Mail Order Bride Brianna (Montana Destiny Brides, Book 3)

By Amelia Rose

Sweet Clean Historical Cowboy Romance.
When Brianna Darcy left Ireland to marry a stranger, she expected her life to change for the better. But one surprise after another has left her questioning everything she thought she knew.
For Cassidy Campbell, finding a sweet wife to settle down with is the only thing missing from his life. He owns his claim, he's raised his livestock, and he's made a name for himself in Montana. All he needs now is Brianna.
But she brings a secret with her that can threaten their happiness, and their freedom. Can Cassidy overlook what he believes to accept what's right in front of him?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gold Crown
• Release date: Apr 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310481864

Amelia Rose

Amelia Rose holds a PhD in Literature and Language; she specializes in teaching positive, self-reliant principles to children and adults of all ages.  Dr. Rose lives with her husband and three children in the Hudson Valley, New York area, where she enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family and friends.   Matthew Maley is an artist with nearly twenty-five years in the fields of Illustration and Design. His work has appeared in publications such as Archie Comics, Marvel, Disney, Nickelodeon, and Children’s Television Workshop. He lives in the Hudson Valley with his wife, daughter, and a variety of animals.

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AMELIA ROSE

Mail Order Bride Brianna

Montana Destiny Brides Book 3

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Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2015 by Amelia Rose.

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced in any format, by any means, electronic or otherwise, without prior consent from the copyright owner and publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places and events are the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Dedication

To YOU, The reader.

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Thank you for reading and joining me on this road.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

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Chapter One

What are y’all doin’ here? Cassidy Campbell asked forlornly, scuffing at the dirt with the toe of his boots. He shoved his hands down into the pockets of his denim pants and looked down, obviously embarrassed.

Now don’t be that way about it, Declan O’Bryan chided. Tis a momentous occasion for ya, ‘tis all! ‘Sides, didja really think the ladies here were gonna let your new bride arrive in town without a cake and a platter of food for dinner? He pointed out his own wife Margaret, who was heavy with child but still unable to keep away from the train depot on the day a new lady arrived in town. Beside her and holding her elbow for support was Kathleen McIntyre, the wife of his oldest friend in Bannack, who stood on Margaret’s other side.

I know, I’m just being sore, that’s all. I’m kinda on the private side, if you didn’t already know that. Cassidy tried to grin sheepishly but ended up laughing when a lock of his unruly sandy blond hair fell in his face.

We know all too well how your nerves can take hold of ya at a time like this, Kathleen said encouragingly. We thought havin’ a party of ladies present might make her feel more at ease.

I know you meant well, ma’am. I apologize. For a moment Cassidy looked like he might be sick, but he took a deep breath and let it out, then stood watching for the train. Well, could you folks at least go wait over there in the shade? I’m gonna lose my breakfast any minute now if y’all keep watchin’ me!

Declan and Joss laughed, then led their wives over to a shady spot to wait. The ladies sat and talked quietly, their picnic hampers at their feet, while their husbands talked about their farms and the price of wheat.

They waited for what seemed like hours, eventually having to break into their hampers to pass their midday meals. They invited Cassidy to join them, but he was too nervous to eat.

That sure does look good, but I just can’t stomach a bite, he said, eyeing the tins of food they’d set out warily. If that old train doesn’t get here soon, someone’s gonna have to revive me!

As if to punctuate his words, a far-off train whistle sounded, its ringing cry echoing off the mountains. Instead of looking relieved, Cassidy only turned an even paler shade of grey, a feat that would have seemed impossible due to his deeply sun-darkened skin.

Oh no! She’s here! Okay… do I look all right? I mean, I rode out here pretty fast, am I covered in dust? he asked, brushing at the imaginary specks of road dirt dotting his shirt.

The black plume of smoke that rose up above the tree line signaled the train's approach just as surely as its mournful, echoing whistle. Cassidy turned deathly white as it chugged closer and closer to the wooden depot, so much so that Declan and Joss thought to go to him just in case he were to faint.

She's to be here any second, he said, his voice cracking a little as he faltered. What if she don't like it here? What if she gets homesick, or doesn't take a shine to me? What if she...

What if she's ugly? Declan whispered from the side of his mouth, prompting Joss to elbow him sharply in the ribs before stepping closer to Cassidy.

Campbell, stop yer fretting, man! 'Twill be fine, you'll see! Surely she did naw come all the way to Montana just to turn tail and leave because she does naw take to men such as you!

I know, it's just a case of the nerves, that's all, he admitted, although he didn't look any calmer for acknowledging it.

Within mere minutes the train came into full view, its great black locomotive charging closer. Cassidy's earlier nerves were replaced with an eagerness to meet this woman who'd agreed months ago to become his wife.

Everything moved in slow motion. The train arrived, the interminable wait for the posters to open the doors passed, and the passengers began to emerge, all while Cassidy felt as though he was swimming. The same feeling came over him of being back home in Georgia, cooling off from the heat of another endless summer day by submerging himself in the creek, letting the water wash around his eyes and fill his ears until he couldn't see or hear clearly.

Campbell! What are ya doing? She's here, man! Go! Joss urged, giving Cassidy a slight shove in the back to propel him forward.

What? he asked, snapping out of his daze and looking around.

Is that naw her? There? Declan asked, pointing to a young lady standing all alone on the platform. She had the tell-tale trunk waiting at her feet, the veritable sign of a westward bride, coming to meet her husband and bringing her worldly and household goods with her.

It must be, he said breathlessly, a slight smile on his face growing into a grin that lit up his entire face. She's just as I thought she'd look!

Declan and Joss exchanged a bemused look while Margaret and Kathleen cautiously crept forward. Kathleen tapped Joss on the shoulder and cocked her head towards the girl, but he only shrugged. She and Margaret made their way slowly closer to the girl, not wanting to rush at her before she'd met Cassidy, but also fearful of what might happen.

The girl looked to be no more than nineteen, but it wasn't her shockingly bright red hair or alabaster skin that made her seem so out of place, nor her intense green eyes that they could see even from that far down the platform. Instead, it was her manner of dress, what with lack of a bonnet or cap like most ladies wore and her hand-wrought coarse wool tunic over a similar, fitted shift. Her hair hung loose in curls that reached nearly to her waist, and was free from any kind of bind or comb.

Miss Darcy! Over here! he called out, waving his cap and running towards her. For her part, the girl took a step back in alarm, never quite resuming her place as he approached.

She looks like a wild horse, beautiful but frightening, Joss whispered.

Hope she doesn't take a bite at him when he approaches, then. Perhaps he should have brought some sugar in his pocket, just in case, Declan said, nodding in agreement.

You know, there are two ladies present who can hear every last word you're saying! Margaret said hotly. Kathleen stood beside her and joined her in glaring at their husbands.

My apologies, dear wife. I did naw mean you two were wild horses, Joss said. He added under his breath, but intentionally so they would hear, Even if the both of you nag like it.

Kathleen tried to look cross but couldn't help but laugh. Joss and Declan doted on their wives, and everyone in Bannack knew it. Besides, she was too intrigued by the new girl, and she stood on tiptoe to get a better look.

Up ahead of them, Cassidy reached the girl and smiled broadly.

You must be Miss Darcy, he began, holding out a hand in greeting. She looked at it silently for a moment, then back at his face. His expression faltered slightly as he withdrew his hand, but he tried to sound cheerful. So, did you have a good trip to Montana? I know it's a long way from the east coast. I had to make that trip myself a few years back when I came out here from Georgia.

The young lady still didn't speak, but rather stood looking around at the small town, taking in the handful of small buildings scattered here and there before her eyes came to rest on the tall, rock-faced mountains that formed the valley.

So I'm truly to be a prisoner, then, she said, looking around her. Held in by these high walls?

I don't know what you mean. You're no prisoner! You're here to be my wife! he answered brightly, not understanding her sour mood.

’Tis the same thing, she muttered, looking down to keep Cassidy from seeing the pained look on her face. Where am I to stay then?

Oh, right! I've arranged for you to stay with some folks I know, they're from Ireland too, just like you! Just watch out for the feller Joss…he's from Scotland, and they're half-crazy from what I hear!

That actually made her smile, however brief her happiness may have been. She shook her head and frowned. There’s no reason to put off the inevitable. We’ll be properly married today, then there’ll be no reason to put it off.

Oh. Okay then, Cassidy answered, wondering what had caused his would-be bride to be so weary of the whole thing already. He looked over his shoulder at