Wanted One Male Order Bride

By Rita Hestand

Brides of the West Series, book twenty-two. Hannah Norton just laid her folks to rest. When her brother wrote for her to come up to Oregon and he would give her a job, she jumped at the chance. She sold the farm and bought a wagon and supplies to join the wagon train headed for Oregon. There was only one problem, the Wagon Master informed her she had to be married to go on his train. She had a week to find a husband. Where could she find a man to marry and go west? Braving the odds she went into the Nest Egg Saloon to find such a man. But they mocked her, and as she turned to leave she heard a familiar voice saying, "I'll go." Zack Bartell wasn't exacctly what she had in mind, but he was the only man willing to marry her and take her west. And before the day was done she stood in the First Baptist Church with him saying "i do."

She didn't put much stock in Zack at first, after all when she met him he was sitting on a boardwalk with a guitar on his shoulder. He looked like a lazy no account, but was he? She's soon find out!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rita Hestand
• Release date: Nov 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463437872

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

Wanted One Male Order Bride

Wanted One Male Order Bride

Book Twenty-Two Brides of the West Series

Rita Hestand

Copyright© 2020 by Rita Hestand

All Rights Reserved

ISBN# 9780463437872781452303185

Cover Design: Sheri McGathy

License Note

This book, Wanted One Male Order Bride is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without express written permission of the author. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy or copies. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Wanted One Male Order Bride is a work of fiction. Though some of the cities and towns exist they are used in a fictitious manner for purposes of this work. All characters are works of fiction and any names or characteristics like any person past, present or future are coincidental.

Dedication

Going west was no easy task long ago on the Oregon Trail. This book is dedicated to all who went, especially the women who pushed on.

God Bless

Rita Hestand

Brides of the West Series

Heart of a Family

Delivering the Bride

Heart of a Woman

Wanted: Bride

This Side of Forever

Shotgun Bride

A Love as big as Texas

Heart of a Captive

Wherever my heart Roams

In the Arms of an Angel

Bride From Shenandoah

Falling for the Bride

An Unexpected Welcome

A Dessperado'sDesperado's Bride

The Filly & the Gambler

The Lady Train

Comes a Hero

An Unescorted Lady

And Here I'll Stay

The Drifter's Promise

The Railroad Bride

Wanted One Male Order Bride

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Epilogue

About the Author

Rita's Other Books

Independence Missouri

April 1855

Prologue

The banging of horseshoe irons from the many blacksmith shops in Independence Missouri caused Hannah Norton to cover her ears for the moment. It was a busy city with people coming and going all the time. Wagon parts, wagons, ship parts even ships were being built here. The smell of ironworks was everywhere.

The industry of making wagons, wagon wheels, horseshoes and leather made the heartbeat of Independence Missouri come alive.

There were ship builders and ports that stayed busy year-round.

Hannah could not believe how busy it was. Living more than twenty miles into the country she was not use to the noise, nor the amount of people that combed the streets.

She felt out of place, but she was determined to get on the wagon train going west, and she had work to do.

What's this ma'am? A big man came out of the General Store to find her hanging up a notice on the outside wall of the store.

It's a notice. I'm trying to find a husband. She said it so matter of factly, like he should have known.

Well, I'll be danged. Never seen a woman do this before. You must be really desperate. The man shook his head and tore the sign down and took it with him.

Hey, where are you going with that? she asked, following him.

I'm gonna show my wife, she won't believe it unless she sees it. The man chortled.

Hannah fumed, putting her hands on her hips. She hadn't planned on anyone tearing the signs down as quickly as she put them up.

She didn't have time for a temper tantrum. She was so bent on getting on that train, despite the wagon master informing her she couldn't go without a husband.

What kind of rule was that? If there had been time, she'd have organized a women's movement, but there was no time for it, and seeing the stubborn set chin of the Wagon Master, it probably wouldn’t work anyway.

Determined to find a man to take her west, she kept nailing the notices all over town. Only a few would stop and read it, as some couldn't read.

The Sheriff saw her and came up to her when she politely hammered the nail with the notice on it to his outside wall of the Sheriff's office. What are you doin' ma'am?

Putting these notices up. She answered. The Sheriff read the notice then frowned at her. You're trying to get a husband? He scratched his chin and glanced at her.

Yes sir. It isn't against the law, is it? she asked skeptically.

Well, no, but it sure unusual. He looked her over. You're a pretty little lady, why you got to do this? he motioned to the notice.

Tired of explaining to nosey men on the street, she turned to the Sheriff with her hands on her hips once more. It was a stance she'd taken quite often the last couple of days. It's real simple Sheriff. I want to go west on the wagon train, and I need a husband to do it. She said as though that explained everything.

But this isn't the way to go about getting a man. The Sheriff shook his head then looked at the pretty little lady.

Hannah shrugged. It's the only way I know how, Sheriff. I gotta have a husband by the end of the week. She protested. Or I can't go until next year. And I can't wait that long.

The Sheriff scratched his chin for a moment, as though thinking about it.

Look, the kind of men that would answer this ad, well, they wouldn't be the kind a lady would want in the first place.

I'm not looking for a saint to go with me, just an ordinary man. She challenged. He doesn't have to be overly intelligent or even good looking., although a little muscle wouldn't hurt. I don't expect a whole lot from him either. I just need him to stand up to a preacher, say 'I do', and take me to Oregon. It's as simple as that. He doesn't have to live with me when I get there either. I just need him long enough to get there, that's all. Then he's free to do as he pleases. I don't expect a lifetime commitment.

A couple passed by and the man nodded to the sheriff. The sheriff nodded and smiled at the lady who tossed Hannah a curious glance.

When she turned back to her work, the Sheriff looked at her once more.

She saw his skeptical expression.

I'm not marrying for love Sheriff. I simply need a man to marry me so I can go west. She said as though it were quite reasonable. The wagon master insists on the woman being married. All I need is an able-bodied man to go with me to Oregon. After that he can do as he pleases. This is the last train that will make Independence Rock by the 4th of July. I've got to be on it.

I can understand that. The Sheriff nodded. I mean, I guess I can. But this is not the way to go about getting a husband, hon.

Well, I can't do it the right way… Hannah nearly shouted her patience wearing thin. I am an able-bodied woman, who is used to hard work. There is no reason I can think of not to let me go alone. But the wagon master insisted, so that's why I'm here putting up these notices. At least he should notice that I'm making an honest effort to comply to his rules.

Single women fight over men sometimes, disrupt marriages and need help with everything. He shook his head with disgust. The Wagon Master knows what he's doing, especially that one, He nodded to the Wagon Master who was busy talking to the manager of the General Store.

Perhaps that's true, but I can handle my wagon and oxen. She told him with a huff.

The Sheriff shook his head, Can you put a wheel back on when it falls off? Can you nurse yourself if you get sick? And what if some married fella takes a liking to you. No, the Wagon Master is right, less trouble if all women are married!

She seemed to consider what he said a moment. Well, maybe I can't do all of that. But surely someone would help me?

Yep, and that's where the trouble starts. The Sheriff shook his head. Look, why don't you wait until you find someone you really care about and go? Wait and go next year, that would give you a whole year to find a man that is decent that wouldn’t mind taking you.

Because I done sold my folks place and spent all my money on this. And I told my brother I was coming.

The Sheriff sighed at her stubborn streak. It's a long trip to Oregon, ma'am. Wagon's break down, animals balk. You probably have no idea how many problems you can run into going that far.

I'm aware of a lot of them, sir. She told him. I've help run a farm for the last five years I think I can manage a team of oxen.

A man was sitting on the boardwalk with his guitar and he raised his head for a moment to look at her. She happened to look down and saw beautiful blue eyes staring up at her. She blinked, thinking him a mirage.

Don't you have a beau? The Sheriff asked.

Well if I did, I wouldn't be doing this, now would I? I haven't had time for courting Sheriff. I was the only help my folks had on the farm. I was much too busy to be courted. I've been knee deep in mud, crops, and animals for five straight years. And I've got a chance to go west and live with my brother and his family and I'm going.

He stared at her, then back at the notice. But look at this, he pointed to her notice, 'Wanted One Male Order Bride.' What kind of man would answer such an ad? The Sheriff shook his head. You gonna pay him?"

Her cheeks turned a rosy red as the Sheriff was wearing thin on her nerves now. I can't pay him. She shook her head adamantly. I wish I could, that would make it much easier to hire someone to go with me. But I've spent all but a bit of my money with the wagon, the oxen, and the supplies. I've allowed for more supplies as I figure I'll need it sooner or later. But I have no money to offer a man a wage. What should I have put, Male Order Groom? What difference does it make?

Well, it'd be a little less insulting? The sheriff scratched his chin and shot her a discerning glance.

Okay, so maybe I didn't word it right. You got me there. But I'm doing the best I can, Sheriff.

Well, you're barkin' up the wrong tree, lady.

Hannah sighed and wiped her brow. She glanced at the Sheriff who seemed determined to try to dissuade her from her task. Aggravated, she pulled a long dark red curl around her finger as she studied the notice once more.

So, you're ready to go except for a man, huh?

That's right. She answered. I'm prepared Sheriff, I just don't have a husband. And I really don't expect much from him, just to be there, so the wagon master is happy. Just so he can see a man standing there with me. And a wedding license in my hand. That's all I need.

Why you in such an all fired hurry to go west?

Frowning she turned her sapphire eyes on him with renewed vigor. This is the last wagon that will make it through before the snows. It's the first of April now. My brother and his family moved to Oregon some time ago. He's all the family I have. My folks just died a few weeks back. I'm on my own. He promised me a place to live and a job in his General Store out there. But I've got to get there first.

Well, that sounds reasonable. I'm sorry about your folks. How did they die? The sheriff was temporarily distracted by her news.

Consumption. She huffed. With a tired expression she bowed her head. They spent too many nights out in the pouring rain taking care of our stock and fields. I nursed them as good as I could. But I couldn't save them. I sold the place after they died and I'm going west to join my brother. I've already bought my wagon and supplies, I'm ready except for a husband.

When he still didn't see her immediate need she added, Look Sheriff, if I get stuck here, I'll be living in that wagon for another year. And I'll be scrubbing floors or something worse. So, I've got to go now!

The sheriff stared into her eyes now, seeing a pain he hadn't noticed before. Well hon, I wish you luck. But this sure isn't the way to get a man.

I agree Sheriff, but tell me, exactly how would you go about it, if you were me?

She's got you there, came the voice from the boardwalk, and they both glanced down at the man who was smiling at them. Once more, Hannah's mind registered how good looking the man was.

It won't work, miss. The Sheriff shook his head.

Maybe not, but I don't have time to go about it the right way. Courting takes six months or longer. In a week, the train will leave, if I'm not on it, all I'll have left is a wagon full of supplies. And you'll probably be angry with me then for being a vagrant.

The Sheriff shook his head. I sympathize with you, but it ain't the right way, lady.

The man on the boardwalk was still staring at her when she turned to find another place to put her notices.

She looked down at him. He was a handsome devil, but just sitting there with a guitar in his hands made him look a bit on the lazy side.

She gave him a quick glance and moved on. She didn't pay much attention to him, figuring him to be a loafer of some kind. Such a waste, she thought to herself. He was the best-looking man she'd seen all day. Oddly enough, he looked clean and shaven, but as though he hadn't had a care in the world. Well, she didn't need that kind of man.

She went to the next building.

About that time three men stumbled out of the saloon, from across the street. Seeing her standing there with hammer in hand they rushed over.

Well now lookie here what we got. What are you doin' darlin'? One of the men asked almost stumbling into her.

Hanging these notices. She said backing away from the man.

What notices. What does it say? One of the older ones asked with a laugh.

I'm looking for a husband to take me to Oregon. She told them simply.

You're looking for what?

A husband, to take me on that train out there that's headed for Oregon.

All three of the men laughed and one put his hands on her shoulders. Well honey, I'd be glad to take you across the street to the saloon so we could talk about it. He laughed.

He was tall, kind of oddly handsome but very drunk. She pulled away, I don't think so gentlemen. She hadn't realized that she snarled her nose at the whiskey breath, but she did.

You mean I wouldn't do? He asked with a mock frown as though his feelings were hurt.

Going to Oregon will take a strong man that knows how to handle stock and a wagon. A man that doesn't drink. A man that can shoot, handle oxen and help me get there in one piece.

You got something against a man taking a drink now and then.

She eyed the man perceptively before speaking. No, not if it's now and then, but you sir are drunk, and you wouldn't do.

Wouldn't do, huh?

You don't have that on the notice, do you? He asked getting much closer. She smelled the whiskey again and held her roiling stomach and moved away from him.

No, I don't, but look, I'm rather busy, will you excuse me?

Excuse you, for what?

Now Leroy, she's got to hang those silly notices up, leave her be? The older one told him with a laugh. She obviously doesn't know how to go about getting a man. Let her try. What fool would answer a notice?

Hey, she's kind of pretty, the youngest one said coming closer. I always liked that color of hair on a lady. And she's built nice too. They gathered about her.

She started pushing on them and they got rowdier.

Then suddenly the man that had been sitting on the boardwalk came up to them. Let's leave the lady to her business gentlemen. He said in a mellow voice.

Hannah Norton's head jerked about to see who was defending her.

We ain't stoppin' her. Just want to read the notice. The tall one said.

If you could read, that might be true. But I doubt any of you can read. The man said. Especially in the shape your in.

Hannah craned her neck to see the man's face now. He had light brown hair, and the bluest of eyes, nested against a very tan skin. He was strikingly handsome, and a bit gallant, too. He was taller than she thought too and built solid. His hat was sweat rimmed, and his pants looked like they'd seen a lot of work. His shirt was clean though and he was clean-shaven. She liked a clean-shaven man.

The Sheriff came by too and the three drunks walked off, tipping their hats to her.

Hannah stared after them, then looked at the cowboy.

Thank you, she smiled shyly.

You're welcome ma'am. He said and walked off.

Wait, she called to him.

He turned to look at her over his shoulder, Ma'am?

Do you live around here?

Yes ma'am. He answered simply.

Well, thank you…

For what?

For getting them to leave me alone.

Yes ma'am. He shot her a sexy grin.

What's your name? She asked curiously.

Zack.

Nice to meet you, Zack. She shot him a smile now.

My names Hannah Norton.

He tipped his hat and left.

A man of few words, she murmured to herself as he walked away.

Why had he come forward when those men crowded around her? Why had he bothered. She suddenly changed her attitude about him. He might be temporarily unemployed, but he was obviously a nice man.

She finished hanging her notices then sat down in a rocking chair in front of the Sheriff's office. She didn't figure anyone would bother her there as she waited for some reply to her notices.

She watched as families prepared for the long journey west. She wanted to be with them. She ached to be. She wished someone would answer her notice. But she sat there half a day, and no one came by. No one stopped to read the notice, they just walked past her without a glance.

Her hopes of going west looked daunting now.

Suddenly, Zack, came by. He stopped and sat on the boardwalk once more not too far from her. Not having any luck? He asked quietly as he built himself a cigarette and glanced up at her.

No, she sighed heavily.

I heard you say you're going to your brother's, in Oregon. He said softly.

I am trying to, yes. But it doesn't look as though I'll have much luck at that. She shook her head. I know the notice looks kind of stupid.

Maybe, a little. He grinned.

I just didn't know any other way to find someone to go with me. The wagon master insisted I had to have a husband along. Don't they know that single people need to travel too? There are no stages that goes that far, no trains. And a woman alone on a horse, well, that's not practical either. It's my last chance to go until next year. This is the last train that can make it to Independence Rock before the 4th of July.

Sounds like you've done a lot of thinking about this. He glanced up at her.