High Stakes Bride
By Caroline Clemmons
First Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2012 Caroline Clemmons
ISBN 9781301824656
Cover Graphics
Lilburn Smith
Cards from Stock Exchange
iStock Photos:
Cover Photo of Man by Cokacoka, Branislav Ostojic
Back cover of Woman by Serpentina, Maritja Savic
Photo of boy from by Foto_41, Kanashevych Oksana
Photo of the dog by Photogal, Gina Luck
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
Author contact information: [email protected]
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events, or locales is purely coincidental.
Acknowledgments
Thanks to Kay Behrens for sharing her encounter with a panther the day after Thanksgiving several years ago, and for letting me use her experience in this work.
Thanks to Barbara (Belding) and Charles Gibson for opening their home to the public in celebration of the release of her book, PAINTED POLE. Although I fictionally altered the ranch house, the historic Belding-Gibson Ranch is the perfect setting for the Stone brothers and the fictional town of Radford Crossing.
Historical Notes
There were many stories of whites rescued from Comanche and Kiowa. This story refers to a real incident as related by the Texas State Historical Association Handbook Of Texas Online. Britton “Brit” Johnson was a black man who worked as a freighter. When his wife and surviving children were kidnapped by Indians, he went after them and, with the help of a Panateka Comanche, negotiated their return. Later, with the help of the same Panateka Comanche, he helped lead others rescue whites who had been stolen. With two or three (depending on the source) other freighters, he was killed by Kiowa renegades led by Maman-Ti while hauling freight between Weatherford and Graham, Texas in January of 1871.
In High Stakes Bride, the author has used Brit Johnson and the Panateka Comanche in a fictional way, but Brit was a true hero who saved many captives. For more of the true story on this little known hero and his accomplishments, check Celia Hayes’s site here: http://celiahayes.wordpress.com/2011/02/10/relatively-unknown-heroes/
Reviews For Caroline Clemmons’ Other Books
Brazos Bride, Men of Stone Mountain, Book One
A Night Owl Book Review, Top Pick, reviewed by Barb
I found this book to be very entertaining. I read it in one afternoon because I had to know who was trying to murder Hope, the heroine. Her interaction with Micah and their relationship was the heart of the story. I really got into the story and the characters. The mystery of just who of the many characters were the evil ones kept me reading and turning the pages (so to speak) on my Kindle. I was unable to stop reading this book until I finished it. That really says something for the author’s plot and cast of characters. I enjoy these types of books, but this one was exceptional. I will be patiently waiting for the stories of Micah’s brothers, Zach and Joel. I see the potential for some very good stories following these brothers’ lives. Good job making me want more.
Home, Sweet Texas Home
“From the start I absolutely loved this book, although the romance between Courtney and Derek remained on the sweet side when there was so much chemistry between them to be explored. The plot and dialogue were well developed with both Courtney and Derek being headstrong, yet knowing when enough was enough. What I liked so much about Courtney was her stubborn streak, and that she followed through with everything the will stipulated. And as for Derek, I adored how much help he gave Courtney, although at first he didn’t want to because she was taking what he thought should have been his.
In conclusion, Ms. Clemmons has penned a fabulous novel in this one with some great secondary characters such as Derek’s children and Courtney’s brother that helped bring more ambience to the story. And lastly, this is a story I’d definitely recommend because it illustrates that no amount of money in the world brings happiness and that love does. The Romance Studio, 5 Hearts ♥♥♥♥♥for Home, Sweet Texas Home
“Ms Caroline Clemmons has written a book that was so good it was hard to put down. She had my attention from the first page.” The Romance Studio, 5 Hearts♥♥♥♥♥ for The Texan’s Irish Bride.
“Just when you thought a happily ever after was just around the corner, another corner appears...I want more!” Night Owl Reviews, Top Pick for The Texan’s Irish Bride.
“OUT OF THE BLUE is a beautifully written story. The extraordinary characters, descriptive setting and fast paced action/suspense made this a delightful, enjoyable read. The in-depth POV from the hero and heroine gave me a great insight on their emotions. This is the type of book that pulls you in and you just don't want to end, but leaves you with satisfied smile after the last page is read. A perfect mixture of witty dialogue, sensual love scenes, and the happily-ever-after ending, Caroline Clemmons pens a timeless tale that I could re-read over and over again and never tire of it!” Siren Book Reviews, 5 Siren Stones for Out Of The Blue.
Filled with lively characters and interesting plot twists, The Most Unsuitable Wife, is a delightful tale of one woman's courage in the Old West. Drake will keep you laughing. He expects a normal marriage, with the subservient little wife. He doesn't bargain on Pearl! Pearl is one independent, bossy little lady who does not let a husband stand in her way. Judith Rippelmeyer, The Word On Romance
High Stakes Bride
Chapter One
Palo Pinto County, Texas, 1872
Excitement and terror warred in Mary Alice Price’s mind. If she boarded the stage before Frank and Rusty caught up with her, she would be safely on her way to Atlanta. She shivered at the thought of her fate if they captured her. Best to think of all the things she would see and do when she escaped Texas and started a new life.
Icy wind cut through her. She had lain sprawled on the stage-stop roof since before dawn. In spite of not a cloud marring the azure sky overhead, cold numbed her limbs.
You’re doing fine now. Don’t panic ‘cause you had a little trouble finding the way here. Least you didn’t run across any hostile Indians.
She moved slowly, careful to stay away from the roof section over where she judged the stationmaster and his wife spent their time. No point in advertising her presence until time for the stage, but she wished she were closer to the stovepipe sticking up from the roof’s other side. The warmth would be welcome but, from the smells drifting up, she was glad she wasn’t eating station food.
The building’s false front projected two feet above the roofline to offer a concealed spot that allowed her to scan the entire settlement. Other than the building on which she hid, Russell Springs consisted of a saloon, a mercantile with several rooms to let upstairs, a makeshift livery stable, and half a dozen or so ramshackle houses. Increasing the town, two new buildings were under construction.
Twelve years had passed since she’d been off Pa’s place and in a town. How she’d love to whip into the little store and look around, but she didn’t dare. She figured there’d be time enough for shopping when she’d traveled at least a state or two away from here.
> For the past few days she hadn’t been able to get warm enough. To make climbing up here easier, she’d left Pa’s heavy sheepskin coat with her horse. Her thin short jacket only reached her waist and did little to fight the wind. If the stage didn’t come soon, she’d likely freeze.
Below her, men’s voices sounded and she struggled to hear what they said. Curious, she wriggled closer to the façade and saw two men. From earlier when she’d scouted the stage stop, she recognized the voice of the man who ran the establishment. He called, “Stone,” to the most handsome man she’d ever seen. She didn’t know if that was a first or last name, but Stone fit because he appeared solid as rock.
Though the stationmaster looked tall, this Stone towered over him. Dark hair the color of molasses touched the top of his collar, and he wore tan britches peeking out from beneath a heavy coat. Lordy, he was a looker.
He put her in mind of a prince in one of the fairy tales she’d heard as a child. Fierce longing pummeled her. She wished she could meet him, wished she could talk to people like him instead of the riff-raff that hung around Pa’s place. Surely she’d find decent men with fine manners when she got to Atlanta, though she doubted she’d ever meet anyone as handsome as this Stone fellow.
A spring in his step at the fine winter day and the promise of one more part of his plan completed, Zach Stone greeted stationmaster Tom Gunter outside the Russell Springs stagecoach station.
Gunter stood on the porch sipping from a chipped gray enameled tin cup. “Haven’t seen you in a while. Heard you bought the Warren place. Don’t tell me a man like you is thinking ‘bout settling down?”
Zach had no intention of telling as big a gossip as Gunter that he’d resigned from the Rangers and expected his mail-order bride on this morning’s stage. True, Radford Crossing was a few miles closer to his ranch, but he liked the anonymity of coming to Russell Springs for a mission like this. No one at home had needed to see the mail to and from his bride-to-be.
He shrugged and offered the Gunter a near no-comment answer, “Reckon so.”
“I was out there once and sure took a shine to that big ol’ rock house. Nice view of the river. Reckon you can fort up there and not worry about Injuns nor nothin’ else.”
“Reckon so. Leastways I plan to live there from now on.” Zach smiled at the prospect, envisioning his wife and him getting acquainted while his bride-to-be learned the duties of a rancher’s wife. Duties like how to pamper her husband and make his life easier. Visualizing himself the future head of a large clan with a prosperous ranch to pass down to his sons and daughters, he reveled in the mental picture.
Gunter took a sip from his cup while he gazed at Zach. “Warren made it through the drought of ’63 and ’64, lasted out the War, survived Injuns raids, even got his boy back from the Kiowas. Cain’t see why he up and decided to go back to Kentucky. Things appear to be calming down around here.” Gunter scratched at the stubble on his chin. “Yep, you gotcha a mighty pretty place, Stone.”
“To my mind, it’s the sweetest ranch in Texas.” Zach almost shouted with joy and pride. He could hardly believe his good fortune in acquiring the house and land. Eager to build his own empire amid these painted hills, his bride arriving cinched the start of his family.
“There’s many a man would’ve jumped on the chance to take up that place.” A speculative gleam appeared in Gunter’s eyes. “Say, you were the man what got Warren’s boy back from them Injuns, weren’t you?”
Zach ran his hand through his hair, thankful he’d kept it attached to the rest of his body. “I had help. You remember Brit Johnson took me along to meet up with several Penateka Comanches who took us up above the Canadian River into Indian Territory. Found the Warren boy and the others living with the Kiowas. Couldn’t have done it alone.”
Gunter said, “And after getting’ all them people freed, ol’e Johnson got murdered mindin’ his own business. Don’t seem fair.”
“Life seldom is.” Zach knew he would never have made it without help. Instead he would have lost his own scalp. That ordeal more than any of his other adventures, even the horror of having his face shot, haunted him in nightmares. He’d sure be happy to settle down to a quiet life and be done with rangering and adventures.
“You boys had plenty of moxie, travelin’ with Comanches and then facing down Kiowas to get them captives back. I reckon as how them Kiowas is worse than Comanches.” Gunter asked, “You get all Warren’s land too?”
Zach nodded. “Yep.” He suppressed a smile, thinking of the two leagues and a bit more, including one pool on the river that didn’t dry up even during the last drought. “Any mail waiting for me?” He expected a package would have arrived.
“Danged if I didn’t almost forget. You got you a letter last stage run and they’s a few packets accumulated.”
Gunter ambled back inside the building and Zach followed him into the dim room that served as stage dining hall and post office. Odors of rancid grease and smoke dominated the room. Mrs. Gunter, flushed from the fire’s heat, stirred a large kettle on the hob over the flames. No doubt she was ready for the stagecoach passengers’ and driver’s meals she’d serve while her husband hitched fresh mules to the coach. Zach felt sorry for those forced to dine here.
“Here’s the latest on top of the others,” Gunter said and thrust several envelopes at Zach.
Zach frowned when he saw the familiar scrawl, but with a Fort Worth hotel address in the corner. Why would his intended bride write from Fort Worth when she was supposed to be here today? He ripped open the envelope and extracted a single page of frilly stationary.
Dear Mr. Stone,
I’ve met someone on my way West and we’re getting married here in Fort Worth this very day. He has a fine place not far from town, and I’ll be near stores and the theater and such. It will be lovely, and not so isolated as where you described. Hope you soon find someone else.
Sincerely,
Bessie Simmons
Danged if he hadn’t been jilted again. And this time by someone he hadn’t even met. He’d wanted a happy home complete with faithful wife and a large family. Children to pass his ranch on to, the first of a long family line filled with tradition. His dream shattered, and with it an icy crust formed around his heart.
He read the letter again. Clearly, while using money Zach had sent her for her fare and traveling expenses, she’d taken up with someone on her way to meet him. Nothing in there about being sorry for the inconvenience, nor feeling sorry for the deception. No word of returning the fare he’d paid for her, either.
Damned if he hadn’t paid good money to find some other man a bride. “If that don’t beat all,” he mumbled.
Anger jolted through him at the injustice. Hell would freeze over before he’d give another woman a chance to make a fool of him. All along, he should have known this mail-order bride idea wouldn’t work. Apparently, fate didn’t mean for him to be wed.
Maybe that’s why he first fought shy of telling his aunts the real reason he needed them at the ranch. He’d invited Lizzie and Maggie to come from Weatherford on the pretense of helping him fix up his new home. Eventually, he’d confided he’d be bringing his intended to the house after he met her on the stage and let her rest up a bit at what passed for a hotel here in Russell Springs.
He’d wanted his aunts to act as chaperones until the wedding while he and his bride-to-be got acquainted. Except for his two doting aunts, his sister-in-law Hope, and whoever his brother Joel chose to wed, he right here and now renounced any dealings with women. Forever. Yep, that was final, written in stone as hard as his name and his heart.
Damnation. For a moment he’d forgotten his brothers. Both of them knew he’d sent for a mail-order bride. Joel and Micah had already told him what they thought of his plan to find a wife and ribbed him plenty. This letter proved them right. Not only had he lost his bride, he’d likely hear about it for a long time.
He touched the jagged scar running from his temple to the corner o
f his mouth. Zach wasn’t foolish enough to think any woman could ever come to love him, not when his marred face frightened even him whenever he looked in the mirror. He’d hoped for nothing more than a pleasant woman to bear his children and be his companion through life.
What a foolhardy dream. He shook his head in disgust then realized both the Gunters watched him with open curiosity.
Gunter caught his glare and said, “Ahem, ah, there’s a package came last week. We been a holding it for you.” He walked to the corner and rooted around in the maze of boxes and crates stored there then handed over a large bundle.
Hell, wouldn’t you just know it? The bride he corresponded with for months didn’t show up, but the fancy double bedroll he’d ordered specially made for their honeymoon had arrived right on time. She’d said she loved camping out under the stars, but her letter sounded like she loved town and city living. She’d lied to him.
He shoved the letter into his pocket and crossed his arms. “Changed my mind. Don’t want the blasted thing.”
Gunter looked affronted. “B—But it’s got your name on it. Cain’t nobody else claim it.” He extended the package.
No use taking out his anger on the Gunters. Only cause talk. “Guess I’m stuck with it then.” He tucked it under his arm and moved toward the door.
“Don’t you want to eat while you’re here?” Mrs. Gunter asked. “There’s pie for dessert.”
High Stakes Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Book 2 Page 1