by West, Everly
After a lengthy pause JP leaned back in his chair to study Mason. “What is it the son of Harrison Mayfield really wants from me?”
Fury mixed with surprise rolled over Mason. The bastard had recognized him from the moment he'd entered the room and said nothing. With a great effort he reined in his anger and glared at Wortham. “My birthright.”
“Whispering Pines? That would be costly and I have all the money I could ever want. Besides, I don’t think you have anything of like worth to match a wager of that size.” JP paused, giving Mason the impression of denial.
“I’m sure we could work something out. You might be surprised the resources at my fingertips,” Mason coaxed, trying once more to tantalize JP. “I would consider any proposal you might suggest?”
JP studied Mason a moment then chuckled. “Proposal? An excellent choice of words. That is exactly what I would consider. It’s time my daughter married.”
Four gasps echoed within the velvet covered walls of the private salon.
“Did he say what I thought he said?” Charles looked to the two men standing beside him for conformation.
“Damn it, Barry, you’re a judge. Do something,” Roy demanded of the redheaded man, pouring himself another drink.
Judge? A representative of the law just happened to be in attendance? The notion niggled its way through the befuddled haze smothering any coherent thought.
“What? There’s no legal statute pertaining to this situation. This is a matter of a man’s honor and how high that man holds it in esteem.” Barry spoke loudly, causing Mason’s hands to shake slightly. “I’ve already folded out of this hand, thank God.”
Barry, Roy and Charles stepped to the table where JP and Mason sat staring at each other. Charles placed a tumbler filled with bourbon in front of Mason. “Here, son, you look like you need this more than I do.”
Without acknowledging Charles’ kindness, Mason leaned forward in his chair to rest his forearms on the table’s edge. He spoke in even flat tones which gave no sign of the emotional turmoil raging behind his expressionless face. “I believe you should be more specific with the details before I agree to such a wager.”
“It’s simple. If you win, I’ll sign over Whispering Pines to you tonight. If I win, you will pay court and marry my daughter—without her knowing of this game. Whispering Pines will be my gift to the newly wedded couple.”
Mason raised a mocking eyebrow.
JP waved his hand at Mason’s unspoken skepticism. “It has always been my intention for Whispering Pines to be a wedding gift.”
“At worse, if I lose,” Mason let a sneer seep into his tone. “I get Whispering Pines with an insignificant amount of excess baggage.”
Mason watched JP grapple with his temper for half a heartbeat before he slammed his poker face back into place. But it was enough for Mason to know his barb had hit home.
Good. About time he squirmed a little.
“That's the gist of it, yes. Understand I would see my daughter married within two months of today. Of course, these gentlemen will be witness to any wagering we might agree upon,” JP informed Mason.
A long silence laid heavy in the private room. Suddenly, JP broke the suffocating silence. “Barry, would you bring me two pieces of paper?”
Without a word, paper, pen and ink well were placed in front of him. JP boldly wrote WHISPERING PINES on a piece of paper and gently laid it on top of the pile of money in the center of the table.
“I believe it’s your bet.” JP slid another piece of paper and pen toward Mason. “Do you fold or call?”
Mason took the items from him and with a steady hand wrote his bid before intentionally placing it on top of JP’s note. The three bystanders, all seemingly holding their breaths, leaned forward to read what Mason had written. In bold letters were the words THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE MY WIFE.
Deliberate and unconcerned, Mason’s gaze never left JP’s. “I call.”
JP took a short, quick breath and his eyes widened slightly. If Mason hadn’t been paying close attention, he’d have missed it.
So Wortham hadn’t expected him to call his bluff.
After an extended heartbeat, JP turned over another seven and announced, “Full House.”
Reality punched Mason in the gut—hard, almost knocking the air from his lungs. What the hell had he just done? Gambled away his bachelorhood?
Using every ounce of willpower he possessed, he maintained his detached demeanor. Wordlessly, Mason flipped his remaining card over. The two of hearts.
“He only has a flush,” Roy whispered, although all could hear him in the hush of the room.
“Full house beats a flush,” Charles informed the others, which was unnecessary since they were all well aware of poker’s winning order.
Mason stood on shaky legs and with one swift gulp, downed the drink Charles had placed in front of him earlier. “We did agree this would be our last hand.”
Mason kept his features as devoid of expression as he had all evening, whether winning or losing. “I believe I’ve lost all I can afford to lose in one evening. Good night, gentlemen.”
JP waited until Mason touched the doorknob before announcing, “Samantha and I will be attending Quincy’s Valentine Ball tomorrow night. I will introduce you to your future bride there.”
Not trusting his voice, Mason only nodded and left.
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Dear Reader,
I’ve been working so hard to launch this new series for you. Didn’t you just love August and poor Cora. They were such a fun couple to write. But there are even more brides coming. Next up is the hellion, Samantha Wortham and her hero Mason Mayfield. She’s trouble with a capital T.
As a new author I would really appreciate your support by leaving a review, following me on BookBub, sign up for my newsletter and check out my Facebook page and website.
Until next time,
Everly West
Evangeline Delacroix has been raised to be seen and not heard. Always the dutiful daughter of her French aristocratic parents, she has followed their wishes without question, but this time, they have gone too far.
Leviticus Copper’s father left him quite a colorful legacy. As the orphaned son of a con artist who drank himself to death, Levi vowed to rise above his tainted birthright and make his own mark on the world. But now, this self-made man has a decision to make.
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Wyoming rancher’s daughter, Kelly Quincy, lives as comfortable a life as any young woman in the Old West, but she wants more than to be a prairie princess. She wants to be important and to help people. But her meddling mama, one of the members of The Ladies Club of Laramie, discovers that the territorial governor and his single, eligible son is coming to town, she plans a ball and plots ways to marry Kelly off.
Brandon Masterson is a humble sheep rancher just outside of Laramie, and in a territory where cattle is king, he is a laughingstock. Brandon is responsible for his four younger sisters, though, and is determined to make his unusual ranch a success. If only the beautiful and mischievous Kelly would stop trying to give his family charity.
When Kelly and Brandon meet, sparks fly, just in time for Valentine’s Day. But can Brandon open his heart to love? And will Kelly’s parents accept her rebellious choice for a suitor?
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Sweet Western Historicals
By Everly West
Angel Creek Christmas Brides
Anna
The Ladies Club of Laramie
The Rebellious Bride
The Obstinate Bride
The Wagered Bride — 3-1-2019
The Reluctant Bride —3-21-2019
The Eager Bride — 4-11-2019
The Bashful Bride — 5-2-2019
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About the Author
Everly Ann West grew up in a rodeo family in west Texas. The youngest child in a family of si
x kids, she developed a love of history at an early age. She started writing seriously while her kids were napping, and now that they're in school, she has time to write all the stories she's wanted to tell for years. She is supported by her own cowboy and the love of her life, who provides the inspiration for her heroes, as well as chocolate when needed.
The End
