Mail Order Bride - Grace's Destiny: Faith Creek Brides, #17

By Karla Gracey

Grace Gardner has done everything she can to try and fit into Society, but she simply isn't that kind of girl. With her love of horses, and passion for the wild terrain of Texas, she, and her Mama, fear that she will never find a man to marry her. But, just maybe, if she takes matters into her own hands, she might find the right man after all?

Owain Jones left Wales with hopes of making his fortune, and helping out his family. But, his arrival showed him the stories of streets paved with gold were just that, stories. Undaunted, he joined the army, serving in a cavalry regiment for many years, until he could take it no more. Offered the chance to start again by Sheriff Kimball, Owain makes his way to Faith Creek, but can he ever leave his past behind him and build the loving family he longs for?

• Language: English
• Publisher: KG Publishing House
• Release date: Jun 23, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386565888

Book preview

Mail Order Bride

Grace's Destiny

Faith Creek Brides: Book 17

Karla Gracey

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Mailing List And Free Gift

Copyright

Thank you for choosing a Karla Gracey story.

As a way to say thank you, we would love to give you this lovely short story.

book image image.jpg

Click here to pick up your free story.

Chapter One

The house was small. It had only a single parlor and a kitchen just large enough to house an old pine table and four chairs downstairs, and two small bedrooms upstairs, but as Owain looked around, taking in the clean floorboards and the neat fireplace, he felt at home for the first time in ten years. He dropped his kit bag by the door and, moving to the window, he looked out at the mountains and hills that surrounded the little town of Faith Creek. Though the earth had a reddish tinge, rather than being littered with slate chippings from the mines, it reminded him of his homeland. He missed Wales. He missed his family and the tiny village he had called home. But, times had been hard, and there had been little work. Owain, as the eldest of the five children, had set out for America to make his fortune and help his family as best he could. Sadly, the promise of the new land had not been entirely fulfilled, though he had found a place in a cavalry regiment of the army. His position meant that he had been able to send money home regularly to his Mam to help her raise his siblings, especially after Pa’s death in a tragic mining accident just over three years ago.

Owain had boarded the boat to America with so much hope, but his years spent fighting the tribes had soured him, making him angry and sad in equal measure. He had come to wonder why such strong, brave people were seen as the enemy – after all, it had been their home long before the invaders from all over Europe had arrived. He was glad to be free of that chapter of his life, free to create something new, something better for himself. He would be glad not to have to follow orders to kill men, women, and children who had done nothing more than live on land that had been theirs for generations. He kept his opinions to himself, however. He knew his views weren’t always understood by his colleagues, or even many of the people of America. The tribes were seen as recalcitrant and a nuisance, at best, and confrontational and vicious, at worst. So, like so many of his experiences and feelings throughout his life, he buried his thoughts deeply. Owain just wanted to find a home and feel that he was part of a community once more, and to do so, he would do whatever was needed to fit in. He was so tired of being lonely and looking in at the lives and happiness of others from the outside.

He heard heavy steps on the front porch, followed by a loud and exuberant knocking. He opened the door and grinned upon seeing the large frame of his old friend. Good day to you, John, he said, holding out his hand. Sheriff John Kimball took it and shook it hard, then unexpectedly moved forward and embraced Owain. The hug almost took Owain’s breath, and he found himself slapping John on the back to try and alert him as he tried to pull away.

Owain Jones, I cannot tell you how glad I am to see you, John said, finally stepping back and looking Owain up and down. You are looking well. After your letter, I half expected you to be pale and gaunt. You had me quite worried with your maudlin tone.

I think that finally being free from the army has done much to improve my spirits, Owain admitted.

Had things really gotten so bad? John asked, his concern clear in his eyes. Owain was touched by it.

We had a new Captain, obviously, after you left. He was a brutal and uncompromising type. His family had been murdered in some raid by the Apache. It left him bitter, and so every member of the tribes we saw... Well, I am sure you can imagine. I saw things I didn’t want to, things that haunt my nights – but thankfully it is in the past now.

I am sorry, John said. There are some cruel men out there, and the army always did attract more than its fair share of them. But, as you say, it is done and in the past. Faith Creek will be a new start for you, and I cannot tell you how glad I am that you are here and have accepted my offer. The town has grown so rapidly that the Mayor has granted me the funds for a permanent deputy. All of my men here are volunteers. They all have other positions, and do the job to keep the town and their families safe, so there was nobody else I could think of, but you.

I was glad to accept. I have never seen myself as a lawman, but your offer was most timely. It is good to be here.

"I know you miss Wales, and your family there – but I know Faith Creek will welcome you with open arms. It is a friendly place, and, in that vein, Isabelle insists you join us for supper this evening. She cannot wait to meet you and introduce you to our children. So, come around six o’clock, before