Mail Order Brides and Indians of Texas (A Western Romance Book)

By Faye Sonja

Three inspirational stories of women who risked everything for love and traveled thousands of miles to the western frontier.

Part 1: The Shamed Big Beautiful Indian Bride

Meet Kimi Brandon, a determined young woman of mixed Indian and white blood who has been living with prejudice for years and had been shunned by society.

Part 2: The Crippled & Shunned Indian Bride

Meet Nadie Brandon- daughter of a white father and Indian mother who is labeled as a half-breed and, to make matters worse, she is extremely overweight, a fact that makes her undesirable to most men.

Part 3 The Reluctant & Spinster Bride

Meet Bess, a spinster and a big beautiful woman who is disgusted by her future husband because he despised her curvy size and feel ashamed by her.

3 parts of heartwarming mail order brides tales of love, romance, and triumph over adversity in one book.

Love on the western frontier was a rare treasure. Follow these inspirational women who risked everything to travel to the untamed West in the hopes of finding love and starting a new family.

If you're a fan of clean western romance, you will love this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Faye Sonja
• Release date: Feb 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781540127679

Faye Sonja

Faye Sonja is a multi-voiced writer who aspires to use different voices in telling her stories, seeing characters coming alive through the multi-faceted writing styles give her great satisfaction. As a young girl, Faye Sonja has been fascinated with stories of the Old West, especially the theme of Mail Order Bride where a woman will find the courage to leave her homeland, take the plunge to seek out the love of her life out there in the unknown land. Such an act requires bravery, such an act requires faith. It takes a woman with strong Christian faith to step out on such a pursuit for her love. It is Faye's desire that readers will once again have the courage to believe in love again from reading her books, to be inspired through the characters in her story who through perseverance, in the face of obstacles, overcame the hurdles using that simple faith and belief of theirs. 

Book preview

PART 1

The Shamed Big Beautiful Indian Bride

1

*   *   *

West Texas,

1870

Kimi walked past the saloon, the sounds of a piano drifting out the swinging doors. She pulled a cart laden with pottery, baskets, blankets, and other items her Cherokee Indian mother made to sell to the townsfolk.

The wind blew out its hot breath. Kimi stopped and wiped the sweat dripping from her wide forehead.

She continued onward, her feet kicking up dust and dirt as she plodded along. At that moment, she heard several male voices. Her eyes drifted to the sidewalk that consisted of wooden planks two to three inches thick.

Several men were talking loudly and gesturing wildly as they walked towards the sheriff’s office. Kimi turned her attention away from them, her eyes focused on the general store up ahead. When she reached the front of the building, she spread a blanket out on the back of her cart and began arranging her wares, but when her eyes fell on the rawhide rattle with bead lacing, her mind went back to that horrible day weeks ago...

Logan Matthews, a cowhand new to town, had expressed interest in a similar rattle. When she told him the price, he laughed and said it was a little steep. He countered with a smaller number, but his next words made her eyes widen.

Cocking his head and giving her a big grin that made a dimple appear on his cheek, he said, I have to tell you, you are the prettiest woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of bargaining with.

His compliment made her blush, but it was his demeanor that really shocked her. Unlike most of the people in this Texas town, he was actually polite to her, and it took her aback.

She had almost become used to the rude, condescending people who snubbed her because her parents had deviated from social norms.

Her father, a white trapper, had seen her Indian mother washing clothes at a river in Georgia years ago. He knew from that first moment that she was the one for him, but his family wanted nothing to do with him or his new wife. So her father took his wife and set off for Texas, where opportunity abounded. Yet, people still held prejudices. That was just a fact of life.

Logan’s seeming kindness made the dark-haired young woman with almond-shaped black eyes feel a tug at her heart. In addition, the man seemed to be attracted to her—a fact that shocked her to no end.

Thanks to her father’s genetics, she was very overweight. Everyone in his family was big.  But Kimi tried not to focus on her looks. She remembered to be thankful for what mattered. She had the love of her family, and she had something else: faith.

Her father read from the scriptures on the nights he was home, and Kimi started talking to God, asking for his help and guidance. When Logan showed up, she began to wonder if God had sent him.

She couldn’t help but notice how handsome he was with his slightly tousled blonde hair, one strand falling into his eyes. In addition, he was tall and lean and had long hands. In her eyes, he was the perfect man.

I’d love to get to know you a little better, young lady, he said, startling her out of her reverie.

Sir, I’m not sure what you mean. Are you asking...

His chuckle cut her off, I’m asking you to meet me later this afternoon. I’d like to spend some time alone with you.

Oh, I’m not certain that’s a good idea. I’ve never... She averted her eyes and began pulling at an imaginary piece of lint on her calico dress that had been patched in several places. Kimi’s mother dressed herself and her daughters in the fashion of white folks.

Don’t be afraid. I don’t bite. I’m merely asking to spend a little time with a very pretty young lady. I mean no ill intent, Logan continued.

Well, I guess I could meet you, sir.

He laughed again. Enough with the formalities. Call me Logan. And you are Kimi, right?

How do you know my name?

Oh, I know a lot about you, he stated, his gray eyes twinkling.

I’m certain he does, Kimi thought with irritation. Her family was the subject of much talk in this town, and she and her sister were labeled half-breeds.

So, will you meet me? Logan asked, breaking into her thoughts. When she met his eyes, she saw something flash in their depths. A blush began to heat her brown face.

There was something about Logan that made her heart race madly. In her nineteen years, she had never been kissed by a man. The very thought of it sent chills down her spine on that hot Texas day. She had no choice; she had to agree to meet the cowhand.

Yes, I will meet you.

That, my dear, is very good news indeed. He gave her a wide smile that showcased his large, white teeth. After mentioning a place not far from town, he took his leave. Kimi felt her stomach churning and had to swallow down the bile filling her throat.

Oh, Lord, I know it is wrong, but I cannot help myself, she whispered under her breath.

When she met up with him later that afternoon, her heart skipped a beat. The sun was making its descent into the horizon, catching gleams of gold in his hair. He stood by a black horse, his hands in his brown trouser pockets.

The wind had picked up, and several tumbleweeds blew past her. The earthy smell of the mesquite trees with their prickly thorns and yellow pods assailed her nostrils as Kimi struggled to take a deep breath and calm her racing heart.

Logan was the first to speak. I was afraid you weren’t going to meet me, Kimi, he stated, his lips curling upward.

Oh, I had to lie to my mother. I’ve never done that before. She felt horrible for lying, but her need to see the young man was much too strong.

He approached her slowly. As he stood in front of her—his lean legs covered in dark wool trousers that were stuffed into scruffy, tan boots—he reached out and lightly ran a finger down her face.

Kimi flinched from the contact and pulled back, her heart quickening as the seconds passed.

You’re so naïve, Logan said. I like that about you. I bet you’ve never been kissed, have you?

No, she stammered, her brown face heating up under his scrutiny. Averting her eyes to a squat cedar tree near the path, she let out a low sigh.

Don’t be afraid. I have no desire to hurt you. I want you to feel good.

Maybe...Maybe this was a mistake, Kimi said, her voice quaking. What would her mama think? What about her pa? He’d be so disappointed.

A mistake? Logan asked, a note of irritation entering his voice. Don’t say that. He reached out and grabbed the silken black hair that was hanging down her back in a braid. His eyes scanned the calico dress that couldn’t hide the curves of her bosom or her full, rounded stomach. Logan loved big women. He always said that the more meat a woman had on her bones, the better.

Licking his lips, he moved closer. What we do here today will be something you will never forget, he said, fancying himself a great lover.

I’m not sure about this, she replied, stepping backwards. What had come over her to do such a crazy thing? This wasn’t right, her mind scolded her.

I should go, she continued in a low voice. I do apologize for...

No, he cut in, his voice sharper. You have no need to apologize because you and I are not finished. You promised you’d have a roll in the hay with me, and you will keep that promise, he exclaimed.

I never promised such a thing, Kimi replied. She clenched her hands, now sweaty, and watched the man from the corner of her eyes.

Yes, you did! You agreed to meet me out here. What did you think we would be doing? Did you think we were going to sit around and tell stories about our childhood? Of course you didn’t. You may be naïve, but you’re no fool. That mother of yours must have a lot of tricks up her sleeve, and...

Don’t talk about my mama like that, Kimi cut in, forgetting her fear, or I’ll...

You’ll what? What are you going to do, you little half-breed? he asked, using the word she detested.

I’ll make you regret uttering such cruel words, she said without thinking.

Oh, really? he asked, cocking an eyebrow. A sneer crossing his face, he continued, Pretty brave, are you?

Life had been hard for her family; she had learned strength. Yes, she was braver than the cowhand realized. Plus, she knew right from wrong, and this man’s words and actions told her he was clearly in the wrong. He was not the kind man he had portrayed himself to be.

At that moment, she remembered the knife in her boot. Her mama made sure both her daughters had a way to protect themselves from cruel people. But she couldn’t grab it at this moment. Logan was staring directly at her, Cat got your tongue, girl? Say something, you dumb half-breed.

She flinched at the words but held her anger in check. Kimi had to distract him. Taking a deep breath and praying to God, she said, You’re right. I knew what I was doing when I agreed to meet you here. But you must understand that I am a little afraid. I have never been alone with a man.

The words had the desired effect. Logan’s tight face relaxed, and his lips turned up again. Kimi had a moment of thinking how easily he was swayed. And he said she was dumb?

He reached for her arm and pulled her close. Then his calloused hand went out and roughly grabbed her backside. Kimi bit back a cry and held her tears. Logan’s mouth found hers, and he began kissing her. She couldn’t help her revulsion and pulled back.

What is it now?

I’m sorry. I just...I just need a moment.

Fine. He pointed to a cedar tree by a stream. Take your clothes off, and go lie out under that tree.

He turned and went to his horse that was tied to a stump. He grabbed a sack that was slung over the animal’s back. After pulling out a canteen, he took a long swig. Then, wiping his mouth, he put the canteen down and reached into the sack again.

Now was her chance. Kimi, feeling as if everything was moving in slow motion, grabbed her knife. She had no choice but to wield it. If she didn’t, God only knows what this man would do to her. Her heart racing and stomach churning, she walked up to Logan, her hands behind her back.

You didn’t take your clothes off, he said, turning to her with flashing eyes.

No, I changed my mind. A grin split her lips as she pulled the knife out.

Why, you little strumpet! Logan sputtered, his tan face reddening. He started to reach for her, but she backed away.

I will hurt you if you touch me. I am quite serious. Let me go, she said, striving to keep the shakiness from her voice.

You wouldn’t dare, he said, reaching for her hand, but Kimi was quick and cut a long gash under his arm, leaving a dark stain on his light brown shirt.

Logan was more surprised than hurt, and his shock allowed Kimi to get away. She rushed into the hills, off the path, her dress catching on a cactus and stopping her for a moment. But she pulled it free in a matter of seconds and ran without looking back.

Logan let her go, but that day had its consequences. He told everyone in town that he had had his way with the young girl. So, now not only was she labeled a half-breed, but she was also seen as amoral...

How much is this? a woman’s voice asked. Kimi was suddenly brought back to the present, back to the cart where she was selling her wares. The woman who had asked the question pointed to a woven blanket that had images of deer and elk on it.

Kimi gave her the price, and the woman nodded and went back to talking to her friend. Her ears pricked up several moments later when she heard them talking about a mutual acquaintance who had found a husband by answering an ad.

Where are these ads? Kimi asked in her naïve way.

Oh, dear. I’m sure a good gentleman wouldn’t be interested in you, said the woman with the gray bun and beady blue eyes.

Why not? Kimi asked without thinking.

A God-fearing man wouldn’t want a girl like you who gives her body away, said the other woman, a lady with a brown dress and matching brown hair.

The young girl’s eyes went to the ground in shame, and she said nothing else. When they were gone, she knew she had to get her hands on the paper.

* * *

By candlelight that night, in the one room cabin with the dirt floor, Kimi read the paper she had bought in town. She and her sister were sitting on the cot in the small alcove, which had been curtained off to allow them privacy. Her sister, her heart-shaped face glowing in the light, was giggling quietly.

Shush. We can’t risk waking Mama, Kimi said, shaking her head. She went back to focusing on the paper.

After only a few minutes, Kimi found who she thought was the perfect man. He had made his way to Eastern Texas from Charleston, South Carolina. A Texas Ranger now, he was pretty satisfied with his new life, but something was missing: a wife.

He said he wasn’t just looking for a wife. He wanted a partner, a friend, and his next words made Kimi light up. He said he preferred a big woman.

That’s me, she said quietly.

What did you say? her sister, Nadie, asked.

I think I found the one. She began babbling excitedly, I’ll write him back and tell him I can’t wait to meet him, and then I’ll...

What about Mama and Pa?

I have to do this. You know it’s for the best. I can’t stay in this town. The people have been so cruel since that incident, she said. She always referred to that day with Logan as the incident. The townspeople believed every word he spewed about me.

I know, but...

No, I’ll never meet a good husband around here. That’s why I need to do this, Nadie. I’d like a chance at love, like Mama and Pa have.

I know. Her sister reached for her hand. But I’ll miss you.

I’ll miss you two, but perhaps you can visit. At that moment, a thought entered her mind and doubts began to assail her. What if he’s like Logan? What if he’s cruel and...

You can get an idea by corresponding with him.

Their mama, who had been schooled by a kind white woman years ago, taught both her daughters to read and write. Without that skill, this plan could never happen, Kimi realized, a feeling of gratefulness welling in her heart.

I’ll help you with the letter, her sister said. Let me get the ink and... She started to rise from the cot.

No. Mama will hear you. She’s a light sleeper. Maybe we should wait until tomorrow.

I guess you’re right, her sister said, smiling. She has to go into town in the afternoon. We can write the letter then.

Feeling satisfied, the sisters sank into bed.

* * *

Eastern Texas

Thomas Jones finished reading the letter and stared out the window. This Kimi woman had been the second person to reply to his ad, and her words made his heart start racing. She said she was also looking for a partner and friend. When she described herself as fat and dark of hair and skin, he couldn’t help but smile. She sounded perfect. She’d be nothing like the southern belles he’d grown up with.

So you’re really going to do this, huh? asked the sheriff, a short, squat man with gray hair and a curling gray mustache that he always twirled. He sat on a leather chair near a spittoon and shook his head at Thomas.

Yes, I’ve been here a year. It’s time to get married. I’m tired of being alone.

But what about Lena? She is a perfect lady and...

She reminds me of the ladies I was acquainted with back home. Besides, she complained incessantly about my house and how it didn’t meet her high standards.

That’s the way women folk are. The sheriff rolled his eyes as he studied his friend.

Perhaps, but I have no desire to marry Lena. You can’t change my mind. 

Thomas stood up and went to the mantle. He picked up a picture of his parents, who had both died after the war. It was a shame what had happened to the family’s plantation, but he couldn’t focus on the past. It was time to move forward, and this Kimi could be the answer to all his problems.

I’m going to write her back, and I’m going to suggest she come out as soon as possible, he said, pulling on the red kerchief he wore around his neck.

But you should correspond for a while, Thomas. What are you thinking? What if she’s nothing like she says?

I have a good feeling about this woman, Thomas responded, his green eyes twinkling.

*   *   *

2

*   *   *

Eastern Texas

The stagecoach hit a bump, jostling Kimi into the person on her right side. She gave the stern woman a small smile, Sorry.

Humph! The woman pulled on her gray skirt and shifted her legs away.

The person on the other side of Kimi was