SAM finds LOVE: SAM LOVES, #1

By Lou kamradt

"Sam Finds Love" is the first in a trilogy of historical romance. This is about Sam's journey from St. Louis, MO, to Plainville, WY, in the late 1800s. She meets Ted, they marry and begin their family while living on a ranch. 

"Sam Loves the Ranch" is the second book. This involves Indians, tells about the arrival of folks on a wagon train, and the lives of Sam's many friends on the ranch and in town as the population grows in both places.

"Sam is Loved" is the third book in the trilogy. Sam and Ted's family grows, their Dude Ranch develops, and other businesses come to Plainsville. Again there are marriages, births, and a festival which grows involving a rodeo. Between a summer drought and a winter blizzard, they lose their cattle. Now is the time for a change. Sam still has her winning smile.

In all three books, Sam is in the middle of many adventures. Both the folks in town and on the ranch depend on Sam for advice. She is loved.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lou kamradt
• Release date: Oct 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9781732389519

Lou kamradt

Lou Kamradt has a bucket list, and one of those items is to become an author.  She has concluded three books; “Sam Finds Love,” “Sam Loves the Ranch,” and “Sam is Loved.” These are a trilogy, “Sam Loves,” historical romance written in the time of the late 1800s in Wyoming. Lou has also written several short stories. Lou was born in Benton, IL. She graduated from Eureka College with a BA in education. She also attended: Normal IL University, Boise University, and Arizona University. Lou is a member of RWA, SW Houston RW, and has attended several writer’s conferences. Lou has accomplished several positions as a schoolteacher, administrative secretary, forklift driver, manager of a personnel office, and social director while her husband was a Wagon Master on several tours into Mexico and tail gunner on tour into Canada. Life can be complicated or full of activities, whether they are inside or outside of their home. Lou chose life with never a dull moment. She has moved repeatedly as an Army war brat moving with her parents during WWII. Then again with her husband; living in IL., AZ., Id., and TX. Her writing background is full from being active with her husband and their four children; also, retirement living in a motor home thirteen years and traveling in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Lou’s mind is full of stories, and now she has the opportunity to write them down. Enjoy her books. You may contact her: [e-mail]

Book preview

Take a trip back to the old West with Sam Olgeve, a feisty woman who paves her way in a man’s world. Not only does she tackle a man’s occupation, but she also achieves success and respectability. And gets herself a handsome hunk along the way!

Cindy Davis 

Sam finds love, is a tale of the 1800s, unmarried woman who finds herself in the family way, decides to meet life head-on. It will grab your attention with the first sentence and keep you absorbed to the last page. A real page-turner.

Ilona Stone

This is an exciting book about life in the 1800s in a small town in Wyoming. Lou always leaves you hanging at the end of a chapter, which makes you want to read more. I enjoyed her book and can’t wait for more.

Ruth Bryant

SAM Finds Love

A Sam Loves Novel

Volume One

Lou Kamradt

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental

Copyright 2018 by Lou Kamradt

All rights reserved, this book or any portion thereof

may not be reproduced or used in any manner

whatsoever without the expressed written permission

of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations

in a book review.

1st printed, 2016 as

The Red-Headed Account Lady Finds Love

Revised and updated 2018  Sam Finds Love

Volume one of a  trilogy Sam Loves

2nd  edition

ISBN Book: 978-1-7323895-0-2

ISBN  e-Book :978-1-7323895-1-9

Editor, Cindy Davis @ fiction-doctor.com

Cover design by Laura LaRoche @ llpix.com

Editor’s picture by Ron Kamradt

THIS ONE IS FOR

MY CHILDREN;

KATHY, KAREN, and KIM

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

CHAPTER  3

CHAPTER  4

CHAPTER  5

CHAPTER  6

CHAPTER  7

CHAPTER  8

CHAPTER  9

CHAPTER  10

CHAPTER  11

CHAPTER  12

CHAPTER  13

CHAPTER  14

CHAPTER  15

CHAPTER  16

CHAPTER  17

CHAPTER  18

CHAPTER  19

CHAPTER  20

CHAPTER  21

Acknowledgments

Ron Kamradt, my husband, who did all my

researching.

Kim Noren for her computer advice.

Ilona Stone and Ruth Bryant for their expertise.

And – to the best editor, Cindy Davis, who put up

with all my idiosyncrasies. She has patience blended

with love/ hugs. She always seemed to know when I needed those hugs. I thank her.

Chapter 1

SAM STEPPED DOWN THE steps of the stagecoach from Casper, Wyoming. I am here! she shouted to no one in particular. Her stomach did flip-flops as she put her hands on her hips and feet firmly on the ground. I’m so excited I think my heart will burst. She smiled, thinking about the start of her new life.

She dusted and shook out her full skirts. Her hat was askew, so she adjusted it, pushing some stray red hairs back into place. No, I’m not going to miss St. Louis. Did someone come to meet me?

The ride was dusty and had been rough over an almost non-existent road. Four tired black horses, wet from the exertion of the last difficult few miles, pulled the coach.

Henry, in his dapper hat with a three-piece suit, stepped from the coach. He turned to assist his fragile new bride, Elizabeth.

Oh my, Sam. Is this the town where you plan to live? said Elizabeth, a fellow traveler. Sam looked at the people and prosperous-looking storefronts down the street.

Yes, it is. I must say I’m looking forward to my new adventure.

I trust you realize what you’re getting into, said Elizabeth.

Oh, yes, I’m so excited. Plainville is my new beginning. She threw out her arms to include the whole town.

You seem so sure.

I need to find the office of the attorneys where I’m going to work.

Do you think you will be accepted into a man’s world? I’m no longer dependent upon someone else. Sam, in spite of the nerves rattling like jumping beans in her stomach, gave Elizabeth a confident smile.

I know this town. No matter how small, it is just the place for me to begin my business and have a home. I won’t miss St. Louis.

Elizabeth’s husband, Henry, took hold of his wife’s elbow and walked toward the stagecoach station if it could be called that. It was nothing but a big old building containing a saloon and looked like it was ready to fall. Even the field mice had abandoned it long ago.

Are you hungry, my dear? I’m sure you’re ready for something to drink. He nodded toward Sam to ask her to join them.

Thank you, Henry, I need to be on my way to find a place to stay.

Come along, Elizabeth, we have time while the horses are changed before the coach leaves.

Nice to have met you, Sam. I hope it’s all satisfactory to you on your new journey.

Not wanting to leave her, Sam said, Elizabeth, please stay overnight until your stomach settles. Traveling has been such a hardship for you, and thought her husband is expecting too much of her.

Thanks, Sam, but I’m sure I’ll be all right once I have something to eat and drink, she replied. Henry wants to be on his way; therefore, I must do as he says.

But you need to consider your health. Sam lowered her voice. Maybe what Henry wants isn’t what’s best for you.

Oh no, he’s thinking of both of us, and I’m sure he’s right.

Well then, I do wish you and Henry well in your marriage. I pray you find what you’re looking for in your new quest. I’m sure you’ll be better once you’re settled in the new home. All this rough traveling has been difficult for you.

Sam could see Henry wasn’t listening to her because his attention was on Elizabeth. She was pale; her cheeks were puckered. Sam hoped Elizabeth wasn’t going to vomit again. The poor woman had done nothing else all the way here. Maybe eating something would make her feel better.

Now I’m on stable ground, maybe my stomach will settle down, too. I hope I can eat breakfast without it being upset.

The saloon’s double swinging doors opened and out came a little old man wearing a well-worn, sweaty hat as well as thick glasses with one earpiece broken, leaving one earpiece fitting over his left ear. He walked toward the platform as if he had been expecting someone. The stagecoach driver set one medium-sized brown valise on the ground. He tipped his hat before pulling down the trunk tied with other baggage from the top.

Sam nodded to the little man with one earpiece trying to speak through the dust in the air; however, he glanced past her.

Lookin’ for Sam Olgeve from St. Louie.

Sam used a thumb to point toward herself. That’s me.

He tilted his head, then his glasses tipped too. Sam kept herself from grinning. He frowned. T’was expecting a man with the name of Sam. He had crooked teeth, with two missing. The men over at the attorney’s office were saying a man by the name of Sam Olgeve was arriving on the afternoon stage. He flashed another gap-tooth smile. There’s gonna be a mighty s’prise – sure nuff – a powerful s’prise. I wouldn’t get too settled in if I were you – no sireee. Seeing as you might be headed back to St. Louie on the next stagecoach which, by the way, isn’t until next week.

Hmmm, the first person I meet is ready to send me back. I’m sure I can show him a woman can do the job. This little guy won’t get the best of me. Who does he think he is to judge me because I’m a woman? He’s of no significance. But then who am I to judge him?

Sam was dressed in her traveling attire: a tight-fitting bodice with a full-skirted dress made of a beautiful plaid wool material and a brown bonnet with a small red feather. She carried a satchel with relevant papers proving her capabilities as an accountant.

She smiled at the man, not allowing his mad-as-hops rampage to continue. Do you know where I can find a clean place to stay?

Yep, I reckon over to Miss Purdey’s (pronouncing it Purr dees). There is always a vacancy.

Can you provide a way to take my baggage to Miss Purdey’s?

Ol’ Joe can.

Sam hastily rummaged through the satchel. I can pay for the delivery.

He hitched a finger for her to come. Then without waiting to see if Sam followed, he walked around to the side of the building and down a few stairs. He stopped at the bottom then pointed the way to the boarding house. It was just about a block down the street. However, being a small town, everything was just down the street.

Joe rattled on all the way to Miss Purdey’s. Yes, siree, my town is growing, you can bet on it. Just a few folks came here some time ago to settle on the Sweetwater River. The river flows to the south of here. Bet you never been to Wyoming before. You will like Miss Purdey and her place. Careful there, the street has a few little puddles from the rain this morning.

Thank you. She gave him a smile and handed him a few coins. Will you make arrangements with Joe?

He nodded and went back to the stagecoach with a frown on his face also mumbling, No way am I gonna tell ol’ Mr. Bouquet, no sireee, not the way his heart is.

Sam was glad she had worn her black leather boots because the street was dusty yet had a few puddles. She picked up her skirt and stepped on the boardwalk. A walkway lined both sides in front of several businesses: a feed store, locksmith shop, livery stable, a mercantile in addition to various other shops. She couldn’t wait to be acquainted with each one.

A buckboard pulled by a team of dark brown horses clattered toward her. A well-built cowboy wearing a new looking hat held the reins. The brim was pushed back, and she had a clear view of a most handsome face.

Splash! Muddy water splattered all over Sam’s skirt. She flung out both hands and stared down at herself. The driver of the buckboard turned briefly then continued on his way. Sam saw his tanned face with a look of surprise. She slapped her hands to her sides and uttered a word that would have made her momma wash out her mouth with lye soap. Sam shook her skirt, crossed the street, and started towards Miss Purdey’s house.

Squeak squeak went a well-worn sign above her head. It said Bouquet and Bouquet Attorney at Law Offices, on the second floor. Their space was above the newspaper office, which took up most of the timbered building on the first floor.

Oh no, I hope the firm isn’t as old plus outdated as their sign. They must be prosperous, or they wouldn’t have sent me the job offer. Even though Sam was anxious to meet the attorneys, she decided to wait until after checking into Miss Purdey’s.

She arrived at the house, walked up the stairs, and raised her hand. Before she could knock, the door opened. A large woman Sam assumed was Miss Purdey, stood there. With a broad smile and robust voice, she said, Hello, come on in. You must be Sam Olgeve, who was expected on the afternoon stagecoach.

Yes, I am. You must be Miss Purdey. Do you have room for me? I was told by the man at the station you might have.

"Well, now, ain’t you a pretty sight for sore eyes! Won’t you be turning some heads in my town? Here, have a seat. You must be tired after that long ride. Can I fetch you anything to eat or drink, Honey?

Honey, Sam thought, no one had ever used any term of endearment for her. How could Miss Purdey, who didn’t even know her, say that? Sam liked her already.

Thank you, but I would rather see a room if I may. I have some errands to run.

Oh, sure, you would. I’ll take you up the stairs right now. You can see for yourself how nice it is. I have the front room available. She patted Sam on the arm. I think you’ll like it just fine.

Sam followed the wide-rumped woman up the carpeted stairs. Here it is. Well, how about it?

Sam stepped into the room also immediately noticed the front window. It gave the room lots of light. She walked over and looked down onto the main street with all the stores. The buckboard with the same hunk of a cowboy was just driving past. Hmm, he’s nice-looking. I wonder if he thinks he’s a ladies’ man. I don’t care for a man who’s full of himself.

Miss Purdey interrupted her thoughts. How do you like the room, honey? I put fresh flowers in the vase and some water in the washbasin.

Sam turned to the bed, placed her hand on the soft multi-colored flowered quilt used as a cover then sat down. Not one, but three fat pillows were stacked at the head. You have made a lovely room. What is the cost for one week?

Come on down, and we’ll talk about it. I’ll get Joe to bring your luggage up, so you can get settled.

Sam followed Miss Purdey. They were in a large room, which was used as the living room with two old worn sofas that had the impressions of somebody’s backside in the seats. By the side of every piece of furniture was an end table with an oil lamp. It was a comfortable room, a place to sit and read. Miss Purdey must enjoy sitting in rocking chairs because there are three wooden ones in the living room; also, I noticed four on the front porch.

Sam, I do like you and hope my rent isn’t too much. I would like for you to stay here.

Oh, I do love the room, Miss Purdey, so colorful and bright with the front window and all. The bed is comfy. I think the place fits my needs just fine. Your price is right for me. While they agreed to her payment arrangements, Joe came in with the luggage then set it on the floor. I have your trunk out on the porch, Mrs. Sam.

Miss Purdey said, Bobby, my youngin’, isn’t here right now, so Joe, will you take Sam’s luggage upstairs to the room in the front? It was then Sam realized the little ol’ man from the stagecoach station was Joe.

Sam followed him back up to the room, waited while he set down her case and brought her trunk upstairs.

Is there anything else I can do for you, Mrs. Sam?

No. Thank you, Joe, I appreciate your help.

Sam opened her trunk then decided to wait to unpack later because she was looking forward to meeting the attorneys.

She sat on the vanity chair and used a corner of the washcloth to clean the road dirt from her face. The clink and clatter of a buckboard sounded through the window. It made her think of the handsome cowboy with his sleek horses. It had to be him. Sam stifled the urge to see because she was in a hurry but couldn’t help wondering where he was going.

Exhaustion was catching up with her. She tilted her head then burst into a sudden yawn. It had been a long ride; she should rest, but she wanted to meet the attorneys plus check out their office. She had envisioned it so many times also what the town looked like. At last, now, she was here. No, I’ll not rest now. I can’t wait any longer to see the office and meet the two men.

She removed a slightly wrinkled dress, beautiful plaid two-tone green dress with a tightly fitted bodice and long full flowing skirt of solid darker green, from the trunk. She didn’t have time to press it so she shook it out as best as she could. Not bad, she thought, as she preened a bit in front of the mirror.

Sam unpacked one of the hatboxes – the one with the blue ribbon. Inside was a new green hat and matching gloves. She set the hat at a jaunty angle, hoping it would disguise the exhaustion in her eyes. Her shoes, the only pair she brought, had to be cleaned. As she wiped off the leather, she thought of the handsome cowboy and his sleek horses.

She was happy to be wearing one of her favorite dresses; because, she had been told it complemented her long flaming auburn hair. She never considered beauty to be one of her assets though men often looked at her then smiled. The thought brought a bit of dismay – the cowboy with the buckboard had not smiled at her. Not at all.

There was music playing in the parlor as Sam walked back down the stairs to leave for the attorney’s office. Miss Purdey stepped into the hall. You leaving, Honey? I’m going to see Mr. Bouquet. Oh my, I hear music. Where is it? Miss Purdey beamed, "Why that’s my son. My husband, God bless his soul, played the banjo. He taught our son, Bobby, isn’t he wonderful?

Yes, he is, she replied. Also, I love ‘When Johnny Comes Marching Home.’

Chapter 2

THE TRIP TO THE ATTORNEY’S office gave Sam another look at the stores on Main Street. She passed the doctor’s office, post office, and Mason’s Mercantile, a place that was necessary to see. There would be items to purchase for her new home, the house yet to buy. There won’t be many shopping sprees like in St. Louis. But, I won’t miss St. Louis. I know I’ll need to be more frugal with money, especially since there will soon be two of us to support.

When she came to the Gazette Newspaper office, she climbed the outside stairs to the attorney’s office. She adjusted her hat, put a smile on her face, and entered, prepared for the affront of not being a man but a woman. The name Sam had fooled people before, although it didn’t bother her in the least.

An elderly man sat behind an elaborate desk. At the sound of the door closing, he turned in his chair. Seeing the newcomer was an eye-catching lady, he rose from his chair, walked around the desk, plus offered his hand in greeting. He had a long white-toothed smile which reminded Sam of her brother, Will, with his fake come-hither look.

He introduced himself in a deep booming voice. I’m Mr. Arnold P. Bouquet Sr., one of the attorneys. How may we help you?

Did I make my choice to accept the job too quickly? Sam wondered. I can’t think of this man as a fraud like my brother. Sam took a deep breath, put a smile on her face, and offered a firm handshake. Then with even a broader smile, if that was possible, she introduced herself.

Hello, I’m Sam M. Olgeve.

The beaming grin slowly slid off his face. He turned toward his son, the other attorney who was now coming toward them. The younger man, with the superbly coiffed hairdo, wore a questioning look on his face. Even so, he reached out his hand to shake Sam’s.

Must be her name and gender had sunk into his brain because his eyebrows shot up and his brown eyes opened wide.

Hello, my name is Arnold Bouquet, Jr. He was so flabbergasted he blurted, you’re a woman?

Sam shook his hand, and sweetly smiled, yes, I am.

Mr. Bouquet, Sr. whirled back to Sam, taking control of the conversation.

Lookee here, we were expecting a man beside in our communication, at no time did you say YOU were a woman. He furrowed his brow and spoke in a gruff voice, You led us to believe you were a man!

Not paying any attention to his huffing and puffing, Sam said, I didn’t mean to deceive anyone. Sam wanted to keep her composure. With the smile still on her face, she said, let me assure you like my letter states, I’m a qualified accountant.

Oh my, I need to work for these attorneys. Even though I do miss St. Louis, I have to stay. Then an idea popped into her head. Before the men could say anything in protest, she said, I’ll give you one week of work without pay. You two can decide if I’m worth the salary or not.

Sam noted the frown on his face as he said, Miss, our clients won’t be happy with a woman. He pounded his fist on the desk. They want a man in control of their ledgers. How can a woman do a man’s work? She noticed Arnie nod his head in agreement.

May I remind you that you sent money, travel expenses, and one week’s wages. Nevertheless, I would waive the week’s wages to pay for the second week. I’ll report at eight o’clock in the morning. She waved a hand to encompass the room. Please have a desk ready, with plenty of light. I’ll prove my capabilities, and there’ll be no problem with a lady working in your office as long as you conduct yourselves as gentlemen.

The son rolled his eyes then backed away. His expression said, my father, a gentleman. Ha! Sam smiled at the expression on his face.

Then Sam pursed her lips and looked down at the floor. When she peered up, she saw the redness of Mr. Bouquet’s complexion. Without waiting for a reply, Sam spun on her heel, flew down the stairs as well as rushed the whole way back to Miss Purdey’s boarding house.

She knew how to do her job, but she hadn’t counted on such a cantankerous old man. I’ll show them a thing or two plus put their office in order.

Well, Dad, said Arnie, You may have just lost us the best thing that has happened around here.

Mr. Bouquet, Sr. was still sputtering and shaking his head. A woman working in my office? I don’t think so.

When Sam returned to her room, she opened the window and was so tired she stretched out on her bed for just a minute. She woke up then realized she had slept for three hours. The luggage that was sitting there also needed to be unpacked.

Her room was small but sufficient. There was a chifforobe to hang her clothes and a small three-drawer washstand with a large bowl of water sitting on top. The round, oval mirror above the basin was hung on the wood frame attached to the stand. A towel rack was attached below the mirror. Thankfully, a chamber pot was under the foot of the bed.  Sam, humming, unpacked and put her clothes away. She heard voices and went to the window to look out to the street. There was a couple going to the café across the way.

On one side of the restaurant was a lumberyard, on the other, a wagon shop. Both were closed for the night. No one was walking down the boardwalk; also, the street was empty of any wagons. Hmm, she wondered about the cowboy and if he had gone home. Home. She must find a house for herself, so she too could be home. But first, she needed to secure her job.

Sam left the window open to let in the night breeze. She was excited about her day plus her new job. What fun it would be to show those two men what a woman could do. Sam squared her shoulders, stood tall, and was satisfied she could do the work. Then she organized the small satchel with a ledger and fine pencils she would use for work in the morning.

Miss Purdey could hear Sam upstairs because the wooden floors squeaked. She called up to her, Sam, come on down, and I’ll give you some supper.

Sam descended to the dining room. I don’t want you to go to any trouble. I laid down for a minute then fell asleep for three hours. I know I missed supper.

Well, yes, but don’t fret. I forgot to give you the hours for our meals. We serve breakfast from six to eight o’clock, and dinner is from four to six.

That will be okay with me; furthermore I won’t be late again, she said.

Miss Purdey said, I do have a full house so there will be five joining you for meals. Bobby and I eat in the kitchen except on special occasions or holidays, then we all eat in the dining room. I also cook for folks in town who want to come for supper.

I’m looking forward to making their acquaintance, Sam said.

After Sam finished her meal, Miss Purdey asked, did you like your supper, Honey?

It was my first meal here in Plainville. The food was delicious, and I thank you for cooking for me.

That’s what I do. Cook and feed people. I do my best. Let me know if you don’t plan to be here for supper.

Of course, I will. You’re so kind.

Sam thought, not only do you like to feed people, but also, you look like you feed yourself well.

Would you like a little nightcap? We keep a bottle of whiskey for medicinal purposes. She gave a sly smile, Except, sometimes we use it for celebration. I reckon you have something to celebrate.

Yes, I do; however, not tonight. Thank you, Miss Purdey. Sam held her hand over her mouth to cover a yawn.

Well then, you get a good night’s rest, then I’ll see you at breakfast, Miss Purdey said as she began clearing the table.

Sam was so tired, she climbed the stairs as though her feet were made of lead. Her eyes were drooping; it had been a long day. She undressed and got into bed. I need to be up early and ready for my new job. Even though Sam was tired, she didn’t know if she would sleep. She pulled the covers up over her head plus once it hit the pillow...

The sun shone brightly in the room and woke Sam. Footsteps passed in the hallway and went down the stairs to breakfast. She hoped she wasn’t late, not only for breakfast, but she wanted to be at work early. She dressed quickly then was ready to start her new day. She stood tall, looked in the mirror, turning