Brides of Haines Press – Mail Order Husband (A Western Romance Book)

By Faye Sonja

Three inspirational stories of women who risked everything for love and traveled thousands of miles to the western frontier.

Part 1: Yearning of the Reluctant Bride

Eve Haines, a single mother of twin boys, has never wanted to do anything but run her father's publishing company, the nationally renowned, Haines Press. But, upon the death of his father, everything changed . . . The board of trustees threatens to take the company away from her unless she is willing to marry a man of high education.

In order to do so, she will face with the worst option she is ever given– marrying a man again …

Part 2: Denial of the Resistant Bride

Clara Cain, a woman scorned, has been publishing under the false name C.C. Reed for years; knowing that America is not ready for a woman crime writer.

Never did she imagine that a simple letter to a fan - a fan that was actually her best friend, Joe, would spark so many questions.

Will Clara finally find the strength to move past her fears and into Joe's loving arms?
How long will Joe continue to wait for a woman who never seems to change?
 

Part 3: Plea of the Desperate Bride

Nothing can be worse for Florence Tilson. Being left abandoned and pregnant with a child.
Florence Tilson's boyfriend has decided to leave town and it's all thanks to the most arrogant, overbearing man she's ever met. Benjamin Manning.

But ... when Ben proposes that they marry, Florence is not ready to accept for the fact that he is marrying Florence not for love. And Florence couldn't marry a man if it is NOT for love.

Will Florence ever accept Ben's proposal? Will Ben ever let Florence into his heart?

3 parts of heartwarming mail order brides tales of love, romance, and triumph over adversity in one book.

Love on the western frontier was a rare treasure. Follow these inspirational women who risked everything to travel to the untamed West in the hopes of finding love and starting a new family.

If you're a fan of clean western romance, you will love this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Faye Sonja
• Release date: Feb 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393961871

Faye Sonja

Faye Sonja is a multi-voiced writer who aspires to use different voices in telling her stories, seeing characters coming alive through the multi-faceted writing styles give her great satisfaction. As a young girl, Faye Sonja has been fascinated with stories of the Old West, especially the theme of Mail Order Bride where a woman will find the courage to leave her homeland, take the plunge to seek out the love of her life out there in the unknown land. Such an act requires bravery, such an act requires faith. It takes a woman with strong Christian faith to step out on such a pursuit for her love. It is Faye's desire that readers will once again have the courage to believe in love again from reading her books, to be inspired through the characters in her story who through perseverance, in the face of obstacles, overcame the hurdles using that simple faith and belief of theirs. 

Book preview

PART 1

Yearning of the Reluctant Bride

Prologue

*   *   *

Haines, North Dakota

Eve Haines’ hands felt cool against the gleaming slick surface of her father’s maple wood desk. She ran her hands over the light beige surface; the desk was supposed to have been hers. All too soon, the surface became warm; baking under the heat of her hands. Eve’s blood was pumping quickly, rushing rapidly through her veins. She felt the first warning signs of the major headache that was to come. She fought the urge to place pressure against her temples; fought and won. In front of her very much unwelcomed guest, it would be a sign of weakness. Eve needed to look strong at the moment. Is that your final decision?

Mr. Gregory Lowe found an invisible piece of lint on the brown jacket of his suit to distract him. His silver hair-covered hand shook as he began to make brushing movements across the collar. With a sigh, he finally brought his pale blue eyes back to Eve. It is not my decision alone, Ms. Haines. But, we, the investors, would simply feel better if Haines Press was run by a man.

A hard thud made them both jump. Eve looked down at her hands. They were twin fists; red with fury. She’d hit the table. She didn’t remember balling her hands into fists. It had just happened. She brought her eyes up to meet Mr. Lowe. His bushy white brows were wide; the whites of his eyes showing too much. His body was tense and sat as still as a man who’d caught death. Mr. Lowe was a lawyer and was usually very good at hiding his true emotions. Any true reaction out of him was a thing to see.

Eve licked her suddenly dry lips. I owe you an apology.

Mr. Lowe’s face relaxed first. The rest of him followed in degrees; shoulders, legs, and then he released the air that he’d been holding in his lungs. His lips quivered as he laughed. Quite alright, Ms. Haines. Mr. Lowe had a way of making each word sound like he were dragging his feet. No harm done. He tried a smile on that didn’t quite fit his demeanor.

Eve hadn’t meant to scare that man. She’d just allowed her anger to get carried away once again. She shook her head, remembering that at one point in time, Mr. Lowe, one of the richest men in Kansas, had been a friend; or rather, her father’s friend, but still. Since my father’s death three months ago, I’ve been running the company all on my own. When Mr. Lowe’s pain-filled face started to blur, Eve shut her eyes; forbidding the moisture from becoming more. Haines Press is still the most popular paper in all of The Great Plains. It’s my father’s ideas that drove it. It’s my grandfather, Adam Haines Sr., for which this town is named after. It’s my father’s paper that’s made this town the famed art centric community that it is. The company should stay in the Haines family.

Mr. Lowe sighed. I agree.

Eve felt the pressure in her chest lift as if a great weight had left on the wings of Mr. Lowe’s words. You do? Eve smiled, but then felt it begin to slip from her face once she realized that Mr. Lowe wasn’t going to share in her joy.

Mr. Lowe’s face still held pain. And there is a way you can keep the publishing company...

Eve didn’t like the look on Mr. Lowe’s face. Whatever he wanted to say could not be good. Eve wrapped her hands around the edge of the wooden desk, bracing herself. I’ll do anything, she whispered.

Mr. Lowe’s hands folded in his lap. He kept his eyes on his fingers, watching them as he twiddled them together. Your family may keep the paper if you marry.

Eve felt numb. She waited for Mr. Lowe to continue. She waited for Mr. Lowe’s words to make sense, though his words only further confused her, so she decided to help him along. Mr. Lowe, I don’t follow. You’re going to have to speak to me plain English.

Mr. Lowe sighed. If you marry, the investors will allow your husband to run the paper.

Eve shook her head. That’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard.

And you couldn’t marry just anyone. The investors will only accept a man with a fancy education from somewhere out east.

I’m not marrying, Mr. Lowe.

Ms. Haines, this is only way to...

No, no, no. I’m not marrying, Mr. Lowe. Not again. I won’t do it.

Eve’s eyes flew to the hand that touched her shoulder. She followed that trail of brown cotton all the way up to Mr. Lowe’s face. She looked into his eyes and let him see all the pain and fear that now gripped her. Please, Mr. Lowe. Not this. Anything but this.

He squeezed her shoulder. I’m sorry, Eve, he whispered, using her given name for the first time. Mr. Lowe had been around Eve’s family since before Eve could remember. Mr. Lowe knew all about Eve’s two-timing ex-husband, Harry King. Mr. Lowe knew how Harry had skipped town after Eve had given birth to their twin boys. He also knew about the painful years that had followed. If Eve’s father, Adam, had not been around to help, Eve would have lost her mind. It had been years since her first marriage; eight long years, but not long enough for Eve to ever want to walk down the aisle again. The first tear that rolled down her cheek seemed to open the floodgates. Mr. Lowe, I can’t.

Mr. Lowe tried giving Eve a smile again. It was another failed attempt. It’s alright, Ms. Haines. I told the board of trustees that you wouldn’t do it, and I admit that I don’t believe you should. But, I thought you should know that it is your only hope if you ever plan on keeping the company to pass down to your boys.

Eve sighed; shutting her eyes tight. Her boys, Lewis and Clark. True to their names, the seven-year-olds were true to the two men they were named after; turning everything into an adventure and trying Eve’s patience. A smile touched Eve’s lips. Haines Press was their legacy. She wanted her boys to have it. She’d give them the world if she could. Her eyes rolled back up to Mr. Lowe. How long do I have to make a decision?

Three more months.

Eve’s eyes widen. Three months?

Mr. Lowe nodded. Eve looked away. I’ll think about it.

The sound of Mr. Lowe’s heels clapped across the wooden floor as he made it to the door. He turned back to Eve with his hand on the knob. Take your time and think about it all you want, but mark my works, Eve. His face was very serious. If you are not married by this day in three months, the investors will be taking over Haines Press. He then turned his back and left.

Eve’s body deflated under the news that she’d received. Three months. Three months to not only find a man, but to also marry him? And it was definitely not enough time to be sure he could run a publishing company. She had no illusions that there weren’t men out there that would jump at the opportunity. Haines Press was a big deal all over America. It specialized in books and papers about the west. Most of the books were fictitious tales about legions of desperados and cowboys which the world ate up like hotcakes and couldn’t get enough of. No, there would be no issues in finding a man who’d want to take over. It was just everything else that bothered her. Like the marriage part of the agreement. Eve kept telling herself to just pick up her things, take her loyal readers, and start from scratch somewhere else. But to do so would mean giving up her father’s company’s name. What’s in a name? Anyone who’s seen a Shakespearian play knew the answer to that. A great deal!

Eve sighed. If she went through with this, the only thing that would be between Eve and another man would be a piece of paper. Nothing more. Eve wasn’t having any more kids, and she wouldn’t dream of letting another man touch her; not after Harry. No, she’d try and save the company, but only with the right man. Eve smiled. She could do this. All she had to do was find the perfect candidate. How hard would that be? With her nerves settled, Eve pulled a blank sheet of paper out of her desk, plucked the fountain pen from its holder, and began to write.

*   *   *

1

*   *   *

Once Upon a time, there was a young prince who’d found himself a princess. The princess was far away from home and her name was Evelyn.

Two Months, Three Weeks, and Four Days Later

Robert Manning strolled through the doors of Haines Press, and was greeted by the easily recognizable sound of the intertype. The click of the keyboard and the clap of metal on metal was a symphony of music that only modern engineering could make. Robert breathed in the fresh sweet, but also salty aroma of paper and ink. This was a real publishing house, and soon to be his own.

He opened his eyes and looked around. People moved in their own worlds and circles. A woman brushed past him, her nose stuck in a book. She didn’t look up as she made her way towards the back of the room. Robert followed a few feet behind. They were heading in the same direction. While he walked, he took in his surroundings. Robert nodded his head towards the few people that dared to notice him, but no one said a word as he passed. A few women did more than just glance his way. Their eyes followed him, and he knew they would follow behind him once he passed them by. Robert never let his eyes stray onto anyone. Instead, he unintentionally followed the woman in front of him, but when she made a turn and stopped at a desk, Robert kept walking, not stopping until he reached his goal. He lifted his hand and knocked on the door. Its frosted glass window had ‘ADAM HAINES’ printed in big white letters. Underneath it read: ‘EDITOR IN CHARGE’. One minute. The muffled female voice faintly carried through the wall.

A small sadness crept over Robert. The door said Adam Haines, but it would not be Adam Haines who answered it. It would not be the man who, throughout endless pages of legends and tales, was actually the person who’d first put Robert on his own literary road.

Robert checked his pocket watch for the time, more out of habit than impatience. He looked around the large office space once more, but then the door opened. He looked down at the petite woman that stood there and gave her his best smile. Hello, I’m Robert Manning.

The woman’s eyes, which only a minute ago had been full of impatience, turned to one of confusion. Can I help you, Mr. Manning? One of her dark brunette brows lifted, touching the top of her chestnut bangs. Eyes of intense hazel stared up at him with a look that was not so friendly. She was wearing a navy blue sports suit that stopped just below her knee. The sleeves were ¾ length that had white cuffs on the ends. A matching navy blue cloche sat on her head. 

Robert’s smile wavered. He’d never had a woman look at him like this; with annoyance. Not before they’d truly gotten to know him. For a moment, Robert was flustered and had to think hard to find his words. When he spoke again he made sure the charm was back in place. I’m looking for a Mrs. Eve Haines?

The woman tilted her head, her chestnut-colored hair that was cut right under the chin followed. The style framed her heart-shaped face well. What do you want her for? she asked in a heavy country accent.

Robert didn’t know how to reply to that. The business he had to discuss with Ms. Haines was personal. I believe once I meet Ms. Haines, she will know.

The woman sighed in irritation. No, she won’t.

Robert narrowed his eyes; his own irritation now growing. You’re Ms. Haines. It wasn’t a question.

A smile that had nothing to do with joy touched her small mouth. Well, nothing gets past you, now does it?

Robert blinked a few times and then shook his head. So this was Ms. Eve Haines? She was cute, but Robert could already see why the woman had had to put an ad out to find a husband. I’m Robert Manning.

Congratulations. Where do I send the card?

Robert sighed. This conversation was not going well. Ms. Haines, I wrote to you about your... well, your ad.

Eve narrowed her eyes again, they flickered over his face. A moment later, her eyes grew wide. She gasped. Eve’s eyes darted around the room before she motioned him into the office behind her. Robert walked in and heard the door close behind him.

The office was small, but awards lined the walls. Haines Press was truly a literary prize here in the Midwest. Robert watched Eve walk past him and take the seat behind the desk before he took one of his own in front of it. Settling himself in, Robert braced himself.

Eve placed her hands on the desk and stared at the man sitting in the chair across from her. Robert Manning. How had he found her? She’d put an ad out for a woman who needed to marry that owned a publishing company in Kansas, but she’d never said Haines Press. That would have been like throwing meat to a pack of wolves. She’d made sure the ad had been discreet, so how had Robert known?

Almost a hundred men had responded to Eve’s ad, but she remembered Robert’s letter. He’d been a good candidate; in her top ten. He’s had the right education, he had graduated at the top of his class from one of the best schools in the country, and he’d even studied abroad for a spell. He’d even worked as Head Editor for the best paper in New York. He was exactly what the investors would have wanted, and admittedly, she’d been impressed herself. Eve had actually been surprised that he’d wanted to come out west at all. A man with his credentials should have been easily able to have whatever job he wanted. They’d written to one another a few times and Robert seemed just too good to be true on paper. But just before Eve invited him out to Kansas, she’d dismissed the idea after reading his last letter.

Eve studied the man in front of her. He looked quite comfortable in his own skin. He wore a light gray suit that had to have been tailored for his imposing form. He was wide in the shoulders; which caused the back of his chair to completely disappear behind him. His white shirt was just a few shades lighter than his pale skin. His face was a unique combination of muscle and defining bones. He had Scandinavian blood. The hair he wore was pushed back and short, matching the crimson color of the sun as it set over the horizon; an orangey-red color with faint streams of gold showing throughout. His hair was definitely like a sunset, but the promise of night came with his eyes. They were rich, yet deep pools of blue; like a dark, clear moonless sky.

Robert’s elbows rested casually on the arms of the chair. His long fingers were laced together in front of him. Eve looked him in the eyes and found him to be watching her as well. She didn’t like that. How’d you find me?

Robert shrugged. I have sources back east. I had someone look into what I could gather from your letters. I heard about the passing of your father.

Eve narrowed her eyes. Sources?

Robert smoothed a hand down the clean hard plain of his jaw. He looked away briefly before meeting Eve’s eyes again. I knew who you were before I had ever wrote to you.

Eve frowned further. How?

You kept the ad very vague, but there aren’t that many publishing houses out here with your level of success. Plus, this is one of the only companies that is currently being run by a woman.

Eve sighed, trying to cool the inner heat that was building. Is there a problem with a woman running a company?

Robert straightened further in his chair. I believe such adventures are more suited for a man.

Eve stood. She’d heard enough. This meeting is over, Mr. Manning.

But there are other reasons that I have come, Ms. Haines.

Eve retook her seat; slowly. And what would those be?

Robert looked down at the hands that were once again in his lap. As I said in my letters, your father’s writings were of great influence in my life. I believe I’ve read them all.

Eve closed her eyes. She remembered that fact about Robert. Yes, it was one of the reasons that I kept replying to your letters.

Robert smiled. Your father’s fairytales. They were written for you, were they not?

Eve smiled. Not many people associated her father’s fairytales with her. They’d been out of print for years. Eve had been Adam’s only child, but Robert was the first stranger to piece that together. Yeah, they were.

Robert’s face seemed to glow then. His hair seemed brighter. His skin more warm. My mother used to read his books to me. Your father’s work is the reason I fell in love with writing, Ms. Haines. My greatest regret is that I never had the honor of meeting him, but I would be glad to help you keep Haines Publishing alive.

Eve shook her head. I don’t know... Robert was great on one hand, but so very wrong on the other.

Robert was very still. Have you ever been married?

Eve noticed that at times, Robert’s diction took on a more European pronunciation even though he’d been born in America. Certain words he used sounded almost melodic; soothing even. It was driving her crazy. She didn’t like Robert. She didn’t like his question. She didn’t like where this conversation was going. I stopped writing you, Mr. Manning. Whether I am or have ever been married is no longer any of your concern.

A long, leisurely blink came from his hooded eyes; as if he were bored. You haven’t, have you?

Eve looked away. She almost had, but at the last minute, the man had left. Men were all the same. I didn’t say yes or no.

Who runs this company?

Eve looked back at him; narrowing her eyes. "I do,’ she said.

Robert narrowed his eyes. Are you married?

Eve hesitated. No.

Has the position been spoken for?

Eve stared with all the fire her hazel eyes could summon. Again, my concerns are none of yours.

A smile slowly crossed Robert’s face. I’m now under the impression, Ms. Haines, that you do not wish to be married.

What’s your point, Mr. Manning?

You don’t want to give up control of this company and you don’t want to give up your hand in marriage. Why does one put out an ad to give up two things that one does not wish to give?

Eve’s hazel eyes widened right before she attempted a neutral look, but it was too late. Robert’s brilliant smile told her that she was caught. You’re being forced to do both.

This is really none of your concern, Mr. Manning, Eve said in the sing-song voice she sometimes used with her boys.

Robert’s eyes grew more vivid. Shareholders? Am I right? Shareholders are telling you to marry. Tell me I’m wrong. He sounded so eager; his eyes seemed to darken, as if that were possible.

Eve tried to cover her panic with impatience. I’ve got a company to run, Mr. Manning.

Robert shook his head. But for how long? Is there a deadline? There’s got to be a deadline. How soon is the deadline?

She crossed her arms.

Robert grinned further; now sitting at the edge of his seat. How close is the deadline?

Eve looked away again and sighed. Three days.

Robert’s laugh poured from his lips; causing Eve to shiver from the rich deep tone. She didn’t like being laughed at, but that didn’t seem to bother Robert. So, in three days, what happens?

Eve’s face fell. I’m so glad you can find the joy in all of this.

Robert opened his arms. And you can’t? I made it just in time to save you!

Eve began to shake her head. No way. Not you. Eve would not marry Robert; especially now that she’d seen him in the flesh. On one hand, Robert was everything that Eve needed, but managed to be everything she