The Brides of Cactus Gap Short Story Bundle #1

By Anna St. James

Historical Inspirational Western Romance
Four Short Stories
Sweet and Clean

THE RANCHER'S ORPHAN BRIDE

Rachel Hendricks moves to Cactus Gap, Texas, to reclaim her young brothers whom she sent out West on the Orphan Train after their parents died. She plans to reunite her family and make a home for them so they can start a new life together.

Reese Cooper takes the Hendricks boys under his temporary guardianship and provides room and board in exchange for good honest work. Even though he still mourns the death of his wife, the two boys inch their way into his battered heart. When their sister comes to claim them, Reese discovers the healing power of love.

THE RANCHER'S OUTLAW BRIDE

Emily Parker is an outlaw on the run. Dressed as a boy and wounded by a bullet, she seeks shelter from the cold winter's night in Jake Stewart's old barn. Barricading herself in a stall behind a bale of hay, she's ready to shoot anyone who dares enter her temporary sanctuary.

When Jake discovers an injured fugitive hiding in his barn, his only thought is to save the young man's life. When he discovers his patient is a lady in disguise, he realizes he's stumbled upon trouble with a capital T. As he nurses Emily back to health, Jake learns the true meaning of love and vows to help her anyway he can . . . even if it means marriage.

THE RANCHER'S COMANCHE BRIDE

While tracking and hunting game, Cal Jackson discovers a young Comanche woman hiding in his pasture. From the very first moment he sees her, a strong bond is forged between them. Cal has almost given up on finding someone he can love. Has fate brought him this Indian maiden to call his very own?

After her tribe is brutally massacred, Yanny runs for her life. Injured, weak and hungry, she welcomes a handsome stranger's offer of help. Accepted into the midst of the loving Jackson family, she slowly heals and recovers from the bloodbath she miraculously survived. But can she survive in the white man's world? Can she win the love of the man who saved her?

THE RANCHER'S RELUCTANT BRIDE

When Sarah Monroe's abusive husband dies, all she feels is blessed relief. When she inherits her uncle's house in Cactus Gap, she moves to Texas for a chance to start fresh. Happy in her new-found freedom, she swears off men and marriage forever. Until she meets Zach Whitfield.

Zach is on a mission to find a bride. From the moment he sees Sarah, he's completely smitten. When tragedy strikes, leaving him guardian of his best friend's young daughter, Zach asks Sarah for help. Can he break down the fortress surrounding her fragile heart? Can he persuade her to become his wife?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anna St. James
• Release date: Nov 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310421570

Anna St. James

Anna St. James grew up watching the classic westerns during the golden age of television. Rawhide, The Rifleman, Gunsmoke, The Wild, Wild West and Bonanza were just a few of her favorites.Later on she became a fan of Little House on the Prairie and Doctor Quinn, Medicine Woman; and later still, The Love Comes Softly Series and Sarah Plain and Tall.Her love of Texas and history made writing historical western romances a natural choice. Married to her own special hero, Anna makes her home in the Lone Star State.Anna St. JamesClassic Romance: Short and SweetHistorical Western RomanceInspirational RomanceSign up to receive emails announcing Anna's new releases:http://www.annastjames.com

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THE BRIDES OF CACTUS GAP

Short Story Bundle # 1

by Anna St. James

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Copyright © 2015 by Anna St. James

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author or publisher except for the use of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, actual events or locales is purely coincidental.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Rancher's Orphan Bride

The Rancher's Outlaw Bride

The Rancher's Comanche Bride

The Rancher's Reluctant Bride

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THE RANCHER'S ORPHAN BRIDE

A Brides of Cactus Gap Short Story

by Anna St. James

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Anna's Website

Anna's Facebook Page

Sign up for Anna's New Releases

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Rachel Hendricks moves to Cactus Gap, Texas, to reclaim her young brothers whom she sent out West on the Orphan Train after their parents died. She plans to find suitable employment in the small town where she'll reunite her family and make a home for them so they can start a new life together.

Reese Cooper takes the Hendricks brothers under his temporary guardianship and provides room and board in exchange for good honest work. Even though he still mourns the death of his wife, the two boys inch their way into his battered heart. When their sister comes to claim them, Reese discovers the healing power of love.

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The Rancher's Orphan Bride

Copyright © 2013 by Anna St. James

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This is a work of fiction. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, actual events or locales is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author or publisher except for the use of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

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The Rancher's Orphan Bride

A Short Story

by Anna St. James

Texas Panhandle, 1875

Rachel Hendricks stepped down from the stagecoach into the muddy dirt road in front of the hotel in Cactus Gap, Texas. Her shoes made loud squishing sounds as her feet found purchase on the rough soggy ground. She lifted her long skirts and petticoats high above her ankles, trying unsuccessfully to protect the hems from becoming soiled.

All in all, it had been a long and unpleasant trip from St. Louis. The last eighteen months had been extremely unpleasant. Mama and Papa had both been taken with the influenza and died within a week of each other.

Rachel had tried to keep the family together, but providing for two younger brothers had proven too difficult. She'd refused to put them to work in one of the factories, so she'd been forced to load them onto the orphan train heading out West.

She'd promised Matthew and Jacob that she'd join them just as soon as she had everything settled in St. Louis. Once they were reunited, they would be able to make a new home together. Surely, she wouldn't have trouble finding suitable employment.

She knew herself skilled in the domestic arts. She could cook up a storm, Mama had made sure of that. She was a competent seamstress thanks to Grandma. And she could parse sentences and keep accounts; Papa had taught her well.

But those skills had not been enough to keep a roof over their heads and feed two growing boys and herself. When the orphan train had pulled into St. Louis, Rachel had begged the matron in charge of the orphans to take her brothers along with them. She'd given the woman a little bit of her fast dwindling cash to help with expenses. She'd also made the stipulation that the boys should not be put up for permanent adoption.

The West Texas wind whipped at Rachel's skirts and her hat almost flew off her head. She held it in place with one hand while she looked around the main street of the small town searching for any places where she might apply for a job. Her situation was just on the verge of desperate.

Miss Hendricks? The deep gruff voice of the stagecoach driver broke into Rachel's reverie. She shook away the disturbing thoughts and focused on the situation at hand. She was eighteen years old, an orphan and all alone in a small Texas town with only ten dollars to call her own. That wouldn't last long what with paying for room and board somewhere. She had to find a job soon; she just had to.

Miss? Where do you want me to set down your bag?

Rachel looked up at the hotel sign. With a sinking heart, she wondered how much of her small hoard of money would be left after she stayed there. She'd tucked the bills safely into a pocket sewn into one of her fluffiest petticoats beneath her full skirts. She needed to spend as little as possible until she found employment. Yes, her situation was very close to desperate.

The stagecoach driver seemed to read her thoughts. Mrs. Plaidy runs a boarding house down yonder ways, Miss. It might be a sight more easier on the purse strings.

Rachel let out a big sigh. Yes, thank you. I'll just take my bag then. I appreciate all of your kind help and a most pleasant journey. I bid you good day. It wasn't Mr. Johnson's fault she'd been uncomfortable for most of the trip.

With her large carpetbag in tow, Rachel made her way down the planked walkway, trying to ignore the blatant stares of some of the coarse-looking men sitting and standing outside the rough-hewn facades of the various establishments lining the street.

As she passed the saloon, she tried not to gape at the flashy women lounging in the doorway. Rachel had never before seen ladies-of-the-evening. Their filmy dresses and painted faces were strange and fascinating to behold. A horrible thought passed through her brain that if she couldn't find decent work soon, she might end up standing before the saloon and advertising her wares alongside those fancy ladies.

Dear Lord, please don't let that be my fate. Help me find respectable work so I can make a good home for my brothers.

Rachel was so busy minding her steps and keeping her eyes lowered that she crashed into the solid chest of a man she hadn't seen coming out of the general store. She gasped at impact and dropped her bag. She would've fallen on her bottom if not for the strong hands gripping her shoulders to hold her steady.

Whoa, ma'am! Where are you going in such a hurry?

Rachel swallowed hard as she looked up at the rugged face of the man still holding onto her arms. His skin was leathery from exposure to the elements; deep lines crinkled at the outer corners of his green eyes, as if he'd squinted in the sunlight most of his life. He wore a black Stetson and black boots; in fact, the man was dressed completely in black.

His touch sent tingles down her spine, and her breath caught in her throat as the handsome stranger held her gaze for a long moment.

"Rachel! Rachel!"

"You're here! You're finally here!"

Her brothers' youthful voices cut through the odd dreamlike state hovering between Rachel and her rescuer. Thank you for not letting me fall. She stepped back and bobbed a quick curtsey. If you'll excuse me, those are my brothers and I haven't seen them in over a year.

She turned away from the man just in time to be ambushed by Matthew and Jacob. Rachel found herself enveloped in two great big bear hugs. She smiled through her tears at the brothers she loved more than life itself. They'd grown like weeds since she'd seen them last.

We thought you were arriving last Monday, but there was a delay with the stagecoach. Matthew threw his arm around his sister's shoulders and held her close. She had to tilt her head upward in order to look into his dark brown eyes. He'd been a boy of thirteen when he'd left St. Louis, and now he stood on the cusp of manhood. Oh Rachel, I've missed you so much!

I've missed you, too. She laughed and cried, and he hugged her close. I've missed both of you more than I can say.

Ten-year-old Jacob planted himself on her other side, swinging an arm around her slender waist. "Reese let us come to town every day to meet the stage. Today, he decided to come with us. He was going to send a telegram if you weren't here. But you are here! Safe and sound."

Rachel dug a handkerchief from her skirt pocket to wipe away her tears of joy. That was very kind of Mr. Cooper. I'm afraid we must trespass further on his kindness, and see if he'll let you stay at his ranch a little while longer. Only until I find a job and a place for us to live.

That won't be necessary, Matthew said. Reese has thought of the perfect solution. He needs a housekeeper and cook, and you need a job. He's going to hire you to work at the Silver Spur Ranch. We'll be snug as three bugs in a rug. Four, if you count Reese.

Rachel frowned. Oh, I couldn't impose on him like that. I'm sure to find a job in town. She stuffed her handkerchief back in her pocket. Where is Mr. Cooper? I'd like to thank him for giving you a temporary home and allowing me to reclaim you so we can be a family again.

Reese Cooper, at your service, ma'am. A deep and vaguely familiar voice spoke low in her ear from directly behind.

Rachel swallowed hard and reached for her composure before turning around to formally meet the rugged rancher who had broken her fall just minutes earlier.

This was Reese Cooper? My, oh my.

She held out her gloved hand in a gesture of welcome and thanks, glad to see it steady instead of trembling as her insides were doing. The man certainly made her feel strange stirrings in the nether regions of her stomach. Mr. Cooper, it's a pleasure. I want to thank you for taking such good care of my brothers. And again for preventing my fall on the walkway.

He took her hand in a strong clasp and shook it twice, then released it and touched the brim of his black Stetson in a respectful manner. The pleasure is mine, Miss Hendricks. You must be exhausted from your journey. Let's all go over to the hotel and grab a bite to eat before heading out to the ranch. Shall we? He held out his elbow, waiting to escort her the short distance to the hotel.

Rachel shook her head. I really don't want to impose on you like that. I was on my way to Mrs. Plaidy's Boarding House. That's where I plan to stay until I can afford a more permanent lodging.

Reese tipped his hat again and took Rachel's carpetbag from her limp fingers. Now, I know you're something of an independent young woman. Your brothers have told me all about you. Let's talk about your options over dinner, then we'll see what you decide. I'll abide by your wishes, but I do hope you will seriously consider my offer and come work for me at the ranch. Your brothers are getting mighty tired of my bachelor cooking.

Aw, Rachel! Jacob said, giving her waist a rough squeeze. You always say God works in mysterious ways. And I'd say you coming to Cactus Gap just when Reese lost his cook and housekeeper is a very mysterious coincidence.

You'd be doing me a mighty big favor, ma'am. I'd pay you fairly for your services, Reese said.

Rachel's head jerked the rancher's way, not liking the sound of his last statement. But Reese Cooper stood looking down at her out of dark green eyes, no hint of debauchery or innuendo evident in their clear depths. Her recent losses and experiences had taught her the vulnerability of her solitary state. The last year and a half had clearly shown her the pitfalls of being a young single woman on her own in a man's world.

The rancher offered his arm again and smiled. Rachel's breath caught in her lungs. It would definitely not be a good idea to work for Mr. Cooper, not when his mere smile threatened to make her swoon. She'd never felt such wanton feelings before. She'd lived a sheltered life with her mama and papa in St. Louis while growing up.

Only, she wasn't living a sheltered life any longer, was she? No, she was an orphan and had no one to look out for her; she was alone and responsible not only for herself, but for her brothers as well. Lifting her chin, she straightened her shoulders and stuffed the inappropriate feelings away. She could do this. She had to do this.

Come on, Rachel! Matthew said, breaking the silence before it became awkward. You'll love the ranch. Jacob and I are learning so much from Reese. When we're not going to school, that is. But school's out for the harvest, so we get to work the cattle and train the horses and help bring in the wheat.

You'll like the ranch and farm, Jacob said. It's different from living in the city. In the city, you buy eggs and milk and vegetables. On the farm, you make stuff or gather it.

Reese chuckled and ruffled Jacob's hair. I'd like to see you make an egg, Jake.

Oh, Reese. You know what I mean. Jacob's cheeks turned red, and Rachel hid a smile. Her brothers might look like they'd grown so much that she'd barely recognized them, yet they were still young boys at heart.

Reese took Rachel by the elbow and guided her back toward the hotel. Your brothers have taken to country living like ducks to water. But enough pestering, boys. Your sister is dead tired on her feet. Let's get a bite to eat, then head on out to the ranch.

Rachel tried to hold back, but Reese urged her to cross the muddy road to the hotel. "Mr.Cooper! I haven't agreed to go to your ranch."

The man didn't miss a step, but plowed onward. I know you haven't, ma'am. But there's no harm in talking it over a nice warm meal. Right, boys?

Right, Reese! Let's talk about it, Rachel. Hear us out. Please?

Rachel shook her head and gave up the fight for the moment. A warm meal in a civilized atmosphere sounded like heaven after the long arduous journey she'd endured. Oh, all right. But I'm not promising anything, you hear?

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Two weeks later, Rachel was wielding a broom with a vengeance, stirring up a cloud of dust, moving it from one side of the porch to the other, then sweeping it onto the dirt road in front of Mrs. Plaidy's Boarding House. It seemed everything in Cactus Gap was covered with a thin layer of the dusty red soil. It blew in on the ever-present West Texas breeze from the pasturelands and fields of the surrounding countryside.

She stopped sweeping for a moment and gazed out at the small town she now called home. Thank the good Lord, she'd been fortunate to find a job at the boarding house. Mrs. Plaidy had taken one look at Rachel and hired her on the spot. Her regular helper had gone and gotten herself married. The girl had upped and left town with her new husband, heading for Colorado's silver and gold mines, leaving Mrs. Plaidy high and dry.

Rachel shook her head and bent to sweep under the wooden bench on the porch. The Lord always provided one way or another, and He'd provided this job for Rachel. She was thankful. Very thankful.

Of course, there had been the job offer from Reese Cooper to work out at his ranch where her brothers still lived. But Rachel hadn't thought it proper for her to accept the rancher's proposition. Especially considering the strong attraction she'd felt for him.

She still didn't know what to think about it. Reese . . . Mr. Cooper had been to town several times this past fortnight to renew his offer. On each occasion, her pulse leapt at the sight of him. He had the most charming smile, and she liked how the outer corners of his eyes crinkled when he laughed. He had a deep voice that made her feel all tingly inside.

The way her heart galloped in her chest at the sight of the handsome rancher was proof of how inappropriate it would be to work out at the ranch as a single woman with only her brothers as chaperons.

Not that she didn't trust Reese . . . Mr. Cooper. He seemed to be a fine upstanding man. Mrs. Plaidy couldn't say enough good things about him. Yet that good lady had warned her not to lose her heart to the handsome widower, because it seemed his heart had followed his young wife to her grave. He'd probably never marry again; he'd shown no interest in the numerous romantic lures thrown his way from the women of Cactus Gap.

Rachel sighed. No, working at the ranch would be tempting fate. She could easily see herself losing her heart to Reese Cooper. And that would surely lead to trouble.

Now, if only she could save enough money to find a suitable and affordable place where she could make a home for her brothers, all would be right with her world and she could get on with her life and stop thinking about how much she liked Mr. Reese Cooper.

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Reese pulled the buckboard to a halt in front of the lumberyard in Cactus Gap. He'd come to town to pick up a load of barbed wire