friend or a family member would enjoy this book, please recommend it. This author would be forever grateful. Thank you! I’m working on the sequel to it so stay tuned.
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Author Notes
While doing preliminary research for this series and trying to decide just where my heroes would live and my girls would have to travel to, I came across Brownville, Nebraska. Immediately, I fell in love with images of the quaint little town of under 500 residents, which is still in existence. Many of the town’s original buildings are still there and the history is well preserved. They have a website and it seems that it would be a wonderful place to check out on vacation. In my story, I used as much of their real history as I could. Here is their website: Welcome to the Merchants of Brownville
Next, I needed a location to use for my first hero, Finn, and his bride to live and was lucky enough to stumble upon a wonderfully informative Facebook page for The Lone Tree Saloon. Yes, it’s a real place, built in 1860, still there, and much of my descriptions were true to its recorded history. It’s now owned by a sweet lady named Sue Kunert, who has become a Facebook friend. She is renovating the building. The first floor will be a unique home décor, quilt & gift shop, while the second floor will be living quarters. I hope to be able to make a trip there sometime to meet Sue and see the building after the renovations are finished.
I hope you have enjoyed the twenty-sixth book in this series, The Proxy Brides. New books will continue to be released through 2019 and into 2020 as long as the readers want us to continue!
If you enjoyed this story, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review, as it helps me reach new readers and continue to write stories that appeal to you.
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Acknowledgements
First of all to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—You’re always there for me!
Steve, my wonderful husband, number one cheerleader, biggest fan, and plot partner—I love you!
Pauline Wheeler, my daughter, to whom I dedicate this book. I named my heroine (and yes, even used your nickname) in this book after you—one of the most wonderful daughters, mothers, and all-around amazing human beings I’ve ever known. I didn’t have the privilege of giving birth to you (Kudos to Velma), but I couldn’t love you more. You’ve been so supportive of my books, all along. So, this one’s for you, our wonderful “Pebs”!
Venessa Vargas, my amazing, patient, talented, awesome editor—you rock! Not only do you work tirelessly on my manuscripts, you’ve become a dear friend. Your support and true enjoyment of my writing means the world to me! Mega hugs!
Kathryn Lockwood, Judy Glenn, Liz Austin and Belinda Ross—my proofer, beta, and ARC readers—I couldn’t navigate this journey without you guys!
Friends in Clean Indie Reads, Proxy Bride Authors, The Rumor Mill, and Louisville’s Past Facebook groups—you guys rock!
And last but not least, to all of my loyal fans who are always excited when I put out another book—enjoy!
The Proxy Bride Books
NEW TO THE PROXY BRIDES? Click here for the Amazon Proxy Brides Series page: Proxy Brides Series Page
Proxy Bride Books (Round 1-peach covers)
A Bride for Jeremiah by Christine Sterling
A Bride for Clay by Marianne Spitzer
A Bride for Nathan by Barbara Goss
A Bride for Abel by Cyndi Raye
A Bride for Finn by Linda Ellen
A Bride for Carter by Wendy May Andrews
A Bride for Sterling by Parker J. Cole
A Bride for Henry by P. Creeden
Proxy Bride Books (Round 2-lavender covers)
A Bride for Elijah by Christine Sterling
A Bride for Travis by Barbara Goss
A Bride for Sam by Linda Ellen
A Bride for Valentin by Parker J. Cole
A Bride for Mason by Marianne Spitzer
A Bride for Calvin by Cyndi Raye
A Bride for Ransom by Wendy May Andrews
A Bride for James by P. Creeden
Proxy Bride Books (Round 3-green covers)
A Bride for Logan by Barbara Goss
A Bride for Benjamin by Christine Sterling
A Bride for Wen Hui by Parker J. Cole
A Bride for Bode by Marisa Masterson
A Bride for Harper by P. Creeden
A Bride for Mason by Marianne Spitzer
A Bride for Dalton by Caroline Clemmons
A Bride for Tobias by Linda Ellen
And there will be more! More authors have signed on and there will be a round 4 with blue covers! Stay tuned and don’t miss a one!
Join my newsletter to make sure you see the updated publication schedule!
https://lindaellenbooks.weebly.com/contact.html
About the Author
Linda Ellen lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband of thirty-eight years. A lifelong avid reader, and after encouragement from her family and friends, she tried her hand at writing in 2009 and never looked back. Prior to the release of her debut novel Once in a While (fashioned from the real-life story of her parents’ romance), she wrote articles for a local newspaper, The Southwest Reporter. Linda keeps very busy with her work in her church’s prison ministry and writing every spare moment she gets. Many more plans are under way for books and series, both historical and modern day. To keep up with the latest news on her books, including trailers, cover reveals, release dates, and book signings, visit and “like” her Facebook page, Linda Ellen – Author (see below for link) For a special treat, go to her Pinterest page to see many pictures related to all of her stories.
Linda loves to hear from readers. You can contact her in any of these ways:
Email
Website
Twitter: @lindaellen54
Facebook
Follow her on her Amazon Author Page to be alerted to her new releases!
Other works by Linda Ellen
Available on Amazon
The Cherished Memories Series
Book 1 – Once in a While
Book 2 – The Bold Venture
Book 3 – Almost as Much
Soldiers of Swing Series
Book 1 -Her Blue-Eyed Sergeant
Book 2 -Her Blue-Eyed Corporal
Book 3 - Her Blue-Eyed Lieutenant
Maple Heights Series
Book 1 - Sweet Love at Honey Landing
Book 2 - *Coming Soon!*
The Proxy Brides Series
Book 1 - A Bride for Finn
Book 2 - A Bride for Sam
Book 3 – A Bride for Tobias
Book 4 – A Bride for Dwight - Coming soon!
If you enjoyed this book, please check out The Proxy Brides Reader’s Group on Facebook! Also for like-minded readers, join Christian Indie Author Readers Group on Facebook. Opportunities abound to find other clean or Christian Authors and learn about new releases, sales, and free books. Another great Facebook group to join if you enjoy sweet western romances like this one is Sweet Wild West Reads, a wonderful place where sweet western romance authors and readers discuss their favorite stories, thoughts, and authors. One more to check out is The Rumor Mill, the place to find and talk about all types of Historical Romance, especially Regency. Contests and giveaways happen weekly. Join these groups today!
Another opportunity to find good, clean books to add to your collection is the Clean Indie Reads website. It’s the home of Flinch Free Fiction of every genre. Check it out today!
And finally, take a look at the Kentuckiana Authors website, where there is “Too much talent for just one state. We are traditional, small press, and independent authors, and there is something for everyone!”
