Dillon was speechless for a moment, totally incapable of understanding the situation—the offer, or its ramifications. He decided to dismiss the offer with a wave. “I don’t know anything about running a cattle ranch. Animal husbandry wasn’t offered at Yale.”
Winston didn’t crack a smile. “Just what were you planning on doing with that fancy education?” He glanced around the cell again. “Seems a bit pointless now.”
“I was buying a freight business. That’s why I’m in Cheyenne.” Dillon turned his back on Winston and walked over to the cell window. The Laramie Mountains looked so close, yet they’d never been so far away. He’d come home to open a business. Cheyenne was close enough to Denver that he could see his father, but not have to live with him, and maybe the two could work out their differences.
Getting arrested had sure put a chink in those plans. Three years in jail would destroy them. No matter the hard feelings, he couldn’t do that to his father.
“What are the terms?” he asked without facing Winston.
“You will marry my niece and for one year be a model husband. She will tell you how to run the ranch and you will share those orders with the hands. At the end of the year, Audra believes she will have proven herself to the men as a competent rancher, despite her gender, and you may go on your way. She’ll say you abandoned her and we’ll quietly annul the marriage.”
“A year is a long time.”
“So is three to five. And the scandal would ruin your father . . .”
“Is she ugly? She must be ugly.” He finally turned around. “That would be the icing on the cake.”
“As a matter of fact she’s quite beautiful, which brings us to the nitty gritty. She’ll be quick to tell you this is a marriage in name only. Do you understand? Separate rooms.” He lowered his voice. “She’s like a daughter to me, Dillon.”
“Well, this just keeps getting better and better.” He came back to the bars. “Live like a monk and have a woman for a boss.”
“Dillon, I believe that, in spite of your current circumstances and a few bad decisions, you are an honorable man. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here. This is an opportunity for you to stay out of jail, live quite comfortably for a time, and make new associations of a higher, less questionable quality. Possibly even mend fences with your father. And you will be helping a young woman who is in a tough spot. It is, nonetheless, probation. If you leave before the year is up, I’ll have an arrest warrant issued, regardless of the scandal it would cause.”
“Can I at least go to the saloon for a drink and a . . . game now and then?”
“You two can hammer that out, but I’m not sure she’d care, as long as you’re discreet about it. Don’t publicly shame her . . . in short, live quietly for a year. And do what she tells you.” He raised a finger. “One other thing. I’m going to write up a prenuptial agreement that clarifies you hold no ownership in the ranch. When you leave, Audra will give you a horse and a thousand dollars.”
“A thousand—?” That was enticing. He could put up with a lot of ugly for a nice stake like that. He wouldn’t have to ask his father for the money the O’Herlihys stole, either. With a resigned sigh, he offered his hand through the bars.
CHAPTER 4
Audra had to admit she rather liked the sound of Dillon Pine’s voice. Deep. Masculine. A touch velvety. Though, when he’d yelped, “What?” she’d had to slap her hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh.
She leaned against the wall in the outer hallway, sagging a little. Obviously, he wasn’t thrilled with this idea. Well, neither was she. But she’d be danged if she’d lose her ranch just because men ran the world. Pa had thought the ranch hands would be all right with her taking the reins. She was, after all, more capable than any of them. She reached down and picked lint off her gauchos. Apparently no man wanted to be reminded that some women didn’t need a man.
She straightened up, refusing to lose herself in bitterness. She’d show them. She’d show them all.
“Audra?” Winston poked his head around the corner. “Would you like to meet Dillon?”
Her heart took off at a gallop. “Not really.” She smiled weakly at the bad joke. After all, this was her mess. On rubbery legs, she slogged down the hallway, Winston leading the way. He stopped at a cell. Two clean, masculine hands hung outside the bars. Audra took a breath and stepped where she could see the man they belonged to.
Dillon Pine was not ugly. He had eyes so blue they seemed to glow, and wavy black hair that touched his collar. He was tall, too, and lean, but not skinny. She could argue he was very manly. Manly enough to pass for a ranch owner.
They stared at each other awkwardly for a moment then Dillon offered his hand. “Miss Drysdale.”
“Mr. Pine.”
The handshake lingered and Audra wasn’t sure whose fault it was. Blushing as they broke apart, she laced her hands behind her back. “This is very awkward. I don’t really know what to say.”
“I thought you came to ask me to marry you.”
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The Evergreen Series by Heather Blanton
ASK ME TO MARRY YOU
Brides of Evergreen Book 2
Though she’s loath to admit it, Audra Drysdale needs a man to save her ranch.
Her father has passed away and her hands are abandoning her like rats from a sinking ship. Worse, neighboring cattle baron Jess Fairbanks is making a play for the Diamond D and Audra, whichever he can get his hands on first.
Audra grudgingly accepts that the mere presence of a husband will keep her men working, and Fairbanks under control.
Dillon Pine is in jail for a conspiracy charge, but because of certain mitigating factors he’s deemed a good risk for an unusual form of probation: serving as Audra’s husband. But when word gets out that Dillon came to Audra via Evergreen’s matchmaker, he’s dubbed a “male order bride.” The resulting jokes at his expense are constant and brutal. Just how much abuse can Dillon’s pride stand?
When Audra discovers her father’s death was no accident, she realizes her new husband is in danger, too. And she cares . . . quite a lot, it turns out. To save Dillon, she may have to let go of the one thing she’s fought her whole life to keep.
MAIL ORDER DECEPTION
Brides of Evergreen Book 3
Ellie Blair wants a story—the one story—that will make her name bigger than Nellie Bly’s. She’ll do anything to get it. Lie, masquerade as someone else … even walk away from love?
Available currently in the The Cowboy Takes a Bride collection
A PROPOSAL SO MAGICAL
Brides of Evergreen Book 4
Evergreen’s sheriff, Dent Hernandez, has to learn to live with love. Not an easy thing for a man who for years made a career of hunting down some of the worst outlaws in the territory. Can he find his romantic side and ask for Amy’s hand in a truly unique, magical way?
Or will a handsome, suave ghost from her past derail Dent’s plan—if he can even come up with one?
Available currently in the The Cowboy Takes a Bride collection
TO LOVE AND TO HONOR
Brides of Evergreen Book 5
Faith. Honor. Love. Which will he sacrifice?
Joel Chapman feels like a failure. Losing a leg in battle, he failed to fulfill his duty as a captain. According to his wife, without two good legs he's failed as a husband and provider. Along with his self-respect, his spirit is dying a slow, painful death.
Angela Fairbanks is the daughter of a tyrant--a cattle baron known for his iron fist and cold heart. She has no doubt once he learns she is carrying an illegitimate child, he will banish her from the ranch.
Compassion and honor overtaking his good sense, Joel offers a noble lie to protect Angela and secure a home for her and the baby: one day as her husband, and then he'll "abandon" her.
Will the noble lie become simple deceit? Or is Joel man
enough to resist his heart and keep his vows?
Available in the collection, It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Cowboys
The Romance in the Rockies Series by Heather Blanton
ROMANCE IN THE ROCKIES BOOKS 1, 2, & 3 plus THE LOST CHAPTERS--A NOVELLA: Box Set
A LADY IN DEFIANCE
(Romance in the Rockies Book 1)
HIS TOWN. HER GOD. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN.
Charles McIntyre owns everything and everyone in the lawless, godless mining town of Defiance. When three good, Christian sisters from his beloved South show up stranded, alone, and offering to open a "nice" hotel, he is intrigued enough to let them stay...especially since he sees feisty middle sister Naomi as a possible conquest. But Naomi, angry with God for widowing her, wants no part of Defiance or the saloon-owning, prostitute-keeping Mr. McIntyre. It would seem however, that God has gone to elaborate lengths to bring them together. The question is, "Why?" Does God really have a plan for each and every life?
Written with gritty, but not gratuitous, realism uncharacteristic of historical Christian fiction, A Lady in Defiance gives a nod to both Pride and Prejudice and Redeeming Love. Based on true events, it is also an ensemble piece that deftly weaves together the relationships of the three sisters and the rowdy residents of Defiance.
HEARTS IN DEFIANCE
(Romance in the Rockies Book 2)
MEN MAKE MISTAKES. GOD WILL FORGIVE THEM. WILL THEIR WOMEN?
Charles McIntyre built the lawless, godless mining town of Defiance practically with his bare hands … and without any remorse for the lives he destroyed along the way. Then a glimpse of true love, both earthly and heavenly, changed him. The question is, how much? Naomi Miller is a beautiful, decent woman. She says she loves McIntyre, that God does, too, and the past is behind them now. But McIntyre struggles to believe he’s worth saving … worth loving. Unfortunately, the temptations in Defiance only reinforce his doubts.
Billy Page abandoned Hannah Frink when he discovered she was going to have his baby … and now he can’t live with himself. Or without her. Determined to prove his love, he leaves his family and fortune behind and journeys to Defiance. Will Hannah take Billy back or give him what he deserves for the betrayal?
A PROMISE IN DEFIANCE
(Romance in the Rockies Book 3)
CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES. EVEN FOR THE REDEEMED.
A Reformed Saloon-Owner and Pimp...
When Charles McIntyre founded the Wild West town of Defiance, he was more than happy to rule in hell rather than serve in heaven. But things have changed. Now, he has faith, a new wife...and a ten-year-old half-breed son. Infamous madam Delilah Goodnight wants to take it all away from him. How can he protect his kingdom and his loved ones from her schemes without falling back on his past? How does he fight evil if not with evil?
A Redeemed Gunman...
Logan Tillane carries a Bible in his hand, wears a gun on his hip, and fights for lost souls any way he can. Newly arrived in Defiance, he has trouble, though, telling saints from sinners. The challenge only worsens when Delilah flings open the doors to the scandalous Crystal Chandelier Saloon and Brothel. She and the new preacher have opposite plans for the town. One wants to save it, one wants to lead it straight to hell.
The Reaping...
For Tillane and McIntyre, finding redemption was a long, hard road. God's grace has washed away their sins, but the consequences remain and God will not be mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap...and the harvest is finally at hand.
Other Works by Heather Blanton
IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS
CHARLENE NEEDS A MIRACLE. GOD HAS ONE WAITING … A HUNDRED YEARS IN THE PAST.
In Time for Christmas— a Novella, is the story of Charlene Williams, a woman trapped in a dangerously abusive marriage. Disappointed that God hasn’t gotten her out of it, or even hears her prayers at all, she has shut down emotionally. When husband Dale becomes suspicious of her daily chats with the mailman, he whisks her out of town and abandons her on his family’s ranch—an isolated, dilapidated place no one has lived on for over forty years. With the promise that he’ll be back in a few days, he knocks her unconscious and leaves.
Charlene wakes up on the ranch—a hundred years in the past. Almost instantly she is drawn to Billy Page, Dale’s great grandfather. The connection is powerful and mysterious, but should she risk falling in love with a ghost? What’s going on here? Is Charlene dead, dreaming, in a coma, or simply experiencing a gift from her heavenly father?
She’ll learn one thing for certain: God does see the tears of his children.
GRACE BE A LADY
ACT LIKE A MAN. THINK LIKE A LADY
A range war has broken out in 1890's Wyoming. Now, sparsely populated Johnson County is more explosive than the mean streets of Chicago ... and Grace Hendrick is right in the middle of the fight. Banished to the dusty cow town of Misery for an alleged affair, she is facing the hardest decisions of her life. If she tries to return to Chicago, her husband has promised to whisk away their four-year-old son and Grace will never see him again.
She has no choice but to play along, at least temporarily. But in order to survive--and see her son again--she needs money. Misery, however, isn't brimming over with jobs for respectable women. Determined and proud, Grace refuses to consider prostitution. Instead, she concocts a shocking plan.
Thad Walker is the middle son of the oldest, most successful cattle baron in Wyoming and he always puts the ranch first. One chance meeting with Grace Hendrick, though, batters his resolve like a hail storm in July. When Grace's brother Greg is hired by a local widow, Thad figures the kid is the straightest path to Grace's heart. As friendship and love blossom, so do the lies, some in unexpected hearts. Eventually, deceit catches fire and threatens everything Grace and Thad hold dear.
LOVE, LIES, & TYPEWRITERS
A HERO WITH A PURPLE HEART. A REPORTER WITH A BROKEN HEART.
WHICH ONE IS HER MR. RIGHT?
When Lucy Daniels is rescued from a stampeding herd of cattle by war hero veteran Dale Sumner, sparks fly and headlines are born. Smelling an opportunity, the local newspaper decides to send the couple on a tour selling war bonds--not to mention, subscriptions. Enamored with her handsome savior, Lucy is happy to play her part ... until she realizes she may be falling in love with the wrong man.
Ace reporter and aspiring mystery writer Bryce Richard is tasked with building up Lucy and Dale's budding affair. He can't think of anything worse for a journalist than switching from hard news to pounding out romantic drivel. Complicating matters, Bryce wishes Lucy would look to him for her happily-ever-after. Only, that would wreck the whole tour and Bryce's coveted book deal.
When love and lies collide on the front page, will Lucy and Bryce have a chance to write their own fairy tale ending? Or are they already yesterday's news? A heartwarming romance worthy of the Hallmark Channel, Love, Lies, & Typewriters is a funny, inspirational tribute to the Greatest Generation!
A GOOD MAN COMES AROUND
(Sweethearts of Jubilee Springs Book 8)
SHE HAS A LIST OF QUALIFICATIONS.
HE DOESN’T MEASURE UP.
BUT SOMETIMES A GOOD MAN COMES AROUND.
Based on a true story ... Oliver Martin is a shiftless, mischievous no-account. But he wasn’t always. Jilted at the altar, he takes nothing seriously anymore and now spends his days looking for a drink or trouble, whichever comes first. John Fowler, Oliver’s friend and business partner, spends his time trying to keep Oliver out of trouble. Tired of rescuing the young man, Fowler decides a wife might bring back the old, steady Oliver. He applies for a mail order bride for the lad—but secretly.
Abigail Holt spent ten years married to a belligerent drunk. Now widowed, she’s worn out trying to make ends meet and raise her boys alone. She has decided to become a mail order bride—in her estimation, the perfect way to pick a husband—using pure logic and a rational mind. Marrying fo
r love the first time resulted in a train wreck. She wants to find a good man who is qualified to raise her sons. Romantic entanglements will not be part of the bargain.
She arrives in Jubilee Springs ready to wed Oliver—who has never heard of her. Perhaps that’s a Godsend as he clearly doesn’t meet her standards. The mail order fiasco ends Abigail’s desire to ever be a bride again, and that’s just fine with Oliver. He has no intention of ever getting his heart broken again.
But love and life—and even tragedy—can’t be avoided. In fact, trying to run from them may do more harm than good …
Visit ladiesindefiance.com to see all of Heather’s work!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
“Heather Blanton is blessed with a natural storytelling ability, an ‘old soul’ wisdom, and wide expansive heart. Her characters are vividly drawn, and in the western settings where life can be hard, over quickly, and seemingly without meaning, she reveals Larger Hands holding everyone and everything together."
MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC'S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER
Hang Your Heart on Christmas: A Clean & Inspirational Western Historical Romance (The Brides of Evergreen Book 1) Page 18