The Sheriff's Jilted Bride: Coal Valley Brides, #2

By Rose Andrews

*A Novella*

Colorado, May of 1880

When Maybelle Stewart, a farmer's daughter, is left at the altar by her betrothed, she instead marries his brother in order to avoid public humiliation. She aims to learn her new husband and the ways to his heart—that is, until her ex comes around and starts trouble. He wants her back and if he can't have her, no one can. Especially not his own flesh and blood.

Sheriff Levi Anderson, protector of Coal Valley, hates to see a lady in distress. The sassy woman who was soon to be his sister-in-law lights a fire in him like none other and he's not letting her go. When his no-good brother kidnaps his bride, he must rescue her before she disappears in the Colorado wilderness for good.
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Together they withstand the strains of a new marriage and the jealous brother with a bitter heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mythobooks Publishing
• Release date: Oct 23, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386046769

Rose Andrews

Rose Andrews writes about marriage, mountains, and adventure. She enjoys crafting stories about arranged marriages, marriages of convenience, and mail-order-brides in Western and 20th Century Historical Romance. Her sweetly toned, faith-inspired stories are about sassy heroines who wed good-humored heroes and live happily ever after. She is fascinated with history, especially the vintage years and the Old West.  She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and family, reading historical and fantasy romance novels to her heart's delight. Connecting with readers is her favorite part of publishing fiction. 

Book preview

COAL VALLEY BRIDES

THE SHERIFF’S

Jilted Bride

ROSE ANDREWS

Copyright © 2017 Rose Andrews www.rosehistoricals.com

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

It is unlawful to copy or use this product in any form without written consent from the author.

Acknowledgements

To my Savior, Lord Jesus Christ, who strengthens me.

To my husband and family for supporting my crazy dreams.

To Madelene Martin for the cover art design.

And to my readers, who inspire me to write and continue maturing in my craft.

1

Colorado, May of 1880

Mining town of Coal Valley

AT TWO in the afternoon on a pleasant Saturday, Coal Valley’s chapel bells rang an hour after Maybelle Stewart should have been married to Cap Anderson—but he was nowhere in sight. Sweating nerves in her wedding dress, it took every ounce of self-control to not break down in front of a congregation of family and friends.

Carrie, her sister and maid-of-honor, leaned in and angrily whispered, where is he? No groom should be this late.

Maybe he doesn’t want to marry, said her little sister Eliza in a straightforward tone, which annoyed Maybelle.

He’ll come, Maybelle answered, her head filled with thoughts of him being injured or even with another woman. No, he couldn’t possibly have left her at the altar and gotten cold feet. He’d seemed so set on marrying that none of this could be happening. It all had to be a nightmare.

Pastor Henry gave her a stern look. Miss Maybelle, I’m real sorry but we’re going to need to cancel. It’s apparent that the groom isn’t coming and I can’t wait much longer.

Maybelle turned away from him without a response. He was right. Her sister was also. No man would be late to his own wedding if he hadn’t intended on arriving in the first place.

A sea of confused faces stared back at her, but one in particular looked more concerned than even her own mother did. Sheriff Levi Anderson, the groom’s older brother.

He stepped forward, wiping sweat off his temples with a handkerchief. Maybelle, may I have a word with you?

Right now? she asked, eyes flitting from him to the congregation. About what?

Can you just come with me? He extended his hand to her and glanced back at the door. Let’s go in the hallway for some privacy.

Maybelle took his hand and stepped down from the stage. When they were alone, she asked, where is Cap? Please don’t tell me he would do this on purpose.

Levi was a tall man with dark hair, a lean muscular build, and a protective nature wrapped in kindness. She’d known him for two years since he’d taken over the sheriff’s position after the town’s previous one had retired. Normally calm and collected with a no-nonsense attitude, today he seemed distracted. Hat dangling from one of his hands, he scratched the back of his head with the other.

Cap’s not coming, he said, inspecting her face for a unfavorable response. She conceded.

"What do you mean that he’s not coming? Her entire body froze in shock. He has to come. We planned this for months!"

Levi hushed her, finger held to his mouth, and he stretched his neck to look back at the curious pastor. I don’t know where he is or what’s happened. But I’m here to make you an offer.

She frowned. And what’s that? Are you going to search for him?

He sucked in a breath and, much to her dismay, dropped to one knee. Will you marry me?

Maybelle’s jaw gaped open as he tenderly held her hand. "What?"

I know my brother, he said in an effort to explain his actions. He didn’t show for his own reasons. But Maybelle, I’m turning twenty-six this year and it’s high time I took a wife. I can take care of you like no other. You’ll be safe with me until the end of our days together and if love and children come...fine. I can’t stand it one moment longer to see you standing up there all alone and ridiculed. Besides, I’ve always had a soft spot for a woman in distress.

Breath escaped her body. What was she to do? Say? And she only had a minute to decide by the look of irritation on the pastor’s face.

This could not be happening on supposedly the best day of her life but be as it may, sometimes the good Lord had other plans in store.

Fine, she said and raised her head high. I agree.

Good, he said with a smile. Let’s go get married then. Sorry I don’t have a ring.

But she didn’t so much care about that. In a way, she was relieved to not have to stand alone looking like a fool anymore.

Pastor, go ahead and start the ceremony, Levi said and took of her hands. We’re getting married.

The two of you? Pastor Henry’s voice was just as full of shock as the whispers and gasps in the congregation.

Ma buried her face in her hands and shook her head. Her sisters began whispering hotly to one another, but Maybelle ignored all of them.

Yes. She feigned the prettiest smile she could up at Levi, more for everyone else than for him. I accepted his proposal.

The pastor started the ceremony amidst a room full of low-toned gossips and giggles. She stared into Levi’s encouraging eyes as the pastor spoke the words that bound them by law.

I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Maybelle trembled, a little nervous about what was to come next.

Levi offered a tight