Anxious Bride: Prairie Brides of Apple Orchard, #2

By Ava Catori and Kim Koby

An 1880's historical western romance.

Alice Barrett isn't opposed to marrying James Owens, she just thought he chose her for different reasons. Finding out the marriage of convenience is simply convenient, she's left wondering if sacrificing love for security will fulfill her heart and soul.

James knew his time was running out if he didn't make a change. His friends and family were all in Apple Orchard, and he wasn't interested in leaving. With pressure to continue his schooling out east, he decides to take on a wife to convince his family he's determined to build a life on his terms.  Choosing Alice was easy, but convincing her to marry him turned out to be a bigger challenge than he expected.

Can Alice and James come to an arrangement that works for them both? Or will Alice pull away at the thought of being a pawn? Doesn't she deserve somebody that loves her completely?

This is the second book in the "Prairie Brides of Apple Orchard" series. It can be read as a standalone, but as the stories run linear, it's suggested to read them in order.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ava Catori Books
• Release date: Apr 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386183075

Book preview

Chapter 1

James Owens had a list of possibilities. After sorting through his choices, the conclusion came naturally. Alice Barrett was the girl for him. His mother might have other ideas, but he'd set his sights on a sweet-natured girl that wouldn't take advantage or use him to gain social status. Having money complicated matters.

His pa and uncle did well for themselves, owning both a sawmill and lumberyard, along with a mercantile. His father knew opportunity when he saw it and moved his family before James was old enough to remember.

The Owens lived a prosperous life. His mother, Rose, said that made them different than the others, but James never understood what she was talking about until he was older. He'd grown-up in Apple Orchard, and as far as he knew, everybody was on the same footing. He never much thought about others having to scrape by for food in the winter or families struggling to make ends meet, because it never touched his life.

His mother kept him on a close leash, sheltering him, telling him that he was made for better things. She had visions of him leaving for a bigger city and a stronger education. She wanted nothing but the best for him, along with the opportunity to boast to her friends how well her son was doing. His older sister Jenna married two years prior. She moved out east to live with her husband’s family. Rose loved to tell everybody how her daughter had married into money and lived a lavish lifestyle.

As for James, while he was now an adult, Rose catered to him like a child. His every whim and need was met, though she was annoyed that he’d put off University this past year. He should have finished a year of studies by now. Instead, he pleaded for more time. He wasn’t ready to vacate Apple Orchard just yet.

James had his own ideas about the path he wanted to take. He welcomed the idea of a family, staying local, and making his own decisions.

That's where Alice Barrett came in. He'd seen her at Faith's wedding, making it the perfect opportunity to say something. He’d grown up with the Barrett sisters and gone to school with them. He was closer to the older girls. Faith, Alice, and Grace were all close to his age. Their two younger sisters shared the same school building, but the older kids had their own studies.

Faith’s wedding was something else. She’d married one of the local men, a guy who’d been in town for a few years. It was fun to see them happy together and to celebrate with the Barrett family.

His mother had other ideas. Rose felt that they were above the Barrett's when it came to social clout. When she made a fuss over going to the wedding, his father begged her to keep her manners in check.

Jim Owens had been friends with Tom Barrett for years, and in his eyes, a good man was a good man. Money had nothing to do with it. Tom was a hard worker and prided himself in taking care of his family. James appreciated his father’s take on things.

When the day arrived, he snuck a whisper in Alice’s ear to get her take on the idea. He’d ask Alice's father for permission to court her the following day, not wanting to steal thunder from the newly married couple.

When he let his secret out on the way home from the wedding, sharing his decision with his family, his mother had other ideas.

"James, no, dear. She's a lovely girl, but not our kind. She'd make another gentleman a good bride. You need to aim higher, sweetheart. Only the best for the Owens family," she said with a tense smile.

Higher? James groaned. It barely came as a surprise. His mother was hardly shy when it came to her opinions, but this was his life and he was determined to live it his way.

Rose on the other hand knew what she had to do. She’d quickly made other plans. There was no need for the boy to go down the wrong path so soon. If he wanted to find a girl to court, Rose knew just the girl. She’d only need to convince James that she knew what was best. She did after all; it was a mother’s job to guide her child in the right direction.

A shift, a bit of manipulation, and things would go accordingly. Rose silently applauded her quick thinking.

Chapter 2

Alice squirmed in her seat after James whispered in her ear. His words took her by surprise. When she gasped, she realized she’d drawn attention to herself and quickly looked down, trying to make herself smaller.

Stunned, her stomach quivered at the thought of having a man like James in her life. He intended on asking her father's permission to court her. She’d never had anything so exciting happen in her life. Usually the good stuff happened to her sisters. This time it was her turn!

As they were celebrating her sister’s wedding, she knew it wasn’t the time to say anything. She’d keep it to herself...besides, it's not like he’d asked her father yet.

And what if he changed his mind? Her belly fluttered at the thought. Would he change his mind?

Perplexed, she wondered why he'd chosen somebody like her when there were so many other girls that were prettier or fancier than she was. Surely, he recognized their differences. Maybe it wasn't obvious as they grew up, but the older they got, the more obvious their division of wealth was. It was a fact of life. She was a farmer's daughter, while he was born into a family with money.

She was certain if a wedding ceremony had taken place at his house, nobody would be eating off a barn door or using spare logs as seating. Alice wasn’t embarrassed, but understood they lived different lives. James was accustomed to finer accommodations.  

AFTER THE CELEBRATION, Faith left for her new home with Will. They