The Marrying Kind: Mail Order Bride

By Ann Laurel

Answering a mail order bride ad was the only way Serenity Hopkins could gain the attention of ranch hand Isaiah Martin.

Serenity Hopkins decided she'd find her own husband since her father, Daniel Hopkins, seemed too busy with the ranch to help her. When Serenity learned why none of the ranch hands paid her any attention she took matters into her own hands, defying her father and lying to the man she loved.

The act of defiance backfires and Serenity may lose everything she ever wanted in life as a result. Will fate step in and help her return to the arms of the man she desperately loves?

A short clean western historical romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Perfectly Plotted Books
• Release date: Jul 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370552214

Ann Laurel

Ann loves to write inspirational sweet romances. Her first series, The Cattlemen's Wives, are western historical mail-order brides. All of her books are guaranteed to make you feel good when you reach the end.Ann lives with her husband and children in the beautiful Ozark Mountains in the south. She enjoys raising Godly children, volunteering with her church, homemaking, and writing.

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The Marrying Kind by Ann Laurel

Copyright © 2016, 2017 by Ann Laurel.  All rights reserved.  Published in the United States by Ann Laurel.  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from the publisher/author.

Disclaimer

This is a work of fiction.  Therefore, all characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance whatsoever to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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Chapter One

Isaiah Martin regarded the ranch owner’s daughter as she walked by yet again from afar. The man stood high on the wagon taking feed to the cattle. Daniel Hopkins glared at the girl, the forbidden one. Isaiah didn't know why the silly girl constantly tried to make eye contact with him and he did what he could to avoid her. Daniel Hopkins told the ranch hands in no uncertain terms that his daughter, Serenity, was off limits. Presently Daniel Hopkins walked up to the wagon smiling at the ranch hand.

Isaiah, you've been with us, what? Five years now? Daniel asked.

Isaiah stopped and pulled his cowboy hat off swiping at his forehead with the back of his hand. It was a blustery early spring day but the hard work made the rancher sweat. Replacing his hat, he smiled at the ranch owner. Yes sir, I came in just after I turned twenty-one. It's been a good five years, Isaiah said to the man.

So how do you like working for me here at the Hopkins Rodeo Ranch? Daniel asked as he walked alongside Isaiah back to the stable.

Sir, I like it quite well. My cabin is quite comfortable and I have no desire to head out on my own, Isaiah said.

Daniel stopped momentarily and looked out over his ranch. Then he regarded the young man. You've done quite a job for me, son. You've been respectful to me as well and I sincerely appreciate that. I think it's time I advanced you and give you more duties and more perks. How about that parcel of land right over there nestled in the trees with the brook running just behind it? Daniel asked as he pointed in the direction that Isaiah often looked at with wonder. The young ranch hand smiled.

Sir, that's a beautiful place. I've always had my eye on it simply because it's beauty.

How about I give you that parcel of land which will give you a permanent residence here at the ranch. You’ve worked for me long enough and you've proven yourself and I want you to reward you with something to call your own, Daniel said.

Ah, wonderful. I thank you so much for the generous offer and I accept. This is what I've been waiting for as a ranch hand. My desire is to start a family so once I build my own home I will be able to do that, Isaiah said.

Daniel chuckled as he walked along with the man. He looked back and saw his daughter had walked to the house leaving them alone. He knew that soon he must contend with her but for now, he had to take care of his ranch hands. Is there anybody in mind? Is there a young lady you're courting? Daniel asked.

Isaiah cut his eyes to the ranch owner as they reached the stable. No sir. No one in mind. I've just been working too hard to take the time to do such a thing, Isaiah said.

"You could do like Tim and John