A Bluebonnet Misfit Christmas: Sweet Historical Christian Western Romance (Mail Order Brides of Misfit Ranch Bluebonnet, Texas Book 2) Read online

  A Bluebonnet Misfit Christmas

  A Sweet Christian Historical Western Romance

  Mail Order Brides of Misfit Ranch Bluebonnet Texas

  Book 2

  Patricia PacJac Carroll

  A Bluebonnet Misfit Christmas: A Sweet Christian Historical Western Romance (Mail Order Brides of Misfit Ranch Bluebonnet Texas Copyright © October 5, 2015

  Published by Patricia PacJac Carroll

  ALL rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, (except for inclusion in reviews), disseminated or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, or audio. Including photocopying, recording, or in any information storage and retrieval system, or the Internet/World Wide Web without written permission from the author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

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  Mail Order Brides of Misfit Ranch

  Bluebonnet, Texas ~ Book 2

  A Bluebonnet Misfit Christmas

  A Sweet Christian Historical Western Romance

  By Patricia PacJac Carroll

  Chapter 1

  1867

  Bluebonnet, Texas

  Nettie Andrews heard the door shut and waited a moment to make sure Reed had left the house. She ran to her desk and pulled out the letter she’d picked up earlier from the post office. Saying a brief prayer, she tore open the envelope.

  “Oh wonderful!” Surprised by her outburst, she put a hand to her mouth.

  The door creaked open, and Reed walked inside. “What are you so happy about?”

  Embarrassed, she hid the letter behind her back. “I thought you were going to see about the horses?”

  He strode to her. “I forgot to do something important?”

  Puzzled, she gazed at him.

  Reed grinned. “I forgot to give you a kiss.” He pulled her to him and was about to kiss her when he plucked the letter from her hand. “I didn’t know you’d received a letter. Is it from your brothers?”

  She snatched it from him. “No.” She danced out of his reach, stopped, and raised a curious brow. “Tell me, how is Yancy?” She backed out the front door.

  Reed followed her onto the porch. “That’s a good question. He’s still angry and blames me for the judge’s death.”

  Nettie sat on the porch swing and motioned for him to join her. “It was hard for him to lose his father in such a sudden way.” She patted the seat beside her. “Come, it’s a nice day. Let’s sit awhile.”

  Reed grinned. “Now, that’s a good idea. Why didn’t I think of that?”

  “Because you need me.”

  He nuzzled her ear and whispered, “You are so right.”

  She took his hand in hers. “What do you plan to do about Yancy?”

  After taking a deep breath, he straightened. “I promised his father I’d look after him. I owed Judge Wallace that much. We’re halfway through the year. I’d like to keep trying and keep Yancy out of jail, but he’s wild and doesn’t listen to me. I wouldn’t be surprised if he lit out of here, and I had to chase after him to bring him back.”

  Nettie rubbed her husband’s muscled shoulder. “Remember, you’re a retired sheriff. Justin can go after him.”

  “I might have been forced to retire, but I’m still capable. Anyway, he’s my responsibility.”

  “He’s the perfect misfit for our ranch’s namesake, isn’t he? I would guess over time, we’ll have a string of them here on Misfit Ranch.”

  “You do? Well, one is enough for me. Later today, we’re going to see if we can catch that herd of wild horses we saw the other day.” Reed eyed her suspiciously. “Now, that letter isn’t a mail order bride for Yancy is it? Because he is far from ready.”

  “No, it isn’t. Do be careful with those mustangs.”

  He squeezed her hand. “I’m always careful. Nothing bad is going to happen.” He tapped his finger on the paper she still held. “What is the letter about?”

  “Let’s look out at our land. I can’t wait for spring when things turn green and come alive. I want to plant a garden.”

  “Nettie, are you hiding something?”

  She couldn’t look at him. He’d see right through her. She stared across the grassy meadow and then to the corral outside the barn. The three horses were almost ready for sale. “Is the bay mare gentled yet?”

  “Yancy’s working with her. Don’t try and sidestep the question.”

  “Oh, if you must know.” She rose and went inside the house.

  He followed. “Yes, I think I better know what you’re up to.”

  She opened the letter. “I thought Sally could use some help finding a husband. I got an answer from an ad I placed.”

  He frowned. “With her past, she’s going to have a hard time.”

  “This man sounds sincere. I let him know she worked in a saloon, and he still wrote back.”

  Reed kissed her lightly on the forehead. “Be careful, dear. People’s hearts are not to be played with. Does Sally know what you’ve done?”

  “I am not playing. If Sally doesn’t find a husband, she’ll more than likely end up working in a saloon again. It’s not like women have an abundance of choices.” She folded the letter and placed it back inside the envelope.

  “Maybe you’re right.” He hugged her to him. “After all, it was a letter that brought you to me.” Reed grinned at her in that special way that made her heart glow.

  Squirming out of his grasp, she smiled. “I still have to pinch myself so I know I’m not dreaming. I thank the Lord for you, Reed Andrews.”

  He kissed her cheek. “So, are you going to tell her or just let it be a surprise?”

  Nettie placed the envelope inside the desk and gazed out the window. “Well, that is a thought. Do you suppose I could do that?”

  Reed placed his hands on her shoulders. “I don’t think that would be fair to the poor man to have him come out here without telling her.” His finger played with her hair.

  She turned and looked into his sky blue eyes. “Sally doesn’t know what I’ve done. I thought I was doing the right thing. Then Mr. Wilbur Williams answered my advertisement. He sounds perfect for her, and he was looking to move to Texas anyway.”

  Reed shook his head. “I fear I am going to spend my retirement keeping you out of trouble.”

  She pulled him to her and kissed him. “Yes, dear, I think that is exactly what you will have to do. By his letter, Wilbur should arrive any day.”

  ###

  Sally Jones scrubbed the dishes. “I really don’t want to be a bother. If you need my room for a paying boarder, let me know, and I’ll move out.” Despite her words, the thought of having to leave the boarding house sent a shiver down her back.

  Mya dried a plate and glanced at her. “Tsk, tsk. You are not a bother. Get that notion out of your head. I need you. In fact, I consider you a permanent resident of my boarding house.”
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  Tears stung Sally’s eyes. “I know Nettie and Reed paid for my room until I could heal from the beating, but that was nearly six months ago. I don’t want charity. Nettie did say I could stay with them.”

  “As newlyweds, they need their privacy right now. Besides, you work so hard I can barely find things for you to do. You earn your keep and more. I promise to let you know if you become a burden.” Mya chuckled. After drying another plate, she put it in the cupboard, and then gave Sally a hug. “You need to go out and find a nice man to settle down with and marry.”

  Sally closed her eyes. “I don’t think that’s possible. You’ve seen the way men look at me. They all know what I was when I worked at The Cattlemen’s Saloon.”

  “Life is too long to live it with the past haunting you. Besides, you’re not that girl anymore.” Mya hung the dishtowel on the peg and then took off her apron. “Well, I’m going to rest a little before we have to start lunch.” She winked and left the room.

  Sally stared out the window to the town square. “If only I wasn’t that girl.” She shuddered and went to her room. It was the smallest one and on the first floor, but it was more than she’d ever had while following her cowboy father around from ranch to ranch.

  She sat in her chair by the small window and fingered the cheery, yellow curtains. They were a luxury compared to the tow sacks she’d had growing up. Her father would work hard but eventually, the boss would find him drunk and fire him.

  Desperate for a better life, she’d run away and gone to work in The Cattlemen’s Saloon. Harold Rayburn, the owner, promised her a new life. He showered her with pretty dresses and gave her a room fancier than the one at Mya’s.

  She winced as the harsh memories played out in her mind. It hadn’t taken very long for her to discover the high cost. She had lost herself and all that was good in that place.

  The memory of the day her father found her in the saloon made her cringe. Drunk and angry, he cornered her in her room, screaming that he no longer had a daughter and that he’d never forgive her for becoming an embarrassment. Finally, his rage turned physical. He beat her. Again and again, he railed his hard fists against her and would have killed her if Harold hadn’t stopped him.

  Tears slipped down her cheeks as she recalled the painful memory. Needing fresh air, she got up, and grabbed her shawl. Even if it was winter, it was a nice day. She longed for peace of mind. Always, her time at the saloon haunted her, tormenting her with what she’d done, what she’d been.

  Mya was wrong. No man in Bluebonnet would ever want her. Not a good man anyway. She wasn’t even sure if she could stand to have a man touch her anymore. How could she be a wife?

  Outside, she let the sun warm her, but it didn’t take long when a cloud scudded across the sky and blocked its warmth. Wasn’t that her luck? Chilled, she pulled the shawl tight about her, walked to the town square, and sat on the bench. The big oak spread its naked branches over her. She patted the rough bark. “I know how you feel. At least you have spring to look forward to.”

  Thankfully, the town was quiet. She didn’t want to see anyone. Wished no one would see her. If she had the money, she’d leave Bluebonnet, Texas. Go west or anywhere people wouldn’t know her past. However, with no money or skills, it wouldn’t take long and she’d be forced to work in another saloon just to survive. She’d be better off dead.

  Her gaze swept over the town and stopped at the church. The white building with the tall steeple sat upon the hill as if it watched over the town. She’d like to believe that God watched over her, but then she’d remember that she wasn’t the kind of people He would want. Church was for good people like Nettie and Mya.

  Across the street, Cornelia Eustus bustled her way toward the post office where her best if not only friend, Emily Titus, worked. Sally hurriedly looked away. Only she was too late.

  The woman’s determined steps marched on the road toward her. Cornelia, or as the town had nicknamed her, Cornie, stopped in front of her. “Well, if it isn’t the saloon girl. I am surprised to see you out here in the daylight.”

  Even though she didn’t want to, Sally turned to look at her, biting her tongue while trying to hold back the tears.

  Pointing one of her bony fingers, Cornie spoke in her loud whiny voice. “You are a disgrace and making a bad name for Mya. She’d have that house full of boarders if it weren’t for you living there.”

  Fear jabbed Sally. Was that true? Mya did have several empty rooms. Was it because she’d taken in a prostitute? Not able to reply, Sally looked down.

  “If you had any decency, you’d go back to your part of town and not spoil the good people of Bluebonnet with your presence. You don’t belong here. The town square is for the good citizens.”

  Sally drew in a breath. She wanted to stand up for herself, but Cornie was right. Living and working at the saloon would always mark her. Unable and unwilling to defend herself, Sally sat with her head down and let Cornie berate her.

  Footsteps joined the woman. “I think you’ve said enough. Why don’t you move on?”

  Shocked that someone would come to her defense, she looked up to see Sheriff Justin Wellesley. Tears blurred her vision.

  Fluffing like a cross chicken, Cornie turned her jabbing finger toward him. “It’s a free country, young man. Even if you are sheriff, you have no right to order me around.”

  He grinned wryly. “If you’re disturbing another citizen, I have that right.”

  Blustering like a Texas twister, Cornie whirled and stomped toward the post office.

  Justin shook his head and then turned his gaze to her. “Sally, I’m sorry. I probably made her even angrier, and she’s likely to take it out on you.”

  Sally swallowed hard. “What she said,” her heart and shoulders drooped. “She’s right—”

  “Don’t put any stock in her words. She doesn’t speak for the good people of Bluebonnet. Cornie’s not a happy person and has taken it on as her mission to make sure that no one else is.”

  She nodded, but on the inside, Sally knew Cornie was right. Letting out a breath, she smiled weakly. “Thank you just the same.”

  He offered her his hand. “Can I escort you somewhere?”

  “No. I just want to sit here for a little while longer and sort out my thoughts.”

  His eyes shone with understanding. “If you need anything or if anyone bothers you, let me know. I mean that Sally, and if you ever change your mind and want to press charges against the man who beat you—”

  “No. I can’t.” More tears threatened to fall. She wiped her eyes and concentrated on the church steeple.

  Justin scuffed a boot in the dirt. “You know, Pastor Jim Travis is usually at the church and welcomes anyone to come in and talk or just sit in the sanctuary and think. I’ve found it to be a good place to sort out my thoughts.”

  She could never step foot in the church. God would likely strike her dead if she did. Despite what Mya and Nettie said, women like her weren’t welcome.

  He lingered for a moment.

  She stared at the ground. He was angry with her for not turning in the man who had beaten her, but she couldn’t.

  Finally, she heard the crunch of his steps on the dry, gravelly road. She was alone. The way she liked it. She didn’t need anyone. The few friends she had didn’t understand what it was like to be a red stain in their midst.

  Chapter 2

  Justin couldn’t shake his protective feelings for Sally. She was such a broken girl. Why she kept shielding the man who’d beaten her had him puzzled. He’d grilled Harold, but the saloon owner claimed he didn’t know who had hurt her and made it clear that he was the one who’d gone for the doctor.

  As he walked back to the jail, he saw Amelia outside Clark’s General Store adding apples to the store display. Justin’s thoughts about Sally disappeared. He loved Amelia more than a man could love anyone or anything.

  She gazed inside the store, then turned, and waved.

  His stomach flipped.
He wanted to run to her, but her parents had forbidden her to see him. Her parents said it was too dangerous to be married to a sheriff. Sometimes, he wished he’d never taken the job. Yet, it was in his nature to protect others. He was good at it and had a knack for using his authority to help others.

  Justin started to go to Amelia, but she shook her head and disappeared inside the store. He knew it wasn’t right that they met in secret, but he had to see her. Somehow, he was going to have to get her father to understand that he loved her.

  His heart stung. Irritated, he stomped to the jail, flung open the door, and cringed at the loud bang it made as it slammed against the wall.

  Spencer sat at the desk. Looking somewhat embarrassed, he put down the stack of wanted posters, jumped from the chair, and moved around to the front. Tucking in his shirt with one hand, he motioned outside. “Any leads on who stole your horse?”

  That was another sore spot. That the animal had been stolen at church added to Justin’s anger. “No. Nobody saw anything.”

  “You think it’s just some kid having a good laugh at your expense? I mean it’s not like the animal could take its saddle off and run away.” Spence grinned.

  “For that kid’s sake, I hope not.” The thought had crossed his mind too, but he couldn’t think of any youngsters around town who weren’t in church that day.

  Spence drummed his fingers noisily against the desk. “I heard the new owner of the judge’s ranch is coming. I don’t think Yancy will take that sitting down.”

  “No. I don’t think he will. Any word on who it is?”

  “Heard he’s from England.” Spence chuckled. “That ought to be something to see a dude running a ranch in Texas.”

  Justin grinned. “Yeah, does make a funny picture. Let’s go check out the saloons and see if anyone has any news about my horse or the new owner.”