Love And Hearts Ride West: Mail Order Bride: 16 Novella's Bundle

by Indiana Wake

  Cassandra looked into his eyes and saw all the love that she had ever wanted."I do want to marry you. If you will still have me, I wish to be your wife and to love and cherish you all my life."

  Forrest smiled the biggest smile he ever had and dropped down to his knees. "I would love for you to be my bride. Oh, Cass, you have made me the happiest man in the world today. Will you marry me?”

  “Yes,” Cassandra said. “Yes with all my heart.”

  As the flames soared up to light the sky with an orange glow. As the horses whinnied and paced around the corral, Forrest stood up and pulled her into his arms. He lifted her so high that her feet left the ground and then he kissed her.

  As his lips touched hers, it was the most exhilarating thing she had ever experienced. She felt like she had wings and she was floating up to the heavens above. Her heart was hammering at a rate that didn't seem safe and shivers ran throughout her body. After kissing her for a few moments, Forrest put her down and pointed to the painting lying on the ground. "Nice painting. I didn't know I had such an impact on your life." He was grinning at her mischievously as he said it.

  "Huh?" Cassandra said as she looked down at her painting. She couldn't believe it. It was the painting she had done yesterday and from it stared an image of Forrest himself. He shone with radiance from the canvas, as if an angel had descended from the heaven to give his blessing to the world. She hadn't comprehended what she had created last night but now staring at it, it was so obvious that she was in love with him. She looked at it for a few moments before turning to Forrest. She looked up at him and smiled coyly. "Apparently, I was in love with you yesterday as well," she said.

  Forrest broke out into a hearty laugh before he twirled her around amongst the dying glow of the fire. "I love you, woman," he said and bent down to kiss her some more.

  Epilogue

  The next two weeks flew by. The ranch was extra busy as the stables were rebuilt, but luckily none of the horses was hurt.

  “You were so brave,” Forrest said as he walked Cassandra out to the corral. “You put your life at risk to save these two ponies. I never knew a woman as brave as you, but promise me you won’t ever do that again.”

  Cassie leaned her head against his arm and breathed in the manly scent of him. It was like pine and musk and it made her feel so blessed. Just as she was about to talk Dapple and Trigger came over. They shook their heads and nickered softly. Their muzzles pushed against her arm, their lips searched her fingers.

  “Looks like they want to say, thank you,” Forrest said.

  “I think they want apples,” Cassie replied and pulled two juicy red apples from her pocket. The ponies nickered again and she fed them and patted their necks. “I’m gonna miss this place.”

  “I understand, but my home is not that far away. I really do need to get back after the wedding.”

  “I know and I’m looking forward to it, but I will miss my sisters.” As Cassie spoke, she could see the concern in Forrest’s eyes. “Is something wrong?” she asked.

  “It is nothing, honey nothing to worry about.”

  Cassie turned to face him. She could see the concern hidden deep within his gray eyes and it worried her. “Is that the way to start our new life?” she said raising an eyebrow. “By lying to your fiancée?”

  Forrest’s lips curled into a smile. “I should have known there was nothing I could keep from you. It’s just… there is a settlement about thirty miles from here. One of my hands believes they may have an outbreak of some disease there. But do not worry you will be safe.”

  A wave of nausea swept through Cassie. “I am not worried about me, but what of those poor people? What will become of them?”

  “I do not know my love,” Forrest said, as his eyes held Cassandra’s for what seemed like minutes and then he smiled. “I will send word East for a Doctor, and see if anything can be done, but until then we keep away from there.”

  Cassie nodded. “I have to go now, my sisters have bought some material and it came this morning. I believe I will be busy for a week making some clothes.”

  “Making clothes,” Forrest said with a confused look on his face. “I can buy you clothes, but you seem to have loads.”

  “There is one dress I don’t have,” Cassie could still see the confusion in Forrest’s eyes. It was so touching that he wanted to spend time with her. “One important dress.”

  “Oh… I see,” Forrest said. “Perhaps you’re talking about a wedding dress?”

  “Perhaps.”

  “Then I should let you go… though I will miss you terribly.”

  Cassie turned to leave. Forrest winked at her and then held her hand. As she walked away, her fingers slipped from his causing sweet warmth in her stomach and sparks to rise up her arms.

  The material was a beautiful white silk and soon the dress was ready and the big day arrived. “When will I meet my husband?” Sabrina asked as they put the veil onto Cassandra and fussed until it was perfect.

  Amanda smiled at her. As soon as Cassandra is married it will be your turn. Do not pout little sister. Chaperoning each of you properly is a difficult task.

  “I can’t wait,” Sabrina said. “You have both been so lucky Edson and Forrest are the perfect men, can you at least tell me a little about my beau?”

  “Not today,” Amanda said. “Today is for Cassandra.

  As they finished off fussing around her dress, Cassie wondered about her youngest sister. How much easier would it have been for her and Forrest if she had the same attitude? But then maybe it wouldn’t have been as much fun and at least Forrest knew she was no pushover.

  “All done,” Amanda said. “You look so beautiful.”

  Cassandra felt like a princess and she could see that reflected in the smiles of her sisters. Just then Eva came in. The old housekeeper had tears in her eyes.

  “Your carriage awaits, Miss Cassandra and you look so beautiful.” She rushed forwards and hugged Cassie tight.

  It was time to go. The three sisters rode together in the carriage. Sabrina chatted constantly. Talking about dresses, flowers, what she would tell her husband and how happy she was going to be. Every now and then she would blush and wish Cassie all the best.

  “You do not need to worry,” Sabrina said. “Forrest is just so perfect. I know my husband will be as handsome and just as generous.”

  The two older sisters laughed. It was good to see Sabrina so excited and Cassie knew that much of her talking was nerves. Now that she was marrying then Sabrina would be next and she was probably a little afraid. Wasn’t that why Cassie had been so awkward at first? It was fear of the unknown.

  At last the carriage pulled to a halt and the door opened. Edson held out a hand to help the three sisters out. Her sisters got out first and Cassie waited with baited breath, this was it, she was about to get married. Edson held out his hand and she took it.

  “Come, sister,” he said. “You make me so happy and so proud.”

  Cassandra took his hand and let him lead her to the church. Like her sister’s wedding, it looked crowded and the people buzzed with excitement as she walked past. Cassandra hesitated in the doorway.

  “Are you all right?” Edson asked.

  “These are my last few moments as a free woman,” she said.

  “Do not worry, Forrest, is a good man.”

  Cassie smiled up at him she was not worried, she could not wait to be married. In fact, she was simply delaying to make the pleasure more intense. As she looked across, there was a worry in his eyes. “What is it?” she asked.

  “Nothing,” Edson said. “I will just miss you so.”

  “I will visit, but I think we should go, my poor husband will be worrying so.”

  Edson nodded and taking her arm he led her down the aisle of the small wooden church.

  Forrest turned as she approached. He was so handsome even with his eyes almost popping from his face. Cassie smiled it looked like the hours spent on her wedding dress had been well wort
h it.

  Sabrina was right she was lucky and as she took Forrest’s hand, she whispered a prayer. “Please Lord; make my sister Sabrina as happy as I am.”

  The preacher cleared his throat and Cassie looked up. He was a thin man, severe looking, but there was a twinkle in his eyes as he started the ceremony.

  “Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to join this man and woman in holy matrimony. Marriage is ordained for the procreation of children. For them to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy Name.”

  Cassandra felt heat flame her cheeks and Forrest allowed his fingers to brush hers. It was both a gesture of support and of intimacy and things to come. It took her breath away.

  The Preacher continued and his eyes seemed to search into their very souls. “I require and charge you both, as you will answer at the dreadful day of judgment, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why you may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, you do now confess it. For be well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful.”

  Cassandra took a quick glance at Forrest; he nodded to her and brushed her fingers. This was happening and for a moment she felt faint. Breathe she thought, remember to breathe.

  The Preacher turned to Forrest. “Will you take Cassandra Pattison, here present, to be your lawful wife, according to the rite of Holy Mother Church?”

  “I will,” Forrest said and his voice boomed throughout the church.

  The Preacher turned to Cassandra and smiled. “Will you take Forrest Caloway, here present, to be your lawful husband, according to the rite of Holy Mother Church?”

  “I will,” Cassie said her voice strong and clear.

  Forrest turned to face her, his hands shook as he searched his pockets. A look of dismay came over his face and then he found it. From his jacket, he produced a gold band and with shaking hands he slipped it onto her finger. Cassandra wanted to let out a shriek of joy, wanted to dive into his arms but all she did was beam out her joy.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride.”

  Cassie could control herself no longer and she jumped at Forrest. He caught her and spun her around. Putting her back down he lifted her veil and swooped towards her. Closer he came, just like that night in the family room. Closer and closer he moved until they were almost touching. Cassie longed to kiss him so much that her heart ached.

  “You are so beautiful,” he said as their lips almost touched.

  A sigh of pure love left her and then their lips met. It was like angels were singing, the sun was shining and her heart was so light it could fly around the room. The kiss deepened and she opened her mouth and then he pulled away. There was a mischievous grin in his eyes.

  “Soon my love,” he whispered into her ear. “Soon.” Then he picked her up and carried her from the church.

  Outside the crowd was waiting and a big cheer went up. Cassie did not think she could take much more joy and as Forrest put her down, hand in hand they walked towards her sisters. She may have been the stubborn bride, but at last she had everything.

  The End.

  The Stolen Bride Saves the Rancher

  Three Big Beautiful Brides Head West Book 3

  Sabrina

  Indiana Wake & Belle Fiffer

  ©Copyright 2015 Indiana Wake & Belle Fiffer

  All Rights Reserved

  Chapter 1

  1879

  “Get outta my way woman,” Jesse Sanders shouted as he rode his horse into Redemption.

  The woman in question was crossing the streets and looked up to see the big sorrel bearing down on her. Quickly Jinty grabbed her skirts and ran for cover, for she knew the horse well. She knew better than to question an order from Jesse Sanders.

  The horse barreled past spraying her with dust and flecks of froth from its mouth. It looked like he had ridden the beast hard again, and she wondered who else would feel his wrath tonight.

  Head down she headed home, at least it wouldn’t be her, but rumor had it he had gone and gotten himself a mail order bride. Jinty crossed herself and said a quick prayer for the woman, for Jinty, wouldn’t wish that fate on her worst enemy.

  Jesse rode the horse through town at a fast canter. Shouting at folks as they scattered before Jed’s powerful hooves. He had one more stop to make, a girth, and some harness to pick up at the livery and then he could head for home. Hauling Jed to a halt, the horse slid down onto its haunches and stopped on a dime. Jesse leaped to the ground and dropped the reins. Jed panted hard, but Jesse knew he would not move. It had taken him a while, but he had taught the horse that lesson well, even if it did leave a scar or two.

  This had better be quick, he thought as he stepped into the livery. Cos he expected a letter back home. One that would change his life and he wanted to get back to read it. “Sam, get out here,” he shouted as he walked into the barn.

  Sam came rushing out from a stall, all red in the face and it made Jesse smile. Everyone knew the boy was slow-witted and if he could, he would cheat him outta the bill and so much the better.

  “Er… howdy, Mr. Sanders,” Sam said in that slow, speech that seemed to drawl. “How you doing?”

  “I’m doing mighty good Sam. I have a wife to collect pretty soon.”

  “I heard the ladies are mighty pretty,” Sam said as he twisted his hands in front of him.

  “Pretty, pretty. I heard they are fat as pigs, but all that will change when mine comes to live with me. It has been too long since my house was cleaned. I have mountains of work for her to do and I plan on letting one of the hands go. She can do the cow and chickens and look after the stalls.” A lewd grin came over his face. “And there’s other things I plan to do. I like a woman to scream if you know what I mean?” he winked and watched as the half-wits cheeks turned red as a beetroot.

  Heat flooded Sam’s cheeks as he turned away. His eyes were drawn to a pitchfork that rested against one of the stalls. Twisting his hands together over and over he stared at that fork.

  “You forgot what I came for half-wit?” Jesse shouted and then he pushed Sam.

  Sam stumbled towards the fork, but he knew he could not do it. Even if a few of the town’s folk would thank him. Sticking someone with an old rusty pitchfork had to be a sin. But right then he mighty wanted to do some sticking. “No Mr. Sanders sir. I got your tack right here.”

  Jesse took the leather and almost hit the man when he asked for the money. Maybe ole Sam wasn’t as slow as they all thought because he sure knew what coin was. Soon Jesse was galloping for home. Eager to be back, after spending three long weeks on the trail he wondered... Would the letter be there? Would he finally get his wife and at last have something to come home to?

  He jumped off Jed and threw the horses reins to one of his men. Then he ran to the empty house.

  Dust coated everything and old copies of newspapers and the Matrimonial Times were tossed in the hallway. Did he detect a damp odor? Perhaps it had rained while they were away. Mayhap he would have to fix that roof, but then if he had a wife she could empty the pails and save him a job. Scattering the damp papers he headed to a table in the hall and there it was. The ivory letter with the fancy script writing. Rubbing his hands together, he tore open the envelope.

  Chapter 2

  “When will it be my turn?” Sabrina gushed as she bobbed on her feet, her pretty face flushed and full of joy. She was so happy that she did not see the look pass between Amanda and her husband, Edson.

  “As I told you two days ago, we contacted Mr. Sanders and are waiting for a reply,” Amanda said. “But my lovely little sister there is no rush. Maybe you should take a while. Go with Forrest and Cassandra and see their new home?”

  Sabrina turned to her sister and Forrest and blushed. “They are newlyweds. They do not want me sneaking around and getting under their feet.”
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  Amanda laughed and shared another look with her husband. This one was full of love and understanding. “And what are we?”

  Sabrina let out a delighted squeal. “Sorry sister you are newlyweds too but… but… Then maybe I should just get married quickly and give you all some space.”

  “We thought we would give you a little more time,” Amanda said. “There is no hurry to get married.”

  “Of course you can visit with us for a time,” Cassandra said. “In fact we would love it.”

  Sabrina smiled at Cassandra or Cassie as she preferred to call her and wrung her hands together. Then she knew what to do, turning on Amanda she gave her sister her doe eyes. They usually worked for her. “Please, Amanda. I can’t wait to meet my husband. I know he will be handsome and will love me and I already love him even though I only know his name. Please, I just want to be as happy as you all are.”

  “Then we will arrange it soon,” Amanda said. “But remember if you do not like him that is fine. There are other men out there, and you can take your time and choose whichever one you want.”

  “I just can’t wait to meet him. It seems the only thing our aunt did right was to find us, such wonderful men. Unless it was all the praying, I did. I know I will love him and he will love me back. I am so happy I must go check my wardrobe and find out my prettiest dress.” With that, she turned and ran from the room humming a happy tune as she left.

  As they heard her run up the stairs, Amanda leaned against her husband. “What are we to do?” she asked.

  “Is he really that bad?” Cassandra asked. “Maybe a wife would tame him. Maybe Sabrina’s love would make him a better man.”