Mail Order Bride 22 Book Boxed set: 22 Brides Ride West :CLEAN Western Historical Romance Series Bundle

by Faye Sonja

  Harmony took her hand back. “Then, all of you can go. I’ll stay.”

  “Stay where?” Melody asked.

  Harmony shook her head as tears began to build in her eyes. “I don’t know.” She wiped a tear away and came away with a dark smudge on her hands. Eyeliner. She let out a frustrated breath. “I don’t want to leave him.”

  Carlos grabbed her shoulders and didn’t speak until her eyes met his. “Sometimes, Harmony, a man needs his space. Andrew gets like this sometimes. The best thing to do is let him have his space.”

  Harmony sighed. “But Thanksgiving is the day after tomorrow.”

  Carlos nodded. “Which means we have to get the families back home. With Andrew gone, you’re in charge, Harmony. You run the company. We need to leave and we won’t leave without you. The city is not a safe place for a woman of any kind to be left all alone.”

  Harmony nodded. “Alright.”

  Carlos nodded and then rounded the cars. He told everyone what was happening. “Let’s go,” he called. Melody climbed into the car and then looked at Harmony. Harmony slid in behind her. The sisters held hands. The entire ride, Harmony stayed worried, wondering where Andrew had gone, hoping he was all right, and pondering what this absence meant for their relationship.

  They got back to Santana just as the sky went black. Harmony rushed into the house and searched everywhere, only to find that Andrew had not come home yet. When night finally came, she curled up in his bed and fell asleep, hugging his pillow, breathing in the scent of him that lingered on the sheets, and hoping that he’d be there when she woke up in the morning.

  But the next morning came and went without Andrew. Part of Harmony had thought to stay in bed, but Melody had dragged her out, reminding her of the Thanksgiving dinner that Harmony was to host.

  “Stone women don’t cry over men.”

  Harmony narrowed her eyes as her sister stood in the doorway.

  Melody had her hands on her waist and a very determined look in her eyes. “We’ve got to shop before all the good stuff at the grocery store bought up.”

  Harmony sighed. “You’re right.” That got her up.

  The sisters dressed and headed to town. They picked up the ingredients for their assigned dishes for the potluck and then headed to Mr. and Mrs. Douglas’ shop. Andrew’s clothes were ready and Harmony held the suit in her hands and she began to cry.

  “Harmony,” Melody whispered. “It’s alright. He couldn’t have gone far.” She smiled. “We’ve got all his stuff at home.”

  Harmony sighed and looked at the suit. “I’m going to put this suit on him myself.”

  “That’s the spirit. You’re going to dress him for the dinner tomorrow.”

  “No, I’m going to dress him for his funeral.”

  The sisters stared at one another and then laughed. Harmony felt immediately better. “He’ll come home.”

  “Of course, he will.”

  Harmony nodded and they headed home.

  Alice helped the sisters bake the pies, cakes, and prepared the turkey to be cooked tomorrow. The rest of the meal would be brought by the other families. Andrew had been the one assigned to make the turkey, but Harmony would not let his absence disappoint their guests. Night fell by the time the women were done. Harmony went to bed in her own room that night. She wasn’t sure when Andrew was getting back, but she remembered Melody’s words as she fell asleep. ‘Stone women didn’t cry over men’.

  As she lay in bed, Harmony closed her eyes, determined to sleep on a dry pillow. Tomorrow was Thanksgiving, and she had much to be thankful for. Her mother was in good health. She had a sister who loved her, and a room full of friends who were soon becoming the large family that she’d never had, though always wanted. She’d promised to help Andrew through his issues, but first she had to care for herself.

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  10

  Chapter TEN

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  “ She’d be having her first Christmas without

  the fragile white flakes … She’d miss that. ”

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  Harmony remained still in the chair as her sister finished her makeup.

  “Done,” Melody said.

  Harmony turned to her mirror and stared at herself with wide eyes. “What have you done to me?”

  Melody smiled over her shoulder. “Do you like it?”

  Harmony blinked her eyes a few times and couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Her eyes had never been so blue. Harmony had gotten used to the makeup, but Melody had always kept it neutral, but neutral had nothing to do with the new look. Her eyes looked even higher on the ends as though they had wings. There was gray eyeshadow that looked almost black on her lids. Her lashes looked fuller and to top everything off, her lips were red. She looked ready for Broadway. “I don’t do red, Melody.”

  “You don’t have to do red every day, but today is a holiday. You should look spectacular.”

  Harmony sighed. “I don’t look like me.”

  “You do look like you. You are you, Harmony. You’re gorgeous.”

  Harmony smiled and turned to her sister. “Thank you for being my sister.”

  “Always.”

  The sisters held hands. Then, Harmony got up and went to put on her dress. It was a dark green that fit her tall form and flared to the floor. Harmony spun in the dress. “I don’t even have to wear shoes with this dress! No one would ever even know.”

  Melody crossed her hands over her lighter blue dress. “I know the feeling. You feel free, but let’s not get carried away.”

  Harmony smiled. “You’re right.”

  A knock came to the door. It was Sarah. “Your guests have arrived.”

  “Thank you, Sarah,” Harmony called back.

  The sisters walked out of the room and greeted all of the families as they came through the door. Within an hour, the food was placed on the table and everyone was ready to eat. Harmony asked Carlos to say the blessing, and once he was finished, they all enjoyed their meal together.

  Harmony smiled as people spoke to her, but the elephant in the room was evident in everyone’s eyes and words. No one brought up anything that had to do with Andrew in the slightest and everyone seemed to do all they could to make Harmony feel good. The waves of compliments on the food, pies, and her appearance grew to be too much for Harmony. She stood. “I’ll be right back.”

  She rushed out of the dining room's back door and started towards the fenced ring as she’d done the first week when she arrived in Santana. Harmony placed her hands on the fence and tried to breathe through the pain. She missed Andrew so much.

  “A pretty lady like you shouldn’t have to cry.”

  Harmony turned around with wide eyes. The man standing before her was not whom she’d expected to see. “What are you doing here?”

  Billy smiled. “Heard my son dipped out on you. He’s never been too good with women… obviously.” He started walking closer to the fence. “As for me, I’m great with women.”

  Harmony shook her head. “He left because of you.”

  Billy frowned. “A man can’t make another man leave the woman he loves.”

  Harmony looked away. Her chest went tight. “Leave Billy. This is private property. My property. I want you gone.”

  Billy stopped at Harmony’s feet. “Are you sure?” He reached up to touch her hair.

  Harmony pulled away and tried to take a step back, but ran into the fence. “Don’t you touch me.”

  “It’s alright, Harmony. Don’t you know? Everything that’s Andrew’s is mine.” He tried to touch her again.

  Harmony grabbed his hand. She narrowed her eyes. “Touch me again and I will break your arm.”

  Billy narrowed his eyes. “I’d like to see you try.” He moved in for a kiss.

  Harmony tried to pull him away, but he was much too strong for her. “Stop!”

  Billy wr
estled Harmony to the ground. “I’ve been fighting cattle for a living, girl. You really think you could fight me.”

  “Get off me.” Harmony tried to kick and punch, but found it hard to move in the dress.

  Billy pinned her down.

  Harmony screamed.

  Billy punched her in the face.

  Harmony choked on the pain. Her eyes went wide. She started to cry. “No.”

  “Shut up.”

  Harmony struggled to push him off. “No, please. Leave me alone.”

  “You’re mine, Harmony. You need to learn that.”

  Harmony closed her eyes as Billy’s burning breath touched her face. His body laid over hers, pressing into her dress. And then, he was gone. Harmony opened her eyes to find the father and son fighting in the dirt.

  Andrew was back. The fist of his good hand came up and collided with Billy’s face over and over again. “Stay out of my life,” he kept repeating. He straddled his father. Each word came with a new blow.

  Harmony scrambled to her feet. “Andrew.”

  Andrew didn’t hear her. He just kept hitting his father.

  Harmony ran for the house and went inside. She looked at the men at the table. “Andrew is going to kill Billy.”

  The men got up and ran outside with Harmony. It took them a moment to pull Andrew off his old man. They hadn’t wanted to hurt his broken arm, but they didn’t want Andrew to kill Billy, either. That would be even worse. The men held Billy to the ground.

  Carlos turned to Harmony. “Call the police.”

  Harmony ran into the house and grabbed the phone. The police said they were on their way. Harmony hung up, covered her face with her hands, and began to sob. She didn’t care who heard her. She’d just been through the scariest moment of her entire life. Billy had been only moments away from hurting her… raping her. If Andrew hadn’t come, Harmony didn’t know what would have happened. She couldn’t stop Billy, and he would have had to kill her because she wasn’t about to give into him.

  A pair of hands touched Harmony’s shoulder. “Harmony.”

  Harmony looked up to find Andrew kneeling in front of her.

  Andrew’s working hand moved her hair back. “I’m so sorry, Harmony. I’m so very sorry.”

  Harmony shook her head and then started to cry again.

  Andrew leaned forward and pulled her head into his chest. Harmony found herself falling out of her chair and into his lap. She cried and cried while Andrew moved his good hand through her hair. “I’m so sorry, Harmony. I should have been here to protect you.”

  Harmony looked into his eyes. “Where were you?”

  Andrew shook his head. “Out in the middle of nowhere.” He looked away. “I was feeling sorry for myself. I thought my father was going to ruin us and needed to fight my feelings for you before he could accomplish hurting me again.”

  Harmony sighed. “I don’t want your father.”

  Andrew shook his head again. “I know, Harmony. I know. I knew that when I left, and I knew that while I was walking through the desert.” He sighed. “But while I was out there, I realized that I loved you and knew you were worth fighting for.”

  Harmony smiled. “You love me?”

  Andrew nodded. “I love you, and I choose to keep loving you. Even if it costs me my arms, legs, house, or ranch. I’d choose you every time, because you’re everything to me.”

  Harmony hugged him, but stopped when she heard him groan. She’d forgotten about his broken arm. She backed away. “Sorry.”

  Andrew grinned. “It’s alright.”

  “I love you too and I’m so thankful for your love.”

  Andrew smiled. “Happy Thanksgiving, beautiful.”

  Harmony cradled Andrew’s face in her hands. She shook her head. She was sure she looked a wreck, and much worse than Andrew. His dark hair was everywhere. There was dirt smudged on his face, and his lip was split, but she never needed a more handsome man in her life. “Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.”

  They kissed and Harmony’s holiday began.

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  Epilogue

  Melody didn’t knock when she entered Harmony’s room a week later. She simply held up the note in her hand. Harmony turned to look at her sister with wide eyes. Melody spoke first. “When were you going to tell me?”

  Harmony sighed. “I don’t think I was.”

  Melody shook her head. “Austin is coming. Didn’t you think I should know?”

  “Of course I thought you should know, I just hadn’t found the right opportunity to mention it to you just yet.”

  Melody dropped her hand and closed her eyes. “The letter says he’ll be here by Christmas.”

  “What are you going to do?” Harmony asked.

  Melody sighed. “I don’t know.”

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  CURIOUS BRIDE MARRIED BY CHRISTMAS

  BRIDES FOR THREE SEASONS

  BOOK 2

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  b o o k 2

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  Orlando Bakley is a man who couldn’t love and will NEVER love.

  June is a woman who is all for love.

  But yet Orlando is the American Cupid and has made his fortune with his very successful mail-order-bride business…

  But . . . a strange job offer brings this matchmaker a challenge he NEVER saw coming. When a winter storm hits, things happen this Christmas season.

  Can June convince Orlando to take a chance?

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  1

  Chapter ONE

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  “ We’ll marry New Year’s morning.”

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  Detroit, Michigan

  December, 1935

  Orlando Bakely straightened the lapel of his heavy pea coat as he stepped out of his front door. He closed the door behind him, placed one foot down the stairs, and then paused. “What are you doing here?”

  Austin Bakely stood and smiled. His eyes were young mirrors of his older brother’s. They were a combination of bright blue and taupe. They had a natural tilt upwards on the outer ends that became even more prominent with his grin. His hair was short and blond, but long enough to flitter in the wind and snow, and his nose was red from the cold. “Hey, Orlando.” His voice held false cheer and a good level of nervousness. “Thought we could do lunch and I could update you on the New York office.” His smile quivered.

  Orlando narrowed his eyes. He passed his brother as he made it down the steps. Austin manned one of the East Coast points for his business. The office sent a local representative to verify the truth of the prospective suitors and women before communication between the two could begin. He reached into his pocket and began to slip on a pair of leather gloves. He sighed. “I have a meeting. What do you want?”

  Austin stood next to him. “A meeting with who?”

  “Judge Boone.”

  “About what?”

  “I have no idea.”

  Austin narrowed his eyes. “Are you in trouble?”

  “I hope not.” Orlando waved his hand again.

  Austin sighed. “Fine. I need your help.”

  “With what?” Orlando lifted his hand to wave a taxi down.

  “Finding Melody.”

  A taxi pulled up. Orlando opened the door. “I heard a rumor that you had found her.” He slipped into the backseat and closed the door behind him. “The Grove,” he instructed the driver.

  The car door on the other side opened and closed behind Austin. He was breathing heavily. “I lied. I thought that if I told enough people that I knew where she was, the next time I would see her mother she would eventually say where in conversation, but it’s not working. You have to help me.”

  The driver pulled off.

  Orlando sighed. “But I’ve already told you a million
times; I will not aid in your destruction of Melody.” Orlando did in fact, know exactly where Melody Stone had gone. She had been dragged across the country with her older sister, Harmony. Harmony was a mail-order-bride, though she’d used a different service than Orlando’s. Harmony and Melody Stone’s mother didn’t want Austin to know where Melody was and for good reason.

  “But I love her. I have to find her.”

  Orlando rolled his eyes and stared out the window at the passing scenery. He lived in one of the nicest neighborhoods in Detroit, yet when the stock market crashed, it had affected even the wealthiest. Strangely, Orlando’s mail-order-bride company, Heart Arrangements, had never done so well. The lack of money and the ability for families across the country to put food on the table were causing parents to abandon their daughters on the mercy of any man that would take them, but Orlando, for a fee, specialized in making sure each couple received the best match.

  The taxi took the highway as it headed downtown. The nice homes were left behind, and soon, the view was full of abandoned businesses. The closer you got downtown, the worse it appeared. Detroit, like most of the other major cities out east, had been hit the worst.

  Unemployed men mulled in the snow-covered grass and on the side of the roads, begging for money of anyone who dared come close. Orlando turned to Austin and brought his mind back to the topic at hand. “Austin, if you loved her, you wouldn’t have cancelled your wedding… twice.”

  Austin frowned, adding five more years onto his mere twenty-five years of age. “I know.” He looked down. “I should have married her.” He looked up. “I was stupid.”

  “You were. Melody is a beautiful woman.”

  Austin smiled. “I know.”

  Orlando sighed. “Then why the hesitation?”

  He swallowed. “I was scared.”

  Orlando shook his head. “Of what?”