Promises Made

By Stephanie Payne Hurt

Sometimes love doesn't come before marriage; sometimes love drifts in when you least expect it...

Joy Ryder is a dreamer that loves a good thunderstorm and taking care of her father, but deep down she longs for love to sweep her away. Her life is filled with hard work on the small farm that her father owns. Their life isn't easy, but it's all Joy has ever known. She'd do anything for her father, even marry a man she doesn't love when their farm is threatened.
Nash Collins is part Cheyenne and rough around the edges. He'd given up on marriage a long time ago. Nobody wanted their daughter to marry a half-breed. Then when Hank Ryder comes to him with a business proposition, he realizes that his dream of having a family of his own is about to come true. But, would Hank's daughter become the wife he needed?
A hasty wedding makes for a rough start to a marriage, but Joy sees it as no choice. She soon realizes that marriage to the handsome Nash Collins isn't that bad. Love takes them by surprise as they get to know one another. It's just after their love blooms that Nash is called away. Will it tear them apart or make their love stronger?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephanie Payne Hurt
• Release date: Feb 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370357369

Stephanie Payne Hurt

Stephanie Payne Hurt has been writing stories since she was a teenager, but only started publishing her work in 2012, 30 years later. The romance genre drew her in at an early age. Since 2012 she's published over 35 Romance novels/novellas.Stephanie is a busy lady. She's a Children's Minister, Accountant, wife, and mother along with a blogger and writer, along with starting a publishing service called Horseshoe Publishing alongside her publisher. It's been an exciting ride and she looks forward to what the future holds for her writing.Currently, she writes romance ranging from Christian, Contemporary, Suspense and Cowboy. Her work is available at many online retailers, on her website, and in a bookstore in Zebulon, Georgia near her home.Come by and visit her at http://www.stephaniehurtauthor.com/ and subscribe to get updates and release dates, also her monthly newsletter!

Book preview

1st Book in the ‘Sky Ridge’ Series

Promises

Made

By:

Stephanie Payne Hurt

Promises Made ©2017 Stephanie Payne Hurt

Smashwords Edition

Horseshoe Publishing

Cover Designer: Ally Payne

Any person mentioned in this book is not based on any person, living or nonliving.

This book is a work of fiction. This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher.

Sign up for my newsletter at www.stephaniehurtauthor.com to keep up with upcoming events and new releases.

Chapter 1

Joy Ryder sat by the window, watching the rain pound the ground. She’d always loved storms, they made her feel alive. As the lightning flashed and the thunder roared, Joy closed her eyes and smiled. During a storm, she could get lost and forget everything around her.

The storm was over with too quick. She stood up and walked over to start dinner. Her papa would be home soon and be expecting food on the table. Joy baked two loaves of bread early that morning, so she sliced them and place two slices in the heated iron skillet to toast. After they were lightly brown, she slathered strawberry jam on each piece and placed them on a plate. While she fried two slices of ham, she sliced a potato and laid the pieces in the pan with the ham, then covered it.

Papa walked in just as Joy was plating the ham and potatoes. He hung his cowboy hat on a hook by the door and then walked over to wash his hands in the basin by the door.

It smells good Joy. I’m so hungry I could eat the sole of my boot if you fried it up. Hank Ryder said as he sat down at the table.

They joined hands and her papa blessed the food. How did your day go? Joy asked as she poured him a glass of water.

I was able to get the back fence mended. At least now the cows can’t escape. He took a bite of ham, then looked at her. Then I went into town. Did you know the Summer dance is this Saturday?

Joy looked up with surprise. Is it this Saturday?

Yes. I thought we’d go. It would be nice to see our neighbors and have some fun. Hank cut a piece of potato and put it in his mouth with a grin. You’ve become quite a cook. Your mama would be proud.

Thank you, papa. Joy said, then looked back down at her plate, pushing her potatoes around the plate.

What’s wrong? Hank’s expression was concerned.

For a few seconds, Joy was unsure if she should tell papa about their visitor today. Then she knew that keeping it from him would only make things worse.

Mr. Clayborn came by today.

Hank put his fork down and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. What did he want?

He wanted to see you and said that the taxes are overdue. He also said that if you didn’t pay it by the end of the month, he would take the farm. Can he do that?

Yes, baby girl, he can. Hank reached across to cover his daughter’s hand with his, We’ll just put it in God’s hands and pray that the harvest next week will be good.

But what if the crops don’t bring in as much as you’re hoping for?

It’s in God’s hands and that’s all that needs to be said. Now, what’s for dessert? I thought I smelled apples baking when I rode up.

Joy smiled, knowing apple pie was her papa’s favorite. You were right.

After dinner, Hank went out to check on the animals while Joy cleaned the dishes. Joy was still thinking about the tax on the property. What would they do if Mr. Clayborn kicked them off their farm?"

That night as Joy lay in bed, sleep evaded her. She was worried, which she knew was wrong, but it was hard thinking about not living on the farm. She’d lived on this farm her whole life. Her mama was buried under the large oak behind the barn, along with her baby brother that only lived to be a month old. This was home.

Over the next couple of days, Joy tried not to think about the taxes, but focused on helping with the farm. Then on Saturday morning, her best friend rode up to visit. Lori had been her friend since they were little. They’d attended school together, walking hand in hand every day.

I can’t wait until the dance tonight. Maybe tonight Dirk will notice me. She whirled around, pushing wisps of hair back into her bun.

Lori, don’t throw yourself at him this year. You know that it isn’t lady like. Joy said as she poured them both a cup of tea.

Joy, I don’t want to be an old maid and this is the last year before that’s what we’ll both be. No man will want an old maid for a wife. Lori said in her usual dramatic fashion.

Just because we’re eighteen doesn’t mean we’ll be old maids. I know that when the man God has in mind for me comes along, I’ll get married.

Lori rolled her eyes and stood up. Joy, you’ve got to be real here.

They talked a while longer, then Lori went home to get ready. Joy got out her father’s best shirt and pants for the dance. Then she pulled out her favorite dress. It was a deep baby blue and had little white flowers embroidered around the neckline. She pulled her hair from the bun it was in and brushed it until it shown like the sun. For some reason, she wanted to leave it down tonight.

Joy and her father arrived early for the dance. Hank wanted to have a chance to speak with the other farmers before the festivities started. Joy walked around, speaking to everyone and looking for Lori. As she stood near the food tables, she noticed a handsome man walk up to the table and place two pies at the end. When he looked up, their eyes locked. Joy was awestruck for a moment.

Lori walked up and spoke, but Joy didn’t notice. She finally tapped Joy on the shoulder. Hey, have you gone deaf?

Lori, who is that man at the food tables? Her words were spoken low and only meant for Lori’s ears.

Oh, that’s Nash Collins. Lori said as though it was a sin to say his name.

Collins? As in the Collins that own Sky Ridge Ranch? Joy turned to Lori for confirmation.

The one and only. He’s the old of the sons and the only one not married. But from what I hear, he’s all work and no play. Lori said, fluffing her hair and moving her eyes over the crowd of people.

He’s over there Lori. Joy pointed toward the far side of the street where the sheriff stood.

I wasn’t looking for Dirk. Lori said, her eyes darting his way, then down at her toes.

Who are you trying to fool? Joy said, then looked back toward the food tables, but found that the handsome man was gone.

"Don’t even think about it Joy. You know that he’s half Indian, so you don’t want to pursue that. Besides, from what

Reviews for Promises Made

[benn9314 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A sweet love story that makes you believe in miracles