Mail Order Miranda (Widows, Brides, and Secret Babies Book 20)

by Jenna Brandt

  Ed’s grip on his hat tightened, as he shifted his weight to his good leg. Though he was tempted to take a swing at the other man for such a disrespectful comment, the last time Ed had gotten into a brawl landed him with the knife wound that gave him his permanent limp—a decidedly embarrassing deficit he didn’t wish to make worse.

  “Your ignorance on the matter is quite clear, Bill. Though it’s not surprising since you haven’t been around to learn what it takes to run your family’s ranch.” The other man’s eyes grew round with shock, and then quickly restricted to slits of anger. Before he could react further, Ed added, “But why would you understand the life of rancher’s son when you would rather spend your time chasing women across the country while pretending to go to school? That leaves little room for what truly matters.”

  Not waiting for a rebuttal, Ed turned on his heel and headed out of the saloon.

  Several minutes later, he entered his family’s sprawling ranch house and made his way through the foyer, past the parlor, and made his way to the library. He planned to read a book while drinking a generous portion of his father’s top-notch whiskey to unwind before bed.

  He was on his third drink when he heard his father’s familiar voice boom from the doorway, “I thought I might find you in here, Ed. I wanted to make sure you were rested for tomorrow.”

  Ed peeked up from the edge of his book, then returned his attention to the fascinating tale about thieves in London during the turn of the century. “You’ve been vague about the urgent matter you need me to deal with. Would you care to share your plans with me?”

  “Perhaps, it’s time I explain to you that our family’s in a bind,” his father stated with a concerned tone.

  Ed placed the book down and sat up straight in his chair, giving his full attention to his father. It wasn’t often that he heard the elderly man sound worried. “What’s the matter, Father?”

  “It appears the family financial resources have been depleted.”

  “And how has that happened? You’re one of the richest men in the county, with thousands of acres for heaven’s sake. Between mother’s inheritance and the income from the ranch, we should have plenty.”

  “One would think so,” his father stated, looking away from his son as red tinged his cheeks. “Though most ranchers don’t have to provide for a woman with as expensive tastes as your mother.”

  There was the truth: Ed’s mother was the culprit behind their lack of money. Of course, the frivolous woman was to blame. Her father did none of them a service by spoiling her, causing her to think it was normal to spend exorbitant amounts on anything she fancied. She’d even passed the trait on to Ed, and he’d never thought twice about it until now.

  “I’m sorry to hear we’re in such dire financial circumstances, but I’m not sure how I can fix the problem,” Ed confessed. “Other than learning how to manage the ranch, I haven’t the faintest idea how to generate additional income.”

  “Leave that to me, my son,” his father said as he patted Ed on the back. “I have just the way you can help the family. That’s why we’re having the meeting tomorrow morning.”

  Ed crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes, not liking the mischievous twinkle he saw in his father’s eyes.

  “What exactly does this meeting concern?” Ed probed.

  “We’re going to find you a wife—a rich wife that’s going to solve all our problems,” his father declared with a giant grin.

  “What are you talking about? I have no desire to get married at the age of merely twenty-two,” Ed stated in frustration. “I want to enjoy my life a little longer before I end up tied down by a nagging wife.”

  “It’s your job to provide an heir to carry on the family name. You’re my only son—it’s your job to make sure our legacy lives on and nothing happens to our ranch. You were always going to get married. You’re just going to do it a little sooner than you had hoped,” his father pointed out. “Besides, not all women are nags. You could end up with an heiress that’s actually pleasant.”

  “I highly doubt that,” Ed countered, knowing they were both thinking of his mother.

  His father had been put in the same position; required to marry a wealthy wife in order to maintain the family ranch. His grandfather has over leveraged the land, and forced his father to marry his mother. His father had complained to Ed about it on more than one occasion. His mother fit the requirements, but it was not a love match. It seemed Ed would meet the same fate.

  “I’m aware of my responsibilities, but I’m not even sure how I would go about finding the type of woman we would need. How does a man accomplish such a task? I couldn’t just put out a mail order bride advert. Heiresses don’t reply to such things. I also have no desire to spend all my time at social events.”

  The idea of going to an endless parade of dinners and dances was not something Ed found appealing. He was beginning to think, however, the meeting tomorrow was to get him ready for such an endeavor.

  “Like I told you, I have it all figured out. Tomorrow morning you will be meeting with Claire Roberts, the premier matchmaker in all of Arizona.”

  “A matchmaker?” Ed shouted in astonishment. “Do you really think I’m so desperate that I’d need to lower myself to go to one of those?”

  “Don’t be put off by the idea, or dismiss it without thinking it through, my son. Time is crucial. We need to secure you a wife before word gets out about our financial status. Though the bank has assured me they will keep it quiet, it won’t be long before the information comes to light.”

  Suddenly, the comments by Bill came to mind, and Ed realized his father was right. There were already whispers about their situation. If Ed was going to save his family, he would need to accept what his father was telling him to do.

  “As you wish, Father. I’ll meet with this matchmaker, and hope that her reputation is well-earned.”

  A Note from the Author

  I hope you have enjoyed Mail Order Miranda and plan to continue to read my other historical series such as the Border Brides that includes, Discreetly Matched, as well as my other historical romances including Mail Order Misfit. Your opinion and support matters, so I would greatly appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. Without dedicated readers, a storyteller is lost. Thank you for investing in my stories. If you would like more info, please join my newsletter and get a free novella and short story just for signing up for my Newsletter.

  Also by Jenna Brandt

  Most Books are Free in Kindle Unlimited too!

  Widows, Brides, and Secret Babies-mail order bride stories with a twist. What happens when a bride arrives pregnant or with a secret child? Find out in this all new series.

  Mail Order Miranda

  Mail Order Mistakes Series-mail order bride books about women venturing out West to make new lives for themselves. What happens when they decide to take a chance on love along the way?

  Mail Order Misfit

  Mail Order Misstep (coming soon)

  Mail Order Miscast (coming soon)

  The Civil War Brides Trilogy-during the bloodiest conflict on American soil, two families struggle in the South to not only survive but to thrive.

  Saved by Faith

  Freed by Hope

  Healed by Grace

  Border Brides Series-centered around the Old West border towns and the brides who end up there looking for a new start.

  Discreetly Matched

  June’s Remedy

  Becca’s Lost Love

  Falling for the Mayor (coming soon)

  Pinkerton Matchmaker Series-as female agents were few and far between, Mr. Gordon came up with the idea of expanding the detective agency by pairing qualified women with a male agent for training, guidance and undercover work. These women came from all demographics – some were looking for a new life, some seeking challenge, some wanting to pave the way for future generations of women. The only caveat – the women wouldn’t be a member of the Agency until their first assignment
had been completed.

  An Agent for Nadine

  An Agent for Gwendolyn

  Silverpines Series-centered around the fictional town of Silverpines, Oregon, during the turn of the 20th century. When a disaster takes most of the men, the women are left to save the town by placing mail-order groom advertisements. Get to know the various lovable characters and their stories from some of todays bestselling historical authors.

  Wanted: Tycoon

  The Tycoon’s Sister

  Bride Herder Series-take one failed rancher turned matchmaker and ten unexpected brides at once with no clue as to who wanted them. What could go wrong?

  Herd to Please

  The Window to the Heart Saga is a recountal of the epic journey of Lady Margaret, a young English noblewoman, who through many trials, obstacles, and tragedies, discovers her own inner strength, the sustaining force of faith in God, and the power of family and friends. In this three-part series, experience new places and cultures as the heroine travels from England to France and completes her adventures in America. The series has compelling themes of love, loss, faith and hope with an exceptionally gratifying conclusion.

  Trilogy

  The English Proposal (Book 1)

  The French Encounter (Book 2)

  The American Conquest (Book 3)

  Spin-offs

  The Oregon Pursuit (Book 1)

  The White Wedding (Book 2)

  The Christmas Bride (Book 3)

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  The Viscount’s Wife (Book 4)

  The Window to the Heart Saga

  Trilogy Box Set

  The Window to the Heart Saga

  Spin-off Books Box Set

  The Window to the Heart Saga

  Complete Collection Box Set

  The Lawkeepers is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations. Join bestselling author Jenna Brandt and many others as they weave captivating, sweet and inspirational stories of romance and suspense between the lawkeepers — and the women who love them. The Lawkeepers is a world like no other; a world where lawkeepers and heroes are honored with unforgettable stories, characters, and love. Jenna’s Lawkeeper books:

  Historical

  Lawfully Loved-Texas Sheriff

  Lawfully Wanted-Bounty Hunter

  Lawfully Forgiven-Texas Ranger

  Lawfully Avenged-US Marshal

  Lawfully Covert-Spies

  Lawfully Historical Box Set

  Contemporary

  Lawfully Adored-K-9

  Lawfully Wedded-K-9

  Lawfully Treasured-SWAT

  Lawfully Dashing-Female Cop/Christmas

  Lawfully Devoted-Billionaire Bodyguard/K-9

  Lawfully Heroic-Military Police

  Lawfully Contemporary Box Set

  Billionaire Birthday Club is an exclusive resort—for the billionaire who appears to have everything but secretly wants more. After filling out a confidential survey, a curated celebration is waiting on the island to make their birthday wishes come true!

  The Billionaire’s Birthday Wish

  Billionaires of Manhattan Series

  The billionaires that live in Manhattan and the women who love them. If you love epic dates, grand romantic gestures, and men in suits with hearts of gold, then these are books are perfect for you.

  Waiting on the Billionaire

  Nanny for the Billionaire

  Merging with the Billionaire

  (Entire series available on audiobook)

  Second Chance Islands-What’s better than billionaires on islands? How about billionaires finding second chances at life, love, and redemption while on one.

  The Billionaire’s Repeat

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  The Billionaire’s Reunion

  The Billionaire’s Hideaway

  The Billionaire’s Duty

  Disaster City Search and Rescue

  Step into the world of Disaster City Search and Rescue, where officers, firefighters, military, and medics, train and work alongside each other with the dogs they love, to do the most dangerous job of all — help lost and injured victims find their way home.

  The Girlfriend Rescue

  The Wedding Rescue

  The Billionaire Rescue

  The Movie Star Rescue

  The Best Friend Rescue

  Holliday Islands Resort-After growing his Alaskan resort empire into the “honeymooner’s paradise of the world,” Gordon Holliday is ready to retire. But there’s no way he can cruise the globe in his luxury yacht until his sons are groomed and polished into proper executives to take his place. There’s just one catch: He’s convinced their biggest current job requirement is marriage!

  Comet’s Blazing Love

  For more information about Jenna Brandt, signup for her Newsletter or visit her on any of her social media platforms:

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  Acknowledgments

  My writing journey would not be possible without those who supported me. Since I can remember, writing is the only thing I love to do, and my deepest desire is to share my talent with others.

  First and foremost, I am eternally grateful to Jesus, my lord and savior, who created me with this “writing bug” DNA.

  In addition, many thanks go to:

  My husband, Dustin, and three daughters, Katie, Julie, and Nikki, for loving me and supporting me during all my late-night writing marathons and coffee-infused mornings.

  My mother, Connie, for being my first and most honest critic, now and always. As a little girl, sleeping under your desk during late-night deadlines for the local paper showed me what being a dedicated writer looked like.

  My angels in heaven: my grandmother, who passed away in 2001; my infant son, Dylan, who was taken by SIDS six years ago; and my father, who left us four years ago.

  To Ginny Sterling and Jo Grafford, my best writing buddies, my comrades-in-arms, my sounding boards, my voices of reason, my partners in all things author. I love you ladies so much.

  To my ARC Angels and Beta Bells for taking the time to read my story and give valuable feedback.

  And lastly, but so important, to my dedicated readers, who have shared their love of my books with others, helping to spread the words about my stories. Your devotion means a great deal.

  About the Author

  Jenna Brandt is an international bestselling and award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance. Her historical books span from Victorian to Western eras and all of her books have elements of romance, suspense and faith. She has her own best-selling historical series, Window to the Heart Saga and Civil War Brides, as well as contemporary series, Billionaires of Manhattan and Second Chance Islands. Additionally, she’s created two best-selling multi-author series, The Lawkeepers and Disaster City Search and Rescue based off the life of her husband in law enforcement as well as Billionaire Birthday Club. Both of her books, Waiting on the Billionaire and Lawfully Treasured, were voted into the Top 50 Indie Books of 2018 on Readfreely.com.

  She’s been an avid reader since she could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. She’s been published in several newspapers as well as edited for multiple papers, and graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bethany College where she was the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper. Her first blog was published
on The Mighty website, Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News, CNN Health, and Good Morning America websites. She’s also a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) association.

  Writing is her passion, but she also enjoys date nights with her hubby, cooking from scratch, watching movies on Netflix, reading books by her author friends, and engaging in social media with her readers. Her three young daughters keep her busy with Girl Scout activities, going to the mall, and playing at the park where they live in the Central Valley of California. She summers on the Golden Central Coast where she finds endless inspiration for her romance books. She’s also active in her local church where she volunteers on their first impressions team.