Prairie Brides of Apple Orchard: Prairie Brides of Apple Orchard, #3

By Ava Catori and Kim Koby

Prairie Brides of Apple Orchard is a duology of two books titled Stubborn Bride and Anxious Bride that are set in the 1880's. An 1880's historical western romance.

Stubborn Bride: Faith Barrett was thrown when she heard the news. How could her father give her away so easily? Forced into an arranged marriage, Faith refuses to make things easy on her new suitor. In fact, she'll do whatever she can to turn him away.

Will Hanson is lonely. Having lost his family, he was cast into a life he wasn't sure he wanted anymore. Alone in the world, he struggles to start over. He can handle hard work, but the loneliness taunts him day and night. His world changes when he convinces Faith's father he'd be the perfect husband to Tom Barrett's eldest daughter. Thrilled to step into a new life, he finds his future bride to be more of a handful than he ever imagined.

Can Will convince Faith to give him a chance? Can Faith find happiness with a man she doesn't love?

Anxious Bride: 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?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ava Catori Books
• Release date: Apr 24, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386027096

Book preview

Chapter 1 – Stubborn Bride

Tom Barrett slammed into the barn wall behind the mule. He fell to his knees as pain ripped through his body.  A couple of broken ribs and a fractured arm left him in a bind. His wife had warned him not to get behind the mule, and normally, he’d be more careful.

He’d only meant to chase off Charlie, their scrappy pup who was causing mischief. He’d slipped into the pens and riled up the farm critters.

Doc Parsons told him he’d need to heal, and that took time. With the weather turning and the fields in need of harrowing to break up the clumps, they’d have their work cut out for them.

The Barrett girls were old enough to help, but Hope didn’t want to pull them from their work and other chores. Their three youngest were still finishing school, while Faith and Alice did apprentice work. She’d do what she could, but much of the work called for a man’s strength.

When Will Hanson showed up at their door, their prayers had been answered.

He was a young, strong man; a neighborly type. While they hadn’t spoken often, they’d wave as they passed one another in town. He worked at the sawmill in Apple Orchard, and came to lend a hand after his shift.

For eight straight weeks, he made his way to the Barrett’s home and helped with everything from preparing their fields, mending a new leak in the roof, and fixing the fence when a storm blew out several pickets. He never asked for a day’s pay or complained. He simply showed up, did the work, and would leave with a smile. For the Barrett family, he was a blessing.

As for Will, the company was a nice change of pace. He didn’t fear much these days, except loneliness, but that taunted him every day.

Over their final supper, Tom stood to speak for his family. There wasn’t enough money to pay for the man’s time and generosity. Will, if there’s any way that we can repay you for your time, please say the word. 

Will bowed his head and thanked the man. I do have one request, but maybe we could speak outside after we eat.

Say the word. Whatever it is—it’s yours, Tom promised.

AFTER WILL AND TOM spoke, Will made his way back home.

Tom rubbed the back of his neck and went back inside. 

Hope looked to her husband, wondering what Will had requested. She didn’t ask. She waited for her husband to speak. Only, he didn’t.

Lost in thought, Tom stepped to the fireplace and took down a box of tobacco from the mantle. He filled his corncob pipe and went back outside for a smoke. 

Hope sat on her hands, trying to be patient. She waited, but still nothing. Finally, curiosity got the better of her. She slipped outside to find her husband seated on the wooden bench by the door. The bench held so many memories—news of pregnancy, moments of heartache, and the warmth of love.

Tom looked up at his wife. He wasn’t sure what to say.

Tom? Hope sat beside him. What is it? 

He’s a good man, Hope, he started.

She agreed wholeheartedly. Yes, a very good man; honorable, helpful, and kind. We’d have been lost without him. I’m so grateful he showed up when he did, and without the need of prodding. We couldn’t have asked for more.

Tom nodded. He’s strong and capable. A solid worker. Seems honest.

Hope waited for her husband to finish. She held her tongue, anxious for more information.

Tom grew quiet and introspective again, drawing in smoke from his pipe. The scent of the tobacco lingered in the night air. 

She couldn’t wait any longer. Tom! What’s going on?

Tom stood as if to take a moral stand. What’s done is done. We’ve come to an arrangement. He’s looking to take a bride, and well...

Hope cocked her head to the side.

...he’s a good man. Anybody would appreciate such a fine husband. I just hope Faith takes the news better than I anticipate she will. She’s a stubborn girl, has her own ideas, but it’s getting time for her to start a family of her own. Don’t you think?

You offered him... She couldn’t finish.

He sat down beside his wife. He’s lonely and seeking a wife. He’s a good man, I don’t question that. I do question myself. Have I sold out our child?

Hope clasped Tom’s hands with her own. He’s a decent, noble man. He’ll make a fine addition to our family.

Did I do wrong? he asked, confusion clouding his eyes.

Arranged marriages happen all the time, she said. She swallowed hard, and accepted his decision. Why should our daughters be any different? You’re looking out for her well-being. A just cause.

We married for love, he reminded her. He gazed into his wife’s eyes. He never grew tired of the way she looked at him. 

Only because we ran away before I could be given to the man that I’d been promised to, she whispered. Hope bowed her head, ashamed of fleeing, but happy that she’d followed her heart. Tom was a wonderful husband and provider. They shared five beautiful daughters and more joyful memories than she could have ever hoped for.

I’ll talk to Faith in the morning, he said. He needed to find the right words.

Hope left her husband to his thoughts. Back inside, she joined her daughters. Faith and Alice were cleaning the mess from their evening supper. Grace swept the floor. The twins, Catherine and Rebecca, recited schoolwork. They’d all grown so fast. Too quickly, the little pitter-patter of feet turned into five giggling young girls. And now, five young women filled their home. Hope never wanted for anything with Tom and her daughters by her side.

Chapter 2

Come sunrise, each of the girls ate breakfast together at the table. Tom asked to speak with Faith when she’d finished.

The spunky nineteen-year-old smiled at her father. She cherished him more than anything. He’d always been her hero. He was steady and fair, and led their family with strength and love. Seeing him hurt and vulnerable after his recent accident was jarring, but growing-up taught her that life was full of ups and downs. 

After finishing school, Faith took a position as an apprentice. She worked at the dress shop in Apple Orchard. She’d been learning to improve her sewing and alteration skills.

The local town held most of the merchants and wasn’t more than a two-mile walk. The Barrett family lived in Rabbit Run which sat alongside Cobbler Creek. Chores were easier with water nearby. Not everybody was so lucky. Most of her summer memories were of splashing and playing in the creek with her sisters.

Then there were the endless daydreams while she helped her mother wash clothes. She scrubbed them over washboards, leaving her hands raw at times. Thankfully, lost in thought she rarely noticed until after the fact. Between the scrubbing and blocks of homemade soap her hands were beyond dry.

Her father sat beside her on the bench, hoping to gently break the news to his daughter. Did you sleep well?

I did. She sat quietly beside him. He wasn’t quite himself. Usually, there was a natural chattiness between them. 

Faith, you’ve grown to be quite the woman. I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter. You’re smart, funny, and have a solid sense of family. You’ve shown us that you’re capable of anything you put your mind to. That makes me proud. It also makes a good combination that will serve you well. You’ll make somebody a fine wife.

Thanks, Pa, she said, flattered by his words.

That day has come sooner than we’ve expected. He looked at the fields that Will had helped mend. Off to the side, the horizon offered a view of a sweeping green hill and a few large trees that offered shade on hot afternoons. The creek sat off to the right. He stood and paced. Faith, that day has arrived. I’ve offered your hand to Will Hanson. He’s looking for a wife and to start a family. He’s a fine man and will be a good provider.

Color faded from her face, like soap spinning down a drain. The pit in her stomach felt hollow as she wrapped around herself. Pa?

Now, you know that you’re getting on in years. You can’t very well stay here forever. You’re most welcome of course, but it’s time. You’re a woman now, and Will is a proper suitor. His neck corded as anguish filled his heart.

I don’t want to marry, she said, her voice a desperate whisper. I’m not ready.

Nonsense, you’re more than ready. You’re a fine young woman that any man would be lucky to call his own. I couldn’t do better for you if I tried. He’s lonely, Faith, and ready for a bride.

Pa? she pleaded.

Tom closed his eyes and tried to block out his daughter’s broken voice. He clenched his fists, his own guilt eating him up inside. That’s enough. What’s done is done. He’ll be coming to walk you to church on Sunday, and you’ll greet him with a smile.

Before she could say anymore, he got up and went inside. Their conversation was over.

Bewildered, Faith curled into herself. It didn’t make sense. Her future was handed over like a coin to a merchant. It’s as if she’d stepped back in time. Sure, arranged marriages still happened, but it was becoming less common in Apple Orchard. With a growing population, there were plenty of chances to meet a suitor.

Faith clutched her legs up toward her chest and sobbed quietly. Her chest was hollow as if her heart had taken leave. Dismayed, unable to find right from wrong, she wept.

There was nothing left. There were things to be done. Work waited on her. She’d need to go into town. She took pride in working and learning her skill. While Ma had taught her the basics of sewing, Mrs. Jenson brought her skills to another level. She was a few years into her apprenticeship and would be able to start on her own soon enough.

It’s not that she dreamt of sewing, stitching, and tailoring, but she did dream of being her own woman and making adult choices. Now, she’d been cast back into the role of childhood where choices had all been made for her.

THE DAY WAS LONG AND the weather hot. Summer was approaching quickly. Spring usually cast a few cooler days, but the sun glared down as Faith made the trek back home. She’d been working on alterations through the day. While she generally liked to chat, she had nothing left to say.

Large swathes of green pastures paralleled the dirt road she knew so well. She’d walked the same path many times in the past on her way to school, to go to church on Sundays, and to help her mother collect things in town. Other times, they’d go into town as her father drove their wagon with a trail of dust kicking up behind them.

Faith liked walking home from work. It was her quiet space, her time alone. Growing up with four sisters, home was rarely quiet except when they’d all lay their heads down to sleep. Only then could she get lost in her thoughts without her younger sisters badgering her for attention.

At work, she could buffer the pain of her future and hide behind the stitches, counting, threading, sewing, and darning. The moment she stepped away from Mrs. Jenson’s place, her mind flooded with questions, heartache, worry, and anger. There were so many thoughts that moved through her mind, but confusion reigned above them all.

Faith desperately searched for answers, solutions—anything to change her path. Her hand trembled as she brought it to her forehead, wiping away a bead of perspiration. Her chest hitched at the thought of an impending marriage. She usually had a generous appetite after a full day’s work, but today had all but gone missing.

She stopped at a favorite tree and sat against it, wanting to be alone just a bit longer. She retreated within, hoping to numb the pain that crashed her thoughts. A soft breeze shuffled the loose bits of hair that fell around her face and dotted the air with fragrant wildflowers.

A lone hawk circled the sky above her.

She ran her hands over the gentle shards of grass, then stood. Faith dusted off the bits of earth and grass that clung to her skirt. There were chores to do and lollygagging wouldn’t help anyone.

She trusted her father, adored her mother, and understood Will was a decent man.

Families had been formed this way for a long time. It shouldn’t come as a total surprise, right? Only, they’d never spoken of marrying her off before. The shock came out of nowhere. There was no warning, no inkling, no hint...nothing.

Would her sisters be married off as well—sold to the highest bidder or handed over in trade? Or would she be the only one to meet this fate? She assumed she’d been chosen because she was the eldest. Had there even been a choice? Had Will decided she was the one he wanted? Or had he simply asked for a wife and left the choice to her father?

There were so many questions. Too many.

Will was nothing less than a gentleman. She should be happy, right?

She couldn’t imagine starting a family with a stranger. Sure, he’d been around for a short while, but she hardly knew him. What about his family? And then there was the matter of moving to a different home, away from her sisters and parents. She desperately wanted to dig her heels in and stop things, at least for now—before it was too late.

Was it too late? Was there no turning back?