Mail Order Bride: Ultimate Mail Order Bride Collection: 6-Book Bundle ~ Clean Historical Romance (Shades of Romance Series)

by Jill Maguire

  As he approached the riverbank, Cody heard a noise behind him. Unsure of what it was, and worried it may be the men who were after him, he dove into a thicket and curled himself around his knees to stay hidden. Sharp thorns stabbed every inch of his body, but he stayed completely still, sending up a quick prayer that he would not meet his demise today.

  Lifting his head slightly, Cody was relieved to see that the footsteps he heard belonged only to a woman, a beautiful woman dressed in yellow. He inspected her as she strolled by on the same gravel path that had led him to the river. He wasn’t sure from his shielded vantage point, but it looked to be Miranda Shaw, the postmaster’s daughter and one of the most attractive women in all of Little Cherry Springs. Cody held his breath as she walked by and hoped that his worsening cough would remain at bay and not give him away.

  Miranda sat down on a large fallen tree and placed her wooden cane beside her. He had always wondered why she limped, although her overwhelming beauty made it almost unnoticeable.

  As she sat, her long brown hair caught in the breeze and blew gently over her shoulder. When she turned her face to the wind, Cody caught sight of her delicately thin nose and spattering of freckles. She was a naturally beautiful woman, and unlike many around the saloon, didn’t rely on false cosmetics or fancy hairstyles to try and improve her looks. She was also the type of woman that would have nothing to do with a man like Cody Hyde – especially once word spread that he was a wanted man.

  Cody suddenly felt his chest begin to burn. This was it. His cough was going to give him away and the beautiful Miranda Shaw would realize he was hiding in the bushes watching her. To disguise the sound of his growly hack, Cody grabbed a hold of some branches and rustled them gently. He tipped his chin to his chest and pulled his dirty, sweat-soaked shirt over his mouth. Anything to muffle the sound.

  “Who’s there?” Cody heard her yell as she spun around and plucked her cane from the tree beside her. She stared right into the middle of the bushes as he swished the branches back and forth. It didn’t appear that she could see him but to be sure, he stayed perfectly still while she shook her cane in his direction. Even when she was angry and frightened, her face was as perfect as any Cody had ever seen.

  Afraid Miranda may investigate the restless patch of bushes if he continued, Cody released the branches and the leaves around him stopped fluttering. He remained perfectly still until she turned her gaze in the other direction. Relieved, he exhaled and rubbed his chest, the burning finally beginning to subside.

  Miranda took one last look over her shoulder before picking up a tiny stone from the water’s edge and tossing it into the water. Even from where he sat, crouched in the thickness of the forest, he could see the sudden sadness in her face. He read her lips as she whispered, “I love you,” and wondered for whom her sorrow filled words were intended.

  Cody followed Miranda with his eyes as she limped away from the river, back down the same gravel path that had brought her. He barely knew Miranda Shaw – but in that moment, he felt an overwhelming urge to help her, protect her, and see her smile – just once before he went to jail, or worse.

  Once Cody was sure Miranda was out of earshot, he climbed from the thicket and surveyed the damage to his body. The blood was already crusty around the gashes on his arms, his lower lip was swollen and sore, and his left cheek was tender to the touch. He chuckled to himself, “not as bad as I thought.”

  He plucked away a row of thorns that had lodged themselves in the seam of his shirt and stood in the center of the narrow path. He looked from the path to the river and back again. In his gut, he knew he should continue along the riverbank and get as far away from Little Cherry Springs as possible. But something, a force he could not explain, was holding him back. Something was telling him to follow Miranda Shaw.

  “What the heck is wrong with me? Going back to Little Cherry Springs will only get me thrown in jail or hanged. Not sure any woman is worth risking that – especially one that doesn’t know me from a hole in the wall. Just keep moving…..”

  But not even his own stubborn resolve could convince his heart, and before he could argue with himself any further, Cody Hyde was shuffling along the pathway back toward town.

  Chapter Three

  Miranda unlatched the door to the post office and breathed in the scent of ink. Normally, when she walked through the doors and the familiar chemical fragrance wafted through the air, she felt proud and important to be one of the few women in Little Cherry Springs to hold such a notable position – even if it was only due to her adoption into the postmaster’s family. But today, the same as the day before, she only felt anger, betrayal and most of all, reluctance. She was still strongly opposed to the idea of marrying Morris McGinn.

  She sorted through the mail, still bunched in a burlap bag, and placed each envelope in the corresponding slot above the counter. It wouldn’t be long before the bell above the door would chime, notifying her that someone had come to collect their letters.

  And come they did. First Mrs. Applewood and Mrs. Cripps, and then Mr. Kane came looking for a package from his eldest son. But it was the visit from Eva Benson that was the most interesting of all.

  “Hello Miranda,” the woman said curtly.

  “Hi Eva,” Miranda answered sharply, and with far less enthusiasm than she greeted her other customers. “What can I do for you?”

  Eva pulled at the fingertips of her glove, removing the white satin slowly to expose each of her perfectly manicured nails. Her slender wrists were roped in diamond bracelets and the gem around her neck was as big as an Indian head penny. One of the perks of being a wealthy rancher’s daughter.

  “I’m expecting a parcel. Is it here yet?” The sound of Eva’s voice was like someone dragging their nails down the school room chalkboard – high pitched and whiny.

  “Let me take a look for you,” Miranda replied, turning her back to search the small pile of boxes wrapped in brown paper. Eva began rambling on and on about the happenings of her day, but Miranda was only partially listening – until Eva mentioned the town-wide hunt for a wanted man.

  “The Marshall and his men warned my father about a fugitive on the run. Apparently, the Miller brothers put one bullet into him as he tried to get away.”

  “What did he do?” Miranda didn’t actually care, but she found a great deal of amusement in revving up Eva’s penchant for ridiculous gossip. She leaned on the counter, elbows folded under her chin, pretending to be interested in Eva’s account.

  “Weren’t you listening? I said he started a bar brawl with the Miller brothers and then shot Harvey Duncan in cold blood. Disgusting lowlife,” she scoffed, lifting her pretentious nose high into the air.

  “Disgusting is right,” Miranda played along. “I hope they find him and cut off both of his hands. That’ll teach him not to fight.” Miranda could sense her harsh words had disturbed the pompous Ms. Benson – which was exactly what she intended. Eva stared wide-eyed at Miranda’s suggestion, her brow furrowed, mouth slightly agape. It was all Miranda could do to quickly turn her back and conceal the mischievous grin creeping across her cheeks.

  “Precisely the reason I’m leaving this one-horse town,” Eva started, waiting for Miranda to ask where she was going.

  Miranda took the bait, not because she really cared that Eva was leaving Little Cherry Springs, in fact, she was happy to hear it. It was just that whenever someone spoke about leaving, of going somewhere new, it always seemed to stir Miranda’s restless spirit. “Where are you headed?” This time Miranda really was interested in Eva’s answer.

  “I’m entering a Bride Pageant in Sunrise, Montana.”

  Miranda almost bit right through the end of her tongue at the mention of Sunrise, Montana. “Is that so?” she asked, not wanting to seem overly impressed.

  “Oh yes. And my father is one hundred percent sure that I will be the one chosen.”

  “Chosen?”

  “As the winner. I will win the Bride Pageant and we
d the doctor.” Eva rolled her eyes and tossed her long blond braid off her shoulder. “Have you not heard of the pageant? It’s what everyone is talking about these days.”

  Miranda had always known Eva Benson was not the smartest person in town, but this? This made her sound like she was a few peas short of a casserole!

  “You mean to tell me there is a pageant being held for a man to win his bride?”

  “More like a competition,” Eva explained. “Women must compete to earn his hand.”

  What nonsense, Miranda thought. Women competing to become a bride. “What do you have to do in this competition? Cook for him? Mend his socks?” Miranda could barely contain her laughter.

  “Actually, yes. You have to prove that you are worthy of being his wife. The rules state that each woman who enters must be intelligent, strong, and resourceful and must be able to prove her worth in some way.” Eva giggled a little to herself. “It doesn’t say women have to be beautiful, and that’s why I’ll win. I can offer everything he is looking for plus beauty.”

  Miranda clamped her teeth down on her tongue again, this time on purpose. It was the only way to stop her from asking Eva if she was serious. Eva couldn’t possibly believe that she possessed the qualities this man was looking for? Beautiful, yes, Miranda couldn’t argue with that. But intelligent? Strong? Resourceful? Not even remotely. So she simply asked, “When do you leave?”

  “The pageant is in a few days. And that’s why I need this parcel. My auntie is shipping me the most exquisite dress. Purple satin with lace trim.” Eva placed her hands on her waist and cinched them tightly, lifting her ample bosom as she inhaled. “The doctor won’t be able to resist once he sees me in it.”

  “Well, maybe your parcel will be here tomorrow Eva. If it comes, I’ll certainly send word.” Miranda was more than ready for Eva to leave. She faked a smile and turned her back, continuing to sort through the stack of letters. Once Eva had left the building, Miranda let out a heavy grunt. “Completely absurd,” she muttered. “Bride Pageant. Whoever heard of such a thing?”

  ****

  Miranda locked the post office door behind her and stepped out into the cool evening air. A warm bath and a few pages of her book was just what she needed tonight, and maybe one of her Ma’s delicious tarts. She waltzed down the post office steps and headed for home.

  Maybe it was the thought of her evening plans that distracted her, or the recollection of her conversation with Eva Benson earlier in the afternoon, but when Morris McGinn sauntered up alongside her, it took Miranda completely by surprise. “Morris! You just about scared the life out of me.”

  “Sorry about that doll, but when I saw you walking alone this late in the evening I figured you may need me to see that you get home safely. After all, what kind of fiancé would I be if I didn’t protect what’s rightfully mine?”

  Miranda stopped dead in her tracks. “What did you just say?”

  Morris took a few more steps before turning to face Miranda in the middle of the street. “I said I want to walk you home, to see that you get home safely. Did I say something wrong?”

  “Everything you just said is wrong,” Miranda snarled. “Firstly, I am quite capable of walking home alone. Secondly, you are not my fiancé and never will be, and thirdly, women are not property to be owned by men, so I will never be rightfully yours – or anyone else’s for that matter. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

  Miranda tried to walk around Morris and continue, but he stepped in her way and blocked her path. She veered to the left, trying again to make her way past the stout man in the brown weathered jacket, but he again, prevented her from leaving.

  Morris snatched Miranda by the wrist and yanked her to him. “Your father has already promised you to me. So we will be husband and wife very soon whether you like it or not. And I suggest you start to like it or it will be a long and unhappy life for you.”

  “Are you threatening me, Morris McGinn?”

  “Not a threat darlin’, a promise.”

  Miranda tried to release his grasp but the more she pulled, the harder he squeezed. “Let go of me right now,” she ordered. “Or I’ll lift my knee and you’ll be singing a few octaves higher at church on Sunday.”

  Morris chuckled and held her even tighter. “You’re a feisty woman Mrs. McGinn.” With his free hand, he stroked his sausage-like fingers over his chin and grinned at her. “I do like the sound of that.”

  Miranda wanted so badly to slug Morris right in the jaw, but she knew if she did, he may harm her even more. Instead, she tried to play nice. “Please let go Morris. You’re hurting me.”

  But Morris refused to release his grip and Miranda could feel her skin beginning to bruise under the pressure. She should have been frightened but she was actually quite thankful, grateful that Morris was leaving his mark on her. When she showed her father the bruise, he would surely put a quick end to the idea of her marrying such an abusive man.

  “Come now,” Morris breathed in her ear. “Let me walk you home.”

  Chapter Four

  Wandering right back into the center of Little Cherry Springs was probably the dumbest thing Cody Hyde had ever done. But something in his gut was telling him he needed to be here -- even if it meant risking his freedom.

  Finding places to hide wasn’t easy during the light of day. Crouching behind the mill was fine until one of the workers got nosey. The wild plum bush behind Mrs. Murtle’s place provided plenty of shade and coverage until her dog sniffed him out. And the abandoned schoolhouse out on Frog Creek Road seemed like the perfect place to lay low until a gaggle of youngins came to enjoy the swimming hole, forcing him to move on.

  Now, as the sun began to sink lower into the fiery orange sky, Cody breathed a little easier. Soon the town would be shrouded in darkness and he could try and scavenge for food and water. Maybe there would be some scraps in the trash behind the saloon. Cody lowered his head in shame. “Raiding the garbage for food,” he mumbled, disgusted by what he had become.

  As he scampered through the shadows of Little Cherry Springs, Cody eventually came to the post office. His heart pounded gently as he crept up to the small window at the back of the whitewashed building, not much bigger than a cottage. He held his breath and pulled his chin up to the ledge, just high enough for his eyes to peek inside. All he could see was a stack of parcels, an empty burlap sack and a glass half full of water. No sign of Miranda Shaw.

  Cody lowered himself away from the window and thought about what to do next. As he saw it, he could sit tight and wait for nightfall or keep moving and hope he wouldn’t be caught. As he pondered, he heard voices in the distance. A woman and a man, and it sounded like they were arguing. Staying as close to the building as possible, Cody inched his way to the corner to snoop on the couple.

  The sight of Morris McGinn’s hand tightened around Miranda’s wrist as she struggled to get loose was all it took for Cody to risk his cover. He bolted from his hiding spot behind the post office, taking Morris McGinn by surprise. Like a python, he swiftly wrapped his arm around Morris’ neck and yanked him forcefully backwards.

  “Didn’t anyone ever teach you not to hurt women?” Cody could hear the anger in his own voice and felt the surge of adrenaline rush through his veins. “If you’d like to fight, I’d be more than happy to dance with you.”

  “Let go of me you thug,” Morris growled, trying to twist and tug his body free. “My fiancée and I were simply having a conversation.”

  Cody was shocked to hear that the two were engaged and for a split second thought maybe he had over reacted to the situation. Maybe in his haste to rescue the lovely Miss Shaw, he had misinterpreted what he had seen. He focused on Miranda’s eyes, searching for acknowledgement that she in fact needed his help. But her gaze was stiff and indignant.

  Miranda marched toward both men and whacked them each in the shins with her cane. “Stop it right now! The two of you are both acting like school yard bullies.” She looked first to Morris. “For the last t
ime, I am not your fiancée and no amount of force from your hand is ever going to change that.” Then her steely gaze turned to Cody. “And I don’t know who you think you are, but I do not need to be rescued like some pathetic damsel in distress. I can handle myself just fine.” And with that, Miranda bid both men goodnight and disappeared into the darkness to walk home – alone.

  Morris huffed and straightened his jacket, noticing a hole from a now missing button. “You’re going to be sorry,” he threatened, turning to face his assailant. When he realized he was standing before the very man who was wanted for murder, Morris’ behaviour turned nervous and agitated. “I know who you are,” he told Cody, waving his finger at him. “And I plan to go to the Marshall. By tomorrow morning, you’ll be a dead man.”

  “Do what you have to do,” Cody squinted, undaunted by Morris’ threats. “But if I’m not dead by morning, I’ll promise you one thing. If I see you anywhere near Miranda Shaw again, it’ll be you that’s pushing up daisies.”

  Morris McGinn snatched his hat from the ground and shook away the dirt. He plopped it crookedly on his head and stomped away from Cody Hyde, mumbling the entire way.

  ****

  Cody stared at the dark road in front of him, another choice begging to be made. He could crawl away into the night and scour for food behind the saloon, or follow the alluring Miss Shaw and apologize for coming to her aid. Again, his heart conquered his head, and he sprinted down the road after her.

  It wasn’t long before Miranda’s figure emerged from the darkness, limping slightly but still maintaining a swift pace. Not wanting to frighten her, Cody softly called her name. But she kept walking without missing a stride. He hollered to her again, “I’d like to apologize, if you’ll let me.”

  Miranda’s feet shuffled to a halt but she didn’t turn around. The dirt at her feet billowed into a soft cloud, meeting the evening fog that surrounded her. He wasn’t sure, but as he slowly approached, he thought he saw her shiver.