Country Bride: Country Brides, #1

By Ava Catori

Kristen was desperate to escape her broken heart. Widowed on her honeymoon, she didn't think she'd ever love again. In fact, breathing was a chore. When she ran off to Wyoming hoping to escape her pain, she found thing aren't always what they seem. The remote area of Wyoming she'd landed in offered more challenges than she'd anticipated.

Ty is rough around the edges. Working as the local veterinarian after having grown up on a farm, rural life suits him fine. That is until a stubborn woman from New Jersey moves nearby. They blend like oil and water. There's one small problem—he's more than attracted to the woman and can't stop thinking about her.

Can he convince Kristen to give him a chance? Or will she run back to the safety of her old life in New Jersey?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ava Catori Books
• Release date: Jul 14, 2013
• ISBN: 9781498967129

Book preview

Chapter 1

Kristen parked in front of the small real estate office, her dog by her side. This was it—Wyoming and the start of their new life.

She hoped this year was better than last.

Her mother called it running away. How could her mother possibly understand what she’d been through? After being widowed on her honeymoon, her entire world crashed like a demolition crew destroying an old building.

Some days the shock took her down to her knees as she cried for mercy. Other days she was simply numb.

The wedding was amazing, a dream come true. It was like a fairytale, seeing her husband waiting for her at the end of the aisle. When they rushed off on their honeymoon, they ushered in the adventure with laughter and excitement.

Her husband wanted to try the zip line. She was too nervous, so she passed. When it snapped, he was thrown to the ground from the tree tops. There were snapping twigs and screaming, but it was too late. There was nothing anybody could do.

Most of the nightmares had stopped. There were longer stretches between them now.

Greg’s life was over. She needed to pick up the pieces of her life and start over. They were about to buy a house, settle down, and start a family. All that was left were the memories.

Kristen patted her dog. I’ll be right back, Molly.

After Kristen left the truck, Molly stuck her head out of the passenger window and sniffed the air.

The small office was clustered with a few shops and retailers on the narrow street. She’d chosen the town based on a map. She threw a dart. Where it landed was better than being at home.

She’d quit her job, packed her things, and found a place to rent.

She’d stay for a year, work on some writing she’d wanted to do, and maybe do some painting.

She’d figure out what to do and where to go at the end of the year. It didn’t really matter, life was empty without Greg.

Kristen pushed the door of the office open. A brass bell jingled, alerting the agent she’d arrived.

A woman called out from another room. I’ll be there shortly.

The woman waddled as she walked, as if she’d been a penguin in another life. Her short tight curls bobbed on her head with each step she took. After finally joining her, she explained that she was also the town notary, which was attached to the other side of the building. I go between the two places, so if you need something notarized, either side works.

Kristen nodded. Good to know.

The woman was easily over fifty and had a smoker’s smile. Fine lines formed miniscule creases around her lips. Now, what can I do for you?

I’m Kristen Shaw. We spoke on the phone. I’m renting the Jenkins’s place.

Oh right, right! I remember now. The keys are here somewhere... She dug under the counter until she found a small cardboard box, which she placed before her. Here, these are the ones. I need a check from you; and be sure to watch out for wildlife. I suspect you’re not used to that back from where you’re from. You’ll want to seal up any trash or food tightly. Also, there’s a list of things that will help you with basics around here, but basically, any essentials you need you’ll find in town. If you can’t find them here, you don’t need them.

Kristen forced a smile.

The woman continued. The post office will take delivery of packages for you, but you’ll need to come into town to collect your mail. Check in with Sadie at the post office and let her know you’ve arrived. Nobody’s lived at the Jenkins’s place for a bit, so tell her you’ll be staying there.

Kristen tried to absorb the list of details the woman spewed out. It was more remote than she was used to. She still had a forty-minute drive to get to the property. Back in New Jersey, everything was close by.

Most of the roads were paved until a certain point. The closer she got to the cabin, the roads would only be gravel and dirt. She’d rented it for the year, almost on a whim, not sure what to do with herself. Solitude and renewal sounded good at the time.

While in town, it made sense to stock up on a few things, since coming to town wouldn’t be a daily thing. After thanking the woman for her time, she slipped the cabin keys into her handbag, then headed out to her truck.

A tall man, somewhere in his late thirties stood beside her truck, petting Molly’s head, which was still happily still out the window.

Hey, she said, wondering who he was.

Howdy. Ty Addison. He smiled and offered his hand.

Kristen Shaw, it’s nice to meet you.

What brings you to Chester Hills? He seemed friendly enough.

Change of pace. Would you be so kind as to point me to the post office? It shouldn’t be hard to find with only a few things nearby.

Two doors down. He pointed in the direction of the post office.

Thank you.

Where are you from? He wasn’t sure he wanted her to leave just yet. She was pretty. Her eyes were as blue as the sky, and her hair was lightened by the sun.

New Jersey. It had been a long drive. She was grateful to finally arrive.

Oh... His voice fell