Delivering the Bride (Book Two of the Brides of the West)

By Rita Hestand

Rachel Landers went west to marry a man she'd been writing to. She was wearing her wedding dress, prepared to marry right away. When Buck Daggett introduced himself as Hershel Newton's friend and that he could take her up the mountain, Rachel was surprised. Would he also stand in for Hershel as a proxy?

Once Buck agreed to take her and stand in for Hershel's wedding by proxy, they were off to climb the mountain. Buck outfitted her in riding clothes and they began the journey. Rachel never figured on outlaws and Indians, but they were stopped by both. The wedding went on without a hitch and they continued up the mountain. At one point Rachel nearly fell from a cliff, if it hadn't been for Buck's quick thinking it might have been the end.

But the one thing she hadn't planned on was liking Buck so much. And when he kissed her, she could do nothing but respond.

Now if she could just muster up some feelings for the man she just married she'd be alright.

Rachel was in for a lot of surprises along the way, and the biggest one was Hershel himself. But Buck fully intended to deliver Hershel's Bride!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rita Hestand
• Release date: Jan 19, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310679247

Rita Hestand

Hi friendsI'd like to ask a favor, not just for me but for all writers. PLease when we offer a free book, it would be wonderful if you'd take the time to rate the book. This doesn't take much time out of your day and authors really apreciate your time to do this. I know not everyone wants to sit down and write a review, but rating the book will help as well. And a big thanks to all who do this. You never know how much an author appreciates you taking the time to do this.I finally finished The Car Stalker. Hope you'll check it out. This is the second book in the stalker series. Like I said mystery is much different from romance all though there are elements in romance in my stalker books too. Today I finished an another book in my series of Vets coming home, Better Every Day. This book takes the angle of when family interrupts your plans. When a one-night stand is much more. I love this story as it hits home. So two new books out now and more coming.I'm taking the time to write while confined at home. But lack of seeing people outside, and living alone all the time is not new to me. I've got lots of stories to tell so be on the lookout for my newest releases. You might check out my Searchin g for You Indian romance on Amazon too.There are several new free books for you enjoyment, since your stuck at home. Home you enjoy them.As for a bio, suffice it to say, I'm a Texan tried and true. I have grown children and grandchildren and already some great-grandchildren. I've done multi jobs in my lifetime giving me a variety of experiences to write and talk about. I've done many different kinds of work from Texas Instruments, to City of Garland, to working for the Wylie Independent School District. I've worked for a hat factory, filing insurance claims, secretarial work, to waitress work. My writing reflects my varied background. Another note I've had a in home day care for twenty years too. So when I write about something I have a general knowledge of it too, which is a real bonus for me. Just like my public work, my writing varies too from contemporary to historical, I write romance, thrillers, children's. A lot of people might say gee, that's a lot of different jobs, and it is, but, I've learned from them all, and I use that experience in my writing.I want to thank all the readers over a length of time that have tried some of my books. I hope I've enlightened and entertained you. I hope I've shared some love in this world. Sharing love can't be bad, it's God given.God bless.Other places to see my bookshttps://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/rita-hestand/https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/rita-hestand/id365799219?mt=11www.scriptsforschools.com/rita-hestandhttps://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/search?query=rita%20hestand&fcsearchfield=author

Book preview

The minute she got off the stage, she felt the tension growing inside her. It had been a long hard trip and now that she was here, her doubts began to fester. The Stage depot was a busy place and people were everywhere.

Had she been too presumptuous? Not recognizing anyone standing about, she spied a couple of empty crates and sat on them as she set her luggage beside her. It wasn't the most comfortable, but it would do, she decided.

She waited patiently for her betrothed. An hour passed and still he hadn't shown up. She began to look conspicuous sitting there waiting in her wedding dress. Apprehension swept through her like a cold wind. She spied the huge clock hung on the wall of the station. The stage had been on time. Her glance flew to the station, seeing people come and go, but not the man she was to marry.

If he only knew the trouble she had getting here, he might at least have been there to meet her. She rode a stage all the way to St. Louis and from there she caught a wagon train, then the stage once more. She put up with dust, and a bumpy ride, men who smoked, and women who wore way too many petticoats. She'd endured discussions of guns, Indians, gambling, and ladies of ill repute. The wagon train hadn't been any better. The gossips of why she was alone and how she got on the wagon train in the first place. The weather elements were harsh, constant repairs held up the train, she thought she'd never see the stagecoach that would bring her here.

Miners and prospectors of all sorts roamed the city of Cripple Creek. Even though the biggest mountain in the country was right on the doorstep, the air was not as clean as one might expect.

She coughed several times.

Her composure was slipping by the minute. She thought she could hear the ticking of the clock. Everything around her seemed to exaggerate itself.

If she hadn't been so conspicuous, she might have relaxed, but she stood out somewhat in the wedding dress she wore. Several people stared at her, whispering obviously about her wedding dress. She wondered idly what they might be thinking. She supposed she did look a little silly dressed as she was.

The crowd quickly dispersed, leaving her quite naturally alone on the platform. Like a big rock that didn't belong there.

Chewing on her bottom lip, she glanced about her once more.

Frustration mixed with anticipation made her feel out of place.

Her confidence slipping by the moment, she folded and refolded her hands, then put them on her knees. She wanted to curl up into a ball and stay there. She glanced at the mountains that surrounded the area. It was as beautiful as the letters she received.

At least she had the letters, and they had depicted the mountains like a song in the wind.

Perhaps she hadn't been entirely clear about her coming. That would explain it.

She took a picture out of her small bag and stared at it. Hershel Newton was not a handsome man by any means of the imagination, but Rachel prided herself on looking deeper into the person before she judged them. Good could be found in anyone, and Hershel had a goodness that leaked out in his letters, she affirmed.

He had a scrubby beard, a long nose, and rather beady eyes, but he was all hers and she sighed softly. She comforted herself by remembering the vivid letters she had received from him. It was the letters that brought her here. But had she been a fool once more?

Rachel glanced about, noting the hustle and bustle of the busy town

She took out his picture and stared at it, hoping the camera had been faulty that day. Hershel wasn’t a handsome man. Still, he had the soul of a poet. She was living on hope these days.

Anyway, a girl that had practically gotten kicked out of her own home couldn't be too choosy, she supposed. Not that she deserved it for a moment. It was all misunderstanding. Come to think of it, there were a lot of misunderstandings at home. She had loved her folks dearly once, but since she grew up, they didn't understand her. Her step-mother was shocked at the things Rachel would do and say.

Of course that misunderstanding was what brought her here, to this strange little town with its busy stagecoach station and no husband in sight.

How crazy could she get, coming all the way out here, to marry a man, she didn't know, all because he wrote such fantastic letters. Where had her mind been? Enraptured by words on paper, she was a fool.

Still the letters spoke of the beauty of nature, clean, fresh air, and homes going up everywhere. She glanced around. The town had no fresh air; it was stagnant with the fifth of a mining town. People had ruined the city, standing majestic against the high mountain.

She had seen some of those homes as she arrived, they were nothing more than tents, hundreds of them where miners lived and worked. Perhaps the mining industry itself had set her on the town.

But seeing the majestic Pike's Peak was enough to make her heart swell. That at least was no lie. It was hard to believe she was just a few feet from the base of it.

You'd think he'd be on time! She muttered under her breath as she did her best to look inconspicuous.

Excuse me… a man had ambled up to her side. He had taken his hat off and now ran a hand through his unruly blondish brown hair. His blue eyes fastened on her. One of the first clean-shaven men she'd seen today. His blue-eyed stare had her uneasy at first. Those eyes penetrated into her soul.

Yes, can I help you? She asked with a nervous twitch of her mouth.

She took in his long, thin but muscled body with one bold glance. He towered over her now. Yes? She questioned why he stood so close.

I'm Buck Daggett, and aren't you the mail-ordered bride for Hershel Newton? Aren't you Rachel Landers?

Overjoyed that someone actually knew who she was, she smiled. I am, but what has that to do with you? She asked with some impertinence.

Well, uh…miss…I'm to take you to him. He blurted out in a rush.

Take me to him? I don’t mean to be rude, but why isn't he meeting me here himself? She asked, her brows nearly meeting in the middle of her forehead.

He's can't. He's off on a hunting trip… The man fumbled with the hat in his hand.

She glanced up and down the man. He was clean cut, for a cowboy, and his manners were impressive. But his words threw her into a tizzy. The man she planned to marry was out on a hunting trip when she'd written and told him she was coming. How could he?

Was that really a good explanation? Here she was ready to get married, and he was out hunting.

Hunting? She screeched. Trying to gather her composure once more, she beamed a frown at the man staring at her. Of all things she expected, this wasn't one of them. Hershel was hunting on her wedding day?

Well, I'm sure I can find my own way. After all, he lives here, doesn't he? She asked innocently. I mean, I was under the impression he would be here to meet me. I suppose hunting takes priority over getting married…here in the wilds.

The man stared at her a moment, apparently unsure how to react to her.

Not exactly ma'am, this time of year, with the snows coming and all, he needs to get his meat stored for the winter. I'm sure he was just thinking of you.

She folded her lips together in a maddening frown. I see…

But she didn't see. She was angry that she hadn't taken priority over mundane things like hunting. Just once in her life, couldn't she come first? This was not a good start for her future.

Buck squirmed a bit and edged his fingers around the rim of his hat. Not exactly… you don't.

Not exactly? What does that mean? She asked.

He doesn't live here. He lives up there. He pointed.

She saw no up there. Up where? She rolled her eyes dramatically.

Up there in the mountains, miss. Buck explained.

He's a…mountain man? She gasped. Sweet Jesus, had she ever gotten herself into a mess this time. Boasting that this would be an adventure she wouldn't forget, was coming true, in the worst way.

Sure…I figured you knew that. Buck backed up a bit.

All I have is a picture of him and his letters. His letters were so full of beautiful things. I couldn't resist him. But he never mentioned he lived on a mountain. She clutched the picture to her chest. Now I'm beginning to wonder if there are a lot of things he didn't mention.

Her uneasiness festered inside her, especially since the man in front of her still hadn't smiled.

I'm sorry about that. Probably didn't want to scare you away. Buck offered her an explanation. So, are you ready to leave now?

Leave, as in going up the mountain? She asked her eyes widening.

Yes.

No! She floundered, standing up and pacing a bit before explaining. This gentleman, whoever he was, didn't understand, and she couldn't expect him to. You don't understand. We were to be married right away. Why do you think I am sitting here in a wedding dress, like some idiot? She was becoming hysterical. Her voice rose and then she put a hand over her mouth, as though to still her thoughts. She couldn't allow her feelings to spill out to this man. It was Hershel she was angry with.

Buck stared at her, watching her every move.

How long does it take to get there? She asked innocently.

Oh, the man seemed to look away, and glance toward the mountain. It takes about a week or two, depending on the weather.

She folded and refolded her hands. Mr.…Daggett, is it?

Yes ma'am. He leaned toward her to be sure he heard her.

This will never do! She almost screamed, and he backed away once more.

No ma'am. I can understand you being reasonably upset, but…

A week? She gasped. Well…even you should know that it would be two to three weeks before we could be married if I go up the mountain. I just can't do that. I won't be compromised! She heard her own voice rise. I thought he understood. The wedding has to be now, today!

No, ma'am I don't think he did, but I understand. Well, I guess we better figure something out. Hadn't we? He suggested scratching his chin.

He leaned on her luggage for a moment as he scratched his chin.

Rachel felt irritation crawl up her back. Already things were going wrong. And then an idea hit her.

I thought he understood. Evidently he didn’t read my letter closely. But…there is one thing. Although I'm not sure if we could find someone to do it for us here.

What's that ma’am?

W-we could be married by proxy. She studied the problem for a long moment. I've read about it. Napoleon and Marie-Louise of Austria were married by proxy in March of 1810. The honorable Archduke Charles stood in his place as Napoleon. In other words, we could be married in this state if you would stand in for Hershel.

Buck looked wide-eyed at the lady.

Stand in? You want me to marry you? He asked incredulously, his eyes growing larger by the minute.

Short of laughing hysterically, she put her hand over her mouth. No, Her laughter died when she saw how shocked he was at her statement. You would be a proxy, just take Hershel's place. In the state of Colorado, it is legal. I've checked that information before coming, in case something went awry. Would you be willing to do this for your friend? She looked at Buck without the slightest idea of what might be going through his head.

I wouldn't be married to you, though, right? He scratched his head. Hershel would?

That's right. She answered standing up and looking at him with a plea in her smile.

Well…I don't know…I mean is it legal?

Very much so…

Buck paced the boardwalk and glanced at her several times. He turned his head one way, then another. Apparently, she had put the man in a stew. She hadn't meant to shock him with her idea. She thought men of the west couldn't be shocked so quickly.

If you really are his friend, you'd do this for him…for me. She cried although she knew she had no real pull on this man's loyalty.

We just have this ceremony and go on up the mountain, just like that? He asked. And you're married, and I'm not, is that it?

Yes, there's nothing complicated about it. And you wouldn't be married to me in the least. She insisted. But I would be married to Hershel and if I got snowed in, there would be no problem. I wouldn't have to turn around and come back.

Well…where do we go to get this done? Buck asked, obviously uncomfortable about the whole thing.

We just need to find a preacher. She insisted.

A preacher? Oh yeah, sure…

Do you know any? She asked.

Sure…I know one. He hasn't preached in town for a long while, but he's got the papers saying he's a bonafied preacher, so I'm sure he could.

Good. Is he here, in this town?

No, ma'am, he's up the mountain a way. He’s on the way. He told her.

Good. Then, I must change my clothes somewhere and then we can be off. She smiled and grabbed her bags.

He took the bags from her hands and looked her in the eye.

Oddly enough, it flustered her a bit as he touched her hand. Buck Daggett was much better looking than Hershel, she noted silently. In fact, in some rugged way, he was handsome.

I'll take you over to Lilly's, so you can change there. He said, hauling her luggage and waiting for her to follow.

For the briefest of moments, Rachel wondered exactly what she had gotten herself into.

Oh well…there's no turning back now!

Chapter Two

Much to her chagrin, Lilly was a whore at the Red Lantern Saloon. Wading through the drunken miners, cowboys, and riffraff, Buck had taken her to a back room where a woman with blonde hair stood staring at her. She wore a gold silk dress that split up the side and was very low at the neck. Rachel blushed. The woman was stunning and would have been beautiful had it not been for so much make-up.

Who's this with you Buck? Lilly's husky voice echoed across the room almost harshly. Your bride?

The slight twist of her of lip spoke volumes to Rachel. This woman knew Buck intimately.

Easy Lilly, this is Rachel Landers, Hershel's intended. She needs to change her clothes. I'm taking her up there. They were supposed to be married here, but obviously there were some mixed ups somewhere.

Lilly's gaze surveyed her with precision. "You're taking her to Hershel?"

Rachel reacted, flinching inwardly.

Yeah, but we need to get her out of this dress and into some clothes fit for traveling the mountains, can you help us? Buck asked looking perplexed at the expression on Lilly's face.

Well, sure I can Buck. The woman eyed her thoroughly. Now let's see, you look to be a might small, but I'm sure I've got some clothes that will fit you. You wait here honey, I'll be right back. Lilly smiled for the first time.

Rachel stared at her in wonder. The woman had enough stuff on her face to make it crack if she smiled. But Rachel had to admit she was friendly and helpful. She'd never come face to face with a woman of ill repute. Still, she somehow liked her. To help a total stranger, spoke volumes of what kind of person she was capable of being. Rachel prided herself on being able to size a person up not only by their looks, but actions, and manners.

In no time at all, Lilly traipsed back into the room with a handful of clothes. As she threw the clothes on the big bed, her perfume wafted through the room. Rachel sneezed.

Okay dearie, let's get that dress off you, and Buck you can wait outside until I'm done here, Lilly instructed.

Oh…oh yeah, sure. He nodded to them both and stepped outside the door.

As Lilly helped her with the tiny buttons of her dress, she looked her over. What in the world are you doing, honey? She asked.

Rachel turned about to look at her. Misery and regret mingled in her mind. Somewhat exasperated at being mocked, her voice grated. What do you mean?

I mean, what are you doing marrying a man like Hershel? Lilly's voice faded with something close to pity. Land sakes, you are a beautiful young woman, and you look as though you've got a brain working in that head of yours. But Hershel Newton? She shook her head with amazement.

Rachel studied her a moment. Although this woman was worldlier than educated, Rachel saw wisdom in her blue eyes. Looking past the paint on her face, and the eye-catching dress, Rachel saw a woman of the world, with experience and intelligence.

She shrugged, hopelessly. We've corresponded for a year almost. Through his beautiful letters, I feel as though I know him well.

Lilly stared at her then broke out in laughter.

Rachel didn't know whether she should laugh with her or be humiliated further. Letters? You didn't correspond with Hershel.

What do you mean?

Why…. child, Hershel can't write…

Rachel stared at her with her mouth hanging open. How many kinds of fool could she be? He…can't?

Not one word, he can't read either. Lilly almost laughed until she saw the strange look on Rachel's face. You didn't know, did you? That's what I mean, honey. You have no idea who he really is. How in the world did you let this happen?

But he wrote such beautiful letters. She insisted, her voice lowering with defeat.

He didn't.

No? Rachel felt her heart drop to her knees. Was everything she had learned about the man a lie? Had she been a fool again? How would she ever face this down? She couldn't go home; they'd mock her, the rest of her life for being so foolish.

Someone could have written for him, I suppose, but he didn't write any letters, that much I'm sure. Lilly studied her a moment. But you came here, with the intention of marrying him, on letters he didn't even write. You poor little fool.

Confusion and anger mingled as Rachel tried to hold herself proud. She had been a fool.

Then if he didn't write them, who did? Rachel struggled with all this information.

Just guessing I say you should ask Buck, he's his best friend, Lilly suggested.

Oh dear…I don't feel well. Rachel saw the error of her ways and wished she could change the last few days of her life.

But just the struggle to get here, in the God-forsaken little town had been a nightmare. Now to find out she had again acted the fool was more than she could bear.

No, I imagine you don't. Lilly shook her head at her innocence.

I guess I have been such a fool. Rachel moaned. Again.

"Oh, now don't take on so dearie. You could do worse. It's just well… Hershel isn't a genteel kind of fella, and I can tell you are quite the lady. He's rough